Benthota To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour

Nestled between the serene shores of Benthota and the expansive wilderness of Udawalawe National Park lies a thrilling safari adventure that promises an unforgettable encounter with Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife. This 3-hour tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy the park’s rich ecosystem, where they’ll have the chance to spot over 500 majestic elephants roaming freely. With a knowledgeable guide by their side and a maximum of six passengers per Jeep, guests can expect an intimate and engaging experience that will leave them yearning for more. What awaits those who embark on this journey is a captivating display of nature’s grandeur, and the chance to witness the delicate balance that sustains this remarkable habitat.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best National Park Tours In Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.

Key Points

• The safari tour is a 3-hour immersive wildlife experience in Udawalawe National Park, covering 230,821 hectares and home to around 500 elephants.
• The tour is priced at $89.13 per person and includes a guided safari in a Jeep with a maximum capacity of 6 passengers.
• Pickup options are available from Benthota hotel or Udawalawe Park entrance, with the tour covering highlights like spotting elephants and a picnic lunch.
• Entrance fees for the national park are separate from the tour cost, with additional charges for the safari Jeep.
• Recommended items to bring include sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen, and restrictions include no smoking, alcohol, or drones during the safari.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Benthota to Udawalawe Safari Tour offers an immersive 3-hour wildlife experience starting from $89.13 per person, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guests can book their spot without payment today and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free reservation process.

The tour covers the vast 230,821-hectare Udawalawe National Park, home to around 500 elephants and a diverse array of other wildlife, including water buffalo, deer, and a variety of birds and reptiles.

The safari experience is provided in a Jeep with a maximum capacity of 6 passengers, accompanied by an experienced driver and tracker to ensure an unforgettable journey through the park‘s stunning landscapes.

Wildlife Experience

Udawalawe National Park, the main attraction of this safari tour, spans an impressive 230,821 hectares and is home to approximately 500 elephants, along with a diverse array of other wildlife. Visitors can expect to spot majestic water buffalo, graceful deer, rugged wild boar, and the stately sambar deer. The area also boasts a variety of smaller creatures, including hares, mongooses, and over 30 species of snakes. Colorful butterflies, numbering around 50 species, flutter through the park, and a rich bird population adds to the vibrant ecosystem.

Wildlife Sightings
Elephants	Water Buffalo	Deer
Wild Boar	Sambar	Hares
Mongooses	Snakes	Butterflies
Crocodiles	Birds

Itinerary and Logistics

Your safari tour typically begins with pickup from your hotel in Benthota or the Udawalawe Park entrance. From there, you’ll embark on a thrilling journey to explore the magnificent Udawalawe National Park.

The tour highlights include:

1. Spotting majestic elephants in their natural habitat, roaming freely across the expansive park.

2. Enjoying a picnic lunch amidst the stunning natural surroundings of the park.

3. Observing a diverse array of wildlife, including water buffalo, deer, wild boar, and an array of bird species.

4. Experiencing the park’s rich biodiversity and learning about its conservation efforts from your experienced driver and tracker.

Pickup and Dropoff

For this safari tour, guests are picked up either from their hotel in Benthota or directly at the Udawalawe Park entrance, depending on their preference. This convenient pickup service ensures a seamless start to the adventure. Once ready, the experienced driver and tracker will transport guests to the Udawalawe National Park in a comfortable safari jeep.

Pickup Location	Pickup Time
Benthota Hotel	7:00 AM
Udawalawe Park Entrance	8:30 AM

After the wildlife excursion, guests will be dropped off at their original pickup point, concluding the captivating Benthota to Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Entrance Fees and Safari Jeep

Entrance fees for the Udawalawe National Park safari are charged separately from the tour price, with adults paying $25 and children $15 to access the park.

Plus, a safari jeep charge of 6,000 LKR ($20) per vehicle is required, but this fee isn’t included in the overall tour cost. Visitors should be prepared to cover these additional expenses on the day of the tour.

The benefits of the safari jeep include:

1. Access to remote areas of the national park

2. Experienced driver and tracker to spot wildlife

3. Maximum of 6 passengers for an intimate experience

4. Protection from the elements during the safari

What to Bring

Apart from the entrance fees and safari jeep charge, visitors should bring along a few essential items to make the most of their Udawalawe National Park safari experience. Sunglasses and a sun hat are crucial for protection against the Sri Lankan sun. Sunscreen is a must-have to prevent sunburn. Binoculars can enhance wildlife spotting opportunities, while a camera allows you to capture memorable moments. Finally, a small backpack or daypack can come in handy for carrying personal belongings during the safari. By packing these items, you’ll be well-equipped to fully learn about the wonders of Udawalawe and enjoy a comfortable and safe excursion.

Item	Reason
Sunglasses	Protect eyes from sun glare
Sun hat	Shade head and face
Sunscreen	Prevent sunburn
Binoculars	Improve wildlife viewing
Backpack	Carry personal items

Restrictions and Limitations

While the Udawalawe National Park safari offers an immersive wildlife experience, there are certain restrictions and limitations visitors should be aware of. Pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, and wheelchair users are advised against joining the tour, as the safari jeep may not accommodate their needs comfortably or safely.

Plus, the tour has the following rules:

1. No smoking is allowed during the safari.

2. Drones are prohibited within the national park.

3. Alcohol and drugs are strictly forbidden.

4. Visitors must be ready in the hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to the pickup time.

These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, as well as to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Udawalawe National Park.

Contact and Additional Details

For inquiries on price arrangements and facilities, visitors can contact the tour provider via WhatsApp.

Be ready in the hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time.

It’s important to note that the tour price doesn’t include the cost of entrance tickets or optional gratuities, which are additional expenses. The national park entrance fees are $25 for adults and $15 for children, while the Safari Jeep charge is 6,000 LKR ($20) per person.

Guests are advised to bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to protect themselves from the elements during the tour.

The safari experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Udawalawe National Park?

The best time to visit Udawalawe National Park is during the dry season, from May to September. This is when wildlife is most active and congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot elephants, deer, and other animals.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Safari?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks on the safari. The tour information indicates that no meals are provided during the tour, so guests are free to bring their own packed lunch or snacks to enjoy during the wildlife viewing experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children on the Tour?

There are no specific age restrictions for children on the tour. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility impairments. Parents should exercise discretion based on their child’s abilities and ensure they can safely participate.

Can I Request a Private Safari Jeep for My Group?

Yes, customers can request a private safari jeep for their group. This provides a more personalized experience and allows flexibility in the tour schedule. Additional fees may apply for the private jeep, and availability should be confirmed with the tour provider.

Are There Any Shops or Restaurants Inside the National Park?

There are no shops or restaurants inside Udawalawe National Park. The park is a natural wildlife reserve focused on preserving the ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch during the safari, but there are no dining options within the park grounds.

Recap

The Benthota to Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife of the park, including approximately 500 elephants.

With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and a picnic lunch, this 3-hour adventure provides an immersive and intimate safari experience.

Priced at $89.13 per person, the tour’s convenient pickup and personalized service make it a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting the Benthota area.

You can check if your dates are available here: