Nestled in the southeastern corner of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is a renowned wildlife haven that captivates visitors from around the world. The opportunity to embark on a safari from Kalutara promises an unforgettable encounter with the park’s diverse inhabitants, including the elusive leopard, majestic elephants, and the charming sloth bear. This carefully curated experience not only offers a scenic journey and a delectable lunch but also the expertise of experienced guides who can unveil the secrets of this natural wonder. As you prepare to learn about the wild, the anticipation of what lies ahead is sure to pique your curiosity.
Key Points
- The Yala National Park Wildlife Safari departs from Kalutara or Bentota, with a 3.5-hour journey to the park.
- The 7-hour safari package is priced at £78.44 per person and includes a shared jeep safari, entrance fees, and transportation.
- The safari offers a high probability of sighting elephants and leopards, as well as other diverse wildlife like sloth bears and crocodiles.
- The package includes a 45-minute lunch break at a local restaurant upon arrival at Yala National Park.
- Customers can take advantage of the ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ option and a flexible 24-hour cancellation policy for full refunds.
Overview and Pricing
The activity provides a Yala National Park Wildlife Safari from Kaluthara, priced at £78.44 per person for a 7-hour duration.
There is an option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.
This wildlife-focused safari allows visitors to encounter a variety of animals, including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and diverse bird species.
Yala National Park is renowned for its high leopard population, and the safari is led by experienced guides to ensure a rich biodiversity and conservation-focused adventure.
The activity includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned shared vehicle, a safari drive by jeep, bottled water, and entrance fees to the national park.
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Wildlife Experience
Visitors can expect to encounter a diverse array of wildlife during the Yala National Park Safari, including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a rich variety of bird species. The park is particularly renowned for its high population of leopards, one of the top attractions for safari-goers. Experienced guides lead the jeep safaris, ensuring an immersive and informative wildlife experience. Yala’s rich biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts further enhance the adventure, offering guests a chance to witness the park’s vibrant ecosystem in action.
Wildlife Sightings | Probability | Viewing Tips |
---|---|---|
Elephants | Very High | Remain quiet and keep a safe distance |
Sloth Bears | Moderate | Look for signs of activity near termite mounds |
Crocodiles | High | Scan the waterways and banks carefully |
Leopards | High | Patience and keen observation are key |
Itinerary Details
The safari experience begins with pickup locations in Kalutara and Bentota, where participants are transported by air-conditioned shared vehicles for the 3.5-hour journey to Yala National Park.
Upon arrival, the group takes a refreshing lunch break at a local restaurant for 45 minutes.
The main event is the 3-hour safari drive through the national park, led by experienced guides. This immersive experience allows visitors to:
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Encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species
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Observe one of the highest leopard populations in the world
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Appreciate the park’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts
Included Services
The safari package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned shared vehicle, the safari drive by jeep (shared), bottled water, and the entrance fee to Yala National Park.
These included services ensure a hassle-free and comfortable experience for guests. The air-conditioned shared vehicle provides a pleasant journey to Yala National Park, while the shared jeep safari allows for a more intimate and immersive wildlife adventure.
The bottled water keeps everyone hydrated, and the included entrance fee covers access to the renowned national park.
With these comprehensive services, travelers can focus on enjoying the incredible wildlife spotting opportunities without worrying about logistics.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyHealth and Safety Considerations
Certain health and safety precautions are advised for this safari experience. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions like pregnancy, back/heart problems, allergies, recent surgeries, high blood pressure, or motion sickness may want to consult the operator before booking.
Efficient communication is facilitated by providing WhatsApp contact details, allowing travelers to coordinate any special assistance or changes to pick-up/drop-off locations, though additional charges may apply.
Key considerations for this safari include:
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Not suitable for pregnant women or those with certain medical conditions
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Operators available to assist with special needs or location changes
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Importance of disclosing any relevant health information prior to booking
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Sri Lanka
- Yala National Park Wildlife Safari From Kaluthara
- Yala National Park Wildlife Safari From Mirissa
- Private Yala National Park Wildlife Safari From Hambantota
- Bundala Wildlife Adventure:Full-Day Safari With Picnic Lunch
- Bundala National Park Sunrise Wildlife Expedition
- Bundala National Park Twilight Wildlife Expedition
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
Travelers can be picked up from Kalutara or Bentota, with the safari provider offering air-conditioned shared vehicle transportation to Yala National Park, which takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Once arrived, guests will have a 45-minute stop at a local restaurant for lunch before embarking on the 3-hour safari drive in Yala National Park.
After the wildlife adventure, the shared vehicle will transport participants back to their original pickup locations in Bentota or Kalutara.
The safari package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it a convenient and hassle-free experience for those seeking to explore the rich biodiversity of Yala National Park.
Reserve Now & Pay Later
For added convenience, this Yala National Park safari offers a ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ option, allowing travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment. This flexibility enables them to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can complete the booking process at a later time.
The ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ feature provides several benefits:
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Hassle-free booking: Travelers can reserve their spot with just a few clicks, without the need to make full payment upfront.
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Flexible payment: Customers can pay for the safari at their convenience, closer to the departure date.
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Worry-free planning: With the reservation secured, guests can focus on finalizing their travel arrangements without the concern of the tour selling out.
Cancellation Policy
This Yala National Park safari offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing travelers to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides peace of mind and flexibility in case plans change unexpectedly. The cancellation policy is straightforward and transparent, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience.
Cancellation Policy | |
---|---|
Timeframe | Refund Amount |
Up to 24 hours | 100% |
23 hours or less | 0% |
No-show | 0% |
Date change | Charges may apply |
The reserve now and pay later option further enhances the convenience, allowing customers to secure their spot without upfront payment. This Yala National Park safari offers a flexible and customer-friendly cancellation policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Restrictions on the Size of Camera Equipment?
There are typically no restrictions on the size of camera equipment for wildlife safaris. Guests are generally free to bring DSLRs, zoom lenses, and other professional-grade gear to capture their wildlife encounters, as long as it does not interfere with the safari experience.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Safari?
Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the safari. However, bottled water is typically provided as part of the included services. It’s best to check with the operator about any restrictions or recommendations regarding outside food and beverages.
Is There an Option to Extend the Safari Duration?
Yes, there is typically an option to extend the safari duration. Customers can discuss this with the tour operator, who may be able to accommodate a longer tour for an additional fee, depending on availability and logistics.
Do We Need to Arrange Our Own Travel Insurance?
No, travel insurance is not required to book this activity. However, it’s recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover potential risks and unforeseen circumstances during your trip for added peace of mind.
The shared vehicles typically depart from the pickup locations on a regular schedule, often once or twice daily. Customers should confirm the exact departure times with the tour operator when booking their excursion.
Recap
This Yala National Park wildlife safari from Kalutara offers a thrilling opportunity to discover Sri Lanka’s diverse animal kingdom.
With the chance to spot elephants, sloth bears, and the elusive leopard, the 7-hour adventure includes a scenic journey, delicious lunch, and guided safari drive.
Flexible booking options and a customer-friendly cancellation policy make this safari an attractive choice for nature enthusiasts.
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