7-Hour Safari Tour Yala National Park

Exploring the untamed wilderness of Yala National Park on a 7-hour safari tour is an exhilarating experience not to be missed. Departing at the crack of dawn, visitors can expect an immersive journey through the park’s diverse landscapes, accompanied by an experienced driver-tracker who’ll share their expert knowledge. From spotting majestic leopards to encountering towering elephants, the tour promises a thrilling encounter with Sri Lanka’s abundant wildlife. While the early start time may seem daunting, the rewards of beating the crowds and maximizing wildlife sightings make this safari a must-do for nature enthusiasts. What surprises await those who embark on this captivating expedition?

Key Points

This 7-hour safari tour of Yala National Park operates from 4:30 am to 11:30 am, providing the opportunity to spot wildlife like leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and wild boars.
The tour includes private transportation, bottled water, an experienced safari driver who also serves as a tracker, and a personalized and informative journey.
Entrance fees for Yala National Park are not included, with non-Sri Lankans paying $30-$35 for adults and $15-$20 for children, while Sri Lankans pay $5-$10.
Pickup is provided from selected hotels around the Yala area, starting at 5:00 am, ensuring guests are at the park gates early to secure the best spots.
The tour offers a luxury safari jeep and a personalized experience, maximizing wildlife viewing by beating the crowds and providing a knowledgeable safari driver.

Tour Overview

This 7-hour safari tour of Yala National Park takes visitors from 4:30 am to 11:30 am, providing a chance to spot an abundance of wildlife including leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and wild boars.

Yala National Park is a must-see destination for most travelers to Sri Lanka.

The early departure time allows guests to beat the crowds and get near the front of the line, maximizing their chances of observing the park’s famous inhabitants.

The tour package includes private transportation, bottled water, and an experienced safari driver who also serves as a tracker, ensuring a personalized and informative experience for the group.

Tour Details

The tour includes several key details to enhance the safari experience. Guests can expect private transportation, bottled water, and an experienced safari driver who also serves as a tracker, providing a personalized and informative journey through Yala National Park.

The package includes free hotel pickup and drop-off for those staying in the Yala area.

To ensure an early start and maximize wildlife viewing opportunities, the tour departs at 5:00 AM, with the group being the first in line for ticketing.

While entrance fees aren’t included, the tour provides a full-day option that includes lunch, allowing guests to fully enjoy the park’s diverse ecosystem.

Inclusions

The safari tour packages include private transportation, bottled water, and an experienced safari driver who also serves as a tracker, providing a personalized and informative journey through Yala National Park.

Guests won’t have to worry about navigating or finding their own way, as they’ll be picked up from select hotels in the Yala area. The luxury safari jeep fees are also included, ensuring a comfortable and high-quality experience.

With these inclusions, travelers can focus on spotting the park’s incredible wildlife, like leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and wild boars, without the hassle of logistics. This comprehensive tour package allows visitors to make the most of their time in Yala National Park.

Exclusions

While the safari tour packages include a comprehensive set of amenities, the entrance fees for Yala National Park aren’t covered. Travelers must purchase these separately upon arrival at the park.

The entrance fees are as follows:

Adults (Non-Sri Lankan): $30-$35 USD
Children (Non-Sri Lankan): $15-$20 USD
Sri Lankans: $5-$10 USD
Camera/Video Fees: Additional $5-$10 USD

These fees directly support the conservation efforts and maintenance of Yala National Park, ensuring its natural beauty and diverse wildlife populations are preserved for future generations. Travelers should budget accordingly and plan to pay these fees in cash upon entry to the park.

Pickup Details

We pick you up early from selected hotels around the Yala area starting at 5.00 am to ensure you’re first in line for ticketing.

This includes hotels in Tissamaharama, Bundala, Kirinda, Kataragama, and the greater Yala region.

Being the first ones there means you’ll have the best chance of securing prime spots for your safari tour.

If your hotel isn’t located within these designated pickup areas, an additional fee may apply.

Regardless of where you’re staying, we’ll make sure you’re at the park gates bright and early, ready to begin your unforgettable Yala National Park adventure.

Exploring Yala National Park

Upon entering Yala National Park, visitors embark on an extraordinary safari adventure, immersed in the diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife that make this destination a premier attraction in Sri Lanka.

The guided tour offers a chance to witness:

Majestic elephants roaming freely across the grasslands
Elusive leopards, the park’s most prized residents, lurking in the shadows
Fearsome crocodiles basking on the banks of the park’s lagoons and rivers
Herds of wild boar scurrying through the dense scrublands
Vibrant birdlife, including the iconic peacock, soaring overhead

Explorers are captivated by the park’s raw, untamed beauty and the opportunity to observe these remarkable creatures in their natural habitats.

Spotting Wildlife

During the safari tour, visitors are captivated by the opportunity to spot a diverse array of wildlife within Yala National Park.

The park is home to numerous species, including the elusive leopard, majestic elephants, and the cunning crocodiles lounging on the banks. Guests may also catch glimpses of wild boars, deer, and an array of birdlife.

With the expert guidance of the safari driver, who also acts as a skilled tracker, the chances of sighting these magnificent creatures increase significantly.

Visitors are advised to keep their cameras ready, as the opportunity to photograph these animals in their natural habitat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The thrill of spotting and observing the wildlife is undoubtedly a highlight of the Yala National Park safari tour.

Tour Options

The Yala National Park safari tour offers visitors several options to choose from, catering to their preferences and budgets.

Guests can opt for a 7-hour early morning safari, departing at 4:30 AM to beat the crowds and maximize their wildlife viewing opportunities. This package includes private transportation, bottled water, an experienced safari driver, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Visitors can also choose a full-day option that includes lunch.

Plus, the tour provides:

Private Jeep for your group
Entrance fees (purchased separately)
Luxury safari Jeep
Free hotel pickup and drop-off in the Yala area
Experienced safari driver who also acts as a tracker

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the safari, but the tour provider includes bottled water and snacks. Bringing additional items is allowed, though the tour package covers basic refreshments during the excursion.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

There is no minimum group size required for this safari tour. The tour is offered as a private experience, allowing travelers to explore Yala National Park with just their group and a dedicated driver-tracker.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Safari?

The safari tour does not have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. However, the safari experience may not be suitable for very young children due to the length of the tour and potential wildlife sightings.

Can I Get a Refund if I Cancel the Tour?

The tour operator typically has a cancellation policy that outlines the conditions for a refund. Guests should review the policy prior to booking and contact the operator as soon as possible if they need to cancel the tour.

How Often Do the Safari Vehicles Enter the Park?

The safari vehicles typically enter Yala National Park multiple times per day, with early morning and late afternoon being the most popular times. The frequency can vary depending on park policies and visitor demand.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby