Explore the stunning wilderness of Yala National Park with an exhilarating day tour from Ella. This all-inclusive package whisks you away on a scenic 2-hour drive to the park, where you’ll embark on a thrilling 3-hour safari in a rugged 4×4. Along the way, catch glimpses of Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife, from majestic leopards to gentle elephants. With expert guidance and hassle-free booking, this is an opportunity to learn about nature while supporting eco-friendly tourism. What else can this tour offer?

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Key Points

This 9-hour tour offers pickup from Ella and drop-off in Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Mirissa, or Galle, along with a 3-hour guided safari in Yala National Park.
The tour includes a 2-hour transfer to Yala, a wildlife-spotting safari, and a 2-hour return transfer, with an experienced guide providing insights and photography tips.
Participants can expect to see leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, buffaloes, monkeys, and various bird species during the safari.
The tour provides a sustainable and eco-friendly wildlife viewing experience, supporting local communities, and is rated 5/5 based on 24 positive customer reviews.
The tour price ranges from $15.97 to $12.78 per person, with a 20% savings, and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a professional driver-guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 9-hour tour is called "Ella: Drop to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle & Yala Tour".

Priced from $15.97 to $12.78 per person, it offers a 20% savings.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Reservation is easy – just book your spot with no upfront payment.

Pickups are available from Wellawaya, Bandarawela, and Ella, while drop-offs cover Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, and Galle.

The tour includes a 3-hour guided wildlife safari in Yala National Park, with the chance to spot leopards, elephants, and more.

Looking for more options in Matara? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a car transfer that takes approximately 2 hours to reach Yala National Park.

Once at the park, guests embark on a 3-hour guided safari in a rugged 4×4 vehicle with individual seating. The experienced guide shares wildlife insights and photography tips as the group encounters leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, buffaloes, monkeys, and diverse bird species.

After the safari, the group is transferred back to their drop-off locations, which include Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, Galle, and suburbs, a journey that takes around 2 hours.

Wildlife Safari Experience

What highlights can visitors expect during the Yala National Park wildlife safari?

Travelers have the best chance of spotting elusive leopards during dawn or dusk. Beyond leopards, the safari offers encounters with other iconic Sri Lankan wildlife such as elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, buffaloes, and diverse bird species.

Visitors can expect the best chances of spotting elusive leopards during dawn or dusk, along with encounters with other iconic Sri Lankan wildlife.

The safari operations are sustainable and eco-friendly, supporting local communities. An English-speaking guide provides expert insights and photography tips throughout the 3-hour excursion in a rugged 4X4 vehicle with individual seating.

From thrilling wildlife viewing to responsible tourism, this safari promises an unforgettable experience.

Pricing and Inclusions

The tour’s pricing and inclusions provide a clear breakdown of the costs and what travelers can expect.

The Yala National Park entrance fee, approximately $43, isn’t included in the tour price. However, the tour includes pickup from hotels in the Ella area, drop-off in specified areas, a professional driver cum guide, and a 3-hour wildlife safari in a rugged 4×4 vehicle with individual seating.

Children aged 5 and under are free, while those aged 5-12 receive a 50% discount, but must be accompanied by an adult.

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Pickup and Drop-off Locations

According to the tour overview, pickups are available from Wellawaya, Bandarawela, and Ella. The tour then provides drop-offs in several locations:

| Destination | Location |

|————-|———-|

| Tangalle | South |

| Hiriketiya | South |

| Matara | South |

| Mirissa | South |

| Weligama | South |

| Unawatuna | South |

| Galle | South |

| Suburbs | South |

This convenient transportation allows travelers to easily access and explore the tour’s highlights, including Yala National Park and the southern coastal areas.

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Guide and Safari Vehicle

On the wildlife safari experience, travelers can expect a live English-speaking guide to provide insights and photography tips throughout the 3-hour journey.

The guide’s expertise allows them to:

Identify various animal species and their behaviors.
Share fascinating stories about the park’s ecology and conservation efforts.
Suggest optimal vantage points for the best wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
Ensure a safe and responsible safari experience that respects the natural environment.

The safari is conducted in a rugged 4×4 vehicle, offering individual seating for a comfortable and immersive exploration of Yala National Park.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have consistently lauded the tour, with an overall rating of 5/5 based on 24 reviews. Guests praise the convenience and exciting wildlife encounters.

The knowledgeable guides receive particular acclaim for their efforts to provide the best views while respecting the animals. Reviewers recommend the tour for families and friends seeking a thrilling safari experience.

One traveler noted, "Our guide was fantastic – he knew exactly where to find the leopards and other wildlife."

Another said, "This was the highlight of our trip to Sri Lanka. We saw so much amazing wildlife in Yala."

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can reserve their spot on the tour without any upfront payment, allowing them to book now and pay later.

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Some key points about the booking and cancellation policy:

Reserve your tour with no upfront payment.
Cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour.
Get a full refund if you need to cancel.
Secure your spot now and pay when you’re ready.

This tour provides the convenience and flexibility travelers appreciate when planning their Sri Lankan adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can bring your own food and drinks on the safari. However, the tour operator recommends enjoying the local cuisine during stops and not consuming food or drinks that could disturb the wildlife within the national park.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the tour, but children 5 and under are free, and ages 5-12 receive a 50% discount. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Locations?

The tour itinerary can be customized to visit additional locations, subject to availability and feasibility. Guests should consult with the tour operator to discuss any modifications or special requests prior to booking.

What Should I Bring for the Safari Experience?

For the safari experience, visitors should bring binoculars, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and snacks or water. Wearing comfortable, neutral-colored clothing and closed-toe shoes is also recommended to blend in with the safari environment.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration. The tour operator offers flexible options to customize the itinerary and extend the safari experience in Yala National Park or add more stops along the way, based on your preferences and availability.

The Sum Up

The Ella to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa/Galle & Yala tour offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. Enjoy a scenic car transfer, thrilling 4×4 safari, and expert guidance on photographing leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species. With easy reservations, no upfront payment, and free cancellation, it’s a hassle-free way to explore Yala National Park’s breathtaking nature. This eco-friendly tour provides an opportunity to support sustainable tourism.

You can check availability for your dates here: