Night camping - in Gangewardiya and in Kalpitiya islands

Step into the wild heart of Sri Lanka with an unforgettable overnight camping experience inside Yala National Park. This is a rare opportunity to sleep under the stars surrounded by untamed wilderness, where elephants roam nearby and the distant call of nocturnal wildlife sets the tone for an authentic safari adventure.

Your journey begins in Tissamaharama, from where you are taken deep into the park through unspoiled jungle terrain to a private tented campsite. On arrival, you are welcomed with a hot drink and meet your professional wildlife guide, before settling into your comfortable safari tent in the middle of nature.

In the afternoon, you head out on an exciting game drive in search of elephants, leopards, and other iconic wildlife. Meanwhile, your camp team prepares a fresh BBQ dinner by the bonfire, allowing you to return to a warm, atmospheric wilderness dining experience under the open sky.

Night Camping in Yala National Park

Best Season: Jan – mid Apr & May – Aug
Availability: Daily
Advance Booking Required: 2 days
Hottest Month: April & May
Starting Time: 11:00 AM
Finishing Time: 12:00 Noon (next day)
Starting Point: Tissamaharama (Tissa)
Camping Site: Warahana / Kosgasmankada (subject to park conditions)


Price Includes

• 2 safari jeeps for transport & logistics
• Two game drives (afternoon & early morning)
• Park entrance tickets
• Tented accommodation (twin sharing)
• Sleeping gear (mattresses & bedding)
• BBQ dinner
• Breakfast
• Tea & coffee
• Professional wildlife guide / officer
• Drinking water
• Government taxes

Child Policy

• Aged 6–12: Child rate applies
• Below 6: Free of charge (subject to safety conditions)

Restrictions

• Do not wander inside the park without wildlife officer permission
• Do not leave plastics or waste behind
• Do not feed wild animals
• Follow guide instructions at all times
• Maintain silence during wildlife encounters

Recommended to Bring

• Light cardigan for early morning cold
• Hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Comfortable outdoor clothing
• Personal essentials


Adds On

• Local naturalist / wildlife expert upgrade
• Private safari jeep upgrade
• Photography guide service
• Extended extra night camping option
• Premium tent setup upgrade


Experience Highlights

• Overnight camping inside Yala National Park wilderness
• Two guided safaris (afternoon & early morning)
• High chance of elephant and leopard sightings
• Bonfire BBQ dining in the wild
• Authentic off-grid nature experience
• Sleep inside protected national park environment
• Professional wildlife-guided exploration


Your Feedback Matters

Our drivers and service providers are instructed not to promote unrelated activities or encourage unnecessary shopping stops. We appreciate your feedback and reviews on Google after your experience.


We Love Holiday Planning!

Let us help you create unforgettable wildlife, safari, and adventure experiences across Sri Lanka with personalized itineraries and trusted local expertise.

Recent reviews

Tour itinerary

Day 1 – Into the Wild

Yala National Park Sri LankaYour journey begins in the charming town of Tissamaharama, where we gather at 10:30 AM before setting off towards the untamed heart of Yala National Park.

The air hums with anticipation as our convoy of two rugged jeeps carries us past the park gates at 11:40 AM, granted special passage through the midday stillness when the wilderness belongs entirely to its rightful inhabitants.

By 1:00 PM we arrive at our secluded campsite, greeted by a Wildlife Officer and a seasoned tracker. The scent of freshly brewed coffee drifts through the trees as you settle in, the silence broken only by the distant call of a peacock.

At 2:00 PM we venture out for our first safari—where leopards glide like shadows through the brush, elephants emerge from the thickets, and crocodiles laze in the shallows with ancient, knowing eyes.

When we return at sunset, a crackling bonfire and sizzling BBQ await beside a clear forest stream. Under a sky ablaze with stars, we feast, share stories, and listen to the night chorus of the wild. This is leopard country—sleep lightly, for you are not alone.

Day 2 – Dawn on Leopard Trails

Night camping - in Gangewardiya and in Kalpitiya islandsBefore sunrise, the forest stirs.

At 5:45 AM, we hand you a warm drink and a biscuit, then set off at 6:00 AM into the misty dawn. The park is ours alone in this fleeting hour, every rustle in the grass a thrill, every shadow a possible predator.

By 8:30 AM, we return to the camp for a hearty Sri Lankan breakfast—coconut roti, spicy sambol, and fragrant fish curry—before striking camp. But the adventure is not yet over. As we make our way back towards the park entrance, we roam the wild for another two to three hours, following fresh tracks and scanning the brush for the elusive leopard’s amber gaze.

By 12:40 PM, we bid farewell at your waiting vehicle, leaving you with the scent of the forest, the crackle of the bonfire, and the heartbeat of Yala still echoing in your chest.

Trust CCT Sri Lanka

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Night Camping in Yala National Park”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Night Camping in Yala National Park

From: 585$

Book your safe and seamless journey with CCT Sri Lanka, where all our drivers and guides are fully registered and certified by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board.
Choose your party size and preferred date from the drop-down menu, and feel free to share any special requests in the next step.
We wish you a joyful and memorable holiday in Sri Lanka!
Click for local rates here.