If viewing a diverse array of wildlife is at the top of your agenda then Yala national park is the place to visit. The vegetation consists of scrub jungle, lakes, and brackish lagoons to riverine habitat. Is one of the most visited national parks in the country and is divided into 5 Blocks and it is Block 1 which covers over 14,000 hectares that is most frequently traversed.
Yala’s main draw is the leopard and it is said to be one of best places in the world to view leopards. It has been theorized that Yala may have the highest density of leopards in the world. However, on a safari with Leopard Trails we make it a point to showcase the diversity of wildlife that Yala has to offer. On a two night stay it is possible to spot and identify over a 100 species of birds. The density of mugger crocodiles within Yala is also quite an underrated feature of the park. Yala is also one of the better places in Sri Lanka to come across tusked elephants.
At the end of the North-east Monsoon (February), the park is also very good for butterflies. There are 2 main rivers flowing through Yala, the Manik Ganga and the Kumbukkan Oya and these two rivers serve as the lifeline to the park during the drier months.
In Yala watch out for
- Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya)
- Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus)
- Mugger Crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris)
- Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus)
- Ceylon Junglefowl (Gallus lafayetii)
- Sri Lanka Woodshrike (Tephrodornis affinis)
- Sri Lanka Swallow (Cecropis hyperythra)
- Stone-curlew (Esacus recurvirostris)
- Sirkeer Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii)
- Blue-faced Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus viridirostris)
- Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus)
- Black-naped Hare (Lepus nigricollis)
- Water Buffalos (Bubalus bubalis)
- Spotted Deer (Axis axis)
- Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor)
- Grey Langur (Semnopithecus)
- Toque Monkey (Macaca sinica)
- Stripe-necked Mongoose (Herpestes vitticollis)
- Ruddy Mongoose (Herpestes smithii)
- Indian Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii)
- Brown Mongoose (Herpestes fuscus)
- Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
- Jackal (Canis aureus)
- Land Monitor (Varanus Bengalensis)
- Mouse-deer (Tragulus Nigricans)
- Sri Lanka Green Pigeon (Treron pompadora)
- Indian Rock Python (Python molurus)
“Old world hospitality with a contemporary flair”
Leopard Trails bespoke tented safaris redefine the original tented safari with convenient modern-day amenities, all the while staying true to the romantic ambience of a by-gone British colonial era filled with adventure. Mobile Camping is the most authentic form of safari, a true immersion into the sights and sounds of the wilderness.
We have two types of tents at Leopard Trails Yala camp: The Leopard Trails Suites and Deluxe Tents.
Deluxe Tents
- The tent has both air conditioning and fans.
- Queen size beds (arranged as double or twin)
- Bedside tables
- Dressing tables
- Luggage racks
- Towel racks
- Water bottles and mosquito repellent
- Coat hanging stand with hangers
- Fresh linen
- Bathrobes, towels and bath amenities
- Fans
- Charging points for phones and cameras
- Flush-able toilet, and sink within bathroom area of tent
- Your own personal outdoor shower with hot and cold water (at rear of tent)
- Additional beds and baby cots may be placed in the tent
- Total tent footprint of 300 sqft including verandah
Leopard Trails Pool Suites
Ideal for families and those that require a little bit of extra luxury. These tents come equipped with
- Similar facilities as the classic mobile tents. In addition
- The tent has both air conditioning and fans.
- Flush-able toilet, dual sinks, and shower (with hot and cold water) are all within the bathroom area of the tent.
- Total tent footprint of 700 sqft including verandah (the much larger square footage makes it ideal for families or groups that are sharing)
Leopard Trails Lake Suites
The Lake Suites have the best views from all the tents. Raised on timber decks with beautiful water water views the verandah is a great spot to lounge around in a bean bag and watch nesting eagles and colourful kingfishers. A secret tunnel interconnects the two rooms making it ideal for families and exciting for kids. Access ramps make it wheelchair friendly and the steel cable fencing over the verandah makes it safe for kids to play on the decking. These tents come equipped with
- Similar facilities as the deluxe tents. In addition
- The tent has both air conditioning and fans.
- Flush-able toilet, dual sinks, and shower (with hot and cold water) are all within the bathroom area of the tent.
- Total tent footprint of 700 sqft including verandah (the much larger square footage makes it ideal for families or groups that are sharing)
- No pools
