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Welcome to the Yala national park

Where adventure awaits amidst the untamed beauty of Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s crown jewel of wildlife. Here, the leopard reigns supreme, earning its title as the lord of the jungle, in a land where danger and majesty converge. With the highest density of these elusive predators on the planet, Yala offers a mesmerizing glimpse into their world as they roam alongside majestic elephants and graceful deer. Embark on an unforgettable journey with us as we guide you through this wilderness, offering safari jeep services to ensure an immersive and exhilarating experience. Join us as we delve into the heart of Yala, where every moment is a brushstroke on nature’s masterpiece.

See what Our guests say

Anna patterson, laura miller, sarah johnson, johnathan reynolds, emily thompson, news & updates.

Explore Safari Buzz: Latest news & updates. From wildlife sightings to conservation tips, stay connected with the pulse of the wilderness. Dive in and enrich your safari experience!

Yala in September

Rare Crocodile Sighting

Do You want to Clarify Anything?

Yala blocks and entrances.

Palatupana is the most famous entrance of the Yala Block 01. Palatupana is the main entrance to entering the Yala National Park and most congested entrance due to Block 1's popularity

This area still remains outstanding for leopard sightings and the much shorter access time and distance is a traffic advantage.

The Galge entrance that offers access to the park’s 3rd and 5th blocks is less known amongst many and therefore you wouldn’t find massive queues unlike the Palatupana entrance.

THEIR LIFE IS

Is on your hands, are you a responsible visitor.

As the number of visitors to this world-famous park increases, so does its impact on nature. While the incredible world of wildlife must be experienced, you must take it to your heart that you cannot even leave your foot print behind. So let’s take a moment to understand what wildlife is all about and how you can confidently proclaim that you are a true lover of nature.

Safari at Yala National Park: 7 Things You Should Know (2024)

If you plan on a safari at Yala National Park, you have come to the right place! This guide includes everything you need to know.

Yala National Park is about 250 km (155 mi) from Colombo , the capital of Sri Lanka, and going on a safari here is a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is Sri Lanka’s second-largest national park and the country’s most popular one.

This park is famous for being a place where you might spot leopards as there’s a dense population of these animals here! There are many other animals at Yala too, though. Elephants , water buffalos and crocodiles , for example, are easier to spot.

But let’s dive into it, if you would like to include a visit to Yala National Park in your Sri Lankan itinerary , this guide will come in handy. It includes which safari to choose, the best time to visit Yala, where to stay and more useful information.

What You Should Know Before Going on a Safari at Yala National Park

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1. Tissa is the nearest town

Tissamaharama , or Tissa in short, is the nearest town to Yala National Park. This town is a 30 km (18.6 mi) ride from the entrance and this is the place to head if you want to do a safari in Yala. This city is easily accessible by local bus or by private car and you will find plenty of hotels here.

It’s good to know that it’s also possible to stay inside the national park (although this is a little more costly), but you will read more on the topic later.

Alternatively, you can also go on a safari from the town of Ella , which is 70 km (44 mi) from Yala National Park. If you would like to go on a morning safari, it’s better to stay in Tissa, however.

2. The best time to visit Yala is between February and June

The dry season (February to June) is the best time to visit Yala National Park . At this time of the year, the animals come out to drink, so you will have a greater chance of spotting them.

It’s possible to visit Yala during the rest of the year too, and there will be fewer crowds (or jeeps) then. It will be more difficult to spot animals too, though, but it’s not impossible.

The park is closed from September to mid-October , so don’t come here at this time of the year.

3. There’s no guarantee that you will spot any animals (but you probably will)

Although there are 44 varieties of mammals, 215 bird species and 46 species of reptiles in Yala, wildlife is unpredictable, so keep in mind that there’s no guarantee of spotting anything.

This being said, it’s not too difficult to spot elephants , deer , water buffalos , peacocks , monkeys , wild boars , monitor lizards , crocodiles and many types of birds . If you’re lucky, you might also spot sloth bears and jackals , and if you’re really lucky, you might spot a leopard (you will read more about these animals in my next point).

During my visit to Yala, we spotted all of the animals mentioned above except for sloth bears, jackals and leopards.

Tip: If you would like to see sloth bears, Wilpattu National Park is the best place to do so.

4. There’s a chance that you will see a leopard

You might spot a leopard if you’re really lucky! It’s said that Yala is one of the best places in the world to spot these animals . There’s one leopard per square kilometre in Yala, which makes it the national park with the highest density of leopards in the world.

Leopards are very hard to spot, though. These animals often hang out in dense bushes or on trees and they mostly roam around during nighttime. So consider yourself very lucky if you do spot one.

I didn’t spot any leopards myself when I was in Yala (or during any other safari I did), but you might have better luck! After all, if there’s one place in Sri Lanka where you might spot these animals, it’s Yala National Park.

5. It can be pretty crowded

Yala is Sri Lanka’s most popular national park and, unfortunately, this means that it will be pretty crowded if you’re visiting during high season (February to June).

When I visited Yala in March, many jeeps were driving around. On a few occasions, many of these gathered in one location to spot an animal (see picture below). This is the one thing I didn’t like during my visit to Yala, but overall, I had a great experience.

Tip: If you would like to visit a national park that’s more off-the-beaten-path and where you can spot bathing elephants, I recommend heading to Gal Oya . This park is located on the East coast of Sri Lanka and it’s one of my favourite places in the country.

6. You can go on a morning, afternoon or full-day safari

Yala National Park is open every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and jeeps enter the park twice a day – at 6 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.

According to the rangers, both times are good. Animals don’t like the heat, so you won’t spot many in the middle of the day. The early morning and late afternoon, however, are good times to spot wildlife.

Some people say that morning safaris are better, though, as the animals haven’t been disrupted by jeeps yet.

I went on a morning safari myself, which lasted for about 4 hours (3 hours inside the park). We left at 4:30 am to enter the park at 6 am and saw many animals in the first 2 hours. However, once it started getting warmer, there weren’t many animals around anymore.

Although a full-day safari may sound tempting, I wouldn’t recommend doing this as driving around the national park for an entire day is pretty intense. During a full-day safari, you will also be inside the park at the hottest time of the day. It gets pretty hot in Sri Lanka and you most likely won’t spot any animals around this time.

7. The cost depends on the company and tour

The price of a jeep safari at Yala National Park depends on the company you book it with. Prices also differ depending on the duration of the tour and the number of people who will join the safari.

You can expect to pay anything between $30 and $50 for a half-day safari and between $70 and $100 for a full-day safari . Tours can either be booked at your accommodation, through an agency or online.

You will find some affordable examples of tours that you can book online below:

• Half-day morning safari (private) with GetYourGuide
• Full-day safari with Viator

Note that you will also have to pay an entrance fee of USD 28 for foreign adults and USD 8 for foreign children in order to enter the national park. Most companies don’t include this in the price. So make sure to check with them so that you won’t have any unpleasant surprises.

Where to Stay in Yala

Tissa is the closest town to Yala (about 30 km or 18.6 mi from the entrance of the park) and you will find plenty of hotels and guesthouses here for any budget. It’s also possible to stay inside the national park, but you can expect to pay more here, although there are also some camping sites.

Here are my top recommendations for stays in Tissa and Yala:

• Hotel River Front (⭐ 9.6): Located in Tissa, Hotel River Front has beautiful rooms, a nice garden and an outdoor pool. This is a great place to stay and the best part is that it’s pretty affordable as well.
• Yakaduru (⭐ 9.3): This hotel is just a 5-minute drive from the entrance of Yala National Park. It’s set in a beautiful location and has an outdoor swimming pool too.
• Leopard Trails (⭐ 9.0): If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Yala, Leopard Trails is the one for you. The place is set in a beautiful location in the middle of nature and it offers luxurious, air-conditioned tents with all the amenities you will need.

🇱🇰 The travel resources I use for Sri Lanka By purchasing through the following links, you can support me at no additional cost. 💜 🏨   Booking  &  Hostelworld : To find the best hotels, hostels and guesthouses 🚃  12GoAsia  &  Bookaway : To book trains and buses in advance 🛺  Pick me : The best ride-hailing app for Sri Lanka 🛫  Skyscanner : To find the cheapest flights 🏕  GetYourGuide  &  Viator : To book great tours and activities 💰 Heymondo : One of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies (get 5% off with this link !) 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa to visit Sri Lanka .

Safari at Yala National Park: Final Thoughts

That was it! I hope that you have found exactly what you were looking for in this guide and that it will help you plan your visit to Yala National Park.

Going on a safari in Sri Lanka is an amazing experience and one that you will remember for a lifetime. There are plenty of animals that you can spot here and if you’re really lucky, you might even spot a leopard.

All in all, I had an amazing time during my morning safari at Yala National Park. We spotted elephants, water buffalos, crocodiles, deer, wild boars, peacocks, a monitor lizard and many birds, and our ranger did his best to offer us the best possible experience.

Check out my post with more bucket list ideas in Sri Lanka if you’re planning on travelling here!

Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or if anything is missing from this guide, as I’m updating it frequently.

Read more about Sri Lanka 👚 Complete Sri Lanka Packing List (+ Free Printable Checklist) 🗓 The Ultimate 10-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary 🗓 Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle Itinerary: 5 Days 🏯 15 Famous Landmarks in Sri Lanka 🌴 Sri Lanka Bucket List: 29 Epic Experiences 👜 15 Amazing Souvenirs from Sri Lanka

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Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has been travelling solo for years. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Wildlife Adventures in Sri Lanka: How to Plan a Safari in Yala National Park For All Budgets (2024)

Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka is an amazing place to go on safari and hopefully see leopards in the wild. I recently had the privilege of exploring the wonders of Yala, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you. If you think you have to choose between a high-end, expensive, luxury private safari, or a bare-bones backpackers hostel, we’ve got great news for you- there is a middle ground! We’ll help you sort out where to stay to visit Yala National Park so you can book the best Yala safari in Sri Lanka for your family- whether that’s a luxury resort or a rustic camp where you feel in tune with nature.

Arranging a jeep safari in Yala National Park can be confusing and overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll help you plan your own unforgettable safari in Yala National Park. From spotting elusive leopards to encountering elephants in their natural habitat, we’ll dive into the magic of this Sri Lankan wilderness together. We’ll cover how to book a park safari experience, which block in the park to visit, where to stay close to Yala, the best time of year to go on Yala safari, how to get to Yala National Park, and tips for enjoying your park safari once you a there.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase.   As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All our recommendations are our own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

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Table of Contents

Where is Yala National Park

Yala National Park is located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka. Its vast expanse covers a significant portion of the country’s southeastern lowland dry zone, making it a haven for diverse wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty. Yala National Park is about a 5-hour drive from Colombo, so it’s best to incorporate your visit to Yala into a larger two-week itinerary in Sri Lanka .

Yala National Park is divided into 5 blocks. Most safari tours visit Block 1 where the largest population of leopards live. Animals are free to wander among the blocks, so there is no guarantee of sightings, and they may change their patterns due to weather, mating season, or even the migration patterns of deer.

Once a British royal hunting ground, Yala National Park was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and a national park in 1938.

Is Yala National Park Worth Visiting?

Yes, Yala National Park is worth visiting! It’s a family bucket list experience that you won’t forget! Yala National Park has the world’s largest population of wild leopards- so you have the best chance of seeing one of these majestic and elusive creatures!

There is no guarantee that you will see a leopard, but even if you don’t see one, you’ll have a fantastic park safari experience and see lots of other animals including elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, peacocks, wild boars, and more!

What Animals Will I See in Yala National Park?

There are 44 different mammals in Yala National Park as well as over 200 species of birds. Many people come hoping to see a leopard or a sloth bear, but there are also elephants, jackals, water buffalo, deer, boar, monkeys, and crocodiles. No animal sightings are guaranteed, but most are fairly easy to spot with the exception of the sloth bear and the leopard.

Note: If you are interested in elephant welfare and conservation, we recommend a visit to this elephant sanctuary in Cambodia .

What Happens If We Spot a Leopard?

When a leopard is spotted, your guide will call in the sighting. All of the other vehicles in the area will rush to the site to try and also see the animal. This creates a traffic jam.

Vehicles in Yala do not go off-roading-they follow strict rules which prevent drivers from getting too close to animals or harassing animals. This means that when vehicles line up and crowd into one location, it can be hard for any one vehicle to move.

Secondly, your guide will record and report the sighting. Guides are able to identify most leopards on site by their coloring and spots and will be able to tell you about the animal. Every sighting is recorded so that animal movements can be tracked.

When we visited Yala, our vehicle was the first to see a leopard- near the end of the afternoon we started Amber, a 9-year-old female who was resting in the ditch at the side of the road. She quickly headed into the tall grasses, and we were then able to watch her from far away as she ate a small animal, possibly a rabbit.

When we were finished attempting to watch her- even with binoculars she was tough to see as she would dip her head down below the grass level, we were not able to move for a while as other safari jeeps had blocked us in.

To learn more about the leopards in Yala, or to see photos and details about whichever individual you spotted, check the Yala Leopard Diary . They have updated information about the migratory patterns of each animal as well as a family tree, and lots of wonderful photos.

How to Book a Safari at Yala National Park

There are two ways to book a safari in Yala National Park- as part of a complete package, or by booking lodging close to the park and then arranging the safari separately. Often, even though the safari is not included in your room rate, your accommodations will be happy to help you arrange as many safaris as you like. There are both group safari tours and private safari tours available.

If you are staying in Tissamaharama there will be opportunities to book guides from town. We highly recommend booking ahead so you can arrange for both a driver and a guide for your safari.

A driver will simply drive, and while he will do his best to show you animals he usually doesn’t offer much guidance in terms of animal behavior. We found that our guide and driver worked well together, discussing routes and looking for animal tracks. You want to reputable guide who has years of experience with tracking- they should be able to hear animal alarms indicating the presence of predators and track animals using prints and scat.

Where to Stay Near Yala National Park

There are budget hostels, luxury camps, and a few mid-range camps to stay in near Yala National Park. When we started researching options, I was frustrated to keep seeing the same few luxury or high-ed jungle camps coming up in blog posts over and over- they just weren’t in our budget.

We’ve included some of these luxury camps below- if you have the budget, these camps will pamper you and make sure you have a vacation to remember. However, if these are not in your budget, we’ve rounded up other options so you can still see all the epic wildlife that Yala National Park has to offer.

Try to book lodging as much in advance as possible – many of these properties only have a handful of tents, cabins, or chalets, so they book up quickly.

Staying Inside Yala National Park

There are government-run bungalows available inside Yala National Park . I’ve seen several comments that they are not “up to standard”, but haven’t spoken with anyone who has tried using them. You can stay in these bungalows for up to 3 consecutive nights. You can see the facilities here , and reserve them online . Details are scarce- if you’ve tried one of these please let us know how they were!

Luxury Jungle Camps near Yala National Park

These luxury camps offer every amenity- and charge over 1K USD per night. If you are looking for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime, five-star experience, these lodges are fantastic. These jungle camps are in the buffer zone around Yala National Park.

Uga Chena Huts

This is a five-star all-inclusive resort that has luxury cabins that are air-conditioned with private plunge pools. They describe the resort as “colonial expedition chic with contemporary design innovations”. Safaris and meals are included with the lodging. This place is absolutely stunning, and only a few minutes drive from Yala National Park.

“The location is amazing, no fences or electric to keep out wildlife so it’s wild and beautiful. You can walk to the beach and to a nearby waterhole from your accom (not after dark!) You do need to be careful but that’s half the attraction. Two daily (optional) safaris were included with our stay which were brilliant, we saw so much amazing wildlife both on these.” -Jenny (Read More Reviews )

Book Now: Uga Chena Huts

Wild Coast Lodge

This five-star all-inclusive jungle resort is built in the shape of a leopard’s paw, with open-air central buildings made from bamboo and other natural materials. Guests stay in luxury air-conditioned cocoons made with double-height, stretched fabric roofs looking over the Indian Ocean. They also have a family cocoon suite that has two attached pods for parents and kids to experience together, while still having some privacy. Meals and game drives are included.

“I turned around to see a giant elephant on its way to my watering hole…they said it could happen…but I really thought the reality was slim to none…boy was I surprised! Besides all that, all the food and drinks were delicious! And, it cannot be omitted…the coastline! WOW!” -JennIE (read More reviews )

Book Now: Wild Coast Lodge

Mid-range camps near yala national park.

These unicorns are in the buffer area of Yala National Park- so you’ll need to get a driver to take you there, but are much closer to the gate of the park, so you’ll have less of a drive early in the morning. Some of these camps also offer an additional bush walk to introduce you to the wildlife in the area around the camp.

Cinnamon Wild Yala

This eco-friendly resort is high-end and clearly has hosted a lot of bloggers because it comes up often. This resort is in a bit of its own category- it’s more expensive than most of our mid-range options- with rooms in the range of $300-400 USD per night. As a five-star property, it’s a bargain compared to the all-inclusive luxury options, but significantly more expensive than most of the mid-range. If you’re debating about splashing out on your stay near Yala, this could be just what you are looking for.

This camp is located very close to Wild Coast Lodge but for 10% of the price tag. Chalets here are air-conditioned with private balconies. Chalets each have one double bed, so they don’t have a great setup for larger families, though they do offer connecting rooms. The complex has a large pool and a rooftop terrace for guests to enjoy.

“The property is absolutely fabulous, the location is incredible. if your going there for animals this is the place to stay. In the resort we saw crocodiles and water buffalo down at the lake and lots of beautiful birds. An elephant went through the resort and was down at the lake twice.” -Emma (read more reviews)

Book Now: Cinnamon Wild Yala

Wild Trails Yala by Suri

Wild Trails Yala is where we stayed, and absolutely loved it. We stayed in a tent with one double bed and two beds, air conditioning, and our own bathroom. The “tents” at Wild Trails Yala are made of lovely hardwoods, with our own front deck. Once we arrived we went on an afternoon bush walk, then hung out by a watering hole in the later afternoon until dinner was served by candlelight. There is no pool or fancy amenities, here, it really is glamping.

In the morning, we woke in the dark, had a cup of tea and biscuits, and headed out on our full-day safari. By the time we arrived back at camp, it was after dark. We had arranged for a driver to take us to Hiriketiya Beach that evening. Looking back, we would have enjoyed relaxing at camp for a second night and not rushing out so fast.

The camp here is small and simple, but lovely, and with every convenience. They made arranging our safari easy, and the guide they provided was friendly and knowledgeable. He taught our girls a bit about tracking and answered all their questions about wildlife in Sri Lanka. He even pointed out where once there may have been treasure buried inside a rock!

“The tent was amazing; extremely comfortable and spacious with towels, water, AC and a fan as well as shampoo and shower gel as standard. Goshi arranged a fabulous guide to accompany us on our 2 safaris (small extra charge and well worth doing as it added a lot to the experience). The park entrance is 15 min drive from Wild Trails Yala by Suri.” -Elizabeth (Read more reviews )

Book Now: Wild Trails Yala by Suri

Jetwing Yala

This resort is a massive 38-acre complex , complete with a spa, a large outdoor swimming pool, and TVs in each room. This is not a camp, but a large, luxury hotel close to Yala National Park.

“Great location just outside the national park and on the beach. It’s a lovely property with an exceptional pool. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and there was an excellent choice of food and drink. We had lovely massages in the spa.” -Julia (read more reviews )

Book Now: Jetwing Yala

Camp Leopard

This glamping resort is located near the town of Katagamuwa and uses the northern entrance into Yala National Park than the south entrance used by those lodgings closer to the coast. Visitors report that the ride into camp is a bit bumpy due to its remote location, but that using a different entrance means a quieter safari experience, and that the guides here are experienced and top-notch.

Tents here are canvas and have a more rustic feel, though they are air-conditioned. Hammocks are available in the shared lounge area. They have an onsite restaurant, and can also arrange a bbq by the lake.

“The staff at Camp Leopard are phenomenal. Very accommodating, knowledgeable, and friendly. They immediately treated us like friends and taught us about the animals, food, and culture.” -Brian (read more reviews )

Book Now: Camp Leopard

Budget Lodging near Yala National Park

The nearest town to Yala National Park is Tissamaharama. This is where you’ll find most of the budget hotels and hostels. From this town, you have about a 45-minute drive to the main gate of Yala National Park. The farther away you stay from the park, the earlier you’ll have to get up in the morning to be at the gate (and in line with the other cars) before the 6 am opening. These hotels generally charge well under $100 per night.

There are many more options in Tissamaharama, here are some of the hotels with the highest guest ratings, many of these offer family rooms with multiple beds:

– Moon Light Guest House : With a 9.9/10 rating, travelers report spacious rooms, a shared garden, and staff who cook a delicious curry!

– Village Mango Resort Yala : Looking out over rice fields, these comfortable rooms are run by a lovely family who takes special care of their guests. There are hammocks and bicycles for guests to use.

– Lavender Home Yala : Run by a lovely family, you’ll find comfortable family rooms with air conditioning, some with balconies on the upper story.

Safari Options at Yala National Park

When going on a Yala National Park safari you have the option of a half-day morning safari, a half-day afternoon safari, or a full-day safari.

Half-Day Morning Safari

Mornings are the best time to see animals. You’ll line up with a lot of other vehicles outside the main gate of Yala National Park as the sun comes up, once the gates open, you’ll want to be one of the first cars in, as the vehicles often scare off any animals that are nearby.

Expect a 4:30 departure if you are leaving from Tissamaharama and a 5 or 5:15 departure from one of the border area camps.

If you choose the morning half-day option, you’ll have about three hours of safari time, then head back to your accommodation by 10 am.

Half-Day Afternoon Safari

The afternoon safaris depart from your lodging for a 2 pm entrance to Yala National Park. You’ll have about three hours of safari time, focusing on the later afternoon hours when the sun is not so hot. All vehicles must exit the park before sunset.

Full Day Safari

A full-day safari is from 6 am when the park opens, until about 6 pm. We watched the sunset on the way back to our camp. This is a long day, but it gives you the best chance of spotting animals, without a lot of back-and-forth driving.

You will need a packed breakfast and lunch to eat in the park. Also, the park closes down from 12-2, and all the full day safaris stop for a long lunch break in designated areas. The park is really strict about this, as it gives the drivers and the animals a much-needed break. You’ll see the safari jeeps line up a few minutes before 2 waiting to leave the designated area, but they take this break very seriously.

With four of us in the back of the safari jeep with four bucket seats and a rear bench seat, we had plenty of room to move around and switch seats in and out of the sun over the course of the day.

We spent our lunch break at a stop with a bathroom right by the river. Our guides put down a blanket and set out lunch, then we were free to play in the river until it was time to go. There are a lot of monkeys here so the guides were focused on keeping them away from our food, and then ate once we had finished.

After lunch we drove around a bit, it did start to feel like we were going back over areas we had already visited. At 2 pm it is still hot, so there are not a lot of animals around. One of the kids fell asleep at this time, and we let her rest, figuring we could wake her for any big sightings. By late afternoon there is again more to see, and then as you head back to the gate for your evening exit.

How Much Does Yala National Park Cost?

The entrance fees to Yala National Park are charged by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC)   depending on the number of foreigners in a jeep. Children below 6 are free of charge. Children 6-12 pay a child rate, anyone over 12 is considered an adult.

As of 2023, two adults in a jeep will pay a total of 71 USD in park fees. 2 adults and 2 children will be 106 USD. Generally, these fees are included when you book a vehicle with a driver and a guide.

Prices vary, and make sure to negotiate with your provider, but in 2023 we were quoted $150 for a half-day safari (private jeep, 2 adults 2 kids), and originally quoted $300 USD for a full-day, but were able to pay $175 USD. This included a packed breakfast and picnic lunch during our safari day, as well as an afternoon bush walk the day before our actual in-park safari.

How Much Should I Tip for a Safari in Yala National Park?

Deciding when and how much to tip is always a bit stressful, and depending on where you are coming from you may have different cultural associations or expectations around tipping. To clarify, we reached out to our host at Wild Trails Yala to learn about expectations around tipping your guide and your driver after a safari in Yala.

She advises planning to tip around $10 USD per vehicle to the guide for a half-day safari, and around $20 USD for a full-day safari. It is also recommended to tip the driver as well, though generally slightly less than the guide. Adjust as you feel comfortable based on your experience. This is not per guest but per safari vehicle in total.

Yala National Park Hours

Yala National Park opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm. There is a mandatory lunch break from 12-2 for all vehicles that are staying for the full day.

Some years, the entire park closes for the month of September. However, in 2023, the park will not be closing unless a drought hits.

When is the Best Time to Visit Yala National Park

Yala can be visited year-round, but your chances of seeing different animals will vary by time of year.

February – July is the best time for spotting leopards. This is the dry season, so while the scenery is not as lush, the animals come out into the open to visit watering holes. We visited Yala in February and had great weather for animal spotting.

In August, the Palu trees bear fruit making it much easier to spot sloth bears who love to eat this fruit.

November to January and April are the rainy months when you are less like to see animals. Keep in mind that leopards, like other cats, do not like the rain, and will retreat into caves, so you are much less like to see one on a rainy day.

Often, Block 1 of Yala closes in September to give the park time to recover from the crowds. During this time, Block 5 is available for an alternate safari.

Which Block Should I Visit in Yala National Park?

There are five blocks in Yala National Park, but most are not open to the public. They are protected land, accessible only to those doing research, filming documentaries, or similar programs that get explicit approval.

This is the block that most tourists visit. The animals that spend time here are used to vehicles going through and are unfazed by the traffic, and therefore easier to spot. The traffic here can be intense, with lines at the gate before sunrise.

Block 1 is the most popular block because this is where the highest numbers of leopards live. We toured Block 1, and while the actual area is small, we did see almost all of the animals we were hoping for, with the exception of the sloth bear.

Block 5 is usually booked for safaris during October and November when Block 1 is closed due to drought and for restoration. There is less visible wildlife here, and much less traffic. The animals are shyer, and the terrain is drier. This is a great block for bird watchers, but not for seeing the larger animals. Some tourists report being very disappointed by tours of Block 5.

Blocks 2, 3, and 4

The other blocks are generally not open to the public, although some specialized tours may enter Block 3 specifically looking to see sloth bears.

How to Get to Yala National Park

While there are buses and trains that run through various parts of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is not on any major bus routes. You can take a bus from the south coast beach towns to Tissamaharama, but if you are staying at lodging in the buffer area of the park you will need private transportation to get there from the center of town.

From Galle, take the bus marked Kataragama, Tissamaharama is just one stop before the final stop at Kataragama.

The easiest way to get to Yala is to hire a private driver for the journey which will drop you directly at your lodging which may be quite a distance from the town center.

Alternate National Parks in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a massive amount of protected lands over 13% of the country is a national park, reserve, sanctuary, or similar protected space. In fact, Sri Lanka has 21 National Parks! If you can’t fit Yala National Park into your Sri Lanka itinerary, there are other parks that you should consider to see wildlife in Sri Lanka.

Wilpattu National Park : Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest preserve, with a dense forest cover. Close to the historical city of Anuradhapura.  Here you will look for elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.

Udawalawe National Park : This is one of the best parks to see herds of elephants. Drier than Yala, it is located more inland. Located south of Ella and northwest of Yala.

Bundala National Park : This is the most impressive park in Sri Lanka for bird watching. Located just down the coast from Yala, the wetlands here attract migratory birds, and the park boasts over 200 species.

Wasgamuwa National Park – This park in central Sri Lanka, just south of Sirigiya, has the largest population of sloth bears in Sri Lanka. You will also see elephants, deer, and crocodiles.

Tips for Enjoying Your Safari In Yala National Park

Here are some tips to help you be prepared and enjoy your safari in Yala National Park.

1. Keep Your Expectations Low. This is especially important with kids! You may see a wild leopard right away, and follow them for an hour, or you might not see one at all. Or you may be called to a sighting to find 30 other vehicles waiting in line to see the same animal that is now deep in the grass. You will see wild animals, but it’s best to keep your expectations low prior to your trip.

2. Bathrooms are hard to come by in Yala National Park. Your guide may be able to find a spot for you to squat in the bush, but the only official bathroom is at one of the lunch break locations, so be prepared for that reality.

3. The best time to see animals is in the early morning, so you’ll start before dark, and be lined up (with a lot of other vehicles) at the entrance to the park before dawn. Later afternoon, starting around 4 pm is the next best time to see animals.

4. The afternoons get quite hot, and the animals take cover. If you opt for a full-day safari, keep in mind that the afternoon will be slow. One of our kids fell asleep in the car during this time, and we let her sleep. To some extent, it felt like we were driving around just wasting the hours waiting for the cooler times when the animals might emerge.

5. Bring water and a packed lunch. Your lodging can probably help with this, but there is nowhere to buy water or food inside the park, so come prepared.

6. Bring sun lotion, bug spray, and a sweater for the cool morning before the comes up. Remember to bring extra battery packs or chargers for your camera or phone!

7. Communicate with your guide. If you’d like to stop and take a picture, let them know. If you are ready to move on, speak up! They want you to have a good time but don’t always know whether you want to stop to see the fourth peacock of the day and take photos, or just keep moving.

FAQ: Safari in Yala National Park

The more hours you spend in the park, the more likely you are to see a leopard or other hard-to-spot animal. We recommend either one full day or two half days to maximize your chances of seeing these elusive animals.

There are over 100 leopards in Yala National Park, with many of them roaming through Block 1. Your guide will be able to identify and report any leopard that you view on your safari.

Yala National Park is huge- it covers 979 square kilometers or 378 square miles. That’s nearly 130,000 hectares of land. It is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, behind Wilpattu National Park.

Yes, you can stay inside Yala National Park, though most people stay outside the park in private lodges in the buffer area around the park. The bungalows inside the park are managed by the Sri Lankan government and have few amenities. You can see the facilities here , and reserve them online .

There are many animals and birds in Yala National Park including leopards, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, peacocks, boars, deer, jackals, and more. Birds include various storks, pelicans, and herons.

Leopards are wild animals, so they can be dangerous. Most leopards in Yala National Park as used to seeing safari vehicles all the time, and pay them no mind. However, never exit a safari vehicle unless your guide tells you that it is safe to do so. Leopards can become especially dangerous if hurt, or if their cubs are threatened. Here’s a fun article on how to survive a leopard attack .

Beginning in 2022, vehicles could no longer enter Yala National Park without a licensed guide. Currently, private vehicles cannot enter, you must be a registered tour vehicle.

You need a licensed vehicle and driver to visit Yala National Park. We strongly advise also hiring a guide who will help you track and spot animals, as well as give you guidance on their behavior.

There are supposedly a few buses that run from Ella to Yala National Park but they are not straightforward. We recommend booking a private transfer. You can ask for quotes from your hotel in Ellas as well as your camp near Yala to compare rates. We found that while everything is negotiable, most places offer fair rates based on the cost of fuel at the time. The drive time between Ella and Yala is about two hours.

Colombo is about a five-hour drive from Yala National Park. You can hire a driver to take you between the two cities, but you are better off enjoying other locations in Sri Lanka on your way to and from Yala. The southern beaches are only about a 1-2 hour drive from Yala.

There You Have It: Safari in Yala National Park

A safari in Yala National Park is a wonderful experience with wildlife you aren’t likely to see elsewhere! We’ve covered all the options from luxury to budget- whether you want to be pampered, or commune with nature. You’ve got everything you need to know to book your safari, from what to expect, and to what to bring with you to have an amazing safari. Make sure to add a safari in Yala National Park to your Sri Lanka itinerary, finger’s crossed you’ll see a leopard!

Continuing on to India? Don’t miss our guide to the Taj Mahal !

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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Yala National Park in Sri Lanka: A safari guide’s tips on the best time to visit, hotels, permits

Roughly five hours from Colombo lies Yala National Park, home to the world’s highest population of leopards . While our arrival after a night of rain dampened our chances of spotting the big cat, other wonderful sights left a memorable imprint. A trio of elephants—a male, female and calf—crossing the road inches from our jeep, a brahminy kite swooping low to snatch a fish from a lake, migratory birds like the large comb duck swimming, a colony of dainty, green bee-eaters taking flight. As the rain let up, we caught sight of a dancing peacock trying to entice its mate, a playful herd of deer, a wild boar looking for food, and a mugger crocodile and water buffaloes submerged in ponds. The best sightings require plenty of planning, so we spoke with Praneeth Jayamadu, senior ranger at the newly-opened Hilton Yala Resort, on how to have the best safari experience at Yala National Park in Sri Lanka.

What makes Yala National Park special?

Photo: Sajith Withanage

Besides biodiversity, varied terrain and different ecosystems that attract both local and foreign tourists, Yala is known to have the highest density of leopards in the world. “At present, a proper survey has been carried out in only one part of the park, where the figure stands at 77 adult leopards. They are each given a code name, like YF01 or YM01, where Y stands for Yala and M and F represent their gender. The number is the count,” explains Jayamadu. “The leopards also have common nicknames like Jessica and Lucas.”

Tell us about one incredible leopard encounter you had. “Each safari to the park is special but some sightings simply leave you speechless. One such recent leopard sighting at Yala was when we had parked our jeep near a waterhole and saw a mother leopard hiding behind a nearby bush,” Jayamadu recalls. “Camouflaging perfectly, she was waiting to ambush a herd of wild boar that had a few boarlets in the mix. Leopards don’t always attack the adult ones as the herd attacks back, but being a new mother, she was desperate for a kill for herself and her cubs. Calculating the distance between the prey and the closest tree, she leapt from the bushes, grabbed a boarlet by its neck and climbed a tree to save herself from the herd’s retaliation. After waiting for them to leave, she clambered down and disappeared into the bushes with her kill. It was indeed a rare sighting as leopards usually hunt at night but we were able to witness this during the day by being at the right place at the right time!”

Besides leopards, what else can you spot at Yala National Park? Yala is not just a playground for leopards; it has several other animals and birds that make for an exciting safari excursion. “Apart from the Sri Lankan leopard, you can spot sloth bear, grey langur, the Sri Lankan elephant, mugger crocodile, water buffalo, golden-backed jackal, spotted and sambar deer, soft-shell turtle, ruddy mongoose, land monitor lizard, and wild boar,” shares the ranger. Yala also plays seasonal home to scores of migratory birds. Among them, the most common ones include the Indian pitta, blue-tailed bee-eater, redshank, comb duck, sand plover and brown shrike. “The park has several endemic and non-endemic resident birds, like the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Sri Lankan swallow, Malabar pied hornbill, brown-capped babbler, black neck stork, crested hawk eagle and green imperial pigeon.”

What are the telltale spotting rituals of a guide? “These depend on the animal we are trying to spot. For example, elephants love grass, so the weather and food availability play a huge role. When the park dries up, they go deep into the forest, so we try to look for patches of grass,” Jayamadu says. “Sloth bears are quite elusive and unpredictable, but they love this yellow fruit called palu; the chances of seeing them are higher when they are in season, usually between January and July, or during monsoons, when termite mounds are damp, and they can eat them. When it comes to leopards, relying on alarm calls by other animals, especially monkeys, is helpful as they raise an alarm when they spot a predator. In the dry season, we look for pugmarks and near watering holes, but in the monsoon, leopards like taking shelter in caves or up in trees, so it’s essential for guides to train their eyes. Being in the park regularly, we also understand the patterns and movements of different leopards, which helps lead to better sightings.”

What’s the best time to visit Yala National Park? From May to July, the weather is dry but it stays windy, which makes the weather bearable. The trees shedding their leaves renders it easier to spot animals, who often venture out to waterholes during this time. According to Jayamadu, this is the best time to visit Yala to spot leopards, though the tourist count remains low. In this part of Sri Lanka, its peak monsoon from November to January. The park turns into a lush green oasis and a haven for flocks of birds. It’s also the high tourist season at Yala. Leopard sightings, however, are difficult at this time, given the wet weather, but elephants, peacocks and water buffaloes are easy to spot, Jayamadu explains. February to April is the low tourist season; safaris are highly uncomfortable, especially in April, the hottest month here. Dry heat keeps the weather harsh from August to October. In fact, before Covid, the park would remain closed from September 1 to October 15.

How many safaris can fit into a three-night stay? “A minimum of two safaris are ideal, with three being the absolute best over a three-night stay. In the first one, we show guests the varied landscapes of the park, entering from Block 1 to spot different birds and animals. In the second safari, we focus on leopard sightings and take a different route to show another side of the park. And in the third safari, we explore other blocks of the park, giving guests a wholesome Yala experience,” the guide suggests, adding that they keep a mix of morning and afternoon safaris, or one full-day safari, to raise the chances of different sightings.

What are the safari slots at Yala National Park? The park is usually open from 6am to 6pm, with slight changes in the timing depending on the season and weather. The last slot to enter the park for a morning safari is 11am and 5pm for an evening safari. Keep in mind that the latter gives tourists just an hour inside the park. “Yala National Park offers both half-day and full-day safari options. But it’s closed from 12pm to 2pm every day. There are two dedicated zones where vehicles and tourists can wait during this time. We also have the option of returning to the hotel for lunch and continuing the full-day safari post 2pm,” says Jayamadu.

How do you book a safari permit at Yala? How much does it cost? To book a safari permit for Yala National Park, head to the official website of the Department of Wildlife Conservation. It has a certain number of permits available for each day that you can book online in advance by filling in the requested details and making a payment. “The permit cost for foreigners is US$25 (roughly Rs2,083), excluding taxes. But do note that the safari permit requires details of the vehicle and guide to be filled, so it’s important to figure these out beforehand. I recommend first booking your accommodation and letting the hotel help you with the safari bookings, including the permits,” the ranger advises.

How to book a jeep and guide at Yala National Park? Jayamadu warns that this is the tricky part. “You can get safari permits through the official portal, but the jeep and guide bookings need to be made through privately-owned businesses. This makes it difficult for foreign tourists to vet the good ones based on an online search,” he says. “There are usually some jeeps parked near the entrance gates that visitors can book directly, but they may not get the best safari experience. The safest way to go about this is to choose an all-inclusive package at a hotel so that your safari with a jeep and guide are part of the experience provided with the stay.” The cost of the safari package would vary according to the hotel’s category and the season. While some hotels book an external guide, resorts like Hilton Yala have their in-house rangers who accompany guests on every safari trip, armed with refreshments and binoculars. A maximum of five guests in a jeep leaves room for a driver and guide to join.

Which are the best zones at Yala National Park? In Sri Lanka, national parks are divided into blocks instead of zones, and Yala has six such demarcated blocks. “There were five earlier, but an adjoining national park, Lunugamvehera, became part of Yala recently, taking the total to six. All the blocks are accessible to tourists, though Block 1 remains the most popular one. It has two entrances: Palatupana is the main one, and Katagamuwa is the rear entrance,” he explains. With a diverse ecosystem—from rocky outcrops and watering holes, to grasslands, lagoons and a coastal stretch—this block is home to not just leopards, but several endemic and migratory birds and other mammals. “Since the main entrance becomes too crowded during the peak season, we take our guests to certain offbeat tracks inside for a better safari experience.” Entering through the rear gate is also a good idea as it’s less frequented by tourists.

“If you love off-roading, Block 2 is for you. It’s accessible via the main block after a river crossing. Secluded with no mobile reception, tickets to this block are only issued when there’s a minimum of two safari jeeps together, keeping safety in mind,” Jayamadu adds. Blocks 3 and 4 are thick forest areas and about 50km from Block 1, and Block 5 (also 50km from the first) is also good for leopard sightings. Block 6 is home to several species of reptiles, birds and mammals and can be accessed from either Block 1 or through Block 5.

What are the best hotels around Yala National Park? Most of the hotels, resorts and campsites are concentrated around Block 1. The Palatupana entrance is easily accessible and a designated tourism zone. The newest property here is Hilton Yala Resort (doubles from Rs41,960; website ) located in the buffer zone and overlooking the Indian Ocean, with 42 rooms including some with a private pool. The resort also offers packages that include the stay, meals, guided safaris and other excursions. Wild Coast Tented Lodge (doubles from Rs49,928; website ) is a luxury tent accommodation; Uga Chena Huts (doubles from Rs87,443; website ) offers luxury cabins; and Cinnamon Wild (doubles from Rs31,070; website ) has chalets. Besides these, there are some glamping and camping accommodations near the Katagamuwa entrance.

What else can you do at Yala National Park? “Tourism in and around Yala is largely for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and pilgrims,” says Jayamadu. Resorts located close to Block 1 have access to the beach and offer activities like sundowners by the water. “Hilton also offers bush walks and sand dune visits, besides safaris and beach trips,” he adds. The ancient Buddhist monastery, Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, is perfect to get a bird’s eye view of the park and pay your respects to this 2,200-year-old place of worship. The sacred town of Kataragama is easily accessible from Block 5; it’s a holy place for different faiths, including Hindus and Buddhists. The guide also recommends visiting Bundala National Park, a haven for bird enthusiasts as it’s a hotspot for migratory birds and just 45 minutes from Yala. Ask your resort about these sightseeing excursions in addition to your safari trips.

How do you reach Yala National Park? For international tourists, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo is the closest airport to Yala National Park, roughly 287km away. It’s connected by an expressway, with a smooth drive of about four to five hours to the hotels around the park. Getting the hotel to arrange for a car and driver would be ideal as there’s no direct public transport to take you to your destination. For those looking for a faster mode of transport, Cinnamon Air offers domestic flights from Colombo to Tissa and Weerawila, less than an hour from the park. There are a few private chopper services, as well, to take you to your resort in Yala, provided they come equipped with a helipad. For instance, Hilton Yala Resort, Wild Coast Tented Lodge and Uga Chena Huts have such a provision, which can cut down your travel time to just over an hour from Colombo.

How to reach the guide? You can reach ranger Praneeth Jayamadu and Hilton Yala Resort at +94 472 555 555 or [email protected]

Yala National

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Yala National Park Safari

Yala National Park safaris provide a unique opportunity to explore one of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka with the help of dedicated, knowledgeable guides. The safari jeep can carry up to six people and is well suited to make forays forest…

Yala National Park

Spanning 378 square miles, Yala National Park is one of the most iconic Sri Lankan landmarks. Some even refer to it as the home of the Sri Lankan leopard and Yala incidentally also has one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world…

Spanning 378 square miles, Yala National Park is one of the most iconic Sri Lankan landmarks. Some even refer to it as the home of the Sri Lankan leopard and Yala incidentally also has one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world. For over 100 years, Yala national park has been a wildlife sanctuary which has allowed it to flourish as a diverse landmass comprised of myriad species of fauna as well as flora, making it the perfect destination for the adventurous tourist. The natural diversity of Yala includes brackish lagoons, grassy plains, and dense forests… 

Yala National Park safaris provide a unique opportunity to explore one of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka with the help of dedicated, knowledgeable guides. The safari jeep can carry up to six people and is well suited to make forays across the natural pathways and clearings across the forest. The open-air jeep provides both comfort and safety as it traverses across the grasslands where you can get an up-close look at the flora and fauna that make up the national park. You are free to customize your experience whether you would like to visit for 3 or 4 hours or even spend …

Why Book With Us?

Experienced safari jeep drivers.

We have friendly drivers with good experience 

We provide you good condition safari jeeps

Jeeps with front-facing seats for a better view

Free hotel pick-up and drop-off

If you are in a nearby hotel we provide this.

We focus on your needs

Our drivers will support to fulfill your needs in the safari

No hidden charges

We don’t charge any additional fee at the end of the tour.

One of the best experiences I've ever had in my life. Sri Lankan Leopard is the main attraction and we've seen several leopard cubs during our last visit. You must visit. You can have the best experience if you book a full-day safari. Our driver was excellent.

Maciej Diaries

A five-star review simply for being ethical and cruelty-free. However, the place in itself could use a few tweaks of improvement and more wildlife in a larger span of ground, also with more knowledgeable guides

Rubina Rajaratnam

Isn't a topical safari that you do in Africa but still pretty cool. We've seen some elephant plenty of buffalo and lizards some crocodiles and many different birds. Our tour guide as knowledge and attentive.

Slawek Cisowski

Safari Packages

4 hour safari.

Three hours are just enough to see basic animals. But this is not an ideal safari to see more animals and observe

the park well. It’s better to choose a half-day or full-day safari. This is a tour of finding animals in a huge forest. Better to have more time 

★ This rate is for the jeep.

Half-day Safari

In a half-day safari in Yala, You will be able to cover a considerable area of the park and will be able to see many 

different kinds of wild animals. This safari takes around 6 hours. This is a good safari for photographers.

Full-day Safari

Full-day safari is the ideal safari for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and explorers. This safari starts early

in the morning and you can stay the whole day in the National Park. in this safari, you will be able to cover a considerable area of the National Park. We recommend this safari if you are a wildlife enthusiast.

Entrance fee for Yala National park

Sri Lanka National park entrance fees have been increased for local and foreign tourists from the 1st of September 2022 (Gazette Notification No. 2292/11 Aug 2022).

You have to buy tickets before you enter the national park from the entrance gate. These tickets are issued by Wildlife and conservation department. Sometimes the entrance ticket counter is busy. our drivers will support buying tickets.

Peak season 

Off peak Season

 Foreign Adult (12+)

 foreign child (6-12), saarc country adult (12+), saarc country child(6-12), local adults (12+), local child (6-12).

All tickets will be added 15% VAT, Service charges, and Other taxes.

* If you stay overnight in the National park this price will be doubled.

Other Things to do

Thissa lake.

You can do a beautiful boat ride here.

Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Buddhist rock temple.

Weerawila- Thissa Sanctuary

Good place for birding

Kirinda rajamaha viharaya

Beautiful temple beside the beach

Bundala National Park

Good for birding

Hotels in Yala

There are many hotels in Yala and Tissamaharama In between, a few good hotels are below.

Uga Chena Huts

Cinnamon wild yala, leopard nest, jetwing yala, wild culture yala.

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A guide to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s best safari destination (Update 2023)

Looking to do a jeep safari in Yala National Park? Here’s my guide to Sri Lanka’s best safari destination, including what to see and do, the jeep safari price, and insightful travel tips.

For me, someone who never went on a wildlife safari before, Yala National Park was, without a doubt the most rewarding and exciting adventure during my trip to Sri Lanka.

It’s an exhilarating happening to embark on a jeep safari, knowing you’re about to observe extraordinary animals in their natural habitat while driving along the bumpy roads of the wildlife park.

