From Ella: Udawalawe Safari With Elephant Transit Home

Embark on an immersive journey through the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park, where the country’s majestic wildlife reigns supreme. This captivating 10-hour safari from Ella promises an unforgettable encounter with some 500 free-roaming elephants, along with a chance to witness the rehabilitation efforts at the Elephant Transit Home. As you navigate the park’s diverse terrain, prepare to be captivated by the region’s rich biodiversity and the awe-inspiring natural wonders that lie in wait. But the real question is, what unexpected delights might this excursion have in store?

Good To Know

• A 10-hour tour from Ella to Udawalawe National Park, known for its population of around 500 elephants, along with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home.
• The tour includes a 3-hour game drive within the 230,821-hectare park, with opportunities to spot elephants, wild buffalo, deer, and more.
• Bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, and a lunch at a local hotel are included, while park entrance fees and optional activities are excluded.
• Comfortable attire and sun protection are recommended, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
• The tour has an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5, with mixed feedback on the transportation, but positive comments on the service quality and value for money.

Tour Overview

The Udawalawe Safari is a 10-hour tour that takes visitors deep into Udawalawe National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destinations.

Located in the southern region of the country, the tour departs from the town of Ella and includes round-trip transportation. Priced from $75 per person, the safari offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Throughout the day, guests can expect to spot Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife, including approximately 500 elephants that roam the expansive 230,821-hectare park.

The tour also includes a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where travelers can observe the park’s rescued and rehabilitated elephant calves.

Itinerary

The tour departs at 9:00 AM from your hotel in Ella and takes a 2-hour car ride to reach Udawalawe National Park.

Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a 3-hour game drive and wildlife viewing experience within the vast 230,821-hectare park. You’ll have the opportunity to spot the park’s diverse inhabitants, including approximately 500 elephants, wild buffalo, deer, and various other species.

After the safari, you’ll visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where you can observe the rehabilitation efforts for orphaned elephants.

The tour wraps up with a lunch at a local hotel before returning to Ella.

Wildlife and Attractions

Udawalawe National Park spans a vast 230,821 hectares and is home to approximately 500 elephants, the park’s most iconic residents. Beyond the elephants, the park is teeming with diverse wildlife, including wild buffalo, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, sambhur, hare, mongoose, crocodiles, and 30 snake species. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 50 species of butterflies and various bird species recorded. The park’s attractions offer a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.

Wildlife	Birds	Butterflies
Elephants	50+ species	50 species
Wild buffalo	Recorded	Recorded
Deer species

Inclusions

For the Udawalawe Safari, a number of inclusions are provided to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Bottled water is included to keep you hydrated throughout the day. You’ll be transported by an air-conditioned vehicle, making the 2-hour journey from Ella to the national park comfortable.

Once there, you’ll embark on a safari by Jeep, enjoying the park’s diverse wildlife.

Lunch at a local hotel is also included, so you can refuel after the game drive.

Exclusions

Although the Udawalawe Safari includes several amenities, there are a few exclusions to be aware of. The entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home aren’t covered in the tour price. Visitors will need to pay these fees separately upon arrival.

Plus, the tour doesn’t include any optional activities or purchases made within the park or at the transit home. Travelers should be prepared to cover these additional costs out-of-pocket.

It’s important to factor in these exclusions when budgeting for the overall experience to avoid any unexpected expenses during the safari.

Important Information

Travelers should come prepared for the Udawalawe Safari with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Smoking and bringing large bags or luggage aren’t allowed on the tour.

The safari isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to the unpaved, bumpy roads within the national park.

With an overall rating of 3.3/5 based on 4 reviews, customers highlighted the transportation quality as 2/5, but praised the value for money, service, and organization as 4/5 or 5/5.

Visitors should be aware of these important details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable safari experience at Udawalawe National Park.

Transportation Details

The tour includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle from the traveler’s hotel in Ella to Udawalawe National Park, a journey of approximately 2 hours each way. The comfortable, climate-controlled transport ensures a smooth and enjoyable ride. Upon arrival, visitors will be dropped off at the park entrance, ready to embark on the safari adventure.

Departure	Travel Time	Return
9:00 AM from Ella	2 hours	Back to Ella after lunch
Pickup included from hotel	Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle	Back to hotel in Ella
Start the day early	Scenic drive through the countryside	End the tour in the afternoon

Customer Reviews

Customers have offered a mixed response to the Udawalawe Safari tour, with an overall rating of 3.3 out of 5 based on 4 reviews.

While the service and organization were praised, with 5 out of 5 ratings, the transportation received a lower 2 out of 5 score.

Reviewers highlighted the value for money as a positive, with a 4 out of 5 rating.

The tour’s key strengths include:

1. Excellent service and organization
2. Good value for money
3. Opportunities to see diverse wildlife in Udawalawe National Park

However, transportation issues and logistical challenges appear to have impacted the overall customer experience for some travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in Ella?

Yes, you can easily combine this Udawalawe safari tour with other activities in Ella. The tour’s flexible schedule and location make it convenient to pair with hiking, tea plantation visits, or exploration of Ella’s charming town during your stay.

Are There Any Stops or Additional Activities During the Safari?

The safari tour includes a game drive and wildlife viewing in Udawalawe National Park, as well as a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. There aren’t any other stops or additional activities during the safari.

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?

The typical group size for this tour is not specified in the provided information. The tour is offered as a private or small group experience, though the exact group size may vary depending on the booking details and demand.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to individual preferences. Customers can adjust the itinerary, duration, and activities based on their interests, subject to availability and additional fees. The tour operator is flexible in accommodating personalized requests.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Mentioned?

The key additional costs not mentioned are the entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home, which visitors must pay separately. These fees are not included in the tour price.

The Sum Up

This thrilling 10-hour Udawalawe Safari from Ella offers a remarkable opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife, including the iconic elephants in their natural habitat. The tour combines a scenic drive, captivating game drive, and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience. Complemented by complimentary refreshments and a delicious local lunch, this safari is a must-do for nature enthusiasts exploring the stunning Udawalawe region.