Yala Block 2 Safari - Sri Lanka's Ultimate Off-Road Adventure
full-day expedition with two 4WD jeeps for wildlife specialists or off-road enthusiasts
For Exploring Yala Block 2 - two special jeeps are mandatory
Price List for Private Safari Tours
in 4-WD Jeeps, Entry Fees Included
maximum 10 persons
This tour is designed for those with the appropriate expectations
and a willingness to accept the challenges and risks involved.
and a willingness to accept the challenges and risks involved.
Yala Blocks 1 & 2 Itinerary - toughest jeep expedition in Sri Lanka
This challenging day excursion takes you through Yala Block 1 in the morning and again in the evening, offering the best opportunities to observe the dense wildlife population of the popular Block 1 at peak times. As you will enter Yala Block 1 in one of the first jeeps and will cross it entirely, this tour arrangement, as a side effect, also has the advantage of observing the animals of Block 1 in a much more undisturbed way than on normal Block 1 safaris.
What makes this off-road adventure unique, however, is the crossing of the Menik River into the rarely visited and untouched region of Yala Block 2. While Block 2 may not provide as many animal sightings as Block 1, wildlife is still present. However, due to the animals' unfamiliarity with visitors, they tend to hide. For this reason, some scientists prefer Block 2, as it offers a more natural environment where animals behave without the influence of human presence.
The majority of rare visitors to Block 2 are locals seeking an extremely demanding off-road experience. Our special Yala Block 1 plus Block 2 full-day safari is designed for both wildlife enthusiasts and off-road adventurers.
You will enter Yala Block 2 around 8:00 AM and depart by 2:00 PM. The early return is necessary, as there is a possibility of the jeeps getting stuck in the mud, which could require additional time to navigate back to the Menik River and cross it before returning to the easier trails of Block 1.
What makes this off-road adventure unique, however, is the crossing of the Menik River into the rarely visited and untouched region of Yala Block 2. While Block 2 may not provide as many animal sightings as Block 1, wildlife is still present. However, due to the animals' unfamiliarity with visitors, they tend to hide. For this reason, some scientists prefer Block 2, as it offers a more natural environment where animals behave without the influence of human presence.
The majority of rare visitors to Block 2 are locals seeking an extremely demanding off-road experience. Our special Yala Block 1 plus Block 2 full-day safari is designed for both wildlife enthusiasts and off-road adventurers.
You will enter Yala Block 2 around 8:00 AM and depart by 2:00 PM. The early return is necessary, as there is a possibility of the jeeps getting stuck in the mud, which could require additional time to navigate back to the Menik River and cross it before returning to the easier trails of Block 1.
For Your Consideration: Remote Breakdown Recovery Insurance
Please note that this tour is only available if you accept that it is undertaken at your own risk. Specifically, this means that you would be responsible for covering the costs if a third or even fourth jeep needs to be dispatched to transport you back to your hotel in case both of your expedition jeeps become inoperable.
For an additional charge, we offer insurance to cover such rare situations. See the right column below for details.
This insurance covers vehicle breakdowns in the remote area of Yala Block 2 with its difficult terrain and potentially dangerous wildlife. It ensures that, in the event of a mechanical failure or unpassable terrain, a replacement vehicle will be dispatched for transport.
The coverage includes coordination of emergency support and recovery logistics.
Given the challenging conditions,
retrieval may take several hours, with or without insurance.
Please note that this tour is only available if you accept that it is undertaken at your own risk. Specifically, this means that you would be responsible for covering the costs if a third or even fourth jeep needs to be dispatched to transport you back to your hotel in case both of your expedition jeeps become inoperable.
For an additional charge, we offer insurance to cover such rare situations. See the right column below for details.
This insurance covers vehicle breakdowns in the remote area of Yala Block 2 with its difficult terrain and potentially dangerous wildlife. It ensures that, in the event of a mechanical failure or unpassable terrain, a replacement vehicle will be dispatched for transport.
The coverage includes coordination of emergency support and recovery logistics.
Given the challenging conditions,
retrieval may take several hours, with or without insurance.
Yala Block 2 Safari
|
Number of Persons (maximum 5 per jeep) |
Price per Person Without Recovery Insurance |
1 person |
$ 545.- USD |
2 persons |
$ 345.- USD |
each extra adult |
$ 160.- USD |
each child (aged 3-11) |
$ 110.- USD |
Yala Block 2 Safari
with Block 1 -
including Breakdown Recovery Insurance
Tour Code: SL-YB-01B
5.15 am start at your hotel in Tissamaharam
or 5 km away from Tissamaharama
leaving the wildlife park around 5.45 pm
return to the hotel around 6.30 pm
5.15 am start at your hotel in Tissamaharam
or 5 km away from Tissamaharama
leaving the wildlife park around 5.45 pm
return to the hotel around 6.30 pm
Number of Persons (maximum 5 per jeep) |
Price per Person With Recovery Insurance |
1 person |
$ 655.- USD |
2 persons |
$ 390.- USD |
each extra adult |
$ 190.- USD |
each child (aged 3-11) |
$ 140.- USD |
Prices include:
- expedition with 2 jeeps with the required special equipment
- additional wildlife department officer (wildlife ranger)
- pick-up at your hotel in Tissamaharama or near surroundings
- early start at the park gate
- transfers through Yala Block 1 and to Block 2, stops for animal observations also in Block 1
- Lunch: 3500 for 4 lunches (3 accompanying persons)
- Snacks
- Fruits: bananas, pineapple, papaya
- Beverages: Tea, 1 soft drink, 2 liters of bottles water, ice cubes made of bottled or boiled or filtered water
- provisions for the 3 accompanying persons (two range drivers and one additional wildlife ranger)
- all taxes
- expedition with 2 jeeps with the required special equipment
- additional wildlife department officer (wildlife ranger)
- pick-up at your hotel in Tissamaharama or near surroundings
- early start at the park gate
- transfers through Yala Block 1 and to Block 2, stops for animal observations also in Block 1
- Lunch: 3500 for 4 lunches (3 accompanying persons)
- Snacks
- Fruits: bananas, pineapple, papaya
- Beverages: Tea, 1 soft drink, 2 liters of bottles water, ice cubes made of bottled or boiled or filtered water
- provisions for the 3 accompanying persons (two range drivers and one additional wildlife ranger)
- all taxes
Why are Safaris in Yala Block 2 so rarely offered and why are the prices high?
For Entering Yala Block 2 a second jeep is mandatory!
For security reasons, there must be a back-up jeep with you on an expedition in Block 2,
because a jeep can easily get stuck or damaged and there is no help available quickly in this remote wildlife area.
For Entering Yala Block 2 a second jeep is mandatory!
For security reasons, there must be a back-up jeep with you on an expedition in Block 2,
because a jeep can easily get stuck or damaged and there is no help available quickly in this remote wildlife area.
Special Requirements for Jeeps in Yala Block 2
Two specially designed jeeps are required for this tour. Both vehicles must meet the specifications necessary to navigate the terrain of Block 2. These jeeps are designed with bodies slightly higher than standard, allowing them to handle the demanding conditions of the area. Additionally, at least one of the jeeps must be equipped with a winch to assist in potential recovery situations. It is important to note that ordinary Yala jeeps, which lack the required special equipment, are not permitted to enter Yala Block 2.
Driver Expertise and Vehicle Limitations
All our range drivers are well-trained in navigating through very demanding mud areas. Despite the experience of the drivers, all vehicles may become stuck in the mud at some point during the journey. In such cases, you will be expected to assist the range drivers as instructed to help resolve the situation.
Expect to Get Wet and Dirty
Throughout the journey, you must be prepared to cross streams on foot where the jeep has to cross the water without passengers. Your clothing and shoes will inevitably become dirty, and you should expect to get wet during various parts of the trip. It is essential to pack accordingly, as personal comfort is limited in this environment.
Responsibility for Personal Belongings
For jeep safaris in Yala Block 2, we cannot accept responsibility for any damage to your personal belongings, including mobile phones, cameras, or other technical equipment. Given the rugged nature of the terrain, we advise caution when bringing valuables on this journey.
Health and Safety Considerations
This safari tour is not suitable for those with back problems, serious illnesses, or other medical conditions that could be aggravated by the difficult terrain. Pregnant women are not allowed to participate in this tour. As the journey will be particularly rough and bumpy, travelers should be aware of the physical demands involved.
Wildlife Officer and Communication with Range Drivers
A wildlife officer will accompany the tour to ensure that all regulations are followed. Due to his experience, he will be extraordinarily helpful to spot animals. Our experienced range drivers are available to listen to your requests regarding stops and breaks during the journey. They speak English fairly well and will assist with communication throughout the trip. One tour executive of Lanka Excursions Holidays will keep in touch with you and your range drivers via mobile throughout your expedition. Please be aware that technical connectivity issues may occur in certain areas.
Potential Delays and Emergency Support
In the event that both jeeps become stuck, it may take two to three additional hours to send another jeep to assist with the recovery. This is one of the reasons why many companies do not offer safaris in Yala Block 2. We organize tours for wildlife studies or experienced offroad adventure travelers who are prepared to accept the risks and cover the costs of any emergency support required.
Animal Sightings and Block 1 Acces
Yala Block 2 is rarely visited by jeeps, meaning the animals there are not accustomed to human presence. As a result, animal sightings will be less frequent, and certain species may be more difficult to observe, as they often flee upon hearing the sounds of the jeep. However, you will also pass through Yala Block 1, where wildlife sightings are more common, giving you the opportunity to observe animals there as well.
Flexibility in the Tour Route
If the conditions in Block 2 become too difficult, you may choose to to Block 1 earlier and continue the safari there for the remainder of the time. This decision can be made at any point during the tour, and the range driver will accommodate your preferences.
Safety Considerations in Yala Block 2
It is important to note that foreign visitors are not allowed to stay overnight in Yala Block 2. There will be designated spots where you may exit the jeep, but it is generally advised to remain inside for safety reasons. Elephants in Block 2 are more aggressive than those in Block 1, and caution should be exercised at all times.
For Information on Sri Lanka's most famous National Park,
its rich biodiversity in flora and fauna,
please visit our comprehensive
Yala National Park webpage
its rich biodiversity in flora and fauna,
please visit our comprehensive
Yala National Park webpage
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Payment PolicyDown Payment
Please note we require 20% of the payment on confirmation and the balance 07 days prior to Safari start. Or the full payment can be settled on confirmation. Payment Methods 1. Online payment using personal credit card (Visa/ Master): Log in details will be sent on confirmation with additional 4% card charge 2. Bank Transfer – For international or intranational bank transfer, the sender MUST bear all bank charges. E&OE Invoice Card Charges For online payment 4% will be charged additionally please let us know if you prefer to pay with your credit card. Cancelation Policy: • In case of cancelling after the confirmation 20% will be charged – No Refund • In case of cancelling less than 07 days or No Show 100% will be charged Changing Tour • You can move an existing tour booking prior to 30 days before Safari Start as long as you pay the applicable additional charges. Unless otherwise specified, all bookings, payments, and cancellations are governed by our general terms and conditions. |
