From Ella :- Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka, the Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour from Ella promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Combining the thrill of a wildlife safari with the opportunity to witness the rehabilitation of orphaned elephants, this comprehensive day trip offers a unique glimpse into the region’s remarkable biodiversity and conservation efforts. From spotting majestic Asian elephants in their natural habitat to exploring the dedicated facilities of the Elephant Transit Home, this experience promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking an immersive encounter with the island’s remarkable natural wonders. But the true allure of this tour lies in the untold stories and insights that await those who embark on this journey.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Ella Sri Lanka.

Key Points

• A full-day safari experience in Udawalawe National Park, which is home to endangered wild Asian elephants, with the option to visit the Elephant Transit Home.
• The tour includes a 3-hour wildlife viewing safari to spot the elephants, followed by a 1-hour visit to the Elephant Transit Home to see their conservation efforts.
• Pickup and drop-off services are provided from Ella, with the journey to the national park taking approximately 1.5 hours in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Prices range from €82.20 to €69.87 per person, with savings up to 15%, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour is highly rated by customers, who praise the seamless transportation, wildlife observation, and the experience at the Elephant Transit Home.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a full-day safari experience in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka, with prices ranging from €82.20 to €69.87 per person, providing savings of up to 15%.

The 8-hour adventure allows visitors to explore the park’s diverse wildlife.

Flexibility is key, as the tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Travelers can also take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option.

Whether looking for an immersive wildlife encounter or a convenient day trip, this safari and Elephant Transit Home tour caters to a range of preferences and budgets.

Itinerary and Experience

From Ella: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

With pickup locations in Haputale, Ella, and Bandarawela, the tour kicks off with a 1.5-hour transfer to Udawalawe National Park, setting the stage for a day of wildlife exploration.

Once at the park, guests can look forward to:

1. A 3-hour wildlife viewing safari, where they’ll have the chance to spot Sri Lanka’s famous wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat.

2. A 1-hour visit to the Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation center that cares for orphaned elephant calves with the goal of reintroducing them to the wild.

3. An optional side trip to enhance the overall experience.

The tour wraps up with drop-offs in Ella, Haputale, and Bandarawela, leaving guests with unforgettable memories of their time in Udawalawe.

Wildlife and Conservation

Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its sizable population of wild Asian elephants, the Elephas maximus maximus subspecies that’s endangered due to various human activities.

These majestic creatures face threats like habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict.

The Sri Lankan government, along with conservation organizations, has taken steps to protect the elephants.

The Elephant Transit Home, located within the national park, plays a crucial role in this effort. It provides care and rehabilitation for orphaned calves, with the goal of eventually releasing them back into the wild.

As of 2009, the facility was home to 39 calves, and by 2008, 65 elephants had been successfully reintegrated into the jungle.

Transportation and Inclusions

An air-conditioned vehicle and a 4×4 private safari jeep provide comfortable transportation throughout the Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour.

Bottled water, an experienced English-speaking driver/guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off (in Ella, Bandarawela, and Haputale) are all included in the tour.

The tour’s inclusions are designed to enhance the overall experience:

1. Bottled water ensures you stay hydrated during the safari.

2. The experienced English-speaking driver/guide provides valuable insights and information about the wildlife and the conservation efforts.

3. The convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service makes it easy to start and end your adventure with minimal hassle.

These thoughtful inclusions contribute to making the Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour a truly memorable and hassle-free experience.

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Customer Reviews

What do the customer reviews say about the Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour?

According to the information provided, the tour boasts an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews.

Positive feedback has been focused on the timely pickups, the safari experience, and the visit to the Elephant Transit Home.

Customers seem to have been highly satisfied with the tour, praising the seamless transportation and the opportunity to observe both wild elephants in their natural habitat and the rehabilitation efforts at the Elephant Transit Home.

The consistently excellent reviews suggest this tour offers a well-organized and memorable wildlife-focused experience in Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour provides pickup and drop-off services from select locations in the region, including Haputale, Ella, and Bandarawela, allowing for convenient transportation to and from the safari experience.

The journey to Udawalawe National Park takes approximately 1.5 hours from these designated pickup points. Customers can expect:

1. Pickup from their accommodations in Haputale, Ella, or Bandarawela.

2. Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle to the national park.

3. Drop-off back at their original pickup locations after the safari and Elephant Transit Home visit.

This seamless transportation service ensures a stress-free and enjoyable day exploring the wonders of Udawalawe and its captivating wildlife.

Elephant Transit Home Visit

During the safari tour, visitors will also have the opportunity to witness the remarkable work of the Elephant Transit Home, a vital conservation initiative dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of orphaned Sri Lankan elephant calves. At the Elephant Transit Home, guests can observe the dedicated staff providing specialized medical treatment and nourishment to these vulnerable elephants. The calves are then gradually reintroduced to the wild, ensuring their successful integration back into Udawalawe National Park. This remarkable facility plays a crucial role in protecting the endangered Sri Lankan elephant population.

Key Facts	Details
Established	To care for orphaned elephant calves
Current Capacity	39 calves as of February 2009
Successful Releases	65 elephants released to the jungle by 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Customers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the safari, though some operators may have restrictions. It’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand to understand any policies regarding outside food and beverages.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The safari tour does not have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the extended duration and wildlife viewing activities.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the National Park?

Photography is generally allowed within Udawalawe National Park, but visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines set by park authorities. It’s advisable to check with the tour operator or park officials prior to the safari.

What Should I Wear for the Safari?

For the safari, wearing comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes is recommended. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun. Neutral colors are best to avoid startling the wildlife.

Are There Any Medical Facilities Available During the Tour?

The safari tour provides first aid kits and has access to nearby medical facilities in case of any emergencies during the trip. The tour guides are trained to handle minor medical situations that may arise.

Recap

The Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour from Ella offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic wildlife of Udawalawe National Park and support the rehabilitation of orphaned elephant calves.

Seamless transportation, experienced guides, and a focus on conservation make this a truly enriching and memorable adventure for nature enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: