Yala National Park Full Day Safari

The Yala National Park Full Day Safari offers visitors an immersive wildlife experience through one of Sri Lanka’s most diverse ecosystems. Covering nearly 1,000 square kilometers, the park is home to an abundance of majestic creatures, including 44 mammal species and 215 bird species. Led by an expert guide in a private 4WD Jeep, guests can expect to spot the elusive leopard during the safari’s "Golden Hours." With meals and refreshments included, this tour provides a seamless and unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts seeking to uncover the wonders of Sri Lanka’s wilderness. However, the true allure of this safari lies in the unexpected and thrilling encounters that await those who choose to embark on this remarkable journey.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Full-Day Tours In Sri Lanka.

Contents hide

6 Booking Information

7 Park Information

8 What to Expect

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

A 10-hour guided safari in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka, exploring diverse habitats and offering opportunities to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and other wildlife.
Safari led by an expert guide, with transportation provided in a private 4WD Jeep and inclusion of meals and park entrance fees.
Free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, with pickup service from hotels or park entrance included.
Varied itinerary options available to accommodate visitor preferences, with morning and afternoon tour times on offer.
Mixed customer reviews suggest a need for improved organization and reliability, with some positive feedback on wildlife sightings and the knowledgeable guide.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Yala National Park Full Day Safari typically lasts 10 hours and is priced from €110.38 per person. There is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup is included from the hotel or park entrance, with the driver holding a sign with the customer’s last name.

The safari explores light forests, scrubs, grasslands, and lagoons, providing opportunities to spot a diverse array of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, sambars, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks, and crocodiles.

This tour is led by a live guide who can communicate in English, Dutch, German, and Russian. Transportation is provided via a private 4WD Jeep with an expert guide and driver.

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Safari Experience

Visitors can expect to explore a diverse range of habitats during the Yala National Park Safari, from light forests and scrubs to grasslands and lagoons.

The park’s wildlife is truly extraordinary, with 44 varieties of mammals and 215 bird species calling it home. Visitors may spot majestic leopards, gentle elephants, elusive sloth bears, as well as water buffalo, sambars, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks, and crocodiles.

The safari is designed to focus on leopard spotting during the ‘Golden Hours’ – the first two or last two hours of the day when these magnificent cats are most active.

With an expert guide leading the way, travelers are sure to have an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Tour Details

For the Yala National Park Safari, a guided tour is available with live guides speaking English, Dutch, German, and Russian.

The private 4WD Jeep is equipped with an expert guide and driver to transport guests through the park.

Depending on your preference, you can choose either a morning tour starting at 5 AM when the park opens at 6 AM, or an afternoon tour running from 2 PM until the park closes at 6 PM.

The tour duration is approximately 10 hours, providing ample time to explore the diverse habitats and spot a wide range of wildlife within Yala National Park.

Inclusions

A luxury Jeep transports guests throughout the park, equipped with a complimentary water bottle. Visitors can enjoy a picnic breakfast and lunch along with coffee or tea as part of the comprehensive tour package.

The inclusions offer a well-rounded safari experience:

The park entrance fee is covered, ensuring seamless access to the wildlife-rich habitat.
A knowledgeable guide accompanies the group, providing expert commentary and insights to enhance the safari.
Guests are treated to a delectable picnic spread, allowing them to savor local flavors amidst the natural surroundings.

These thoughtful inclusions contribute to a memorable and hassle-free Yala National Park adventure.

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Customer Reviews

While the inclusions paint a promising picture of the Yala National Park safari, the customer reviews provide a more nuanced perspective on the overall experience. With just a single review available, the current rating of 1/5 stars paints a concerning picture. A closer examination of the customer feedback reveals a mix of both praise and criticism. Some travelers applauded the wildlife sightings and the expertise of the guide, while others lamented the poor organization, mechanical issues with the vehicle, and long wait times. To gain a more comprehensive understanding, prospective visitors would benefit from monitoring the review section as additional feedback becomes available.

Rating	Positive	Negative
1/5	Wildlife sightings, Knowledgeable guide	Disorganization, Vehicle problems, Long waits

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Booking Information

Travelers can book the Yala National Park Full Day Safari through various online platforms, with prices typically starting from €110.38 per person.

The tour includes a private 4WD Jeep with an expert guide and driver, as well as a picnic breakfast, lunch, and refreshments. The safari experience lasts for around 10 hours, with the option to choose between a morning or afternoon tour.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund.

Key booking details include:

Pickup from the hotel or park entrance, with the driver holding a sign with the guest’s last name
Availability subject to check for desired dates and starting times
Not suitable for pregnant women, with a passport or ID card required

Park Information

Yala National Park is a renowned wildlife reserve situated in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka, spanning an area of over 979 square kilometers.

It’s home to an impressive array of flora and fauna, including 44 varieties of mammals and 215 bird species.

The park boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from light forests and scrubs to grasslands and lagoons, providing a natural habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

Visitors can expect to spot iconic Sri Lankan species such as leopards, elephants, sloth bears, water buffaloes, sambars, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks, and crocodiles.

The park is particularly known for its exceptional leopard-spotting opportunities during the ‘Golden Hours‘ at the beginning and end of the day.

What to Expect

Visitors embarking on a Yala National Park safari can expect an immersive encounter with Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife, from majestic leopards and elephants to elusive sloth bears and graceful sambars.

The guided tours offer:

Opportunities to spot a wide range of mammals, including 44 varieties, and 215 bird species throughout the park’s varied habitats, from light forests to scrubs and grasslands.
A focus on leopard sightings during the ‘Golden Hours’ – the first and last two hours of the day when these magnificent predators are most active.
An expertly driven 4WD Jeep experience, allowing access to the park’s remote and rugged terrain for a thrilling safari adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on tours, unless specifically prohibited. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm any restrictions or if meals are included in the tour price.

Is There an Option for a Private Vehicle?

Yes, there is typically an option for a private vehicle on tours. Many tour providers offer private transportation, which allows for a more personalized and flexible experience compared to shared group tours.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Binoculars?

Binoculars are generally not required for this activity, as the tour includes an expert guide who will point out wildlife. However, if you’d like a closer look, bringing your own binoculars is recommended to enhance your safari experience.

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Guide?

Yes, customers can usually request a specific language for the tour guide, such as English, Dutch, German, or Russian. The tour provider will try to accommodate the preferred language, subject to guide availability.

Is There a Dress Code for the Safari?

There is typically no strict dress code for safari tours, but guests are advised to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes. Neutral colors like khaki or olive are recommended to blend in with the natural surroundings.