Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team
4.5
Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team
By Yala Wild Safaris
About
Maximize your chance of seeing leopards in Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park with this private safari. Avoid the headaches of organizing your own game drive and return transport with a full round-trip that gets you to Yala for the prime, early-morning leopard-spotting time—before the crowds arrive. After a dedicated leopard search with your in-the-know guide, you’ll then widen your explorations to see everything from elephants and boar to crocodiles.
from per adult (price varies by group size)
$65.00
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 1-99, max of 6 per group
Duration: 7h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Features animals
Highlights
- Look for leopard on a private Yala National Park drive, with hotel transfers
- Beat the crowds and up sighting ops in the prime-time of early morning
- Dedicated leopard search followed by drive to see elephants, crocs, and more
- Entry fee and select hotel pickup and drop-off in Yala region included
- National Park fees
- Hotel pickup (selected hotels only)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Departure details
- Traveler pickup is offered.
- Pickup Locations should be updated to us before the tour date.
- Yala Safari Tour Operator - Yala Wild Safaris, Main St, Tissamaharama 82600, Sri Lanka
- Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 100002P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- How much is Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team?
- Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team price starts from $65.00. Discover and book Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team on Tripadvisor
- What is the Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team cancellation policy?
- Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team?
- Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team is hosted by Yala Wild Safaris. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Yala Wild Safaris on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 7h. Discover and book Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 100002P1
Reserve your spot
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- You'll start atYala Safari Tour Operator - Yala Wild SafarisOr, you can also get picked upSee departure details
- Pass byYala National Park
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
Yala Wild Safaris
332
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka
Joined in July 2014
#11 of 91 Tours & Activities in Tissamaharama
- Departure0280799670500Best Yala Safari AgentMalith is the Best Agent for Yala Safari. We saw so many animals during the Safari. We felt very comfortable and thoroughly enjoyed the Safari. We were the first ones to enter the park and also the first jeep to see leopard. Amazing!! Must visit spot. Definitely revisiting with same agency in the future.
- twowheeledexpedition00The stuff of safari nightmaresI am adding an email sent to the owner of this company. Despite the initial mail and a reminder, I did not receive a response so I am posting this account of our experience here to allow others to make an informed decision. _______________________________________________________________________________ Now that I am back in London, I wanted to give you some feedback on our experience. We were picked up on time and were at the ticket office by 510am only to find out that the naturalist I had requested would not be there until 6. So we had no guide. Did we not pay for this? We then arrived at the gate at 515 and were then told the gate didn’t open until 545. When I asked why we had arrived 30 min earlier, your driver said it was to be first in. When the gate opened, your driver aggressively battled to be first, almost shoving the jeep next to us off the road. We then travelled in a dusty caravan at at least 50kmh into the park. We passed a stone feature at the side of the road and when our driver saw that others had stopped, he flew in reverse at full speed for about 200m to muscle his way into a tangle of a dozen jeeps in order to get a glimpse of a leopard. The words of may partner were ’this makes me embarrassed to be a human’. I told the driver this was not good and to get us away away from the pack of jeeps at all cost. We would rather see no wildlife than feel we are driving through Delhi rush hour. As the experience currently stands, I would not take any of my clients on the safari. We do tours regularly at Chitwan National Park in Nepal and the behaviour of the drivers is nothing like this. And I can tell you that the majority of tourists that visit Yala with you and your competitors will feel exactly as we did. I would like to suggest you liaise with the other operators and share the story because you are headed down the wrong path. If you are able to provide a tour the features the serenity of nature rather than an aggressive tangle of diesel-spewing jeeps, we would be willing to give it another try. If not, we will find other activities for our guests.
