Exploring the renowned Yala National Park on Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast is a bucket-list experience for many nature enthusiasts. The exclusive Yala National Park Afternoon Expedition offers a thrilling 3-hour game drive through this biodiverse haven, renowned for its high density of leopards. Led by English-speaking experts, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s wilderness, with the opportunity to witness a diverse array of wildlife in their natural habitat. With convenient transportation and a flexible cancellation policy, this expedition caters to adventurous travelers seeking an exclusive taste of Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.

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Key Points

Comprehensive 3.5-4 hour tour of Yala National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and high concentration of leopards.
Guided tour with live English-speaking guide, offering insight into the park’s wildlife and ecosystems.
Roundtrip transportation provided from multiple pickup locations around Hambantota, ensuring convenient access.
3-hour game drive included, allowing guests to spot various species such as sloth bears, deer, and elephants.
Wheelchair accessible option available, making the tour inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

What does the exclusive Yala National Park Afternoon Expedition entail?

This 3.5-4 hour tour offers a live English-speaking guide, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and pickup from several locations around Hambantota.

Priced from $55 per person, the expedition includes a 3-hour game drive through the park, known for its rich biodiversity and large leopard population.

Enjoy Yala’s thriving wildlife on a 3-hour game drive, home to a substantial leopard population.

Roundtrip transportation is available from centrally located hotels, with drop-off at the same pickup points.

The tour provides refreshments, water, and covers government taxes, though park entrance fees and gratuities are excluded.

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Itinerary and Transportation

The Yala National Park Afternoon Expedition offers pickup from several convenient locations around Hambantota, including Kataragama, Palatupana, Hambantota, and Tissamaharama.

The game drive lasts 3 hours, and roundtrip transportation is available from centrally located hotels. After the expedition, guests can be dropped off at one of the four pickup locations.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, refreshments, water bottles, jeep hire, and government taxes. Visitors should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, as itineraries may change based on the pickup location.

The activity is wheelchair accessible with a collapsible wheelchair.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

As the Yala National Park Afternoon Expedition includes pickup and drop-off at multiple locations, guests can choose from four convenient options around Hambantota – Kataragama, Palatupana, Hambantota, and Tissamaharama. The roundtrip transportation is available from centrally located hotels, ensuring a seamless experience. The game drive duration is 3 hours, with the total tour lasting 3.5 to 4 hours.

| Pickup Locations | Drop-off Locations |

|——————|——————-|

| Kataragama | Kataragama |

| Palatupana | Tissamaharama |

| Hambantota | Hambantota |

| Tissamaharama | Palatupana |

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Yala National Park boasts a rich biodiversity, home to 44 mammal species and 215 bird species.

It’s renowned for its large concentration of leopards, the highest in the world. This unique opportunity allows visitors to spot these typically elusive predators.

The park’s diverse habitats, ranging from arid scrublands to wetlands, support a wide array of wildlife. Guests may encounter sloth bears, spotted deer, elephants, and a myriad of birds, including the Sri Lankan junglefowl.

Yala’s diverse habitats, from arid scrublands to wetlands, support a wide array of wildlife, including sloth bears, spotted deer, and Sri Lankan junglefowl.

Yala’s exceptional biodiversity makes it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an immersive and exclusive safari experience.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

This expedition includes hotel pickup and drop-off, refreshments, water bottles, jeep hire, and government taxes.

However, the entrance fee to Yala National Park and personal expenses aren’t included in the price. Gratuities are recommended, but optional.

The key inclusions are:

Round-trip transportation from centrally located hotels
Refreshments and bottled water during the 3-hour game drive
All government taxes and jeep hire for the excursion

Guests are responsible for the Yala National Park entrance fee and any additional personal expenses incurred during the trip.

Tips for the guide are appreciated but not compulsory.

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Important Information

Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothes for the expedition. The activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

However, the tour is wheelchair accessible with a collapsible wheelchair. Guests should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Pickup locations and drop-off points may vary depending on your’ location. Itineraries are subject to change based on the pickup location.

Guests are encouraged to bring any personal items they may need during the expedition. The tour operates rain or shine, and guests should be prepared for various weather conditions.

Recommended Attire

Comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended for the expedition. This helps ensure maximum comfort and flexibility during the game drive.

Comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended for the expedition to ensure maximum comfort and flexibility during the game drive.

Some key recommendations include:

Loose, breathable fabrics that will keep you cool.
Closed-toe, sturdy walking shoes for traversing the terrain.
A light jacket or long sleeves to protect against insects and the sun.

Remember to pack sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen, as well. The weather can be warm, so dressing in layers is advisable.

Accessibility and Bookings

Although the expedition is wheelchair accessible with a collapsible wheelchair, guests should notify the tour operator in advance to ensure appropriate accommodations. Bookings can be made online or through the tour operator’s customer service. The tour offers flexible pickup and drop-off locations to suit guests’ needs.

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The expedition is subject to change based on the pickup location, and guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, however, refreshments and water bottles are already included in the tour price. It’s recommended to pack any personal snacks or beverages if desired.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There is no minimum group size requirement for this activity. Individuals can book and participate in the Yala National Park Afternoon Expedition regardless of the group size. The tour can accommodate solo travelers as well as larger groups.

Do I Need a Permit to Take Photographs?

Visitors don’t need a special permit to take photographs in Yala National Park. However, they should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by the park authorities during the tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Customers can cancel their booking without any penalties if they notify the tour provider within this timeframe.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Vehicle?

Customers can’t request a specific type of vehicle for this tour. The tour provider arranges the transportation, which includes roundtrip transfers from centrally located hotels to Yala National Park in shared jeeps.

The Sum Up

The Yala National Park Afternoon Expedition offers a thrilling 3-hour game drive through Sri Lanka’s renowned national park. Guided by an English-speaking expert, guests can expect to see diverse wildlife and the highest concentration of leopards globally. With round-trip transportation, refreshments, and a flexible cancellation policy, this exclusive tour promises an unforgettable journey into nature.