5 Wildlife Safaris in Hambantota to Build a Trip Around

1.Udawalawa Safari & Elephants Orphanage Tour from Hambantota port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · from $57Our pick

Leave Hambantota port with a private driver, visit Udawalawe National Park by safari jeep, and see elephants, deer, monkeys, buffalo, crocodiles, peacocks, and birds. The day also includes the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned calves are cared for before release. Guides such as Yasanka, Madu, Ishan, and Sakun are praised for wildlife spotting and ship-friendly timing.

“A most enjoyable day viewing the feeding of about 50 elephants of all ages as well as the safari drive through the National Park viewing many elephants families, monkeys, peacocks, birds, and water buffalos.”

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2.Yala National Park: 7 hour & 12 hour Leopard Safari Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 46 reviews · 7 - 13 hours · from $18Best value

Join Wanderluxe Ceylon for a 7 or 12-hour Yala safari from Tissamaharama, Kirinda, Weerawila, Palatupana, or Kataragama. Your English-speaking guide, such as Anupa, Sule, Isuru, or Kavee, takes you by 4x4 through leopard country, with hotel pickup, breakfast, water, fruit, and lunch on the full-day trip. Park entry costs extra.

“Great day trip! Picked up promptly and taken to Yala, saw lots of animals but sadly did not see a leopard (you can never guarantee with wild animals!) but saw bears,birds and lots of crocs so was still an incredible day. Breakfast was sensational with an incredible view! Our guide when above and beyond to try find us all the animals and spot them for us! Note the cost does not include park entrance fee which is 22000 rupees- pay in cash at the entrance so make sure you have this!”

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3.From Hikkaduwa/Mirissa/Galle/Tangalle – Yala Leopard Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 24 reviews · 9 hours · from $41

Travel from Mirissa or nearby south coast towns to Yala National Park in an air-conditioned car, then explore for four hours in a 4x4 jeep. Your English-speaking guide searches for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, and birds. The safari costs $41, but the Rs 13,000 park ticket and food are extra. Mari, Mahesh, and Imal have received especially warm praise.

“The park was fantastic and we got to see a leopard which was areal bonus”

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4.Yala National Park Wildlife Safari in a 4×4

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 18 reviews · 5 hours · from $48

From Hambantota hotels or cruise port, join a five-hour 4x4 safari in Ruhunu Yala National Park. Your English-speaking driver-guide, including guide Mattu on some departures, searches for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, buffalo, deer, and birds across a huge coastal park. The $48 tour price excludes the park entrance and service fees.

“The morning ran smoothly, we saw heaps of animals, no leopards, but lot of elephants and crocodiles. The whole family enjoyed the experience and our tour guide Mattu was terrific”

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5.Hambantota Port: Yala National Park Wildlife Safari in a 4×4

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 16 reviews · 5 hours · from $51

From Hambantota Port or a nearby hotel, ride into Yala National Park for a five-hour 4x4 safari. Your English-speaking driver-guide, including guides such as Dilan, searches for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, buffalo, deer, mongoose, and birds. The park is huge, so sightings are never guaranteed, and the ride can be bumpy.

“Superb trip. Guide met us at the port gate as arranged. Toured all through Yala national park and saw a great variety of animals. Guide was in constant contact with other guides to locate where animals were. Would definitely recommend.”

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