Udawalawe National Park Safari From Ella

Exploring the rich wilderness of Udawalawe National Park is a captivating experience that draws visitors from around the world. Embarking on a private safari from Ella, adventurers can enjoy a diverse ecosystem teeming with majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and a vibrant array of bird species. With round-trip hotel transfers, park entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide, this full-day excursion promises an immersive journey through marshes, grasslands, and dense forests. For those seeking to deepen their understanding of conservation efforts, the optional visit to the Elephant Orphanage offers a unique opportunity to observe these gentle giants in a safe haven. What secrets might this remarkable landscape unveil?

Key Points

• Full-day private safari from Ella to Udawalawe National Park, a wildlife-rich ecosystem in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province.
• Safari includes round-trip hotel transfers, national park entrance fee, and a knowledgeable driver/guide.
• Opportunity to witness diverse wildlife, such as herds of wild elephants, in their natural habitats.
• Optional visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage to learn about elephant conservation.
• Minimum of 2 guests and maximum of 15 guests per booking; free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior.

Overview of Safari Experience

The safari tour of Udawalawe National Park offers visitors a thrilling opportunity to witness the abundant wildlife that inhabits this diverse and expansive protected area.

Situated in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka, the park boasts a rich ecosystem teeming with wild elephants, diverse animals, and a wide array of bird species.

From the comfort of a private safari jeep, travelers can explore the park’s marshes, grasslands, and forests, where they’ll have the chance to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.

An optional visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage further enhances the experience, providing a chance to learn about the park’s conservation efforts.

Inclusions and Pickup Information

This private full-day safari tour includes round-trip hotel transfers from Ella, the national park entrance fee, and a safari jeep with a knowledgeable driver/guide. Bottled water is provided, and all fees and taxes are included. For pickup, guests will meet at the Bank of Ceylon ATM in Ella, where the driver will greet them in the car park.

Pickup Information
Location	Bank of Ceylon ATM, V2FX+8GW, Ella, Sri Lanka
Meeting Point	Bank of Ceylon car park
Pickup Time	7:30 AM
Minimum Guests	2
Maximum Guests	15

Additional drop-off locations may incur extra charges based on distance.

Tour Details and Restrictions

Starting at 7:30 am, this private full-day safari tour requires a minimum of 2 people per booking, with a maximum of 15 people.

The safari jeep and driver/guide services are provided, and bottled water is included. However, food and additional drinks aren’t part of the package.

This tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. Children as young as 6 years old are welcome to join the adventure.

Additional drop-off locations may incur extra charges based on distance.

• Minimum age: 6 years
• Not wheelchair accessible; stroller accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before experience starts
• Lowest price guarantee; reserve now and pay later

Confirmation and Accessibility

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of reservation, unless the experience is scheduled within 7 days of travel – in which case, confirmation is provided within 48 hours.

The safari tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible. It’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Plus, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee, allowing guests to reserve their spot and pay later.

Cancellation and Price Guarantee

Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience begins. This gives flexibility in planning and peace of mind in case of unexpected changes.

The tour also comes with a lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best value for their money. Additionally:

• Confirmation is received at booking, or within 48 hours if booked within 7 days of travel.
• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible.
• It isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
• Customers can reserve now and pay later, making it easy to secure their spot.
• All fees and taxes are included in the tour price, with no hidden costs.

Abundant Wildlife in Udawalawe

The Udawalawe National Park’s diverse habitats teem with an abundance of wildlife, captivating visitors on the safari tour. Grasslands, marshes, and forests are home to herds of majestic wild elephants, the park’s star attraction. Visitors may also spot leopards, sloth bears, water buffaloes, and a variety of deer species. The birdlife is equally impressive, with over 200 species recorded, including the endemic Sri Lankan junglefowl and the impressive crested serpent eagle. The safari experience offers an immersive journey through this rich ecosystem, where guests can observe the animals in their natural habitat.

Animal	Population Estimate
Elephant	800-1,000
Leopard	40-50
Sloth Bear	100-150
Water Buffalo	200-300
Deer	2,000-3,000

Exploring Marshes, Grasslands, and Forests

As the safari journey unfolds, visitors step into the heart of Udawalawe’s diverse landscapes.

The marshes teem with a kaleidoscope of birds, from graceful herons to vibrant kingfishers.

Venture through the expansive grasslands, where herds of wild elephants graze peacefully, occasionally trumpeting their presence.

Explore the lush forests, where monkeys swing from branch to branch and leopards prowl in the shadows.

Discover hidden streams and waterholes that attract a myriad of wildlife, from bathing buffaloes to thirsty deer.

Enjoy the natural symphony of rustling leaves, chirping insects, and the occasional roar of a apex predator.

• Observe diverse bird life in the marshes
• Witness majestic elephants in the grasslands
• Explore the rich biodiversity of the forests
• Spot wildlife at hidden streams and waterholes
• Experience the captivating natural sounds of Udawalawe

Optional Visit to Elephant Orphanage

One of the highlights of the Udawalawe safari experience is the optional visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage.

This sanctuary provides a safe haven for young elephants orphaned by various causes, including poaching and human-elephant conflict.

Visitors can observe the elephants being cared for and fed by the dedicated staff, learning about the challenges they face and the conservation efforts in place.

The orphanage offers a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close and gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife.

For those interested in learning more about elephant conservation, this optional stop is a must-visit during the Udawalawe safari.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Safari Vehicle Is Used?

The safari tour uses a safari jeep as the mode of transportation. The jeep provides an open-air, elevated viewing experience that’s ideal for spotting wildlife in the park’s diverse landscapes of marshes, grasslands, and forests.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography?

The safari tour does not have any specific restrictions on photography. Guests are generally free to take photos throughout the safari, though they’re advised to be mindful of wildlife and avoid disturbing the animals during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

Guests are allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks on the safari tour. However, the tour operator provides bottled water as part of the inclusions. Bringing personal refreshments can enhance the overall safari experience.

How Long Is the Safari Duration?

The safari duration is a full-day experience. It typically starts at 7:30 AM and ends in the late afternoon when the tour returns to the meeting point. The exact duration may vary based on the itinerary and pace of the safari.

Is There an Option for a Private Safari?

Yes, there is an option for a private safari. The safari tour from Ella offers a private full-day safari experience in Udawalawe National Park, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a more personalized and exclusive adventure.

Recap

Embark on an unforgettable safari adventure in Udawalawe National Park, where you’ll witness the park’s rich wildlife in its natural habitat. Observe majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and a diverse array of bird species as you journey through marshes, grasslands, and forests. Enhance your experience with an optional visit to the Elephant Orphanage, supporting conservation efforts and gaining a deeper appreciation for these gentle giants.