Yala National Park Private Safari From Ella

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destination, beckons adventurous travelers seeking an up-close encounter with the country’s diverse fauna. The private safari from Ella offers a thrilling 7-hour experience, transporting guests through scenic landscapes to the park’s gates. Once inside, a soft-top Jeep safari promises sightings of the elusive leopard, majestic elephants, and the enigmatic sloth bear, all while adhering to safety guidelines. This exclusive tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Yala’s captivating wilderness.

Key Points

• A 7-hour private safari tour from Ella to Yala National Park, priced from $105 per person.
• The tour includes a 2-hour journey to the park, a 4-hour wildlife viewing safari in a soft-top Jeep, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Opportunity to spot diverse wildlife like leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and wild water buffalo in their natural habitat.
• Tour includes air-conditioned transport and an English-speaking chauffeur, but excludes personal expenses, food, drinks, gratuities, and entrance fees.
• Certain restrictions apply, such as the tour not being suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Yala National Park Private Safari from Ella offers a comprehensive wildlife viewing experience. Priced from $105 per person, this 7-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve the tour and pay later.

The safari departs from Ella and travels to Yala National Park, a 2-hour journey. Guests will enjoy a 4-hour wildlife viewing safari in a soft-top Jeep, spotting various animals such as leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking chauffeur. However, personal expenses, food, and entrance fees aren’t included.

Itinerary and Schedule

The Yala National Park Private Safari from Ella begins with pickup from your hotel in Ella, which is followed by a 2-hour journey to the national park.

Once at Yala, you’ll embark on a 4-hour wildlife viewing safari in a soft-top Jeep. During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife like leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and wild water buffalo.

The tour concludes with a return to Ella by 7:30 PM. Please note that itineraries are subject to change.

Safari Experience

Setting out on a safari in a soft-top Jeep, visitors can enjoy Yala National Park‘s diverse wildlife and natural beauty.

The park hosts a wide range of species, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and wild water buffalo. Witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat at dawn or dusk is a thrilling experience.

Visitors can explore the park’s lush landscapes, home to a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.

The safari provides an opportunity to appreciate the park’s ecological richness and the delicate balance of its ecosystems.

Inclusions and Transportation

As part of the Yala National Park safari tour, the package includes several key inclusions to ensure a seamless and convenient experience.

Travelers will enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transport in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day. An English-speaking chauffeur will accompany the group, providing guidance and insights.

The safari itself will be conducted in a soft-top Jeep, allowing for unobstructed views of the diverse wildlife. All taxes and service charges are also included, making for a hassle-free adventure.

Personal expenses, food, drinks, gratuities, and entrance fees, however, aren’t covered.

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Important Information and Restrictions

Certain restrictions apply to this Yala National Park safari tour.

It’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems. Smoking is prohibited during the excursion.

This is a private tour, so only your group will participate. The tour price doesn’t cover personal expenses, food, drinks, gratuities, or entrance fees.

Participants should be aware of these important guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

While flexibility is maintained, adherence to these rules helps maintain the integrity of the safari and provides a better overall experience for all guests.

Getting to Yala National Park

How does one reach Yala National Park for this safari experience? The 2-hour drive from Ella is the main way to access the park.

The journey involves:

1. Departing from your hotel or accommodation in Ella in the morning.

2. Traveling by air-conditioned vehicle along the scenic mountain roads and passing through small towns and villages.

3. Arriving at the entrance of Yala National Park, where you’ll meet your private safari guide and begin your wildlife viewing adventure.

The convenient transportation provided ensures a comfortable and efficient trip to this renowned safari destination.

Wildlife Sightings in Yala

Once visitors arrive at Yala National Park, they’re immersed in a wildlife-rich environment teeming with diverse species.

The park is renowned for its healthy leopard population, and safari-goers often spot these elusive big cats lounging on rocky outcrops or prowling through the brush.

Elephants, sloth bears, wild water buffalo, and a variety of deer species are also commonly sighted.

The park’s diverse habitats – from dense forests to grassy plains – support a wealth of birds, reptiles, and other smaller mammals.

With expert guides navigating the terrain, visitors can maximize their chances of encountering Yala’s remarkable wildlife.

Preparing for Your Safari Adventure

As visitors prepare for their safari adventure in Yala National Park, they’ll want to ensure they pack the right gear and plan accordingly.

To make the most of their wildlife viewing experience, it’s recommended to:

1. Wear comfortable, neutral-colored clothing that can withstand the elements.

2. Bring a camera with a telephoto lens to capture stunning photos of the diverse wildlife.

3. Pack plenty of sun protection, such as a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as the park can be quite hot and sunny.

Proper preparation will help ensure a safe and enjoyable safari in Yala National Park.

Common Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Yala National Park?

The best time to visit Yala National Park is during the dry season between May and September, when wildlife is easier to spot and the weather is mild. Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals, including leopards, elephants, and birds.

Are There Any Restrictions on Camera Usage During the Safari?

There are no restrictions on camera usage during the safari. Visitors are free to take photos and videos throughout the tour to capture the diverse wildlife and stunning natural scenery of the park.

Can I See the Big Five Animals During the Safari?

The safari may allow visitors to spot a variety of wildlife like leopards, elephants, and sloth bears, but the "big five" animals are not guaranteed due to the park’s diverse habitat and unpredictable nature of animal sightings.

Is There an Opportunity to Interact With the Local Wildlife?

The safari offers the chance to spot diverse wildlife like leopards, elephants, and sloth bears in their natural habitats. However, direct interaction with the animals is not allowed as it could disturb the wildlife and their ecosystems.

Can I Request Specific Wildlife Sightings During the Safari?

Visitors can request to see specific wildlife during the safari, but sightings are not guaranteed as the animals roam freely in their natural habitat. Safari guides will make every effort to locate the requested animals, though their presence can’t be assured.

The Sum Up

The Yala National Park Private Safari from Ella offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. Travelers can expect to spot a variety of animals, including leopards, elephants, and sloth bears, during the 4-hour safari. With convenient hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and an English-speaking guide, this private tour ensures a safe and enjoyable adventure in Yala’s natural habitat.

You can check availability for your dates here: