Udawalawa Safari Park and Transit Home From Tangalle

Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe Safari Park offers nature enthusiasts an unforgettable wildlife adventure just a short drive from the coastal town of Tangalle. Visitors can embark on a thrilling 3-hour jeep safari, spotting elephants, crocodiles, and diverse bird species in their natural habitat. The park’s rich biodiversity is complemented by the nearby Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation center dedicated to the conservation of these magnificent creatures. With convenient transportation and a seamless experience, this safari promises an up-close encounter with Sri Lanka’s incredible wildlife. But to truly appreciate the park’s wonders, one must…

Key Points

• Full-day safari tour to Udawalawe National Park available from Tangalle, priced at around €100 per person.
• 3-hour safari drive offering opportunities to observe elephants, crocodiles, and other wildlife in the park.
• Optional visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants.
• Tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and bottled water, but excludes entrance fees and lunch.
• Safari experience suitable for most travelers, but not recommended for those with certain health conditions or pregnant women.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day safari tour to Udawalawe National Park from Tangalle costs from €100.71 per person, with the option to reserve now and pay later along with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour duration is 7 hours. Visitors can expect a 5-hour drive from Tangalle to the national park, followed by a 3-hour safari drive by jeep to observe the thriving elephant population, crocodiles, buffalo, and diverse bird species.

While lunch at a local hotel in Udawalawe is at the traveler’s own expense, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned shared vehicle transportation, the safari drive, bottled water, and optional gratuities.

Itinerary and Experience

After pickup in Tangalle, visitors embark on a 5-hour drive to Udawalawe National Park, where they’ll then enjoy a 3-hour safari drive by jeep to observe the park’s thriving elephant population, crocodiles, buffalo, and diverse bird species.

During the safari, guests have the option to visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, an additional 30-minute stop that comes at an extra fee.

After the safari, travelers can enjoy lunch at a local hotel in Udawalawe, covering the cost themselves.

Throughout the day, the tour provides transportation via an air-conditioned shared vehicle, as well as bottled water and the opportunity to add gratuities as desired.

Wildlife and Nature Highlights

Udawalawe National Park is home to a thriving elephant population, as well as an abundance of crocodiles, buffalo, and diverse bird species. Established in the 1970s as a sanctuary for wildlife displaced by the Udawalawe Reservoir, the park is the third most visited in Sri Lanka.

With over 50 butterfly species, it boasts incredible biodiversity. Visitors can spot herds of elephants roaming the grasslands, monitor lizards basking on the banks, and flocks of vibrant birds taking flight.

The park’s varied habitats, from grasslands to wetlands, provide an exceptional opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s remarkable wildlife in its natural environment. An unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.

Inclusions and Transportation

In the ‘Udawalawa Safari Park and Transit Home From Tangalle’ experience, the inclusions cover various essential elements for a seamless safari adventure. The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned shared vehicle transportation, the jeep safari drive, and bottled water. Visitors also have the option to provide gratuities as they see fit. However, it’s important to note that the entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home are not included in the tour price.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Udawalawe National Park entrance fee
Air-conditioned shared vehicle transportation	Elephant Transit Home entrance fee
Jeep safari drive	–
Bottled water	–

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Health and Safety Considerations

Suitability for the Udawalawe safari experience depends on participants’ physical condition and medical history.

The tour may not be appropriate for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, those with animal allergies, recent surgery patients, or those prone to motion sickness. Visitors should carefully consider their personal health status before booking this adventure.

The safari involves:

1. Riding in an open-air jeep for extended periods over rough terrain.

2. Potential exposure to wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of birds and mammals.

3. Navigating uneven paths and steps during the optional visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.

4. Spending several hours in warm, humid conditions.

Explore Udawalawe National Park

Those who embark on the Udawalawe safari can expect to witness a thriving elephant population and diverse wildlife roaming the expansive national park.

Established in the 1970s as a sanctuary for animals displaced by the Udawalawe Reservoir, the park is home to over 50 butterfly species and a wealth of other creatures.

Visitors will have the chance to observe majestic elephants, crocodiles, and buffalo during the 3-hour safari drive by jeep.

The park’s varied ecosystems, from grasslands to forests, provide a rich habitat for this abundant wildlife.

With its status as the third most visited park in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe offers an immersive and rewarding safari experience for nature enthusiasts.

Witness Elephants at Transit Home

Visitors can opt to extend their Udawalawe safari experience with a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where they’ll have the chance to observe the park’s orphaned elephants up close.

This rehabilitation center focuses on caring for young elephants that have lost their mothers, with the goal of eventually reintroducing them to the wild.

During the visit, guests can expect to see:

1. Orphaned calves being bottle-fed by caretakers.

2. Older juveniles engaging in playful behavior and interacting with their peers.

3. Veterinarians and staff tending to the elephants’ medical needs.

4. Lush, natural habitats designed to mimic the elephants’ native environment.

This unique experience provides insight into the important conservation efforts underway to protect Sri Lanka’s iconic elephant population.

Plan Your Tangalle Safari Adventure

Planning a day of adventure and wildlife viewing at Udawalawe National Park from Tangalle is straightforward, with tour options to suit various preferences and budgets.

For around €100 per person, you can enjoy a full-day safari tour that includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and a 3-hour game drive to spot elephants, crocodiles, and more.

Those interested can also visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home for an additional fee. The tour allows ample time for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Tangalle.

With advance reservations and free cancellation available, it’s easy to plan an unforgettable Udawalawe adventure from the comfort of Tangalle.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Guests are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the safari. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand, as some may have restrictions or provide a lunch option as part of the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Safari Duration?

Yes, it’s possible to extend the safari duration. Many tour operators offer an extended 4-5 hour safari option for an additional fee. This allows visitors more time to explore the park and search for wildlife.

How Many Passengers Are Allowed in the Jeep?

The safari jeeps typically accommodate 4-6 passengers. The exact number may vary, but the tour provider will ensure a comfortable and uncrowded experience during the safari drive through Udawalawe National Park.

Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

The tour operator offers discounted rates for children under 12 and seniors over 65, typically around 10-20% off the adult price. Families and groups can inquire about additional savings when booking the safari tour.

Can I Charge My Devices During the Safari?

Unfortunately, there are no power outlets or charging stations provided during the safari drive. Visitors should ensure their devices are fully charged before the tour. The safari vehicles are not equipped with power ports to charge electronics en route.

Recap

Udawalawe Safari Park and Transit Home offer an unparalleled wildlife experience near Tangalle.

Visitors can explore the park’s diverse ecosystem, including a thriving elephant population, and gain insights into elephant conservation efforts at the rehabilitation center.

With convenient transportation and a seamless itinerary, this safari adventure is a must-do for nature enthusiasts seeking to enjoy Sri Lanka’s remarkable biodiversity.

You can check if your dates are available here: