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A safari is by far the best way to experience Sri Lanka’s incredible Yala National Park. The park is famous for its leopard population, but speaking from experience, your chances of spotting them are basically zero without a guide – they’re famously elusive!
We have traveled Sri Lanka extensively, and of course, we just had to do a safari in Yala National Park. We saw SO much wildlife, and now, we’ve rounded up the best safari options around to help you book the best option for your trip.
Whether you’re looking for the best guides, a budget-friendly tour, or the chance to camp overnight in the park, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this all-inclusive safari in Yala National Park. It arrives early to maximize wildlife spotting and includes a luxury jeep and meals. Expect to see elephants, water buffaloes, and even leopards!
This tour is VERY popular and you can check out the 570+ reviews and book it here!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- 1. Full-day Safari in Yala National Park (Our Favorite!)
- 2. Private Full or Half-day Safari Tour in Yala National Park
- 3. Overnight Glamping Safari in Yala National Park
- 4. Private, All-Inclusive Double Safari to Yala & Udawalawe National Parks
- 5. Yala National Park Full or Half-Day Group Safari
- Where to Stay Near Yala National Park
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Getting Around Sri Lanka
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
1. Full-day Safari in Yala National Park (Our Favorite!)
- Duration: 12 hours
- Time: 4 am, 4:30 am, or 5 am
- Highlights: Spotting tons of wildlife, fantastic guide, luxury Jeep
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private driver and guide, Yala National Park entry fee, breakfast, lunch, fruit
- Pickup from: Tissamaharama and hotels close to Yala
- Rating: 5 stars (read 570+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here
This is the exact safari that we did in Yala National Park, and it was incredible, so it’s also our top choice! It’s an all-inclusive tour, so although it may seem more expensive than some other options, it actually works out about the same in the end – if not cheaper.
The group size is capped at 6, so as we were traveling as a couple, we shared our Jeep with another four travelers. This was ideal for us as we got a super personal experience without having to pay extra for a private tour. It would be perfect for small groups, too!
We got to the park before it opened, so we got to enjoy the morning there, and this was when we saw the most animals. We got to see elephants, mongooses, monkeys, and snakes, but of course, the highlight was spotting a leopard! Our guide got a call from a fellow guide and raced us across the park so that we could see a leopard crossing the road. It was a surreal experience, to say the least, and that alone made booking the safari worth it.
We loved spending so much time in the park – while it was a long day, it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Breakfast and lunch were provided, so we had plenty of fuel to keep us going. Honestly, this tour offers great value for money, and as nature lovers, we loved every second of it. We would recommend this tour to anyone!
Check availability and book this 5-star safari easily here!
2. Private Full or Half-day Safari Tour in Yala National Park
- Duration: 4-12 hours
- Time: Pick up between 4:30 to 5:30 am, or 1:30 to 2 pm
- Highlights: Private tour, tons of wildlife, range of durations to choose from
- Inclusions: Private Jeep, private driver and guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch on the full-day tour option
- Pickup from: Tissamaharama, Kirinda or Yala
- Rating: 5 stars (check 250+ reviews here!)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here
If you’re looking for a private safari experience, then look no further than this tour! What we love about this tour is all the different options available, so you can make it work for you. There’s a full-day tour or a half-day tour in either the morning or afternoon.
And I’ll be honest: a full-day, 12-hour tour is super tiring, so if you think that’s too much for you, a half-day tour is the way to go. It’s also great to be able to book an afternoon tour if you’re not a morning person!
Whichever option you choose, it will just be you and your group, so you’ll get to see a ton and chat with your private guide about all of the wildlife. The guides are super experienced and know exactly where to find the best wildlife on any given day, so you’ll get the most out of your time in Yala National Park with this tour.
Check out all the options for this private safari and book here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
3. Overnight Glamping Safari in Yala National Park
- Duration: 23 hours
- Time: 12 pm
- Highlights: Afternoon and early morning game drives, overnight glamping, drinks and snacks by the campfire, dining under the stars
- Inclusions: Two game drives, transportation in a Jeep, luxury tent accommodation, dinner, alcoholic and soft drinks, breakfast
- Pickup from: Meeting point in Tissamaharama
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here
If you want the VIP treatment, then this overnight tour is perfect. I really can’t think of a more amazing experience than staying overnight in Yala National Park and camping amongst the wilderness!
