Short answer

• For the highest chance of great leopard safaris, stay on the park’s southern edge near the Katagamuwa / Ruhuna (Block 1) gates — e.g., Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Cinnamon Wild Yala, Jetwing Yala, or one of the quality tented camps (Noel Rodrigo’s, Leopard Trails). These places give fastest access to Block 1 (highest leopard density) and/or run experienced guided safaris. (yalalk.com)

Where to stay (by style)

• Luxury / design-forward

  • Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Relais & Châteaux): beachfront, high-end tented suites, on-site naturalists and fast access to the park’s southern blocks. Good if you want safari + luxury/photography comfort. (vanityfair.com)
  • Chena Huts (Uga Escapes): secluded, private villas just minutes from the park, strong safari partnerships. (yalalk.com)

• Reliable mid‑luxury (best balance)

  • Cinnamon Wild Yala: very near the park entrance, rooftop observation deck and in‑house safari programs. Good value for quick access to Block 1. (hidmc.com)
  • Jetwing Yala: eco‑friendly resort close to the park with organized drives and naturalists. (hidmc.com)

• Tented / immersive safari camps

  • Leopard Trails, Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safari, Kulu Safaris and similar mobile camps: intimate, camp-style experience with guides who specialise in leopard tracking; often include twice‑daily safaris. Ideal if you want “in the bush” immersion. (hidmc.com)

• Budget / local options

  • Tissamaharama guesthouses and small hotels: cheaper and only ~20–40 minutes drive from the southern entrances; OK if you plan early departures with a booked operator. Camping operators also exist if you prefer basic/closer-to-nature options. (yalalk.com)

Why location matters

• Block 1 (southern area) consistently has the highest recorded leopard density and is the most popular zone for leopard sightings — staying on the southern edge shortens transfer time so you can be in the park for the best light (dawn and dusk). (yalalk.com)

Best time to go

• Dry season is best for leopard spotting because animals cluster around few water sources — aim for February–June (peak months vary slightly by source; May–July often highlighted). Note: Yala is typically closed for an annual rejuvenation period (around September to mid‑October) — check exact closure dates before booking. (yalalk.com)

Practical tips to get the “best” safari

• Book lodges that run their own safaris or have long-standing, experienced guides — this raises the chances of reading animal signs and finding leopards. Avoid booking the first “street” jeep you see; choose accredited/local-recommended operators. (atlasandboots.com)
• Do two safaris: early morning + late afternoon (the park’s most active periods). Private/limited‑vehicle safaris or smaller-group drives give better viewing and photos. (yalalk.com)
• Reserve safari slots and accommodation well in advance for the dry season (peak months), and confirm which park block your lodge is positioned to access. (yalalk.com)
• Ask the lodge about vehicle type (open-sided jeeps are best for photography), maximum passengers per jeep, and if they can arrange experienced naturalists. (hidmc.com)

Quick recommendation (depending on what you want)

• Highest chance of leopard + comfort: stay at a southern-edge lodge with in‑house naturalists (Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Cinnamon Wild Yala, Jetwing Yala). (vanityfair.com)
• Best immersive safari experience: a reputable tented/mobile camp (Noel Rodrigo’s, Leopard Trails, Kulu Safaris). (insightguides.com)
• Tight budget: base in Tissamaharama and book reputable morning/afternoon drives through an established operator. (yalalk.com)

If you want, I can:

• compare 2–3 specific properties (prices, distance to the Katagamuwa / Yala gate, sample safari packages) for the dates you have in mind.