Hambantota Harbor: Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transits Home

Hambantota Harbor serves as the gateway to an unforgettable adventure at Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transits Home. Visitors can explore the rich wildlife of Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its large populations of Sri Lankan elephants and diverse ecosystems. They’ll also witness heartwarming moments at the Elephant Transits Home, where orphaned baby elephants are cared for and rehabilitated. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this experience highlights Sri Lanka’s commitment to wildlife conservation. But the true wonder lies in the moments that await those who venture beyond the harbor.

Key Points

• The tour offers an immersive experience at Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transits Home, starting at £126.07 per person for a 6.5-hour excursion.
• The itinerary includes pickup from Hambantota Harbor and hotels, a 3-4 hour safari in Udawalawe National Park, and a visit to the Elephant Transits Home.
• Udawalawe National Park is notable for its Sri Lankan elephant population and diverse flora and fauna, while the Elephant Transits Home rehabilitates and releases abandoned elephants.
• The tour package includes transportation, entrance fees, refreshments, and all applicable government taxes, with knowledgeable English-speaking guides leading the experience.
• Visitors can witness the dedication to wildlife conservation through the rehabilitation and release efforts of the Elephant Transits Home and the natural habitat of elephants in Udawalawe National Park.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers visitors an immersive experience at Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transits Home, with prices starting from £126.07 per person for a 6.5-hour excursion.

Guests can conveniently book their spot without any upfront payment, and enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary includes pickup from Hambantota Harbor and hotels, a 3-4 hour safari at Udawalawe National Park, and a visit to the Elephant Transits Home to see the orphaned baby elephants during their feeding sessions.

Throughout the tour, travelers can expect to encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including Sri Lankan elephants, water buffalo, lizards, deer, monkeys, and even leopards.

Itinerary and Highlights

Visitors’ Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transits Home experience begins with a pickup from Hambantota Harbor and hotels in the area.

The safari portion lasts 3-4 hours, allowing guests to explore Udawalawe National Park’s diverse wildlife, including Sri Lankan elephants, water buffalo, lizards, deer, monkeys, and even leopards if they’re lucky.

After the safari, the group visits the Elephant Transits Home, which focuses on rehabilitating and releasing orphaned baby elephants back into the wild.

Visitors can witness scheduled feeding sessions at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 6 pm, providing a unique opportunity to observe the elephants’ care and conservation efforts.

Wildlife and Conservation

Udawalawe National Park was established to protect the area around the Udawalawe Reservoir, providing a sanctuary for displaced wildlife.

The park’s ecosystem is particularly notable for its Sri Lankan elephant population and diverse flora and fauna.

The Elephant Transits Home, located within the park, focuses on rehabilitating and releasing abandoned elephants back into the wild.

The program’s efforts play a crucial role in conserving the region’s elephant population, which faces ongoing threats from habitat loss and human-elephant conflict.

Visitors to the park have the opportunity to witness these conservation initiatives firsthand, gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s rich natural heritage.

Transportation and Inclusions

Private vehicle transportation is provided from the Hambantota Harbor and hotels in the area to the Udawalawe National Park and Elephant Transits Home, and back again.

The tour package includes entrance fees to both attractions, along with customized safari jeeps, fuel surcharges, driver charges, parking fees, refreshments, water, and all applicable government taxes. This ensures a seamless and convenient experience for visitors.

The transportation is comfortable and reliable, allowing you to focus on the wildlife sightings and interactions with the baby elephants during the tour.

With all these inclusions, you can simply sit back, relax, and fully learn about the natural wonders of Sri Lanka’s wildlife.

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Experience and Reflection

After returning from the exhilarating safari and captivating elephant encounters, visitors can take the time to reflect on their thrilling adventures.

The guided tour, led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, provides valuable insights into the wildlife and conservation efforts at Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transits Home.

This allows guests to better appreciate the importance of preserving Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and the crucial role these institutions play in protecting the country’s iconic elephant population.

Exploring Udawalawe National Park

The 308-square-kilometer Udawalawe National Park offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic Sri Lankan elephants in their natural habitat, alongside an abundance of other diverse wildlife species.

The park’s diverse ecosystem, featuring lush grasslands, dense forests, and serene reservoirs, is home to an impressive array of animals, including water buffalo, deer, monkeys, and the elusive leopard.

During the safari, guests can expect to see:

1. Large herds of Sri Lankan elephants, known for their impressive size and unique behaviors.

2. Herds of water buffalo wallowing in the park’s watering holes, a common sight during the hot afternoon hours.

3. A variety of deer species, including the graceful spotted deer, effortlessly navigating the park’s terrain.

Visiting Elephant Transits Home

Nestled within the lush surroundings of Udawalawe National Park, the Elephant Transits Home stands as a beacon of hope for orphaned and abandoned baby elephants, providing them with a safe haven and the necessary care to eventually be reintroduced into the wild.

Visitors to the Transits Home can witness the heartwarming feeding sessions, where these gentle giants are bottle-fed by dedicated caretakers.

The facility’s focus on rehabilitation and release back into their natural habitat is a testament to the park’s commitment to wildlife conservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Extra Charges for Photography or Videography?

There are no additional charges for photography or videography during the Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transits Home tour. Visitors are welcome to capture their experiences with cameras and other devices throughout the tour.

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

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the safari. However, it’s important to note that the tour price includes refreshments and water, so bringing additional items may not be necessary. Visitors should also be mindful of any park rules regarding outside food and drinks.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size Requirement?

There is no minimum or maximum group size requirement for this tour. Guests can book as individuals or in groups of any size. The tour operates with a flexible group structure to accommodate different party sizes.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?

For this tour, no special equipment or clothing is required. Comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Participants should also bring sun protection, insect repellent, and a camera to capture the wildlife sightings.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended or customized. Travelers can request a longer safari at Udawalawe National Park or allocate more time at the Elephant Transits Home. Personalized itineraries can be arranged based on individual interests and preferences.

Recap

Hambantota Harbor provides easy access to the remarkable wildlife and conservation efforts at Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transits Home.

This immersive experience offers visitors a chance to witness the majestic Sri Lankan elephants and learn about the country’s dedication to protecting its natural heritage.

With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour showcases Sri Lanka’s commitment to responsible ecotourism and environmental stewardship.

You can check if your dates are available here: