Hambantota Harbor: Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transits Home

Nestled along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Hambantota Harbor serves as an exciting gateway to the wonders of Udawalawe National Park and the captivating Elephant Transits Home. Visitors embark on a thrilling safari, where they’ll encounter the majestic Sri Lankan elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat. But the adventure doesn’t end there – the Elephant Transits Home offers a unique opportunity to witness the rehabilitation and conservation efforts behind these gentle giants, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. With the promise of unforgettable encounters and a chance to make a meaningful impact, this excursion promises to leave a lasting impression on all who venture forth.

Good To Know

• This tour offers a 6.5-hour experience including a safari in Udawalawe National Park and a visit to the Elephant Transits Home.
• The tour starts at €144.80 per person, with no upfront payment required and a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• The safari in Udawalawe National Park provides opportunities to see Sri Lankan elephants, buffalo, lizards, deer, and monkeys, with occasional leopard sightings.
• The Elephant Transits Home allows visitors to observe daily feeding sessions and learn about the challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s elephant population.
• The tour package includes transportation, entrance fees, refreshments, and other charges, ensuring a hassle-free and immersive experience in the natural wonders of Sri Lanka.

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour to Udawalawe Safari & Elephant Transits Home starts from €144.80 per person. Guests can reserve now and pay later, with no upfront payment required.

Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund. The tour lasts 6.5 hours and includes pickup from Hambantota Harbor and hotels.

Visitors will embark on a morning safari at Udawalawe National Park, home to diverse wildlife like Sri Lankan elephants, buffalo, and the occasional leopard.

After the safari, they’ll visit the Elephant Transits Home, an orphanage for abandoned baby elephants, to witness feeding sessions.

Transportation, entrance fees, refreshments, and other charges are all included in the package.

Safari Experience

After exploring the tour details and pricing, visitors will embark on an exhilarating morning safari at Udawalawe National Park.

The 3-4 hour game drive showcases the park’s diverse wildlife, including Sri Lankan elephants, buffalo, lizards, deer, and monkeys. Occasional sightings of leopards may also delight visitors.

Established to protect the wildlife around the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, the national park offers a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Customized safari jeeps provide an enhanced wildlife viewing experience, allowing visitors to navigate the park’s rugged terrain with ease.

Elephant Transits Home

Following the visit to Udawalawe National Park, visitors will head to the Elephant Transits Home, an orphanage dedicated to caring for abandoned baby elephants.

Here, they’ll witness the daily feeding sessions at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 6 pm, where they can observe the caretakers bottle-feeding the young pachyderms.

This visit supports the home’s conservation efforts, as the facility works to rehabilitate and eventually release these vulnerable elephants back into the wild.

Guests will appreciate the opportunity to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife.

Inclusions and Transportation

Included in the tour are transportation from the Hambantota Harbor and back by private vehicle.

The entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transits Home are also covered. Customized safari jeeps provide an enhanced wildlife viewing experience, ensuring a comfortable and immersive journey.

Refreshments and water are provided throughout the day, and the tour fee covers the fuel surcharge, driver charges, and parking fees.

Guests are encouraged to bring their passport, camera, and binoculars to make the most of the safari.

With ample preparation and flexibility, travelers can look forward to an unforgettable encounter with Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife.

Important Information and Tips

What should visitors keep in mind when embarking on this Udawalawe Safari and Elephant Transits Home experience?

Bringing essential items like a passport, camera, and binoculars is key. Ensuring the camera’s batteries and memory cards are sufficient is vital for capturing the stunning wildlife.

Given the unpredictable nature of wildlife sightings, maintaining patience and flexibility is crucial during the safari. Plus, a telephoto lens can enhance the quality of wildlife photographs.

Throughout the journey, visitors should embrace the opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders and conservation efforts surrounding the Elephant Transits Home.

Exploring Udawalawe National Park

The Udawalawe National Park is a vast and diverse wilderness, home to a remarkable array of wildlife.

During the safari, visitors can expect to encounter Sri Lankan elephants, magnificent in their sheer size, roaming freely across the park’s grasslands and forests. Buffalo, both solitary and in herds, graze peacefully, while agile deer dart between the trees.

Monkeys swing through the canopy, and the occasional leopard may even be spotted, if one is lucky.

The safari experience provides a unique opportunity to take in the natural wonders of Sri Lanka, observing the animals in their natural habitat and gaining a deeper appreciation for the country’s remarkable biodiversity.

Witnessing Elephant Care and Conservation

Beyond the exhilarating safari through Udawalawe National Park, visitors are invited to witness the remarkable efforts of the Elephant Transits Home, a pioneering institution dedicated to the care and conservation of orphaned Sri Lankan elephants.

This unique experience allows guests to:

• Observe the heartwarming feeding sessions where baby elephants are bottle-fed with care and affection
• Learn about the rehabilitation process that prepares these young pachyderms for eventual release back into the wild
• Understand the crucial role this facility plays in protecting the iconic Sri Lankan elephant population
• Gain a deeper appreciation for the conservation initiatives that safeguard these magnificent creatures.

The Elephant Transits Home offers a profound connection to the plight and resilience of Sri Lanka’s elephant community.

Customizing Your Safari Adventure

With the exhilarating safari complete, visitors can now customize their Udawalawe adventure to match their unique interests and preferences.

Opt for an extended stay at the captivating Elephant Transits Home to observe the feeding sessions throughout the day. Seek out rare wildlife sightings with the guidance of experienced drivers and naturalists.

Alternatively, learn about the serene natural landscapes, capturing breathtaking photographs to immortalize the memories. Forego the structured itinerary and explore the surroundings at your own pace, discovering hidden gems along the way.

Regardless of the chosen path, the Udawalawe experience offers endless opportunities to create a personalized and unforgettable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers can book this tour. The tour is open to individual participants, and there is no requirement for a group size. Solo travelers will enjoy the same itinerary and experiences as part of this excursion.

Do I Need Any Special Permits or Licenses to Participate?

No special permits or licenses are required to participate in this tour. Visitors simply need to provide a valid passport and can book the safari experience directly through the tour operator.

Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions for the Safari?

There are no age or health restrictions for the safari. Participants of all ages can join, though those with mobility issues may find the uneven terrain challenging. The tour is suitable for families and individuals alike.

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

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, refreshments and water are already provided as part of the tour’s inclusions, so bringing additional items is optional.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Mentioned?

The tour pricing covers all major expenses, including transportation, entrance fees, and refreshments. There don’t appear to be any additional costs or hidden fees mentioned, making it a straightforward and transparent booking experience.

The Sum Up

Hambantota Harbor offers an unforgettable gateway to Sri Lanka’s natural wonders. Visitors can embark on a thrilling safari in Udawalawe National Park, encountering majestic elephants and diverse wildlife. The Elephant Transits Home provides a unique opportunity to witness the rehabilitation and conservation efforts, fostering deeper appreciation for these remarkable creatures. This immersive experience showcases Sri Lanka’s dedication to protecting its rich biodiversity and wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.