Safari options at Udawalawe National Park are refreshingly straightforward, with three main choices that won’t leave you scratching your head. The morning/afternoon 3-hour tour hits the sweet spot – it’s long enough to see plenty of wildlife but won’t eat up your whole day. For the ambitious traveler, the 10-hour and full-day options with lunch pack in more wildlife encounters, though they’re not necessary for a satisfying experience.
I’m particularly fond of the half-day morning safari – you’ll catch the animals at their most active, and at $25, it’s a fantastic value. The private tours (around €145) are worth considering if you prefer a more intimate experience and want to linger at wildlife sightings.
Every tour includes hotel pickup and experienced guides who know exactly where to spot those magnificent elephants, which are truly the stars of the show. You might also catch glimpses of leopards, buffaloes, and countless bird species.
Let’s get straight to the most rewarding safari tours at Udawalawe:
Key Points
- Udawalawe National Park offers diverse safari tours ranging from 3-hour private safaris to 14-hour full-day experiences, catering to various budgets and preferences.
- The park is renowned for its large elephant population, with the potential to spot leopards, wild buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and various bird species.
- Safari tours include convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, a private 4×4 safari jeep, air-conditioned transportation, and a delicious lunch with scenic views on full-day tours.
- Highly rated safari tours offer free cancellation, flexible booking options, and knowledgeable guides who provide an immersive and memorable wildlife experience.
- Certain restrictions apply, such as not being suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back issues, and prohibitions on drones, alcohol, and drugs during the tours.
Udawalawe Wild Safari Tours | 10 Hours Safari
offers a comprehensive 10-hour safari experience that immerses visitors in the rich biodiversity of Udawalawe National Park.
Priced from $71.63 per person, the tour provides a live English-speaking guide with over 10 years of experience, offering the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species.
A private 4×4 safari jeep, delicious lunch with scenic river views, and water bottles are included.
Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Udawalawe area, as well as national park entrance fees, are also provided.
The safari isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and restrictions include no drones, alcohol, or drugs.
Read our full review: Udawalawe Wild Safari Tours | 10 Hours Safari Review
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Udawalawe: Full-Day Safari Experience With Lunch
Immersing visitors in the breathtaking wilderness of Udawalawe National Park, the full-day safari experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the park’s diverse array of wildlife.
At €145.37 per person, the 14-hour tour includes hotel pickup, private safari transportation, a professional guide, and a delectable picnic lunch with refreshments.
Exploring the park’s vast 230,821 hectares, travelers can expect to encounter approximately 500 elephants, as well as a host of other species, including wild buffalo, deer, boar, and an array of reptiles and birds.
With flexible booking options and impressive customer feedback, this safari tour promises an unforgettable adventure in one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destinations.
Read our full review: Udawalawe: Full-Day Safari Experience With Lunch Review
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Udawalawe National Park Afternoon or Morning Safari
Oftentimes, visitors to Udawalawe National Park opt for the 3-hour morning or afternoon safari, offering an affordable yet immersive wildlife experience. Priced from $100 per person, the safari allows travelers to spot herds of Sri Lankan elephants, as well as other species like water buffalo, monitor lizards, and diverse birdlife.
The park serves as a sanctuary for animals displaced by the Udawalawe Reservoir construction. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this safari is a convenient and flexible choice.
Pickup from centrally located hotels, park entrance tickets, and refreshments are all included, making it a hassle-free way to explore Udawalawe’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Udawalawe National Park Afternoon or Morning Safari Review
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Udawalawa National Park: Private Safari
For those seeking a more personalized and exclusive safari experience in Udawalawa National Park, the private safari option provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning natural landscapes.
Priced from $25 per person, the 3-hour private safari allows visitors to spot herds of elephants, water buffaloes, and other native species in the 30,821-hectare reserve.
Accompanied by an experienced driver and tracker, the tour offers the flexibility of free cancellation and the convenience of pickup.
With high ratings for guides, transportation, and value, this private safari is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the park’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Udawalawa National Park: Private Safari Review
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From Ella: Udawalawe Safari With Elephant Transit Home
Setting out on a full-day journey from the charming town of Ella, this Udawalawe safari tour provides visitors with the opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife of the 230,821-hectare national park, as well as to visit the renowned Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.
Priced at $65 per person, the 10-hour tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and a Jeep safari. Guests can expect to see elephants, buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
The tour also includes a stop at the Elephant Transit Home, where visitors can observe the facility’s efforts to rehabilitate and release orphaned elephants.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a convenient and immersive safari experience.
Read our full review: From Ella: Udawalawe Safari With Elephant Transit Home Review
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From Ella: All Inclusive Udawalawe National Park Safari
Departing from the charming town of Ella, this all-inclusive Udawalawe National Park safari promises an immersive wildlife experience.
Priced from €132.47 per person, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a 3-hour guided safari, and chances to spot elephants, deer, and other endemic species.
Led by an English-speaking guide, the adventure also features scenic stops, local dessert tastings, and tea served in coconut cups on the return trip.
With a 4.9/5 overall rating, this safari receives high marks for its knowledgeable guide, comfortable transportation, and value for money.
Suitable for most travelers, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women due to the nature of the activities.
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
This comprehensive Udawalawe National Park Safari and Elephant Transit Home Tour offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the region’s diverse wildlife.
Priced at just $28.65 per person, the 4-hour tour includes a thrilling 4×4 Jeep safari through the national park, where you’ll spot elephants, buffalos, deer, and a variety of other animals.
You’ll also visit the Elephant Transit Home to observe the feeding of baby elephants.
With knowledgeable guides, reliable transportation, and overwhelmingly positive reviews, this tour provides excellent value and an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Read our full review: Udawalawe: National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour Review
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Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa: Udawalawe Safari
Visitors looking to explore the abundant wildlife of Udawalawe National Park can opt for the Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa: Udawalawe Safari tour.
Priced at $118.74 per person, the tour offers a 3-hour Jeep safari in the park known for its large Asian elephant herd.
With the opportunity to see crocodiles, buffalo, and various bird species, the safari promises an immersive wildlife experience.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all transportation, guides, fees, and gratuities.
While not suitable for certain individuals, the overall rating of 4.3/5 based on 3 reviews highlights the attentive guides and great wildlife encounters.
Read our full review: Galle/Unawatuna/Mirissa: Udawalawe Safari Review
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Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa & Udawalawa Safari
When travelers to Ella wish to explore the wildlife of Udawalawe National Park, they can opt for the convenient Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa & Udawalawa Safari tour.
This full-day experience includes a 3-hour safari through the park, where they can spot herds of elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and more.
The tour also provides hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and an open safari jeep for the wildlife viewing.
Priced at $95.26 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and has received an overall rating of 4.3/5 from past travelers, who praised the friendly drivers and seamless transfers.
Read our full review: Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa & Udawalawa Safari Review
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Hambantota: Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transit Home Trip
Travelers exploring Udawalawe National Park can embark on a comprehensive 4-hour safari and Elephant Transit Home trip from the Hambantota area.
Priced at $64.30 per person, the tour offers a chance to observe diverse wildlife, including elephants, water buffalo, monitor lizards, and more.
The experience includes a jeep safari through the park and a visit to the renowned Elephant Transit Home, one of Asia’s largest elephant sanctuaries.
Pickup and drop-off are provided, and the tour features a professional driver/guide.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 25 reviews, this safari tour is highly recommended for cruise visitors and land-based travelers alike.
Read our full review: Hambantota: Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transit Home Trip Review
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Udawalawa: Udawalawa National Park Safari Tour
Oftentimes, visitors to Udawalawe National Park embark on a comprehensive 3-hour safari tour to discover the diverse wildlife within its 230,821-hectare expanse.
Priced from $25.52 per person, the tour allows participants to spot approximately 500 elephants, as well as buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and more. Guests can experience the best elephant gathering outside of Africa and observe a variety of other species, including wild boar, sambar, hare, mongoose, snakes, and butterflies.
The tour includes pickup, transportation in a safari jeep, an English-speaking guide, park entrance fees, and a picnic lunch.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 based on 84 reviews, the tour offers excellent value for money and memorable wildlife sightings, though leopard encounters may not be guaranteed.
Read our full review: Udawalawa: Udawalawa National Park Safari Tour Review
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Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Hom
A popular activity for visitors based in Tangalle or Hiriketiya is the Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transit Home tour.
This half-day safari offers the chance to see Udawalawe National Park’s thriving elephant population and other wildlife like crocodiles, buffalo, and birds. Priced from $91.52 to $96.34 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a professional guide.
While the Elephant Transit Home visit is deemed unnecessary by some, the safari itself receives high praise. Reviewers recommend an early start and bringing water.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems. With free cancellation and a pay later option, this safari is a convenient way to experience Udawalawe’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Hom Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Times to Go on a Safari?
The best times to go on a safari are early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active. Visitors should avoid the midday heat when wildlife is typically less visible.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Safari Participants?
Most safari tours don’t have age restrictions, but young children may not enjoy the experience. Operators usually recommend that children be at least 8 years old to participate comfortably and safely. Some tours may have minimum age requirements.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Safari?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the safari. Most tours allow visitors to pack their own snacks and beverages, though some may offer refreshments for purchase. Check with the tour operator for their specific policies.
What Should I Bring to Ensure a Comfortable Safari Experience?
To ensure a comfortable safari experience, it’s recommended to bring sun protection, insect repellent, comfortable clothing, binoculars, and a camera. Bringing snacks and water can also make the journey more enjoyable.
Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Associated With the Safari?
There may be additional costs or fees associated with the safari, such as entrance fees, guide fees, and potentially fees for optional activities. It’s best to check with the tour operator in advance to understand the full cost breakdown.
The Sum Up
Udawalawe National Park offers a range of safari tours to suit various preferences. Whether it’s a full-day experience with lunch or a private safari, travelers can explore the park’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, at their convenience. With options from nearby towns like Ella and Tangalle, visitors can seamlessly incorporate the safari into their Sri Lankan itinerary.