Yala National Park Wildlife Safari/ Game Drive - by Ajith Safari
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Explore breathtaking wilderness of Sri Lanka with Ajith Safari Jeep Tours. We're the only Sri Lankan safari operator mentioned both in Lonely Planet and the number one provider on Trip Advisor for more than a decade.
With our team of experienced driver-guides and committed tour designers, we offer a range of safari packages to suit every interest & budget, from encountering Asian elephants to witnessing the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
We take pride in our commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable operations, ensuring that our safaris safeguard the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. For over 30 years, we've served clients from around the world with comfort, enjoyment, and adventure.
NOTE -
As an authorized company to offer safari services in YALA National Park, all of our 4X4 vehicles have necessary approvals & all of our drivers have the special licenses to provide their service as safari drivers in the YALA National Park - issued by the Department of Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum 2 person need for the booking, or the single person can book for the price of two
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Yala National Park
Embark on a thrilling wilderness adventure into YALA National Park, home to the world's most concentrated population of leopards! Sri Lankan leopard is a leopard subspecies native to Sri Lanka. YALA boasts approximately a hundred individual leopards. We aim to be in the YALA National Park in the first two hours of the day (6 to 8 a.m.) and/ or the last two hours of the day (4 to 6 p.m.). In the vernacular of wildlife enthusiasts, this is called "Golden Hours" which gives you the highest chance of spotting the elusive Sri Lankan leopards. Accordingly, we have planned 4 separate safari options for you to choose from. - Morning - Afternoon - 7-Hours - Full-day Within these tours to YALA, we will be able to give you opportunity to witness Sloth Bear, Elephants, Crocodiles, Monkeys, Spotted Dears, Mongoose, Birds and a plethora of other mesmerizing species. With every moment promising an unforgettable encounter, YALA offers a sanctuary where the extraordinary becomes the norm.
What‘s Included
For the Full Day Safari - Mineral Water Bottles (2 liters Per Person)
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
For the Full Day Safari - Rice, Chicken, Dhal Curry, Beans, Potato Tempered, Papadam Sri Lankan fruits.
Safari Jeep (max 6 pax) on SHARING BASIS
Experienced Driver/Guides, licensed from the Wildlife Department of Sri Lanka
If you're staying in a place beyond given area, we can arrange pickup with extra charge. Contact us
On request - Sri Lankan picnic breakfast - 8USD P.P. (Hopper & Egg Hopper, Coconut & Sini Sambol)
Entrance Fees - Yala national park - 13,000LKR Per Person
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Jeep 4x4 Toyota Hilux Full day
Lunch: Only for the Full-Day Package :- Sri Lankan Picnic Lunch is included.
Pickup included
YALA Wildlife Safari - 7 Hours
Toyota Hilux 4X4: We use Toyota Hilux 4x4 or similar vehicle for the safaris, equipped to navigate the YALA National Park's off-road conditions
Pickup included
Jeep 4x4 Toyota Hilux 4 Hours
Pickup included
Reviews
359 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
If you don’t mind spending five-six hours on a rough road in a jeep without seeing a leopard go for it.
dmrbay,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00If you want to spend five hours in a beautiful forested area just to see one or two elephants and a large number of deer and buffalo, then go for it. At the end of our tour, after driving around for four hours, we managed to spot a leopard dozing on a tree branch. Vehicles are not allowed to leave the designated roads inside the park. If you see an elephant or other animal in the distance, you can’t go closer. Most importantly, on these narrow dirt roads, if a jeep driver stops because they’ve spotted an elephant or a leopard (which is almost impossible), all the vehicles gather there. No one wants to leave because everyone wants to see it and take photos. The road gets blocked, and it takes a long time for your turn to come. In short, if you have plenty of time and money, go. At least you can say you went on a safari.
Morning safari
Shortaway,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Two trips to Yala, one in the afternoon, along with many other jeeps we went along spotting elephant, birds and we did sit with many others to see a leopard. Second trip was early morning, not as early as the crowds but if you ignore the need to see a leopard this time of day the experience is so much better, we saw sunrise,scenery, birds and small animals and reptiles along with the water buffalo swimming and the deer grazing. This I thought was a lovely morning.
Great experience
Julie H,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience, we saw elephants, water buffalo, mongooses, monitor lizards, deer, a leopard and lots of different birds.
Wonderful and educational safari with Ishan
Jessie B,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience with driver Ishan. The park itself is very nice with also (compared to Wilpattu) relatively comfortable roads. We saw 8 elephants, a few crocodiles and 2 leopards within our morning safari of 4 hours. Ishan has a lot of knowledge about the animals that he conveyed with a broad smile and in a pleasant way. He also has a booklet depicting the animals for an extra dimension. Highly recommended!
Great safari with leopard, elephants, crocodile and exotic birds
Bethwalshaw,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went with my partner, brother and brother’s partner on the 7 hour morning tour towards the end of January. We had Tikiri as our driver and would highly recommend him. He was knowledgeable about all the animals and birds we were seeing, and gave interesting facts so we all learnt a lot. He was able to see a leopard in a spot that none of the other drivers were able to see, so we ended up positioned at the front which was very exciting. Later he parked perfectly so that a group of 8 elephants (including babies) ended up walking really close to our vehicle. This was a special moment for us. I’m particularly conscious of only using companies that protect the animals and take care not to disturb or harm them. Tikiri was respectful of all the animals (gave them space and turned off the engine while waiting) and they didn’t seem distressed by our presence.
Excellent 4 hr safari very good value
Janette S,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If you are taking the morning safari take a sweater it was a little cold until the sun rise. The driver collected us from our hotel on time, we booked online the evening before. 4 hrs was long enough for us.
To be avoided at all costs.
LizbetLondon,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00There were so many jeeps zooming about, clouds of dust everywhere. Total lack of respect for the animals and the environment. Then the obligatory 'rest stop'. A cement monstrosity with disgusting toilets and equally disgusting coffee. It is an absolute shame that this beautiful place is not better managed and that numbers are not limited.Not a leopard in sight.
Very good service. The...
ANIRUDDHA D,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good service. The vehicle came at the promised time and the driver/guide was able to navigate us so that we were able to see a Leopard, a tusker, other elephants and so many other wildlife. The vehicle was in good condition. All in all a great Safari experience
We were so lucky and saw...
Jack F,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were so lucky and saw a leopard! Our guide was great at making sure we had a loevly morning. A great company to go with in Yala!!
Multitues of animals...
Noemie V,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Multi-study of animals (leopards, elephants, monkeys, birds, ..) Thanks to Yanaka who allowed us to see 2 leopards Safari made from 5am to 10am
From US$18.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Ajith Safari Jeep Tours