Sri Lanka · YALA NATIONAL PARK SAFARIS IN HAMBANTOTA

15 Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota to Build a Day Around

39 tours  ·  from $11

Good yala national park safaris in Hambantota fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Yala National Park Safari Tours - Half Day & Full Day - Choosing between five hours and a full day
Full-Day, Hambantota Tours, National Parks, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Yala National Park Safari Tours : Half Day & Full Day

1.Yala National Park Safari Tours : Half Day & Full Day

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 161 reviews · 6 - 12 hours · from $25Our pick

Choose a 6 to 12-hour Yala National Park safari from Tissamaharama and nearby towns. Your small group rides a private 4WD jeep with guides such as Ishan, Madu, Darshana, and Yasanka, with water, drinks, breakfast, and lunch on full-day trips. Park entry is extra.

“Our safari experience was absolutely amazing, mainly thanks to our guide, Ishan. He was truly passionate about his job and shared so many interesting facts about the animals and the park throughout the day. He was also an excellent driver, which made the whole journey very comfortable and safe. Thanks to his determination and knowledge, we managed to see all the animals we hoped for — even a leopard and a bear! He never gave up on searching and made sure we had the best possible experience. One thing worth knowing in advance is that there is a 2-hour break during the day. It’s a good idea to bring a…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yala National Park Safari Tour From Hambantota Port - The 90-minute road transfer to Yala
Hambantota Shore Excursions, Hambantota Shore Excursions in Hambantota, Hambantota Tours, National Parks, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Yala National Park Safari Tour From Hambantota port

2.Yala National Park Safari Tour From Hambantota port

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 102 reviews · from $57

Travel from Hambantota port or a local hotel to Yala National Park in a safari jeep shared by up to six people. Expect about five to six hours, wildlife spotting with an experienced driver, drinks, snacks, binoculars, and a separate $40 park entrance fee.

“A great way to see wildlife in Sri Lanka!! The open safari buses bring the outside closer. A very interesting rude from Hambantotan port to the park seeing paddy fields & rural life.Geeta? The driver was great & understood that we wanted to see as much wildlife as possible going out of his way to find a herd of elephants and many other different animals stopping so that we could take photos. He helped us with the park entry fee . Afterwards he was happy to take us to Hambantota town. A very memorable day and just glad the jeep survived back to our ship”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yala Safari Tour from Hambantota Port by Ajith Safaris - The drive from the port to Yala
Hambantota Shore Excursions, Hambantota Shore Excursions in Hambantota, Hambantota Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Yala Safari Tour from Hambantota Port by Ajith Safaris

3.Yala Safari Tour from Hambantota Port by Ajith Safaris

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · from $50Top rated

Meet Ajith Safaris at Hambantota Port for a 5 to 6-hour group trip to Yala National Park. You’ll ride a safari jeep with a local driver-guide, pause at Palatupana, carry bottled drinks and binoculars, and return to the port. Guides named in feedback include Faisal, Chantal, Shan, Haji, and Thiss.

“45 minutes late in leaving the port harbor. tour was as advertised but the roads were very bumpy and seniors with physical limitations should inquire ahead. very hard to get into and out of the safari jeeps. drivers should go slower over tRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yala National Park Safari |From Hambantota Port (Shore Excursion) - Elephants, crocodiles, birds, and the leopard question
Hambantota Shore Excursions, Hambantota Shore Excursions in Hambantota, Hambantota Tours, National Parks, Safari, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Yala National Park Safari |From Hambantota Port (Shore Excursion)

4.Yala National Park Safari |From Hambantota Port (Shore Excursion)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 61 reviews · from $75

Leave Hambantota Port for a private Yala National Park safari in a Toyota 4WD Jeep, limited to six people. Your English-speaking driver also tracks animals during about four hours inside the park. Guides such as Lakshan have earned praise for careful driving and sharp wildlife spotting.

“This safari offered a glimpse into the national park which contains local birds,deers,an assortment of creatures & the highlight was seeing elephants. Set your expectations since this is not a “safari” like in Botswana or S. Africa with the big Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yala National Park: 7 hour & 12 hour Leopard Safari Tours - Seven hours or twelve hours in the park
Hambantota Tours, National Parks, Safari, Sri Lanka Leopard Safaris, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Yala National Park: 7 hour & 12 hour Leopard Safari Tours

5.Yala National Park: 7 hour & 12 hour Leopard Safari Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 46 reviews · 7 - 13 hours · from $18

Set out from Tissamaharama, Kirinda, Weerawila, Palatupana, or Kataragama in a 4x4 jeep with an English-speaking guide. Look for Yala’s leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, birds, and deer, with breakfast included and lunch on the 12-hour safari.

“It was amazing! The drive was a little crazy but to be expected 🤣 our guide was awesome and we were the first car to a leopard! It was a dream come true. We also saw crocodiles, buffalo, monkeys, and elephants. Long day but the leopard made it worth it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yala Safari from Hambantota Port by BTM - Private & All Inclusive - The leopard question
Hambantota Shore Excursions, Hambantota Shore Excursions in Hambantota, Hambantota Tours, Private, Safari, Tour Reviews, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Yala Safari from Hambantota Port by BTM – Private & All Inclusive

6.Yala Safari from Hambantota Port by BTM – Private & All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · from $135

Travel from Hambantota Port to Yala National Park in a private vehicle, then explore by safari Jeep with an experienced driver. Choose a half-day or full-day outing, with park fees, water, and return transport included. Full-day trips add a picnic lunch.

“Great full day tour of Yala, unfortunately no sighting of leopard but lots of other animals to see!! Our guide was waiting for us as agreed in a private car at the meeting point at the cruise terminal to whisk us off to meeting point for the off roRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yala National Park Tour From Hambantota Port - What the Toyota Hilux safari is really like
Hambantota Shore Excursions, Hambantota Shore Excursions in Hambantota, Hambantota Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Yala National Park Tour From Hambantota Port

7.Yala National Park Tour From Hambantota Port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · from $47

From Hambantota Port, ride a Toyota Hilux into Yala National Park for about seven hours. Your driver-guide searches for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and birds across jungle, plains, and lagoons. Sandhul and Dilanka have led this route, though your assigned driver may differ.

“An excellent trip to explore the National Park and hunt for the leopards. Sandhul proved an excellent driver, safety and comfort conscious while searching for the best wildlife experiences. Pick up from the ship was easy, based on good communication by the company.”

Check availability →Read our full review

YALA BLOCK 5 & 6 (Weheragala & Lunugamwehera) Safari Tours - Leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and smaller wildlife
Hambantota Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

YALA BLOCK 5 & 6 (Weheragala & Lunugamwehera) Safari Tours

8.YALA BLOCK 5 & 6 (Weheragala & Lunugamwehera) Safari Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 31 reviews · 5 - 12 hours · from $36

Explore Lunugamwehera and Weheragala, Yala Blocks 6 and 5, in a comfortable jeep with an English-speaking guide such as Sakun, Madu, or Ishan. Expect a quieter park, hotel pickup, binoculars, water, drinks, and a chance to spot elephants, leopards, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, and rare birds.

“This was great! We had a private safari and this part of Yala was way less crowded. Highly recommend this tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yala National Park Safari |From Hambantota Port (Shore Excursion) - Elephants, crocodiles, birds, and the leopard question
Hambantota Shore Excursions, Hambantota Shore Excursions in Hambantota, Hambantota Tours, National Parks, Safari, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Yala National Park Safari from Hambantota port (Shore Excursion)

9.Yala National Park Safari from Hambantota port (Shore Excursion)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · from $45

Meet your English-speaking driver-guide at Hambantota Port or a local hotel, then ride to Yala National Park for about five hours in a safari jeep. Look for elephants, leopards, crocodiles, sloth bears, and birds. The $45 tour excludes the $40 park ticket, so plan for the full cost.

