Yala National Park - Block 5

Yala National Park - Block 5 is a protected area in Sri Lanka.

Yala National Park - Block 5 at a Glance

Location
Southern & Southeastern Dry Zone, Sri Lanka, South Asia
Coordinates
6.524615, 81.284325
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
January to March for Yala and southern parks. June to September for northern parks (Wilpattu).

Getting to Yala National Park - Block 5

Nearest airport: Weerawila Air Base (WRZ), 31 km away.

Nearest international airport: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), 32 km away.

Big Five in Yala National Park - Block 5

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Yala National Park - Block 5

The warmest temperatures in Yala National Park - Block 5 occur in June, averaging 28.9°C (up to 34.5°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 25.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 37.4mm. Average humidity: 68.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 25.4°C (rainfall: 126.1mm)
  • February: 26.4°C (rainfall: 59.1mm)
  • March: 27.2°C (rainfall: 90.6mm)
  • April: 27.4°C (rainfall: 146.0mm)
  • May: 27.7°C (rainfall: 169.2mm)
  • June: 28.9°C (rainfall: 37.4mm)
  • July: 28.8°C (rainfall: 55.0mm)
  • August: 28.7°C (rainfall: 63.0mm)
  • September: 28.1°C (rainfall: 73.6mm)
  • October: 27.0°C (rainfall: 204.4mm)
  • November: 25.4°C (rainfall: 400.5mm)
  • December: 25.4°C (rainfall: 239.9mm)

Best Time to Visit Yala National Park - Block 5

The best months to visit Yala National Park - Block 5 are February, March, April, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 25.41°C, rainfall 126.1mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 79.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 26.41°C, rainfall 59.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 74.3%
  • March: Great, temperature 27.19°C, rainfall 90.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 75.3%
  • April: Great, temperature 27.38°C, rainfall 146mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 80.5%
  • May: Good, temperature 27.73°C, rainfall 169.2mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 79.7%
  • June: Great, temperature 28.94°C, rainfall 37.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 68.1%
  • July: Great, temperature 28.82°C, rainfall 55mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 67.3%
  • August: Great, temperature 28.72°C, rainfall 63mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 67%
  • September: Great, temperature 28.15°C, rainfall 73.6mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 70.4%
  • October: Good, temperature 27.04°C, rainfall 204.4mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 77.1%
  • November: Good, temperature 25.45°C, rainfall 400.5mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 86.7%
  • December: Good, temperature 25.42°C, rainfall 239.9mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 83.5%

Wildlife in Yala National Park - Block 5

Home to 88 recorded species including 35 waterbirds, 23 iconic birds, 15 birds of prey, 8 tropical birds, 3 big herbivores, 1 marine & freshwater.

Recommended Packing List for Yala National Park - Block 5

Based on average temperature of 27.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 76%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 27°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Yala National Park - Block 5

4 safari lodges available.

luxury

budget

Similar Parks in Southern & Southeastern Dry Zone

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Sri Lanka

Travel advisory for Sri Lanka

Yala National Park - Block 5 FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Yala National Park - Block 5 to maximize wildlife sightings while enjoying its famously low crowding?

The dry season, typically from February to July, offers the best opportunities for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. However, due to Block 5's consistently low crowding, you can expect a more serene and intimate safari experience year-round, with less vehicle traffic compared to other Yala blocks.

What specific wildlife encounters can I anticipate in Yala National Park - Block 5, and how does its less crowded environment enhance these sightings?

While Block 5 is part of the larger Yala ecosystem, offering chances to spot leopards, elephants, and sloth bears, its low visitor numbers often lead to more natural and undisturbed animal behavior. This provides a unique opportunity for prolonged and less rushed observations of these magnificent creatures in their pristine habitat.

What are the typical costs and logistical considerations for arranging a safari specifically for Yala National Park - Block 5?

Access to Block 5 typically requires a dedicated jeep hire and an entrance fee, which can vary. Given its slightly more remote nature and lower visitor traffic, it's advisable to pre-arrange your safari with a reputable tour operator who specializes in this block to ensure smooth logistics and a knowledgeable guide.

Considering the moderate malaria risk, what specific health and safety precautions are recommended for a safari in Yala National Park - Block 5?

Beyond consulting your doctor about anti-malarial medication and using insect repellent, it's crucial to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Due to the park's less crowded nature, always remain inside your safari vehicle and follow your guide's instructions for your safety and to avoid disturbing wildlife.

How does the overall safari experience in Yala National Park - Block 5 uniquely differ from the more frequented blocks within Yala?

The primary distinction of Block 5 lies in its unparalleled tranquility and sense of wilderness, stemming from its significantly lower visitor numbers. This allows for a more immersive and intimate connection with nature, offering extended, undisturbed wildlife viewing opportunities and a truly peaceful safari adventure away from the crowds.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.