
Private Tour from Hiriketiya to Ella with Yala Safari
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour from Hiriketiya to Ella with Yala Safari worth booking?
Private Tour from Hiriketiya to Ella with Yala Safari is a 8-hour experience in Galle, Sri Lanka, from $102 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (7)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $102 per person
Start your adventure with a midday pickup from Hiriketiya at 12:00 PM and journey inland toward Yala National Park. Travel through the lush southern countryside, passing rustic villages, paddy fields, and local life that
What you get
About this experience
Start your adventure with a midday pickup from Hiriketiya at 12:00 PM and journey inland toward Yala National Park. Travel through the lush southern countryside, passing rustic villages, paddy fields, and local life that showcase Sri Lanka’s rural charm. Arriving around 2:30 PM, begin a thrilling four-hour safari led by an experienced driver. Explore Yala’s diverse terrain, from open scrublands to dense forest patches and coastal lagoons, while spotting incredible wildlife such as leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and a variety of colorful bird species. After the safari, continue your scenic drive toward Ella, ascending gradually into the cooler highlands. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of hills, misty landscapes, and endless tea plantations. Arrive in Ella around 7:00 PM, completing a full-day journey that blends beach, wildlife, and mountain experiences into one unforgettable adventure.
What's included
Included
- Transport throughout the tour in an air-conditioned vehicle
- All taxes & service charges
- Service of an English-speaking chauffeur Driver
- Hotel pickup from Hiriketiya & drop-off at Ella
- 1 Liter of bottled mineral water per person
Not included
- Food and Drinks
- Expenses of Personal Nature
- Gratuities (Optional)
What you'll see and do
Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the most famous wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka, located in the southeast region of the country. It is best known for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, along with elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds. The park features diverse landscapes, including forests, grasslands, lagoons, and coastal areas, making it a rich habitat for many species and a popular destination for safaris.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Transport Without Tickets
Transport + Jeep: This option excludes an entrance tickets to Yala National Park. Pickup included
Transport With Tickets
Transport + Jeep + Tickets: This option includes an entrance tickets to Yala National Park. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Lakpura LLC
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour from Hiriketiya to Ella with Yala Safari. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic Safari and Transport
Both drivers that we had were great. Very personable and friendly. The safari was awesome and we would defeinitely recommend this to anyone looking to do a similar thing.
via Tripadvisor
A Wonderful Experience
We did the Tuk Tuk tour the day before the bus and whilst the driver was nice, accommodating and welcoming we had problems understanding him. Conversely the bus tour guide was incredibly easy to understand, his knowledge profound and the tour included entry into the Buddhist Temple with him as a guide. The bus was very open with no aircon however that did not seem to matter as there were umbrellas provided by the company for sun protection. Have been on quite a few ‘red bus tours’ around the world, however I can honestly say this was the best one. Michael Fernando our guide and his two associates were absolutely wonderful. Really was a pleasurable trip.
Response from the operator: (J36869U03) Thank you for your lovely review! 😊 We’re delighted you enjoyed the bus tour and that Michael Fernando and the team made it such a memorable experience. It’s great to hear you appreciated the guide’s knowledge, the temple visit, and the comfort provided despite the open bus. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation. Hope to see you again on another tour soon! 🌿
via Tripadvisor
Bad turned into a good
We booked this trip on Trip Advisor as a result of wanting to see Colombo city. The benefit was that they would collect us from our hotel and return us too But we had a message from the company that the trip was cancelled. We were very disappointed and could not understand why. It became clear that they did not have someone to collect us and the tour was still going ahead. This made this worse and felt we had paid our money and should of had the trip we asked for However the tour company turned our displeasure into something we wanted. Albeit 45 mins late a taxi driver collected us from our hotel and did a private city tour by so much better than on a bus We are so pleased with the outcome but very frustrated we had to experience what we did
Response from the operator: (J36118U03) Thank you for sharing your experience. We sincerely apologize for the initial confusion and delay with your pickup. We’re glad we could turn things around and provide a private city tour that you enjoyed. Your feedback is valuable, and we will work to ensure smoother communication in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Great way to see and hear history of Colombo in a short time frame
Excellent way to see the City. After living in the city for 2 years I took this bus ride, although I knew the city well, it was great to see it from a different view point. Excellent commentary during the trip, time to get off at 2 key attractions in the city. Water and snack included which was a nice addition. Friendly staff, departed on time and keep to schedule.
Response from the operator: J32667U03 Thank you so much for taking the time to review your experience and our service. We are thrilled to hear the lasting impression the experience has left on you, Your wonderful comments and positive feedback is a great incentive for us to further ensure and enhance our level of service for the future as well. We hope to have you again here in Sri Lanka.
via Tripadvisor
Good trip
In spite of the rain we had some good close up views of historic buildings and monuments. Great way to get an overall picture of the city
Response from the operator: J30984S03 Thank you so much for taking the time to review your experience and our service. We are thrilled to hear the lasting impression the experience has left on you, Your wonderful comments and positive feedback is a great incentive for us to further ensure and enhance our level of service for the future as well. We hope to have you again here in Sri Lanka.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $102 to $278
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour from Hiriketiya to Ella with Yala Safari: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Galle.
How much does Private Tour from Hiriketiya to Ella with Yala Safari cost?
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Prices start at $102 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Galle usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Tour from Hiriketiya to Ella with Yala Safari take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Galle is not rushed.
Is Private Tour from Hiriketiya to Ella with Yala Safari worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Galle, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Tour from Hiriketiya to Ella with Yala Safari?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Tour from Hiriketiya to Ella with Yala Safari suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Tour from Hiriketiya to Ella with Yala Safari?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Galle can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Galle and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Tour from Hiriketiya to Ella with Yala Safari start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Galle within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Galle?
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On Outty we rank every Galle experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full day / Half Day WildlifeAdventure in Yala-National-Park, Special leopard & Elephants safari - Yala - 04.30 am to 11.30 am, Sea waves sri lankan cooking class. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Galle?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Galle?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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