Ella → Yala Safari & Coastal Drop-off
Drop-off in: Kataragama, Kirinda, Tissamaharama, Debarawewa, Weerawila, Tangalle, Matara, Mirissa, Ahangama, Weligama, Unawatuna & Galle
Journey along tea-cliff roads, enjoy a guided game drive in Yala National Park, then relax on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
High interest
Booked 5+ times today
Tour Highlights
- Unmatched leopard-spotting in Yala National Park during the ideal dawn or dusk window
- Encounters with elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, water buffalo and over 200 bird species
- Scenic winding drive from the misty Ella highlands through tea-cliff panoramas
- Comfortable air-conditioned transfers in high-roof vans or minivans
- Coastal drop-off at your choice of Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Mirissa, Galle (and nearby beaches)
- Sustainable, eco-friendly safari operations that support the local community
Full Description
Begin your day with a pickup anywhere in Ella before the sun breaks over the misty green hills. Relax into your air-conditioned van and take in the twisting roads carved through tea plantations, all the while knowing you’re on the front row for one of Sri Lanka’s most thrilling wildlife adventures.
At Yala National Park, swap your van for an open-roof 4×4 jeep and set out on a 5-hour guided safari. Your expert naturalist will lead you to the best vantage points to spot the park’s iconic leopards—along with elephants lumbering through the brush, sloth bears scratching at termite mounds, crocodiles basking in rivers, and water buffalo wallowing in wetland pools. With our small-group format, you’ll have plenty of time to pause, photograph, and ask your guide about each species’ behavior and habitat.
After the game drive, settle back into your van for a relaxing coastal transfer. Choose where to unwind— from the golden beaches of Tangalle and the surf breaks at Hiriketiya, to the palm-lined shores of Mirissa or the colonial charm of Galle. We’ll drop you off right where you want to be, letting you stretch your legs on sun-drenched sand or dive into seaside cafés at your own pace.
Throughout your journey, we pride ourselves on eco-friendly practices: our vehicles follow low-impact routes, our guides share tips on responsible wildlife viewing, and a portion of every booking goes back to local conservation and community projects. With free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, expert guides, and a seamless Ella → Yala → coast experience, this is the ultimate combo tour for wildlife and beach lovers.
Why This Ella → Yala Safari Is Unmissable
Scenic Ella Pickup
Wind through lush tea-country roads and cliff-edge viewpoints before your safari begins.
5-Hour Yala Safari
Encounter elephants, leopards, sloth bears and over 200 native bird species in one epic drive.
Air-Con Transfer
Relax in climate-controlled comfort on your journey to the southern coast.
Beachside Finale
Finish on sun-drenched shores at Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Mirissa or historic Galle Fort.
Pickup Locations
See all
Tissamaharama, Tangalle, Bandarawela, Matara,
Palatupana, Wellawaya, Ella, Mirissa,
Debarawewa, Kirinda, Kataragama, Galle,
Hambantota, Weerawila
Car Transfer
Details
Air-conditioned sedan or van with reclining seats and ample legroom.
Safari Jeep
Details
Open-top 4×4 SUV for unobstructed wildlife viewing and photos.
Yala Safari
2-hour guided game drive with experienced naturalist guide.
Patanangala Break
Yala Safari
1-hour guided game drive to spot late-day wildlife.
Safari Jeep
Details
Open-top 4×4 SUV for final wildlife spotting on the way out.
Car Transfer
Details
Air-conditioned sedan or van returns you comfortably to the coast.
Drop-off Locations
See all
Kataragama, Kirinda, Tissamaharama, Debarawewa,
Weerawila, Tangalle, Matara, Mirissa,
Ahangama, Weligama, Unawatuna, Galle
Itinerary
Ella → Yala Safari Tour: What’s Included, Exclusions & Important Info
Includes
- Pick up from hotels in and around the Ella area.
- Drop-off in Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, Ahangama, Unawatuna, Galle & suburbs.
- If your location is beyond these areas, contact us for arrangements (additional charges may apply).
- Professional driver/guide.
- 5-hour guided Yala National Park safari in a rugged 4×4 vehicle.
- Air-conditioned high-roof vans or minivans with luggage space (sharing basis).
Exclusions & Not Suitable For
- Entrance & service fees to Yala National Park (LKR 13,000 / ≈ USD 43 pp).
- Food & drinks.
- Pregnant women.
- People with back problems.
- Wheelchair users.
Important Information
- Children aged 2 and under ride free of charge.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
- Weather in Yala can be unpredictable; dress accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does pickup start and where?
Our tours depart from Ella at 3:00 AM and 12:00 PM, with hotel pickups anywhere in Ella. Exact pickup time will be confirmed the evening before your tour.
How long is the Yala safari?
The Yala safari tour lasts approximately 5 hours, giving you ample time to spot elephants, leopards, bears, and over 200 species of birds.
Are park entrance fees included?
Entrance to Yala National Park is LKR 13,000 (≈ USD 43) per person. You can pay this on arrival at the park gate, or include it in your tour when you book online—so you don’t need to carry cash on the day.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is not included. You can add a meal when booking through our portal.
What happens if it rains?
Our safari jeeps have rain covers—if the weather is too severe to proceed safely, we’ll reschedule your tour or offer a full refund.
Which coastal drop-off locations can I choose?
You can end your tour at one of twelve spots: Kataragama, Kirinda, Tissamaharama, Debarawewa, Weerawila, Tangalle, Matara, Mirissa, Ahangama, Weligama, Unawatuna, or Galle.
What vehicles are used for transfers and safari?
We use high-roof vans and air-conditioned minivans for all road transfers, and open-roof safari jeeps inside Yala National Park for the best wildlife viewing.
Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Absolutely—children of all ages are welcome. We can provide booster seats on request; just let us know when you book.
What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend packing sunscreen, a comfortable cap, and sunglasses to protect you from the sun, plus sturdy walking shoes and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. If you’re a local resident or from a SAARC country, please bring your ID or passport. And if you haven’t pre-purchased your park tickets through our booking portal, don’t forget to bring cash to pay the entrance fee on the day.
What is your cancellation policy?
Full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure; no refund thereafter. For details, see our refund policy.
Can I do the tour in reverse?
Yes—if you’d prefer to start on the coast and end in Ella, check out our reverse route here.
Do you offer hotel pickups?
We pick up guests from most hotels in Ella that are accessible by vehicle. If your hotel isn’t directly accessible, we’ll arrange a convenient nearby meeting point.
Get in Touch
Have questions or need help planning your Ella → Yala adventure? Drop us a line and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Yala Safari Drop-off Points from Ella
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.