Budget — Yala

Yala is one of Sri Lanka's most expensive stops, due to the combined cost of park entry, jeep safaris and lodges. A baseline of €90 per person per day covers a mid-range lodge, 1 morning safari and meals. For a complete experience (lodge + 2 safaris/day), expect £130-265/day/person.

Park entry: US$ 25 (£20) per foreign adult + service charge + vehicle fees. Total around £30-35 per person per jeep for one entry. Cumulated over 2 safaris: £60-70 per person just in entry fees. It's one of the most expensive parks in Sri Lanka.

Safaris are usually booked via your lodge or via an independent operator. Rates: £45-70 per person for a half-day (4-5 hours, 4-6 people per jeep) with decent operators; £30-40 with low-cost (to avoid — questionable practices); £70-105 with premium operators (Leopard Trails, Mahoora — high-end jeeps, naturalist guides, respectful practices).

Accommodation comes in two main ranges:

Budget to mid-range (Tissamaharama, 15 km from the park): family guesthouses £22-45/night, 3-star hotels £50-105/night. Practical but requires 30 min by road to reach the park at dawn — less immersive.

Lodges and tented camps near the park: Cinnamon Wild Yala £130-245/night, Jetwing Yala £175-310/night, Wild Coast Tented Lodge £265-440/night (luxury tents, one of Sri Lanka's most immersive experiences with design recalling African safari camps). These lodges generally offer all-inclusive packages (room + 2 safaris + meals + airport transfer) at £350-620/person for 2 nights — the simplest formula.

Dining: all lodges offer full board (included or as supplement £25-55/person for the 3 meals with drinks). Outside the lodge, Tissamaharama's local canteens cost £2.50-5/person (rice and curry, hoppers).

Transport: private driver from Ella or Mirissa £50-80. Included in most lodge packages.

Realistic total budget for 2 nights at Yala (1 person, comfortable experience): 2 nights 4-star lodge £310, 2 safaris £125, park entries £70, transfers £45, total around £550 per person for a complete comfortable experience. For a luxury experience (Wild Coast Tented Lodge), allow £870-1,300/person for 2 nights.