Safari Shore Excursions from Hambantota Cruise Port
Yala & Udawalawe National Park Safari
Duration 7 hours | Free cancellation | Live tour guide
Explore the wild side of Sri Lanka directly from Hambantota Port. Whether you're drawn to Yala's elusive leopards or Udawalawe's herds of elephants, we’ve designed the perfect wildlife safari for cruise travelers.
Choose between two unforgettable half-day experiences — same comfort, same expert service.
Why Choose Us for Your Hambantota Excursion?
✅ Cruise-aligned pick-up times
We monitor ship arrival and departure schedules and adjust your safari accordingly.✅ Private Jeep Safaris to Yala or Udawalawe
Comfortable 4x4 jeeps, expert local guides, and a personalized itinerary.✅ Full transparency
No hidden costs. National park tickets can be added to your booking or paid at the gate.✅ Return to ship guaranteed
We’ll get you back with plenty of time to spare — no stress, no delays.
Yala vs Udawalawe – Which Safari to Choose?
Yala National Park: Best for leopards, sloth bears, and dramatic jungle terrain. Great for photography and big cats.
Udawalawe National Park: Ideal for guaranteed elephant sightings and open grassland landscapes. Shorter drive from port.
We’ll help you decide based on your docking time, wildlife interests, and how adventurous you’re feeling.
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Yala is approximately 90 minutes away by road. We handle the entire transfer for you.
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We track your ship in real time and adjust all safaris based on the latest updates.
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Absolutely! You can pre-book now and we’ll finalize the pickup time closer to your arrival.
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Yes, we can provide a Sri Lankan-style picnic if requested in advance — vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
Choose Your Experience
Popular
Yala National Park
50 USD PP
Pick up and drop off from Hambantota Port and Hambantota area Hotels are free
Ideal for big cats, crocodiles & varied wildlife
Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, offering a mix of dense jungle, open plains, and coastal lagoons.
Highest leopard density in the world
Elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, peacocks
Ideal for photography and diverse terrain
Slightly longer drive from port
Pickup & drop-off from Hambantota Port
4x4 Toyota Hilux safari jeep
Professional driver/ guide
Wildlife safari at YALA National Park
Cold drinks & refreshments
Entrance & Service Fee to the YALA National Park. (Sri Lankan Rupees 13,000/-, approx. 43 USD - Per Person)
Udawalawe National Park Safari
50 USD PP
Pick up and drop off from Hambantota Port and Hambantota area Hotels are free
Perfect for elephant lovers & open savannah views
Udawalawe is known for its massive elephant population and easy wildlife viewing thanks to open terrain.
Guaranteed elephant sightings
Buffalo, deer, jackals, and eagles
Quieter and more relaxed atmosphere
Slightly closer to the port than Yala
Pickup & drop-off from Hambantota Port
4x4 Toyota Hilux safari jeep
Professional driver/ guide
Wildlife safari at YALA National Park
Cold drinks & refreshments
Entrance & Service Fee to the Udawalawe National Park. (Sri Lankan Rupees 11,000/-, approx. 37 USD - Per Person)
Sri Lanka tourism is booming in 2025—arrivals up, park rules refreshed, leopard sightings higher than ever. See five data-backed reasons to book your Yala safari now.
Ajith Priyantha recounts guiding Steve Irwin’s 2004 “Island of Snakes” shoot in Yala and how that meeting shapes ethical safaris in 2025.