See elephants and leopards in Yala National Park, plus birdlife in nearby Bundala National Park. A handpicked shortlist of the best wildlife safaris in Yala.

Wildlife Safaris in Yala: Our Top Picks for Leopards & Elephants

Wildlife Safaris in Yala

A bird enthusiast's wonderland with almost-200 species of colourful birds

46_376_w934h584_1523376475greater-flamingo-bundala-yala-national-park-wetlands-sri-lanka-birdwatching-photography-private-tour-travel-guide-safari-asia-vacation-holiday-family-adventure.jpg

Bundala National Park

Our handpicked Bundala National Park experiences for bird lovers — a wetland wonderland with almost 200 species of colourful birds to spot.

Bundala National Park Experiences: The Best for Bird Lovers

Bundala National Park Experiences

5.00 AM: We’ll enter the park. We’ll be able to listen to the nice Bird Songs and then we drive towards the wetlands area and find birds. 
9.00 AM: We go back to the hotel.

Today you will be going to see greater flamingo and other Flora Fauna

This is a 1 morning game drive in Bundala National Park with Daya Safari, a family-run business with over 20 years of experience. Guests will experience a comfortable safari ride with knowledgeable guides and friendly customer service. The morning game drive lasts from 5:30 am to 9:00 am and offers sightings of a variety of migrant birds, snakes, and other wildlife. Reviews mention the driver's great eyesight and expertise in spotting animals, including a leopard. Guests have enjoyed their experience with Daya Safari, recommending drivers such as Samitha and Thanura for their amazing sightings and peaceful drive.

Comfortable jeep safari & friendly service

dayajeep.jpg

9-Bundala_edited_Bundala_edited_shutterstock_1173112633.jpg

4-Bundala_edited_shutterstock_332697299.jpg

6-Bundala_edited_shutterstock_1173112654.jpg

5-Bundala_edited_shutterstock_554240557.jpg

3-Bundala_edited_shutterstock_1055563676.jpg

2-Bundala_edited_shutterstock_1299088630.jpg

Wildlife Safaris

Take a 4-hour sunrise safari in Bundala National Park for migrant birds, snakes and other wildlife, with a sharp-eyed guide who may even spot a leopard.

Bundala National Park | 4H Sunrise Safari

This is a 1 morning game drive in Bundala National Park with Daya Safari, a family-run business with over 20 years of experience. Guests will experience a comfortable safari ride with knowledgeable guides and friendly customer service. The morning game drive lasts from 5:30 am to 9:00 am and offers sightings of a variety of migrant birds, snakes, and other wildlife. Reviews mention the driver's great eyesight and expertise in spotting animals, including a leopard. Guests have enjoyed their experience with Daya Safari, recommending drivers such as Samitha and Thanura for their amazing sightings and peaceful drive.

Spot wildlife with Daya Safari; expert drivers, comfortable rides, and amazing sightings!

We did a 5 hour tour in Yala national park. I really want to see a leopard otherwise it is different experience. Our driver Samitha “ He has very good eyes and he show us to many kind of birds. Jeep also very good quality.

We did a 5 hour tour in Yala national park. I really want to see a leopard otherwise it is different experience. Our driver Samitha “ He has very good eyes and he show us to many kind of birds. Jeep also very good quality.

We did 2 Safari’s with this company. And the same driver with us. Driver he is very friendly and kind. We saw a variety of animals. Some kind of birds also. They arrange some Sri Lankan lunch. It was superb quality and not much spice.

We did 2 Safari’s with this company. And the same driver with us. Driver he is very friendly and kind. We saw a variety of animals. Some kind of birds also. They arrange some Sri Lankan lunch. It was superb quality and not much spice.

It was a really great experience. We booked the half day safari and it was absolutely worth it. We were very lucky with the animals we saw (lepards, crocodiles, elephants, peacocks, Buffalo ...) in such a short time. Our guide, Lakshan, was punctual, very good driver and extremely experienced. He always knew where to drive next and made it a very special day. Thank you very much ! We would always recommend it to friends and family

It was a really great experience. We booked the half day safari and it was absolutely worth it. We were very lucky with the animals we saw (lepards, crocodiles, elephants, peacocks, Buffalo ...) in such a short time. Our guide, Lakshan, was punctual, very good driver and extremely experienced. He always knew where to drive next and made it a very special day. Thank you very much ! We would always recommend it to friends and family


We booked an evening safari with Daya and we couldn’t be happier about it! Our driver, Yasanka had great eyes so he saw the leopard before anyone else! We will recommend it for sure!!!

We booked an evening safari with Daya and we couldn’t be happier about it! Our driver, Yasanka had great eyes so he saw the leopard before anyone else! We will recommend it for sure!!!


Went with Daya Safari twice and the experience was amazing. Choose Samitha or Thanura and you will not be disappointed. Amazing Sightings and the drive was a peaceful one in the park. We went on a safari to the Block 5 in Yala as well.

Went with Daya Safari twice and the experience was amazing. Choose Samitha or Thanura and you will not be disappointed. Amazing Sightings and the drive was a peaceful one in the park. We went on a safari to the Block 5 in Yala as well.

If you are to head to Yala, Daya Safari is the go to place. Very knowledgeable staff who know the behavior and movements of the animals. Jeeps are very comfortable and spacious. Disciplined drivers who respect the rules of the park. Will definitely go with them again the next time I’m back in SL

If you are to head to Yala, Daya Safari is the go to place. Very knowledgeable staff who know the behavior and movements of the animals. Jeeps are very comfortable and spacious. Disciplined drivers who respect the rules of the park. Will definitely go with them again the next time I’m back in SL


I went with my wife and kids to Talk block 5 with Smith's. We've never seen Sri Lanka n leopards before. Because of Days safari we were able to spot them. Thanks very much for all the support. I recommend this service to Yala

I went with my wife and kids to Talk block 5 with Smith's. We've never seen Sri Lanka n leopards before. Because of Days safari we were able to spot them. Thanks very much for all the support. I recommend this service to Yala


It is always a pleasure to travel to a wildlife national park in the south namely Yala, Bundala, Lunugamwehera ( Block 5) or Udawalawe with Samitha {Theekshan Lakshan of Daya Safari} .The most recent visit to Yala Block 5 on the 29th of last month with Samitha will never forget us .It was another repetition of taking 3 Leopard cubs in one frame. in the same park.We are very frequent visitors to Yala National Park for wildlife photography.Invariably we visit Yala at least one visit every month with him.He is very pleasant, his attitudes towards clients are amazing. he will never satisfy with the seen no of leopards, he wants to show some more leopards. Same time his tracking &amp; spotting skills of leopards are very unique..Not only leopards he has the ability of showing Sloth Bears,Tuskers, Elephants or birds.We presume he got these incredible skills with his tremendous experience in the field.We were inspired by Samitha to visit Yala Block 5 on our last visit to Yala.This is after a long time we decided to visit this park We had a fantastic, remarkable experience seeing and taking photographs of 3 leopards in one frame for the 2nd time in the same park after several years.They are sub adult siblings.We saw them playing, chasing behind birds , drinking water etc..His skills of taking the vehicle to the best place in no time to take a wonderful photo to us is amazing. When ever we are guided by Samitha he has never failed to give us the best in wildlife.
 Each visit of ours we collect some unbelievable photographs as memories.
 Our favourite hobby is to upload all the fascinating pictures into the face book. So all our friends are astonished to see the memorable quality photographs that we have taken during our visits to the National Parks.
 Samitha has a great future ahead
 All the best to you.

It is always a pleasure to travel to a wildlife national park in the south namely Yala, Bundala, Lunugamwehera ( Block 5) or Udawalawe with Samitha {Theekshan Lakshan of Daya Safari} .The most recent visit to Yala Block 5 on the 29th of last month with Samitha will never forget us .It was another repetition of taking 3 Leopard cubs in one frame. in the same park.We are very frequent visitors to Yala National Park for wildlife photography.Invariably we visit Yala at least one visit every month with him.He is very pleasant, his attitudes towards clients are amazing. he will never satisfy with the seen no of leopards, he wants to show some more leopards. Same time his tracking &amp; spotting skills of leopards are very unique..Not only leopards he has the ability of showing Sloth Bears,Tuskers, Elephants or birds.We presume he got these incredible skills with his tremendous experience in the field.We were inspired by Samitha to visit Yala Block 5 on our last visit to Yala.This is after a long time we decided to visit this park We had a fantastic, remarkable experience seeing and taking photographs of 3 leopards in one frame for the 2nd time in the same park after several years.They are sub adult siblings.We saw them playing, chasing behind birds , drinking water etc..His skills of taking the vehicle to the best place in no time to take a wonderful photo to us is amazing. When ever we are guided by Samitha he has never failed to give us the best in wildlife.
Each visit of ours we collect some unbelievable photographs as memories.
Our favourite hobby is to upload all the fascinating pictures into the face book. So all our friends are astonished to see the memorable quality photographs that we have taken during our visits to the National Parks.
Samitha has a great future ahead
All the best to you.

