Excursion Yala national park with lunch tour at Hambantota

Discover the abundant wildlife, mammal, and bird species of the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka during this full-day game drive excursion at Yala National Park.

Hambantota, Scenic Drive, Cinnamon Wild Resort, Lunch, Yala National Park

Depart the pier for the approximately 1.5-hour, late-morning drive to the rustic Cinnamon Wild Resort, located just outside of Yala National Park. Upon arrival, proceed for a buffet lunch at the resort's restaurant. After lunch, re-board your coach for the short drive to Yala National Park, the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. Yala is renowned for its leopards and plethora of wildlife species, including elephants, spotted deer, sambur, wild buffaloes, sloth bears, mongoose, and crocodiles, amongst numerous others. The wealth and diversity of bird species here is every bit as staggering as the mammal population; over 130 different species have been identified, including six endemic species.

Game Drive, Abundant Leopard, Wildlife, Mammals, and Bird Species

Upon arrival at the park, leave your coach, board an open-air, basic 4X4 Jeep and begin your approximately two-hour afternoon game drive. Along the way, get up-close and personal with a wide array of diverse and plentiful wildlife species whilst traversing the beautiful natural landscape of Sri Lanka's foremost national park. Although Yala is home to a wide array of different wildlife, mammal, and bird species, it is the leopards that make this park such a popular destination. Seeing these magnificent animals in the wild is a truly fantastic and unforgettable experience. Yala is amongst the best locations to observe these elusive felines, as they slide like shadows across the undergrowth or perch across the branch of a tree.

Forests, Swamps, Grasslands, Lagoons, Low-Density Vegetation

The many diverse habitats at Yala National Park range from forest to swamp, and grassland to brackish lagoons. The topography here supports a great variety of animals, making this an exciting area to explore and providing a unique experience to park visitors. In addition, the often-low-density vegetation provides ideal conditions for safaris, as it allows a clear and unobstructed view of the wildlife. Following your game drive, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Hambantota, Cinnamon Wild Resort, Lunch, Yala National Park, Leopards, Wildlife, Mammals, Bird Species, Forests, Swamps, Grasslands, Lagoons

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of off-road driving and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 164 yards (about 150 metres), at times over uneven, dusty, bumpy, gravel, sandy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and four steps to get on/off the Jeep. Each 4X4 Jeep utilised on this tour is basic, open-air, opens from the sides, and seats five-six guests. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck/back problems, guests with heart/respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, sturdy, and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, bottled water, a sweater or light jacket, a face mask to protect from dust and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 7 years old to participate on this tour.

Guests must remain inside the Jeep at all times during the game drives. Due to very few trackers being available in Yala National Park, they will be subject to availability. One guide is assigned to six jeeps. Rangers are locals who speak very basic English and won't be able to ride in each Jeep, but your guide provides commentary during your transfer to Yala National Park and in case possible during the safari. Matches, lighters, cigarettes, and flash photography are all strictly prohibited inside the park. For personal consumption, it is recommended to avoid carrying any food items with a strong smell. Feeding the animals is strictly forbidden. Guests are not permitted to speak loudly or stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this disturbs the animals. The open-air, 4WD safari vehicles utilised on this tour are not covered, and guests are therefore exposed to the elements. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The 4-star dining venue is open-air, and the best-available in the area. Expect hot conditions during the game-drive. Due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the Game Reserve, the programme's sequence, contents, and itinerary are subject to change by the management without prior notice. Due to security checks some waiting time is expected at entrance of the National parks.

Infrastructure in Hambantota is basic, and local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in Sri Lanka is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring nations. Unfortunately, this is reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. Vehicles, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions.