Yala Safari Morning/Evening, 7hours & 12 hours incl. Meals!!

Discover the Wonders of Yala with a Trusted Safari Experience

Imagine stepping into the wild, surrounded by the sounds of elephants trumpeting, leopards lounging on rocks, and colorful birds flitting through the trees. For those seeking a true wildlife adventure in Sri Lanka, a Yala safari with Ajith Safari Jeep Tours offers just that. With options ranging from 4-hour half-day trips to full-day tours of 12 hours, you can tailor your experience to fit your schedule while enjoying the chance to see some of the island’s most iconic animals — especially the elusive leopards.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides like Dilan, who know exactly where to find the animals, ensuring you get the best possible sightings. Second, the smaller group size (limited to 10 participants) means more personalized attention, less stress, and a better chance to enjoy the safari at a relaxed pace. One small consideration: the Yala entrance fee isn’t included in the price, so keep that in mind when budgeting. This tour is perfect for wildlife lovers, photographers, or anyone eager to get a meaningful taste of Sri Lanka’s wilderness without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Flexible options: Choose between 4-hour, 7-hour, or 12-hour safaris, with meals included on longer trips.
• Wildlife highlights: Leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, buffaloes, and over 200 bird species.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides like Dilan help maximize your chances of animal sightings.
• Eco-friendly and community-supported: The tour emphasizes sustainable practices and supports local communities.
• Small group experience: Limited to 10 participants, fostering a more relaxed, personalized adventure.
• Value for money: Especially considering the included meals and expert guiding, this trip offers great bang for your buck.

An In-Depth Look at the Yala Safari Experience

Location and Setting: Why Yala is a Must-Visit

Yala National Park, situated on Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast, spans a vast landscape of forest, grasslands, and lagoons. Its proximity to the Indian Ocean means you can expect a variety of habitats, supporting an incredible diversity of animals and birds. The park’s reputation for leopard sightings draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the world — and for good reason. Yala is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spy these majestic cats in the wild.

Tour Options and Their Value

The tour company offers three options tailored to different interests and schedules:

• Half Day Safari (4 hours): Focuses on a quick, budget-friendly wildlife drive, but does not include meals.
• Half Day Safari (7 hours): Extends the experience, including breakfast, giving you more time and comfort.
• Full Day Safari (12 hours): The most comprehensive, including breakfast and lunch, allowing for a thorough exploration of Yala’s diverse habitats.

The longer options are excellent if you want a more relaxed experience, with ample time to stop, photograph, and truly enjoy the environment. The 7-hour trip has received praise for its balance of time and value, with reviews highlighting the satisfaction of seeing a variety of animals and the comfort of included meals.

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What to Expect During the Tour

The day starts with pickup from several locations like Kataragama, Kirinda, Weerawila, or Tissamaharama. The journey to Yala’s main entrance takes about 30 minutes in a comfortable safari jeep or SUV, specially designed for wildlife viewing. Once inside, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute free time to get acquainted with the park’s entrance area and prepare for the game drive.

The core of the tour involves guided game drives, which are around 2 hours each, often broken into two sessions with a break at Patanangala, giving you a chance to stretch and enjoy some refreshments. During these drives, your guide will be on the lookout for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and more — their expertise proves invaluable. Many reviews mention guides like Dilan, who are praised for their focus and knowledge. One reviewer shared, “Dilan was great, he was super quick getting to the best spots,” emphasizing how guide expertise directly impacts your wildlife sightings.

The Animal Encounters

Leopards are the star attraction, and many guests are thrilled to see at least one during their visit. Several reviews mention successful sightings, sometimes even multiple leopards resting or perched on rocks — a rare and exciting sight. Other frequent sightings include elephants, often seen in herds bathing or grazing, buffaloes, crocodiles sunning themselves at waterholes, and sloth bears (though more elusive).

Bird lovers will appreciate over 200 bird species, including raptors, kingfishers, and waterfowl, adding a splash of color and sound to the drive. Many reviewers have expressed joy at the varied wildlife, describing the experience as “worth every penny,” especially when multiple animals appear.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour’s structure is well thought out, with timed stops allowing for animal sightings and photo opportunities. The 30-minute break at Patanangala offers a chance for a snack or simply to enjoy the scenery. The second game drive, often the most successful, typically lasts around 2.5 hours and takes you deeper into the park.

The Logistics and Comfort

Transportation in a shared jeep or SUV ensures everyone has ample space and good visibility. The small group size (up to 10 people) means a less crowded experience, which many reviews note as an advantage — “most of the time we drove alone, without other cars,” one traveler commented. This personal approach allows guides to adapt the itinerary on the fly, focusing on wildlife hotspots.

The meals included (breakfast and lunch on full-day safaris) are often highlighted as a nice touch, with reviewers like “Dilan treated us to a delicious homemade breakfast.” Bottled water and cool drinks keep you refreshed during the day’s adventure.

Pricing and Value

At $9 per person (plus the park entrance fee), this safari is remarkably affordable. Considering the inclusion of meals, expert guiding, and transportation, the value is excellent. The reviews echo this sentiment — many find the cost justified by the quality of sightings and the professionalism of guides. Keep in mind that the Yala entrance fee isn’t included, so budget that separately.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This safari is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a comprehensive wildlife experience without sacrificing comfort. It appeals to animal lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts eager for authentic sightings. The small group size and experienced guides make it suitable for those who prefer a more intimate, relaxed adventure compared to larger, more commercial safaris.

Final Thoughts

In essence, a Yala safari with Ajith Safari Jeep Tours offers a well-rounded, authentic wildlife experience at a very reasonable price. The combination of expert guides, flexible options, and the chance to spot leopards and other iconic animals makes it a highlight for many travelers visiting Sri Lanka.

If your goal is to witness wildlife in a natural setting, enjoy a comfortable ride, and support eco-friendly tourism, this tour checks all the boxes. Whether you opt for a half-day or full-day adventure, you’re likely to leave with memories of incredible animal encounters and a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s natural treasures.

FAQs about the Yala Safari Tour

Is the Yala entrance fee included in the tour price?
No, the entrance fee for Yala National Park is not included. You should budget separately for this expense.

What is the duration of the safari options?
You can choose from a 4-hour half-day trip, a 7-hour trip including breakfast, or a full-day 12-hour tour with both breakfast and lunch.

Are meals provided during the safari?
Yes, breakfast is included with the 7-hour and full-day safaris, and lunch is provided on the full-day tour.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a small group of up to 10 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

How early do I need to book?
You can reserve your spot with the flexible “reserve now, pay later” option, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users due to the nature of the vehicle and terrain.

What types of animals might I see?
Leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, buffalos, and numerous bird species.

How do guides enhance the safari?
Guides like Dilan are praised for their quickness in reaching animal hotspots and their knowledge, making sightings more likely and enriching the experience.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sunblock, a hat, camera, and plenty of water. Meals are provided, but you might want snacks.

Can I see leopards during the tour?
While sightings depend on the day and luck, many guests report successful leopard sightings, often thanks to the guides’ expertise.

In summary, this safari offers a fantastic way to explore Sri Lanka’s wild side without overspending. It’s perfect for those seeking a memorable, authentic wildlife experience with the comfort of expert guides and a small group setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: