Safari tours in Hambantota deliver Sri Lanka’s best wildlife viewing opportunities at Yala and Bundala National Parks. These full-day excursions ($150-212) come with expert guides who track leopards, elephants, and sloth bears in their natural habitat. The top-rated tours include comfortable transportation, entrance fees, and a picnic lunch – all with helpful cancellation policies and hotel pickups.
I especially love the private safari options, which allow you to focus on specific animals you want to photograph and move at your own pace. The morning tours tend to offer the best wildlife sightings.
Let’s explore the top safari experiences in Hambantota.
Good To Know
- The “Private Full Day Leopard Safari” is a highly-rated tour with a 5.0 rating, 100% traveler recommendation, and includes national park fees, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and snacks.
- The “Yala Full Day Safari from Hambantota Port” is a luxury 4WD safari led by an experienced English-speaking guide, providing opportunities to spot leopards, elephants, and exotic birds.
- The “Yala National Park Full Day Safari from Cruise Terminal” is a tailored private shore excursion that includes luxury 4WD transportation, a personal naturalist, and ample time to explore leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.
- The “Full Day Yala Safari with Picnic Lunch” is priced from $150 per person and includes park fees and lunch, with potential sightings of elephants and leopards.
- The “Full Day Bundala Safari” is priced from $160 per person, includes a picnic lunch and park entry fees, and offers an opportunity to explore diverse wildlife in Bundala National Park.
Private Full Day Leopard Safari With Picnic Lunch at Yala National Park
For those seeking an immersive wildlife adventure in Hambantota, the Private Full Day Leopard Safari with Picnic Lunch at Yala National Park is an exceptional choice.
This highly-rated tour earns a 5.0 rating based on 16 reviews, with 100% of travelers recommending it. Featuring national park fees, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and snacks, the experience offers excellent value.
Pickup is available from various centrally located hotels, and the tour accommodates up to 5 people. While not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain medical conditions, the safari is suitable for most, including children aged 2 and up.
With a flexible cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee, this tour is an enticing option for nature enthusiasts.
Read our full review: Private Full Day Leopard Safari With Picnic Lunch at Yala National Park Review
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Yala Full Day Safari From Hambantota Port Shore Excursion
Visitors arriving at the Hambantota Port can embark on an exhilarating Yala Full Day Safari, an immersive wildlife adventure that showcases the diverse ecosystems of the region.
Priced at $212 per person, this private tour by Merganser Holidays offers a luxury 4WD safari experience with an experienced English-speaking guide.
Guests can expect to spot iconic Sri Lankan wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and a variety of exotic birds, while enjoying a picnic lunch and complimentary bottled water.
With free pickup and drop-off, and a flexible cancellation policy, this tour is an excellent choice for cruise ship passengers seeking an unforgettable day in nature.
Read our full review: Yala Full Day Safari From Hambantota Port Shore Excursion Review
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Yala National Park Full Day Safari From Hambantota Cruise Terminal
Travelers embarking from the Hambantota Cruise Terminal can enjoy the vibrant wildlife of Yala National Park through a comprehensive full-day safari experience.
This private shore excursion, tailored to ship schedules, offers ample time to explore the park renowned for its leopards and diverse fauna, including elephants, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles, and wild boar.
The safari package includes luxury 4WD transportation, a personal naturalist, entrance fees, lunch, and all necessary equipment.
With an experienced driver/tracker guiding the way to wildlife hotspots, guests can maximize their park time and chances of spotting the elusive big cats and other captivating creatures.
While not recommended for certain travelers, this immersive safari tour is a convenient and highly-rated option for cruisers docked in Hambantota.
Read our full review: Yala National Park Full Day Safari From Hambantota Cruise Terminal Review
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Full Day Yala Safari With Picnic Lunch From Hambantota Harbour
Embarking from Hambantota Harbour, this full-day Yala Safari offers an immersive experience within the renowned national park. Priced from $150 per person, the tour includes a picnic lunch, park fees, and the services of an English-speaking guide.
While not wheelchair-accessible, the moderate physical fitness level required makes it suitable for most travelers. However, past guests have reported delays in pickup and limited safari time, as well as a lack of dedicated wildlife expertise, leading to some disappointment.
Despite these challenges, the safari promises sightings of elephants and potentially leopards, providing a unique opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife.
Advance booking is recommended to secure availability.
Read our full review: Full Day Yala Safari With Picnic Lunch From Hambantota Harbour Review
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Full Day Bundala Safari With Picnic Lunch From Hambantota Harbour
Conveniently departing from Hambantota Harbour, this full-day Bundala Safari takes adventurers on an immersive exploration of the renowned national park.
Priced from $160 per person, the tour includes a picnic lunch, park entry fees, and the services of an English-speaking guide.
Groups are capped at 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.
Participants should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
With free cancellation and flexible rescheduling available, booking this Bundala Safari is a hassle-free way to discover Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife.
Read our full review: Full Day Bundala Safari With Picnic Lunch From Hambantota Harbour Review
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Full Day Safari at Bundala With Picnic Lunch From Hambantota Harbor
Departing from the Hambantota harbor, this full-day safari immerses adventurers in the renowned Bundala National Park.
For just ₹11,572.16 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, a jeep, water bottles, light refreshments, and a picnic lunch.
With a maximum of 6 travelers, the experience offers an intimate exploration of Bundala’s diverse wildlife, from elephants and crocodiles to migratory birds.
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, and pregnant individuals or those with certain medical conditions should carefully consider participation.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, making this an accessible and flexible adventure.
Read our full review: Full Day Safari at Bundala With Picnic Lunch From Hambantota Harbor Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Hambantota offers a range of full-day tours that allow visitors to explore the stunning Yala and Bundala National Parks. Whether you’re seeking a leopard safari, a bird-watching adventure, or simply a day immersed in nature, these tours provide a fantastic opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s southern region. With options for picnic lunches and transportation from the port or harbor, these tours make for a convenient and memorable day trip.