Are you planning a safari adventure to Yala National Park in Sri Lanka with your family? With its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, Yala National Park promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. It’s undoubtedly a wonderous jewel in the crown of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka might be famous as the “Pearl of Indian Ocean”, and as we travelled through the serene country for about a week, we were in agreement that it truly is a gem. If you’re looking for a trip with a varied experience, all packaged into a gift hamper of fabulous memories, Sri Lanka must be in your bucket list. If you’re planning a trip, head on to our blog post to Explore Sri Lanka up, close, and personal!
With bustling towns in Colombo and Kandy, spiritual havens in Dambulla and Sigirya, breezy beaches like Mirissa and Bentota, and the wonderful, wonderful Yala National Park for that dose of the wildlife wonder, you really can’t ask for a better holiday with the family!
While many wonder whether a wildlife safari is suited for a young child, let us tell you that it is absolutely safe, as long as your kid is excited about watching the unguarded version of flora and fauna, can wake up early in the morning without any cranky tantrums, and is hydrated. While there’s no real written rule that infants cannot be part of a safari, we recommend to wait till they can hold their head up, can enjoy the views and wonder, and most importantly, can withstand the jerks and unruly and truly ‘wild’ surface of the jungle trails.
We took Little A to her first safari when she was only 11 months old, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. She went to Yala National Park when she was just above 1.5 years old, and the squeals of joy on spotting wildlife ring in our ears till date!
Therefore, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, it’s essential to be well-prepared, especially when traveling with babies, young children, and senior citizens. Here are our 15 top tips to consider before booking your safari:
1. Choose the Right Time of Year
Yala National Park experiences distinct seasons, with the best time for wildlife sightings typically from February to July. We went in January, and did spot a baby elephant, some crocodiles, and innumerable birds. However, if you want to spot the coveted leopards, consider planning your visit during this period for optimal chances of spotting these elusive creatures.
2. Book in Advance from the Official Website of Yala National Park
Yala is a popular destination, so it’s wise to book your safari well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred accommodation and safari tour. We made our reservations by November 2023, although we were planning to visit only in January 2024. It’s not just the entry tickets, but reservation also means getting hold of the safari jeep and driver cum guide, who can make or break your safari experience. Also, beware that numerous touts and agents might overcharge you, so try to book the tickets directly. You can browse the Official Website of Yala National Park to get the latest updates and deals.
3. Select Family-Friendly Accommodation
Look for lodges or resorts that cater specifically to families, offering amenities like spacious rooms, kid-friendly activities, and facilities for senior citizens. It’s needless to say that the closer the accommodation, the better, but it’s imperative to mention that the pocket pinch of course is much higher. To pull the purse strings, we highly recommend booking hotels just outside the boundary of Yala National Park, in a village like Tissamaharama.
4. Pack Essentials
Don’t forget to pack essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, comfortable clothing, and sturdy walking shoes. For babies and young children, bring along diapers, wipes, snacks, and any medications they may need. Depending on the slot you choose for your safari, between the dawn and the afternoon slots, packing dry food items are a mandate.
We chose the dawn slot, and got breakfast packed from our hotel – simple things like sandwiches, cakes, juice box, and so on. Think well in advance how to arrange for feeding your babies, as about 90% of the safari is on the move and without disembarking the jeep. We took swaddles and let Little A latch on as she demanded, and though it was jerky, she seemed to be feeding unperturbed.
5. Choose the Right Safari Vehicle
Opt for a safari vehicle that is suitable for your family’s needs. Some companies offer open-air jeeps with elevated seating for better wildlife viewing, while others provide closed vehicles for added comfort and safety, especially for young children and seniors. We selected the open-air jeep, as it was more economical and got us that little bit closer to the crisp morning fresh air of Yala National Park!
6. Consider Private Safaris
If budget allows, consider booking a private safari tour. This allows you to customize the experience according to your family’s preferences and pace, ensuring a more personalized and intimate wildlife encounter. We had the entire jeep to ourselves, and it really helped us, our dad being a wildlife photographer, and we stopped more than often to capture the photos of the fauna on the move.
7. Plan Rest Stops
Safaris can be tiring, especially for young children and seniors. Plan for regular rest stops during the tour to stretch your legs, use restroom facilities, and enjoy snacks or refreshments. While Yala National Park’s rule largely mentions to keep it moving, there’s no harm or foul to ask for a stop to soak in the tranquil nature. It’s important to note that the restrooms are only at the entry gate, so attend to your nature’s calls prudently!
8. Be Mindful of Wildlife Viewing Rules
It goes without saying for not just Yala National Park but any safari across the globe, that you need to do the 3 Rs on a Safari – Respect, Regulate, Refrain. Always respect the safari’s rules and regulations regarding wildlife viewing. Keep a safe distance from animals, regulate your movements, and refrain from making loud noises and feeding the wildlife.
9. Bring Binoculars and Cameras
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience by bringing binoculars and cameras to capture those memorable moments. Encourage children to observe and document their sightings, fostering a deeper connection with nature. Our Little A tried her hand at the binoculars too!
10. Educate Your Family
Before embarking on your safari adventure at the Yala National Park, educate your family about the wildlife they may encounter, including safety precautions and conservation efforts. This not only enhances the experience but also instills a sense of responsibility towards protecting the environment.
11. Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart
Keep everyone hydrated throughout the safari by bringing plenty of water. Pack healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts, and energy bars to keep energy levels up during the excursion. For toddlers, we highly recommend carrying fruit pulp pouches that keeps the hanger away!
12. Be Flexible
Wildlife sightings can be unpredictable, so be prepared to be flexible with your itinerary. Embrace the spontaneity of the experience and enjoy whatever nature has to offer. While we were unable to spot any leopards, simply being so close to the raw nature, listening to birds, seeing the magnificent sunrise, catching a glimpse of crocodiles, deers, and wild boars, and then also spotting a baby elephant – the experience was definitely unforgettable!
13. Respect Local Culture
Sri Lanka is rich in culture and tradition, so take the time to learn about and respect the local customs and practices, even when in the safari at Yala National Park. Engage with local folks respectfully and immerse yourselves in the unique heritage of the region. The stories they share about wildlife is truly amazing and wonderous!
14. Plan Additional Activities
Extend your adventure beyond the safari by exploring other attractions in and around Yala National Park. Consider visiting the Yala beach, which is the southern-most tip of Sri Lanka, or participating in cultural experiences like a fishing trip at the Tissamaharama Lake for a well-rounded family vacation.
15. Create Lasting Memories
Finally, cherish every moment spent with your family amidst the beauty of Yala National Park. Whether it’s watching a leopard gracefully glide through the grasslands, marveling at a herd of elephants bathing in a watering hole, or simply spotting a family of eagles out on hunt, these shared experiences will create lasting memories for years to come. However, if at the end of the day, all you see are the fifty shades of green, brown, and beige, remember the moments you spent together, as a pack and herd, amidst the wild, and cherish the beautiful memories forever!
Get in Touch with Your ‘Wild and Free’ Side!
By following these 15 essential tips, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable safari adventure at Yala National Park for your entire family. From careful planning and preparation to embracing the wonders of nature, let your journey be filled with excitement, wonder, and unforgettable moments together. We highly recommend including this unique experience in your itinerary, a gift that the beautiful Pearl of the Indian Ocean so generously offers to all its visitors and guests across the globe. After all, you might meet a part of you who you never thought existed – one who is ‘born to be wild, filled with wanderlust’!!
One Response
It’s good to know the informations 😊