“Fantastic trip and far better value than Millennium Cruise options. Everything was very well coordinated and accommodated our early arrival. Our guide was excellent and knowledgeable and ensured we saw as much wildlife as possible. A thoroughly enjoyable day which we would highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Hikkaduwa/Mirissa/Galle/Tangalle - Yala Leopard Safari - A nine-hour day from the south coast
Hambantota Tours, Safari, Sri Lanka Leopard Safaris, Tour Reviews, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

From Hikkaduwa/Mirissa/Galle/Tangalle – Yala Leopard Safari

10.From Hikkaduwa/Mirissa/Galle/Tangalle – Yala Leopard Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 24 reviews · 9 hours · from $41

You leave Hikkaduwa, Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle, or nearby towns for four hours inside Yala National Park. A guide such as Mari or Imal leads the wildlife search, while air-conditioned transfers and a spacious 4x4 jeep keep the long day comfortable. Leopards are possible, never promised.

“Very beutifull, we saw elephants, crocodiles and even a leopard from the distance, i would recommend this safari.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yala National Park: Morning or Afternoon Safari ( 5 h ) - Pickup from Tissamaharama, Kataragama, Kirinda, or Palatupana
Hambantota Tours, Morning, National Parks, Safari, Tour Reviews, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Yala National Park: Morning or Afternoon Safari ( 5 h )

11.Yala National Park: Morning or Afternoon Safari ( 5 h )

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 24 reviews · 5 hours · from $11Best value

You’ll spend about four hours inside Yala National Park in a comfortable 4x4 jeep, looking for leopards, elephants, bears, deer, crocodiles, and birds. English-speaking guides such as Isuru and Nuwan are praised for animal knowledge and careful driving, but confirm your group size and park fee before departure.

“We absolutely loved the safari! Our guide was super friendly and came with another guide who helped spot the animals, which made the experience even better. One thing that really surprised and delighted us was that they offered us water, Coca-Cola, and cookies during the tour. The description said that food and drinks were not included, so it was such a nice and thoughtful gesture from the team. Although we didn’t get to see the leopard, our guide did everything possible to find it and showed great dedication and passion. We left the safari feeling really happy — it was an authentic and well-organized experience. Excellent value for money. Totally…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yala and Udawalawa Safari Tour From Hambantota port - What you are really paying for at $47
Hambantota Shore Excursions, Hambantota Shore Excursions in Hambantota, Hambantota Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Udawalawe National Park Safaris, Udawalawe National Park Safaris in Hambantota, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Yala and Udawalawa Safari Tour From Hambantota port

12.Yala and Udawalawa Safari Tour From Hambantota port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $47

Travel from Hambantota port or a nearby hotel in a private safari jeep for about six hours. Your guide searches Yala for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and birds, with free binoculars, water, and cool drinks. Yala may be replaced by Udawalawe if timing meets the park’s noon closure.

“Good tour of the park, although we are surprised that from 12am to 2pm the park “closes” and you have to stay in a rest area, next to a beach. Otherwise the vehicle is quite comfortable, although it moves a lot through the potholes of the park's dirt roads. Highly recommended, spectacular nature.Auto-translated”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yala Safari Tour from Hambantota Port (Shore Excursion) - Key points to know before booking
Hambantota Shore Excursions, Hambantota Shore Excursions in Hambantota, Hambantota Tours, Safari, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Yala Safari Tour from Hambantota Port (Shore Excursion)

13.Yala Safari Tour from Hambantota Port (Shore Excursion)

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 20 reviews · from $58

You’ll leave Hambantota Port by safari jeep for about four hours in Yala National Park. A chauffeur-guide handles the drive and wildlife search, with space for up to seven people. Expect elephants, peacocks, crocodiles, monkeys, and many birds, while leopard sightings remain a bonus. Park entry costs extra.

