Practical, no-nonsense safaris await at Yala National Park. The standout operators deliver exactly what wildlife enthusiasts need: Sri Lanka Nature Travel excels with expert guides who know exactly where to spot the elusive leopards, while offering tours in multiple languages.
For early birds, Yala La Safari Tours runs an excellent 7-hour expedition starting at 4:30 AM – perfect timing for prime wildlife viewing. Convenient private tours serve visitors arriving through Mattala Airport or Hambantota Port.
These carefully selected tours consistently earn top marks for their reliability and wildlife-spotting success. Check our tested picks for the best Yala safari experiences below.
Key Points
- Yala National Park offers private safari tours with experienced drivers, comfortable vehicles, and opportunities to spot wildlife like leopards.
- Yala National Park private safaris provide a personalized experience, including optional English-speaking naturalist guides and amenities like bottled water and binoculars.
- All-inclusive private full-day safaris in Yala National Park feature morning and evening game drives, a picnic lunch, and luxury transportation.
- Early morning 7-hour private safaris in Yala National Park are available, offering an immersive wildlife viewing experience with pickup options.
- Yala National Park safaris can be booked from nearby Mattala Airport and Hambantota Port, providing convenience for travelers.
Private Tour to Udawalawe National Park
Embarking on a private tour to Udawalawe National Park, travelers can expect a comprehensive experience led by Dilip Rohan.
This tour operates daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, offering flexibility to accommodate various schedules. At $88 per person, the tour includes bottled water, snacks, and hotel pickup and drop-off within the Udawalawe area.
Customers can choose from 2-5 safari jeeps to accommodate their group size. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 7 reviews, this tour is a reliable option for those seeking to explore Udawalawe National Park.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Private Tour to Udawalawe National Park Review
Book now: Check availability
Udawalawe National Park Safari With Elephant Transit Home Visit
Travelers seeking an immersive experience in Udawalawe National Park can opt for the Udawalawe National Park Safari With Elephant Transit Home Visit.
This tour provides a 4×4 safari jeep with an experienced driver and tracker, accommodating up to 6 passengers. Included are entrance fees, a mineral water bottle per person, and all taxes and service charges.
However, it’s not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions.
Confirmation’s provided at booking, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Prices start from €26.54 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.
Reviews report an overall 4.5-star rating without any 5-star, 4-star, 3-star, 2-star, or 1-star ratings.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Safari With Elephant Transit Home Visit Review
Book now: Check availability
Yala National Park Private Safari Tour
For those seeking a more personalized and immersive experience in Yala National Park, the Yala National Park Private Safari Tour offers a unique opportunity.
Operated by Sri Lanka Nature Travel, this tour provides a private 4×4 safari with an English/Japanese-speaking chauffeur. The tour includes bottled water, highway charges, free WiFi, and air-conditioning, as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife like leopards.
With a 5-star rating from 5 reviews, the tour is praised for its experienced driver, knowledgeable guide, and exceptional wildlife sightings.
However, the high number of jeeps in the park can cause traffic, something to consider when booking.
Read our full review: Yala National Park Private Safari Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Yala National Park Safari Tours – 2 Options
Yala National Park offers visitors two primary safari tour options to explore its diverse wildlife and landscapes.
The first is a 3-hour safari priced at $25 and up, while the second is a full-day safari. Both tours provide free pickup from nearby towns and free binoculars and water.
Breakfast is included for morning and full-day safaris, with lunch provided only for the full-day option.
Though not wheelchair accessible, these tours are suitable for most travelers, as confirmed by the 100% recommendation rate and 5.0 overall rating from 20 reviews.
Customers also benefit from a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour and a lowest price guarantee.
Read our full review: Yala National Park Safari Tours – 2 Options Review
Book now: Check availability
Udawalawe National Park Private Safari Tours
Udawalawe National Park offers private safari tours, providing visitors with an immersive experience to discover the park’s diverse wildlife. Priced from $25 per person, these tours include a private 4×4 jeep, an experienced driver/guide with over 12 years of experience, and free hotel pickup and drop-off in the Udawalawa area.
Participants can expect bottled water, entrance tickets, and a hassle-free experience. Although the tours aren’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.
With a 5.0 rating based on 7 reviews, these private safaris offer a personalized and memorable way to explore the natural wonders of Udawalawe National Park.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Private Safari Tours Review
Book now: Check availability
Yala National Park Private Safari
Visitors to Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park can embark on a private safari adventure, offering a personalized and immersive experience to discover the park’s abundant wildlife.
The 5-star rated tour provides transportation in a luxury Toyota Hilux safari jeep, an experienced driver/tracker, and optional English-speaking naturalist.
Pickup and drop-off from Yala and Tissamaharama hotels are included, along with entrance fees, binoculars, and full-day safaris that feature lunch, fruits, beers, and soft drinks.
