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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Booking Terms

The terms that apply when you book a safari, bungalow or hotel stay through this site. For on-tour conduct and safety, see our Safari Tour Terms.

Last updated 13 August 2026

Making a booking

  • Rates are for one jeep, and your group can include up to 6 people for that cost. Two or more foreigners at the Palatupana gate can book ride share instead, a flat price per person.
  • For SAARC and foreign visitors, your total includes DWC park entry tickets and all park fees, calculated for your group. Already hold a valid DWC permit? Book without tickets and pay for the jeep only.
  • Locals buy their own DWC entry ticket directly at the gate; we never purchase or charge for it. The local rate covers the jeep and driver only.
  • DWC entry pricing is set by nationality: Sri Lanka gets the local rate, SAARC nationals get a reduced tourist rate, every other nationality pays the standard foreign rate. Select your nationality in the booking engine to see your exact total.
  • Booking the SAARC rate? Bring a valid passport from a SAARC country to the gate. Without it, DWC charges the standard foreign rate instead.
  • Cozy jeeps are side-seating Mahindra or Tata. Luxury jeeps are forward-facing Mitsubishi or Toyota, at a surcharge. Jeep rates are the same for locals and foreigners, and vary only by gate.
  • Palatupana is our base gate. Katagamuwa and Galge both add our own additional flat LKR 5,000 surcharge to the jeep rate.
  • Local bookings cover Block I, Block IV and Block V. Only Block II needs special DWC permission for local visitors and isn't offered as a standard rate; ask us on WhatsApp.
  • Rates include hotel pickup within the Tissamaharama area. If you'd rather not be picked up from where you're staying, the default meeting point is near the Tissamaharama Police Station, confirmed by WhatsApp once your booking is confirmed.
  • Pay by bank transfer or cash on arrival, no card fees either way. Paying cash on arrival still needs a quick WhatsApp confirmation first to hold your booking.
  • Ride share seats need a non-refundable advance bank deposit to confirm your slot.
  • If no other riders are available to share a ride share booking, it runs as a private safari instead, at the private rate.
  • The safari duration can vary with the ground situation on the day.
  • Once booked, no refunds can be made.

Booking conditions

  • A booking is confirmed only after payment, and at least 2 hours before your park entrance time.
  • Rates are for one jeep and cover a group of up to 6. For SAARC and foreign visitors, your total includes DWC park entry tickets and all park fees; locals buy their own ticket at the gate and the rate covers the jeep and driver only. Ride share is a flat price per person, minimum 2 people, available to foreigners at the Palatupana gate only.
  • Cozy jeeps (Mahindra or Tata) have side-facing seating; luxury jeeps (Mitsubishi or Toyota) are forward-facing, at a surcharge. Jeep rates are the same for locals and foreigners, and vary only by gate.
  • Palatupana is our base gate. Katagamuwa (Block I/II) and Galge (Block IV/V) both add our own additional flat LKR 5,000 surcharge to the jeep rate.
  • Local bookings cover Block I, Block IV and Block V. Only Block II needs special DWC permission for local visitors and isn't offered as a standard rate.
  • Park entry tickets are set by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and their prices and availability can change without notice.
  • Booking without tickets means you're responsible for arriving with a valid DWC entry permit for your whole party; we can't admit you at the gate without one.
  • Rates include hotel pickup within the Tissamaharama area; pickups further away carry an additional charge. If you'd rather not be picked up from where you're staying, the default meeting point is near the Tissamaharama Police Station, confirmed by WhatsApp once your booking is confirmed.
  • Payment is by bank transfer or cash on arrival; there's no card gateway and no card fee either way. Choosing cash on arrival still requires a WhatsApp confirmation before your booking is held.
  • Ride share seats require a non-refundable advance bank deposit to confirm your slot; without it, your seats aren't guaranteed.
  • If no other riders are available to share a ride share booking, it runs as a private safari instead, at the private rate, not the per-seat ride share rate.
  • Your assigned tour operator reaches out to you directly. We share the operator's contact details as soon as payment is confirmed.
  • The safari duration can vary with the ground situation on the day.
  • Please carry valid photo ID or a passport that matches the booking.
  • Safaris run 06:00 to 18:00 with an experienced tracker in every vehicle. Park rules apply throughout.
  • This website's content and pricing are maintained with AI assistance, and occasional discrepancies are possible. Your assigned agent confirms the exact price and details with you directly, and any discrepancy is resolved before your booking is finalised.

Refund policy

  • Once a booking is confirmed, no refunds can be made.
  • Park entry tickets are non-refundable in every case, even though they are included in your total.
  • If we or the park cancel for closure, weather or animal safety, we offer a free re-booking for another date.

Payment

This website doesn't process payment or store card details. Once your booking request is logged, your assigned tour operator reaches out directly to arrange payment, ahead of your park entrance time.

Questions before you book

Message us on WhatsApp (+94 70 171 7888) or email safari@yalasafarisrilanka.lk. We're happy to talk through anything on this page before you confirm.