Summary
Sri Lanka Safari to Yala National Park
We had two glorious days in Yala National Park with a total of three outings in the park. Touring with a private driver and guide gave us the luxury of spotting wildlife at our own pace without the crowds. We enjoyed two nights at The Cinnamon Wild Lodge where we stayed right in the middle of wildlife. This was how a safari in Sri Lanka was meant to be.
Wildlife roams through the Cinnamon Wild camp, and once the sun sets, it’s necessary to call for an escort to walk you from your treehouse bungalow to the main lodge. You never know what you’ll encounter!
Men with flashlights patrol the grounds to ensure you don’t happen upon any unexpected wildlife. Elephants frequently wander through the resort, but on one occasion, we just saw a wild boar on our way back to our suite.
The Wildlife of a Yala Safari
Safaris depart directly from the lodge each morning and evening and are organized by Nature Trails. The comfortable 4X4 Safari trucks sit high, providing clear views for everyone.
With the jeep to ourselves, we could linger as long as we wished at every spot. The guides possess extensive knowledge of the park and know exactly where to spot the animals. Trust in their expertise and follow their advice. We ended up seeing every species we hoped to encounter on our safari in Yala.
Yala National Park Is The Best Place To See Leopards On Earth
We went on three different safaris in pursuit of the star attraction of Yala National Park; the elusive leopard. In Yala, the leopards are not too elusive. Yala National Park holds the highest concentration of leopards in the world. Consequently, the chances of spotting one here are unparalleled.
In Africa, a leopard’s range is around 100 square kilometers, whereas, in Yala, the territory spans about 8 square km, meaning you will observe a high concentration of leopards in a compact area.
How Many Leopards Did We See?
Previously in Yala, we spotted a leopard resting on a branch in a distant tree. This time, we sighted five leopards in total, including a fantastic view of a nearby leopard climbing a tree. It was a tremendous success.
However, it’s not just the leopards that draw tourists from around the globe; it’s the rich abundance of wildlife and the beautifully rugged landscape.
About Yala National Park – Sri Lanka
On our visit to Yala in 2011, there were no reports of sloth bears. This time, sloth bears became another highlight of our safari.
We spotted three sloth bears during our adventures, and the most fascinating moment was encountering a bear crossing the road. Our driver paused to observe, and instead of fleeing, the bear calmly sat down in the middle of the path and stared back at us, almost daring us to approach.
The most thrilling bear moment occurred when a buffalo chased one away from a watering hole. You can view it in the video below. This watering hole is alive with wildlife.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgqfmza4Yw8[/embedyt]
Other Wildlife on Safari in Sri Lanka
An elephant ambled by after the buffalo scared off the bear. Various deer, wild boar, and different bird species drank at the water, while crocodiles enjoyed basking in the sun. It was a beautiful showcase of nature in perfect equilibrium.
Next, we drove to an exquisite rock formation deeper in the park, where countless monkeys frolicked among the gigantic boulders. Observing the monkeys playing at sunset before returning to the resort was a magical experience.
Yala Wild provides a lovely evening atmosphere as you listen to the jungle’s sounds and watch buffalo, deer, birds, and monkeys relaxing by the watering hole, right outside the hotel.
Even the most commonplace wildlife appeared stunning against the landscape.
Staying Overnight in Yala Made the Experience Amazing
We resided in a beach chalet at Cinnamon Wild, hearing the crashing waves just outside as we stood 10 feet above ground on an elevated platform, watching wild boar scurry below.
This resort is situated in the heart of Yala, immersing you in the wildlife experience. During the day, you can use the pool and stroll the grounds; however, at night, an escort is required to protect against potential wildlife encounters. Dinner is buffet-style, featuring traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and options for American and European dishes.
Luxury Safari in Sri Lanka
We highly recommend a stay at the beautiful Cinnamon Wild Lodge, which is conveniently located just outside the park’s gates amidst wildlife and jungle.
This experience is worth the expense and is more affordable than you might expect.
Costs for A Safari in Sri Lanka with Overnight in Yala
- A night at Cinnamon Wild Resort costs between $150 – $300 USD depending on the season and suite choice.
- A private safari is priced at $90 per person.
- Find more information about Cinnamon on TripAdvisor.
The resort features jungle and beach chalets, offering everything you’ve ever wished for during a wildlife safari.
There is a rooftop bar for sunset views, and afterward, you’re escorted back to your chalet for a night of pure bliss. We slept soundly in our comfortable bed.
Two-Day Safari in Yala is a Must
We rose bright and early the following day for another safari, which provided us with opportunities to see even more wildlife. Our two days allowed us to take our time and enjoy the experience. After seeing plenty on day one, day two focused on searching for more elusive animals.
Most Exciting Wildlife Spotting on Our Sri Lanka Safari
The most exhilarating wildlife encounter on our Sri Lanka safari was not with the leopards or even the elephants, but rather with a giant python crossing our path in the jungle.
This was our first encounter with such a massive snake in the wild. This five-meter-long (15 feet) python spanned the entire width of the road as we paused to watch it meander back into the jungle, captivated by its beauty and strength.
I certainly wouldn’t want to encounter one of these while walking in the jungle!
Birds of Yala
The day continued with more safari sightings, particularly of the avian variety that captured our attention! Herons, hornbills, painted storks, and peacocks were all observed.
Peacocks
Unfortunately, it was not the right time for peacocks to flaunt their feathers, but previously, we had witnessed many peacocks strutting their stuff on prior visits.
Best time for bird watching in Sri Lanka: January is an excellent time to see peacocks in full display; we were in Sri Lanka in June. While it was wonderful for other wildlife, it wasn’t mating season for the peacocks.
Hornbills
Normally, we don’t get overly excited about birds; however, in Yala, the hornbills and other birds are sure to capture your interest.
Eagles
Whether you love observing birds, big cats, elephants, or reptiles, a safari in Yala National Park offers heart-pounding excitement. There is nothing more thrilling than witnessing a rare species in their natural setting.
Herons
Storks
Previous encounters with storks had been memorable; however, the painted storks of Yala were a new and fascinating sight for us.
Bee-Eaters
Don’t overlook the dazzling bee-eaters of Sri Lanka. Though they are small, they are undeniably charming!
Leopard Conservation at Yala National Park
We were greatly impressed by the Project Leopard initiative started by Cinnamon Resorts. Located in a rural Sri Lankan community, Yala National Park faces challenges with local farmers being affected by leopards hunting their livestock. In the past, farmers resorted to killing and poisoning leopards to protect their cattle; however, the Project Leopard initiative provides alternative solutions.
To date, Cinnamon and the John Keells Group have successfully constructed more than 55 pens to safeguard farmers’ livestock from leopard attacks. This effort marks a significant step towards conserving this magnificent species.
Other Excursions in Yala National Park
Cinnamon Wild offers many distinct excursions, including opportunities to visit local farmers and witness Project Leopard in action for yourself.
Moreover, they organize night drives, guided nature walks, champagne breakfasts, and sunset dinners in the bush overlooking the watering hole.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Cinnamon Wild, as one could easily spend three to four days soaking in the wildlife, while also relishing the pool, spa, and comfortable accommodations. If you plan on experiencing a Sri Lankan safari, this is undoubtedly the way to do it.
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For further information on Sri Lankan safaris and accommodations throughout the country, consider checking out Cinnamon Resorts. We also spent a week in the Maldives; discover all the activities available there as well!