Well, when I say “camping”, I actually mean “glamping”. Forget basic tents and floor mats – you’ll be sleeping in luxurious tents and have access to proper toilets, as well as outdoor showers. Oh, and you’ll get the real royal treatment as you’re served dinner and drinks under the stars, out in the wilderness. It really is such a special experience!
And let’s not forget about the game drives, either. On day one, the tour kicks off with lunch, followed by an afternoon safari that ends at sunset – and sunsets here are pretty epic, just so you know!
Then, you’ll wake up early the next day for an early morning game drive. The early start is definitely made easier by the fact that the friendly staff will have freshly brewed coffee waiting for you. And since you’ll already be in the park, you’ll be able to avoid the other Jeeps and get the best spots all to yourselves. A lot of the park’s wildlife is most active first thing, too, so this is an incredible opportunity to see a ton of rare animals!
After the morning safari, it’s time for a delicious breakfast with lots of fresh, exotic fruit (yum) before the tour wraps up. Honestly, if this tour isn’t a bucket list experience, I don’t know what is. It’s certainly on my list, and it’s ideal for anyone looking for a luxurious experience in Yala National Park.
Book this VIP glamping trip in advance to guarantee your spot!
4. Private, All-Inclusive Double Safari to Yala & Udawalawe National Parks
- Duration: 13 – 16 hours
- Time: 6 am
- Highlights: Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Elephant Transit Home sanctuary
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, national park entry fees, game drivers, transportation, private guide, lunch, bottled water
- Pickup from: Tissamaharama (other areas available for an additional fee)
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here
What’s better than one safari? Two safaris!
As well as Yala National Park, this private combo tour takes you to Udawalawe National Park – talk about a safari double whammy!
Just as Yala is famous for its dense population of leopards, Udawalawe is home to an estimated 600-700 elephants, so getting to explore them both in one day is pretty incredible. This place has an “elephant guarantee,” and I saw so many when I visited, including lots of babies, which was so cute!
The tour includes a visit to Elephant Transit Home, which is a protective facility for unwell and orphaned elephants. Seeing the sanctuary was one of my favorite parts of visiting Udawalawe National Park, so I love that it’s included in the price of this tour.
In my opinion, this tour is ideal for those who are short on time but want to see as much wildlife as possible in Sri Lanka’s national parks. Elephants and leopards are two of the country’s most iconic animals, so this is definitely a time-efficient tour!
I also love the fact that it’s all-inclusive, so there are no hidden costs to worry about. And it’s a private tour, so you really get a personalized experience!
Book this adventure to two national parks here!
5. Yala National Park Full or Half-Day Group Safari
- Duration: 5-14 hours
- Time: 5 am
- Highlights: Small-group tour, spotting leopards, elephants, and sloth bears
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private driver and guide
- Pickup from: Tissamaharama, Kataragama, Kirinda, Weerawila, Palatupana, Bundala Junction, Weligatta, and Yodha Kandiya area
- Rating: 5 stars (check 320+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here
Last but not least, I think that this fun safari tour is an ideal option for budget travelers. If you opt for the half-day tour, it’s just $18 USD each – you can’t beat that!
Despite its low price, the tour has fantastic reviews, so rest assured that you’re not missing out by going with the budget option. The guides are experts and know where to find wildlife, and they go above and beyond to make sure you see those elusive leopards!
We loved that this tour included a delicious lunch and had the option to add on a picnic breakfast for $8 USD per person. Egg Hopper, coconut & sini sambol are just a few of the items on the menu, so I’d say it’s worth it! Plus, it’s a small-group tour, so you still get lots of personalized attention from your guide and can learn all about the animals along the way.
The cost of entry to Yala National Park is not included in this tour, but even so, I would highly recommend this option to budget-conscious travelers. It’s a really reputable choice, and you can also reserve now and pay later, which makes budgeting for your trip even easier!
Book this budget-friendly safari online in advance for FREE cancellation!
Where to Stay Near Yala National Park
Now that you have found the perfect safari adventure, it’s time to plan where to stay! Luckily, there are lots of great options in the area. To help you choose the best one, we’ve narrowed down our top choices near the park for every budget range below.
Luxury – $$$
Cinnamon Wild Yala is a gorgeous beachfront property just minutes from Yala National Park, offering a unique stay where jungle meets the sea. The stylish chalets feature private verandahs, air conditioning, and views of the forest or ocean. With an outdoor pool and two on-site restaurants, it’s a perfect base for exploring the park in comfort and style.
Prices usually range between $300 to $700 USD per night depending on the time of year, but if you can afford it, we definitely think it’s worth the splurge for such a unique experience! You can check availability and book your stay in advance here.
Mid-Range – $$
Jetwing Yala is a lush, relaxed resort located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast right on the border of Yala National Park. You’ll get clean, comfortable rooms with A/C, private bathrooms and all the basics you need after a wild day of exploring. But the big selling points are the 75‑metre pool, friendly staff, and easy access to both the beach and safari tours. Add in on‑site dining, spa services, and free Wi‑Fi/parking, and you’ll never want to leave!
Rooms usually start around $240 USD per night, which is honestly a great deal for this amazing stay. You can check pricing and availability for your travel dates here!
Budget – $
Gaga Bees Yala is a relaxed, nature‑loving hideaway nestled by rice fields and just a 25‑minute drive from Yala National Park. Each chalet offers A/C, a private bathroom, and views of the paddies or mountains — perfect for peaceful nights after safari days. The property also offers free breakfast, a chill outdoor pool, free parking, and friendly staff who go out of their way to make your stay comfortable.
Rooms start around $100 USD per night, making this a perfect budget‑friendly base that doesn’t skimp on charm or convenience. Reserve your stay online in advance here!
Getting Around Sri Lanka
To visit all of the best places in Sri Lanka, you’re going to need a mode of transport. You have a few choices when it comes to getting around Sri Lanka:
Rent a Tuk-tuk
Easily the most popular (and most fun) way to travel around Sri Lanka. We actually rented a tuk-tuk on our trip and absolutely loved it! Tuk-tuks are easy to drive, cheap to rent, and the freedom that comes with your own wheels is unmatched.
If you do decide to rent a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, be sure to go with a reputable company that provides quality tuk-tuks, such as Tuktuk Rental (who we rented from.) These guys not only offer an amazing service, but their tuk-tuks are actually rented from local families, providing income for the local community.
Thinking about booking with Tuktuk Rental? Click THIS link here to get 5% OFF your tuk-tuk rental!
For more info, read our blog: The Truth about Renting a Tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka.
Hire a Driver
If you’re only planning on going to a couple of destinations, then a private driver is not a bad idea. In the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, your driver can take you to your next destination. All you have to do is sit back and relax!
You can hire highly-rated drivers in advance to pick you up right from the airport when you arrive in Sri Lanka. This driver will take you to your hotel in Mirissa, Galle, Bentota, or Unawatuna. Whereas this driver will take you to Kandy.
Of course, every time you want to change destinations you will have to arrange for another driver (unless you book this driver who will drive you around for an entire week). Car transfer can easily be organized through your hotel.
Take Public Transport
This is a choice I only recommend for those on a very tight budget and with plenty of time. Public transport is everywhere in Sri Lanka in the form of public buses and trains. It is also very cheap, costing less than a couple of dollars per journey.
However, it isn’t the most comfortable way to travel. The buses don’t have air conditioning and neither do many train services. They can also be slow-moving, stopping every couple of minutes to pick up more passengers.
With that said, public transport is popular with budget backpackers, and it is mostly safe. This is one way to travel for those who want to get around as the locals do!
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Thanks for reading!
Joining a safari in Yala National Park is one of those experiences you’ll always remember and hopefully you will find the perfect safari from our list. Seeing the animals in the wild here is surreal – especially leopards. Fingers crossed you see one on your visit!
Keep exploring the country by checking out all our blogs on Sri Lanka. We have tons of travel tips and articles about popular attractions so you can make the most out of your visit. Here are a few to get you started:
23 BEST Places to Visit in Sri Lanka (to help plan your trip!)
8 Things to Know Before Visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Kandy, Sri Lanka