Review Author: emtnems, Australia

Review Date: 02 Sep 2018

Review Body: We chose Yala Kings because of the reviews and the promptness of the responses on emails and clarity of what we were going to get and how much it was going to cost. My interactions with Tharindu, the boss, were all very professional, right up to the evening before we departed, when he emailed to advise the name of our driver, Tharanga. I had read some awful reviews of Yala Park and the way jeeps were speeding around the park and that people who visited did not see hardly any animals. After our experience with Tharanga, I put that down to either a rushed safari or an inexperienced driver. Tharanga has 23 years experience showing visitors into Sri Lanka’s national parks, and this was clearly evident during our trip. While we sat at a water hole for 10 mins and observed a dozen different animals that Tharanga just kept finding, other jeeps stopped for a minute and then drove on. We chose a full day safari and it was worth every rupee. We stopped near the ocean for a morning break and at the river for lunch during the mandatory two hour period where vehicles must not move around the park. We also visited on the last day, ie Friday August 31st before the park closes for two months because of the dryness. The lack of water did not stop Tharanga finding us the following; 3 leopards, a sloth bear that came right along side the Jeep, elephants, heaps of water buffalo, monkeys, deer, boar, monitor lizards, cameleon lizards, birds of all types including birds of prey, mongoose, crocodiles, peacocks, and lots more. Tharanga was so adept at spotting animals, that what appeared to be a tree branch, was in fact a crocodile or a lizard. I read about a family who took a 3 yo child with them and then complained about the roads being rough. My goodness, this is the bush, the jungle, the outback! You need to immerse yourself in it to appreciate its beauty and what it has to offer. If you don’t like tasting a bit of dust, or getting thrown around a bit on 4x4 tracks, then simply don’t go. During our break by the river, which is a beautiful spot with full toilet facilities, Tharanga provided us with a curry lunch, fresh fruit and water. So, a final word, do your research, choose a company who has knowledgeable drivers who can really make your trip something to remember, as Yala Kings did for us. I would have added more photos, but they are all on my other camera. The only one below is of the stop we had at the ocean. Well done Yala Kings and Tharanga !

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Julien W

Review Date: 17 Mar 2019

Review Body: We did a Full Day Private Safari with Tharanga, our 27 years of experience driver. He picked us up at 4:30 at the hotel so we can be among the very first to enter the park. He was very knowledgeable of the park and the wildlife in general. His strategy was very different from all the other "young" drivers driving very fast in the park with little respect for you comfort or the wildlife. Instead he drives slowly and brings you to the less busy part of the park where you have greater chances of seeing leopards. We saw loads of crocodiles, elephants (and baby elephants), dears, monkeys, eagles and tons of birds, but the main attraction at yala is to see one of the 35 leopards. We had to wait until late in the day to see our first one, and ended up seeing 5, which according to our guide is being "very very very very very lucky". There is an enormous part of luck in seeing a leopard, and unfortunately there is no magic spot to see them, so I'd say the longer you stay in the park the more chance you have to see one. We'd definitely recommend or do it again. ps: we did a private tour which I think is a lot better as you have direct access to the guide and its explanations on the wildlife.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: SueDx77, Australia

Review Date: 27 Nov 2018

Review Body: We booked a 7 hour private safari with Kings on the morning of our 25th wedding anniversary after reading great reviews on TA. Correspondence was prompt and detailed, pickup time was accurate and our driver Tharanga was absolutely fantastic. He was calculated, patient, calm and safe in his approach to showing us the many animals and birds of Yala, the highlight being 5 sightings of leopards! The final one was simply breathtaking as this majestic creature was sunning himself on a rock as we came around a corner! There were no other jeeps around and we had this amazing animal to ourselves until he got up and gracefully walked away. We were very lucky but what a way to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary! I would thoroughly recommend Kings Safari and Tharanga as an excellent driver and guide!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: HayleyF, United Kingdom

Review Date: 24 Feb 2019

Review Body: An amazing day of safari!! Our guide Tharanga was brilliant.. with 27 years experience doing this, he has eyes like a hawk...he was brilliant at spotting animals, reptiles and birds. Lots of little facts about the wildlife and landscape. We had an amazing 10 mins with a leopard with no other trucks around, there are only around 30 in the park so it’s rare to see one and be able to witness its majesty was a true highlight. Tharangu took more obscure routes away from the others and at a slower pace definitely paid off and made for a more pleasant time without panic. Oh we also saw a whole elephant family up close too. The lunch st the beach 12-2 was a well needed reprieve from the intense sun although no tables and chairs as website suggests....but didn’t detract from a great experience.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: kezadibo1, United Kingdom

Review Date: 23 Feb 2019

Review Body: An amazing day of safari!! Our guide Tharanga was brilliant...at first we were worried he was a slower driver than everyone else but don’t be fooled, with 27 years experience doing this, he has eyes like a hawk...slow and steady definitely wins the race (and saves your back!). We had an amazing 10 mins with a leopard with no other trucks around. Taking more obscure routes away from the others and at a slower pace definitely paid off and made for a more pleasant time without panic. Oh we also saw a whole elephant family up close and the lunch was yum too (although no tables and chairs as website suggests...or breakfast...but that was ok)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: pearlyjac, Australia

Review Date: 14 Jan 2019

Review Body: We booked the 7 hour morning tour with Yala Kings Safari with two days' notice after reading all the positive reviews here on tripadvisor. The company replied straight away and was very easy to book with competitive prices. Our driver Tharanga picked us up very early in the morning and was awesome! He had such a sharp eye and was able to see animals that neither of us could see without him pointing it out as they were camouflaged. We saw a leopard, many elephants, buffalos and crocodiles. Highly recommend Yala Kings Safari!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: M4GNOLI4, Switzerland

Review Date: 24 Feb 2019

Review Body: Our early morning safari was a great experience. The Park with his beautiful sceneries is impressive. We saw a lot of animals and got some nice pictures. Our driver Tharanga was very good and has amazing skills in spotting animals. Also he was extremely polite, friendly and nice: We felt absolutely welcomed by him. He really loves his job and enjoys what he is doing. Also the whole process of email contact, booking, pick-up at time etc. was very well organized. We had a great day and we will definitely come back!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: 720matthewl

Review Date: 09 Apr 2018

Review Body: We spent 2 days at Yala and completed 2 morning and 1 afternoon safari. Excellent communication at all times, and they easily accommodated our last minute change of plans!Our driver, Tharanga could not do enough for us. He was on time on all occasions and provided us a truly memorable experience, finding us 2 leopards, a sloth bear and elephants in one morning! I would highly recommend Yala Kings Safari to anyone looking for an excellent safari experience at Yala.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: eczekiel, Switzerland

Review Date: 27 Apr 2019

Review Body: We booked a 7h tour in March with Yala Kings Safari. The communication via WhatsApp was straightforward and the owner was very kind and helpful (as well for information about the bus transfers). The day was great, our driver Tharanga had very fast eyes and was able to spot the animals all over. We got very lucky and could see a big Leopard, an elephant which came very close to the car, crocodiles and even few Jackals. We strongly recommend this tour operator!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: tanya515, France

Review Date: 01 Jan 2019

Review Body: Highly recommend, Tharanga as a guide. He was an expert spotter. Has worked in the park as a ranger for over 25 years. He could spot a deer kill in the corner of his eye that was nearly 1km away. We had a confrontation with an aggressive elephant and he handled the situation calmly and confidently and ensured our safety. He was very knowledgable about all the wildlife in the park. Highly recommend Tharanga and Yala Kings Safari.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: KCG678

Review Date: 15 Aug 2018

Review Body: My husband and I had a wonderful time on our safari in Udawalawe National Park. Our driver, Tharanga, was incredible! He knew about every single animal in the park and found the even the most hidden creatures, all while driving a Jeep! We couldn't have asked for a better guide. We would highly recommend booking with Yala Kings Safari for your tours of the national parks in Sri Lanka!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Juz_red, United Kingdom

Review Date: 09 Apr 2018

Review Body: Yala kings safari were amazing. Fantastic driving, excellent driver who was great at spotting the animals. Saw leopards, elephants, sloth bear, crocodiles, deer and many small animals all pointed out by our driver who knew all the different species. Friendly, polite and experienced- Tharanga was fantastic!

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Elephants

Itinerary Description: 5.30 AM: Start your day and Morning drive in Udawalawe National Park 12.00 AM:. Short break 2.00 PM: Lunch and then continue wildlife spotting with your experienced guide 5.30 PM: We go back to the hotel.