Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your relationship with the YalaWales website (the "Service") and any bookings made for private 4x4 safari experiences operated by us in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.

By accessing our website or completing an online booking transaction, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully before finalizing your reservation.

1. Booking Contracts & Private Vehicle Exclusivity

The Contract: Your booking confirmation email constitutes a binding contract between YalaWales and the primary guest named on the booking form.
Private Vehicle Exclusivity: All bookings made through our platform guarantee a completely private 4x4 safari vehicle (e.g., custom Mahindra or Tata cabin jeep) exclusively for your party (up to a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle). We do not operate shared safaris with outside parties.
Pricing: Rates are calculated per vehicle, per session/day, rather than per individual passenger, unless explicitly stated otherwise during the checkout process.

2. Exclusions: National Park Entry Fees

Separate Cost: Rates displayed on our Wix store strictly cover the private vehicle rental, the services of a dedicated driver-tracker, fuel, and complimentary local hotel logistics.
Gate Payments: National Park entry tickets are strictly excluded from your online payment. All guests must purchase their official entry permits directly at the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) ticketing gates via cash (LKR) or card on the day of the safari. YalaWales is not responsible for shifts in official government park pricing.

3. Pick-up, Logistics, and Timing

Complimentary Zone: We provide complimentary door-to-door hotel pick-up and drop-off services exclusively within the standard Tissamaharama and Palatupana areas. Pick-ups requested outside this zone may incur a small, fuel-adjusted surcharge communicated prior to departure.
Strict Punctuality: Wildlife tracking relies heavily on being at the gates before sunrise (morning safaris) or during optimal evening activity blocks. If a guest is delayed by more than 15 minutes past the designated pick-up time, the tour duration will be cut short accordingly, and no partial refunds will be given.

4. Safety Regulations & Guest Conduct

Inside the Vehicle: Guests must remain seated inside the vehicle cabin at all times while moving. Standing on seats or leaning excessively outside the vehicle chassis is strictly forbidden.
Wildlife Respect: Littering, shouting, throwing food to animals, or baiting wildlife is a serious legal offense inside Yala National Park.
Termination of Service: YalaWales reserves the right to immediately terminate the safari session without refund if any guest acts in a reckless, disruptive, or intoxicated manner that endangers the tracker, the vehicle, or the wildlife.

5. Liability Disclaimer & Assumption of Risk

Inherent Risk: Safaris take place in a raw, un-fenced wilderness environment populated by wild animals (including elephants, leopards, and sloth bears). By booking, you acknowledge that wilderness travel carries inherent risks.
Limitation of Liability: YalaWales, its operators, and drivers shall not be held liable for personal injury, illness, delay, baggage damage, or loss of personal property (including cameras and mobile devices damaged by dust or rough terrain) arising during the safari, except where caused by gross negligence. We strongly advise all international guests to maintain comprehensive travel and medical insurance.

6. Cancellations, Alterations, and Weather

All matters regarding booking updates, customer cancellations, and severe weather closures are strictly governed by our Cancellation & Refund Policy. YalaWales reserves the right to adjust routes or substitute alternative tracking zones (e.g., swapping blocks) if specific park trails are closed by park rangers due to flooding or maintenance.

7. Governing Law

These Terms and any separate agreements whereby we provide you Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.