- jmd25037100No complaints - a magical experienceA 7 hour tour pre booked. We were very lucky to see the animals. Leopards , elephants , sloth bear, monkey , deers, water buffalo , wart hogs and many many birds. Our driver was amazing - sorry for the name error but “nalaka” or similar was very knowledgeable and warned of us some high speed driving to get to the animal. There are previous reviews of a mad rush of vehicles but we went in low season so yes there was times were 10+ jeeps in the same place but that is we’re the animals were so what we expected. Not everyone sees all these things we did so we were very pleased. Please be aware that booking through this company only confirms the guide and not entrance to the park, this could be a little difficult if you don’t take any money - approx 23500 rupees. A fantastic experience. Thank you yala wild. James and Kate.
- FarikaH00Not worth to spend that amount of time and money to see few annimalsIts too big territory with few annimals, you have to spent many hours to see leopard for few seconds, few elefants, and then buffalos/ and some birds. And especially we paid too high price for this USD125 per person
- Killian_max00Can see wild elephants and leoperedsThere are three or four wild life conservation's in Sri Lanka. Out of those 5 yala is the best. If you want to see leopard no other place like this
- travelistaAmy1200Awful experience from start to finishWhat an awful day out, the bumps are horrendous We drove down the same roads at least 10 times in the hope to see a leopard or elephant I don’t know what all the fuss is about, 6 hours of hopeful thinking we will find an animal or two. Very expensive and not worth the early wake up I’m afraid. Sorry but the UK offers well organised safaris - I believe all guides should be trained. Shame as the park is stunning, spoilt by so called ‘guides’ racing each other to locate an animal.
- lksdnk00Safari with Expert driver/guide HishanWe booked a private full day safari tour including pickup from Hiriketya. Our guide Hishan did an amazing job in spotting the animals in the park and explaining all about them. We saw: Asian Elephants (male, female, juvenile), Malabar Pied Hornbills, Jackal, wild boars, Sambar Deer, Sri Lankan Axis Deer, Mongoose, various Kingfishers and other birds. The highlight of the day was the hunting Leopard that we say in the afternoon - we were the only ones that day who spotted it thanks to Hishan’s expert driving.
- Atjpatatatj00NiyamaiHad much luck. We saw a leopard from up close + a sloth bear. Was really cool. I could've really spend a long time like this.
- mariofvaldes00Discusting accomodation, great safari guideWe booked two nights in their accomodation and full day safari. Safari was incredible, a must in Sri Lanka. But I would recommend half day as waking up so early was difficult to mantain the stamina for the full day, you see the same animals morning and evening so no need to do full day. Besides that the safari was very well organized, we would apreciated better English in the guide but he was super kind and very well trained. The accomodation was a nightmare. The staff didn't speak English at all, only floor was cleaned the walls/windows/bathroom were very dirty and a bit discusting to take a shower. We arrived and nobody explain anything to us, everything was very confusing as we didn't get when we have to be ready for safary or if the breakfast was included in the second night as they were unable to communicate with us.
- Nk_travel8800If you want an expert in the Yala-wildlife you choose MalithHighly dedicated guide who took time for explanations and there was no Tourist-Maschine-Feeling. Malith is a real expert, has his driver, who was also interested in the seeings and explained a lot instead of just drive as fast as he can like other drivers in the nationalpark. They really spotted every little animal and stopped for it. We discovered a lot of wild animals, leopards included!
- 821orianec00Block 5 yala half a dayVery nice guide. We were the only jeep in block 5, during the afternoon. Very worth it of you want to see bambis, elephants, lot of birds...
- patrick1992199200best safari everwe had a fantastic experience. our driver and guide Ishan was very friendly. he did everything for us. we saw a lot of animals and also some leopards. we were in the first row every time when a leopard was seen. also the owner of the company was very professional. every wish was fulfilled. It was the perfect experience. thank you so much to ishan our driver and guide.
- gianis202200Pick Ishan like DriverWe slept at the hotel Yala wild safaris Who organized our journey and it was a succes ! Fair price, just prepare you breakfast the day before. We left the hotel at 4 am with the driver called Ishad ans i highly recommend this guy ! He dis this since 10 years, he knows the road and timing of animals, we saw every animals with him( bear, elephant, crocodile,leopard...) with NO ONE AROUND ! He goes on his Way, switch off the motor engine for don't disturb animals.. AMAZING moment ! Thanks Again to him and the way that he does this job.
- Thambapannigwlk00Leopards spots in Sri LankaYala national park is home to leopards. if someone wishes to enjoy a wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka, visiting Yala National Park must be visited to finish the holiday.
- milica g00Nice experienceThis company is very professional and punctual. Communication was very quick and smooth, reservation and confirmation as well. We had a great time at park but didn't have luck to meet leopard at afternoon safari. I guess we need to come back once again :)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
47 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Youri van den Hurk
Eindhoven, The Netherlands218 contributions
You’re looking to go on an exciting safari and see some wild leopards and elephants? 🐘🐆
Be aware of the following facts:
1. Once you get to Yala or even stay outside town, everyone is going to offer you a safari. Your tuk-tuk driver, random people on the street, the homestay’s owner, his brother, the brothers neighbor and probably even his son. Literally everyone in Sri Lanka claims to be a ‘tour guide’.
2. When you’ve chosen your so called tour (in our case ‘The Special Leopards Tour’) you once again realize that no one is actually a ranger or trained to offer a decent safari experience.
3. It all depends on luck. The safari basically takes place in the following way; you either go very early in the morning from 6am till 12pm or you go from 12pm to 6pm. So you either choose to have sunrise or sunset in the park. The so called ‘tourguide’ than drives into the park and keeps on driving up and down the roads hoping to spot an animal. When one of them finds (or think he found) an elephant or leopard, every so called ‘tour guide’ starts calling each other and all of the sudden 15 cars surround one animal, which you then obviously don’t get to see a lot of. In the end of the day you drove up and down the same roads for 6 hours while your so called ‘tour guide’ is on the phone.
A few tips before going:
The tour can still be enjoyable if you lower your expectations and don’t assume someone is going to give you an actual safari. Yala national park is still beautiful.
Try to get 6 people together and book a tour. It honestly doesn’t matter which company or which person you do it with. Everyone is doing the exact same thing. Filling up 6 seats in one jeep equals less cars in the park since they go no matter what. We’ve seen a lot of jeeps holding just one or two persons.
We found Yala Wild Safaris online and choose it based on reviews and the fact that they had a special package to spot leopards. The website looked promising and professional so you can imagine that we were quite disappointed after the tour (which was exactly the same as any other one, we did not even end up seeing a leopard). Also be aware of the fact that you have to pay online which involves a high fee and they won’t accept a cash payment.
Be aware of the following facts:
1. Once you get to Yala or even stay outside town, everyone is going to offer you a safari. Your tuk-tuk driver, random people on the street, the homestay’s owner, his brother, the brothers neighbor and probably even his son. Literally everyone in Sri Lanka claims to be a ‘tour guide’.
2. When you’ve chosen your so called tour (in our case ‘The Special Leopards Tour’) you once again realize that no one is actually a ranger or trained to offer a decent safari experience.
3. It all depends on luck. The safari basically takes place in the following way; you either go very early in the morning from 6am till 12pm or you go from 12pm to 6pm. So you either choose to have sunrise or sunset in the park. The so called ‘tourguide’ than drives into the park and keeps on driving up and down the roads hoping to spot an animal. When one of them finds (or think he found) an elephant or leopard, every so called ‘tour guide’ starts calling each other and all of the sudden 15 cars surround one animal, which you then obviously don’t get to see a lot of. In the end of the day you drove up and down the same roads for 6 hours while your so called ‘tour guide’ is on the phone.
A few tips before going:
The tour can still be enjoyable if you lower your expectations and don’t assume someone is going to give you an actual safari. Yala national park is still beautiful.
