Yala National Park Safari: Leopards and Elephants

Leopards hunt in the early morning, which is why the jeep leaves before dawn.

A private safari jeep through Yala National Park departing from Hikkaduwa with an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, park entry and all fees included. You spend the day searching for leopards, elephants, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species across forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean. The tour also passes two ancient Buddhist pilgrimage sites: Sithulpawwa monastery with centuries-old rock paintings in its caves, and Magul Maha Viharaya ruins nearby.

Step-by-step itinerary

Yala National Park Safari from Hikkaduwa

• Early-morning hotel pickup in Hikkaduwa
• Drive three hours to Yala National Park
• Enter park early to spot active wildlife
• Search for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, birds
• Explore exotic plant life in the park
• Drive back to Hikkaduwa in the afternoon
• Arrive at hotel around 4pm

The experience

The jeep picks you up from your Hikkaduwa hotel in the early morning and drives three hours to Yala's entrance. You enter the park in those first light hours when leopards, elephants and crocodiles are most active and before the crowds arrive. The day is built around spotting wildlife: the driver-guide navigates the park's forest, grassland and lagoon edges looking for the animals Yala is known for, along with the hundreds of bird species that live there. You return to Hikkaduwa in the afternoon, arriving back around 4pm.

The tour includes the safari jeep itself, park entrance fees, bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle with a private guide who speaks English. Transportation is wheelchair accessible, and children from age 12 can join. The two Buddhist sites (Sithulpawwa monastery with its rock paintings and Magul Maha Viharaya ruins) are inland from the park and serve as pilgrimage destinations. Whether the route passes them depends on the guide's reading of where animals are moving that day.

What’s included

• Safari jeep and park entrance.
• private transportation from your Hikkaduwa hotel.
• English-speaking driver-guide.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MIRISSA CABS SRI LANKA

Is this one for you?The ten to twelve hour commitment means the safari fills most of your day, leaving time for a meal before departure or a swim in Hikkaduwa after you return, but not both. Book this if you want the early-morning wildlife window and can dedicate the full stretch to the park.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals am I likely to see in Yala National Park?

Yala is home to leopards, elephants, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species, along with various other exotic wildlife. The early-morning timing is when these animals are most active and visible.

How long does the full safari take from my hotel in Hikkaduwa?

The tour runs ten to twelve hours total, including the three-hour drive each way from Hikkaduwa and the full day in the park. You're back at your hotel around 4pm.

What's included in the price of this safari?

The safari jeep, park entrance, private transportation, bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle and all fees and taxes are included. An English-speaking guide drives and leads the wildlife search.

Do I need to arrange my own lunch?

Lunch is not provided as part of the tour, so you'll want to bring food or arrange a meal separately before departure.

Are the ancient Buddhist sites part of the safari route?

Sithulpawwa monastery and Magul Maha Viharaya are inland pilgrimage sites near Yala. The route may pass them depending on where the guide spots wildlife activity that day.