Yala Blocks I & II Drought Closure 2026

The Department of Wildlife Conservation has confirmed a temporary closure of Blocks I and II of Yala National Park, running 14 September through 15 October 2026, due to prevailing drought conditions. If you're planning or already hold a Yala safari for this window, here's exactly what's closed, what isn't, and what to do about it.

What's actually closed

Blocks I and II, including the tourist bungalows and campsites within those two zones, are closed to visitors for the full window.

What's still open

Blocks III, IV and V remain open to visitors throughout the closure. Block III has always been expedition-permit-only and isn't offered as a standard day-safari rate by any operator. Blocks IV and V, both entered through the Galge gate, run exactly as normal: same jeep, same tracker, same terrain the block is known for, no closure, no change in rate.

If Block I was your plan for this window, Block IV/V is the direct substitute, not a downgrade: same wide dry-zone forest and granite country as Block I, just fewer jeeps competing for the same sighting. See the full Block I vs Block V comparison if you're deciding between them for the first time.

The daily midday closure

Separately from this drought closure, Yala closes park-wide every day from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m., to protect animals from the worst of the heat. This is a standing rule, not specific to the current closure. It doesn't affect dawn or dusk half-day safaris; full-day safaris already run with a midday rest break for the same reason.

If you already have a booking for these dates

If your Yala safari is booked in Block I or II for a date inside the closure window, message us on WhatsApp and we'll move you to Block IV or V at no change to your rate, or reschedule to a date from 16 October onward. DWC has separately stated that guests with their own booked in-park accommodation (bungalows and campsites) in the closed blocks will be offered alternative dates directly by the department.

Booking a safari right now

Nothing about this closure stops you booking today. Our booking engine and pricing guide work exactly as normal for Block IV and V for any date, including inside the closure window; Block I and II simply aren't offered as options for travel dates between 14 September and 15 October 2026, and reopen automatically once the closure lifts.