With a maximum of 6 people per booking, this private tour ensures an intimate and exclusive wildlife viewing experience.
While not recommended for those with mobility issues or medical conditions, most travelers can participate in this exceptional safari exploration of Yala National Park.
Read our full review: Yala National Park Private Safari Review
Book now: Check availability
All Inclusive Private Full Day Safari in Yala National Park With Lunch
For those seeking an immersive, all-inclusive wildlife experience in Yala National Park, this private full-day safari offers an unparalleled opportunity.
You’ll enjoy two jeep safaris, morning and evening, maximizing your chances of spotting elephants, leopards, sloths, and monkeys. A picnic lunch with Sri Lankan rice and curry, sandwiches, fruits, and beverages is included, along with bottled water and snacks.
Transportation is provided in a luxury 4WD safari jeep with an experienced driver and tracker. Binoculars are available, and pickup and drop-off from select locations are complimentary.
While the tour has received positive reviews, some guests have reported issues with service and equipment, which the company aims to address.
Read our full review: All Inclusive Private Full Day Safari in Yala National Park With Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Let’s Smile and Safari Udawalawa National Park
Explore the wildlife-rich expanse of Udawalawa National Park on a captivating safari tour, expertly organized by Lankan Smiles Safari Udawalawa.
This full-day excursion offers unparalleled opportunities to spot iconic Sri Lankan wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and a diverse array of birds.
The tour includes entrance fees, a complimentary food pack, bottled water, and the use of binoculars for long-distance viewing.
Private transportation is provided, with pickup and drop-off options around the Udawalawa area.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most travelers, with special arrangements available for small children or those needing assistance.
With a 5.0-star rating and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this safari tour is a must-consider for nature enthusiasts visiting Yala National Park.
Read our full review: Let’s Smile and Safari Udawalawa National Park Review
Book now: Check availability
All Inclusive Safari at Udawalawa National Park
Embarking on an all-inclusive safari at Udawalawa National Park offers travelers a comprehensive and immersive experience in the heart of Sri Lanka’s wildlife haven.
Operated by Mahaweli Tours and Holidays, the tour includes private transportation, all fees and taxes, bottled water, and the refreshing treat of a king coconut.
With pickups from hotels in the Udawalawa area and other locations across Sri Lanka, the tour caters to various needs.
Wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as a moderate physical fitness requirement, make the experience accessible to a wide range of visitors.
Backed by positive reviews and a lowest price guarantee, this safari is a must-consider for those seeking an all-inclusive wildlife adventure in Udawalawa.
Read our full review: All Inclusive Safari at Udawalawa National Park Review
Book now: Check availability
Morning 07 Hour Private Safari at Yala National Park by Yala La Safari Tours
An early morning 7-hour private safari at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destination, is offered by Yala La Safari Tours.
The tour departs at 4:30 am and includes all fees, bottled water, and breakfast. Pickup options are available, and the activity ends back at the meeting point in the national park.
While not recommended for pregnant travelers, most can participate, and infants must sit on laps.
The price varies by group size, with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With 4 reviews and a 5.0 star rating, this private safari provides an immersive wildlife experience in Yala National Park.
Read our full review: Morning 07 Hour Private Safari at Yala National Park by Yala La Safari Tours Review
Book now: Check availability
Maduru Oya National Park Private Safari
Nestled within Sri Lanka’s verdant landscapes, Maduru Oya National Park offers visitors a captivating private safari experience.
Explore this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to over 320 animal species, including majestic elephants, crocodiles, and more than 200 bird species.
Aboard a private safari Jeep, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife, from pangolins to barking deer and rusty-spotted cats.
Bird watchers will delight in the park’s avian collection, with the greater flamingo being a highlight.
Evening safaris provide stunning sunset views.
The tour includes private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.
Suitable for moderately fit travelers, this experience can accommodate up to 6 people per vehicle.
Read our full review: Maduru Oya National Park Private Safari Review
Book now: Check availability
Safari at Udawalawe National Park
Situated within the picturesque landscapes of southern Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park offers visitors an exceptional safari experience.
This private tour provides a maximum of 6 travelers the opportunity to explore the park in a 4WD safari jeep, accompanied by a professional driver and tracker.
The tour includes private transportation, bottled water, and entrance tickets, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
With a 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews, this safari is a popular choice among travelers seeking to witness the diverse wildlife of Udawalawe, including elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
The tour’s flexible pickup and cancellation policy add to its convenience and value.
Read our full review: Safari at Udawalawe National Park Review
Book now: Check availability
Lunugamwehera National Park by Ajith Safari
For those seeking a unique wildlife experience beyond the popular Yala National Park, Lunugamwehera (Weheragala Entrance) National Park offers a captivating safari adventure with Ajith Safari.
