Yala National Park Wildlife Safari From Bentota

Exploring Yala National Park‘s diverse wildlife is a thrilling prospect for nature enthusiasts visiting Bentota. This 7-hour safari adventure promises up-close encounters with majestic leopards, herds of elephants, and a wealth of bird species. With comfortable transportation and a guided game drive, travelers can enjoy Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. However, the true allure lies in the unpredictable nature of the safari experience, where every moment holds the potential for unexpected sightings and unforgettable memories.

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Key Points

Yala National Park Safari from Bentota is a 7-hour thrilling wildlife adventure along Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast with encounters of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
The safari provides an opportunity to witness one of the highest leopard populations globally, as well as herds of majestic elephants and elusive sloth bears.
The safari includes pickup from Kalutara or Bentota, transportation in an air-conditioned shared vehicle, and a 3-hour game drive within Yala National Park.
The safari is priced from $145 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and immediate confirmation upon booking.
Guests must respect the natural surroundings and follow guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable safari experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Yala National Park Safari

The Yala National Park safari is a thrilling wildlife adventure along Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast. Operated from Bentota, this 7-hour activity promises encounters with an array of animals, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles.

Priced from $145 per person, the safari includes pickup, transportation, park entry, and wildlife viewing by shared jeep. Yala is renowned for its high leopard population and diverse bird species.

The itinerary covers a 3-hour game drive within the park, with an optional lunch stop at a local restaurant. Advance booking is recommended, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.

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Highlights of the Yala National Park

Known for its remarkable biodiversity, Yala National Park boasts an abundance of captivating wildlife.

Yala National Park is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and abundance of captivating wildlife.

Visitors can expect to encounter:

One of the highest leopard populations globally, making it a prime destination for spotting these elusive big cats.
Herds of majestic elephants roaming the landscape, showcasing their impressive size and strength.
Elusive sloth bears, known for their unique foraging behavior and agility.
A diverse array of bird species, including the endemic Sri Lankan junglefowl and a variety of migratory waterfowl.

These diverse wildlife encounters make Yala National Park a truly remarkable safari destination.

Itinerary and Transportation Details

The wildlife safari tour begins with a pickup from either Kalutara or Bentota, which is approximately a 3.25-hour journey to Yala National Park.

Guests will travel in an air-conditioned shared vehicle before switching to a safari jeep for the 3-hour game drive.

During the safari, they’ll have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and diverse bird species.

After the game drive, an optional lunch at a local restaurant is available for an additional fee.

The tour then returns to the original pickup locations, which takes another 3.25 hours.

Booking and Payment Information

Guests can reserve their spot on the wildlife safari tour without any upfront payment.

Reserve your spot on the wildlife safari tour with no upfront payment required.

Booking is flexible, as cancellations up to 24 hours in advance will receive a full refund. Confirmation is provided immediately upon booking.

The key booking and payment details include:

Reserve now & pay later
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Confirmation received at time of booking
Additional charges may apply for different pickup/drop-off locations

These policies provide convenience and flexibility for guests planning their Yala National Park safari adventure.

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Important Guidelines and Restrictions

Although the Yala National Park safari is an exciting wildlife adventure, there are some important guidelines and restrictions that guests must be aware of.

The safari isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s subject to weather conditions – alternative dates may be offered if it’s canceled due to poor weather. Late arrivals or no-shows won’t be refunded, and guests won’t be allowed to join once the event starts.

Guests must respect the natural surroundings and not feed the animals. Re-entry isn’t permitted after leaving the venue.

Following these rules ensures a safe and enjoyable safari experience for everyone.

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Inclusions and Additional Information

Included in the Yala National Park safari package are hotel pick-up and drop-off, bottled water, the entrance fee to the park, and optional gratuities.

The tour operator provides a WhatsApp contact for better coordination throughout the experience. Additional charges may apply for different drop-off locations or if pickup is outside city limits.

Park management reserves the right to inspect packages and bags before entry.

The safari experience includes:

Guaranteed sightings of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and diverse bird species
No wheelchair accessibility
Cancellation policy allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance
No re-entry permitted after leaving the venue

Pickup Locations and Accessibility

The Yala National Park safari experience can be accessed from two pickup locations – Kalutara and Bentota.

The air-conditioned shared vehicle used for transportation will pick you up from either of these locations. The safari drive itself is conducted by jeep, which is also shared.

Transportation for the safari is provided by an air-conditioned shared vehicle, which will pick you up from either Kalutara or Bentota. The safari itself is conducted by shared jeep.

Unfortunately, the safari experience isn’t wheelchair accessible. Participants should be aware that the tour is subject to weather conditions, and alternative dates may be offered if the original date is canceled due to poor weather.

Late arrivals or no-shows can’t be refunded, and re-entry isn’t permitted once you’ve left the venue.

Weather Considerations and Cancellation Policy

The Yala National Park safari is subject to weather conditions, and the tour operator reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the activity if poor weather poses a safety concern.

Guests will be offered alternative dates should a cancellation occur due to inclement weather. Some key weather-related policies include:

Safari may be canceled due to heavy rain, strong winds, or other hazardous conditions.
Alternative dates are provided at no additional cost if the safari is canceled.
There are no refunds for no-shows or late arrivals, as punctuality is essential for the smooth operation of the tour.
Guests are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and bring necessary protection.

Common Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Safari?

According to the information provided, guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the safari. However, the tour operator does not include any meals in the package, so additional charges may apply for consuming outside food during the tour.

Are There Any Safety Precautions We Should Be Aware Of?

Travelers should be aware of wildlife safety precautions like not approaching animals, staying inside the vehicle, and following the guide’s instructions. It’s also important to avoid littering and respect the park’s natural environment.

Can We Extend the Duration of the Safari On-Site?

The duration of the safari cannot be extended on-site. It’s a fixed 3-hour game drive within Yala National Park. Any changes to the itinerary would need to be arranged in advance with the tour operator.

Are Photography and Videography Allowed During the Safari?

Photography and videography are generally allowed during the safari, but visitors must avoid disturbing the wildlife. It’s important to follow the park’s guidelines and instructions from the tour guides to ensure a respectful and safe experience.

How Many People Are Typically in a Shared Safari Vehicle?

The shared safari vehicles typically accommodate 6-8 passengers. The exact number may vary depending on the specific tour operator and vehicle used, but groups are generally kept small to provide an optimal wildlife viewing experience.

The Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure in Yala National Park from Bentota. Witness the park’s diverse fauna, including majestic leopards, elephants, and bird species, in their natural habitat. With comfortable transportation, a thrilling game drive, and flexible booking policies, this safari offers an immersive experience of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. Don’t miss this chance to explore one of the country’s premier national parks.