Wilpattu vs Yala for leopards - which park gives better sighting?
3 Answers from travellers
Yala Block 1 has highest leopard density in the world (25+ resident leopards in 141 km²). Sighting rate 70-85% on morning safari. Downside: 40-60 jeeps at every leopard sighting, feels like a car park. Wilpattu: lower density (15-20 leopards over much larger area) but sighting rate still 50-65% and quality is dramatically better - often you have a leopard to yourself for 20 minutes. If sighting probability is priority: Yala Block 1. If experience quality is priority: Wilpattu.
Compromise: Yala Block 5 (not Block 1) - same park name, different sector, way fewer jeeps, sightings still solid. Specifically ask your operator for Block 5 - most default to Block 1 for tourists.
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