Udawalawe National Park | Private Safari

Udawalawe National Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true. Sprawling across 30,000 hectares, this Sri Lankan haven is renowned for its large population of Asian elephants and diverse array of creatures. Visitors can embark on private safari tours led by expert drivers who serve as skilled trackers, ensuring optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. With affordable pricing starting at just €18.69, these tailored experiences include private jeeps and complimentary pickup. It’s no wonder guests rave about their time in this enchanting park – there’s simply so much to discover.

Key Points

• Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its large population of Asian elephants and diverse wildlife, including water buffaloes, sambar deer, and leopards.
• Private safari tours at Udawalawe offer personalized experiences with expert drivers and trackers, and the option for private jeeps and pickup/drop-off.
• Safari package prices start at €18.69 and include transportation, driver/tracker, and water, while park entrance fees are payable separately.
• Private safaris are not wheelchair accessible, but they are designed for private groups, typically accommodating 4-6 participants.
• The park offers a flexible cancellation policy, and reviews praise the safari experience and the expertise of the driver-guides.

Park Overview

Udawalawe National Park, a wildlife-rich sanctuary in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, is famed for its abundant elephant population, making it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Spanning over 30,000 hectares, the park is home to hundreds of majestic Asian elephants, as well as other iconic species like water buffaloes, sambar deer, and leopards.

Visitors can enjoy a private safari experience, guided by experienced drivers who act as expert trackers, navigating the park’s rugged terrain in search of these magnificent creatures.

Whether it’s an early morning or evening tour, the Udawalawe safari promises an unforgettable encounter with the park’s diverse and awe-inspiring wildlife.

Safari Tour Options

Visitors to Udawalawe National Park can choose from a variety of safari tour options, ranging from Jeep-only excursions to packages that include park entrance fees. The base price for a private safari tour starts from €18.69, with the final cost varying based on group size. All tours include private transportation by safari jeep, an experienced driver-cum-tracker, and complimentary water. While entrance fees are excluded in the Jeep-only bookings, guests can opt for a package that covers this cost. Pickup and drop-off services are available within 5 km of the park gate, and the tour ends back at the starting point.

Safari Tour Options	Jeep-only	Package with Entrance Fees
Base Price	From €18.69	Varies
Inclusions	– Private Safari Jeep – Driver/Tracker – Water	– All of Jeep-only – Park Entrance Fees
Exclusions	Entrance Fees	Food, Gratuities
Pickup/Drop-off	Within 5 km of park gate	Within 5 km of park gate

Pricing and Inclusions

The base price for a private safari tour at Udawalawe National Park starts from €18.69, though the final cost may vary depending on the group size.

The tour package includes transportation by a private safari jeep, free pickup and drop-off within 5 km of the park gate, an experienced driver who also acts as a tracker, and a complimentary water bottle per person.

All taxes and service charges are covered in the base price. However, the entrance fees for the Jeep-only bookings need to be paid separately in cash.

The tour also excludes any food, beverages, and gratuities.

Pickup and Meeting Points

Pickup options for the private safari include direct pickup from any location within 5 km of the park gate, as well as a meeting point at the Udawalawe National Park Entrance. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

This provides flexibility for travelers, allowing them to choose the most convenient option. The direct pickup service ensures a hassle-free start to the safari, while the meeting point allows guests to gather at the park entrance before embarking on the adventure.

Regardless of the pickup choice, the tour concludes with a return to the original starting location, making it easy for participants to continue their journey or explore the area further.

Accessibility and Group Size

The private safaris at Udawalawe National Park aren’t accessible for wheelchair users, but they’re conveniently located near public transportation options.

The safaris are private tours, so only your group will be participating. This allows for a more personalized experience, as you won’t have to share the vehicle with strangers. The group size can vary, but most tours accommodate around 4-6 people. This ensures everyone has a good view of the wildlife.

While the park itself may not be fully wheelchair-friendly, the private safari experience offers an up-close encounter with Sri Lanka’s incredible elephants and other native species. Just be prepared for a bit of adventurous off-road travel during your journey.

Cancellation Policy

For the private safari at Udawalawe National Park, travelers can take advantage of a flexible cancellation policy.

Specifically, Viator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience. This gives customers the freedom to adjust their plans without penalty if unexpected circumstances arise.

Whether it’s due to a change in travel plans or simply a decision to explore a different part of Sri Lanka, the ability to cancel with no cost makes booking the Udawalawe safari more convenient.

This customer-friendly policy is an added benefit that complements the overall high-quality experience offered by the private tour provider.

Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the private safari at Udawalawe National Park, with a stellar 5.0 rating based on 28 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor.

Guests consistently highlight the incredible experience of seeing elephants up close in their natural habitat, praising the responsiveness and expertise of the drivers.

However, a few have found the pricing to be slightly higher than local options, and there are some concerns expressed about the ethical treatment of wildlife.

To address these issues, some have suggested the option of shared jeep pricing to reduce costs.

Key Highlights

Undoubtedly, the private safari at Udawalawe National Park offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the park’s abundant elephant population up close in their natural habitat.

Famed for hosting hundreds of these majestic creatures, the park is a true haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

With an experienced driver-guide leading the way, travelers can expect an immersive and personalized experience, spotting not just elephants but a diverse array of fauna including deer, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife.

The flexibility of a private tour allows guests to customize their safari, ensuring they make the most of their time in this remarkable natural sanctuary.

It’s an unforgettable way to connect with Sri Lanka’s remarkable wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Elephants Can We Typically Expect to See?

Visitors to Udawalawe National Park can typically expect to see hundreds of elephants during a safari. The park is famed for its large elephant population, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts to observe these magnificent creatures up close.

Is It Possible to See Other Animals Besides Elephants?

While the park is famed for its elephant population, visitors can expect to see a variety of other animals including deer, wild boar, crocodiles, and an array of bird species. The diverse ecosystem provides ample opportunities to spot various wildlife beyond just elephants.

What Are the Best Times of Day for Spotting Wildlife?

The best times to spot wildlife are typically early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active. Midday can be slower as many animals rest during the hottest hours. Visitors have the best chance of seeing a variety of species during these peak times.

Can We Stop and Get Out of the Jeep During the Safari?

Visitors are generally not allowed to get out of the safari vehicle during tours for safety and conservation reasons. However, some parks may offer controlled opportunities for closer encounters with wildlife under the guidance of experienced staff.

Is There an Option to Extend the Safari Duration?

Yes, many safari operators offer the option to extend the duration of the tour. This allows visitors more time to explore the park and potentially spot additional wildlife. However, extended tours often come at an additional cost.

Recap

Udawalawe National Park offers an unparalleled safari experience, boasting an abundance of Asian elephants and diverse wildlife.

With affordable packages starting at €18.69, visitors can enjoy private tours led by expert trackers, ensuring optimal wildlife viewing.

The park’s vast expanse of 30,000 hectares and convenient pickup options make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable adventure.