Especially if you realize that Yala National Park is considered the most popular wildlife park on Sri Lanka’s teardrop-shaped island.

This excellent reputation is due to its dynamic landscape, great variety and density of wildlife – plus the fact that the park is acknowledged as one of the best places in the world to see leopards in the wild.

Here’s my guide to Yala National Park, featuring what to see and do, which safari to choose, and where to stay – plus insightful travel tips, including costs, the best time to visit, and how to get to Yala National Park.

If you choose to use any of the links on this page, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links, you’ll have a direct impact on WTSW and my ability to continue to create free insightful travel content for you. If you find any of my tips useful, you can support me by buying a virtual coffee here .

WHERE IS YALA NATIONAL PARK?

Yala National Park is situated in the southeast region of Sri Lanka’s teardrop-shaped island and stretches over the two provinces, Hambantota and Monaragala.

The Yala National Park is quite remote, and therefore it’s almost inevitable to visit a town named Tissamaharama.

Tissamaharama itself isn’t the most interesting town and it’s also quite difficult to get to. Nevertheless, it functions perfectly as the only official gateway to the wildlife park.

The official Yala visitor centre is around 20km east of the town, which is easily reached by joining a Yala National Park tour from Tissamaharama.

Where |  Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

WHERE TO STAY IN YALA NATIONAL PARK

You’ll find an abundance of excellent accommodations (both in and outside the park) that suit almost every budget and travel style.

Tissamaharama has no shortage of budget-friendly options, comfortable lodges and luxury hotels, while there’s also a great number of luxurious wildlife campings and chalets inside the Yala National Park itself.

Going on a safari in Yala National Park is extremely popular and therefore it’s wise to book your accommodation a couple of weeks in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during the high season.

Some of the accommodations I recommend include:

Hotel River Front

A charming riverfront hotel with spacious air-conditioned rooms, comfortable beds, and a great outdoor swimming pool. The hotel has a good in-house restaurant that serves excellent local, Chinese and Continental food.

Booking.com | Hotels.com

Thaulle Resort

Located directly at the Yoda Lake, Thaulle Resort is a great hotel with traditional Sri Lankan-style rooms, spectacular lakeside views, a large outdoor pool and a courteous and helpful staff. This hotel literally provides all the essentials to unwind after an adventurous safari tour in Yala National Park.

Cinnamon Wild Yala

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, look no further. Cinnamon Wild offers astonishing eco-friendly chalets in the midst of the lively jungle of the beloved Yala National Park. Undisputedly one of the best picks when it comes to uniqueness, comfort and world-class service.

Jetwing Yala

A luxurious hotel with a marvellous outdoor pool, spacious air-conditioned rooms, and a charming ambience. Given the location of the hotel, you’ll be encircled by delicate nature and fascinating wildlife. The friendly staff also provide great service and hospitality.

WHAT ANIMALS WILL YOU SEE ON A YALA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI?

Yala National Park is a vast dynamic reserve, consisting of dense jungle, endless grasslands and several lakes and lagoons.

This distinct landscape ensures the perfect habitat for a great variety and density of wildlife, making Yala one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka .

But it isn’t just the variety of animals that makes Yala National Park so popular. No, it’s mostly the fact that it’s acknowledged as one of the best spots in the world to see wild leopards.

THE ANIMALS OF YALA NATIONAL PARK

Although taking a safari tour doesn’t guarantee that you’ll see every animal that lives in the Yala National Park, it’s safe to expect to get up close and personal with water buffalos, wild boars, spotted deers, monkeys and peacocks.

Beyond the aforementioned wildlife, there is the potential sighting of leopards, elephants, Black Sloth bears, Fishing cats, Red Slender loris and crocodiles.

In total, the Yala National Park is home to 44 species of mammals, 215 species of birds and 46 species of reptiles, which makes it impossible not to spot any animals during your safari.

LEOPARD SIGHTINGS IN YALA NATIONAL PARK

According to extensive research, Yala National Park is said to have the biggest concentration of leopards in the world.

And given the fact that there live a total of approximately 55 leopards in the park, you might have the good fortune to encounter one during your jeep safari in Yala.

However, each safari is completely unique and it’s impossible to guarantee what animals you’re going to see (especially the rare species). Therefore I highly recommend lowering your expectations, as it’s less common to encounter leopards.

JOIN A YALA NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Tissamaharama is home to an abundance of safari tour operators, that are all extremely willing to take you on your once in a lifetime Yala National Park safari experience.

A Yala safari jeep has the capacity for up to 6 people and the safari tour operator will usually arrange a pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.

Yala National Park can be visited as part of a morning, afternoon or full-day jeep safari.

Book | Arrange your Yala National Park Safari Tour in advance

MORNING SAFARI IN YALA NATIONAL PARK

It is often said that a morning safari in Yala National Park provides the best circumstances when it comes to the potential sightings of elusive wildlife.

This is mainly due to the fact that the animals aren’t yet disturbed by the countless amount of jeeps that drive along the park’s dusty roads throughout the day.

Even though waking up at 04.30 is pretty intense, it’s safe to say that it’s completely worth the struggle.

By joining a morning safari, you’ll get picked up at your accommodations around 05.00 with the mission to arrive at the entrance of the park before it opens at 06.00.

In my opinion, the best part of a morning safari is the exciting journey to the park whilst it’s still dark, knowing you’re about to witness exquisite wildlife while it’s still relatively quiet in the park.

BOOK | This extremely popular guided safari during the golden hour

Duration  | 05:00 – 10:00 with approximately 3 hours in the park.

AFTERNOON SAFARI IN YALA NATIONAL PARK

A great alternative for those that experience difficulties when waking up early is taking the slightly more popular afternoon safari in Yala National Park.

According to most Yala safari rangers, there isn’t a significant difference between the morning and afternoon safari when it comes to the sightings of wildlife.

I’ve seen a great variety of animals during my afternoon safari in Yala National Park, and found it a tranquil yet adventurous experience – plus I witnessed a magnificent sunset while leaving the park.

Duration  | 13:00 – 18:00 with approximately 3 hours in the park.

FULL-DAY SAFARI IN YALA NATIONAL PARK

Although it sounds pretty attractive, I personally wouldn’t recommend going on a full-day safari in Yala National park.

Being in the park for 12 hours straight is extremely exhausting – plus you should keep in mind that you’re in the park during the hottest part of the day. Believe me, this can be quite intense in Sri Lanka.

It is also not guaranteed that you’ll see more animals during a full-day safari than during a morning or afternoon safari in Yala National Park.

BOOK | This exceptional full-day safari with lunch

Duration  | 05:00 – 19:00 with approximately 12 hours in the park.

YALA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI COST

The price of a jeep safari is made up of the official Yala National Park entrance fee – plus the price that you’ll arrange with your safari tour operator.

The price of a safari tour operator varies and depends on the following elements: the duration of the tour, the tour operator and the number of people that join the safari tour.

The jeep safari tour prices are often per jeep, which can hold up to six persons, and are easy to organize at nearly every accommodation in Tissamaharama.

I made an insightful summary, so you’ll have a clear indication of the costs of a jeep safari in Yala National Park.

Yala National Park entrance fee | 7.000 LKR, ($21.50) per person.

Half-day jeep safari | 11.000 – 15.000 LKR, ($33.00 – 45.00) per jeep

Full-day jeep safari | 24.000 – 30.000 LKR, ($72.00 – 90.00) per jeep

YALA NATIONAL PARK OPENING HOURS

The Yala National Park is open daily from 06:00 till 18:00 and is pretty strict regarding the regulations of the opening hours.

If you’re joining a morning safari, the goal is to arrive at the gate well before it opens. Being one of the first in line provides the benefit to enter the park as early as possible.

It’s also essential that all jeeps are out of the park before it closes at 18:00. This is monitored by the official wildlife officers that note and check the license plates of the jeeps that enter and leave the park.

