Exploring wildlife in Sri Lanka can be a highlight of your trip, and this particular tour offers a compact, affordable way to see elephants and other exotic animals up close. Marketed as a 7-hour experience, it combines a visit to the Elephant Transit Home with a guided jeep safari through Udawalawa National Park. It’s a package aimed at travelers eager for a taste of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity without spending a whole day or breaking the bank.
What we find appealing about this tour is its convenience — hotel pickup and drop-off make it a hassle-free option — and the chance to feed orphaned baby elephants, which tends to be a memorable highlight. The safari itself offers the thrill of spotting wild elephants, crocodiles, and deer in their natural habitat. However, a key consideration is that entrance fees to the park are not included, so you’ll need to be prepared for additional costs. This tour suits those who want a cost-effective, family-friendly wildlife experience with a balance of guided activity and free time to soak in Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.
Key Points
- Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off from Tangalle/Hiriketiya make this tour easy to fit into your day.
- Wildlife Encounters: Safari provides opportunities to see elephants, crocodiles, deer, and other exotic animals.
- Elephant Transit Home: Feeding baby elephants offers a unique, touching experience.
- Cost and Value: Fairly priced at $86 per person, but remember that entrance fees are extra.
- Duration: Around 7 hours, with flexible start times based on availability.
- Mixed Reviews: Some travelers love the overall experience, while others criticize the lack of guides and added costs.
Contents
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
- Starting Point and Transportation
- Elephant Transit Home: A Brand Highlight
- The Safari Experience
- Additional Costs and Practicalities
- Timing and Group Size
- Who Will Benefit Most?
- The Sum Up — Who Is This Tour For?
- FAQ
- More Safari Adventures in Matara
- More Tour Reviews in Matara
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An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience
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Starting Point and Transportation
Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Tangalle or Hiriketiya, which is a big perk if you prefer not to worry about arranging transport. The journey to Udawalawa takes approximately two hours in an air-conditioned vehicle — comfortable enough, though the drive can seem long if your hotel is far away.
Once you arrive, the experience splits into two main parts: a visit to the Elephant Transit Home and the safari in Udawalawa National Park. The transit home is a sanctuary for orphaned baby elephants, where you get about 30 minutes of feeding time. It’s a gentle, heartwarming activity that appeals especially to families or animal lovers.
Elephant Transit Home: A Brand Highlight
The Elephant Transit Home is often the most praised part of this tour. It’s a chance to see young elephants being fed and observe their playful interactions. The setting is designed to be accessible and engaging, allowing visitors to get close enough to understand the plight of orphaned elephants and their care.
However, based on feedback, the tour in the transit home is generally viewed positively, but some travelers find it a bit superficial if not combined with more in-depth guide commentary. Still, it’s a worthwhile stop for animal enthusiasts and those wanting a meaningful connection with Sri Lanka’s elephants.
The Safari Experience
After the transit home, the adventure continues with the jeep safari into Udawalawa National Park. Here, the main goal is to spot wild elephants, but you’ll also have the chance to see crocodiles, wild boars, deer, mongoose, and even snakes — about 30 species of snakes and 50 species of butterflies are reported to inhabit the park.
The safari jeeps are typically open-sided, giving unobstructed views of the landscape, which is essential for wildlife viewing. The park’s abundant water sources ensure a sizable elephant population, making sightings quite likely.
From reviews, it’s clear that some visitors appreciate the opportunity to see a variety of animals in a natural setting, but others mention the lack of a guide during the safari, which can limit understanding of what’s seen. One reviewer described their experience as “just transport from the hotel and back with a driver who was so fast that you had to worry about every dog,” highlighting the importance of a more engaged guide.
More Great Tours NearbyAdditional Costs and Practicalities
The entrance fees for Udawalawa National Park are not included in the tour price, so be prepared for extra expenses on-site. This can be a downside if you’re trying to budget carefully, but it’s common in wildlife tours.
The price of $86 per person is reasonable considering the transport, the elephant feeding, and the safari, especially when compared to full-day or private options. Still, reviews indicate that some feel they didn’t get full value, criticizing the lack of included guides or water bottles, and describing the experience as “a complete rip-off trip.”
Timing and Group Size
Since the tour duration is about 7 hours, start times are flexible depending on availability. Larger groups are common, which might mean less personalized attention but also helps keep costs down. The tour is conducted in English, and a professional driver/guide is included, though the level of commentary seems inconsistent based on reviews.
Who Will Benefit Most?
This tour is best suited for travelers seeking affordable wildlife encounters with minimal hassle. It’s particularly good for families or first-time visitors who want a quick snapshot of Sri Lanka’s elephants and wildlife, combined with a heartwarming visit to the orphanage. If your main goal is a cost-effective experience with convenient logistics, this tour offers decent value.
However, those looking for a more educational or in-depth guide experience might find it lacking, especially considering the reviews that mention the absence of a guide during the safari. If you’re prepared to pay extra on arrival for entrance fees, and are okay with a somewhat basic tour structure, you’ll likely find this a worthwhile choice.
The Sum Up — Who Is This Tour For?
This Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Orphanage tour offers a practical, budget-friendly way to see some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wildlife without the hassle of organizing transport and logistics yourself. It’s worth considering if you’re traveling with family, or if you simply want a short, easy wildlife fix during your trip to the southern or eastern coast.
While it provides good value for money in terms of transport and activities, remember additional costs like park entrance fees and optional extras can add up. The experience is straightforward, with highlights like feeding baby elephants and the chance to see elephants in the wild. However, be aware that the lack of detailed guiding or commentary may limit the educational aspect for some visitors.
If you’re flexible on what you pay on-site and don’t mind a simple, no-frills adventure, this tour can be a memorable part of your Sri Lankan journey. For those craving a more guided or in-depth wildlife experience, it might be worth exploring other options.
Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Orphanage
“We had a great time at the Udawalawa safari and the Elephant Transit home. We saw a lot of animals during the safari, including elephants and croco…”
FAQ
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Tangalle or Hiriketiya, making it very convenient.
Are entrance fees to the park included?
No, entrance fees for Udawalawa National Park are paid separately on-site.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts around 7 hours, with start times depending on availability.
What is the main highlight of the tour?
Many travelers find the feeding of baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home to be the most memorable part.
Is there a guide during the safari?
The tour provides a professional driver/guide but reviews suggest that guidance during the safari may be limited.
What animals can I expect to see?
You’re likely to see wild elephants, crocodiles, wild boars, deer, mongoose, and snakes. The park is home to about 30 snake species and 50 butterfly species.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially because of the elephant feeding and the chance to see animals in the wild, making it family-friendly.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring comfortable clothing, water, and sunscreen. Since water isn’t provided, it’s wise to carry your own.
Is the tour offered in languages other than English?
No, the tour is conducted in English only.
In all, this tour offers a solid introduction to Sri Lanka’s wildlife with the convenience of hotel transfers and a chance to see elephants both in care and in their natural habitat. It’s best for those who value value for money and simplicity over detailed guided commentary or luxury experiences.
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