Mirissa – YALA Safari – Drop Off: Arugam Bay/ Arugambay

Explore the picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife of Sri Lanka’s premier national park on this captivating Mirissa to Yala Safari. Set out on a exhilarating 9.5-hour journey, traversing the ecosystems of Yala in air-conditioned comfort, where you’ll have the chance to spot majestic leopards, gentle elephants, and a vibrant array of bird species. As the safari concludes, you’ll be dropped off at the stunning shores of Arugam Bay, providing the perfect opportunity to learn about the natural beauty and laid-back charm of this coastal gem. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure that promises to leave you with memories to cherish.

Good To Know

• The YALA Safari tour offers pickup from multiple coastal towns, including Mirissa, and drop-off in Arugam Bay.
• The 9.5-hour small-group safari (max 12 participants) provides opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, such as leopards, elephants, and birds.
• The safari experience includes two game drives, with a 30-minute break at Patanangala Beach.
• The tour package includes pickup/drop-off, a professional driver-guide, and Yala National Park entrance fees.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policies are available, allowing for a hassle-free safari experience.

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Mirissa – YALA Safari Drop Off tour offers an exhilarating wildlife experience starting from $151.54 per person.

Guests can enjoy a 9.5-hour small-group safari with a maximum of 12 participants. Pickup is available from several coastal towns, and the tour concludes with drop-off in Arugam Bay.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The safari takes place in the renowned YALA National Park, which boasts the highest leopard density in the world.

With the chance to spot a variety of animals, including elephants, crocodiles, and over 130 bird species, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Safari Experience

A thrilling safari in YALA National Park awaits visitors, where they can encounter majestic leopards, gentle elephants, and a diverse array of wildlife.

The best times to spot these animals are during the dawn or dusk hours, as YALA boasts the highest leopard density in the world with approximately 100 individuals.

Visitors can expect to see a variety of species, including:

1. Elephants
2. Crocodiles
3. Sloth bears, buffaloes, and over 130 bird species

The safari experience includes two game drives, one lasting 2 hours and the other 1 hour, with a 30-minute break at the picturesque Patanangala Beach.

Itinerary Details

Two distinct safari schedules are offered for this Yala National Park experience.

The morning safari departs at 3:00 a.m., providing the chance to spot wildlife during the dawn hours when they’re most active.

Alternatively, the afternoon safari leaves at either 11:30 a.m. with lunch included or 12:00 p.m.

Both safaris include two game drives – one lasting 2 hours and the other 1 hour – allowing ample time to search for leopards, elephants, and other diverse fauna.

A 30-minute break at Patanangala Beach is also incorporated.

Transportation is provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned Toyota Hilux 4×4 vehicle, ensuring a smooth and rugged journey through the park.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

What does the tour package include, and what’re the additional costs? The safari tour includes pickup and drop-off in the specified areas, as well as a professional driver cum guide.

Entrance fees to Yala National Park, which cost around $37 per person, are also included. However, optional add-ons like a picnic breakfast ($8) and lunch ($10) are available upon request.

Plus, gratuities aren’t included in the package price. It’s important to note that the entrance fees must be paid in cash or via credit card at the park entrance, as foreign currency isn’t accepted.

Here are 3 key things to keep in mind:

1. Children aged 5 or below can join the tour for free, while those between 5-12 years old receive a 50% discount.
2. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users.
3. A minimum of two guests is required to book the tour.

Important Information for Travelers

Travelers’ attention is drawn to several important considerations when booking the Mirissa – YALA Safari Drop Off tour. While children aged 5 or below can join the safari free of charge, those between 5-12 years old receive a 50% discount. However, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users. For a successful booking, a minimum of two guests is required. Entrance fees to YALA National Park must be paid in cash (Sri Lankan Rupees) or via credit card at the park entrance, as foreign currency is not accepted. Customized pickup and drop-off arrangements outside the specified areas can be arranged through WhatsApp (+94777905532).

Consideration	Details
Age Limitations	Children 5 or below: Free; 5-12 years: 50% discount
Physical Restrictions	Not suitable for pregnant, back issues, or wheelchair users
Booking Requirements	Minimum of 2 guests
Entrance Fee Payment	Cash (Sri Lankan Rupees) or credit card accepted
Customized Arrangements	Contact via WhatsApp (+94777905532)

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour offers pickup from several convenient locations along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, including Koggala, Weligama, Mirissa, Matara, Talalla, Dondra, and Ahangama.

Guests can then enjoy a scenic drive to Yala National Park, where the safari adventure begins. The tour culminates with a drop-off in Arugam Bay, allowing travelers to explore this charming coastal town.

For those requiring custom pickup or drop-off arrangements beyond the specified areas, the tour operator can be contacted via WhatsApp.

Key highlights include:

1. Pickup from 7 locations along the southern coast
2. Scenic drive to Yala National Park
3. Drop-off in Arugam Bay

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

Typically, safari-goers on this tour can expect to encounter a diverse array of wildlife in Yala National Park. The park is renowned for its high leopard density, with approximately 100 individuals roaming the area.

Visitors may spot these elusive big cats, as well as elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and over 130 species of birds. The best times for wildlife viewing are during the dawn and dusk hours when the animals are most active.

With a bit of luck, guests might even witness a thrilling leopard sighting, a highlight of any safari experience. The tour’s small group size and rugged 4×4 vehicles provide an immersive and personalized exploration of Yala’s rich biodiversity.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking this safari is straightforward, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a full refund for any changes in plans.

The tour size is limited to 12 participants, providing an intimate and personalized experience.

Key benefits of this policy include:

1. Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later.
2. Free cancellation: Up to 24 hours in advance.
3. Small group size: Limited to 12 guests.

This safari offers a hassle-free way to explore the wonders of Yala National Park, with pickup and drop-off services tailored to your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Transportation Is Provided for the Safari?

The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle, specifically a rugged Toyota Hilux 4×4, for transportation to and from the safari in YALA National Park, ensuring a comfortable and suitable mode of travel for the wildlife viewing experience.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Safari?

Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the safari. However, optional picnic breakfast and lunch are available upon request at additional cost. The tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle for the safari.

Is There an Option to Extend the Safari Duration?

Yes, there is an option to extend the safari duration. Travelers can request a longer safari experience upon booking, which may incur additional costs. The tour operator can customize the itinerary to accommodate this request.

How Far in Advance Should We Book the Tour?

It’s recommended to book the YALA National Park safari tour in advance, as availability can be limited, especially during peak season. Reserving the tour at least a few days prior is advisable to secure the desired date and time.

Can We Request a Private Tour Instead of a Small Group?

Yes, customers can request a private tour instead of a small group tour. The tour operator provides private tours for an additional cost, allowing for a more personalized safari experience with a dedicated vehicle and driver.

The Sum Up

The Mirissa to YALA Safari is an exhilarating wildlife adventure that culminates in a drop-off at the scenic Arugam Bay. Participants embark on a 9.5-hour small-group safari, exploring the diverse ecosystems of YALA National Park, renowned for its high leopard density and rich wildlife. Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned 4x4s ensures a memorable experience, which concludes with the opportunity to explore the beautiful shores of Arugam Bay.