Bentota’s safari options pack serious value for wildlife enthusiasts. From my extensive visits, I’ve found the Udawalawe Daytrip stands out – you’ll get remarkably close to wild elephants in their natural habitat. Local river safaris provide an authentic peek at crocodiles and water monitors, while the Yala excursion delivers reliable leopard spotting opportunities.
I particularly love the combination Yala-Udawalawe tour. It’s pricier but offers the fullest wildlife experience. For something quirky and budget-friendly, hop on a tuk-tuk village safari – it’s a fun way to spot local fauna and connect with village life.
Most tours include hotel pickup and lunch, with prices ranging from $30-150 per person. Flexible cancellation policies are standard.
Let’s explore the top safari experiences in Bentota.
Key Points
- For a full-day wildlife experience, consider the Yala Safari Day Trip or the Full-Day Yala National Park Safari Tour, both highly rated and recommended by travelers.
- The Udawalawe Safari Daytrip and Udawalawe Safari Private Day Trip offer excellent opportunities to spot wild elephants, leopards, and other diverse fauna.
- The Bentota River Safari and Madu River Boat Safari provide 2-hour guided boat tours to observe local wildlife, such as crocodiles, lizards, and birds.
- The Guided Tuk Tuk Safari in Bentota Village offers a unique and personalized experience, including the opportunity to release turtles into the sea.
- The Bentota Village Tour with River Safari & Tea Plantation combines multiple activities, including a scenic boat ride, lunch, and tea heritage learning, for a comprehensive cultural and natural experience.
Udawalawe Safari Daytrip Frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa
The Udawalawe Safari Daytrip from Bentota, Kalutara, Ahungalla, or Hikkaduwa offers an opportunity to witness the majestic wildlife of the Udawalawe National Park.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 with a Badge of Excellence, the tour includes convenient pick-up and drop-off, park entry fees, and a safari jeep experience.
Travelers will also visit the Elephant Transit Home, where they can observe the rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.
With an English-speaking driver-guide, private transportation, and a delicious lunch included, this tour provides an unforgettable day of wildlife exploration.
The tour is highly recommended, with 98% of travelers endorsing it, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive Udawalawe safari adventure.
Read our full review: Udawalawe Safari Daytrip Frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa Review
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Bentota River Safari
Nestled along the captivating Bentota River, the Bentota River Safari offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s rich natural beauty.
During this 2-hour boat ride, explorers can spot a variety of local wildlife, including crocodiles, lizards, monkeys, and an array of bird species like kingfishers, eagles, and cormorants.
As the boat ventures through the dense mangroves, travelers will witness the vibrant ecosystems teeming with life.
Priced at Kč 1,556 per person, the tour provides a guided experience with full insurance coverage.
Guests can enjoy complimentary pick-up and drop-off, bottled water, and the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: Bentota River Safari Review
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Yala Safari Day Trip From Bentota/ Kalutara/ Ahungalla/ Hikkaduwa
Explorers can embark on a captivating Yala Safari Day Trip from Bentota, Kalutara, Ahungalla, or Hikkaduwa.
Praised for its seamless experience, knowledgeable guides, and memorable wildlife sightings, this tour boasts a 93% traveler recommendation.
For $155 per person, the package includes round-trip transportation, national park entry fees, a private safari jeep, and lunch.
Visitors may spot a variety of animals, though leopard sightings can be mixed.
With a Badge of Excellence and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this safari offers an exceptional value for a thrilling wildlife adventure.
Read our full review: Yala Safari Day Trip From Bentota/ Kalutara/ Ahungalla/ Hikkaduwa Review
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From Bentota: Elephant Transit Camp and Udawalawe Safari
Though nestled along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Bentota offers adventurous travelers an opportunity to explore the Elephant Transit Camp and Udawalawe National Park on a thrilling day trip.
Priced from €118.93 per person, this 1-day tour includes a 3-hour guided jeep safari, where you can spot wild elephants, crocodiles, and other wildlife.
You’ll also visit the Elephant Transit Camp to watch the orphaned elephants being fed. The tour also covers a trip to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and a stroll along Unawatuna Beach.
With round-trip transfers, entrance fees, and accident insurance included, this tour provides an exciting way to experience Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: From Bentota: Elephant Transit Camp and Udawalawe Safari Review
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VALUE PACK! One Day Safari Tour to Yala and Udawalawe – Private & All Inclusive
For those seeking an immersive safari experience in southern Sri Lanka, the VALUE PACK! One Day Safari Tour to Yala and Udawalawe is a must-consider option.
This private tour allows you to explore two national parks in a single day, with five hours spent in Yala and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe. The all-inclusive package covers park admission, a picnic lunch, and bottled water, and transportation is provided from various locations.
