We really wanted to see wild leopards, and that is exactly what this tour made possible for us. The pickup from Ella at 3 a.m. (for an extra charge) also worked without any problems. So the organization itself really worked out well. Now, however, comes the big BUT. We were very punctual at the national park and already noticed on the way there how many jeeps were heading in the same direction. In the end, there were nearly 40 vehicles in line in front of the entrance. When the park opened, you can probably imagine what followed: a real race for the best spots. We were lucky enough to spot a leopard in a tree relatively quickly. However, what happened next, we found truly shocking. Numerous jeeps tried to get as close to the tree as possible at the same time. In doing so, some drivers kept revving their engines loudly, so the leopard obviously felt massively disturbed. Eventually, it climbed down from the tree and disappeared. For us, this behavior was absolutely unethical and had nothing to do with respectful treatment of the animals anymore. Unfortunately, we experienced a similar situation a second time when we saw another leopard. The drivers argued about who would get the best spot, honked at each other, and in some cases made no room at all for other vehicles. Our driver was actually the only one who drove on after a short time so that other jeeps also had the opportunity to see the leopard. We were very grateful for that. Unfortunately, we did not see any elephants. Since, in addition, you are not allowed to drive through the entire national park, we sometimes had the feeling that we were traveling on the same paths over and over again. So if you have no problem with being part of mass tourism where animals are significantly disturbed for the best possible view for visitors, then this park is probably the right thing for you. For us, it was unfortunately an absolute no-go. From our perspective, the organization tried its best and our driver really behaved fairly. However, the actual problem for us is the enormous mass tourism and, above all, how many drivers treat the animals. We wanted to experience wild leopards, but not at the price of them being stressed and driven away for it.
Thank you for your review of your safari experience. Many tourists come to Yala National Park to see the leopards living in Yala National Park and there must have been a very competitive situation, but as you said, even though the drivers of other jeeps drove in a way that would interfere with the leopards, my driver drove very well and did not hit any other animals, not only the leopards, but also the leopards, and showed them two leopards. It is no secret that even though other drivers drove in a way that would interfere with the leopards to see the very rare leopards, my driver was very patient and gave you a very excellent safari experience. I respect your opinion even though other safari drivers behave like that and I am not happy with your star rating. I cannot be responsible for the behavior of other safari drivers and I must say that we are a very trained and experienced team to drive without disturbing the animals that are me and my excellent drivers. It is your responsibility to get a great team like us to see the very rare leopards. It is your choice. However, I am not happy with your star rating. leopard yala safari. owenr.
