Track leopards, elephants, and sloth bears on a full-day safari in Yala — Sri Lanka's most famous national park — with door-to-door transfers from Hiriketiya and everything arranged for you.
Yala National Park, on the island's south-eastern edge, is renowned for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Beyond leopards, its mix of scrub, lagoons, and open plains supports elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, and more than two hundred species of bird. A morning game drive, when animals are most active and the light is soft, offers the best chance of a memorable sighting.
From Hiriketiya the park gate is roughly two hours away, so we start early — usually a pre-dawn pickup — to have you inside for the opening game drive. We can arrange your safari jeep and park entry so the whole day is seamless: your driver handles the transfer and timing while an experienced safari team takes you through the park in an open 4x4.
This is a wildlife day, and wildlife is never guaranteed — but a dawn start in the right zones gives you the best possible odds. We build in time for a relaxed lunch and get you back to the coast by evening. Prefer a quieter park with reliable elephant sightings? Ask us about pairing or swapping for Udawalawe.
- Duration
- Full day (~10 hours)
- Price
- from $110
Itinerary
- 1Pre-dawn pickup from your accommodation in Hiriketiya
- 2Scenic drive east to Yala National Park
- 3Morning game drive in an open safari jeep
- 4Lunch stop near the park
- 5Return transfer to Hiriketiya by evening
Highlights
- One of the world's best chances to see wild leopards
- Elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and rich birdlife
- Pre-dawn hotel pickup for the prime morning game drive
- Safari jeep and park entry can be arranged for you
- Relaxed lunch stop and evening return to the coast
Frequently Asked Questions
We usually collect you before dawn so you reach the park for the opening game drive, when animals are most active and sightings are most likely.
We can arrange both for you as part of the day. Park fees and jeep hire are typically quoted separately from the transfer so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
No safari can guarantee sightings — these are wild animals. That said, Yala has one of the highest leopard densities anywhere, and an early start in the right area gives you the best odds.