About this experience
Your driver-tracker cuts the engine and scans the scrub — this is Yala, Sri Lanka's most celebrated leopard terrain. The landscape earns that reputation through its variety: thorny shrubland opens into tall canopy forest, shallow lagoons and golden sand dunes that roll towards the coast. Elephants wallow in mud pools, sloth bears move through the undergrowth, and wild boar, water buffalo, spotted deer, sambar and golden jackal appear at every turn. Above the treeline the skies are equally alive — peacocks, flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills, painted storks, black-necked storks, grey, purple and night herons, garganeys, whimbrels and darters are all recorded here. Your driver knows every waterhole and tree line, stays with you throughout the session, and reads the terrain as both driver and tracker.
You book the whole jeep — a private Toyota or Mitsubishi 4x4 for one to six guests — and choose a 3-, 6- or 9-hour session. At checkout, select your duration and guest count, then decide whether to bundle park entrance tickets into your booking or settle them in cash at the gate yourself. A guide is available as an optional extra and can be added to any combination you choose. Each guest receives a litre of water for the drive. Pickup and drop-off is included within five kilometres of the park entrance gate. Lakpura handles the rest.
Weather at Yala National Park
| Thu 12 | Fri 13 | Sat 14 | Sun 15 | Mon 16 |
|---|
| 🌧️30° / 23°19 mm | ☁️31° / 24°0 mm | 🌧️30° / 24°13 mm | 🌧️26° / 24°10 mm | 🌦️30° / 23°5 mm |
|---|
| Morning | Dry | Dry | Dry | Rain | Dry |
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| Afternoon | Rain | Dry | Rain | Dry | Showers |
|---|
Typical for November: about 291 mm of rain over 15 days, highs around 29 °C.
Full weather and rainfall for Yala National Park →
Forecast: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), updated 16:50 Sri Lanka time. Averages 1991–2020: CHIRPS and NASA POWER.
Frequently asked questions
What wildlife can I see in Yala National Park?
Yala is Sri Lanka's most visited national park and is best known for its leopards, which live here at one of the highest densities in the world. You may also see Asian elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, spotted deer, mugger crocodiles, peacocks and many other birds. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to visit Yala National Park?
Yala is open most of the year. The dry months, roughly February to July, usually give the best sightings, as animals gather at the waterholes. The main section of the park (Block I) usually closes for a few weeks each year, typically from September to mid-October, so check the dates if you are travelling then.
What time does the safari start, and how long is it?
Choose a 3, 6 or 9-hour safari when you book. The 3-hour safari starts at 6.00 am (morning) or 3.00 pm (afternoon); we confirm the start time for the longer safaris with you when you book.
What is included in the price?
A private 4x4 safari jeep (Toyota or Mitsubishi, up to six passengers), an experienced driver who is also your tracker, and a 1-litre bottle of water per person. Park entrance tickets are included when you choose Tickets: Yes. Not included: park entrance fees on a jeep-only booking, hotel pickup and drop-off if you stay more than 5 km from the park entrance gate, and food and drinks.
Are the park entrance tickets included?
You choose when you book. With Tickets: Yes, the park entrance tickets are included in your booking. With Tickets: No, you book the jeep only and buy the entrance tickets yourself at the park gate, paid in cash.
Do children pay the park entrance fee?
Park entrance fees are set by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Children under 6 years old enter the national park free of charge. Children aged 6 to 12 inclusive pay the child ticket rate, which is lower than the adult rate and is set separately for Sri Lankan, SAARC and other foreign visitors. Visitors aged 13 and over pay the adult rate for their category. The department revises its fees from time to time, and the rate in force on the day of your safari applies.
Can young children join the safari?
We do not recommend this safari for children aged 5 or under. There are no infant or child seats in the jeep, and children may not sit on an adult's lap, so every child takes a seat and counts towards the maximum of six passengers. Game drives are long and bumpy, so bring water and snacks for children.
Is the jeep private?
Yes. The jeep is reserved for your group alone, with up to six passengers, and you choose the number of guests (1 to 6) when you book. A group of more than six needs a second jeep.
Is hotel pickup included?
The safari starts at the park entrance gate. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included if you are staying more than 5 km from the gate.
Do I get a guide?
Your driver is experienced and also acts as your tracker, spotting animals and finding the best viewing places. You can also add a guide when you book by choosing Guide: Yes.
Is the safari suitable for everyone?
It is not recommended for anyone with heart problems or another serious medical condition, as the tracks are rough and bumpy.
What should I bring?
A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent, a light jacket for an early-morning drive, and a camera and binoculars. Wear comfortable, light clothing in neutral colours. Food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks if you want them.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start of your safari for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.
