Yala National Park Safari From Ella (+ Jeep)

Exploring the renowned Yala National Park from the idyllic town of Ella promises an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Set out on a 6-hour guided safari through this biodiverse gem, gliding across the landscape in a comfortable open-top jeep. Marvel at the park’s diverse inhabitants, from majestic leopards and gentle giants of the elephant variety to a kaleidoscope of exotic bird species. With an experienced guide by your side, explore the intriguing behaviors and habitats of these captivating creatures. At just £56.09 per person, this all-inclusive excursion offers exceptional value – but the true reward lies in the once-in-a-lifetime encounters that await.

This experience made our list of the 10 Best National Park Tours In Ella Sri Lanka.

Good To Know

• A 6-hour guided safari in Yala National Park, known for its diverse wildlife including leopards, elephants, and exotic birds.
• Convenient pickup and drop-off service from Ella or Bandarawela, with a 3-hour van transfer to the park.
• Flexible booking options allow reserving the tour now and paying later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The safari experience includes an open-top jeep for unobstructed wildlife viewing, with an experienced guide providing species identification.
• The tour is priced at £56.09 per person and includes air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and all taxes and service charges.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Yala National Park Safari from Ella offers an immersive adventure through one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned wildlife reserves.

Priced at £56.09 per person, the tour provides a flexible booking option, allowing you to reserve now and pay later.

What’s more, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a risk-free experience.

The safari is valid for a day and begins with a 3-hour van transfer from Ella or Bandarawela to the park.

Once there, you’ll embark on a 6-hour guided tour in a soft-top jeep, offering unobstructed views of the diverse ecosystems and the chance to spot an array of exotic wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.

Pricing and Booking

Although the Yala National Park Safari from Ella is priced at £56.09 per person, the tour offers a flexible booking option that allows travelers to reserve now and pay later. With the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, guests can enjoy a full refund if plans change. The 1-day safari is valid for a single day, providing ample time to spot leopards, elephants, and exotic birds in the diverse ecosystems of Yala National Park.

Pricing Details	Information
Price	£56.09 per person
Booking	Flexible: Reserve now, pay later
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours in advance
Duration	1 day
Inclusions	Hotel pickup/drop-off, transport, guide, safari, taxes

Itinerary and Duration

The safari tour begins with an early morning pickup from hotels in Ella, transporting guests via air-conditioned van for the 3-hour journey to Yala National Park.

Upon arrival, visitors embark on a 6-hour guided safari through the park’s diverse ecosystems, spotting a variety of wildlife including leopards, elephants, exotic birds, sloth bears, and water buffalo.

The soft-top jeep provides unobstructed views, allowing the experienced guide to point out and identify the various species.

After the immersive safari experience, guests are transported back to their drop-off locations in Ella or Bandarawela, completing the 2-hour return journey.

Safari Highlights

Yala National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to spot an array of captivating creatures.

During the 6-hour guided safari, you’ll have the chance to see majestic leopards prowling through the dense foliage, massive elephants lumbering across the grasslands, and vibrant peacocks strutting amongst the trees.

The park’s varied ecosystems, from dense forests to open plains, also provide glimpses of sloth bears, water buffalo, and a multitude of exotic bird species.

With an experienced guide to point out the elusive wildlife, you’ll learn about the natural wonders of this stunning Sri Lankan reserve.

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Pickup and Transport

Early on the day of the safari, a driver arrives at your hotel in Ella to collect you and any other guests.

You’ll board a comfortable air-conditioned van for the 3-hour journey to Yala National Park. The ride takes you through scenic countryside, past tea plantations and quaint villages.

Once at the park entrance, you’ll transfer to an open-top jeep for the safari experience:

1. Your skilled guide points out various species of birds and other wildlife as you wind through the diverse landscapes of the park.

2. You keep your eyes peeled for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and more, eager to spot the park’s famous residents.

3. The jeep navigates the rugged terrain, offering unobstructed views and an immersive encounter with Yala’s natural wonders.

4. After 6 exhilarating hours, you board the van once more for the 2-hour drive back to your hotel in Ella.

Safari Experience

Once aboard the open-top jeep, guests eagerly scan the landscapes of Yala National Park, keen to spot the park’s famous residents. Led by an experienced guide, the safari immerses visitors in Yala’s diverse ecosystems, where they may encounter:

Animal	Sighting Likelihood
Leopard	High
Elephant	High
Sloth Bear	Moderate
Water Buffalo	High
Exotic Birds	Very High

The guided tour provides unobstructed views, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural wonders of Yala. With the chauffeur’s expertise, the safari promises an unforgettable experience filled with awe-inspiring wildlife encounters.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The safari package includes a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and worry-free adventure. Travelers will enjoy:

• Air-conditioned transportation to and from Yala National Park
• An experienced, English-speaking guide to enhance the wildlife viewing experience
• Bottled water to stay hydrated during the 6-hour safari
• All applicable taxes and service charges, providing a hassle-free booking.

However, the tour doesn’t cover personal expenses, gratuities, or entrance fees to the national park.

Guests should also note that the safari may not be suitable for those with specific health conditions or accessibility needs.

With these inclusions and exclusions in mind, travelers can expect an immersive and well-supported adventure in the diverse ecosystems of Yala.

Important Considerations

Certain guests may find the Yala National Park safari unsuitable for their needs or preferences. The tour isn’t recommended for wheelchair users, those with animal allergies, altitude sickness, or high blood pressure.

Babies under one year old and people over 95 years are also not advised to participate. Plus, the safari has restrictions – no pets, smoking, alcohol, drugs, fireworks, noise, fire, or nudity are allowed in the vehicle.

Guests must inform the company of their pickup and drop-off locations. While certain individuals may need to opt-out, the safari offers an immersive experience to spot leopards, elephants, and other exotic wildlife in the diverse ecosystems of Yala National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Refreshments on the Safari?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and refreshments on the safari. This allows them to customize their experience and enjoy personal favorites during the tour. However, glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Are There Any Safety Precautions I Should Be Aware of During the Tour?

Guests should be aware of safety precautions like staying inside the jeep, not feeding or approaching wildlife, and listening to the guide’s instructions. Proper attire, sunscreen, and bug spray are also recommended to ensure a comfortable and safe safari experience.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Safari?

The recommended attire for the safari includes lightweight, breathable clothing, closed-toe shoes, and a hat to protect against the sun. Guests should also bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture the wildlife sightings.

Are There Any Photo Opportunities and Can I Use a Drone?

There are ample photo opportunities throughout the safari, and guests can capture stunning wildlife and scenery. However, the use of drones is strictly prohibited within Yala National Park to avoid disrupting the animals and their natural habitats.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Booking?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can easily modify their booking as needed without penalty, providing maximum flexibility for their travel plans.

The Sum Up

This Yala National Park safari from Ella is a must-do adventure, offering an up-close look at Sri Lanka’s stunning wildlife. From the comfort of an open-top jeep, visitors can spot leopards, elephants, and vibrant birdlife, all while benefiting from an experienced guide’s insights. With flexible booking and convenient transportation, it’s an exceptional opportunity to take in the natural wonders of this magnificent park.

You can check availability for your dates here: