Yala National Park Leopard Safari
Half-day 4×4 safari in Yala Block 1 — the world's highest density of wild leopards, plus elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles.
Overview
Yala is Sri Lanka''s most famous national park and one of the best places on earth to spot a wild leopard. Our safaris go out with a private, custom-built open-top 4×4 jeep and a licensed tracker who works the park daily and radios with other drivers to follow live sightings. You can choose a morning drive (best for leopards and bird life) or an afternoon drive (best for elephants at the waterholes). Full-day and back-to-back "safari + Kataragama temple" combinations are available on request. Camera clients: the low-profile Toyota Land Cruiser is available at supplement for a clear, roof-free shooting angle. **Best season:** Feb–Jul (dry season, best sightings) · **Difficulty:** Easy · **Suitable for:** All ages, wildlife photographers · **Note:** Yala Block 1 closes annually in September for renewal — we switch to Kumana or Lunugamvehera in that window.
Itinerary
- 04:30Pickup from your Yala / Tissamaharama hotel
- 05:30Park entrance at Palatupana gate, tracker briefing
- 06:00–10:304×4 game drive in Block 1 with tea, coffee, snacks
- 10:30Exit park and return to hotel
- OptionalAdd a coastal stop at Kirinda temple or Rekawa turtle beach
What's included
- Private 4×4 open-top safari jeep
- Licensed tracker/driver
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tea, coffee, biscuits and bottled water
- Binoculars on board
- Bird & mammal checklist
Not included
- Yala Block 1 park entrance (~USD 35 per person)
- Meals
- Camera / drone fees
- Gratuities for tracker
Yala National Park Leopard Safari — FAQs
- How long is the Yala National Park Leopard Safari?
- This tour runs for a full day. Start times are flexible — we agree the pickup time with you once the booking is confirmed.
- What does the price include?
- The price covers: Private 4×4 open-top safari jeep, Licensed tracker/driver, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Tea, coffee, biscuits and bottled water, Binoculars on board, Bird & mammal checklist.
- Where does the tour start?
- We pick you up from your hotel or another agreed address. Tell us where you are staying when you book and we will confirm the pickup point.
- How many people can join?
- Up to 6 guests travel in one private vehicle. Larger groups are possible with a second vehicle — just ask.
- Can I change the itinerary?
- Yes. This is a private tour, so you can add or drop stops. If the change affects distance or time we will let you know the revised price before you travel.
- Can I cancel?
- Yes — free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts.