Yala National Park in Sri Lanka is renowned for its diverse wildlife, and the buffer zone offers a unique opportunity to witness the captivating nocturnal activities of the park’s inhabitants. Setting out on a night drive through this enchanting area, visitors can expect to encounter elusive leopards, majestic elephants, and fascinating sloth bears in their natural habitats. With the guidance of an experienced local, this immersive two-hour adventure not only provides a chance to observe wildlife behaviors but also includes essential amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience. As the sun sets, the stage is set for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Yala’s nocturnal world.
Key Points

- Experience the enchanting nighttime world of Yala National Park’s buffer zone on a 2-hour guided night drive led by an experienced local guide.
- Observe the unique behaviors and adaptations of nocturnal wildlife, including the potential sightings of leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.
- Enjoy roundtrip transportation from select hotels, complimentary for children 4 and under with a paying adult, and bottled water and snacks provided.
- Follow safety precautions by wearing appropriate attire, bringing necessary medications and insect repellent, and staying within the vehicle to avoid wildlife interaction.
- Capture lasting memories of this immersive adventure and explore Yala’s nightlife, with an option for free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Activity Overview

Experience a captivating night drive through the buffer zone of Yala National Park. This 2-hour adventure takes you into the park’s enchanting nocturnal world, led by an experienced guide.
Priced from $60 per person, the night drive offers a unique opportunity to observe the diverse wildlife in its natural habitat. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours prior, and you can reserve your spot without upfront payment.
Roundtrip transportation from select hotels is available. Be sure to dress comfortably and arrive at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before pickup.
Children 4 and under are complimentary with a paying adult.
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Experience Highlights

Guided by an experienced team, the night drive in Yala National Park‘s buffer zone offers a unique opportunity to observe the diverse array of nocturnal wildlife behaviors.
Visitors can witness firsthand the captivating nighttime activities of animals like leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. This immersive adventure explores Yala’s enchanting nocturnal world, providing a chance to see species that are rarely encountered during the day.
With the guidance of knowledgeable local experts, guests can gain insights into the fascinating adaptations and habits of Yala’s nocturnal inhabitants, creating lasting memories of this incredible wildlife experience.
Inclusions

The night drive in Yala National Park’s buffer zone includes the service of an English-speaking local guide, who provides valuable insights into the park’s nocturnal wildlife.
Bottled water and snacks are provided, ensuring guests stay hydrated and energized throughout the adventure.
All government taxes are included in the price, allowing for a hassle-free experience.
While personal expenses and gratuities aren’t covered, they’re recommended to show appreciation for the guide’s expertise.
The tour is family-friendly, with complimentary admission for children 4 and under when accompanied by a paying adult.
Important Information

Guests are required to be ready in the hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. Roundtrip transportation is available from most centrally located Yala and Tissamaharama hotels. Gratuity is discretionary, with recommendations provided. Pregnant individuals should not participate due to the nature of the night drive. Comfortable clothing is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
| Important Information | | |
|———————-|——————|——————-|
| Pickup Time | 15 mins before | Pickup Location |
| Hotel Lobby | Centrally Located| Yala/Tissamaharama |
| Gratuity | Discretionary | Recommendations |
| Pregnant Guests | Not Recommended | Comfort Advised |
More Great Tours NearbyChild Policy

Children 4 years and younger are complimentary when accompanied by a paying adult. All children must be accompanied by an adult during the night drive tour. This policy ensures the safety and enjoyment of the entire group.
The tour isn’t recommended for very young children, as the nighttime environment may be overwhelming or unsuitable. Parents are responsible for supervising their children throughout the experience.
Strict age limits are in place to maintain the integrity of the tour and prevent disruptions. The child policy give you a comfortable and memorable wildlife experience for guests of all ages.
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What to See on the Night Drive
What can one expect to see during the night drive in Yala National Park? The nocturnal adventure offers a chance to observe the park’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
Participants may spot leopards, sloth bears, civets, and a variety of birds and reptiles. With the guidance of experienced local guides, visitors can witness the unique behaviors of these animals as they hunt, forage, and navigate the dark landscape.
The night drive provides a rare and immersive glimpse into Yala’s enchanting nocturnal world, allowing guests to connect with the park’s natural rhythms in a truly memorable way.
Safety Precautions
While the night drive offers an immersive experience in Yala’s nocturnal world, participants must also prioritize their safety.
Wear appropriate, comfortable attire and footwear. Bring any necessary medications and insect repellent. Follow all instructions from the experienced guide, who’s trained to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Stay within the vehicle at all times, as approaching or interacting with wildlife can be dangerous.
With these precautions in mind, participants can focus on the wonders of Yala’s nightlife and create lasting memories from this unique excursion.
How to Book Your Night Drive
To book your night drive in Yala National Park, visitors can conveniently reserve their spot online or contact the tour operator directly.
Visitors can conveniently reserve their spot online or contact the tour operator directly to book a night drive in Yala National Park.
The activity is priced from $60.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours for a full refund. Payment can be made later, allowing visitors to secure their spot without upfront payment.
Roundtrip transportation from most centrally located Yala and Tissamaharama hotels is available. Guests should be ready in the hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
Gratuity for the guide is discretionary, and pregnant individuals shouldn’t participate.
Common Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Night Drive?
You can bring your own food and drinks on the night drive, but bottled water and snacks are already included in the tour. Bringing additional items is permitted, though the tour provides sustenance during the experience.
Is Photography Allowed During the Night Drive?
Photography is allowed during the night drive, but guests are advised to use flash sparingly to avoid disturbing the wildlife. The guide can provide tips on capturing the best photos in low-light conditions.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Vehicles Used?
The night drive uses open-air safari vehicles that are specially equipped for wildlife viewing. There are no restrictions on the types of vehicles used, as long as they meet safety and accessibility requirements for the park’s terrain.
Is There an Age Limit for Participants?
The night drive has no age limit, but children 4 and younger can attend for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Pregnant individuals, however, are advised not to participate in this activity.
Can I Request a Specific Guide for the Night Drive?
Guests can’t request a specific guide for the night drive. The tour operator assigns guides based on availability and expertise. However, the experienced team ensures all guests have an immersive and knowledgeable experience spotting nocturnal wildlife.
The Sum Up
Set out on a thrilling night drive through Yala National Park’s buffer zone to spot elusive leopards, majestic elephants, and fascinating sloth bears. This immersive two-hour adventure offers a unique opportunity to observe wildlife behaviors, with free admission for children under four and bottled water and snacks included. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience to connect with the enchanting world of nocturnal wildlife.
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