“Picked up from Hambantota port on time Brilliant safari with our guide. Very friendly and knowledgable. We were lucky to see a leopard, elephants, jackal, crocs, deers, mongoose, other animals as well as all the amazing birds. So beautiful and peaceful. Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hambantota Port: Yala National Park Safari (Shore Excursion) - What the 4x4 safari feels like
Hambantota Shore Excursions, Hambantota Shore Excursions in Hambantota, Hambantota Tours, National Parks, Safari, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Hambantota Port: Yala National Park Safari (Shore Excursion)

14.Hambantota Port: Yala National Park Safari (Shore Excursion)

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 19 reviews · 5 hours · from $49

You’ll ride a 4x4 through huge Ruhunu Yala National Park, searching for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, buffalo, deer, and more. Ceylon Nature Tours provides pickup and drop-off from Hambantota Port or area hotels, but the park entrance fee costs extra.

“Provider did not show up. I was let down terribly absolutely devastated.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yala National Park Safari Tour From Hambantota Port - The 90-minute road transfer to Yala
Hambantota Shore Excursions, Hambantota Shore Excursions in Hambantota, Hambantota Tours, National Parks, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Yala National Park Safaris, Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

Yala National Park Safari Tour From Hambantota Port

15.Yala National Park Safari Tour From Hambantota Port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $45

Meet your driver at Hambantota Port for a six to seven-hour Yala National Park safari in a Toyota Hilux jeep. Expect a long road transfer, shared rides of up to six, bottled water, snacks, binoculars, and a chance to spot leopards, elephants, deer, monkeys, mongoose, and birds.

“Truly spectacular scenery on the trip to Yala nature reserve and in the reserve. We were fortunate enough to see elephants, leopard, deer, mongoose, monkeys and various exotic birds. Our guide and driver made a huge effort to make sure our experience was enjoyable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Yala National Park Safaris in Hambantota

★ 3.8Yala Safari : 7 hour & 12 hour ToursFrom $196 reviews
★ 5.0Yala National Park Safari Tour from Hambantota PortFrom $607 reviews
★ 5.0Yala National Park: Morning or Afternoon Safari Tour (5 h)From $163 reviews
★ 5.0Yala National Park: Leopard Safari Half/Full-Day SafariFrom $383 reviews
★ 4.4Yala National Park Jeep Safari: Leopards, Elephants & WildFrom $154 reviews
★ 3.4Yala National Park : Half Day or Full Day Safari ToursFrom $163 reviews
★ 5.0YALA National Park – HALF DAY or FULL DAY TOURFrom $124 reviews
★ 3.8Yala National Park: Half Day or Full Day Leopard Safari TourFrom $163 reviews
★ 4.5All Inclusive Overnight Glamping and SafariFrom $3493 reviews
★ 5.0Yala National Park Safari Tours from Hambantota PortFrom $458 reviews
★ 5.0Yala National Park Safari Tours From Hambantota portFrom $657 reviews
★ 4.0Yala Half Day Safari from Hambantota Port Shore ExcursionFrom $1569 reviews
★ 5.0Wildlife Safari Yala National parkFrom $1607 reviews
★ 3.5Shore Excursion Hambantota Port to Yala Safari and Come back(All Inclusive)From $1456 reviews
★ 4.4Lunugamvehera National Park Safari ( Yala Block V / VI )From $333 reviews

Keep browsing

Yala National Park Safaris222Sigiriya Rock Fortress Tours207Ceylon Tea Plantation Tours33Tuk-Tuks139Cooking Classes57Train Experiences34
Scroll to Top

Explore Sri Lanka

Pick a park, a temple or a stretch of coast.

The parks

Yala SafarisUdawalawe SafarisMinneriya SafarisLeopard DrivesWilpattu Safaris

Rock and temple

Sigiriya RockCave TemplesAnuradhapuraHeritage DaysGalle Fort

Hill country

Tea FactoriesKandy to EllaTrain JourneysNuwara EliyaHikes

Coast and water

Whale BoatsSnorkellingWhite WaterHikkaduwaBentota