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wildlife · Hambantota

Yala National Park: Full-Day Private Safari from Hambantota

Yala is Sri Lanka's most celebrated wilderness — home to the world's highest density of leopards. A full-day private safari in a dedicated jeep means unhurried game drives deep into the park's five blocks, with expert trackers reading the bush for you.

What to expect

Depart Hambantota Port early morning and enter the park at first light — the golden hour when leopards, sloth bears, and elephants are most active. Your private jeep and certified naturalist guide navigate tracks few tourists find, pausing for as long as sightings demand. A gourmet picnic lunch is served in a scenic spot inside the park. The afternoon drive covers different habitat zones before a leisurely return for all-aboard.

Book it with
Hambantota Shore Excursions
From USD 175 per person (private, all-inclusive with picnic lunch)
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Good to know

Yala is approximately 60–70 km from the port (around 1.5 hrs each way). Full-day tours are timed to respect all-aboard; confirm your ship's departure time with the operator when booking. Pre-book well in advance — private jeeps are limited and sell out fast, especially November–May peak season.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Hambantota — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Azamara · Azamara Onward
17 nights · calls at Hambantota
from $6,324
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Regent · Seven Seas Navigator
25 nights · calls at Hambantota
from $13,799
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Oceania · Oceania Aurelia
181 nights · calls at Hambantota
from $93,999
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Holland America · Volendam
22 nights · calls at Hambantota
from $5,224
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