Straight to the point: Udawalawe National Park delivers some of Sri Lanka’s most rewarding wildlife experiences. The standout is the “Day With Elephants” tour – it’s an intimate experience where you’ll help feed baby elephants at the Transit Home. I love the “Full Day Guided Safari” for serious wildlife enthusiasts; you’ll cover vast stretches of the park’s 308 square kilometers with excellent odds of spotting elephants and maybe even leopards. For those short on time, the half-day morning or afternoon safaris pack plenty of wildlife viewing into a compact schedule. The “Safari from Ella” is especially practical, bundling everything from hotel pickup to meals.
Let’s look at our favorite Udawalawe safari tours and what makes each special.
Key Points
- Udawalawa National Park offers a variety of safari tours, including full-day guided safaris, morning/afternoon safaris, and all-inclusive safaris from nearby Ella.
- The full-day guided safari, lasting 10 hours, provides an immersive wildlife experience with the chance to see elephants, leopards, and other animals in their natural habitat.
- Morning and afternoon safaris, around 3 hours each, allow visitors to spot Sri Lankan elephants, water buffalo, monitor lizards, and other wildlife.
- All-inclusive safaris from Ella, lasting 8 hours, include hotel pickup, national park fees, private jeep safari, and an expert guide with highly rated informative commentary.
- Many tours also include a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where visitors can witness the feeding of orphan baby elephants.
Day With Elephants at Udawalawe National Park & Transit Camp
Although Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including wild elephants, crocodiles, and jackals, the highlight of the “Day With Elephants” tour is the visit to the Elephant Transit Home.
Priced at $155 per person, this full-day excursion provides an intimate wildlife experience, with small group tours limited to just 5 participants. Visitors can observe the feeding of hundreds of orphan baby elephants at the transit camp during peak hours.
The tour also includes a jeep safari through the national park, a self-guided exploration of Galle Fort, and a stop at Hikkaduwa Beach. Hotel pickup, transportation, and an English/German-speaking guide are included in the package.
Read our full review: Day With Elephants at Udawalawe National Park & Transit Camp Review
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Udawalawe National Park | Full Day-10 Hours | All Inclusive
Amid the verdant landscapes of Udawalawe National Park, this 10-hour guided safari offers visitors an immersive encounter with Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife.
For $124.43 per person, explorers can embark on a comprehensive exploration of the 308-square-kilometer park, home to majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and a wealth of other species.
Led by experienced guides with over 10 years of expertise, the safari ensures optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
The itinerary includes a leisurely lunch amid scenic river views and flexibility to adapt to changing conditions.
With free cancellation and hotel pickup/drop-off, this all-inclusive tour provides an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts visiting Udawalawe.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park | Full Day-10 Hours | All Inclusive Review
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Udawalawe National Park Afternoon or Morning Safari
Udawalawe National Park offers visitors the choice between morning and afternoon safaris, each lasting approximately 3 hours. Priced from $100 per person, these safaris provide the opportunity to spot a diverse range of wildlife, including Sri Lankan Elephants, water buffalo, monitor lizards, Sambar deer, and crocodiles.
Guided by English-speaking tour guides, the safaris include hotel pickup and drop-off, park entrance tickets, refreshments, and bottled water. Visitors can reserve a spot without an upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
However, the safaris may not be suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Visitors are advised to bring cash for any personal expenses or gratuities.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Afternoon or Morning Safari Review
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From Ella: All Inclusive Udawalawe National Park Safari
Departing from the charming town of Ella, this all-inclusive safari offers visitors an immersive experience within the picturesque Udawalawe National Park.
Priced from $140 per person, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup, national park fees, a private jeep safari, an expert guide, and all meals.
Travelers can expect to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, jackals, deer, monkeys, and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
Guided by the knowledgeable and friendly Dino, the tour receives exceptional 4.9/5 reviews, with guests highlighting the informative commentary, local treats, and personalized touches.
Visitors are advised to bring their passport, comfortable shoes, and cash for lunch, as tips aren’t included in the ticket price.
Read our full review: From Ella: All Inclusive Udawalawe National Park Safari Review
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Udawalawe: National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour
For those seeking a comprehensive wildlife experience in Udawalawe National Park, the National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour offers an engaging opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems and observe an array of captivating animal species.
Priced from $28.44 per person, the half-day jeep safari allows visitors to spot wild elephants, buffalos, deer, and over 30 species of snakes.
The tour also includes a visit to the Elephant Transit Home to observe baby elephants during feeding hours.
With free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour provides excellent value for money, according to customer reviews.
Read our full review: Udawalawe: National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour Review
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Udawalawa: Udawalawa National Park Safari Tour
Embarking on the Udawalawa National Park Safari Tour, visitors can expect a captivating journey through one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife sanctuaries.
This 3-hour tour offers the chance to spot over 500 elephants, as well as a variety of other fauna, including buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and 30 species of snakes.
With a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, guests can also observe over 50 species of butterflies and numerous bird types.
Conveniently, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a safari jeep, and all necessary fees and refreshments.
Reviews highlight the tour’s memorable wildlife encounters and the guides’ enthusiasm, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts visiting Udawalawa.
Read our full review: Udawalawa: Udawalawa National Park Safari Tour Review
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Sum Up
Udawalawe National Park offers a range of tour options to suit different preferences. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, on full-day or half-day safaris. Some tours also include visits to the Elephant Transit Home, providing a comprehensive experience. With various tour packages available, travelers can find the best option to fulfill their Udawalawe National Park adventure.