Wildlife Encounters in Yala

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Yala National Park
Duration:
2 days / 1 night (flexible)
Price:
From £ 349.- per adult (excluding flights)
From £ 179, - per child (up to 11 years)

Elephants, monkeys, crocodiles and maybe even a leopard or two – this is how to persuade the kids that Sri Lanka is the place to go. Welcome to Yala National Park! You’ll spend the night sleeping in a safari tent on the edge of the park with the noise of nature all around, and you’ll set off on a jeep safari to seek out some of the country’s most famous residents. It’s an experience the whole family will remember forever.

Day 1 – Wildlife spotting and glamping

As you head towards Yala the landscape flattens out, and soon you’ll be driving through the scrubland and grassy plains around the park – you might even spot some wildlife along the way, so no falling asleep in the car (it’s a little bumpy anyway…). Depending on your route you could stop at the Elephant Transit Centre, where orphaned or injured elephants are cared for before hopefully going back into the wild.

You’ll arrive at your tented camp – don’t worry, it’s ‘posh’ camping with proper beds, private bathrooms and good food, which is all included. Pretty soon it’s time to head out on your jeep safari, along with an experienced local guide who knows all the best spots. The park is full of wild animals, and you’re (almost) guaranteed to see crocodiles, monkeys and elephants. If you’re lucky then you might even come across a jaguar or a black bear, so keep your camera handy!

In the late afternoon you’ll return to your camp where you can have a freshly cooked meal, check out all the pictures you’ve taken and look up at the star-filled night sky, before bedding down for the night in your comfy tent with the sounds of nature buzzing around you. Whether you’re old or young, this is a pretty unforgettable experience.