Depart before dawn for Sri Lanka’s most celebrated national park – the legendary Yala, home to the world’s highest concentration of wild leopards and a breathtaking diversity of wildlife set against a dramatic landscape of rocky outcrops, open savannah and coastal lagoons. The early departure allows arrival at the park gates at opening time, entering as part of the first vehicles of the day – when wildlife is at its most active and the light is at its most golden and beautiful. With a private jeep and expert naturalist-guide, you will traverse Yala’s open terrain in search of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, water buffalo and over 200 species of birds. The return drive to Colombo or Negombo follows Sri Lanka’s scenic southern coastal highway, with optional stops at coastal viewpoints.