Yala National Park Safari Tours : 7 Hours & 12 Hours

Yala National Park in Sri Lanka offers two captivating safari tour options – a half-day excursion lasting 7 hours and a full-day adventure spanning 12 hours. Priced competitively from just $25 per person, these safaris whisk visitors into the park’s stunning natural habitat. While the itineraries differ, both promise the chance to spot majestic wildlife like leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species. With flexible booking, complimentary drinks, and hotel transfers, these safaris provide an unforgettable experience in one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destinations. Which tour would suit your adventurous spirit?

Key Points

1. The safari tour options include a half-day (7 hours) and a full-day (12 hours) at Yala National Park, with prices starting from $25 per person.
2. The half-day tour includes breakfast, while the full-day tour includes both breakfast and lunch, along with complimentary hotel transfers and drinks.
3. The booking and cancellation policy offer flexible arrangements, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance with no upfront payment required.
4. The safari experience includes guided wildlife viewing, with the possibility of spotting leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
5. The tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 99 reviews, with guides praised for their expertise in spotting elusive wildlife.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Options and Pricing

Yala National Park offers two safari tour options – a half-day safari lasting 7 hours and a full-day safari lasting 12 hours. Prices start from $25.00 per person.

The half-day safari includes breakfast, while the full-day safari offers breakfast and lunch. Both tours provide complimentary hotel transfers from select areas and drinks.

Guests can reserve their spot with no upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors can check availability for starting times and select from various pickup and drop-off locations around the park.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Guests can reserve their spot with no upfront payment, allowing them to book their safari experience with ease. The booking and cancellation policy offers flexibility, enabling free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. To check availability, guests can simply inquire about starting times.

| Policy | Details |

| — | — |

| Reserve Now & Pay Later | Book your spot with no upfront payment |

| Free Cancellation | Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund |

| Check Availability | Inquire about starting times |

Itinerary and Pickup Locations

A total of 8 pickup locations are available for the Yala National Park Safari Tours, including Kataragama, Pannegamuwa Junction, Debarawewa, Weerawila, Kirinda, Yoda Kandiya, Palatupana, and Tissamaharama.

Guests will be dropped off at the same locations after the safari. The main stop is Yala National Park, where guided wildlife viewing takes place.

The safari itinerary includes:

• Pickup from selected locations

• Transfer to Yala National Park

• Guided wildlife viewing in the park

• Drop-off at the original pickup locations

The tour options range from a 7-hour half-day safari to a 12-hour full-day safari, with both including hotel transfers and complimentary drinks.

Safari Experience and Inclusions

Once at Yala National Park, visitors can expect to experience diverse wildlife up close. The safari tour includes guided viewing of animals like leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off, an experienced guide/driver, breakfast, and water/drinks. The full-day safari also provides lunch. Travelers will ride in a luxurious safari jeep and use provided binoculars to spot elusive animals.

The national park entrance fee isn’t included and must be purchased separately at the gate. The safari experience offers an immersive wildlife encounter.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Yala National Park safari tours have earned an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 99 customer reviews.

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who excel at spotting elusive wildlife like leopards and sloth bears.

Despite varying wildlife visibility, travelers report having positive experiences:

• Sumith, the guide, provided a lovely day despite elephants hiding.

• Yasanka found the elusive leopard and sloth bear.

• Guides’ expertise and ability to locate animals impressed customers.

• Reviewers enjoyed the overall safari experience despite unpredictable wildlife.

Wildlife Sightings and Highlights

Yala National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, and safari-goers on these tours consistently have the opportunity to spot an array of fascinating creatures. Leopards, the park’s primary draw, are often sighted, along with herds of elephants, crocodiles sunbathing on the banks, and a variety of bird species. The guides’ expertise is crucial in locating these elusive animals.

| Animal | Sighting Likelihood |

| —— | ——————- |

| Leopard | High |

| Elephant | High |

| Crocodile | High |

| Sloth Bear | Medium |

| Deer | High |

| Bird Species | High |

Guests praise the guides’ ability to track down and observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience.

Suggested Packing and Attire

When preparing for a Yala National Park safari tour, it’s important to pack appropriately. The weather can be hot and humid, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are a must for navigating the rugged terrain.

Don’t forget to bring:

• Sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen

• Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs

• A small backpack or daypack to carry personal items

• Binoculars to enhance wildlife viewing

Staying hydrated is also crucial, so be sure to pack plenty of water.

With the right gear, you’ll be ready to learn about the wonders of Yala National Park.

Planning Your Yala National Park Adventure

As you plan your Yala National Park adventure, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.

First, choose between the 7-hour half-day or 12-hour full-day safari options, depending on your interests and schedule. Both include hotel transfers, a knowledgeable guide, and refreshments.

Decide on your pickup location from the list of convenient options. Though the park entrance fee isn’t included, the tour covers everything else for a seamless experience.

With flexibility on booking and free cancellation, you can easily secure your spot and adjust plans as needed.

Maximize your chances of wildlife encounters by going with an experienced operator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Yala National Park?

The best time to visit Yala National Park is during the dry season from June to September, when wildlife sightings are more frequent and the weather is ideal for safaris. Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals during this peak season.

Are There Any Special Rules or Regulations to Follow in the Park?

Visitors to Yala National Park must follow strict rules to protect the wildlife and environment. Some key regulations include staying in designated areas, not littering, and maintaining a safe distance from animals. Breaking these rules can result in fines or expulsion from the park.

How Long Does It Typically Take to Spot Wildlife During the Safari?

The safari experience can vary, with some visitors spotting wildlife within an hour while others may need several hours to see animals. Sightings depend on factors like time of day, weather, and animal behavior.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Into the Park?

Visitors can’t bring their own food and drinks into Yala National Park. The tours include complimentary water, cool drinks, and meals as part of the package. This ensures visitors have a comfortable safari experience without the need to pack their own provisions.

Is Photography Allowed During the Safari Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the safari tour. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the diverse wildlife and scenic views they encounter on the guided safari experience.

The Sum Up

Yala National Park Safari Tours offer two exceptional options for exploring Sri Lanka’s stunning wilderness. The half-day and full-day safaris provide an unforgettable opportunity to witness a diverse array of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and unique bird species. With convenient hotel transfers, delicious meals, and a flexible booking policy, these safaris promise an immersive and memorable experience in one of the country’s most captivating natural habitats.

You can check availability for your dates here: