Ella: Safari Day Trip to Yala & Udawalawe W/ Picnic Lunch

In the heart of Sri Lanka’s lush wilderness, a captivating safari adventure awaits. Ella, a charming hill town, serves as the starting point for an unforgettable day trip to the renowned Yala and Udawalawe National Parks. Travelers embark on morning and afternoon safaris, seeing the vibrant ecosystem teeming with leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species. But the journey doesn’t end there – it’s the opportunity to witness the conservation efforts at the Elephant Transit Home that sets this excursion apart.

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Key Points

One-day safari excursion from Ella to Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, featuring leopard, elephant, and bird sightings.
Morning safari in Yala and afternoon safari in Udawalawe with picnic lunch in between.
Visit to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe to observe conservation efforts for orphaned elephants.
Air-conditioned transportation and expert guide provided throughout the day.
Opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka’s wilderness.

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Overview of the Safari Day Trip

This one-day safari excursion from Ella allows visitors to explore the diverse wildlife habitats of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks.

The tour includes a morning safari in Yala, home to leopards, elephants, and over 200 bird species. After a picnic lunch, the journey continues to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, where guests can observe the feeding of orphaned elephants.

An afternoon safari in Udawalawe National Park then follows, offering the chance to spot more elephants, as well as water buffalo, jackals, and other species until sunset.

Air-conditioned transportation and an expert guide are provided throughout the day.

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Highlights of the Itinerary

The safari day trip begins with a pickup from accommodations in Ella, setting out for the renowned Yala National Park.

The safari day trip commences with a pickup from Ella accommodations, embarking on a journey to the renowned Yala National Park.

Timed to catch the sunrise, the safari explores Yala’s diverse habitats, spotting leopards, elephants, water buffaloes, and more.

After the Yala adventure, the tour visits the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home during feeding hours.

In the afternoon, an Udawalawe National Park safari takes guests from 3 PM to sunset, offering another chance to observe the region’s abundant wildlife.

Throughout the day, a picnic lunch is included, providing sustenance amidst the stunning natural surroundings.

Spotting Wildlife at Yala National Park

As one of Sri Lanka’s premier national parks, Yala boasts an impressive array of wildlife that captivates visitors. The park is home to 44 mammal species, including the elusive leopard, as well as 215 bird species. During the safari, guests can expect to spot a variety of animals, including:

| Animal | Frequency |

| — | — |

| Leopard | Occasional |

| Elephant | Frequent |

| Water Buffalo | Common |

| Jackal | Occasional |

| Spotted Deer | Abundant |

Observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka’s wilderness.

Experiencing Sunrise at Yala

Arriving at Yala National Park before dawn, visitors can witness the park’s wildlife come alive as the first rays of sun peek over the horizon.

As the sun rises, guests may spot majestic elephants, graceful deer, and prowling leopards emerging from the shadows.

The diverse habitats – from light forests to grasslands – are bathed in a warm glow, creating a serene and awe-inspiring scene.

Guides provide expert commentary, helping travelers identify the various species and understand their behaviors.

Guides offer expert insights, enabling visitors to identify wildlife species and understand their behaviors at Yala National Park.

This sunrise experience offers a unique opportunity to observe Yala’s abundant wildlife in its natural state, energized by the new day.

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Visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

After exploring Yala National Park, the safari day trip continues to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.

This facility rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants, returning them to the wild once they’re capable of independent survival. Visitors can observe the elephants during their feeding hours, watching the caretakers provide them with milk, fruits, and vegetables.

The transit home aims to minimize human interaction, preparing the elephants for their eventual release. This stop offers a unique opportunity to witness the dedicated efforts to conserve Sri Lanka’s elephant population and support their well-being in a natural environment.

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Exploring Udawalawe National Park

Following the safari at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, the day trip continues into Udawalawe National Park.

Guests embark on an afternoon safari, exploring the diverse habitats from 3 PM until sunset around 6 PM. The national park is home to a wide array of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, water buffalo, jackals, deer, wild boar, and crocodiles.

Travelers have the chance to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, surrounded by the park’s light forests, scrubs, grasslands, and lagoons.

The experienced driver and guide ensure an engaging and informative safari experience.

Included Amenities and Transportation

The day trip includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, providing a comfortable journey between the destinations.

A professional driver and guide accompany travelers throughout the experience.

Upon arrival at Yala National Park, guests embark on a jeep safari to spot an abundance of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and crocodiles.

After the Yala visit, the tour proceeds to the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, where travelers can observe the feeding of the resident elephants.

Finally, the group embarks on an afternoon safari at Udawalawe National Park, exploring the diverse habitats until sunset.

All entrance fees and a picnic lunch are included.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have generally offered positive feedback on this safari day trip, rating it 5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews. Highlights include the excellent wildlife sightings, particularly of leopards and elephants. However, a few guests mentioned issues with timeliness and initial waiting. The guides and drivers have been praised for their friendliness and expertise, ensuring an enjoyable and informative experience.

| Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |

| — | — |

| Excellent wildlife sightings | Timeliness issues |

| Knowledgeable, friendly guides | Initial waiting |

Common Questions

Can I Request Specific Wildlife Sightings During the Safari?

No, you can’t request specific wildlife sightings during the safari. Safari wildlife spotting is unpredictable, as animals roam freely within the parks. However, the tour provides the best chance to see a variety of animals in their natural habitats.

How Often Do Leopards Get Spotted on This Safari Tour?

Leopard sightings on safari tours can be quite rare and unpredictable, as they’re solitary and well-camouflaged animals. While the parks visited offer a good chance of spotting them, there’s no guarantee of a leopard encounter on any given safari.

Is There an Option to Extend the Safari Duration at Either Park?

There’s no option to extend the safari duration at either Yala or Udawalawe National Parks. The tour itinerary is fixed, with the visits to each park lasting approximately 3 hours during the morning and afternoon sessions.

Are There Any Requirements for the Picnic Lunch (Dietary, Vegetarian, Etc.)?

The picnic lunch included in the safari day trip doesn’t have any dietary restrictions. It provides a variety of options to cater to different preferences, including vegetarian selections.

Can I Book This Tour for a Group of 4 or More People?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a group of 4 or more people. The provider accommodates group bookings and encourages travelers to inquire about pricing and availability for larger parties.

The Sum Up

This unforgettable safari day trip from Ella to Yala and Udawalawe National Parks offers a thrilling adventure in Sri Lanka’s wilderness. Witness incredible wildlife, including leopards and elephants, during morning and afternoon safaris. Enjoy a picnic lunch and visit the Elephant Transit Home, all with the comfort of air-conditioned transportation and an expert guide. Travelers praise this excursion as a highlight of their Sri Lankan experience.