With a maximum of 20 travelers per tour and a knowledgeable English-speaking driver guide, this tour promises an unforgettable wildlife-watching adventure.
While some reviews note communication and timing concerns, the overall feedback highlights the excellent wildlife sightings, making this an appealing choice for safari enthusiasts.
Read our full review: VALUE PACK! One Day Safari Tour to Yala and Udawalawe – Private & All Inclusive Review
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Bentota River Safari (Lagoon Boat Safari)
The Bentota River Safari, also known as the Lagoon Boat Safari, offers visitors an immersive adventure through the stunning waterways and mangrove ecosystems of southern Sri Lanka.
During the 2-hour tour, guests can expect to witness rare animals like crocodiles, water monitors, and diverse bird species. The experience also includes an exploration of large mangrove areas and iconic views of the Bentota Moya Kata (Delta).
With knowledgeable English-speaking guides, the tour provides insights into the local wildlife and ecosystem. Participants can even hold a baby crocodile and feed monkeys, making this an unforgettable adventure.
Priced from SEK 393 per person, the Bentota River Safari is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting the region.
Read our full review: Bentota River Safari (Lagoon Boat Safari) Review
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Yala 4h Jeep Safari From Bentota: Guided Wildlife Experience
Exploring the diverse wildlife of Yala National Park from Bentota is a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts.
This 4-hour Jeep safari offers a guided wildlife adventure, recommended by 100% of travelers and boasting a 5.0 overall rating.
With private transportation, park entrance tickets, and an experienced guide, you’ll embark on a thrilling journey to spot Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife.
The tour includes a 4×4 Jeep safari, bottled water, and the flexibility to be dropped off at any point between the pickup location and Yala National Park.
Priced from $185 per person with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation, this private tour ensures an unforgettable encounter with Yala’s rich ecosystem.
Read our full review: Yala 4h Jeep Safari From Bentota: Guided Wildlife Experience Review
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Private Bentota River Safari Tour With Pickup
Experience the serene beauty of Bentota’s waterways with this private river safari tour. Glide through the winding mangrove ecosystems and spot exotic wildlife like kingfishers, water monitors, and monkeys.
Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary on the local biodiversity and ecology, enhancing your understanding of this unique environment. Enjoy the tranquility of the river and capture unforgettable memories with ample opportunities for scenic views and wildlife encounters.
Priced at $35.79 per person, the 2.5-hour tour includes round-trip transportation and all fees. With free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later, this immersive river safari is a must-do experience in Bentota.
Read our full review: Private Bentota River Safari Tour With Pickup Review
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Madu River Boat Safari Balapitiya
On the Madu River in Balapitiya, travelers can embark on a shared boat safari to enjoy the region’s diverse wildlife and natural wonders.
The 2-hour cruise allows visitors to spot monitor lizards, monkeys, crocodiles, and kingfishers in the mangroves and islands.
The tour also includes a visit to a Buddhist monastery, a fish pedicure spa, and a demonstration of local cinnamon usage.
Recommended by 96% of travelers and with a 4.7/5 rating, this hassle-free experience provides a convenient way to explore the ecosystem and local communities.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available, the tour offers a flexible booking process with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Madu River Boat Safari Balapitiya Review
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From Bentota: Udawalawa National Park Wildlife Safari
After immersing in the tranquil mangroves and diverse wildlife along the Madu River, travelers can venture to Udawalawa National Park for a full-day safari experience from Bentota.
This 12-hour tour offers a thrilling Jeep safari through the park, showcasing its thriving elephant population and other wildlife like buffaloes, wild boars, and over 50 butterfly species. An optional visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is also available.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, and park entrance fees, though lunch is at the traveler’s expense.
Vaccinated passengers must provide a negative PCR report, while unvaccinated ones need to complete a 14-day quarantine prior to the tour.
Read our full review: From Bentota: Udawalawa National Park Wildlife Safari Review
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Bentota River Safari By BTM (Mangrove & Wildlife Encounter)
For nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive encounter with Bentota’s rich biodiversity, the Bentota River Safari by BTM presents a captivating 2-hour cruise along the Bentota River.
Rated 4.9 from 79 reviews, the safari showcases diverse wildlife, including birds, lizards, monkeys, and crocodiles. Guests have reported sighting baby crocodiles, monitor lizards, and a variety of birds.
Knowledgeable local guides provide insights, and the tour includes pickup, bottled water, and all taxes. Offering personalized attention on private tours, the safari is ideal for nature lovers with limited time.
With a 97% recommendation rate, the Bentota River Safari promises an exceptional experience exploring the region’s captivating biodiversity.
