Exploring the diverse wonders of Sri Lanka’s natural landscape, the Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Orphanage tour offers an unforgettable experience. Travelers can enjoy the lush Udawalawa National Park, home to a thriving elephant population, and visit the Elephant Transit Home, where they’ll witness the heartwarming rehabilitation of orphaned baby elephants. With expert guides and convenient round-trip transfers, this tour promises an enriching adventure – one that not only delights but also supports crucial conservation efforts.

Contents show

Key Points

The 7-hour tour includes a guided safari jeep tour in Udawalawa National Park and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home to feed orphaned baby elephants.
The tour cost ranges from $90.00 to $85.50 per person, with up to 5% savings, and includes round-trip hotel transfers.
Participants can witness a variety of wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, wild boars, buffalos, and spotted deer, in their natural habitats.
The Elephant Transit Home visit provides a unique and heartwarming experience to interact with and feed orphaned baby elephants.
The tour offers a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour takes place in Tangalle/Hiriketiya and includes a half-day excursion to Udawalawa National Park and the Elephant Transit Home.

Lasting 7 hours, the tour costs between $90.00 and $85.50 per person, with up to 5% savings. Tourists can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The package includes round-trip hotel transfers, a guided safari jeep tour, and the opportunity to feed orphaned baby elephants.

A guided safari jeep tour, round-trip hotel transfers, and the chance to feed orphaned baby elephants – all part of this exciting package.

Udawalawa National Park is known for its abundant elephant population and diverse wildlife, while the Elephant Transit Home provides a unique experience caring for elephant calves.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Matara

Highlights of the Tour

This tour offers several highlights for visitors.

The guided safari jeep tour in Udawalawa National Park provides the opportunity to see a variety of wild animals, including elephants, crocodiles, wild boars, buffalos, and spotted deer.

The visit to the Elephant Transit Home allows guests to witness the feeding of orphaned baby elephants, a unique and heartwarming experience.

The tour also includes round-trip hotel transfers from Tangalle/Hiriketiya, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.

Detailed Itinerary

The tour begins with the driver meeting you at your hotel in Tangalle/Hiriketiya.

You’ll then embark on a 2-hour drive to the Elephant Transit Home. Upon arrival, you’ll spend 30 minutes feeding and observing the orphaned baby elephants.

Next, you’ll board a jeep for a safari through Udawalawa National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot wild elephants, crocodiles, wild boars, buffalos, and spotted deer.

After the safari, the driver will transfer you back to your hotel, completing the 7-hour tour.

Exploring Udawalawa National Park

After visiting the Elephant Transit Home, guests embark on an exciting jeep safari through Udawalawa National Park.

Home to a large elephant population, the park offers ample opportunities to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Guests might also see crocodiles, wild boars, buffalos, and spotted deer.

The diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, wetlands, and forests, support a rich variety of wildlife. Experienced guides provide insights into the park’s ecology and help locate the animals.

The safari offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the wonders of Sri Lanka’s wilderness up close.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting the Elephant Transit Home

What makes the Elephant Transit Home a highlight of this tour? Visitors have the unique opportunity to witness the feeding of orphaned baby elephants. This hands-on experience allows them to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.

The Elephant Transit Home serves as a rehabilitation center, where young elephants are cared for and gradually reintroduced into the wild. During the 30-minute feeding session, guests can:

Observe the calves being bottle-fed by caretakers.
Interact with the elephants from a safe distance.
Learn about the center’s conservation efforts.
Appreciate the dedication of the staff in nurturing these vulnerable animals.

There's plenty more to explore in Matara

Wildlife and Environment

Udawalawa National Park supports a large elephant population due to its abundant water sources, making it an ideal habitat for these majestic creatures.

Udawalawa National Park supports a large elephant population due to its abundant water sources, making it an ideal habitat for these majestic creatures.

The park is home to diverse wildlife, including 30 species of snakes, 50 species of butterflies, and various bird species. The lush green landscapes and diverse ecosystems provide a thriving environment for these animals to thrive.

Visitors can expect to spot not only elephants but also crocodiles, wild boars, buffalos, and spotted deer during the safari.

The national park offers a unique opportunity to witness the coexistence of these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.

Inclusions and Important Information

The tour package includes air-conditioned transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided jeep safari in Udawalawa National Park, and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home.

The entrance fees to Udawalawa National Park aren’t included in the package price.

Some important information to know:

Pickup and drop-off service is provided from your hotel in Tangalle or Hiriketiya.
The tour duration is approximately 7 hours.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Flexibility is offered with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have provided mixed experiences with this tour. While some appreciated the opportunity to see wildlife and feed baby elephants, others criticized the value and service quality.

The tour has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 6 reviews. Guides received a strong 4.5 rating, but the transportation and value for money scored lower at 4.3 and 3, respectively.

Feedback suggests the experience may not always match expectations, with some travelers finding the tour overpriced for the service provided. The reviews paint a nuanced picture of this safari and elephant orphanage experience.

Common Questions

What Type of Vehicle Is Used for the Safari?

The safari tour uses a jeep for the wildlife viewing in Udawalawa National Park. The air-conditioned vehicle provides an up-close experience to see the park’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, and more.

Can Children Participate in the Tour?

Children are welcome to participate in the tour. The safari jeep can accommodate families, and the Elephant Transit Home visit allows kids to interact with the baby elephants under supervision.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour can be extended to a full-day option. This allows for more time in the national park and additional activities like visiting a local village or cultural site. Travelers should inquire about extended tour options when booking.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

There are restroom facilities available during the tour. Visitors can use the restrooms at the Elephant Transit Home and during stops along the drive to and from Udawalawa National Park.

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

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. Bring a packed lunch or snacks to enjoy during the safari and visit to the Elephant Transit Home.

The Sum Up

The Tangalle/Hiriketiya: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Orphanage tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the wonders of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Guests embark on a thrilling jeep safari, followed by a heartwarming encounter with orphaned baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home. This immersive experience not only satisfies one’s love for nature but also contributes to vital conservation efforts, making it a truly unforgettable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: