Yala National Park’s Blocks 1 and 2, its busiest safari areas, are sadly temporarily closed to visitors from 14 September until 15 October as drought intensifies in Sri Lanka. It is hoped that the measure will reduce disturbance to wildlife and ease pressure on animals which are struggling to find food and water.
The restriction, however, only affects the said two blocks, not the entire park. Visitors with safaris planned in the affected areas ought to seek alternative arrangements with their tour operators instead.
The drought has brought water levels in Yala’s reservoirs and small watering holes down. Park teams are pumping water into ponds and transporting supplies by tankers, with around 200,000 litres reportedly delivered each day. Amongst the animals that depend on those water sources are elephants, leopards, wild buffalo and deer. As heat stress rises and disturbs the wildlife, the animals need easier access to water, which visitors could potentially get in the way of.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation’s temporary closure is due to remain in place until 15 October. Park managers have said a full reopening will depend largely on the weather, so travellers should confirm the latest access arrangements before booking a safari.
Yala is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known safari destinations, particularly for its leopard sightings. Thus, a drought is an unfortunate event both for animals and visitors to the park.
