South-East
Yala
Leopard country and marquee safaris.
Scrub jungle, rock outcrops and lagoons running down to the sea, holding one of the densest leopard populations anywhere. Elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and a long list of birds share it.
It is the island's best-known park and can be busy. A private jeep, an early gate and a naturalist who reads alarm calls rather than chasing radio traffic make the difference.
Highlights
What you do here.
Dawn game drive
First through the gate with a private jeep and a naturalist, when the cats are still moving.
Leopards, honestly framed
Sightings are never guaranteed — but patience at the right waterhole beats a convoy every time.
Block boundaries and quiet corners
Choosing the sector by the day's conditions rather than the map.
