Yala safari with transfer
One day, three things: leave Ella in the morning, do an afternoon safari in Yala in a private jeep, and sleep on the south coast. Your car with all the luggage waits at the park while you are in the jeep, then takes you on to Mirissa (or Galle, Unawatuna, Tangalle). Also works in reverse.
- Distance260 km
- Duration~10 h
- Pricefrom $185
Every trip is driven by a vetted local partner in Sri Lanka. Your confirmation names the driver, the car and its plate; on chauffeur-guide bookings also the SLTDA licence number.
Yala safari with transfer: price per car
| Car | Per car car for the day + private safari jeep | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan up to 3 Toyota Axio / Prius / Premio | $185 ≈ Rs 61,000 | $93 | $62 | — | — |
| Minivan (KDH) up to 6 Toyota HiAce KDH, high roof | $215 ≈ Rs 71,000 | $108 | $72 | $54 | $36 |
| SUV up to 4 Prado / Montero class, leather, more legroom | $265 ≈ Rs 87,500 | $133 | $88 | $66 | — |
Park tickets not included. Prices updated 20 October 2026.
The road
Ella → Tissamaharama (2–2.5 h) → private jeep to the park, about 14:30–18:00 → car to Mirissa (about 2 h).
Worth stopping
- Lunch in Tissa before the safari.
- Buduruwagala or Ravana Falls on the way down from Ella.
Good to know
- Included: car for the whole day, private safari jeep for a half-day game drive (up to 6 people per jeep).
- Not included: park tickets, paid at the gate — about $45 per foreign adult including taxes per operator price lists (verify with the Department of Wildlife Conservation).
- Yala Blocks 1 and 2 close annually in the dry season (in 2026: 14 September – 15 October). In that window we switch to Udawalawe at the same price.
- For groups larger than 6 we add jeeps — ask for a price.
Included
- Private air-conditioned car and an English-speaking driver
- Fuel, expressway tolls and parking
- Short stops on the way (up to 30 min in total)
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before; pay the driver at the end — no prepayment for transfers
Questions
How much is a Yala safari with transfer from Ella?
From $185 per car (sedan, up to 3 people) including the private jeep; park tickets extra, about $45 per adult.
Morning or afternoon safari?
Both are good; afternoon fits the Ella → coast transfer without a 4 am start. For a morning safari stay overnight in Tissa.
Will we see leopards?
Yala has one of the highest leopard densities anywhere, but sightings are never guaranteed. Elephants, crocodiles, buffalo and birds are near certain.