Embarking on an Udawalawe Safari from the coastal towns of Mirissa or Matara promises an unforgettable adventure. Visitors can expect to witness diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, followed by a unique opportunity to learn about elephant rehabilitation. The journey culminates with a scenic drop-off in the picturesque town of Ella, creating a well-rounded experience blending nature, conservation, and exploration. Whether seeking a morning safari or a full-day excursion, this tour offers a chance to take in Sri Lanka’s captivating wilderness.

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Key Points

The Safari options available are the Morning/Afternoon Safari with Elephant Transit Home or the Full Day Safari with three game drives.
The Morning Safari runs from 4:45 AM to 1:00 PM, with pickup from Mirissa/Matara and drop-off in Ella.
The Full Day Safari runs from 4:45 AM to 8:15 PM, with pickup from Mirissa/Matara and drop-off in Ella.
Both Safari options include park entrance fees, optional meals, and focus on responsible wildlife viewing and elephant rehabilitation.
Discounts are available for children under 12, but the Safari is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Safari Options and Pricing

The safari offers two options: a Morning or Afternoon Safari with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, or a Full Day Safari with three game drives.

Two safari options: Morning/Afternoon with Elephant Transit Home, or Full Day with three game drives.

Pricing starts from $108.85 per person, with an 8.5 to 15.5 hour duration. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Morning Safari runs from 4:45 AM to 1:00 PM, while the Full Day Safari goes from 4:45 AM to 8:15 PM.

Both include pickup and drop-off, park entrance fees, and optional meals. Age restrictions and other important considerations apply.

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Itinerary Overview

Two itinerary options are available for this Udawalawe Safari to Ella experience.

The morning safari includes:

Pickup at 4:45 a.m. from the Koggala/Mirissa/Matara area.
Transfer to Udawalawe for a wildlife safari from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Visit to the Elephant Transit Home at 10:30 a.m.
Drop-off around 1:00 p.m. in Ella.

The full-day safari follows a similar schedule, but with two additional game drives and a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., resulting in a drop-off around 8:15 p.m. in Ella.

Morning Safari

The morning safari commences with an early pickup at 4:45 a.m. from the Koggala, Mirissa, or Matara area. Guests are transported to Udawalawe National Park, where the 3-hour wildlife safari begins at 7:00 a.m. The experience includes:

| Attraction | Duration |

| — | — |

| Udawalawe Wildlife Safari | 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |

| Elephant Transit Home Visit | 10:30 a.m. |

| Drop-off in Ella | Around 1:00 p.m. |

After the safari, visitors explore the Elephant Transit Home, an important elephant rehabilitation center. The morning tour concludes with a drop-off in Ella around 1:00 p.m.

Full-Day Safari

A full-day safari option is available for those seeking a more immersive experience.

This comprehensive tour includes three game drives in Udawalawe National Park, with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The day begins with a similar pickup and transfer as the morning safari, but with two additional game drives and a chance to explore the park more thoroughly.

Participants can expect to be dropped off around 8:15 p.m. in Ella.

The full-day safari offers:

Three game drives in Udawalawe National Park
Lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Pickup and drop-off service from the Mirissa/Matara area
Total duration of approximately 15.5 hours

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Transportation and Pickup Details

Because the safari tours are centrally located, pickup is available from several popular beach towns along the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

Guests can be picked up from Dondra, Koggala, Ahangama, Talalla, Weligama, or Mirissa.

The transportation for the safari includes air-conditioned cars or mini vans for the transfers, and rugged 4×4 safari vehicles for the game drives within Udawalawe National Park.

To ensure a small group experience, the tours are limited to a maximum of 12 participants.

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Inclusions

The safari tours include pickup and drop-off from the specified areas, along with the entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park (approximately $37) and the Elephant Transit Home (approximately $12).

The safari tours include transportation and entrance fees to the national park and elephant sanctuary.

Additional meals are also available:

Breakfast for $8
Lunch for $10
Breakfast and Lunch package for $18

All entrance fees and meals must be paid in cash using Sri Lankan Rupees, as foreign currency isn’t accepted.

Payment

All entrance fees and meals must be paid in cash using Sri Lankan Rupees, as foreign currency isn’t accepted.

Entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park (around $37) and Elephant Transit Home (around $12) are required and should be paid separately.

Optional meals like breakfast ($8), lunch ($10), or both ($18) can also be added.

It’s important to have the exact cash amounts on hand, as change may not be readily available.

This payment process ensures a smooth and efficient experience throughout the Udawalawe safari and Ella transfer.

Important Considerations

Children under 5 are free, while those aged 5-12 receive a 50% discount. However, all children must be accompanied by an adult.

This safari may not be suitable for:

Pregnant women, as the rugged terrain and bumpy rides could be unsafe.
Individuals with back problems, as the safari vehicles lack optimal cushioning.
Wheelchair users, as the vehicles aren’t equipped to accommodate wheelchairs.
Thrill-seekers, as the focus is on responsible, eco-friendly wildlife viewing rather than adrenaline-fueled experiences.

The safari is operated by Ajith Safari Jeep Tours, with over 30 years of experience in sustainable tourism.

Common Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on the Safari?

The best time to go on the Udawalawe Safari is during the dry season, typically from June to September, when wildlife sightings are more abundant and the weather is more comfortable for an outdoor adventure.

Are There Any Special Events or Wildlife Sightings During the Safari?

The safari offers opportunities to see elephants, deer, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, the experienced guides maximize chances of wildlife encounters. Visitors may also spot migratory bird species during certain seasons.

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

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the safari. However, optional meal packages are available for purchase. The tour operator encourages eco-friendly practices and discourages excessive waste.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Filming During the Safari?

There are no restrictions on photography or filming during the safari. Guests are encouraged to capture the wildlife and scenery, but should avoid disturbing the animals or interfering with the guide’s instructions.

Can I Request a Private Safari Experience or Customize the Itinerary?

Yes, guests can request a private safari experience or customize the itinerary. The tour operator offers flexible options to accommodate individual preferences and group needs for a personalized wildlife adventure.

The Sum Up

The Udawalawe Safari from Mirissa/Matara to Ella offers an exciting adventure blending wildlife viewing, elephant conservation, and scenic transportation. Guests can choose between a morning safari or a full-day experience, with early pickup and a convenient drop-off in Ella. This tour provides a memorable way to explore Sri Lanka’s natural wonders while supporting responsible tourism practices.