Well-organized safari tours at Udawalawe National Park give you direct access to Sri Lanka’s impressive elephant herds. For $68-$77 per person, you’ll get excellent value through either half-day or full-day excursions. The highlight is a stop at the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants receive care before returning to the wild.
I especially like the early morning tours – you’ll avoid the crowds and catch elephants during their most active periods. The best outings pair you with veteran local guides who know exactly where to spot wildlife, from water buffalo to peacocks.
Check out our favorite Udawalawe tours below, handpicked for their reliability and outstanding wildlife encounters.
Key Points
- Guided tours of the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home offer immersive experiences, allowing visitors to observe the care and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.
- Tours typically include visits to the transit home, where visitors can learn about the park’s conservation efforts and witness the elephants’ feeding and bathing.
- Knowledgeable guides provide educational insights into the elephants’ behavior, habitat, and the park’s ecosystem, enhancing the overall experience.
- Tour packages often combine the Elephant Transit Home visit with a safari experience in Udawalawe National Park, offering the opportunity to spot a diverse range of wildlife.
- Highly rated tours provide value for money, with flexible booking options, convenient pickup locations, and transportation included, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Galle (Hikkaduwa) To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour
Though it’s located in the southern region of Sri Lanka, the Udawalawe National Park can be easily accessed from the coastal towns of Galle and Hikkaduwa.
Visitors seeking a comprehensive wildlife experience can opt for the “Udawalawa National Park Safari” tour, which departs from Mirissa, Galle, or Hikkaduwa. This 9-hour tour includes a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated, in addition to a safari through the national park. Priced at $71.34 per person, the tour has garnered a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 22 reviews.
For those with a more flexible schedule, the “Udawalawa National Park: Half Day or Full Day Safari” offers the flexibility to choose between a 3-hour or 6-hour safari, with prices starting at $68.06 per person.
With its diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and birds, the Udawalawe National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts exploring the southern region of Sri Lanka.
Read our full review: Galle (Hikkaduwa) To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Benthota To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour
Travelers seeking to explore the diverse wildlife of Udawalawe National Park can conveniently book the “Benthota to Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour.” This 6-hour excursion departs from the coastal town of Benthota, providing a hassle-free way to reach the park and embark on a thrilling safari. The tour is available for pickup, ensuring a seamless start to the adventure.
Once at the park, you will enjoy a 4-hour safari experience, where they can spot majestic elephants, along with a variety of other animals in their natural habitat. The tour has received an impressive 5-star rating from 2 reviewers, indicating a high level of satisfaction among previous guests.
Priced at Kč 1,566, this small-group tour offers excellent value, making it a popular choice for those seeking an immersive wildlife encounter during their time in Sri Lanka.
Alongside the safari, travelers can also explore the nearby Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, which cares for orphaned elephants and prepares them for release back into the wild. This comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded experience for nature enthusiasts visiting the Udawalawe region.
Read our full review: Benthota To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Mathara To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour
Departing from the coastal town of Mathara, the “Mathara to Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour” offers a convenient way for visitors to explore the diverse wildlife of Udawalawe National Park.
This 8-hour excursion, rated 4.7 out of 5, provides an immersive safari experience for $76.93.
Travelers can expect to see a variety of animals, including the star attraction – the majestic Asian elephants. The tour also includes a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where visitors can witness the rehabilitation and release of orphaned elephants back into the wild.
Besides the wildlife encounters, the tour offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors may also have the opportunity to visit nearby attractions, such as Ella Rock and Little Adams Peak, depending on the itinerary.
With convenient pickup and drop-off service from Mathara, this safari tour is a popular choice for those seeking a comprehensive Udawalawe experience.
The tour’s high rating and positive customer reviews make it a top recommendation for nature enthusiasts visiting the region.
Read our full review: Mathara To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Udawalawe Safari Tour From Tissamaharama / Hambantota Areas
For travelers seeking a captivating Udawalawe National Park safari experience, the “Udawalawe Safari Tour From Tissamaharama / Hambantota Areas” provides a convenient and comprehensive option. Priced at Kč 1,687 per person, this 6-hour tour departs from Mattala Airport, Tissamaharama, Hambantota, or Udawalawe areas, offering complimentary pickup and drop-off services.
Highlighting the best location in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants and other wildlife, the tour includes a guided 5-hour safari through Udawalawe National Park and a 1-hour visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.
Participants will enjoy the comfort of luxurious safari jeeps and the expertise of super-experienced drivers and guides. Complimentary binoculars, water, and cool drinks are provided, though the park entrance fee isn’t included.
Flexible in its approach, the tour’s itinerary is subject to change, and private group experiences are available upon request.
Travelers can easily reserve their spot with no upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: Udawalawe Safari Tour From Tissamaharama / Hambantota Areas Review
Book now: Check availability
Kandy To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour
Although departing from Kandy, the “Kandy To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour” provides an efficient and captivating way to explore Udawalawe National Park.
Lasting 9 hours, this tour transports visitors from Kandy to the park, offering a 4-hour safari experience with a reliable, 4.7-rated transfer service. Priced at $71.34 per person, the tour is booked regularly, with 4 reservations made just yesterday.
Once at the park, guests can embark on a safari to spot elephants, leopards, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
The tour also includes a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where rescued baby elephants are rehabilitated. With a 4.8-star rating and 6 bookings the previous day, this transit home tour is a popular add-on.
Read our full review: Kandy To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Udawalawe Safari Tour From Hambantota Port(Shore Excursion)
Situated near the Hambantota Port, the “Udawalawe Safari Tour from Hambantota Port (Shore Excursion)” offers a convenient and immersive wildlife experience for cruise ship passengers. Priced from $68.00 per person, this 5-hour excursion includes a guided safari tour in Udawalawe National Park, a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, and complimentary amenities like binoculars, water, and cool drinks.
Guests can choose from several pickup locations, including the port, local hotels, and the Hambanthota Harbour. The tour promises an abundance of wildlife encounters, with the possibility of spotting over 40 elephants, as well as monkeys, crocodiles, buffaloes, deer, and peacocks.
Experienced guides and drivers provide expert commentary and ensure a comfortable, luxurious safari experience in well-appointed Jeeps.
With a 4.8/5 rating based on 14 reviews, this tour offers excellent value and an unforgettable opportunity to immerse in Sri Lanka’s natural wonders. Flexibility in participant selection and date options make it an attractive choice for cruise ship travelers.
Read our full review: Udawalawe Safari Tour From Hambantota Port(Shore Excursion) Review
Book now: Check availability
Colombo To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour
The Colombo to Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the majestic elephants and diverse wildlife of one of Sri Lanka’s premier national parks.
With a duration of 4 to 8 hours, this tour provides a chance to explore the park’s vast 230,821-hectare expanse, home to a thriving population of approximately 500 elephants.
Guests can opt for private safari jeeps and enjoy guided tours, wildlife viewing, and photo stops. The tour includes hotel pickup from 14 locations, an experienced English-speaking driver/guide, and a picnic lunch.
Binoculars and water bottles are also provided. Travelers can expect to spot a variety of wildlife, including water buffalo, deer, wild boar, crocodiles, snakes, butterflies, and diverse bird species.
The tour is priced from €24.14 to €26.82 per person, with the option to save up to 10%. Booking is flexible, with no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Colombo To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Galle (Unawatuna) To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour
Departing from the coastal town of Galle or its nearby resort area of Unawatuna, the safari tour to Udawalawe National Park offers an immersive wildlife experience.
The 6-hour tour takes visitors to the renowned Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where they can observe the care and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.
The tour is highly rated, with a 5-star customer review, and is priced at $65.00 per person. It’s a popular option, booked 4 times just yesterday.
The safari provides ample opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, in their natural habitat. The experience is further enhanced by the knowledgeable guides who share insights about the park’s ecology and conservation efforts.
Along With the Elephant Transit Home, the tour may also include visits to other attractions near Udawalawe, such as Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, and the Nine Arch Bridge, depending on the itinerary.
The Galle (Unawatuna) to Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour offers a well-rounded adventure for those seeking an immersive wildlife encounter.
Read our full review: Galle (Unawatuna) To Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Udawalawe National Park offers a range of safari tours from various locations in Sri Lanka. Visitors can choose from tours departing from Galle, Benthota, Matara, Tissamaharama, Hambantota, Kandy, and Colombo. These tours provide an opportunity to witness the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home and observe the elephants in their natural habitat. Visitors can expect to see a diverse array of wildlife and experience the beauty of the park during these safaris.