Safari adventures from Bentota range from half-day river excursions to full-day national park expeditions. The standout options include Udawalawe, where elephants roam freely year-round, and Yala, boasting one of Asia’s highest leopard densities. I’m particularly fond of the Bentota River safari – it’s a budget-friendly way to spot crocodiles and monitor lizards while learning about local ecosystems.
For nature enthusiasts, the combined Yala-Udawalawe package delivers fantastic value, packing multiple wildlife encounters into one experience. The village tours with tuk-tuk rides offer an authentic slice of Sri Lankan life, complete with stops at working tea plantations.
Let’s explore the most rewarding safari tours this region has to offer.
Key Points
- The Udawalawe Safari Day Trip offers the opportunity to spot elephants and diverse wildlife in Udawalawe National Park, with private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a lowest price guarantee.
- The Yala Safari Day Trip provides the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including the possibility of spotting leopards, with private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a badge of excellence.
- The Bentota River Safari offers a 2-hour boat ride along the Bentota River, featuring diverse wildlife sightings and flexible travel plans with free cancellation.
- The Madu River Boat Safari is a 2-hour shared boat safari exploring the coastal River Madu, with sightings of monitor lizards, monkeys, crocodiles, and a visit to a Buddhist monastery.
- The Guided Tuk Tuk Safari in Bentota Village offers a private tour with an experienced guide, including activities such as turtle releasing and visits to local crafts and a temple.
Udawalawe Safari Daytrip Frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa
One of the most popular safari tours from Bentota, Kalutara, Ahungalla, and Hikkaduwa is the Udawalawe Safari Day Trip. Rated 4.9 out of 5 with 98% of travelers recommending it, this tour includes pick-up and drop-off, private transportation with an English-speaking guide, national park and Elephant Transit Home entry fees, a safari jeep, lunch, and bottled water.
The tour provides the opportunity to spot elephants and other wildlife in the Udawalawe National Park. Reviewers rave about the memorable experiences, excellent service, and emotional visits to the Elephant Transit Home.
With a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation, this safari tour is a top choice for those seeking an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Read our full review: Udawalawe Safari Daytrip Frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa Review
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Bentota River Safari
The Bentota River Safari offers visitors a captivating 2-hour boat ride along the Bentota River.
Priced at Kč 1,556 per person, this tour provides the opportunity to discover the area’s diverse wildlife, including crocodiles, lizards, monkeys, and a variety of bird species.
Guests can explore the dense mangroves and vibrant ecosystems while being guided in English, German, Hindi, or Russian.
The tour includes all taxes, free pick-up and drop-off from Bentota hotels, bottled water, and full insurance coverage.
Travelers can reserve their spot without payment and enjoy flexible travel plans, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Bentota River Safari Review
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Yala Safari Day Trip From Bentota/ Kalutara/ Ahungalla/ Hikkaduwa
Travelers seeking a thrilling wildlife adventure can embark on a Yala Safari Day Trip from Bentota, Kalutara, Ahungalla, or Hikkaduwa.
The tour boasts a 93% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence. Priced from $155 per person, the excursion includes pickup, national park entry fees, private transportation with an English-speaking guide, a safari jeep, and lunch.
Participants can expect seamless logistics, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, though visibility of leopards may vary.
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
Departing from Bentota or Kalutara, travelers can embark on a captivating day tour that combines a guided jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park with an immersive experience at the Elephant Transit Camp.
Priced from €118.93 per person, this one-day adventure offers the opportunity to spot wild elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, buffaloes, deer, and sloth bears in their natural habitat.
The tour also includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, where visitors can explore cobblestone alleys and medieval Dutch architecture, as well as a stroll along the tranquil Unawatuna Beach.
With round-trip transfers, professional guides, and accident insurance included, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural 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
Explore the diverse wildlife of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks in a single day on this comprehensive safari adventure.
This all-inclusive tour offers five hours in Yala and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, allowing you to spot a variety of animals like elephants, water buffalos, and leopards.
Enjoy a picnic lunch and travel in a comfortable vehicle with an English-speaking driver guide.
