Straight-shooting and practical, Udawalawe National Park delivers Sri Lanka’s most reliable elephant encounters across its 308-square-kilometer wilderness. Safari options range from quick 3-hour jaunts ($25.52) to full-day adventures (up to €112.35), with each tour providing close-up views of the park’s 500+ elephants, water buffalo, deer, and abundant birdlife. I especially recommend the 3-hour morning tours for their optimal wildlife viewing and good value. Combining a safari with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home sanctuary makes for a particularly meaningful experience. Let’s look at our favorite safari options in detail.
Key Points
- Udawalawe National Park offers a variety of safari tours ranging from 3-hour to full-day immersive experiences, with prices starting at $25.52.
- Safaris provide opportunities to spot a diverse range of wildlife, including approximately 500 elephants, water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and over 50 butterfly species.
- Safari experiences are also available from coastal areas like Galle, Unawatuna, and Mirissa, with sightings of Asian elephants, crocodiles, and various bird species.
- Combined tours, such as the Ella Shuttle Tour, offer a mix of safari and visits to coastal towns, providing a diverse set of experiences.
- Tours are highly rated by customers and cater to various interests, including wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking educational insights on conservation efforts.
Udawalawe Wild Safari Tours | 10 Hours Safari
The 10-hour Udawalawe Wild Safari Tours provide an immersive wildlife experience in the expansive Udawalawe National Park.
Priced from $71.63 per person, these tours boast a free cancellation policy and the option to book without upfront payment.
Explore the park’s 308 square kilometers, home to an array of animals including elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species, led by experienced guides.
The safari includes a leisurely lunch by a scenic river and a comfortable 4×4 private jeep, with water provided.
Pickup and drop-off are complimentary within the Udawalawe area.
This excursion offers a safe and comfortable way to witness Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Udawalawe Wild Safari Tours | 10 Hours Safari Review
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Udawalawe: Full-Day Safari Experience With Lunch
Set out on a remarkable full-day safari adventure at Udawalawe National Park, where an abundance of wildlife thrives across its expansive 230,821 hectares.
Home to around 500 elephants, the park also hosts wild buffalo, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, and a diverse range of other species.
Enjoy a guided tour in a private safari vehicle, spotting birds, butterflies, and even crocodiles.
Indulge in a delightful picnic lunch while immersed in the natural beauty.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, and all necessary inclusions covered, this experience offers exceptional value for money, as evidenced by the 5/5 customer rating.
Read our full review: Udawalawe: Full-Day Safari Experience With Lunch Review
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Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa: Udawalawe Safari
A hassle-free Udawalawe safari excursion awaits visitors from Galle, Unawatuna, and Mirissa. Priced from €112.35 per person, the 3-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees.
Travelers can expect to see a herd of nearly 400 Asian elephants, as well as crocodiles, buffalo, and various bird species. The experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 3 reviews, the safari is praised for its abundant wildlife sightings and attentive guide and driver.
Read our full review: Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa: Udawalawe Safari Review
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Udawalawe National Park Afternoon or Morning Safari
Visitors to Udawalawe National Park can choose between morning or afternoon safari options to explore the park’s diverse wildlife.
The 3-hour safari tour costs from $100 per person and includes hotel pickup, a guided jeep tour, park entrance fees, and refreshments. Guests can spot herds of Sri Lankan elephants, as well as other species like water buffalo, monitor lizards, Sambar deer, and crocodiles.
The tour also provides opportunities to observe the park’s rich birdlife. Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve a spot without upfront payment and a free cancellation policy if canceled 24 hours in advance.
The safari experience isn’t recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Afternoon or Morning Safari Review
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Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa & Udawalawa Safari
For those seeking to explore the diverse landscapes of southern Sri Lanka, the Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa & Udawalawa Safari offers a comprehensive day trip experience.
The shuttle service transports guests from Ella to popular coastal towns, with a highlight being a 3-hour safari through Udawalawe National Park. Travelers can spot elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and endemic birds in their natural habitats.
The comfortable, air-conditioned transfers and early morning start ensure an optimal wildlife viewing experience. Priced from $95.26 to $100.28 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, drop-off, and all necessary fees.
With a 4.3/5 overall rating, the experience provides excellent value for money and memorable sights along the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Read our full review: Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa & Udawalawa Safari Review
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Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Hom
The Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy the stunning natural wonders of southern Sri Lanka.
This half-day safari takes visitors to Udawalawe National Park, home to a thriving elephant population and diverse wildlife. Guests can expect to spot crocodiles, buffalo, sambhur, and a variety of bird species during the jeep safari.
The tour includes comfortable air-conditioned transportation, a professional driver/guide, and all entrance fees. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty.
Read our full review: Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Hom Review
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Udawalawe: National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour
Exploring the rich biodiversity of Udawalawe National Park and witnessing the endearing rehabilitation of young elephants at the Elephant Transit Home is the highlight of this comprehensive tour.
Priced at just $28.65 per person, the 4-hour safari promises an immersive 4×4 Jeep experience led by knowledgeable guides. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including buffalos, deer, and 30 species of snakes, as well as over 50 butterfly species and diverse birdlife.
