The wildlife of Yala

Arrive at your camp and fuel up on a late lunch. Then head out on an afternoon game drive accompanied by an expert ranger to explore a sprawling terrain of forest, grassland and lagoons. Keep a lookout for a roster of endemic game. As well as endangered Sri Lankan leopards, sloths and elephants, the park is inhabited by crocodiles, herds of spotted dear and wild buffaloes to name just a few of its extraordinary creatures. After your drive, return to camp to relax and enjoy dinner.

Embark on an early morning game drive, the best time for bird-watching. Yala is a utopia for birders with over 200 species including the beautiful, endemic black-capped bulbul and the Sri Lankan junglefowl (the national bird).  After lunch, head out into the wild again. This time, you may spot one of the country’s big five endangered animals. The park boasts one of the highest leopard populations on earth meaning there’s a very realistic chance of spying this majestic Sri Lankan big cat sauntering through the jungle.

On the final day, plunge yourself into nature with a walking safari, ideal for adventurers yearning for an up-close perspective of the park’s ecosystem. Walks are conducted at a leisurely pace allowing you the perfect opportunity to see as much of the wildlife as possible, in minute detail at your own step. An expert guide will school you in the art of tracking and scouring the land for signs of game such as mongooses, peacocks galore and if you’re lucky, the Sri Lankan sloth bear.