Ella: Safari Day Trip to Yala & Udawalawe With Lunch

Ella, a picturesque town nestled in the lush Sri Lankan highlands, serves as the perfect launching point for an unforgettable safari adventure. This day trip to Yala and Udawalawe National Parks promises an up-close encounter with the country’s diverse wildlife, from majestic leopards and playful elephants to a vibrant array of bird species. Travelers can expect a seamless and comfortable experience, complete with a guided tour, a delicious picnic lunch, and the chance to witness the heartwarming activities at the Elephant Transit Home. What awaits beyond the Ella horizon?

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Key Points

A private guided full-day safari to Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, with the opportunity to spot wildlife like leopards and elephants.
Includes sunrise and sunset experiences, a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, and a picnic lunch.
Pickup and drop-off from Ella accommodation, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and professional driver/guide provided.
Entrance fees for Yala National Park not included in the $95 per person price.
Customer feedback indicates high satisfaction with the guide and transportation, but some issues with queues and animal behavior guidance.

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Activity Overview

This day trip offers a convenient way to explore two of Sri Lanka’s renowned national parks – Yala and Udawalawe. Priced at $95 per person, it’s a great value for a full-day safari adventure.

Guests can expect a private guided tour, an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort, and the chance to spot diverse wildlife like leopards, elephants, and more.

This safari trip provides a private guided tour and air-conditioned comfort to spot diverse wildlife like leopards and elephants.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this safari trip provides flexibility and convenience.

The itinerary includes sunrise and sunset experiences in the parks, as well as a visit to the Elephant Transit Home.

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Safari Experience

Although this day trip is a private guided full-day jeep safari, guests can expect to spot a variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, water buffalo, jackals, and more during their time in Yala and Udawalawe National Parks.

Travelers will experience stunning sunrises and sunsets while on safari. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout the day.

In Yala, guests will have the opportunity to visit the Elephant Transit Home and observe wild elephant calves.

The afternoon safari in Udawalawe National Park runs from 3 PM until sunset, providing ample time to explore the park’s diverse habitats.

Itinerary Details

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Ella.

Heading out, you’ll first visit Yala National Park – home to 44 mammal species and 215 bird species. Enjoy the sunrise here, followed by a picnic lunch.

Next, you’ll stop by the Elephant Transit Home to see wild elephant babies.

In the afternoon, you’ll journey to Udawalawe National Park for a safari from 3 PM until sunset around 6 PM.

Throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to spot leopards, elephants, water buffalo, jackals, and other incredible wildlife.

Inclusions

The safari day trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, jeep safaris at both Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, a professional driver/guide, a picnic lunch, and bottled water.

However, the entrance fees for Yala National Park, which cost approximately $40 USD per person, aren’t included in the package price.

With these inclusions, travelers can look forward to a comprehensive Sri Lankan safari experience exploring two of the country’s premier wildlife destinations.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have provided mixed feedback on the safari day trip to Yala and Udawalawe. According to reviews, the overall rating is 3.9 out of 5 based on 10 reviews.

The guide and transportation have received 5 out of 5 ratings, indicating a high level of satisfaction.
However, the value for money aspect has a rating of 3.7 out of 5, suggesting some room for improvement.

Common feedback includes issues with queues in Yala and the need for better guidance on animal behavior during the safari experience.

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Exploring Yala National Park

As the safari day trip begins, visitors will first explore Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife sanctuaries.

This vast park is home to a diverse array of fauna, including the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, elephants, wild boar, and over 215 bird species.

Travelers can expect to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats during the sunrise safari.

With a professional driver and guide leading the way, guests will have the best chance of encountering the park’s iconic wildlife and learning about their behavior and ecology.

The morning session sets the stage for an unforgettable day.

Visit to Elephant Transit Home

After exploring the wildlife of Yala National Park, the safari day trip continues with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home.

This facility cares for orphaned and injured elephants, providing medical treatment and preparation for their eventual release back into the wild. Visitors can observe the elephants during their feeding times, which occur several times a day.

The home’s mission is to:

Rehabilitate and nurture young elephants until they’re ready to return to the wild
Educate visitors about elephant conservation
Support the overall protection of Sri Lanka’s elephant population

Experiencing Udawalawe National Park

The afternoon safari at Udawalawe National Park begins around 3 PM and continues until sunset, typically around 6 PM.

Guests will explore the vast grasslands and see roaming herds of elephants, along with other wildlife like water buffalo, spotted deer, and crocodiles. The park is renowned for its large elephant population, and visitors may spot them drinking from watering holes or roaming the open plains.

Riding in a private, air-conditioned jeep provides comfort and an optimal vantage point to observe the animals in their natural habitat.

The sunset over Udawalawe is a breathtaking end to the day’s adventures.

Common Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Safari?

The recommended dress code for a safari includes lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, closed-toe shoes, a hat, and sunglasses. Dressing in layers is advised to accommodate changes in weather and temperature during the day.

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

Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the safari trip. However, a picnic lunch is provided as part of the package, so bringing additional items may not be necessary. Guests should check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

The safari trip does not have a minimum group size requirement. It’s a private guided tour, so you can book the trip for yourself or a small group. The tour price is the same regardless of the number of participants.

Can I Choose the Order of the Parks Visited?

The customer can’t choose the order of the parks visited. The itinerary is fixed, with Yala National Park visited in the morning and Udawalawe National Park in the afternoon. The tour operator determines the order to optimize the safari experience.

Are There Any Special Considerations for Children on the Tour?

The tour is suitable for children, but they should be closely supervised. There are no special considerations, though the parks may not be ideal for very young kids due to the long drives and unpredictable wildlife viewing.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Ella to Yala and Udawalawe National Parks offers an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Travelers can witness majestic leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species, while enjoying stunning sunrises and sunsets. The itinerary includes a visit to the Elephant Transit Home and a delicious picnic lunch, ensuring a memorable highlight of any Sri Lankan journey.