4 Ella Safaris Tours to Build a Day Around

1.Drop to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Mirissa & Yala Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 296 reviews · 4 - 10 hours · from $11Our pick

Travel from Ella to Yala and onward to Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Mirissa, Galle, or nearby towns in an air-conditioned vehicle. At Yala, switch to an open jeep for about three hours with guides such as Sasanka, Dilan, or Ishan, looking for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, monkeys, and birds.

“Sasanka was an excellent driver. We were amazed by how he easily drove us into the safari. We saw a lot of animals. He explained to us. It was really a good experience”

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2.Yala Safari with Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle Drop-off

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 198 reviews · 9 hours · from $10Best value

Start in Ella with a hotel pickup, ride to Yala, and spend about four hours in a guided 4x4 safari with guides such as Isuru, Kavee, or Srimal. Look for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and birds before continuing by car to Mirissa, Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Unawatuna, or Galle.

“Pick-up was on time from Ella. Car was very comfortable and clean. My guide is Srimal, very nice guy and did his best to show me everything. It is very safe for a solo female traveler like me, from pick up to the safari. Highly recommended 👍🏽”

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3.Shuttle to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle w Udawalawe Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 166 reviews · 7 hours · from $48Top rated

Ride from Ella to Tangalle, Mirissa, Galle, or nearby beaches, stopping for a three-hour Udawalawe jeep safari. Guides such as Pathum, Koshala, and Mahesh are praised for spotting elephants and explaining wildlife. Park entry costs extra, so carry cash.

“Mahesh our guide was great, we managed to see elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, mongoose and an array of birds. A great morning.”

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4.Yala National Park Safari Tour in a 4×4

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 155 reviews · 8 hours · from $49

Leave Ella before dawn or later in the day for Yala National Park. An air-conditioned transfer carries you to the park, where guides such as Sasanka, Dilan, Muthu, and Tikiri lead a three-hour 4x4 safari. Expect elephants, crocodiles, birds, buffalo, and a possible leopard.

“It was really cool to see a lot of animals. The Dilan guide tried to look for new ones every time and talked about them, it was very interesting.”

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