With a maximum of 20 travelers per tour and free pickup and drop-off, this value-packed safari is an excellent option for those seeking a seamless wildlife experience from Bentota.
Customers praise the knowledgeable guides and plentiful wildlife sightings, making this tour a top choice.
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)
Adventurers can embark on a captivating 2-hour Bentota River Safari, also known as the Lagoon Boat Safari, which departs from near the Bentota Bridge.
Priced from SEK 393 per person, this tour offers the chance to witness rare wildlife like crocodiles, water monitors, and diverse bird species. Guests will explore expansive mangrove areas and enjoy iconic views of the Bentota Moya Kata (Delta) while cruising through the stunning riverine scenery.
Led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, the safari provides insights into the local ecosystem. Pickup and drop-off services are available, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance.
With an impressive 4.9/5 rating, this Bentota River Safari promises an unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: Bentota River Safari (Lagoon Boat Safari) Review
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Yala 4h Jeep Safari From Bentota: Guided Wildlife Experience
Situated just a short drive from Bentota, the Yala 4h Jeep Safari offers adventurous travelers a guided wildlife experience within the renowned Yala National Park.
Recommended by 100% of previous participants, this tour provides a badge of excellence with its 5.0 overall rating from 16 reviews.
Travelers will enjoy private transport in an air-conditioned car, national park entrance tickets, an experienced wildlife guide, and a 4×4 Safari Jeep.
While not suitable for those with back problems or pregnant women, this tour is accessible for most travelers.
With a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Yala 4h Jeep Safari is an excellent choice for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Bentota.
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
For those seeking a more tranquil wildlife experience during their stay in Bentota, the Private Bentota River Safari Tour offers a serene alternative to the exhilarating Yala Jeep Safari.
Priced at just $35.79 per person, this 2.5-hour boat cruise allows visitors to glide through the winding waterways of the mangrove ecosystems, spotting exotic wildlife like kingfishers, water monitors, and monkeys along the way.
Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary on the local biodiversity and ecology, enhancing the experience.
With free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts looking to capture unforgettable memories in Bentota’s serene riverside setting.
Read our full review: Private Bentota River Safari Tour With Pickup Review
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Madu River Boat Safari Balapitiya
The Madu River Boat Safari Balapitiya provides travelers with a captivating opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s coastal River Madu.
The 2-hour shared boat safari allows visitors to witness the vibrant wildlife and mangroves, including sightings of monitor lizards, monkeys, crocodiles, and kingfishers.
The tour includes visits to a Buddhist monastery, a fish pedicure spa, and a demonstration of local cinnamon usage in cooking.
With a 4.7/5 rating and a Badge of Excellence, this safari is highly recommended by 96% of travelers.
It’s a hassle-free way to experience the ecosystem and local communities, and is accessible for wheelchair and stroller users.
Read our full review: Madu River Boat Safari Balapitiya Review
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From Bentota: Udawalawa National Park Wildlife Safari
From the picturesque coastal town of Bentota, travelers can embark on a thrilling full-day safari adventure to Udawalawe National Park.
This 12-hour tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the thriving elephant population and diverse wildlife of the national park. The safari drive by Jeep lasts around 3 hours, during which you’ll spot buffalo, wild boar, and over 50 butterfly species.
An optional visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home provides an additional wildlife encounter.
With hotel pick-up and drop-off, comfortable transportation, and flexible cancellation policies, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Bentota.
Read our full review: From Bentota: Udawalawa National Park Wildlife Safari Review
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Bentota River Safari By BTM (Mangrove & Wildlife Encounter)
Departing from the picturesque coastal town of Bentota, travelers can embark on a captivating 2-hour river safari that showcases the area’s diverse wildlife and lush mangrove scenery.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 79 reviews, the Bentota River Safari by BTM offers a personalized experience led by knowledgeable local guides. Guests can expect to spot a variety of species, including eagles, bee-eaters, cormorants, monkeys, and even crocodiles.
The tour includes convenient amenities like bottled water, hotel pickup/drop-off, and all taxes. With a minimum of 2 people required per booking, this safari is an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and those with limited time in Bentota.
