Illustration of a safari in Sri Lanka with a leopard, elephants and tropical birds in a lush jungle landscape.
Buddhika

🦁 Yala vs Wilpattu: Which safari to choose?

Having experienced both national parks on safari, here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose between Yala and Wilpattu, two of Sri Lanka’s most famous parks.

Uda Walawa Park

🎯 Similarities

  1. 💰 Comparable rates: A full-day safari with a reputable operator costs around 150 USD for two people. National park entrance fees are also similar: 35 USD per person.
  2. 🍽️ Inclusions: Both options include breakfast and lunch in the price.
  3. 🦓 Wildlife: Mammal sightings are very similar between the two parks.
  4. ⏳Safari duration: Days are similar in terms of duration.
  5. 🚗 Crowding: Although there are traffic jams around leopard sightings, other times on both safaris offer relative tranquility.
  6. ✨ Unforgettable experiences: Both parks offer memorable safaris.

🌿 The differences

  1. 🦜 Bird diversity: Yala offers a greater variety of birds, which may appeal to birdwatchers.
  2. ⏱️ Lunch break:
    • 🛌 In Yala: A compulsory 2-hour nap (noon to 2pm) is enforced. During this break, vehicles leave the trails. You take your lunch in a dedicated area with restaurant and toilets near the beach, where you can also take a siesta.
    • 🍴 In Wilpattu: there’s no imposed break. Lunch is taken in a small area equipped with an enclosed dining room (with 4 tables), designed to prevent the monkeys from reaching your meal.
  3. 🚪 Park entrances:
    • Yala: The recommended entrance is Katagamuwa, much less crowded than the main entrance.
    • Wilpattu: Prefer the Hunuwilgama entrance, which is also less busy.

🏨 S afari accommodation and organization

Hotels or guesthouses located close to the parks are the best choices for organizing your safaris.

  • 🏕️ Yala: Stay at Boundary Yala. The establishment is run by an environmentalist/naturalist journalist, and offers a unique immersion in nature.
  • 🌄 Wilpattu: Ceylon Resort Wilpattu is an excellent option, also highly rated for its proximity to nature and welcoming hosts.

Both accommodations are far from the cities, offering peace and tranquility, as well as tailor-made service for safari enthusiasts.

📅 When to go?

The best time to visit Yala is between February and July, when water levels in the park are low, attracting animals around waterholes. For Wilpattu, the ideal period is February to October, although this park is slightly less affected by the rainy seasons thanks to its many natural lakes. These climatic differences may influence your choice of travel period.

🎒 Practical tips for a successful safari

To maximize your chances of seeing animals :

  • 🕓Start early in the morning: Animals are most active at sunrise.
  • 👕 Wear neutral clothing: Favor natural hues to blend in with the environment.
  • 💧 Carry water and binoculars: This improves your comfort and allows you to better enjoy the wildlife.
  • 🚪 Choose less crowded entrances: To avoid crowds and guarantee a more peaceful experience.
  • 📆 Plan outside local vacations: This ensures a quieter atmosphere and optimal sightings.

🐘 Why choose a safari in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a unique destination for safari enthusiasts, combining rich biodiversity and varied landscapes. Unlike African safaris, national parks like Yala and Wilpattu offer a more intimate experience, with an exceptional chance to spot leopards, elephants and a myriad of tropical birds. These safaris are a great way to discover Sri Lankan nature at affordable prices. What’s more, our passionate and experienced local guides enrich every outing with their in-depth knowledge of the flora and fauna. If you’re looking for a wild adventure in a peaceful setting, Sri Lanka is a destination not to be missed.

💰 Detailed prices for a safari in Yala and Wilpattu

A full-day safari in Yala or Wilpattu National Parks costs around 150 USD for two people with a reputable operator. This includes jeep transport, the services of an experienced guide and breakfast and lunch. In addition, entrance fees for the national parks are 35 USD per person, a fee set by the authorities for the conservation of nature reserves.

It’s important to note that lower rates may be offered by some operators, but the quality of service and experience may vary. Opting for a professional guide and a well-maintained jeep guarantees a more rewarding and environmentally-friendly experience. If you’re traveling alone or in a small group, you might also consider sharing the cost with other travelers to reduce expenses.

To sum up, for a full day for two, plan on an overall budget of around 220 USD, including safari and entrance fees. This is still an affordable price for a unique experience at the heart of Sri Lanka’s wildlife.

These tips will help you make the most of your adventure, whether you choose Yala or Wilpattu.