Luipaardsafari in Yala National Park

First safari in Yala. Was frustratingly disappointing. Guide seemed to race around the park stopping briefly at animals not giving enough opportunity to take photos, if the guide stopped at all as we drove passed some good photo opportunities. This indeed made a bumpy ride into a really uncomfortable bumpy ride as we were tossed all around the jeep

FANTASTIC Experience - Terrific driver. He was extremely alert and very enthusiastic ... eagerly followed the clues and we went back and forth looking for the prized animals. As a result of his determination - and of course a little luck - we did see a full grown male leopard. Also saw an elephant mother with two young ones. And crocs, spotted deer, many birds, many monkeys, monitor lizards... Was a very satisfying trip. One point to be noted though ... somehow, the operator had omitted to send the driver to my hotel by 2.30pm. Knowing the chain - Viator to operator to driver, I knew there might be a slip-up so I'd called up the operator at 1.18pm to confirm. They did confirm and confirmed that someone will pick me up between 2.15pm and 2.30 pm. When no one appeared by 2.45 pm I called again. They apologised and offered to book me for the NEXT day and said it was a technical glitch so they did get the booking. (Clearly this was incorrect as we had spoken) This was upsetting as the only reason to be in Yala for a day was the safari and I could not stay back the next day. However they DID manage to cool me down by saying they will send someone right away and that it was not too late to start. So my final conclusion is that mistakes happen, but the operator did what was necessary to correct the mistake and took urgent steps to make it all work out. I'd recommend a pre-call with booking number and hotel confirmation so that any disappointment is avoided. Am grateful that all went well in the end as it was a fabulous trip.

Sri Lanka offers some of Asia's most spectacular wildlife experiences across multiple national parks. Whether you're seeking elephants, leopards, or rare bird species, this island nation delivers unforgettable safari adventures. Yala National Park Best for: Leopard sightings, overall wildlife diversity Visit Duration: Half-day or full-day safari Best Time: February to July (dry season) Yala boasts the highest leopard density globally. Early morning safaris offer the best chance for sightings. The park also features elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species. Book your safari in advance, especially during peak season. Tip: Stay in nearby Tissamaharama or Kirinda for easy park access.

what can I say except disappointed. It was a wet & miserable day and our guide stopped for EVERY peacock he saw, yet when there were buffalo or deer he kept driving. we have peacocks in Australia! DIDN'T see a leopard which was the highlight of the safari. they were in a hurry to get out by 6pm but the safari stated 6.30 then trying to go to the toilets in complete darkness was another safari!

We went on a safari in the morning with our guide Hishan, who was fantastic! Hishan drove us safely around the park, and we managed to see elephants, a leopard, monkeys, crocodiles, and more. He was an excellent and nice guide! We were very happy with our tour and highly recommend going with Shehan Safari!

What an amazing place. So much wildlife and with the right guide its a great way to pass a few hours. Our guide seemed to have x-ray vision and he went out of his way to make sure we had the best experience. Animals and birds galore with a Leopard sighting too. A pit stop at the beach was beautiful, what a wonderful location.

Make sure you go with an empty stomach. Very dusty and hot and drivers are just driving around under they find an animal here and there... we saw elephants buffalos deers crocodile and birds. After finishing you just want to scrub yourself in the shower for an hour!. Although it was a protected national park ther are so many jeeps there the pollution was suffocating and polluting the park with those poor animals that just want to be left alone in their habitat

We had a great Safari tour with Sasanka. Pick Up worked perfectly and we saw much elefants but unfortunetly no elefants.

Nobody came to pick us up as scheduled. We called multiple times — no one answered. We requested a refund immediately, and it’s been over 3 weeks with no response and no refund. Completely unprofessional and unreliable. Not recommending this at all. Avoid.

Really good, pickup transfer arrived on time. Safari was good, unfortunately didn’t manage to see leopards but saw crocodiles, buffalo’s, elephants, monkeys, peacocks, mongooses and more