From: Hiriketiya/ Tangalle – YALA Safari – Drop Off: Ella

Embarking on a YALA Safari from the picturesque coastal towns of Hiriketiya or Tangalle promises an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Travelers can look forward to two captivating game drives amidst the park’s renowned leopard population and diverse flora and fauna. Along the way, they’ll enjoy a scenic transport journey and a relaxing break at Patanangala Beach before being seamlessly dropped off in the charming town of Ella. This small-group safari offers personalized service and optimal wildlife encounters, inviting visitors to enjoy Sri Lanka’s stunning natural landscapes. What awaits beyond the safari’s thrilling experience?

Good To Know

• Pickup service available from hotels in Hiriketiya, Tangalle, and surrounding areas for the YALA National Park safari.
• The safari experience includes two 3-hour game drives in YALA National Park to spot wildlife like leopards and elephants.
• After the safari, the tour includes a 30-minute stop at Patanangala Beach before the drop-off in Ella.
• The tour offers flexibility with morning and afternoon safari options, as well as a reserve now, pay later booking option.
• Minimum booking requirement of two guests, with children under 5 free and a 50% discount for ages 5-12.

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour starts from £76.34 per person and lasts for 8 hours.

Guests can enjoy a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.

Pickup is offered from hotels in Hiriketiya, Tangalle, Dikwella, Rekawa, Nilwella, and Mawella.

This small group experience is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a more personalized safari.

Entrance fees to Yala National Park, which are approximately £37 per person, are included in the price, along with the professional driver-cum-guide, highway toll charges, and the wildlife safari.

Safari Experience

Embarking on a thrilling safari in YALA National Park, guests can expect to encounter an abundance of leopards, elephants, and diverse wildlife.

With the highest leopard density globally, YALA boasts approximately 100 individual leopards, making it an ideal spot for sightings – particularly at dawn and dusk.

The small group experience, limited to 12 participants, ensures a more personalized tour, allowing guests to enjoy the park’s rich ecosystems.

During the 3-hour game drives, visitors will traverse the diverse landscapes of YALA, guided by a professional driver-cum-guide, in search of these majestic creatures and more.

Itinerary and Activities

Starting at either 3:30 a.m. or 12:00/12:30 p.m., guests are transported for 1.5 hours to Tissamaharama.

They’ll embark on two 3-hour game drives in a shared 4×4 safari vehicle to spot leopards, elephants, and other wildlife in YALA National Park, which boasts the world’s highest leopard density.

After the drives, they’ll enjoy a 30-minute break at Patanangala Beach.

Optionally, they can stop at Ravana Falls on the way to Ella, where they’ll be dropped off around noon.

This immersive safari experience offers the best chances of encountering YALA’s diverse fauna at its most active periods.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

This tour’s inclusions cover the pickup and drop-off, a professional driver-cum-guide, the wildlife safari, highway toll charges, and entrance fees to YALA National Park, which amount to approximately $37 per person.

Optional meals like a picnic breakfast ($8) and lunch ($10) are available. However, gratuities aren’t included.

Entrance fees to YALA must be paid in cash (Sri Lankan Rupees) or by credit card at the park entrance.

A minimum of two guests is required for booking, and special arrangements can be made by contacting the tour provider on WhatsApp.

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

Important Information

Entrance fees to YALA National Park must be paid in cash (Sri Lankan Rupees) or by credit card at the park entrance.

A minimum of two guests is required for booking this safari tour. Children under 5 are free, while those aged 5-12 pay 50% of the adult rate, but must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users.

However, special arrangements can be made by contacting the tour company via WhatsApp at +94777905532. This ensures a personalized and comfortable experience for all participants.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour offers a convenient pickup service from hotels in the Hiriketiya, Tangalle, Dikwella, Rekawa, Nilwella, and Mawella areas. This ensures a hassle-free start to the adventure.

After the thrilling safari in YALA National Park and a stop at the scenic Patanangala Beach, the tour concludes with a drop-off in Ella around noon. This efficient transportation arrangement allows guests to fully enjoy the wildlife experience without worrying about logistics.

Whether you choose the morning or afternoon safari, the pickup and drop-off timings are designed to optimize your time and provide a seamless transition between the different locations.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking and cancellation for the Hiriketiya/Tangalle to Ella Drop Off tour are straightforward. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour has a minimum booking requirement of two guests, and children under 5 can join for free, with a 50% charge for ages 5-12. However, the tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users. For any special arrangements or inquiries, guests can contact the tour operator via WhatsApp.

Booking Options	Duration	Cancellation Policy	Payment
Reserve Now, Pay Later	8 hours	Free cancellation up to 24 hours	Credit/Debit Card
Minimum Booking	2 guests	Children under 5 free, 5-12 50% off	Cash or Card at Park

Contact for Inquiries

For any special arrangements or inquiries, guests can conveniently contact the tour operator via WhatsApp at +94777905532.

The team is readily available to assist with customizing the safari experience or addressing any questions visitors may have.

Whether it’s adjustments to the pickup location, specialized accessibility needs, or additional requests, the operator strives to accommodate guests’ preferences to ensure a memorable and seamless YALA National Park adventure.

With prompt responses and a focus on personalized service, the contact channel provides a hassle-free way for travelers to connect and tailor the tour to their specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Join the Tour With My Pet?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this YALA National Park safari tour. The tour operator’s policy is to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, and to minimize any potential disturbance to the wildlife during the safari experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Safari?

There’s no strict dress code for the Yala Safari, but comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Neutral colors like beige, khaki, or olive are best to blend in with the natural surroundings and not startle the wildlife.

What Should I Bring for the Safari Experience?

Guests should bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and water/snacks. It’s also recommended to dress in neutral, earth-toned clothing to avoid disturbing the wildlife during the safari experience.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Attractions?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional attractions. Guests have the option to add a stop at Ravana Falls on the way to Ella or request other customizations by contacting the provider ahead of time.

Do You Offer Any Discounts for Larger Groups?

Yes, the tour provider offers group discounts for larger parties. Guests booking for 4 or more people can receive a 10% discount off the per-person price, making the safari experience more affordable for groups.

The Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable Yala Safari from Hiriketiya or Tangalle, with a seamless drop-off in Ella. Enjoy two thrilling game drives in the national park, renowned for its high leopard density and diverse wildlife. Relax at Patanangala Beach, and create lasting memories in Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes with personalized service and a small group experience.