Yala Safari Private Day Tour from Bentota: Leopards & Wildlife

Watch leopards and elephants from a private jeep at dawn or midday

A private jeep safari through Yala National Park departing from Bentota, Kosgoda, Ahungalla, Beruwala or Kaluthara at either 4am (morning) or 8:30am (afternoon), with a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, park entry and transport in an air-conditioned car. The tour runs 10 hours and requires a minimum of two people per booking. Poor weather results in a rescheduled date or full refund.

Step-by-step itinerary

Yala Safari and Temple Visit

• Pick up from hotel early morning
• Yala National Park jeep safari
• Visit Buddhist Temple
• Drop off at pick-up point or nearby

The experience

The day starts before dawn or mid-morning from your hotel in the Bentota area (Kosgoda, Ahungalla, Beruwala, Aluthgama or Kaluthara), and heads straight to Yala National Park. You travel in a private air-conditioned car with your guide, then transfer to a safari jeep once you enter the park. The jeep is built low and open-sided so you can spot and photograph wildlife without obstruction. Yala is Sri Lanka's most visited national park and the place to see leopards, which are elusive but present. You'll also encounter elephants, bears, crocodiles, peacocks and dozens of bird species depending on the season and the day's movements through the park.

A live English-speaking guide leads the safari and knows where animals tend to gather at different times. The morning departure catches the animals at their most active. The afternoon option suits travelers who prefer a later start. Either way, the jeep moves slowly through the park's scrubland and grassland, stopping when wildlife appears. You bring binoculars if you have them, though the guide usually spots movement before you do. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.

The tour wraps at your original pickup point or anywhere between Yala and your hotel, so you can arrange a stop if needed. Park entry, the jeep, fuel, transport by car, taxes and all handling charges are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are not, so bring snacks or plan to eat before departure or after you return. Guides in Russian, German, French, Italian, Arabic, Tamil or Hindi can be arranged for an extra fee.

What’s included

• Park entry to Yala National Park.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Bentota, Kosgoda, Ahungalla, Beruwala, Aluthgama or Kaluthara.
• private air-conditioned car transport.
• safari jeep with a live English-speaking guide.
• bottled water.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Options for this experience

4 options

Bentota/Aluthgama/BeruwalaGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 03:00, the last at 10:30Pickup is included

Kosgoda/Ahungalla/BalapitiyaGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 03:00, the last at 10:30Pickup is included

Hikkaduwa/Galle/UnawatunaGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 03:00, the last at 10:30Pickup is included

Kalutara/WadduwaGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 03:00, the last at 10:30Pickup is included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 03:00, the last at 10:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dimtours Srilanka

Is this one for you?The 4am start catches wildlife at its most active, while the 8:30am option suits travelers who prefer to sleep later. Both give you a full day in the park without the rush of a shared group tour.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What animals am I most likely to see on the Yala safari?

Leopards, elephants, bears, crocodiles and peacocks are common in Yala. You'll also see various bird species. Sightings depend on the season, the time of day and where the animals are moving through the park on the day you visit.

Do I need to book the 4am or 8:30am departure, or can I choose?

You choose at checkout: the 4am morning safari catches animals at their most active, while the 8:30am afternoon option suits a later start. Both run the full 10 hours.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to pay for separately?

Included are park entry, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by private air-conditioned car, the safari jeep, bottled water, fuel, taxes and handling charges. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are not included, so plan your meals before or after the tour.

Which hotel areas are covered by pickup?

Pickup is available from Bentota, Aluthgama, Beruwala, Kosgoda, Ahungalla, Kaluthara and Wadduwa. You choose your pickup location at checkout, and drop-off happens at the same point or anywhere between Yala and your hotel.

Is a guide included, and what language do they speak?

A live English-speaking guide is included with every tour. Guides in Russian, German, French, Italian, Arabic, Tamil or Hindi can be arranged for an additional cost.

What's the minimum group size, and can I book this as a solo traveler?

A minimum of two people per booking is required. This is a private tour, so only your group participates, but you need at least one other person to book.