Udawalawa National Park: Private Safari

Udawalawa National Park is a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an immersive safari experience in Sri Lanka. This protected area boasts a diverse ecosystem teeming with iconic elephants, vibrant bird species, and a myriad of other captivating creatures. Visitors can embark on private safaris, exploring the park’s rugged terrain in comfortable 4×4 vehicles guided by experienced drivers and trackers. With a maximum of six passengers per jeep, the intimate setting offers unparalleled opportunities to observe the park’s remarkable wildlife up close. But the true allure of Udawalawa lies in its ability to transport guests to a realm where nature’s grandeur takes center stage, leaving them eager to uncover its hidden wonders.

Contents hide

1 Overview of the Park

2 Wildlife and Ecosystem

3 Safari Experience Details

4 Inclusions and Exclusions

5 Customer Ratings and Feedback

6 Booking and Meeting Information

7 Cancellation Policy

8 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

Udawalawa National Park offers private safari experiences in 4×4 vehicles, with an experienced driver and tracker to guide visitors through the diverse wildlife habitat.
The park is home to large herds of Sri Lankan elephants, water buffalo, and a variety of endemic bird species, providing opportunities for immersive wildlife encounters.
Safari packages include transportation, bottled water, and applicable taxes, while entrance fees, food, and gratuities are excluded.
Customers can book online with a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The safari experiences are highly rated by visitors, with guides praised for their expertise in wildlife spotting and the overall value for money.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Park

Udawalawa National Park, situated in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka, covers an impressive 30,821 hectares of pristine natural landscape.

This vast expanse is home to an abundance of wildlife, including large herds of Sri Lankan elephants, water buffalo, wild boar, spotted deer, jackals, and a rich variety of bird species.

Visitors can embark on a private safari through the park, accompanied by an experienced guide, to discover the diverse ecosystem and witness these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

With a cancellation policy that offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, visitors can plan their safari with confidence, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience in this breathtaking natural wonder.

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Wildlife and Ecosystem

Spanning an impressive 30,821 hectares, the national park boasts a diverse array of wildlife that thrives within its lush, natural landscapes.

From majestic Sri Lankan elephants to the elusive spotted deer, the park is a haven for a wide range of species. Birdwatchers will delight in the opportunity to spot endemic birds like the Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl and Spur Fowl, as well as migratory species.

The park is also home to large herds of water buffalo, cunning jackals, fearsome wild boar, and a rich variety of birds, including the vibrant Green Pigeon.

This diverse ecosystem provides ample opportunities for visitors to enjoy the wonders of Sri Lankan wildlife during their private safari experience.

Safari Experience Details

Visitors embarking on the private safari at Udawalawa National Park are transported in 4×4 Safari Jeeps, with a maximum capacity of 6 passengers per vehicle. An experienced driver and tracker guide the excursion, providing in-depth insights into the local wildlife and ecosystem.

Included in the experience are bottled water and all applicable taxes and service charges, though entrance tickets, food, drinks, and gratuities are excluded.

The safari offers a thrilling opportunity to explore the park’s diverse habitats, from grasslands to wetlands, in search of iconic Sri Lankan species like elephants, water buffalo, and a rich variety of birds.

Guests can expect an immersive and educational journey, with the knowledgeable guides enhancing the overall experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The private safari experience at Udawalawa National Park includes an experienced driver and tracker, who guide visitors through the park’s diverse habitats and provide in-depth insights into the local wildlife.

The package comes with the following inclusions:

4×4 safari jeep with a maximum of 6 passengers
Bottled water for the duration of the tour
All applicable taxes and service charges

However, there are some exclusions to be aware of:

Entrance tickets to the national park
Food or additional drinks beyond the provided water
Gratuities for the driver and tracker, which are optional

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Customer Ratings and Feedback

Travelers consistently praise the private safari at Udawalawa National Park, with the experience earning an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 32 reviews.

Reviewers particularly commend the safari’s knowledgeable guides, who earn a stellar 4.9 out of 5 rating for their expertise in spotting wildlife and providing insightful commentary.

The 4.8 out of 5 rating for transportation reflects the comfort and reliability of the 4×4 safari jeeps.

Guests also appreciate the great value for money, with a 4.6 out of 5 score in this category.

Highlights mentioned in reviews include sightings of up to 15 elephants, crocodiles, and a diverse array of bird species, all contributing to an unforgettable safari experience.

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Booking and Meeting Information

To secure a spot on the private safari at Udawalawa National Park, travelers can reserve their excursion online, taking advantage of the ‘reserve now & pay later’ option.

The meeting point for the safari is at the entrance to Udawalawa National Park, with selected tour packages offering hotel pickup as an added convenience.

When booking, visitors can check availability and select from various starting times and group sizes to suit their needs.

The safari experience includes an experienced driver and tracker, bottled water, and all applicable taxes and service charges.

However, entrance tickets, food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included in the package price.

Reserve online with ‘reserve now & pay later’ option
Meet at Udawalawa National Park entrance
Select from various start times and group sizes
Hotel pickup available for certain tour packages
Entrance tickets, food, and gratuities not included

Cancellation Policy

Providing flexibility for travelers, the cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This hassle-free policy ensures visitors can plan their safari trip with confidence, knowing they won’t lose their money if their plans change unexpectedly.

Whether it’s due to unforeseen circumstances or a last-minute change of plans, the generous cancellation window gives travelers the freedom to adjust their itinerary without financial penalty.

This policy underscores the tour operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction, making the Udawalawa National Park safari a worry-free experience from start to finish.

Travelers can book their safari secure in the knowledge that their deposit is fully refundable if they need to cancel within the allotted time frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Chances of Spotting Leopards During the Safari?

Leopard sightings in Udawalawa National Park are relatively rare, with only occasional glimpses reported by safari-goers. The dense forest habitat and elusive nature of the species make leopard encounters unlikely during a typical 3-hour safari excursion.

Can Children Participate in the Safari Experience?

Children can participate in the safari experience. The tour operator accommodates families and allows children to join the safari. Some safety precautions may apply, and there may be minimum age requirements, but in general, the safari experience is suitable for children.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Safari?

There are generally no restrictions on photography during safaris, though visitors should avoid disturbing the wildlife. Safari guides may provide guidance on appropriate behavior to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Is It Possible to Extend the Safari Duration?

Yes, it is typically possible to extend the safari duration. Many safari operators offer the option to customize the length of the tour, allowing visitors to spend more time exploring the park and observing the wildlife at their own pace.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Udawalawa National Park?

The best time to visit Udawalawa National Park is during the dry season from June to September. This is when wildlife sightings are at their peak, as animals congregate around the remaining water sources. The weather is also pleasant for a safari.