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Full day
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Yala Safari is one of the most popular wildlife experiences in Sri Lanka, centered around Yala National Park, the second-largest and most visited national park in the country. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your Yala Safari:
Highest leopard density in the world: Your best chance to see the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
Diverse wildlife: Elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, wild boar, deer, water buffalo, and hundreds of bird species.
Varied ecosystems: From dry monsoon forests and grasslands to wetlands and coastal lagoons.
Half-Day Safari (3–4 hours)
Morning: 5:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Evening: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Best for spotting animals in cooler hours.
Full-Day Safari
5:30 AM – 6:00 PM
More chances to see rare animals, but can be tiring.
Yala is divided into 5 blocks. Most safaris go to Block 1:
Block 1: Most popular; high leopard sightings.
Block 3, 4, 5: Less crowded, fewer jeeps, but wildlife sightings can vary.
Lunugamvehera National Park: Adjacent, sometimes included in safaris.
Luxury lodges: Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Jetwing Yala
Mid-range hotels: Cinnamon Wild, Chaarya Resort
Budget options: Guesthouses and eco-lodges near Tissamaharama or Kataragama
Book a private jeep for flexibility and better viewing.
Bring binoculars, a camera with zoom, sunscreen, and a hat.
Use a guide: Naturalists enhance the experience with their knowledge.
Be patient: Leopard sightings are not guaranteed.
Would you like help booking a safari, finding accommodation, or planning a full itinerary around Yala and nearby destinations like Ella, Udawalawe, or Galle?