Published on Dec, 2019
I am told we overpaid, at $365 for a family of 5. However, our driver from Beyond Escapes was the best! He picked us up at 0500 and stayed positive throughout the entire day no matter what was going on. He took us to hidden spots, off the beaten path, which he knew from coming to the park with his father since he was 5. He put in the extra effort to give us every opportunity to see the variety Yala has to offer.
We were the only group in Yala to get focused, high quality time with a leopard on the Nov 30, 2019, full day safari. We had around 8 minutes within good distance and clear sight of a female leopard. It was the kids and wife favorite memory from the trip. We also saw sloth bears up close, tons of warthogs, elephants, water buffalo, ground monitors, peacocks, eagles, jeckles, deer, some crocodiles, etc. etc.
During the mandatory 1200 to 1400 break in Yala, we were the only ones to have a full meal provided. Our driver got us to the break point a few minutes earlier than most other groups. He set up a table and high quality home cooked meal at the beach with wonderful mountain and ocean views. The food was ample and high quality. There were also plenty of waters and juice boxes in the cooler for the trip.
Despite rain during lunch and into the afternoon, we still headed out for a productive and enjoyable afternoon.
Driver was safe, professional, and good with our kids. He enjoys his job and it shows. It was an exciting and memorable trip.