With a maximum of 6 travelers per tour, this safari provides an intimate encounter with the park’s diverse flora and fauna. Experienced guides, licensed by the Wildlife Department, lead the Toyota Hilux 4WD safaris, ensuring a full and knowledgeable experience.
While park entrance fees are payable on-site, Ajith Safari offers breakfast and lunch options on request. Travelers can be conveniently picked up from various locations in the surrounding area, with morning and afternoon safari slots available.
With its positive reviews and unique wildlife sightings, this Lunugamwehera National Park safari is a must-consider option for nature enthusiasts.
Read our full review: Lunugamwehera National Park by Ajith Safari Review
Book now: Check availability
Bundala National Park Safari | Jeep With Tickets
Travelers seeking an immersive safari experience in Bundala National Park can opt for the Bundala National Park Safari | Jeep with Tickets offering. This tour provides a 4×4 Safari Jeep with a maximum of 6 passengers per vehicle, led by an experienced driver who also serves as a tracker. Priced from $90.00 per person, the tour includes free pickup and drop-off within 5 km of the park gate, water bottles, and gratuities. The tour is not wheelchair-accessible and may not be suitable for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. However, most travelers can participate. The tour has received excellent reviews, with a 5.0 rating based on feedback from Viator and Tripadvisor.
Read our full review: Bundala National Park Safari | Jeep With Tickets Review
Book now: Check availability
Glamping Safari Bordering Udawalawe National Park
Nestled just outside Udawalawe National Park, the Glamping Safari experience offers travelers an immersive overnight adventure.
With a 4.5/5 rating from 5 reviews, the safari promises a magical stay in a glamping tent, complete with a candlelit dinner under the stars.
The package includes an evening safari, transportation, and a half-board meal plan.
While the glamping isn’t wheelchair-accessible, it welcomes children under 6 for free.
Guests should come prepared for the elements and be aware of the health restrictions.
Though some reviewers noted organizational and communication issues, the overall experience seems to provide a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Glamping Safari Bordering Udawalawe National Park Review
Book now: Check availability
Pick up Hambantota Cruise Ship: Udawalawe National Park Safari
How can travelers explore the wonders of Udawalawe National Park during a cruise ship stopover in Hambantota? A private safari tour is the perfect solution.
For $174 per group (up to 6 people), travelers can enjoy a comprehensive tour with a driver/guide, free hotel pickup, and national park fees included. The tour covers the highlights of Udawalawe, allowing visitors to spot elephants, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, travelers can book now and pay later, making it a convenient and flexible option. However, the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions or accessibility needs.
Read our full review: Pick up Hambantota Cruise Ship: Udawalawe National Park Safari Review
Book now: Check availability
Udawalawe National Park Safari With Naturalist
Exploring the vast expanses of Udawalawe National Park with a knowledgeable naturalist guide is an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of this Sri Lankan haven.
Priced at €28.95 per person, this private tour offers the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the expertise of an English-speaking naturalist guide and an experienced driver.
Participants can expect to enjoy the park’s abundant wildlife, including elephants, while riding in a private safari jeep.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this tour provides a flexible and enjoyable way to discover the wonders of Udawalawe National Park.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Safari With Naturalist Review
Book now: Check availability
Yala National Park Safari From Mattala AirPort & Hambantota Port
For travellers seeking to explore the diverse wildlife and landscapes of Yala National Park, the safari from Mattala Airport and Hambantota Port offers a convenient and immersive experience.
Participants will benefit from very experienced driving and guiding, with free binoculars, bottled water, and cool drinks provided.
While the national park entrance fee isn’t included, the tour is a private activity, ensuring only your group participates.
Although it’s not wheelchair accessible, the safari is near public transportation, and most travellers can participate.
With a 5.0 rating based on one review, this safari is a great option for those looking to discover the wonders of Yala National Park.
Read our full review: Yala National Park Safari From Mattala AirPort & Hambantota Port Review
Book now: Check availability
Bundala National Park Safari (PRIVATE TOURS)- Morning & Afternoon
Travellers seeking to explore the captivating wilderness of Sri Lanka can embark on a private Bundala National Park safari, offering morning and afternoon excursions.
Priced from $40 per person, this 5-star rated tour includes private transportation, experienced guides, and complimentary bottled water and cool drinks.
While the national park entrance fee isn’t included, the tour provides free binoculars to enhance the wildlife viewing experience.
Pickup and drop-off are offered from several nearby areas, and the tour can be booked with confirmation and flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travellers, including those with infant seats.
Read our full review: Bundala National Park Safari (PRIVATE TOURS)- Morning & Afternoon Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Yala National Park offers a range of tour options for visitors to explore its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. From private safaris to group tours, there’s something to suit every preference. Travelers can also combine a Yala visit with other nearby national parks like Udawalawe and Bundala. With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, these tours provide an immersive experience in Sri Lanka’s renowned wilderness.