Embark on an unforgettable safari adventure with a convenient pickup from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, or Talpe. This 9.5-hour tour promises an immersive experience in Yala National Park, where you’ll witness Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife, including elusive leopards, majestic elephants, and a diverse array of bird species. Explore the park with knowledgeable guides, and enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned transportation throughout your journey. With flexible payment options and generous cancellation policies, this safari is an opportunity not to be missed.

Key Points

Yala National Park safari tours available from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, and Talpe, with pickup and drop-off service provided.
9.5-hour tour costing €87.49 per person, with flexible payment options and full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Shared safari vehicles with a maximum of 12 participants for a personalized experience, including two 3-hour game drives in Yala National Park.
Opportunity to spot diverse wildlife like leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and various bird species, with knowledgeable driver-guides providing insights.
Entrance fee to Yala National Park and optional meal packages available, with discounts for children under 12.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour starts at €87.49 per person and lasts 9.5 hours.

A 9.5-hour tour with a cost of €87.49 per person for a small, personalized experience.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Payment can be made later, allowing for flexible travel plans.

The group size is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a small and personalized experience.

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Pickup and Transportation

Pickup from hotels in Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Talpe, Dodanduwa, and Rathgama is provided.

Guests are transferred in air-conditioned cars or minivans on a sharing basis.

Morning safaris depart at either 2:30 a.m. or 3:00 a.m., while afternoon safaris leave at 11:00 a.m. with lunch or 11:30 a.m. without lunch.

Guests are dropped off at the same locations around 12:30 p.m.

The convenient pickup and transportation service ensures a seamless start to the safari adventure.

Safari Itinerary

After pickup at the designated time, guests are transferred to Tissamaharama to make payment for any meals. The shared safari vehicle departs around 5:30 a.m. for the morning wildlife safari with two game drives, totaling 3 hours in Yala National Park. Guests then enjoy a 20-30 minute break at Patanangala Beach before returning to Tissamaharama and being dropped off at their original pickup locations.

| Safari Itinerary | | |

|—————–|——————-|——————-|

| Pickup Time | Morning: 2:30 a.m. or 3:00 a.m.
Afternoon: 11:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. | |

| Safari Duration | 3 hours | Break: 20-30 mins |

| Drop-off Time | Around 12:30 p.m. | |

Wildlife Experience and Highlights

Guests have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife during the safari, including the Sri Lankan leopard, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, buffaloes, and diverse bird species.

Yala National Park is renowned for having the highest leopard density in the world, with approximately 100 individual leopards.

Yala National Park is renowned for its staggering leopard population, home to approximately 100 individual leopards.

The safari operations are eco-friendly and support the local community. Knowledgeable driver-guides provide insights into the wildlife’s behavior and habitats.

Visitors can expect an immersive experience in the heart of Sri Lanka’s wilderness, with the chance to encounter some of the country’s most iconic and elusive species.

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Entrance Fee and Payment Options

The entrance fee to Yala National Park is Sri Lankan Rupees 11,000 (approximately $37) per person, payable in cash or by credit card. This fee is not included in the tour price. Meals can be added at an additional cost, with breakfast at $8 per person and lunch at $10 per person. Children under 5 ride free, while those aged 5-12 receive a 50% discount. The tour requires a minimum of two guests for bookings. The available meal and payment options are summarized in the table below:

|—|—|—|—|

| Adult | $8 | $10 | $37 |

| Child (5-12) | $4 | $5 | $18.50 |

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Meal Options

Depending on personal preferences, guests can choose to add breakfast and/or lunch to their Yala Safari experience.

Breakfast is available for $8 per person, while lunch costs $10 per person. These meals can be pre-booked or purchased on the day of the safari.

The lunch option includes a traditional Sri Lankan meal, allowing visitors to savor the local cuisine during their wildlife adventure.

Savor the local cuisine of Sri Lanka during your wildlife adventure with the lunch option at Yala Safari.

Whether guests prefer to pack their own snacks or indulge in the catered meals, the safari experience caters to various dietary needs and preferences, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying day in Yala National Park.

Child Policies

Children under 5 ride free, while those aged 5-12 receive a 50% discount on the Yala Safari tour. This family-friendly policy ensures that even the little ones can experience the wonder of the safari adventure.

The key child policies are:

Children under 5 ride for free
Children aged 5-12 receive a 50% discount
Minimum of two guests required for bookings

The safari operator understands the importance of making the Yala experience accessible to families, creating an unforgettable opportunity to connect with Sri Lanka’s remarkable wildlife.

Tour Restrictions and Requirements

What restrictions and requirements come with the Yala Safari tour?

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users. A minimum of two guests is required for bookings.

Entrance fees to Yala National Park, around $37, aren’t included – they’re payable in cash or by credit card.

Guests can request meals, with breakfast costing $8 and lunch $10 per person.

Children under 5 ride free, while those aged 5-12 get a 50% discount.

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Safari?

You can bring your own food and drinks on the safari. The tour does not provide meals, but you have the option to purchase breakfast and lunch for an additional fee if desired.

What Should I Pack for the Safari?

Travelers should pack essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, binoculars, camera, and snacks/water. Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring any necessary medications. Avoid bringing valuables and follow the safari operator’s guidelines for a smooth experience.

Is There Wi-Fi or Mobile Coverage During the Safari?

During the safari, there is limited mobile coverage, and Wi-Fi is not available. The remote location of Yala National Park means travelers should expect limited connectivity and plan accordingly for an immersive wildlife experience.

Can I Extend the Safari Duration or Add Additional Activities?

The tour provider offers a standard 9.5-hour safari package, but you can’t extend the duration or add extra activities. However, you may be able to customize the itinerary by requesting special meals or requesting a private tour for an additional fee.

Are There Any Special Considerations for Persons With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with back issues. Pregnant women are also advised against joining. Guests should consider their physical abilities before booking to ensure a comfortable and safe safari experience.

The Sum Up

This Yala Safari tour from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, or Talpe offers an immersive wildlife experience. Travelers can enjoy convenient pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and knowledgeable guides to spot leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species in Yala National Park. With flexible payment options and cancellation policies, this safari provides an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts.

From: Hikkaduwa/ Galle/ Unawatuna/ Talpe – YALA Safari