BEST TIME TO VISIT YALA NATIONAL PARK

Although you can visit the park year-round, the absolute best time to visit Yala National Park is during the dry season. This season runs from February to June, with February and March as the undisputed peak months to spot leopards.

It is said that it’s easier to spot wildlife during this period, mainly because of the deficient natural water resources that are available in the park. For that reason, animals get active to go out of their hideouts and drink from the accessible water ponds.

I personally visited Yala National Park during the offseason in September and had a great safari experience with an impressive number of animal sightings.

Do keep in mind that there is a great possibility you’ll find the park closed for maintenance in September.

HOW TO GET TO YALA NATIONAL PARK

The Yala National Park is slightly off the beaten path compared to other popular sights in Sri Lanka. This doesn’t mean you’ll have to be discouraged, it’s more than worth the extra effort.

The only gateway to the Yala National Park is a town named Tissamaharama, which is best reached by local bus or car.

The journey by bus can be quite long, intense and exhausting, but trust me, it’s one of the best ways to experience daily local life.

Do keep in mind that the local bus stops frequently and that you’ll need to change busses on several occasions to reach Tissamaharama.

The Yala National Park is usually visited after Mirissa, Ella or Arugam Bay.

FROM MIRISSA TO TISSAMAHARAMA

Bus journey | Mirissa – Matara – Tissamaharama Cost | 250 – 330 LKR, ($1.30 – 1.80) per person Travel time | Around 3.5 hours

FROM ELLA TO TISSAMAHARAMA

Bus journey | Ella – Tissamaharama Cost | 220 – 250 LKR, ($1.20 – 1.35) per person Travel time | Around 2.5 hours

FROM ARUGAM BAY TO TISSAMAHARAMA

Bus journey | Pottuvil – Monaragala – Wellawaya – Tissamaharama Cost | 350 – 380 LKR, ($1.90 – 2.10) per person Travel time | Around 6.5 hours

INSIGHTFUL TRAVEL TIPS FOR A VISIT TO YALA NATIONAL PARK

Photography gear | If you’re into serious photography you might want to bring your camera and zoom lens. See what’s in my camera bag here .

Sunscreen  | Even though the jeep is partly covered, the sun can be extremely harsh during a safari in Yala. Better safe than sorry.

Bug repellent | It’s always good to have a good bug repellent within hand reach.

Sweater  | Bring a warm sweater. This will be your best friend during a morning safari.

Drinking water  | Bring drinking water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

No toilets in the park | Do keep in mind that there are no toilets available inside the park.

Visit without expectations | Last but not least, lower your expectations before going on a safari. Every safari is unique and there is no guarantee that you’ll see all the animals you hope to see.

STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA | TRAVEL INSURANCE

Though Sri Lanka is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here .

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

PLAN YOUR SRI LANKA ITINERARY WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES

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7 Awesome things to do in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka’s surfer paradise (2022 update)

expectations

Exceptional safari experience in sri lanka.

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Get an exceptional safari experience in a fantastic campsite with all facilities located in a real wild life habitat of the buffer zone to Yala National Park.

Managed by us , as a team of youths who were grown up with wild life and nature since childhood and our life time love and experience continuously transformed to satisfy the taste of wild life and nature lovers of all over the world. We come to the present level of being one of the best camping and safari experience in Sri Lanka from the satisfaction of our beloved guests for the last decade since our humble beginning.

Most of the travelers have made repeat guest of us because of the exceptional care that is taken for each guest during their stay. The experience with us will definitely transform for a lifetime of memories

Your Yala Safari

Uncover the greatest treasures of Yala National Park to offer in viewing iconic Asian wildlife such ad Leopards, Elephants, Bears, Deer and hundreds of other species in their natural habitat and amazing landscapes of the wilderness.

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2 nights camping itinerary, 1 night camping itinerary, special honeymoon packages, parties & family get togethers packages, our safari vehicles, brand new toyota 4wd jeeps are the ultimate safari vehicles which we use to conduct our safaris..

All of our safari jeeps are brand new 4WD Toyotas which are Powerful, dependable and capable of going anywhere. They have been modified with comfortable seats to match with Yala safari.

Food during safari

Dine-in in the midst of the wilderness.

You can have your meals tasted by a waterfront, on a river bank, in a dense jungle environment or by the Yala beach during the safari.

Things you can do

Yala national park is one of the best destinations for bird watching. The area is  home to the most number of endemic bird species in the island as well as  a popular destination for hundreds of migrant bird species as well.

Yala national park most probably has the densest leopard population in the entire world. Catching a glimpse of  this majestic creature in its natural habitat is not going to be that hard.

Sri Lanka is well known for it’s elephants. The Yala national park is the home for nearly four hundred wild elephants. You will never miss a sighting of this amazing  animal roaming in the wilderness in large numbers.

100 % powered by Solar energy, located on a higher position to see the whole 5 zones of the Yala National Park at once!

Get a fantastic dining experience you will never forget

• Open action kitchen with live cooking and Sri Lankan cooking lessons on request.
• Completely isolated in the wild with no human activities nearby
• Wide selection of wines and cocktails along with number of foreign and local spirits

Luxury campsite

Our campsite is located in the buffer zone of Yala National Park, close to the 2nd entrance of Yala Block 1, A real wild life habitat of leopards, elephants, bears, birds and hundreds of other species.

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what our visitors had to say

Yala National Park—the crown jewel of Sri Lanka’s wildlife sanctuaries

Yala National Park—the crown jewel of Sri Lanka’s wildlife sanctuaries. Nestled in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park spans an impressive 979 square kilometers (378 sq mi)...

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Safari in Yala National Park: Timings, Entry Fee, Things To Do

Yala national park - safari timings.

Morning Safari in Yala: from 5:00 AM to 9:30 AM Evening Safari in Yala: from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM Full Day Safari in Yala: from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM Special Five-Twelve Leopards Safari*: from 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM Special 6-11 (Six-Eleven) Birds Safari: from 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM *The Special Five-Twelve Leopards Safari begins early in the morning, allowing visitors to explore the park before any other safari jeep. This increases the likelihood of spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat since early morning is the time when leopards are most active. Moreover, there are fewer jeeps and less human interference in the park at this time, which provides a calm environment for the leopards to roam freely.  Yala National Park Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Safari in Yala National Park - Cost

 best time to visit yala national park.

How to reach Yala National Park

Gate access in yala national park, block 1: palatupana gate:, block 2: off-road adventure:, block 3: two entry points:, block 4 & 5: private safari, wildlife in yala national park, things to do in yala national park, 1. safari rides in yala national park, 2. beach walks in yala national park, 3. birdwatching in yala national park, 4. camping in yala national park, 5. night in yala national park, 6. sightseeing in yala national park, tips for visiting yala national park.

• While venturing into the wildlife, one should strictly not come out of the jeep for any activity. It might lead to unwanted and dangerous situations.
• While on a tour to venture into the wildlife of Yala National Park, one should not click pictures with flashlights. This irritates the animals, and as animal behaviors are not pre-decided and unpredictable, it may lead to problems.
• No alcohol, drugs, or smoking is allowed inside the Yala National Park premises.
• It is preferable to keep mobile phones on silent or on vibrate. The sudden upbeat sound might create unwanted movement within the animals.
• One should not start eating anywhere and everywhere. There are restrictions to that which the guide or the driver is aware of. Consultation on what the eating norms are must be known.
• No strong odor of food must be carried inside.
• Nobody should attempt to throw food or feed any animal inside Yala National Park. This might cause unwanted problems.
• Guns, knives, matches, lighters - everything that might harm animals and wildlife should not be carried.
• Unnecessary honking of the jeeps should be avoided. It disrupts the normalcy of the wildlife ecosystem.
• Nobody should take or touch anything that belongs to the wildlife, be it stones, sand, or any remains.
• In an emergency, keep each other calm and try not to make noise because it may further worsen the situation. The trekker who is with the jeep can take care of the situation.

This post was published by Sreyashi Paul

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