Try to get 6 people together and book a tour. It honestly doesn’t matter which company or which person you do it with. Everyone is doing the exact same thing. Filling up 6 seats in one jeep equals less cars in the park since they go no matter what. We’ve seen a lot of jeeps holding just one or two persons.
We found Yala Wild Safaris online and choose it based on reviews and the fact that they had a special package to spot leopards. The website looked promising and professional so you can imagine that we were quite disappointed after the tour (which was exactly the same as any other one, we did not even end up seeing a leopard). Also be aware of the fact that you have to pay online which involves a high fee and they won’t accept a cash payment.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ralu
Iasi, Romania7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The safary started at 4, 30 o'clock, and it's finished at 3 o'clock afternoon. Was a great day, i seen 3 leopards, birds, buffalos, crocodiles, elepfants and other wild animals.
It's was an amazing day.The private tour, included tickets park, jeep, Lunch, whater and fruits
Mr Malith,the owner and our guide and driver ,walked with us near the place where the leopards were.
Also i stayed at hotel Tissa(yala wild safary) a good place,in The Middle of Town Tissamaharama.
I recommend Yala Wild Safary for an unforgettable experience.
It's was an amazing day.The private tour, included tickets park, jeep, Lunch, whater and fruits
Mr Malith,the owner and our guide and driver ,walked with us near the place where the leopards were.
Also i stayed at hotel Tissa(yala wild safary) a good place,in The Middle of Town Tissamaharama.
I recommend Yala Wild Safary for an unforgettable experience.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil & Elly
11 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Did half day with Malith and it was great! Pick up at 4:45am to ensure you beat the rush (we were second vehicle in) and we knew we were in good hands. Malith is so knowledgeable and you can tell he really cares, it's more than a job. Saw a lot of animals, birds, reptiles etc...and yes a leopard with two cubs, albeit from a 100m away, but truly magical with binoculars.
Thank you Malith
Thank you Malith
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magdalena & Peter
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Couples
Had a perfect Safari! Well organized and easy for us. Our guid/driver Presnne was very kind and helpful. Always spotted the animals (we saw all kind) and brought our car into the best position to watch.
Many Thanks
Many Thanks
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tharinduwije
Sydney, Australia96 contributions
I have been to yala 3 times before but never managed to see the elusive leopards. Finally decided to go with Menaka from wild safaris team & guess what we managed to see 4 leopards in out full day tour even though it was pouring all day! It was the most memorable experience. Thank you team highly recommended
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
josmadhouse
Dubai, United Arab Emirates4 contributions
Oct 2022
we had an awesome tour guide who was constantly scanning the bush to find animals. We did see a leopard at the end of the tour which was the absolute highlight of the day. Tour guide was just as excited as we were. Would highly recommend this tour
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jimi
Brighton, UK10 contributions
Fantastic safari in a very safe and comfortable Hilux jeep. Our driver was very knowledgeable and did his utmost to show us all of Yala's wonders. We were rewarded with bear and leopard sightings! Thoroughly recommend Malith and his team and it is worth every penny. Many people will try to sell you safaris in the surrounding areas for cheap prices, spend a little extra for a genuine tour :)
Written January 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaare_HL
Copenhagen, Denmark11 contributions
First in. Last out. And lot of energy finding the right animals for us. Our guide har 28 years
experience and was a marvellous driver in the challenging park. Thanks for a Graig tour
experience and was a marvellous driver in the challenging park. Thanks for a Graig tour
Written January 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicky D
Windsor, UK119 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
From great reviews (highly efficient, organized, very respectful of wildlife, great English etc), I booked s safari ; took a chance bs expensive hotel price.
WOWWWW- superb and all the reviews were spot on. First in the park, great little cafe open at entrance - sells most things you could need even hot tea, coffee, Lanka bites (breakfast) and cigarettes 😂👍🏻. Loved it.
Saw leopard twice and many elephants (playing with calves in water).... up close to 2 elephants - everything else but no bear or sloth.
Malith has extensive experience, is super sharp, well liked by all the other guides and keeps in constant contact on sightings with others and vice versa. Malith did first sightings (on sound) a couple of times and shared with others; big rush over. My pics don’t do how close I was justice (taken on phone)....
Absolutely first class.... THANKS MALITH!!!!!
WOWWWW- superb and all the reviews were spot on. First in the park, great little cafe open at entrance - sells most things you could need even hot tea, coffee, Lanka bites (breakfast) and cigarettes 😂👍🏻. Loved it.
Saw leopard twice and many elephants (playing with calves in water).... up close to 2 elephants - everything else but no bear or sloth.
Malith has extensive experience, is super sharp, well liked by all the other guides and keeps in constant contact on sightings with others and vice versa. Malith did first sightings (on sound) a couple of times and shared with others; big rush over. My pics don’t do how close I was justice (taken on phone)....
Absolutely first class.... THANKS MALITH!!!!!
Written November 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shriram V
Bangalore District, India35 contributions
Malith is an excellent guide and very passionate at conservation of leopards and their natural habitat.
He knows the park like the back of his hand. He went above and beyond to make sure we were able to spot leopards.
He is very particular on leaving early to get our jeeps 1st in line to enter the park , so that we have an greater chance of sighting leopards.
We spotted 3 leopards , the elusive civet cat and lot more animals during our safari.
Malith is a good photographer too and may click photos on the trip, don't forget to ask him for the photos at the end of the trip , he will be moving than willing to share them with you.
He knows the park like the back of his hand. He went above and beyond to make sure we were able to spot leopards.
He is very particular on leaving early to get our jeeps 1st in line to enter the park , so that we have an greater chance of sighting leopards.
We spotted 3 leopards , the elusive civet cat and lot more animals during our safari.
Malith is a good photographer too and may click photos on the trip, don't forget to ask him for the photos at the end of the trip , he will be moving than willing to share them with you.
Written November 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for taking your time to express your experience. We Highly Value your idea's. Hope to improve if any downside. Your Welcome on your next visit too.
Thanks
Written December 3, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mostafa nayl
7 contributions
hi, what is your email address.. i want to contact you
Malith G
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka47 contributions
info@leopards.lk
WhatsApp - +94776449535
galaxyaliens
Mumbai, India16 contributions
i would like to book a safari. want to know if you can help.
Malith G
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka47 contributions
Please contact us trough WhatsApp - +94776449535.
Thanks
galaxyaliens
Mumbai, India16 contributions
Hi , we would like to book a safari for the 26th march 2019 morning in yala park. we are staying at THE YALA ADVENTURE, Waweyaya, Tissamaharama . WE ARE a family of 4 ( 2 +2) . can you confirm the safari with b/fast so that we can book the same immeidately
Malith G
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka47 contributions
Please contact us trough WhatsApp - +94776449535.
Thanks
We are coming early April and staying at Shangri-la at Hambantato. Do you pick up at that hotel?
Malith G
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka47 contributions
Dear Madam,
Sorry for the late reply.
Yes we do pick up from shangri La hotel.
But it is a different schedule of time and price. Please email me on info@leopards.lk or WhatsApp me on +94776449535.
Thanks
anitatiano
Freeport, TX
We are coming in on a Princess cruise ship March 15. Are the pick up hotels close to this area?
Malith G
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka47 contributions
Dear Sir/Madam,
Sorry for late reply.
Yes we do tours. But it is a special schedule of time and price.
Please email or WhatsApp us.
info@leopards.lk
+94776449535
Thanks
XimEnWonderland
Munich, Germany6 contributions
Hello, I'm interested in taking you afternoon Yala tour. I would like to know what kind of jeep do you use.
Thanks
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Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team provided by Yala Wild Safaris
Product Overview: Special Leopard Safari Tour in Yala National Park by Malith & the team
Prices From | $65 |
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Number of Reviews | 47 |
Number of Photos | 48 |
Duration | 420 minutes |