Leopards & Wild Elephants Safari

Yala · Udawalawe

3 Days / 2 NightsDuration
Feb – JunBest time
PrivateTransport
2–6Group size

Two parks, one goal: real sightings, not crowds

Three days built around Sri Lanka's best big-cat and elephant country. You'll track leopards through Yala's scrub jungle and lagoons, then head to Udawalawe for close encounters with wild elephant herds around the reservoir. Small open-top jeeps, guides who read tracks and radio calls, and lodges just outside each park mean more time watching wildlife and less time in transit.

Yala leopard tracking Udawalawe elephant herds Open-top 4x4 jeep Local naturalist guide Sithulpawwa temple stop Bird-rich wetlands

Day by day

Your itinerary

Day1

Arrival & afternoon safari in Yala

Transfer to Tissamaharama and check in, then head straight into Yala National Park for an afternoon game drive — the best window for leopard activity as the heat drops.

Yala afternoon safariLeopard territoryLagoon birdlife
Stay: Safari lodgeMeals: Dinner
Day2

Full day in Yala & transfer to Udawalawe

An early morning and late afternoon safari inside Yala, broken up by a relaxed lunch and a stop at the ancient Sithulpawwa rock temple. Late afternoon, drive on to Udawalawe.

Dawn safariSithulpawwa templeUdawalawe transfer
Stay: Safari lodgeMeals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day3

Udawalawe elephant safari & departure

Morning safari in Udawalawe National Park, known for reliable wild elephant sightings around the reservoir. Return to your hotel or the airport by early afternoon.

Wild elephant herdsUdawalawe reservoirAirport transfer
Meals: Breakfast

Costs

What's included

  • Private transport & English-speaking driver-guide
  • 2 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfast
  • 4 safari jeep drives with park fees
  • Bottled water in the vehicle
  • Government taxes
  • International or domestic flights
  • Lunch & dinner (unless stated)
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Travel insurance

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

No wildlife sighting can ever be guaranteed, but Yala has one of the highest leopard densities in the world, and our guides know the territories well.

February to June, during the dry season, when animals gather more predictably around remaining water sources.

Typically one travelling party per jeep, with open sides for unobstructed photography — let us know your group size when you enquire.

Yes, though early starts (around 5am) can be tiring for very young kids. We can adjust timings on request.

Yes — this pairs well with our Complete Sri Lanka route or a south coast beach extension. Message us to customise.

Gallery

Moments from this route

Route

Where you'll go

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Ready to track leopards and elephants?