The ‘Galle/Mirissa Transfer to Ella with Udawalawe Safari‘ offers a unique opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s captivating landscapes and diverse wildlife. Combining scenic transportation and a thrilling jeep safari, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Travelers can expect to encounter the endangered Asian elephants of Udawalawe National Park, as well as the option to visit the Elephant Transit Home and learn about conservation efforts. With convenient pickup locations and high customer satisfaction, this tour is a must-consider for anyone seeking adventure and education during their Sri Lankan journey.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Private Car With Driver Services In Unawatuna.
Key Points
- This 8-hour tour offers a transfer from Galle/Mirissa to Ella with a 3-hour jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park, allowing visitors to observe wild Asian elephants and other wildlife.
- Prices range from £103.13 to £77.35 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- The tour includes an air-conditioned private vehicle, an experienced driver/guide, and the option to visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.
- Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its large population of endangered wild Asian elephants, and the safari provides a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.
- The tour has received positive customer reviews, with an average rating of 4.8/5, highlighting the exceptional value, smooth transportation, and lasting impressions of the wildlife encounters.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour, titled ‘Galle/Mirissa Transfer to Ella with Udawalawe Safari,’ offers travellers a discounted rate, with prices ranging from £103.13 to £77.35 per person.
Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour lasts 8 hours and includes pickup from various locations around Galle and Mirissa.
Highlights of the tour include a 3-hour jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park, known for its large population of endangered Asian elephants, and an optional 30-minute visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to observe and feed baby elephants.
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Itinerary and Activities
This tour offers an air-conditioned vehicle for transfers, with the first stop being Udawalawe National Park for a 3-hour jeep safari to view the wildlife.
The safari will allow you to spot the park’s large population of endangered wild Asian elephants, along with other animals like buffalo, deer, and birds.
After the safari, you’ll have the option to visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where you can observe and even feed the baby elephants being cared for there.
From Udawalawe, you’ll then travel for 2 hours to reach your final destination of Ella.
With a skilled driver and guide, this tour provides an immersive wildlife experience on your journey from Galle or Mirissa to Ella.
Wildlife and Conservation
Udawalawe National Park is known for its large population of wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus maximus), which are an endangered species. These majestic creatures are the main draw for visitors to the park. During the safari, you’ll have the chance to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat, roaming freely across the vast grasslands and forests.
The Elephant Transit Home, located near Udawalawe, plays a crucial role in the conservation efforts for these animals. The facility cares for orphaned elephant calves, providing them with the necessary support and rehabilitation before releasing them back into the wild. By visiting the Transit Home, you can contribute to these important conservation initiatives and learn more about the challenges faced by elephants in Sri Lanka.
Transportation and Pickup Locations
After exploring the fascinating wildlife and conservation efforts at Udawalawe National Park, the tour now focuses on the transportation and pickup locations for this transfer experience.
Guests can be picked up from a range of convenient locations along the southern coast, including Unawatuna, Moragalla, Aluthgama, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, and Mirissa.
The tour provides air-conditioned private vehicles for the transfers, ensuring a comfortable journey.
The total travel time from Galle to Udawalawe is approximately 2.5 hours, with an additional 30 minutes to reach the Elephant Transit Home.
The tour then continues on to the final destination of Ella, taking around 2 hours to complete the full transfer.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyUdawalawe National Park Highlights
Renowned for its large population of wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus maximus), an endangered species, Udawalawe National Park offers visitors a thrilling 3-hour jeep safari to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
During the safari, guests have the opportunity to spot not only elephants but also a diverse array of other wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, water buffaloes, and a variety of bird species.
The park is also home to the Elephant Transit Home, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of orphaned elephant calves back into the wild, which visitors can optionally visit for a 30-minute observation.
Elephant Transit Home Experience
Along With the thrilling safari, visitors can opt to spend 30 minutes observing and learning about the Elephant Transit Home, an organization committed to the rehabilitation and release of orphaned elephant calves back into the wild.
At the transit home, guests can witness the dedicated staff caring for these vulnerable creatures, providing them with the necessary nourishment and medical attention to ensure their successful reintegration into the wild.
The experience offers a unique glimpse into the conservation efforts aimed at protecting Sri Lanka’s endangered elephant population.
Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the vital role these facilities play in safeguarding the future of this majestic species.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes a 4×4 private safari jeep and an experienced driver/guide, along with bottled water and complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off for specified areas. However, entry tickets to Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home, as well as food, drinks, and gratuities, are not covered by the tour price.
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park | Entry tickets to Udawalawe National Park and Elephant Transit Home |
| 4×4 Private Safari Jeep | Food and drinks unless specified |
| Experienced driver/guide | Gratuities (optional) |
| Bottled water | |
| Hotel pickup and drop-off (free for specified areas) |
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the tour, awarding it an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 9 reviews.
Travelers highlighted the tour’s smooth transportation and knowledgeable drivers, making for a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Reviewers were especially excited about the wildlife encounters, particularly with the elephants at Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home.
Many recommended the tour to others, describing it as a must-do activity that offers a perfect blend of adventure, education, and conservation.
The consistently positive feedback suggests this tour provides an exceptional value and leaves a lasting impression on those who embark on the journey from Galle/Mirissa to Ella with a Udawalawe safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?
Yes, the tour can likely be customized to visit additional sites. Customers should inquire with the tour provider about the possibility of adding extra stops or modifying the itinerary to suit their interests and preferences.
What Is the Availability of This Tour on Different Dates?
The tour is available on various dates, with flexible scheduling to accommodate customer preferences. Travelers can easily check availability and book the tour based on their desired travel dates.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Safari?
There are no age restrictions for the Udawalawe Safari. Visitors of all ages can participate. However, it’s recommended that children be accompanied by adults to ensure their safety and enjoyment during the safari experience.
Can I Leave the Tour Early or Make Additional Stops Along the Way?
Customers can typically leave the tour early or make additional stops along the way, though this may incur extra fees or require prior coordination with the tour provider. It’s best to check with the tour company about their policies on customizing the itinerary.
What Are the Policies Regarding Photography and Recording During the Tour?
Participants are generally allowed to take photos and recordings during the tour, though they may be asked to avoid disturbing wildlife or disruptive behavior. Guests should check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions or guidelines.
Recap
This 8-hour tour from Galle/Mirissa to Ella offers an exceptional combination of scenic travel and wildlife exploration.
Guests can enjoy a thrilling 3-hour jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, home to endangered Asian elephants, and visit the Elephant Transit Home.
With convenient pickups and high customer satisfaction, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure and educational experience, all for a price range of £77.35 to £103.13 per person.
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