Yala National Park Leopard Safari: Half-Day Review & Tips

Yala National Park in Sri Lanka is pretty famous, that’s pretty certain, especially because it’s thought to have a pretty high leopard population. Thinking about going on safari there? Basically, this is what you might find helpful. What follows is a real-life look at my own half-day safari there, and also tips to help you arrange your visit.

Why Yala? The Pull of the Leopard

People are keen to see a leopard, mostly, right? Arguably, Yala has this reputation as one of the very top places on Earth to get a good chance to actually spot one of these animals. The concentration of these amazing animals is relatively high, in a way, so for wildlife lovers, especially those seeking a close encounter with the usually secretive cats, Yala seems, more or less, like it can be irresistible.

Sri Lanka is pretty cool anyway, as I was saying, filled with diverse wildlife. Basically, that’s including elephants, tons of colorful birds, and even sloth bears. Yet, basically, it’s those leopards that truly steal the show for most folks heading there, so too it’s almost turning a visit to Yala into a really pretty special experience. Spotting one in the wild, well, pretty special indeed.

Booking My Safari: Choosing a Tour Operator

You are faced with heaps of operators who provide trips to Yala, like your choices could be many. So, I really got some solid tips online and then checked reviews, too it’s almost what helped me. Picking an experienced operator is a good plan. Basically, those folks are not just clued up on where the animals tend to hang out, but that, apparently, they stick to all of the rules that are intended to look after the wildlife plus their habitats, basically.

That can often mean small group sizes too it’s almost so everybody gets an acceptable look, that, as a matter of fact, the drivers treat the animals with respect and aren’t noisy. Look at their background too it’s almost make certain that you seem to feel happy with their experience and approach before parting with the cash.

The Half-Day Experience: What to Expect

I started my safari early. Starting really at sunrise does seem like the tip. Anyway, why? Since the animals can be very active then as the heat gets a bit crazy by the time it’s noon. Your jeep does likely bump across dirt tracks. You are able to, usually, pass scrubland, grassy areas, plus lagoons, I think. As a matter of fact, the scenery is lovely.

There is an atmosphere when the guide spots something and tells all in the jeep – then there’s all heads swivel plus cameras clicking! Even when there is no massive cat spotted the reserve brims with creatures. As I was saying, keep eyes peeled. You, potentially, spot elephants in the waters, crocodiles sunbathing on banks or maybe pretty colorful birds flitting in the trees.

My Leopard Sighting (or Lack Thereof!)

You should bear in mind this. As I was saying, wildlife’s not something one can control and so sightings are hardly certain! Unfortunately, right, and this might be true for others also, I did not actually spot any leopards in the course of my half-day trip to the park, that’s definitely true. Still, so I was surrounded with such loads of wildlife and natural settings to be captivated with.

What’s more, and for lots of tourists this can definitely hold true, I still feel that the entire day can prove to be absolutely amazing and the day was something I’d not swap away. Plus, as I was saying, some tourists on similar drives at that period were successful. Lady luck seemed to be not on my shoulder, though.

Essential Tips for Your Yala Safari

First off then, dress wisely, usually it can make quite a difference. So, try lightweight clothing and neutral colors to ensure that you do not stick out like one of those sore thumbs out there, and so frighten all of those animals that one looks for, okay?

• So, hats plus sun cream, are usually seen as pretty essential because that heat could be killer and, potentially, that sun really fierce!
• In a way, don’t skip bringing binos. That, actually, can up one’s odds of viewing some distant animals
• That quiet attitude definitely benefits. Keeping voices down prevents causing stress for these critters
• Arguably, staying hydrated becomes critical. Ensure to take sufficient liquids with you!

Plus and what’s more? So, demonstrate respect for the animals, this, basically, could appear fairly obvious to say yet often can become crucial. Ensure keeping one’s space and prevent making efforts to give food to the animals.