Yala or Udawalawe National Park for a one-day safari?
We only have time for one safari. I want to see elephants, but seeing a leopard would be amazing. Which park should we choose?
3 Answers from travellers
It depends on your priority. Udawalawe is 100% guaranteed for wild elephants in large herds, and the park is beautiful and less crowded. Yala has leopards, but sightings are not guaranteed, and the park suffers from severe jeep traffic jams when a cat is spotted.
If you choose Yala, book a full-day safari. Most crowds leave by 10 AM. If you stay inside the park through the midday heat with a packed lunch, you get the place almost to yourself in the afternoon when leopards become active again.
I chose Udawalawe and it was magical. So peaceful, saw baby elephants playing in the mud, and the Elephant Transit Home nearby at feeding time is incredibly ethical and heartwarming.
Fair TukTuk Prices
Help travelers avoid overcharging!
Be the first to report a priceYou must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to Answer