Nestled amidst Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes, the Udawalawe National Park beckons adventure-seekers with the promise of an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Setting out from the charming town of Ella, this half-day tour invites you to embark on a thrilling safari, where the chance to spot majestic elephants, crocodiles, and a vibrant array of birds awaits. But the true highlight lies in a heartwarming visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where you’ll engage in a 30-minute feeding session with orphaned baby elephants, witnessing firsthand the conservation efforts that strive to protect these gentle giants. With all logistics taken care of, the stage is set for an immersive exploration into Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.
Good To Know
- Half-day tour from Ella to Udawalawe National Park and Elephant Transit Home, offering a guided safari and interaction with orphaned baby elephants.
- Prices start from €70.06 per person, with a 5% discount and private tour option available, along with flexible booking and cancellation policies.
- Diverse wildlife sightings during the safari, including elephants, crocodiles, deer, and over 30 bird species.
- Elephant Transit Home visit provides insight into conservation efforts and the rehabilitation of orphaned baby elephants.
- Comprehensive 8-hour experience includes round-trip transfers, all entrance fees, and an air-conditioned vehicle for a seamless wildlife adventure.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
The Udawalawe Safari with Elephant Transit Home Visit offers travelers an immersive wildlife adventure.
This half-day tour from Ella takes you to Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home. During the 8-hour experience, you’ll embark on a guided safari jeep tour, spotting a diverse array of animals like elephants, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
At the Elephant Transit Home, you’ll have the opportunity to feed orphaned baby elephants for 30 minutes, gaining insight into wildlife conservation efforts.
With round-trip transfers, an air-conditioned vehicle, and all entrance fees included, this tour provides a seamless and memorable experience for nature enthusiasts.
Tour Pricing
Prices for the Udawalawe Safari with Elephant Transit Home Visit start from €70.06 per person, with savings of up to 5% available. The 8-hour tour includes round-trip transportation from Ella, a guided safari through Udawalawe National Park, and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home where you can feed orphaned baby elephants.
Tour Options | Price per Person |
---|---|
Standard | €70.06 |
With 5% Discount | €66.56 |
Private Tour | €95.00 |
The tour offers flexible booking options, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the ability to reserve your spot with no upfront payment. Experience the diverse wildlife of Udawalawe and engage with conservation efforts at the Elephant Transit Home on this immersive day trip.
Wildlife Sightings
On a guided safari through the expansive Udawalawe National Park, visitors can spot a diverse array of wildlife.
Elephants are the star attraction, with herds roaming freely through the grasslands. Crocodiles bask on the riverbanks, while wild boars and buffalos graze nearby.
Nimble-footed deer, both spotted and barking, dart through the brush, and the elusive mongoose scurries across the path.
Overhead, a kaleidoscope of butterflies and birds take flight, including over 30 species of snakes.
This safari offers a unique opportunity to witness the park’s vibrant ecosystem and the incredible variety of animals that call it home.
Elephant Transit Home
After the captivating wildlife sightings in Udawalawe National Park, visitors can embark on a meaningful experience at the Elephant Transit Home.
This specialized facility cares for orphaned and injured baby elephants, providing them with the necessary rehabilitation and nutrition before reintroducing them to the wild. Guests have the opportunity to observe and even feed these vulnerable pachyderms, fostering a deeper connection with the region’s conservation efforts.
The 30-minute interaction allows visitors to witness the dedicated work of the caretakers and understand the challenges faced in protecting Sri Lanka’s iconic elephants.
This enriching encounter completes the day’s adventure, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
Tour Duration
The half-day tour from Ella to Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home spans around 8 hours, providing ample time for visitors to enjoy the region’s captivating wildlife and conservation efforts.
Guests can expect to embark on an exciting jeep safari through the national park, where they’ll have the opportunity to spot a diverse array of animals, including wild elephants, crocodiles, and an array of birds and butterflies.
The tour also includes a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, allowing participants to observe the vital work being done to rehabilitate and care for orphaned baby elephants.
With the convenience of round-trip transportation and all entrance fees included, this tour offers a comprehensive and hassle-free wildlife experience.
Cancellation Policy
Travelers enjoy the flexibility of this tour’s cancellation policy, which allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives guests the freedom to adjust their plans without penalty should any unexpected events arise.
The policy offers several key benefits:
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Peace of mind – Travelers can book the tour with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change.
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Flexibility – Last-minute changes are no problem, allowing guests to adapt their itinerary as needed.
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Risk-free booking – There’s no upfront payment required, so guests can reserve their spot without any financial commitment until closer to the tour date.
Transportation Logistics
Getting to and from the safari destinations is a seamless process. The tour includes round-trip transfers from your hotel in Ella, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
You’ll be picked up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and driven to the Elephant Transit Home, which is about a 2-hour journey from Ella.
Once you’ve enjoyed your time with the orphaned baby elephants, you’ll be whisked away to the Udawalawe National Park for an exciting jeep safari.
After the safari, you’ll be dropped back off at your hotel, completing the day’s adventure.
The transportation logistics are well-coordinated, allowing you to focus on the wildlife encounters without worrying about the logistics.
Tour Inclusions
The tour package includes several key components to ensure a comprehensive and seamless Udawalawe safari experience.
Travelers can expect the following:
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Comfortable transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing journey to and from the national park.
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A guided jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park, providing the opportunity to spot a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
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A visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where visitors can engage with conservation efforts and observe the feeding of orphaned baby elephants.
These inclusions work together to create an immersive and memorable wildlife adventure, allowing travelers to fully experience the natural wonders of Udawalawe.
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- Ella: Little Adams Peak and Nine Arch Bridge Half-Day Tour
- Ella Rock & 9 Arch Bridge, Little Adams Peak With Transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Meals Included in the Tour Package?
The tour package doesn’t include meals, but the day is filled with wildlife experiences like safari drives and elephant feedings. Travelers can enjoy snacks and refreshments during the tour and have the option to purchase lunch separately.
Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?
The tour doesn’t specify a minimum or maximum group size. Guests can book the tour individually or with a group and enjoy the wildlife experience and Elephant Transit Home visit at their own pace.
Can I Bring My Own Camera/Video Equipment?
Participants are welcome to bring their own camera and video equipment on the tour. This allows them to capture the stunning wildlife and scenery at Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home during the experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions, allowing visitors of all ages to participate. Children will enjoy observing the baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home and spotting diverse wildlife during the Udawalawe National Park safari.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?
The tour is suitable for people with disabilities, as it includes round-trip transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle. The safari jeep is accessible, and the Elephant Transit Home visit can accommodate most needs. Guests should inquire about specific requirements when booking.
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The Sum Up
Set out on a captivating safari through Udawalawe National Park, where you’ll witness the majesty of Sri Lanka’s elephants. Encounter these gentle giants up close during a heart-warming visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where you’ll have the privilege of feeding the orphaned calves. With round-trip transfers, air-conditioned comfort, and all fees included, this immersive wildlife experience showcases the nation’s conservation efforts and natural beauty.