Yala National Park Wildlife Safari/ Game Drive – by Ajith Safari

Yala National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife, offers a captivating safari experience with Ajith Safari. Adventurers can embark on a private 4WD excursion to spot the ‘Big Three‘ – elusive leopards, sloth bears, and majestic elephants. Timed to coincide with the ‘golden hours‘ at dawn or dusk, this safari maximizes the chances of encountering these creatures in their natural habitat. With experienced driver-guides leading the way, passengers can sit back and enjoy the park’s breathtaking beauty, eagerly anticipating the thrill of what may lie around the next bend.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Safari Tours In Yala National Park.

Key Points

• Ajith Safari offers a private 4WD safari to explore Yala National Park, known for its high density of leopards, sloth bears, and elephants.
• The safari is timed for the ‘golden hours’ at dawn or dusk to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Experienced driver-guides licensed by the Wildlife Department lead the safari and provide expertise to track the park’s elusive ‘Big Three’.
• The customized safari jeeps accommodate up to 6 passengers and offer elevated seating and convertible canopy roofs for unobstructed views.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as optional breakfast and lunch, with a minimum of 2 persons required for the private safari.

Overview of the Safari

The Yala National Park Wildlife Safari offers visitors a private 4WD adventure to explore the park’s diverse wildlife, timed to coincide with the ‘golden hours’ at dawn or dusk.

Guests will have the opportunity to spot Yala’s renowned ‘Big Three‘ – leopards, sloth bears, and elephants – during their full-day excursion.

The tour includes experienced driver/guides licensed by the Wildlife Department, transportation in a safari jeep accommodating up to 6 passengers, and hotel pickup and drop-off if selected.

Visitors can also opt for a picnic breakfast and lunch to complete their immersive wildlife experience.

With confirmation upon booking and a minimum of 2 persons required, this private tour ensures an exclusive and unforgettable journey through Yala’s natural wonders.

Inclusions and Pricing

The Yala National Park Wildlife Safari includes an experienced driver/guide licensed by the Wildlife Department, transportation in a Safari Jeep accommodating up to 6 passengers, and hotel pickup and drop-off if selected. Park entrance fees, optional breakfast, and optional lunch are also included in the tour package. Pricing for the safari is as follows:

Inclusion	Cost (USD per person)
Entrance fees	$35
Optional breakfast	$8
Optional lunch	$10
Private safari with own group	Minimum 2 persons required, or single person can book at double price

Meeting and Pickup Locations

For the Yala National Park Wildlife Safari, pickup is available from hotels in several nearby areas, including Tissamaharama, Kataragama, Kirinda, Weerawila, Palatupana, Bundala Junction, Weligatta, and Yodha Kandiya.

The morning and full-day safaris typically start around 5 AM, while the afternoon safaris depart around 2 PM.

The exact pickup location may vary based on your hotel’s instructions. If your hotel is outside the pickup area, you’ll need to meet the group at the Ajith Safari Jeep Tours office.

Regardless of your starting point, the experienced driver-guides licensed by the Wildlife Department will ensure a comfortable and efficient transfer to the national park.

Search for Yala’s Big Three

One of the major highlights of the Yala National Park Wildlife Safari is the opportunity to spot the park’s renowned ‘Big Three’ – the elusive leopard, the reclusive sloth bear, and the majestic elephant.

Yala boasts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, making it an unparalleled destination for leopard enthusiasts. Visitors also have a good chance of encountering the shy and solitary sloth bear, known for its distinctive shaggy coat.

The safari also offers the chance to observe the graceful movements and powerful presence of Sri Lanka’s iconic elephant population. With experienced guides leading the way, guests can maximize their chances of spotting these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.

Safari Jeep Transportation

Guests travel through Yala National Park in customized Safari Jeeps, which accommodate up to 6 passengers per vehicle.

These sturdy, open-air 4×4 jeeps provide the perfect vantage point to spot the park’s elusive wildlife. The jeeps feature:

• Elevated seating for unobstructed views
• Padded seats and convertible canopy roofs
• Storage compartments for personal items
• Experienced drivers who skillfully navigate the rugged terrain

Guests can sit back and relax as their knowledgeable driver-guides navigate the park’s network of dirt roads, expertly maneuvering the jeeps to deliver the best possible sightings of animals like leopards, sloth bears, and elephants in their natural habitat.

Experience and Expertise

The Yala National Park wildlife safari is led by experienced driver-guides who are licensed by the Wildlife Department.

These knowledgeable professionals skillfully navigate the park’s rugged terrain, expertly maneuvering the safari jeeps to deliver the best possible sightings of the elusive big three – leopards, sloth bears, and elephants.

With their deep understanding of animal behavior and the park’s diverse ecosystems, the guides are adept at tracking and locating these magnificent creatures.

Their keen eyes and years of experience ensure that guests have the best chance of encountering Yala’s iconic wildlife during the morning or afternoon safari.

Travelers can rely on the expertise of these seasoned guides to make the most of their Yala adventure.

Additional Tour Information

Booking a Yala National Park wildlife safari comes with a range of inclusions that enhance the overall experience. Transportation is provided in Safari Jeeps accommodating up to 6 passengers, ensuring a comfortable and immersive journey through the park.

The tour includes experienced driver/guides licensed by the Wildlife Department, who share their expertise to increase the chances of spotting the Big Three: leopard, sloth bear, and elephant. Guests can also opt for a picnic breakfast and lunch, adding to the authenticity of the safari.

Plus, the tours are timed to coincide with the ‘golden hours’ of dawn or dusk, when wildlife is most active. With these thoughtful inclusions, the Yala National Park safari promises an unforgettable adventure.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

According to the provided information, a full refund is available if the tour is cancelled at least 24 hours before the scheduled experience.

No refunds are offered for cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the safari. Plus, any changes requested within 24 hours of the tour aren’t accepted.

This cancellation policy is in place to ensure the tour operator can adequately prepare for each safari and avoid any last-minute complications.

Guests are encouraged to review the policy carefully and contact the tour provider if they’ve any questions or need to make changes to their booking. Adhering to the cancellation guidelines will guarantee a smooth and hassle-free experience for all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks on the safari. However, picnic breakfast and lunch options are available for purchase as part of the tour package. Bringing outside food and drinks is generally allowed, but the tour provider’s meal options may be preferred for convenience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Taking Photographs?

There are usually no restrictions on taking photographs during a wildlife safari, but visitors should avoid disturbing the animals or causing any disruptions. Travelers should follow the guide’s instructions and be mindful of the park’s rules and regulations.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Spot Wildlife?

The best time to spot wildlife in Yala National Park is during the dry season from May to September. Animals are more visible as they congregate around the limited water sources, increasing the chances of sighting leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.

Can We Request Special Dietary Requirements for Meals?

Guests can typically request special dietary requirements for meals during wildlife safaris. Advance notice is recommended so the tour operator can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, halal, or other dietary needs. Specific meal options should be confirmed at the time of booking.

Do the Jeeps Have Open or Closed Roofs?

The safari jeeps typically have open roofs, allowing for unobstructed views and better wildlife spotting opportunities. This open-air design enhances the overall safari experience and enables travelers to fully enjoy the natural surroundings.

Recap

Ajith Safari offers an immersive wildlife experience in Yala National Park, providing the chance to spot the elusive ‘Big Three’ – leopards, sloth bears, and elephants.

With experienced driver-guides, comfortable safari jeeps, and a focus on maximizing sightings during the golden hours, this tour allows visitors to fully enjoy Yala’s natural wonders and diversity.