Yala Safari Camping - All Inclusive

We had the most amazing experience-words cannot quite describe seeing such magnificent animals in their own habitat. A huge thank you to Archi our incredible driver and photographer - you were brilliant. With your skills we were so lucky to see 3 leopards over 2 days and so many other countless animals and birds. Also to Pramod the chef who fed us such delicious food, Chamith, Sadarutan, Madava and Mahesh - you were all so kind and nothing was too much trouble. Thank you so much - this was an unforgettable experience.

A once in a lifetime experience. Dining above the trees and sleeping in the jungle. We loved it. The guides were helpful as soon as we arrived (our TukTuk got stuck in the sand so they assisted) and the welcome drinks and food were delicious. They also made some Simpler options for our children. The tent was very cool, with a mini hot tub in the floor. We did have some frogs in our room, but these were removed by staff asap. The location is breathtaking. Really peaceful and natural beauty. They also arranged a great safari for us with drinks and breakfast included The only thing to note (and at no fault of the hotel) is this was probably not overly suitable for our young children (ages 6 and 3). The evening meal was VERY late into the night and once it gets dark it’s very quiet and calm (we felt anxious to not let our kids spoil others evening as there is no music or lights just the moon) I still rate them 5 stars as for adults it’s a dream. Just be aware that for kids it’s an adventure but a late one!

We’re giving Yala Camping Safari five stars as it is excellent in its category. If you’re considering YCS it’s important to know what category this is. What you get with YCS is the best service and hospitality you can imagine, extremely talented safari guides (a huge thank you to Achi who drove us for both our half day and full day safaris), truly excellent food and an adventure that you won’t soon forget. We arrived around 1:00pm and were immediately treated to an amazing lunch of crab and 6 or 7 local side dish specialties. From there, we did a half day afternoon safari where we saw a jackal, monkeys, crocodile, elephants, water buffalo, dozens of peacocks (technically, peafowl), mongoose and a wide variety of other birds and creatures. Dinner that night was a barbecue out on the main deck…again, spectacular. Beer, wine and cocktails are included. Our next day started around 5:00am as we did a full-day safari. More crocodiles, elephants (including some spectacular close-up viewings), three leopards, numerous water buffalo, monkeys, birds of all kinds…the list goes on. The park closes from noon to 2:00pm, so everybody in the park goes to a beach area on the Indian ocean. YCS prepared a delicious lunch for us, which our guide set up in a shaded area. After re-entering the park, we continued until the park closed at 6:00pm, with many more fantastic animal sightings. Just an amazing day. If you have mobility issues or are super picky about food, this may not be a good choice. These are fairly basic tents, albeit with AC and ensuite bathrooms, located a few hundred feet down a steep rocky path from the main lodge area, and the entire camp is a 12-15 minute bumpy ride away from any paved road. The food is amazing (local cuisine, elevated) and YCS appears to be able to accommodate various dietary restrictions, but if you’re a burger and fries type person this may not be the right choice. Ravi runs the operation and his organization and hospitality is second to none. Highly recommended if you’re looking for an amazing adventure with memories to last a lifetime.

We had an unforgettable two-night stay at Yala Safari Camping, where we experienced the best hospitality and warmth imaginable. The Sri Lankan food prepared by the chef, Promod, was the best we enjoyed throughout our entire trip to Sri Lanka. Each meal was a delight! Our safari experience was absolutely thrilling, thanks to our guide and driver, Ravi. His expertise allowed us incredibly close encounters with the wildlife, including elephants that approached us of their own accord and the majestic leopards of Yala. Ravi also captured stunning photographs of our adventures, which made our evenings even more special as we reminisced about the day's experiences. The entire team at the camp, including Achi, Madawa, Sadaru, and Chamith, made sure every aspect of our stay was perfect. We highly recommend spending some time at Yala Safari Camp to reconnect with nature and enjoy a truly personal and intimate safari experience. Thank you to the entire team for making our stay so memorable!

Ravi, Mahesh and the team made this a truly unforgettable experience. My sister and I stayed for 2 nights and from start to finish we were brilliantly taken care of! The pre booked transfers into the camp went seamlessly, upon arrival we were greeted with delicious coconut water and a lunch which dreams are made of! The chef is fantastic! We enjoyed an afternoon/ evening safari where we saw elephants, deer, water buffalo, countless bird varieties and crocs! Once back in camp we enjoyed a delicious meal under the stars with cold wine and beer. Day 2 was a full day safari, with lunch served in the safari park by the ocean. We saw a leopard, a brown sloth bear and much more! On the way back to camp Ravi called ahead to have cold G&Ts ready for us. Our tent was air conditioned and fabulous! The attached bathroom and shower is a little more open to the elements and often had little frog visitors and geckos, all of which are harmless! We had fireflies lighting up the roof of the tent once night.. which was just magical. YSC is a very special place full of happy, wonderful people!