Yala National Park Block 6 - Full Day Safari Experience

Our full-day safari at Yala National Park Block 6 was arranged by Longview Tours. We travelled in a private Toyota Hilux 4×4 safari vehicle. These vehicles are specially designed for wildlife tours in Sri Lanka, with open sides for clear visibility, comfortable raised seats, and a strong canopy to protect from the sun. It gives a wide view of the jungle and lets you feel the fresh morning air while driving through the wild.

Morning Session

At 5:00 in the morning, we left Jetwing Jungle Lodge and reached the Galge Entrance within an hour. The park gates opened at 6:00. Inside, only a few safari vehicles were on the tracks. It was quiet and peaceful compared to the heavy crowd we had seen near Yala Block 1 the previous evening.

The morning began with the sight of graceful spotted deer grazing among the tall grass. Nearby, a crocodile rested motionless in a small natural water hole. The water shimmered faintly in the first light, and the crocodile looked like part of the mud until its tail moved slightly. A troop of monkeys swung from tree to tree, their chatter filling the air as they searched for their breakfast.

A little further along, our driver Lahiru turned onto a side trail and stopped. He pointed down at the sand. There were leopard footprints, but they were not fresh. He said the leopard must have walked this way the previous night. Even so, the marks looked sharp and clear, and we followed them for a while, hoping to find some clue of where it might have gone. At the end of the trail, we waited for thirty minutes, scanning the bushes and listening to the forest sounds, but there was no sign of movement.

Later, we saw an owl perched on a branch, still and silent, its large round eyes catching the light. We also spotted several birds common in Yala Block 6, including the Sri Lankan junglefowl, green bee-eater, and Malabar pied hornbill.

While returning to the main road, Lahiru suddenly stopped the vehicle and turned around. He had heard an alarm call – a sharp cry made by animals like monkeys or deer when they sense a predator nearby. The sound echoed through the trees, and the jungle suddenly grew tense. Only our vehicle and another safari vehicle were there. Both drivers stopped their engines and waited, watching every shadow. Monkeys began to call from different directions, but the leopard stayed hidden. After a few minutes, the calls faded away.

As the sun rose higher, we began our return journey. On the way, we saw a few elephants on the main road. Their grey bodies were coated in dust, and one of them gently flapped its ears as we passed. It was a calm and beautiful sight, a perfect end to the morning session.

Evening Session

We re-entered the park in the late afternoon. Not far from the entrance, we saw the elephants again, still feeding by the trees. The air was warm and quiet. We then drove to a known waterhole where leopards sometimes come to drink. We waited for a while, but the area remained still.

Suddenly, Lahiru slowed down and pointed ahead. A leopard was sitting beside the road, its golden coat covered with dark rosettes. Its eyes were steady, and it looked perfectly at ease in its territory. After a few minutes, it stood up and disappeared into the jungle. Lahiru drove slowly around the nearby tracks, and when we returned to the same spot, the leopard appeared again. This time, it stayed longer, resting under a bush while watching the setting sun. Soon, a few more safari vehicles arrived, and everyone admired the beauty of this rare sight.

At 5:30 in the evening, we exited the park, our hearts full of excitement and gratitude.

Lunugamvehera Reservoir

On the way back to our lodge, we stopped briefly near the Lunugamvehera Reservoir. The large body of water stretched across the landscape, reflecting the orange sky. This reservoir feeds many small water holes inside the park, giving life to animals during the dry months. In one of these water holes, we saw crocodiles half submerged, waiting silently for the night to fall. The moment was peaceful and felt like a perfect ending to a long, wild day.

Tips for Visiting Yala National Park

  • The best time to spot leopards is early in the morning.
  • Wear light, comfortable clothing. The park becomes very hot during the day.
  • Bring drinking water, sunscreen, and a hat.
  • Do not feed or disturb wild animals.
  • Keep your voice low to preserve the calm of the jungle.
  • Always travel with an experienced driver or guide.
  • A private safari vehicle gives a more personal and flexible experience.
  • Respect park rules and the natural environment at all times.

Written by: Martin from Switzerland