Blocks I and II closed 14 September – 15 October 2026 (DWC drought closure). Blocks IV and V are open and unaffected. Full details →

YALASAFARI
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Choosing your block

Block I or Block V? Here's the honest answer.

Same park, two different mornings. One buys you the single highest leopard density recorded anywhere on Earth, and the jeep convoy that comes with it. The other buys space, for a flat surcharge. Here's what actually changes between them.

A leopard crossing a dirt safari track
Block I is closed right now. DWC has closed Blocks I and II for a drought-driven closure, 14 September – 15 October 2026. Block V (and IV) are open and unaffected: everything below still applies to them. Full closure details →
Quick answer

First Yala trip, leopard sighting is the priority? Book Block I. Been before, or travelling with animal welfare and low-speed tracking in mind? Book Block IV or V through the Galge gate, for a flat LKR 5,000 more per jeep.

Side by side

Block IBlock IV / V
Leopard densityHighest recorded: ~25 cats in one zoneLower jeep density, same wide terrain as Block I
Jeep trafficHighest in the park, especially on a callDramatically fewer vehicles per sighting
TerrainGranite boulder country, open scrub and tidal lagoonThe park's westernmost reach, run as part of a longer traverse
Area14,101 ha6,656 ha (usually paired with Block IV, 26,418 ha)
GatePalatupana or KatagamuwaGalge only
From price (1 adult, cozy jeep, dawn)LKR 31,050LKR 36,050
Local visitor bookingsAvailableAvailable, no special DWC permission needed

Block I: the leopard capital

One of the highest recorded leopard densities anywhere on Earth: roughly 25 cats hunting in daylight across a single zone.

Granite boulder country, open scrub and tidal lagoon across 14,101 ha, entered through Palatupana or Katagamuwa. This is the ground that built Yala's reputation, and the jeep count on any given morning reflects it. Read the full picture in The Leopards of Block I and Beating the Jeep Jam.

Block IV & V: the quiet crossing

Everything that makes Block I's terrain great, without the convoy: a flat surcharge buys dramatically more solitude.

The smallest block, usually paired with Block IV on the same run for those chasing genuine distance from the gate queues. Both run through the Galge gate at the same flat surcharge as Katagamuwa, no separate premium for going further. See what the crossing actually involves in Yala Block 2: The Raw Reality.

Questions people actually ask

Is Block I or Block V better for leopards?

Block I has the higher confirmed leopard density, roughly 25 cats across a single zone, one of the highest recorded anywhere. Block V (and its usual pairing, Block IV) has real leopards too, just spread over more ground with fewer other jeeps competing for the same sighting.

How much more does Block IV or V cost than Block I?

Both Katagamuwa (Block I/II) and Galge (Block IV/V) add our own additional flat LKR 5,000 Katagamuwa/Galge surcharge to the base Palatupana jeep rate. DWC park tickets are the same regardless of block. There's no other price difference.

Can locals book Block V?

Yes, as a standard online rate. Block IV and V (both Galge gate) need no special DWC permission for local visitors. Only Block II still needs special permission, so it's the one block not offered to local bookings.

Should a first-time visitor choose Block I or Block IV/V?

Block I, generally. It's the park's proven ground for a first leopard sighting, and the jeep density is the tradeoff you make for those odds. Block IV/V suit a second Yala trip, or a first-timer who values a quieter, less convoyed morning over the single highest sighting probability.

Ready to lock a morning in either block?

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