From Hikkaduwa: Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour

Udawalawe National Park is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an up-close encounter with Sri Lanka’s diverse flora and fauna. This safari tour from Hikkaduwa promises an immersive experience, granting visitors the chance to witness the park’s renowned 400-strong herd of Asian elephants. While the tour’s logistics seem well-organized, it’s crucial to consider the additional entrance fees and their impact on conservation efforts. With a knowledgeable guide and an air-conditioned vehicle, this safari tour could indeed deliver an unforgettable adventure. However, the true value lies in the park’s ability to protect its delicate ecosystem.

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Key Points

6-hour wildlife experience with opportunity to see a 400-strong Asian elephant herd, crocodiles, water buffalo, and diverse bird species.
Tour includes pickup from Hikkaduwa hotel, air-conditioned transportation, and a knowledgeable guide providing commentary during the 3-hour jeep safari.
Entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park not included, with adult fees around $15 USD and child fees around $7.50 USD.
Positive reviews highlight the tour’s convenience, guide expertise, and engaging wildlife encounters.
Reservation available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later option.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour from Hikkaduwa offers a 6-hour wildlife experience. Priced at $86.73 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

The safari promises sightings of the 400-strong Asian elephant herd, as well as crocodiles, buffalo, and various local bird species. A knowledgeable guide provides commentary throughout the thrilling 3-hour jeep safari.

Pickup from Hikkaduwa hotels and air-conditioned transportation are included, along with highway toll charges. However, entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park aren’t part of the package, and availability for starting times must be confirmed.

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Wildlife Experience

Although the Udawalawe National Park is home to a 400-strong Asian elephant herd, the safari tour also promises sightings of other diverse wildlife.

Guests can look forward to spotting crocodiles basking on the banks, water buffalo wallowing in mud, and an array of bird species indigenous to the region.

Crocodiles basking on the banks, water buffalo wallowing in mud, and a diverse array of bird species native to the region.

The knowledgeable guide provides valuable insights about the animals and their habitats, enriching the overall experience.

The 3-hour jeep safari offers a thrilling and immersive way to observe the park’s inhabitants in their natural environment.

Transportation and Logistics

As part of the safari tour package, pickup from the traveler’s Hikkaduwa hotel is included, ensuring a hassle-free start to the adventure.

Travelers are then transported by an air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by a professional driver and guide.

The highway toll charges are also included in the tour price, eliminating the need for additional payments.

The transportation logistics are designed to provide a seamless experience, allowing travelers to focus on the wildlife sightings and immersive safari experience within Udawalawe National Park.

Entrance Fees

One important detail not included in the tour package price is the entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park.

These fees must be paid separately upon arrival. For adults, the entrance fee is around $15 USD. For children, it’s approximately $7.50 USD.

The entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park must be paid separately upon arrival, with adults charged around $15 USD and children $7.50 USD.

Visitors should budget for these additional costs when planning their safari trip. The park fees help support the conservation efforts and maintenance of the national park, ensuring the protection of the diverse wildlife.

Guests should be prepared to pay these required fees to fully enjoy the Udawalawe National Park safari experience.

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Pickup and Drop-off

The tour includes pickup from your Hikkaduwa hotel. A driver will arrive at your accommodation to transport you to Udawalawe National Park.

The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey. Once the safari is complete, the driver will drop you back off at your Hikkaduwa hotel.

This door-to-door service is convenient, eliminating the need to arrange your own transportation. The highway toll charges are included in the tour price, so you won’t have to worry about additional costs.

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Safari Duration

The safari tour from Hikkaduwa to Udawalawe National Park lasts approximately 6 hours.

The 3-hour jeep safari within the park itself is the highlight of the excursion. Travelers will have ample time to explore the park and spot its diverse wildlife, including the famed 400-strong Asian elephant herd.

While the duration may seem lengthy, it’s necessary to fully experience the park’s rich ecosystem. Travelers should be prepared for a thrilling adventure that allows them to enjoy Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.

The tour provides a well-rounded experience without feeling rushed.

Customer Reviews

Travelers who’ve experienced the Udawalawe National Park safari tour from Hikkaduwa have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback.

The tour has earned a 5/5 rating based on a single review:

The reviewer, John-Gunnar, praised the knowledgeable guide and the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife, including around 20 elephants.
The reviewer highlighted the tour’s transportation convenience, with hotel pickup and an air-conditioned vehicle.
The reviewer found the overall experience highly recommended, emphasizing the kind driver.
Feedback suggests the safari delivers an engaging wildlife encounter and a well-organized tour.

Booking and Availability

When can travelers book the Udawalawe National Park safari tour from Hikkaduwa? The tour offers a ‘Reserve now & pay later’ option, providing flexibility. However, travelers should confirm availability for their preferred starting times. The key details are:

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Entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park are not included in the package price. The tour provides a comprehensive wildlife experience with a professional driver/guide and transportation, making it a convenient option for visitors.

Common Questions

Is Food and Water Provided During the Safari?

No, the tour package does not include food or water during the safari. Travelers need to bring their own refreshments and snacks to consume during the 3-hour jeep safari experience in Udawalawe National Park.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions specified for this tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though younger children may require close adult supervision during the safari activities. Participants should check with the tour operator for any additional age-related policies.

Can I Bring My Own Photography Equipment?

Guests are generally allowed to bring their own photography equipment on the Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines or restrictions regarding camera equipment prior to the tour.

How Many People Are Typically in Each Safari Group?

The size of the safari group varies, typically ranging from 2 to 7 participants. The tour operator works to ensure an optimal group size for an engaging and personalized wildlife viewing experience during the 3-hour jeep safari.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Mentioned?

The package does not include the entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park, which need to be paid separately. There don’t appear to be any other additional fees or costs mentioned in the overview.

The Sum Up

This Udawalawe National Park safari tour from Hikkaduwa provides an opportunity to witness a remarkable congregation of Asian elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The tour’s logistics, including transportation and a knowledgeable guide, seem well-organized. However, the additional entrance fees may be a consideration for some. The tour appears to offer a compelling wildlife experience, though customers should be mindful of the costs involved.

You can check availability for your dates here: