Seasonal full day · May to July

Sloth Bear Season.

For a few weeks each year the palu trees fruit, and Yala's shy sloth bears come out into the open to feed.

4.9/5 from 180 guests on this safari Bear seen on about 6 in 10 drives in season

Sloth bear in palu season Melursus ursinus inornatus Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0

Duration
14 hours04:45 pickup – 18:45 return
Park zone
Yala Block 1via Palatupana gate
Group
Private jeepup to 6 guests
Season
May – Julypalu fruiting peaks in June
Price
From $195per jeep + park entry
Overview

Sloth bears are among the hardest animals to see in Sri Lanka. Palu season is the best chance you'll get.

The Sri Lankan sloth bear is a subspecies found only on the island. Bears are mostly active at night and wary of people, so most visitors never see one. But when the palu trees (Manilkara hexandra) fruit in the dry months, bears come out in daylight to climb them and feed, sometimes for hours.

This safari is led by a tracker who specializes in bears. They know which trees are fruiting that week and which bears have been visiting them. We spend the day moving between fruiting trees, with leopards, elephants and the rest of Block 1 along the way.

How the day unfolds

Following the fruit, tree to tree.

Times are a guide. If something is happening, we stay with it.

  1. 04:45

    Pickup from your hotel

    Your bear tracker briefs you on the week's sightings on the way to the gate.

  2. 05:30

    Palatupana gate

    Your tickets are already bought, so we join the jeep line early.

  3. 06:00

    First fruiting trees

    Bears often feed early, before the heat. We go straight to the trees with the most recent activity.

  4. 08:30

    Breakfast stop

    Breakfast at a designated rest stop, then on to the next group of trees.

  5. 09:30

    Reading the signs

    Claw marks on bark, broken branches and termite mounds dug open overnight all point to where a bear has been.

  6. 12:30

    Lunch at Patanangala

    Rice and curry at a designated picnic spot by the sea.

  7. 14:00

    Waiting by the trees

    The quiet part of the day. We park within sight of a fruiting tree and wait, often with leopards and elephants nearby.

  8. 16:00

    Late feeding

    As it cools, bears come back to feed again. This is often the best window of the afternoon.

  9. 18:00

    Out by closing time

    A slow drive to the gate, watching the roadsides.

  10. 18:45

    Back at your hotel

    Drop-off in time for dinner.

The route

Where we'll drive.

The route follows the fruit. Each week your tracker plans a loop between the palu trees bears are visiting, with lunch at Patanangala.

Schematic route map of the Sloth Bear Season safari Pickup in Tissamaharama and Kirinda, drive to Palatupana gate, then a loop through Block 1 between groups of fruiting palu trees, with lunch at Patanangala beach. YALA · BLOCK 1 Indian Ocean Tissamaharamapickup Kirinda Palatupana gate Palu trees Palu trees Rocky outcrops Patanangalalunch stop Palu trees N
Schematic map Not to scale. The route changes daily with sightings.
What's included

A bear specialist on board.

Included

  • Private safari jeep for your group only, open-sided with a roof and a window seat for everyone (up to six guests).
  • Specialist bear tracker and driver, both from the villages bordering the park.
  • Hotel pickup & drop-off in Tissamaharama and Kirinda.
  • Breakfast & lunch: a packed breakfast, a rice-and-curry lunch, fruit, and tea and coffee through the day.
  • Binoculars (one pair per two guests) and bottled water.
  • Park tickets bought ahead, so there's no queue at the gate. You pay for them at cost.

Not included

  • Park entry fees, charged per person at the official Department of Wildlife Conservation rate and added to your booking.
  • Pickup from further away, such as Ella or the south coast. We can arrange it for an extra charge.
  • Tips for your tracker and driver. Optional, and always appreciated.
  • Camera gear. Bears often feed in shade, so a fast long lens helps.
What to expect

What you're likely to see in season.

From our trackers' logs for this safari. Wild animals keep their own schedules.

  • Sloth bearMelursus ursinus inornatusGood odds
  • LeopardPanthera pardus kotiyaGood odds
  • Sri Lankan elephantElephas maximus maximusNear certain
  • Mugger crocodileCrocodylus palustrisNear certain
  • Grey langurSemnopithecus priamGood odds
  • Indian peafowlPavo cristatusEverywhere

Bears keep their own hours

Some days they simply don't come down. A full day gives you two feeding windows.

The season moves

Fruiting depends on the rains and changes from year to year. We'll tell you honestly what our trackers are seeing before you book.

There's a lot of waiting

Much of the day is spent parked quietly near trees. It's worth it, but it takes patience.

What to bring

Pack for long, quiet waits.

  • Hat & sunglasses
  • Sunscreen & insect repellent
  • A light layer for the dawn
  • Camera with a long lens
  • Spare batteries & a power bank
  • Passport number for the ticket
Good to know

Questions guests often ask.

When exactly is palu season?

Usually from around May to July, peaking in June, but it depends on the year's rains. When you enquire, we'll tell you what our trackers are seeing that week.

Is it safe to be near sloth bears?

Sloth bears can be unpredictable, so we always keep a respectful distance and you stay in the jeep. Our trackers know the signs of a nervous bear and back off early.

Can I book this outside the season?

Yes, as a standard full-day safari, but the chances of seeing a bear are much lower. We'll be honest about it when you book.

Can children join?

Children from about ten usually manage the long day well. Bear sightings take quiet patience, so it suits older children best.

How do I pay, and can I cancel?

There's no deposit. You pay after the drive, in cash (LKR or USD) or by card. Cancel or change your date free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup.

Out of season?

Other ways into Yala.

Outside palu season, these safaris give you the best chances of leopards and elephants.

Reserve a jeep

Palu season is short. Book early.

Tell us your date and where you're staying. We'll confirm your jeep, your tracker and your pickup time, usually within a few hours.

  • No deposit, pay after your safari
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
  • Park tickets bought for you, no queue

Sunset over Yala Pramod Thilanka · CC BY-SA 4.0

Book Sloth Bear Season

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