Udawalawe National Park Safari Trip From Ella

Explore the untamed wilderness of Udawalawe National Park on an unforgettable safari adventure from the charming town of Ella. Spanning over 30,000 hectares, this diverse ecological haven is home to an abundance of captivating wildlife, from majestic herds of Asian elephants to basking crocodiles and vibrant bird species. Venture into the park in a private 4×4 Jeep, guided by experienced trackers who provide insightful commentary to enhance your journey. With convenient hotel pickup and flexible scheduling, this immersive experience is a must-do for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers seeking to witness the raw power and beauty of Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best National Park Tours In Nuwara Eliya.

Key Points

• Take a private 4×4 game drive through Udawalawe National Park, located near Ella, Sri Lanka, to spot diverse wildlife including Asian elephants and crocodiles.
• Experience wildlife sightings with the guidance of an experienced tracker, who provides insightful commentary on the park’s ecosystems and species.
• Choose from multiple schedule options, including early morning, late morning, and afternoon safari tours, with hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off services.
• Participate in the safari with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum group size of 10, catering to different traveler preferences.
• Prices for the Udawalawe National Park safari trip from Ella start at $200.00 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior.

Overview of the National Park

Situated near the town of Ella, Udawalawe National Park is a renowned wildlife haven that offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the diverse flora and fauna of Sri Lanka.

Spanning over 30,000 hectares, the park is home to a large population of Asian elephants, as well as a variety of other species including crocodiles, deer, and a wide range of bird life.

Visitors can embark on exciting 4×4 game drives to explore the park’s rugged terrain and spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

With its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Udawalawe National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Highlights of the Safari Experience

The safari experience at Udawalawe National Park offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the lives of the park’s diverse wildlife.

Aboard a 4×4 game drive vehicle, travelers can expect to encounter:

• Herds of majestic Asian elephants roaming the open plains
• Cunning crocodiles basking in the sun along the river banks
• Vibrant birdlife, including the iconic peacock, soaring overhead
• Elusive leopards prowling the dense vegetation in search of prey
• A variety of other mammals, such as water buffaloes, spotted deer, and monkeys.

Experienced wildlife trackers guide the safari, providing insightful commentary and increasing the chances of sighting the park’s remarkable fauna.

Inclusions and Exclusions of the Tour

The tour package for the Udawalawe National Park safari includes a comprehensive set of amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Travelers will receive hotel pickup and drop-off, a private safari Jeep with an experienced wildlife tracker, bottled water, and national park entrance tickets. Refreshments are also provided during the safari. However, the tour excludes food, drinks, and gratuities.

Included	Optional	Not Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Visit to Elephant Orphanage	Food and drinks
Private Safari Jeep		Gratuities
Experienced wildlife tracker
Bottled water, park entrance

Scheduling and Pickup Arrangements

To ensure a seamless experience, the Udawalawe National Park safari offers multiple schedule options. Guests can choose from an early morning session at 5:00 am, a late morning session at 7:00 am, or an afternoon session at 10:00 am.

Regardless of the selected time, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience. To arrange pickup, guests simply need to provide the name and address of their hotel.

The safari is a private tour, allowing guests to enjoy the wildlife at their own pace without the constraints of a large group.

• Early morning session: 5:00 am
• Late morning session: 7:00 am
• Afternoon session: 10:00 am
• Hotel pickup and drop-off provided
• Private tour for your group

Participant Requirements and Restrictions

Participants must meet certain requirements and restrictions to join the Udawalawe National Park safari. The tour has a minimum booking of 2 people and a maximum of 10. Children as young as 6 years old are welcome, but infants must sit on laps. Unfortunately, the safari is not wheelchair accessible. Despite these limitations, most travelers can participate in this thrilling adventure.

Requirement	Minimum	Maximum
Group Size	2 people	10 people
Age	6 years old	–
Accessibility	–	Not wheelchair accessible

Pricing and Booking Details

Prices for the Udawalawe National Park safari tour start from $200.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on the group size.

Booking is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

This is a private tour, so only your group will participate. The tour has received 4.5 stars based on 2 reviews.

Key booking details include:

• Minimum booking: 2 people
• Maximum booking: 10 people
• Infants must sit on laps
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Most travelers can participate

Cancellation and Confirmation Policy

Travelers can cancel their Udawalawe National Park safari tour free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Once confirmed, the tour operator will provide pickup details within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Cancellation Policy	Confirmation Policy	Schedule Options
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour	Confirmation within 48 hours of booking	Early morning (5:00 am) Late morning (7:00 am) Afternoon (10:00 am)

This is a private tour, so only the travelers’ group will participate. Prices vary based on group size, starting from $200.00. Reviews for this safari tour average 4.5 stars out of 5.

Traveler Reviews and Ratings

The safari tour at Udawalawe National Park has garnered positive reviews from past participants.

With a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 based on 2 reviews, the tour seems to be a hit with travelers.

Reviewers have highlighted several aspects of the experience:

• The knowledgeable and experienced wildlife tracker who accompanied them on the game drive.
• The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, avoiding the hassle of cabs or public transportation.
• The opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants and crocodiles.
• The inclusion of entrance fees, bottled water, and refreshments during the safari.
• The private nature of the tour, allowing for a more personalized and exclusive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kinds of Animals Are Commonly Sighted During the Safari?

The safari commonly sights elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of other wildlife like deer, sloth bears, monkeys, and birds. Visitors can expect to see a diverse range of animals roaming through the park’s lush landscapes.

How Long Does the Safari Typically Last?

The safari typically lasts 3-4 hours. Visitors will enjoy a 4×4 game drive through the park, with opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife including elephants, crocodiles, and more. The duration allows for an immersive safari experience.

Is There an Opportunity to Get Out of the Vehicle During the Tour?

The safari tour typically does not allow guests to get out of the vehicle during the game drive. For safety reasons, visitors must remain inside the 4×4 safari jeep at all times to observe the wildlife from a safe distance.

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

Based on the information provided, guests are allowed to bring their own food and snacks on the Udawalawe National Park Safari. However, the tour package doesn’t include any meals or snacks, so guests will need to provide their own.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Videography During the Tour?

Visitors can generally take photos and videos during the safari, but they should avoid disturbing the wildlife or using flash photography. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific restrictions or guidelines before the tour.

Recap

The Udawalawe National Park Safari Trip from Ella offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the captivating natural wonders of Sri Lanka. Travelers can expect an unforgettable adventure, guided by experienced trackers, where they’ll witness the magnificent Asian elephants, crocodiles, and diverse bird species that inhabit the park’s expansive 30,000-hectare ecosystem. Convenient hotel pickup, flexible scheduling, and rave reviews from past participants make this tour a must-do for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.