Frequently AskedQuestions.

The dry season (mid-April through August) is when the park is at its most ecologically dynamic. Water sources dry up, concentrating wildlife around remaining waterholes and making for extraordinary encounters. May and June tend to be particularly active. We operate year-round except during the annual park closure (typically September to mid-October for Block 1). Each season has its own character — our Best Time to Visit page has a detailed monthly breakdown.

Yala is home to 44 species of mammals and over 200 species of birds, including the Sri Lankan leopard, Asian elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, wild boar, water buffalo, and extraordinary birdlife. Our specialist field guides will take you across different ecological zones of the park — coastal scrub, dense jungle, open grassland, and ancient rock formations — sharing their deep knowledge of the ecosystem at every turn. What stays with you is the whole experience: the dawn light, the elephants at the waterhole, the campfire dinner, and the silence between the birdsong.

Yala has the highest leopard density on Earth, so the odds are in your favour — but these are wild animals, not exhibits. Our specialist guides read the landscape using ground tracks, scent marking, prey behaviour, and alarm calls. A multi-day stay across different blocks and times of day gives you the most immersive experience and naturally increases the chances. We always recommend at least 2 safaris. Come with curiosity and patience, and the jungle tends to reward you.

We have three ensuite AC glamping tents: Nangi and Soththi (each sleeping 2 adults) and Rajah (our family tent, sleeping up to 4). Each tent has air conditioning, ensuite bathroom with hot water, mosquito nets, towels, toiletries, and free WiFi. This is not a hotel. It is a canvas tent in the jungle. But it is comfortable, clean, and safe. Visit our Accommodation page for full details.

Park entrance fees are charged per person, per entry by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. They vary by nationality, age, and the number of entries. Foreign adults pay approximately $15-20 per entry. Our Ticket Calculator gives you an exact breakdown based on your group. For custom itineraries, park fees are included in the safari excursion price. For curated packages, they are calculated separately.

Comfortable, neutral-coloured clothing (avoid bright colours). A light jacket for early mornings. Sunscreen and insect repellent. A hat and sunglasses. A camera with a good zoom lens if you are serious about photography. Binoculars (we provide them, but you may prefer your own). A reusable water bottle. Closed-toe shoes for nature walks.

Yes, absolutely. We regularly host families with children of all ages. Our rangers provide kid-friendly commentary and animal tracking with guided worksheets. The family tent (Rajah) can accommodate cots for babies. We have a children's menu, and our campfire s'mores experience is a highlight for kids. Children under 6 stay free. Children 6 to 12 receive 50% off the adult package rate. Teens 13 to 19 are charged at 75% of the adult rate.

Yes. Our Yala Hideout package (from $192 all-inclusive) is designed for solo travellers. We group solo guests together on specific dates so you share safaris and campfire dinners with other independent travellers. It is a social experience, not a lonely one. Private tent upgrades are available for $30 extra.

Tipping is not expected but is always appreciated. If you had a great safari, a tip of $10-20 per safari for your ranger and driver is generous. For camp staff, any amount you feel comfortable with is welcome. Tips are pooled and shared among the team.

We are located on Old Sithulpawwa Road, Katagamuwa, near Kataragama. The easiest way is a private transfer from Colombo Airport (~$160-170, 3.5 hours via highway). We also provide transfers from Ella (~$55-65), Tangalle (~$55-65), and Arugambay (~$85). Important: do NOT follow Google Maps for the final approach. We will send you a meeting point pin for pickup. Full details on our Plan Your Trip page.

BYOB is welcome. We do not sell alcohol at camp, but you are free to bring your own. If you would like us to pre-order local beer or imported wine before your arrival, just let Marc know when booking. We will have it chilled and ready.

Yes. We send a guest questionnaire before arrival to understand your dietary needs. Our kitchen handles vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-specific meals with care. All our food is authentic Sri Lankan cuisine prepared fresh by Chaminda and his family.

Yes, without question. Yala has the highest density of leopards anywhere on the planet. You are more likely to see a leopard here than in any other national park in Asia or Africa. Beyond leopards, you will see elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, and over 200 species of birds. We run small-group safaris with experienced rangers who know every waterhole and territorial marking in the park. Our guests consistently tell us it was the highlight of their Sri Lanka trip. If wildlife matters to you, Yala delivers.

At Camp Leopard, our all-inclusive packages start from $192 per person for a solo day safari and go up to $385 per person for a 2-night, 2-safari stay. That price covers accommodation, all meals from arrival lunch to departure breakfast, guided safaris with a private ranger, binoculars, and camp facilities. Park entrance fees are separate and cost approximately $15-20 per entry for foreign adults. You can use our Park Fee Calculator for exact figures. Compared to private safari lodges in Africa, Yala offers extraordinary value for the wildlife you will encounter.

Yala National Park has the highest leopard density on Earth, with approximately one leopard per square kilometre in Block 1. Our specialist field guides have spent years tracking these animals and know individual leopards by their rosette patterns, territories, and behaviour. We don't guarantee sightings — if you need that, a zoo would be the better option. What we do guarantee is an immersive experience across different ecological zones of the park with an enthusiastic team who will share their deep knowledge of this landscape with you. A positive attitude, patience, and multi-day stays are what bring the leopard to you. Nature rewards those who accept it on its own terms.

Each block has its own character and ecology. Block 1 has the highest leopard density and the most dramatic terrain. Block 5 is much quieter with fewer vehicles and is excellent for elephants, birdlife, and a more immersive, unhurried experience. We also access Blocks 2 and 3 for guests who want to explore deeper into the park. Our specialist guides will advise based on recent animal movements and what's happening ecologically — they read the landscape, not a checklist.

We recommend a minimum of 2 nights and 2 safaris. This gives you enough time to settle into camp life, experience different blocks and times of day, and let the jungle reveal itself at its own pace. One night is possible, but it limits you to a single drive. If you have the flexibility, 3 nights lets us take you across genuinely different ecological zones and gives you the most immersive experience. Multi-day stays are where the real magic happens — the positive attitude and patience that comes with slowing down is what brings nature to you. Our most popular package is the 2-night Explorer.

They are different experiences. Yala has a much higher density of leopards, elephants, and overall wildlife, with diverse ecological zones packed into a relatively compact area. Wilpattu is larger, less crowded, and known for its natural lakes (villus). It is beautiful and peaceful, with a completely different feel. We operate at Yala because we believe it offers the most rewarding and ecologically varied safari experience in Sri Lanka. That said, if you have time to visit both, they complement each other well.

Yala is home to 44 species of mammals and over 200 species of birds. The Sri Lankan leopard is the headline species, and Yala has the highest concentration on Earth. You can also expect Asian elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild boar, water buffalo, mugger crocodiles, land monitors, and jackals. Birdwatchers will find painted storks, Sri Lanka junglefowl (the national bird), crested serpent eagles, and many more. Marine turtles nest on the coastal stretches. Every safari is different — our specialist guides will share their knowledge of the entire ecosystem, not just the big five.

Yes, it is very safe. All safaris are conducted in certified 4x4 vehicles with experienced, licensed rangers. You stay inside the vehicle at all times during game drives. The Department of Wildlife Conservation manages the park with clear rules and designated routes. At Camp Leopard, our site is fenced and monitored, and our staff are on site 24/7. We have hosted families with young children, elderly guests, and solo travellers without any safety issues. Sri Lanka in general is a very safe country for tourists, and Yala is one of its best-managed national parks.