I am a wild life photographer and I wanted to visit Yala before the park is closed as it normally does for September and October. I had to make a choise because at wilpaththu national park sightings were really good for past few days but i made my mind to go to yala and choose Daya Safari which I have used previously as well. Decision was such whether we go to block one or block five. The experience game driver Theekshana Lakshan’s Experience and thoughtfulness made our day a fantastic life time experience as we were able to sight three leopards cubs together. Thank you very much Daya Safari for that beautiful moment and I would recommend that everyone should use their service to get real Sri Lankan wildlife experience. I have attached few pics for your reference thank you

I am a wild life photographer and I wanted to visit Yala before the park is closed as it normally does for September and October. I had to make a choise because at wilpaththu national park sightings were really good for past few days but i made my mind to go to yala and choose Daya Safari which I have used previously as well. Decision was such whether we go to block one or block five. The experience game driver Theekshana Lakshan’s Experience and thoughtfulness made our day a fantastic life time experience as we were able to sight three leopards cubs together. Thank you very much Daya Safari for that beautiful moment and I would recommend that everyone should use their service to get real Sri Lankan wildlife experience. I have attached few pics for your reference thank you


We had an amazing trip to Yala thanks to Daya jeep safari. The guide really knew where to go and was very knowledgeable about the animals and the local culture. We were picked up on time from our hotel and take in through the back without much delay or waiting. We saw leopard, bear, deer, monkeys, elephants, crocodile, wild boar, peacock and many other animals in the short four hours that we were in the park.

Would highly recommend this service. Intend to use them again when I go back to Yala.

We had an amazing trip to Yala thanks to Daya jeep safari. The guide really knew where to go and was very knowledgeable about the animals and the local culture. We were picked up on time from our hotel and take in through the back without much delay or waiting. We saw leopard, bear, deer, monkeys, elephants, crocodile, wild boar, peacock and many other animals in the short four hours that we were in the park.

Would highly recommend this service. Intend to use them again when I go back to Yala.

Daya Safari Jeep Service - Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka is an awesome Safari operator in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.

I have participated in many Safaris with them. Usually Theekshana Lakshan (Shamitha) accompany us during the safaris as a tracker / guide / driver.

A trip with them is always a memorable experience. Shamitha was very keen and has a thorough knowledge in leopard behaviour and territories.

I can rate them 5 stars and recommend them for anyone looking forward for a great safari experience.

Uwais Mohideen

Daya Safari Jeep Service - Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka is an awesome Safari operator in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.

I have participated in many Safaris with them. Usually Theekshana Lakshan (Shamitha) accompany us during the safaris as a tracker / guide / driver.

A trip with them is always a memorable experience. Shamitha was very keen and has a thorough knowledge in leopard behaviour and territories.

I can rate them 5 stars and recommend them for anyone looking forward for a great safari experience.

Uwais Mohideen

I had a great opportunity to go on a three days safari with Daya Safari Jeep Services recently (17,18 and 19 August) samitha is full of enthusiasm and knowledgeable on the subject. I would highly recommend anyone to trust them and book for the safari at the Yala National Park.

I had a great opportunity to go on a three days safari with Daya Safari Jeep Services recently (17,18 and 19 August) samitha is full of enthusiasm and knowledgeable on the subject. I would highly recommend anyone to trust them and book for the safari at the Yala National Park.


We had a brilliant wildlife safari with the tour operator Samitha of daya Safari in yala last month. We experienced lots of sightings including leopards, Tuskers, migrant birds and lot more.

