Nestled along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, the quaint town of Ahangama serves as the ideal gateway to the captivating Yala National Park. Travelers seeking an unforgettable wildlife adventure can embark on a comprehensive safari, complete with hotel pickup and an air-conditioned journey to this renowned ecological haven. Over the course of 11 hours, guests will be immersed in the park’s diverse landscapes, where the possibility of encountering majestic leopards, gentle elephants, and an array of other creatures in their natural habitats awaits. With a knowledgeable English-speaking guide leading the way, this safari promises to be a truly remarkable experience, leaving one eager to uncover more about the wonders of Yala National Park.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best National Park Tours In Hambantota.
Good To Know
- 11-hour safari in Yala National Park priced at $197 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Safari conducted in a soft-top jeep for wildlife sightings, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and wild water buffalo.
- Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transport, and an English-speaking guide for a 3-hour guided tour.
- Immersive experience in Yala’s rugged terrain to witness the park’s abundant wildlife and diverse landscapes.
- Convenient pickup from Ahangama hotel and return by 8:30 PM, completing a full day of nature exploration.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The adventure of a Yala National Park safari beckons travelers, offering an immersive exploration of Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife.
This 11-hour excursion starts at $197 per person, providing a flexible booking option with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Visitors will traverse the park’s 2nd largest terrain in a soft-top jeep, seeking sightings of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and wild water buffalo during the 3-hour guided tour.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, and an English-speaking chauffeur guide included, this safari promises an unforgettable experience amid Yala’s natural wonders.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hambantota.
Safari Experience
Visitors embark on an immersive safari experience, traversing the rugged terrain of Yala National Park in a soft-top jeep.
This second-largest national park in Sri Lanka is teeming with an abundance of wildlife, including majestic leopards, gentle elephants, playful sloth bears, and the mighty wild water buffalo.
The guided 3-hour tour provides ample opportunities to spot these elusive creatures in their natural habitat, as the knowledgeable chauffeur guide navigates through the diverse landscapes.
With a keen eye and expertise, guests are captivated by the park’s remarkable biodiversity and the chance to witness these remarkable animals in their element.
Itinerary Details
The day begins with a 10:30 AM pickup from Ahangama, as travelers embark on their journey to Yala National Park.
The drive takes approximately 2 hours, and they arrive at the park around 1:30 PM. Guests enjoy a local restaurant lunch at their own cost before the safari begins at 2:30 PM.
The 3-hour guided tour through the diverse habitats of Yala offers the chance to spot elusive leopards, majestic elephants, playful sloth bears, and the impressive wild water buffalo.
As the sun sets, the group departs the park, arriving back at their hotel in Ahangama around 8:30 PM, completing a remarkable day of wildlife exploration.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This Yala National Park safari includes a hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking chauffeur guide, a 3-hour jeep safari, and a complimentary liter of bottled mineral water per person.
All taxes and service charges are also covered. However, the cost of food and drinks, gratuities, and the entrance ticket to the park aren’t included.
It’s important to note that this safari isn’t suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.
Participants are advised to bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing, as smoking isn’t allowed during the tour.
More Great Tours NearbySuitability and Recommendations
The Yala National Park safari isn’t suitable for all travelers. Pregnant women and those with back problems are advised to avoid this activity, as the bumpy rides through the rugged terrain can be uncomfortable and potentially risky.
However, the safari is an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic wildlife experience. Visitors should come prepared with a hat, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing to fully enjoy the journey.
Smoking isn’t allowed during the safari, ensuring a peaceful and immersive encounter with the park’s diverse flora and fauna, including the elusive leopards, majestic elephants, and other captivating creatures.
- Private Day-Trip to Yala National Park Including BBQ Dinner on the Beach
- Bundala Safari Private Tours at Bundala National Park
- Yala Full Day Safari From Hambantota Port Shore Excursion
- Udawalawe Safari Day Trip From Ella/Tangalle/Dikwella/Hambantota
- Hambantota: Yala National Park Wildlife Safari in a 4×4
- Hambantota Port: Bundala National Park Safari in a 4×4
Transportation and Departure
Guests begin their Yala National Park safari adventure with a pickup from their Ahangama hotel.
They’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by an English-speaking chauffeur guide. The journey takes approximately 1 hour, offering scenic views as they make their way to the national park’s entrance.
Upon arrival at Yala, guests will have time to enjoy a local restaurant lunch before embarking on their 3-hour guided safari tour.
They’ll explore the park’s diverse landscapes and search for fascinating wildlife like leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.
The safari concludes with a return to their hotel, arriving back by 8:30 PM, completing a full day of adventure and nature exploration.
Wildlife and Park Information
Yala National Park, the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka, boasts a diverse ecosystem teeming with an array of captivating wildlife.
Visitors can expect to spot majestic leopards, the park’s iconic predators, as they prowl through the brush. Elephants, the gentle giants of the landscape, roam the grasslands in herds, while the elusive sloth bears forage for termites and honey.
The park’s wetlands are home to the awe-inspiring wild water buffalo, their massive frames cutting through the shallow waters.
With the park’s expansive 378,000 acres, the safari promises an unforgettable encounter with Sri Lanka’s diverse fauna.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Booking a Yala National Park safari through this tour operator is a straightforward process.
Travelers can reserve their spots now and pay later, thanks to the flexible booking policy. Even better, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for last-minute changes without penalty.
This level of flexibility ensures guests can plan their Sri Lankan adventure with confidence, knowing they can adjust as needed.
The starting price of $197 per person covers an impressive 11-hour excursion, including hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and a 3-hour guided safari through the park.
With these convenient booking options and inclusions, embarking on an unforgettable Yala wildlife expedition has never been easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Specific Safari Vehicle?
Guests can request a specific safari vehicle, though availability may vary. The tour operator aims to accommodate preferences when possible, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience during the Yala National Park safari.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
There’s no minimum group size requirement for this Yala National Park Safari. Guests can book individually or as a small group, and the safari will depart as scheduled regardless of the group size.
Are Children Offered Any Discounts?
Yes, children are offered discounts on this Yala National Park safari. The tour operator provides reduced rates for kids, allowing families to explore the park’s wildlife at a more affordable price.
Can Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated on the Tour?
The tour operator can accommodate various dietary requirements with advance notice. Guests with special dietary needs should inform the operator when booking so appropriate arrangements can be made during the safari experience.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
Yes, a private tour option is available for this Yala National Park safari. Travelers can customize the experience to their preferences and enjoy a more exclusive wildlife viewing adventure with a dedicated vehicle and guide.
The Sum Up
Set out on a captivating Yala National Park safari from Ahangama, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot elusive leopards, majestic elephants, and other magnificent wildlife in their natural habitat. With comfortable air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide, and flexible booking options, this 11-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Witness the park’s diverse landscapes and learn about the thrill of wildlife encounters, all while enjoying the convenience of hotel pickup.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Safari Adventures in Hambantota
- “Yala National Park Safari-Half-Day Safari Guided Adventure”
- Bundala National Park Safari from Weligama
- Yala National Park: Full day Safari Tour
- Hambantota Port: Full Day Yala National Park Safari- Private
- Ella: Udawalawa Safari Drop: Tangalle / Mirissa / Galle
- Yala Safari : 7 & 12-Hour Leopard Jeep Tours with Breakfast
More Tour Reviews in Hambantota
- “Yala National Park Safari-Half-Day Safari Guided Adventure”
- Bundala National Park Safari from Weligama
- Yala National Park: Full day Safari Tour
- Hambantota Port: Full Day Yala National Park Safari- Private
- Ella: Udawalawa Safari Drop: Tangalle / Mirissa / Galle
- Yala Safari : 7 & 12-Hour Leopard Jeep Tours with Breakfast
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Hambantota we have reviewed
- “Yala National Park Safari-Half-Day Safari Guided Adventure”
- Bundala National Park Safari from Weligama
- Yala National Park: Full day Safari Tour
- Hambantota Port: Full Day Yala National Park Safari- Private
- Ella: Udawalawa Safari Drop: Tangalle / Mirissa / Galle
- Yala Safari : 7 & 12-Hour Leopard Jeep Tours with Breakfast
- Yala National Park: Day Tour with Jeep Safari
- Galle: All Inclusive Morning Leopard Safari in Yala -Private
- YALA National Park – HALF DAY or FULL DAY TOUR
- Yala National Park: Morning Half day Safari Tour
- From Hambantota Harbor: Bundala National Park Safari-Private
- Yala Safari Tours from Ella/Mirissa/Hiriketiya/Tangalle