Read our full review: Bentota River Safari By BTM (Mangrove & Wildlife Encounter) Review
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From Bentota: Full-Day Yala National Park Safari Tour
Travelers seeking to enjoy the captivating wildlife of Sri Lanka can embark on the full-day Yala National Park Safari Tour from Bentota. Priced at $105 per person, this 12-hour adventure offers the opportunity to explore the 126,786-hectare Yala National Park, home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and over 130 bird species.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a shared air-conditioned vehicle, a jeep safari, and national park entrance tickets. While lunch is provided, visitors should note that binoculars aren’t included.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a flexible and convenient way to witness Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: From Bentota: Full-Day Yala National Park Safari Tour Review
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Explore Bentota Village: Guided Tuk Tuk Safari
A unique opportunity to explore the vibrant Bentota Village awaits visitors on the Guided Tuk Tuk Safari. Rated 5.0 out of 15 reviews, this top-rated excursion provides a comprehensive introduction to the local culture and sights.
Travelers will be picked up by a private Tuk Tuk at their specified location, then guided through the village by an experienced 15+ year veteran.
Inclusions cover all entrance and activity fees, as well as the highlight – releasing turtles into the sea.
With a child rate available and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this is an accessible and flexible way to discover Bentota’s charms.
Read our full review: Explore Bentota Village: Guided Tuk Tuk Safari Review
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Udawalawe Safari Private Day Trip From Bentota and Kalutara Areas
Visitors exploring Bentota’s lush landscapes can embark on an immersive Udawalawe Safari day trip. This private tour offers guests the chance to spot wild elephants, water monitor lizards, water buffalo, deer, and even leopards in their natural habitat.
The open-top 4×4 game drive takes travelers through forests, marshlands, and plains, providing ample opportunities to observe the diverse wildlife. With hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking chauffeur guide, the experience is both convenient and enriching.
Priced starting at $220 per person, this safari tour receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its abundant wildlife sightings, making it a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting the Bentota and Kalutara areas.
Read our full review: Udawalawe Safari Private Day Trip From Bentota and Kalutara Areas Review
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Bentota Village Tour With River Safari & Tea Plantation/Factory – All Inclusive
Bentota offers an immersive village tour that combines a tranquil river safari and a visit to a captivating tea plantation and factory.
Priced from $120 per person, this full-day package includes hotel/port pickup, private transportation, and all entry fees.
Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the river, savoring a delicious lunch, and learning about Sri Lanka’s tea heritage.
With an impressive 4.9/5 star rating based on over 8 reviews, this tour provides a well-rounded cultural experience.
Suitable for most travelers, it’s a convenient option with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: Bentota Village Tour With River Safari & Tea Plantation/Factory – All Inclusive Review
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Udawalawe National Park Safari From Bentota
Nestled within the tranquil confines of Bentota, the Udawalawe National Park safari offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife.
Priced from $137 per person, this private tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking guide.
Explore the park’s vast landscapes, spotting elephants, deer, and a variety of birds along the way.
While food and drinks aren’t included, a complimentary water bottle is provided.
The experience lasts around 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.
Though not wheelchair accessible, this moderately strenuous safari is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Bentota.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Safari From Bentota Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Book a Safari Tour From Bentota?
You can book a safari tour from Bentota by contacting local tour operators or travel agencies. They’ll provide details on available safari options, pricing, and booking procedures. Reserving in advance is recommended to ensure availability during your desired travel dates.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on a Safari From Bentota?
The best time to go on a safari from Bentota is during the dry season, typically from May to September. This is when wildlife is more active and easier to spot in the national parks nearby.
Can I Combine Multiple Safari Experiences in a Single Day?
Yes, you can combine multiple safari experiences in a single day from Bentota. Many safari operators offer combined tours that allow you to visit different wildlife reserves and see a variety of animals in one excursion.
What Should I Bring With Me on a Safari Tour From Bentota?
On a safari tour from Bentota, you’ll want to bring essentials like water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera. Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and closed-toe shoes. Don’t forget to pack snacks and binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing.
Are There Any Age or Physical Restrictions for Safari Tours From Bentota?
There are no strict age or physical restrictions for safari tours from Bentota. However, the activities may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure the tour fits your needs.
The Sum Up
Bentota offers a variety of safari tours that allow visitors to explore the stunning natural landscapes of Sri Lanka. From day trips to Udawalawe and Yala National Parks to local river safaris and village tours, there’s something to suit every interest and budget. Whether you’re looking for a private or group experience, these tours provide an unforgettable opportunity to witness the country’s diverse wildlife and cultural heritage.