Samitha is very knowledgeable and by letting him show us the best wildlife watching sites we were amazed. The most rare sightings are the leopards which Samitha made possible for us not just once but 6 sightings of 10 leopards. We were fortunate to see mother and 3 cubs together which is a very rare opportunity thanks to Samitha. He is a very friendly person and incredibly quick to spot animals.

We have been to yala several times with both Samitha and Thanura of Daya Safari and I would highly recommend them if you are really in to wildlife and photography. They are the best. Every time we visit yala they never disappoint us. They make sure we leave the place with millions of photographs.

We had a brilliant wildlife safari with the tour operator Samitha of daya Safari in yala last month. We experienced lots of sightings including leopards, Tuskers, migrant birds and lot more.

Samitha is very knowledgeable and by letting him show us the best wildlife watching sites we were amazed. The most rare sightings are the leopards which Samitha made possible for us not just once but 6 sightings of 10 leopards. We were fortunate to see mother and 3 cubs together which is a very rare opportunity thanks to Samitha. He is a very friendly person and incredibly quick to spot animals.

We have been to yala several times with both Samitha and Thanura of Daya Safari and I would highly recommend them if you are really in to wildlife and photography. They are the best. Every time we visit yala they never disappoint us. They make sure we leave the place with millions of photographs.

I’ve been using Daya Safari Jeep Service for most of my Wildlife photography safaris at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Highly reliable and carries a wealth of knowledge on the park’s flora and fauna. Highly recommended for wildlife photographers

I’ve been using Daya Safari Jeep Service for most of my Wildlife photography safaris at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Highly reliable and carries a wealth of knowledge on the park’s flora and fauna. Highly recommended for wildlife photographers


Our family had an excellent time with Daya in the Yala park! Our guide Nuwan was prompt, helpful, and very friendly. He guided us quickly to the leopards in the park, and showed us many other exciting animals. They also had a brand new truck that was one of the nicer ones in the park, very comfortable seating! Highly recommend

Our family had an excellent time with Daya in the Yala park! Our guide Nuwan was prompt, helpful, and very friendly. He guided us quickly to the leopards in the park, and showed us many other exciting animals. They also had a brand new truck that was one of the nicer ones in the park, very comfortable seating! Highly recommend


I have booked their services for our group from France and I should say that this is one company everyone should book their safari with. Our tour driver and hotel owner in Tissa were proposing some other companies but I decided to book with Daya as I saw they have the lease negative reviews and fare price compare to few top companies. We had Samitha as our driver and he was perfect. He knew where to go and how to avoid the mass and rough driving group in the park. By 9:00 most of the driver started leaving the national park but we stayed till almost 11:00 am and we were able to visit some more places and spoted somemore wild animals. I forgot to mentioned that we were the first few to spot leopard that day, I doubt if everyone have seen the beautiful creature. But, it could be luck or coincidence. We are more than happy with their services and we will definitely book their services in the near future. Thanks Samitha and Daya for the incredible experience.

I have booked their services for our group from France and I should say that this is one company everyone should book their safari with. Our tour driver and hotel owner in Tissa were proposing some other companies but I decided to book with Daya as I saw they have the lease negative reviews and fare price compare to few top companies. We had Samitha as our driver and he was perfect. He knew where to go and how to avoid the mass and rough driving group in the park. By 9:00 most of the driver started leaving the national park but we stayed till almost 11:00 am and we were able to visit some more places and spoted somemore wild animals. I forgot to mentioned that we were the first few to spot leopard that day, I doubt if everyone have seen the beautiful creature. But, it could be luck or coincidence. We are more than happy with their services and we will definitely book their services in the near future. Thanks Samitha and Daya for the incredible experience.


If you go on safari, go with Daya Safaris you will not be disappointed. After much research before booking, we decided to go with this company the safari was just for the 2 of us. Excellent communication prior to booking &amp; in the few days prior to our safari. We were picked up as promised on time at 4.30 am the driver (Guyan)?was waiting for us. We were one one of the first Jeep’s into the park when it opened at 6 am and saw a leopard within the first 20 minutes. The leopard crossed in front of us &amp; was incredible to see. We saw many animals during our 7 hour safari and the driver was very informative &amp; knowledgeable &amp; provided us with binoculars for a better view. We had a stop at the beach for breakfast &amp; Toilet stop (watch out for the frogs in the toilet bowl)! The driver said he had heard that a herd of elephants were heading to the watering hole so he parked up and waited for around 10 minutes &amp; we saw them emerge from the jungle into the watering hole, the driver was in the perfect spot! Later in the day we joined a massive ‘melee’ to see another leopard asleep in the tree. An amazing day, can’t recommend enough. Thank you Daya for a wonderful experience!

If you go on safari, go with Daya Safaris you will not be disappointed. After much research before booking, we decided to go with this company the safari was just for the 2 of us. Excellent communication prior to booking &amp; in the few days prior to our safari. We were picked up as promised on time at 4.30 am the driver (Guyan)?was waiting for us. We were one one of the first Jeep’s into the park when it opened at 6 am and saw a leopard within the first 20 minutes. The leopard crossed in front of us &amp; was incredible to see. We saw many animals during our 7 hour safari and the driver was very informative &amp; knowledgeable &amp; provided us with binoculars for a better view. We had a stop at the beach for breakfast &amp; Toilet stop (watch out for the frogs in the toilet bowl)! The driver said he had heard that a herd of elephants were heading to the watering hole so he parked up and waited for around 10 minutes &amp; we saw them emerge from the jungle into the watering hole, the driver was in the perfect spot! Later in the day we joined a massive ‘melee’ to see another leopard asleep in the tree. An amazing day, can’t recommend enough. Thank you Daya for a wonderful experience!


We did a morning safari in Bundala and had a great time. The guide was very knowledgeable and we saw lots of birds, crocodiles, elephant as well as monkeys etc. Many thanks again

We did a morning safari in Bundala and had a great time. The guide was very knowledgeable and we saw lots of birds, crocodiles, elephant as well as monkeys etc. Many thanks again

I had a wonderful time experiencing wildlife with Daya Safari. My driver Samitha, was very knowledgable and it seemed he knew the park inside and out. He made every effort to make sure we saw as much wildlife as possible during our afternoon run. We were lucky to have seen many birds, elephants, and yes we saw a leopard from the distance. Over all it was a great experience, and I would highly recommend this company to anyone. Booking was also very easy and a smooth process. We were picked up form the hotel on time and dropped off accordingly. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

I had a wonderful time experiencing wildlife with Daya Safari. My driver Samitha, was very knowledgable and it seemed he knew the park inside and out. He made every effort to make sure we saw as much wildlife as possible during our afternoon run. We were lucky to have seen many birds, elephants, and yes we saw a leopard from the distance. Over all it was a great experience, and I would highly recommend this company to anyone. Booking was also very easy and a smooth process. We were picked up form the hotel on time and dropped off accordingly. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!


We chose Daya based on previous ratings and reviews and also the fact that he runs HiLux vehicles which are far more comfortable on the park tracks. We had a great day out with very friendly service and excellent spotter skills by our driver MANJU. Would highly recommend Daya and his guides to anyone wanting a quality and value experience.

We chose Daya based on previous ratings and reviews and also the fact that he runs HiLux vehicles which are far more comfortable on the park tracks. We had a great day out with very friendly service and excellent spotter skills by our driver MANJU. Would highly recommend Daya and his guides to anyone wanting a quality and value experience.


Daya Safari are a family run company and have been providing safari driver services for over 20 years now, with multiple generations in the business. They have great knowledge of the jungle and the wildife. Also, they provide a comfortable safari experience &amp; friendly customer service.

Daya Safari 

20-yala_edited5c.jpg

Daya Safari are a family run company and have been providing safari driver services for over 20 years now, with multiple generations in the business.  They have great knowledge of the jungle and the wildife.  Also, they provide a comfortable safari experience &amp; friendly customer service.

Bundala National Park | 4H Sunrise Safari

What You’ll be Doing

What’s Included

Who you’re supporting

Community Champion

Wildlife Protector

Next Available Dates

Where we'll meet

Start Point

End Point

Start & Ends

Suitability / Accessibility

Cancellation & other policies

Cancellation

What to Pack

Meet your host

More From Bundala National Park