PARTICIPATION RULES

Dos and Don’ts for Safari Participants

Welcome to Yala National Park, a stunning testament to the beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka’s natural world. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our visitors, as well as the protection of wildlife and their habitats, we kindly ask you to adhere to the following rules during your safari adventure.

  • Respect Wildlife: Direct interaction with animals, including feeding, is strictly prohibited. This rule is in place to protect both the natural behaviours of the wildlife and your safety. Remember, the preservation of their natural habits is paramount.
  • Food Safety: Please avoid bringing cooked food or items with strong smells into the park. If you must bring snacks, opt for non-perishable, odourless items and store them in airtight containers. Consuming food is only allowed in designated rest areas to minimize attracting animals with food odours.
  • Alcohol Ban: The consumption of alcohol within the park is strictly forbidden. Our goal is to maintain a safe and family-friendly environment for all visitors and wildlife.
  • No Littering: Dispose of all waste properly by carrying it out of the park with you. Littering disrupts the natural environment and poses a danger to wildlife. Keeping the park clean is a shared responsibility.
  • Preserve Natural and Cultural Resources: Do not remove or damage any natural objects, including rocks, plants, feathers, or any cultural artefacts. Everything in the park is protected to ensure future generations can also enjoy and learn from these resources.
  • Adhere to Park Hours: For your safety and to respect the natural patterns of wildlife, please make sure to exit the park before its closing time. Staying in the park after dark is not allowed under any circumstances.
  • Quiet Enjoyment: To maintain the tranquil environment and ensure all visitors and wildlife are not disturbed, please keep noise levels to a minimum. Loud noises can frighten wildlife and disrupt their natural behaviors.
  • Stay in Designated Areas: For your safety and the protection of the park, always stay within marked areas and follow your guide’s instructions during safari tours. Venturing off the designated paths can harm fragile ecosystems and pose personal risks.
  • Follow Guide Instructions: Your guide is knowledgeable about the park and its inhabitants. For your safety and the well-being of the wildlife, always follow their instructions promptly.
  • Photography Without Flash: Use of flash photography is prohibited as it can startle and distress the animals. Please ensure your flash is turned off when capturing the beauty of the park.

Violating these rules may result in fines and/or legal action, but more importantly, it can harm the very beauty and balance we are all here to appreciate. Please, follow these guidelines not out of fear of consequences but out of respect and care for the natural world and your fellow visitors. Let’s work together to keep Yala National Park a safe, enjoyable, and pristine environment for all.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Let’s save you some time

How can I reach Yala National Park?

  • From Colombo (Capital City), the distance is approximately 243km. The route is Colombo 01 – Fort >> Bandaragama >> Horana >> Ratnapura >> Palmadulla >> Kahawatta >> Madampe >> Udawalawe >> Thanamalwila >> Tissemaharamaya >> Yala Block 01.
  • From Kandy through Nuwara Eliya, the distance is about 245km, taking the route Kandy >> Pilimathalawa >> Gampola >> Nuwara Eliya >> Walimada >> Bandarawela >> Diyathalawa >> Haputhale >> Wallawaya >> Tissemaharamaya >> Yala Block 01.
  • From Galle, the distance is 169km, with the route being Galle >> Matara >> Hambantota >> Tissa >> Yala Block 01.
  • From Arugam Bay, the route is Arugam Bay >> Buttala >> Kataragama >> Yala.

Is it too hot in Yala National Park?

  • Yala National Park is semi-arid and temperatures can get quite warm, typically ranging from 26°C to around 30°C. The park experiences its monsoon season from September to December, during which it receives most of its rainfall, but it can still be hot outside of the monsoon season.

What to do in an Emergency?

  • In the rare event of an emergency, it’s crucial to remain calm and follow the instructions of your guide (trekker) closely. If you’re alone, you should turn off your vehicle’s engine, stay quiet, and avoid leaving your vehicle.
  • Your guide is trained to manage emergencies and will direct you on how to react, which may include speeding up to escape danger. If directed, making loud noises might be necessary but should only be a last resort.
  • If you find yourself without a guide and in need of assistance, whether due to being lost or another emergency, seek help immediately.

Can I feed the animals during the safari?

  • Feeding animals is strictly prohibited to avoid altering their natural behaviour and for your safety. Bringing food with strong odours is also discouraged. If necessary, consume food only in designated rest areas.

What should I do with my trash?

  • Littering within the park is strictly forbidden. All trash must be kept with you and disposed of properly outside the park to protect the wildlife and their habitat.

Is alcohol permitted in the park?

  • Alcohol consumption within Yala National Park is strictly prohibited to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all visitors and the wildlife.

Can I take souvenirs from the park?

  • Removing any natural or cultural artifacts from the park, including rocks, plants, and feathers, is strictly prohibited. Everything in the park is protected to ensure its preservation for future generations.

What are the park’s hours, and can I stay overnight?

  • Visitors must adhere to the park’s opening hours and exit before closing time. Overnight stays within the park are not allowed to minimize disturbances to the wildlife and to ensure visitor safety.