Udawalawe National Park Safari From Mirissa

Tucked away in Sri Lanka’s southern region, Udawalawe National Park offers a premier safari experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Travelers can embark on a captivating 10-hour adventure from the coastal town of Mirissa, seeing the park’s diverse ecosystems teeming with iconic Asian elephants, deer, and a wealth of other native species. With round-trip transportation and an English-speaking guide, this private safari promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s wilderness. But the true allure of this excursion lies in the opportunity to witness the park’s remarkable biodiversity and uncover the hidden wonders that make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Safari Tours In Galle.

Good To Know

• Private safari experience from Mirissa to Udawalawe National Park, with round-trip air-conditioned transportation and a 3-hour 4×4 safari.
• Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, English-speaking chauffeur, and entrance tickets to the park, known for its large elephant population.
• Diverse ecosystems within the park offer the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, deer, and numerous bird species.
• The tour is designed to maximize wildlife observation time, with a full duration of approximately 10 hours.
• Cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the safari and a fully refundable option within 1 day prior.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a private safari experience from Mirissa to Udawalawe National Park.

It includes round-trip private air-conditioned transportation and a 4×4 safari through the park. Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, making the logistics hassle-free.

The full tour lasts approximately 10 hours, with the safari itself lasting 3 hours. Departing Mirissa at 11:00 am, travelers will arrive at Udawalawe by 2:30 pm to begin their wildlife adventure.

This comprehensive package is designed to maximize the time spent observing the park’s diverse ecosystem and inhabitants.

Safari Logistics

A private safari tour from Mirissa to Udawalawe National Park includes round-trip private air-conditioned transportation and a 4×4 safari through the park.

The tour departs from Mirissa at 11:00 am and arrives at Udawalawe by 2:30 pm, with an estimated total duration of 10 hours.

Key safari logistics include:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off
2. English-speaking chauffeur
3. Entrance tickets to Udawalawe National Park

The safari offers the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, deer, boar, and water birds, within the park’s grasslands, marshes, and forests.

This experience isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, and a moderate fitness level is required.

Wildlife Experience

Udawalawe National Park’s diverse ecosystems provide a captivating wildlife viewing experience. Spanning grasslands, marshes, and forests, the park is home to a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies.

Mammals	Birds	Reptiles
Elephants	Peacocks	Monitor Lizards
Deer	Herons	Crocodiles
Wild Boar	Storks	Snakes

Visitors have the opportunity to spot these creatures in their natural habitats, offering a glimpse into the park’s vibrant biodiversity. Whether catching a herd of elephants roaming the grasslands or observing a variety of water birds, the Udawalawe safari delivers a true wildlife adventure.

Park Highlights

One of Udawalawe National Park’s main highlights is its impressive population of Asian elephants. The park is home to over 500 elephants, making it one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot these majestic creatures.

Visitors can expect to see:

1. Herds of elephants grazing in the grasslands and forests.
2. Calves playfully interacting with their families.
3. Elephants gathering at the park’s waterholes to drink and bathe.

Beyond the elephants, Udawalawe is also known for its diverse array of other wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and a variety of bird species.

The park’s diverse habitats, from wetlands to scrublands, provide a rich and dynamic ecosystem for visitors to explore.

Inclusions and Pricing

The package for the Udawalawe National Park safari includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle transport, and an English-speaking chauffeur.

Entrance tickets to the national park are also provided. Food and drinks, however, aren’t included.

The price for this experience starts from $92.00 and varies depending on the group size.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled Udawalawe National Park safari experience. This flexibility allows customers to adjust their plans without penalty, providing peace of mind and a stress-free booking process.

The cancellation policy offers three key benefits:

1. Fully refundable tours up to 1 day prior to the safari.
2. No hidden fees or charges for cancellations.
3. Easy rescheduling if plans change unexpectedly.

This customer-friendly approach ensures a positive experience and builds trust with the tour operator.

Travelers can book the Udawalawe safari with confidence, knowing they’ve the flexibility to make changes if necessary.

Guest Feedback

Guests have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback about the Udawalawe National Park safari experience.

With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews, the tour has earned high praise from past participants. Reviewers highlight the organized nature of the tours, knowledgeable guides, and the incredible wildlife sightings, which commonly include elephants, peacocks, and a variety of bird species.

While some feedback suggests room for improvement in communication, the overall sentiment indicates a high level of customer satisfaction. The tour operator’s commitment to service enhancement is also evident in their responsive approach to guest comments.

Important Considerations

One important consideration for those interested in the Udawalawe National Park safari is the physical fitness level required. The safari involves moderate physical exertion, making it unsuitable for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and visitors should be aware of this limitation.

Other key factors to consider include:

1. Proximity to public transportation: The tour is located near public transportation, allowing for flexible travel arrangements.

2. Wildlife sightings: While the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, specific animal encounters aren’t guaranteed.

3. Cancellation policy: The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility for travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Safe to Bring Young Children on the Safari?

The safari may not be suitable for young children. While details are limited, the tour involves moderate physical activity and lacks wheelchair accessibility, suggesting potential safety risks for small children. Parental discretion is advised.

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

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks on the safari. The tour package doesn’t include food and beverages, so you’re free to bring your own refreshments to enjoy during the wildlife viewing experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Safari?

There are typically no restrictions on photography during the safari. Guests are generally free to take photos of the wildlife and scenery, though it’s best to avoid disturbing the animals. Some guides may provide tips to maximize photo opportunities.

What Should I Wear to Stay Comfortable During the Safari?

Comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended to stay comfortable during the safari. Dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures, and bring sun protection like a hat and sunglasses. Insect repellent may also be helpful.

Are There Any Tips for Increasing My Chance of Seeing Elephants?

To increase the chances of seeing elephants, visitors should remain quiet, scan the landscape carefully, and look for signs like broken branches or disturbed vegetation. Plus, going early in the morning or late afternoon often improves wildlife sightings.

Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable safari at Udawalawe National Park from Mirissa, enjoying the vibrant wildlife and diverse ecosystems. With round-trip transportation and a guided 4×4 adventure, you’ll witness the park’s iconic Asian elephants and other captivating species. This thrilling excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s wilderness and create lasting memories.