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
For travelers seeking a deeper immersion into Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife, the full-day Yala National Park safari tour from Bentota offers an unparalleled opportunity.
Priced at $105 per person, this 12-hour excursion promises to transport guests to one of the country’s premier national parks, home to an abundance of elephants, leopards, and over 130 bird species.
The tour includes hotel pickup, a shared air-conditioned vehicle, and a jeep safari through the 126,786-hectare reserve.
While lunch incurs an optional extra fee, the tour provides bottled water and national park entrance tickets.
However, the lack of binoculars may be a drawback for some birdwatching enthusiasts.
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
Nestled along Sri Lanka’s sun-kissed southwestern coastline, the Explore Bentota Village: Guided Tuk Tuk Safari offers travelers an immersive glimpse into the vibrant local culture and traditions of this charming seaside town.
Rated 5.0 stars by 15 travelers, this private tour takes guests on a leisurely tuk-tuk ride to discover Bentota’s hidden gems.
Led by an experienced 15+ year guide, the tour includes a turtle-releasing activity, insights into local crafts like coconut fiber ropes and cinnamon stick making, and a visit to a temple.
With all entrance fees, transportation, and gratuities included, this tour is a hassle-free way to explore Bentota’s vibrant village life.
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
From the sun-kissed beaches of Bentota and Kalutara, travelers can embark on a private day trip to Udawalawe National Park, a premier wildlife destination renowned for its abundant elephant population.
This excursion aboard an open-top 4×4 game vehicle offers the chance to spot herds of elephants, as well as water monitor lizards, water buffalo, deer, and even the elusive leopard.
The guided safari includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and an English-speaking driver.
While lunch is at your own expense, bottled water is provided.
With confirmed bookings and positive reviews highlighting abundant wildlife sightings, this private tour promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.
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
This Bentota village tour offers travelers an immersive, all-inclusive experience, blending a scenic river safari with a visit to a renowned tea plantation and factory.
Priced from $120 per person, the tour includes hotel/port pickup, private transportation, a boat cruise, lunch, and all taxes and fees.
With an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 8 reviews, the tour is highly regarded for its engaging itinerary and convenient pickup options across multiple towns.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available, and most travelers can participate.
Travelers can book with confidence, as the tour offers 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
Travelers seeking a thrilling wildlife adventure can embark on an Udawalawe National Park safari from the coastal town of Bentota.
This private tour includes hotel pickup, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking guide. Visitors will have the opportunity to spot elephants, leopards, and other native fauna within the park’s lush landscapes.
The tour is priced from $137 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. However, it’s not recommended for those with physical limitations or medical conditions.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Safari From Bentota Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request Specific Safari Activities or Experiences?
Yes, you can usually request specific safari activities or experiences. Many tour operators offer customizable options to cater to your interests, whether it’s wildlife viewing, birdwatching, or other specialized experiences.
Are Food and Refreshments Provided During the Safari Tours?
Yes, most safari tours in Bentota include food and refreshments. Guides typically provide a packed lunch, snacks, and bottled water during the safari excursion to keep travelers nourished and hydrated throughout the experience.
What Should I Bring for the Safari Tours?
When going on a safari tour, it’s recommended to bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and water. Plus, bringing a camera or binoculars can enhance the wildlife viewing experience.
Are the Safari Tours Suitable for Children?
The safari tours are generally suitable for children, though parental discretion is advised. Many tours offer child-friendly activities and accommodations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for families. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific recommendations.
Can I Customize the Safari Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
Yes, most safari tour providers in the area allow customers to customize their itinerary to their preferences. This gives travelers the flexibility to focus on the activities and sights they’re most interested in during their safari experience.
The Sum Up
Bentota offers a range of captivating safari tours. Visitors can explore the Udawalawe National Park, embark on a Bentota River Safari, or visit the Yala National Park. There are also opportunities to see the Elephant Transit Camp and experience a guided tuk-tuk safari through Bentota Village. With various package options, travelers can tailor their safari adventure to their interests and budget.