Yala National Park · Sri Lanka
Find the leopards of Yala with people who know them.
Family-run jeep safaris with over 20 years of experience. Morning, evening and full-day drives in the world's leopard capital, with hotel pick-up included.
Welcome to Bigcat Safari
A small, family-owned safari team in Yala
With over 20 years of experience we make sure your trip to Yala is memorable. Comfortable jeeps, English-speaking drivers, and a team that has worked with many wildlife photographers to get them the best possible view.
- Expert leopard trackersWe know the territories of more than 44 individual leopards in Yala.
- Hotel pick-up includedWe collect you from your hotel and drop you back after the safari.
- English-speaking guidesFriendly drivers who explain the wildlife, birds and park as you go.
- Family-run for 20+ yearsA small team that cares about every guest and every sighting.
Park rounds
Choose your Yala safari
Every safari includes a private jeep, an English-speaking driver, and pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.
06:00 – 11:30Morning Safari
Enter at first light when leopards are most active, and stay until late morning.
14:00 – 17:30Evening Safari
An afternoon drive into the golden hour, ideal if you arrive in Yala the same day.
06:00 – 18:00Full Day Safari
Stay inside Yala from first light to last light, with lunch by the beach.
The leopard haven
Yala National Park
Sri Lanka's second largest national park stretches over 979 km² along the south-east coast. Block 1 is home to one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, alongside sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.
Our team has personally identified 44 individual leopards and continues to track them, so we know where to look and how to wait for the moment.
Discover YalaGuest stories
What our guests say
Photographers, families and returning visitors who have tracked leopards with us.
“Samitha is a young, however highly experienced Yala safari guide. He comes from a family of such, and he learnt all the tricks and skills for a remarkable experience. We spotted a leopard first thing in the morning, at 7 am. We then spotted another two leopards mating and playing with each other around 10.30am. So three leopards in a day, which apparently is a rarity in the rainy season. Samitha also provided valuable information about the park and other wildlife we encountered – elephants, peacocks, crocodiles etc. And if you are a bird lover, then Samitha is the right guy for you.”
“Went on safari with Samitha from Bigcat Safari just a few days ago and it was absolutely brilliant. He knew exactly where to go and stopped at the perfect spots for great pictures. Wouldn't think twice about recommending Bigcat Safari and Samitha to anyone. Nothing less than a 5 star experience.”
“I've been visiting Yala with Samitha for years now and can recommend their service without a doubt. Service is very friendly and they are well experienced in tracking wildlife in Yala and Lunugamvehera National Parks. I've had many great wildlife encounters, specially leopard sightings thanks to Samitha. If you are keen on wildlife photography, don't worry, Samitha will get you the best possible angle out of any sighting. Prices are quite reasonable and he is a trustworthy person.”
From our jeeps
Moments from Yala
Photos taken by our guests and team on safari with Bigcat.
What is the best time of day to see leopards in Yala?
Early morning and late afternoon are best, when it is cooler and leopards are most active. The morning safari (6:00 AM entry) gives the highest chance. A full day safari gives you both.
Do you pick us up from our hotel?
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, villa or guesthouse in the Yala and Tissamaharama area is included. Tell us where you are staying when you book.
Are park entrance fees included?
Park entrance fees are charged by the Department of Wildlife Conservation per person and are paid at the gate. We will tell you the current fee when you book, and we handle the ticketing for you.
How many people fit in one jeep?
Our safari jeeps seat up to 6 guests comfortably. Photographers who want more space to move often book a jeep for 2–4 people.
Is Yala closed at any time of year?
Block 1 of Yala usually closes for a few weeks during the dry season, normally between September and October. Exact dates change each year, so contact us before you plan a visit in those months.
Safari journal
Plan your trip to Yala
Ready to meet the leopards of Yala?
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. We reply quickly with availability, pick-up time and price.