The tour also includes a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where travelers can observe the feeding and care of orphaned calves.
With flexible booking and high customer ratings, this safari tour offers excellent value and an unforgettable encounter with Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Udawalawe: National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour Review
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Udawalawa National Park: Private Safari
Amid the lush landscapes of Udawalawa National Park, visitors can embark on a private safari adventure that promises an immersive encounter with Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife.
Priced from $25 per person, the 3-hour tour allows travelers to spot herds of Sri Lankan elephants and other animals with an experienced guide. The 30,821-hectare park is a tropical paradise, home to water buffalo, wild boar, and numerous bird species.
With a maximum of 6 passengers per 4×4 Safari Jeep, the tour offers a relaxed atmosphere and personalized experience. Highly rated for knowledgeable guides and value for money, this private safari is a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Udawalawa.
Read our full review: Udawalawa National Park: Private Safari Review
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From Ella: All Inclusive Udawalawe National Park Safari
Departing from the quaint town of Ella, travelers can embark on an all-inclusive Udawalawe National Park safari, a captivating adventure that immerses them in the heart of Sri Lanka’s lush wilderness.
Priced from $140 per person and lasting 8 hours, this comprehensive tour includes hotel pickup, a private jeep safari, and a guided exploration of the park.
Renowned for its large elephant population, Udawalawe is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including crocodiles, monkeys, and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
Led by the knowledgeable and friendly guide Dino, this safari promises an unforgettable experience, with stops for scenic views and a refreshing local tea during the return journey.
Read our full review: From Ella: All Inclusive Udawalawe National Park Safari Review
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From Ella: Udawalawe Safari With Elephant Transit Home
From the charming town of Ella, travelers can embark on a comprehensive Udawalawe Safari that includes a visit to the renowned Elephant Transit Home.
The 10-hour tour covers the highlights of Udawalawe National Park, with the opportunity to spot over 500 elephants and other diverse wildlife.
After the safari, the tour continues to the Elephant Transit Home, where visitors can observe the facility’s efforts to rehabilitate and release orphaned elephants back into the wild.
With convenient hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and a delectable local lunch, this safari promises an immersive and memorable experience in Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: From Ella: Udawalawe Safari With Elephant Transit Home Review
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Udawalawa: Udawalawa National Park Safari Tour
Travelers can embark on a thrilling Udawalawa National Park Safari Tour that offers up-close encounters with Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife.
The 3-hour tour promises to showcase approximately 500 elephants, as well as buffaloes, deer, and crocodiles across the 230,821-hectare park. Priced from $25.52 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation in a safari jeep, and an English-speaking guide.
Visitors can spot over 50 butterfly species and a variety of bird life. While leopard sightings may be rare, the stunning landscapes provide ample photography opportunities.
With a 4.6/5 overall rating, the tour offers excellent value and a memorable wildlife experience.
Read our full review: Udawalawa: Udawalawa National Park Safari Tour Review
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Hambantota: Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transit Home Trip
Situated in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota district, the Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transit Home Trip offers an immersive exploration of the region’s diverse wildlife and conservation efforts.
The 4-hour journey from Hambantota to Udawalawe National Park provides the opportunity to spot Sri Lankan elephants, water buffalo, and an array of other animals in their natural habitats.
Visitors can also witness the rehabilitation work at the Elephant Transit Home, one of Asia’s largest sanctuaries.
With a live English-speaking guide, transportation, and entrance fees included, this tour is well-suited for couples, families, and solo travelers, including cruise passengers visiting Hambantota.
Read our full review: Hambantota: Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transit Home Trip Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Udawalawa National Park?
The best time to visit Udawalawa National Park is during the dry season, from June to September. During this period, wildlife sightings are more frequent, and the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities.
Can I See Leopards on a Safari in Udawalawa National Park?
While leopards inhabit Udawalawa National Park, spotting them on a safari can be challenging. The chances of seeing these elusive cats are higher during the dry season when vegetation is sparser and they’re more active in search of prey.
How Do I Get From My Hotel to the Udawalawa National Park Entrance?
To get from your hotel to the Udawalawa National Park entrance, you can hire a private driver or join a tour group. Many hotels offer shuttle services or can arrange transportation for you.
Are There Any Safety Precautions I Should Take During the Safari?
When going on a safari, it’s important to take safety precautions. Visitors should stay inside the vehicle, listen to the guide’s instructions, and avoid sudden movements that could startle the animals. Plus, wearing appropriate clothing and bringing sun protection are recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience.
What Should I Pack for a Day-Long Safari in Udawalawa National Park?
When packing for a day-long safari in Udawalawa National Park, consider bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, a camera, snacks, and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day’s adventures.
Recap
Udawalawe National Park offers a variety of safari tours for visitors. These range from full-day experiences with lunch to afternoon or morning safaris. Visitors can also combine their safari with visits to other nearby attractions like the Elephant Transit Home. With a wide selection of tour options, travelers can easily find the best safari experience to suit their preferences and needs.