From Ella :- Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

Exploring the untamed wilderness of Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park is a must-do for any nature enthusiast. This full-day tour from Ella takes you on an unforgettable journey, where you’ll witness the majestic Asian elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. But the experience doesn’t end there. You’ll also visit the Elephant Transit Home, a heartwarming sanctuary that cares for orphaned calves, allowing you to witness their feeding and rehabilitation firsthand. With a well-designed itinerary and convenient hotel pickups, this tour promises an immersive and meaningful encounter with Sri Lanka’s remarkable wildlife. What secrets and surprises might this adventure hold?

Good To Know

• A full-day safari to Udawalawe National Park from Ella, focusing on diverse wildlife, especially endangered wild Asian elephants.
• Includes a 30-minute visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to witness the feeding of baby elephants.
• Convenient hotel pickup from Ella, Bandarawela, or Haputale, with door-to-door service and return drop-off.
• Flexible pricing ranging from $89.86 to $71.89 per person, with savings of up to 20% for larger groups.
• Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews highlighting unforgettable elephant encounters and knowledgeable, personable guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This full-day safari in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka, offers travelers a chance to witness the region’s diverse wildlife, including its renowned population of wild Asian elephants.

Priced from $89.86 to $71.89 per person, with a potential savings of up to 20%, this 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup from Haputale, Ella, or Bandarawela.

It’s a private group experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing a flexible and personalized adventure.

Whether you’re seeking to spot elephants, crocodiles, or a variety of bird species, this comprehensive safari promises an immersive and memorable wildlife encounter.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a driver meeting participants at their hotel before embarking on a 1.5-hour car ride to Udawalawe National Park.

Once there, guests will enjoy 3 hours of wildlife viewing, including sightings of elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.

Afterward, the group will visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home for a 30-minute experience of feeding baby elephants.

Throughout the day, there will be opportunities for optional activities and scenic photo stops.

Wildlife Conservation

Udawalawe National Park is known for its large population of wild Asian elephants (Elephas maximus maximus), an endangered species. The Elephant Transit Home supports these gentle giants, established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and Born Free Foundation. As of 2008, 65 elephants had been released back to the wild, providing a vital lifeline for the species.

• The Transit Home cares for orphaned elephant calves, nursing them back to health and eventually reintroducing them to their natural habitat.

• This conservation effort is crucial, as Asian elephants face threats like habitat loss and human-elephant conflict.

• Visitors can witness the feeding and care of these baby elephants, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife preservation.

Pickup and Drop-off

Your safari adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Haputale, Ella, or Bandarawela. The driver will arrive at your location to whisk you away on an 8-hour journey to Udawalawe National Park. After your thrilling safari and visit to the Elephant Transit Home, you’ll be dropped off back at your original pickup point.

Pickup Location	Drop-off Location
Haputale	Haputale
Ella	Ella
Bandarawela	Bandarawela

This door-to-door service ensures a seamless experience, allowing you to sit back, relax, and fully learn about the wonders of Udawalawe’s wildlife and conservation efforts.

More Great Tours Nearby

Ticket Inclusions/Exclusions

This safari package includes the jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where you can witness the feeding of baby elephants.

However, the entry tickets to the national park and the Elephant Transit Home aren’t included in the tour price. Plus, food, drinks, and gratuities are also not part of the package.

• The exclusion of park and transit home tickets allows you to take advantage of any discounts or promotions offered at the time of your visit, optimizing your overall experience.

• The freedom to choose your own meals and refreshments enables you to cater to your personal preferences and dietary requirements.

• Tipping the driver and guide is optional, giving you the flexibility to reward exceptional service as you see fit.

What to Bring

Travelers may want to pack a few essential items for their Udawalawe safari and Elephant Transit Home tour. A credit card’s handy for entrance fees, while biodegradable sunscreen protects from the sun.

Travellers should remember travel insurance in case of emergencies. Some cash on hand covers incidentals and gratuities. Personal medications are a must, and a passport-sized photo may be required.

The safari and elephant home offer incredible wildlife encounters, so you will want to bring their cameras to capture the memories.

With these essentials packed, visitors can focus on enjoying the awe-inspiring sights and experiences that await them during this unforgettable tour.

Customer Feedback

Based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews, travelers have consistently praised the Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transit Home tour.

The standout aspects include:

• Unforgettable encounters with majestic elephants in their natural habitat, from spotting herds roaming the vast grasslands to observing the touching work of the Elephant Transit Home.

• The knowledgeable and personable guides, who expertly navigate the park and share fascinating insights into the wildlife and conservation efforts.

• The seamless logistics, with punctual pickups, comfortable transportation, and a well-paced itinerary that balances safari adventure and educational experiences.

With these glowing testimonials, it’s clear this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Sri Lanka’s rich ecological wonders.

Tour Pricing

Ranging from $89.86 to $71.89 per person, the Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transit Home tour offers a remarkable value proposition.

Depending on group size, travelers can save up to 20% on this full-day excursion. For eight hours, this private group experience provides a captivating safari through Udawalawe National Park, home to an impressive population of endangered Asian elephants.

Participants also visit the renowned Elephant Transit Home, where they’ll witness the heartwarming feeding of orphaned calves.

With complimentary transportation from Ella, Bandarawela, and Haputale, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour makes exploring Sri Lanka’s wildlife both accessible and flexible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While the tour includes bottled water, guests are allowed to bring their own food and additional drinks. This provides flexibility to enjoy the safari and elephant home experience according to one’s preferences and dietary needs.

Is the Safari Vehicle Air-Conditioned?

The safari vehicles are air-conditioned, providing a comfortable experience for travelers throughout the day’s activities. This allows visitors to fully enjoy the park’s wildlife sightings without being affected by the warm tropical climate.

Can I Take a Swim in the Park?

Unfortunately, swimming is not permitted within Udawalawe National Park. The park is focused on wildlife viewing and conservation efforts, and swimming could disturb the delicate ecosystem. Visitors must respect the park’s rules and guidelines during their safari experience.

Is There Any Age Restriction for the Tour?

There’s no age restriction for the tour, though participants must be able to get in and out of the safari jeep. The experience is suitable for all ages, allowing families to enjoy the wildlife and elephant viewing together.

Can I Book This Tour for a Corporate Event?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a corporate event. The private group experience allows for customization and personalized service, making it an excellent option for team-building or entertaining clients in a unique, natural setting.

The Sum Up

The Udawalawa Safari and Elephant Transit Home Tour from Ella offers a remarkable wildlife adventure in Sri Lanka. Guests can witness majestic Asian elephants and diverse flora and fauna during the jeep safari, followed by the heartwarming experience of observing the feeding of orphaned elephant calves. This well-balanced tour, with convenient transportation and a focus on conservation, is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: