Udawalawe National Park Wildlife Safari From Bentota

Udawalawe National Park is a premier wildlife destination in Sri Lanka, boasting a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Setting out on a safari from Bentota promises an exhilarating experience for nature enthusiasts. The tour’s comprehensive itinerary, including a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, ensures a well-rounded exploration of the park’s natural wonders. With experienced guides leading the way, travelers can expect to witness the park’s renowned elephant population and other captivating wildlife amid stunning landscapes. What else might this adventure have in store?

Key Points

• A 7-hour wildlife safari tour from Bentota to Udawalawe National Park, known for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, a Jeep safari, bottled water, and entrance fees.
• Visitors can observe elephants, leopards, and other species in their natural habitat during the 3-hour game drive.
• The tour also includes a 30-minute visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.
• Appropriate attire and gear are recommended, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour overview and pricing details indicate that this 7-hour Udawalawe National Park Wildlife Safari from Bentota is priced from £92.70 per person.

This 7-hour Udawalawe National Park Wildlife Safari from Bentota is priced from £92.70 per person.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned shared vehicle, a safari drive by Jeep, bottled water, and the entrance fee to the park.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and visitors should pack appropriate attire and gear for wildlife viewing.

Itinerary and Locations

As the tour begins, guests are picked up from their accommodations in Ahungalla, Bentota, or Hikkaduwa for the 1.5-hour drive to Udawalawe National Park. The itinerary includes a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, a 3-hour game drive through the national park, and a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the drop-off locations.

| Pickup Locations | Itinerary |

| — | — |

| Ahungalla | Pickup from hotel |

| Bentota | Visit Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (30 minutes) |

| Hikkaduwa | Game drive and wildlife viewing in Udawalawe National Park (3 hours) |

| | Lunch at a local restaurant (1 hour) |

| | Return to accommodation |

| | Drop-off locations: Ahungalla, Hikkaduwa, Bentota |

Wildlife Experience

Udawalawe National Park, established in the 1970s, serves as a sanctuary for wildlife displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir.

The park is known for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife, including leopards and birds. Visitors can enjoy a Jeep safari led by expert guides, who provide opportunities for wildlife observation.

The scenic landscapes of the park include:

• Lush grasslands

• Dense forests

• Picturesque reservoir

• Meandering streams

• Rugged terrain

The safari experience allows travelers to enjoy the natural wonders of this protected area and witness the coexistence of various species in their natural habitat.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Though the safari experience includes various amenities, there are also certain exclusions to be aware of.

The tour pricing covers hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, shared Jeep safari, bottled water, and Udawalawe National Park entrance fees.

However, the cost doesn’t include food and drinks, which are available at an additional fee. Visitors should also note that optional gratuities and personal expenses like shopping are excluded.

Plus, certain items and behaviors aren’t allowed, such as oversized luggage, smoking, alcohol, and feeding animals.

Respecting wildlife and plants is vital during the safari.

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What to Bring and Restrictions

Visitors should come prepared for their Udawalawe National Park wildlife safari. The tour requires comfortable shoes, a hat, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.

Comfortable shoes, a hat, and a camera are essential for capturing the beauty of Udawalawe National Park’s wildlife safari.

Insect repellent is also recommended to ward off any pesky bugs. Guests should pack light, as oversized luggage isn’t permitted.

Plus, smoking, alcohol, glass objects, feeding animals, fireworks, nudity, and outside food and drinks are strictly prohibited within the park. Adhering to these guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Wheelchair access isn’t available, so guests with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.

Accessibility and Weather Conditions

The Udawalawe National Park wildlife safari isn’t wheelchair accessible, as the terrain and transportation involved may pose challenges for guests with mobility concerns.

However, the tour operator is happy to accommodate guests’ needs where possible.

Weather conditions are subject to change, and the safari may be canceled due to poor weather. In such cases, alternative dates are available, and customers will receive a full refund.

It’s recommended to check the forecast before the tour and pack accordingly. Comfortable clothing, hats, and insect repellent are advised to ensure a pleasant and safe experience.

Ticket Rates and Customer Reviews

Ticket rates for the Udawalawe National Park wildlife safari vary depending on the group size. The cost ranges from USD 35 to USD 50 per person.

Factors that influence the pricing include:

The pricing for the Udawalawe National Park safari is influenced by factors like group size, day of the week, and peak seasons.

• Group size (larger groups usually get a discounted rate)

• Day of the week (weekdays are generally cheaper than weekends)

• Peak vs. off-peak seasons

• Any additional activities or services requested

Based on a single customer review, the safari tour has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, abundant wildlife sightings, and well-organized logistics of the experience.

Respect for Wildlife and Plants

Although visitors are allowed access to Udawalawe National Park, they must respect the wildlife and plants within.

Feeding animals is strictly prohibited, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and ecosystem. Littering and damaging vegetation are also forbidden, as they can harm the delicate environment.

Visitors should stay on designated paths and avoid approaching animals too closely. Taking photographs is permitted, but care must be taken not to disturb the animals.

Regulations are in place to ensure the conservation of this unique and biodiverse national park for future generations to enjoy.

Common Questions

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Safari?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour and are not allowed to be brought onto the safari. However, bottled water is provided as part of the tour package.

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?

There’s no specific age limit for this tour. However, the Safari involves extensive travel by shared jeep, which may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. Participants of all ages are generally welcome.

Do I Need a Permit to Take Photographs?

There are no specific permit requirements to take photographs in Udawalawe National Park. However, visitors should be mindful of wildlife and avoid disturbing the animals during the safari. Proper photography etiquette is expected to be followed.

Is There an Option for a Private Safari?

Yes, a private safari is available for an additional fee. Guests can book a private Jeep and driver for a more personalized wildlife viewing experience in Udawalawe National Park, rather than sharing the vehicle with other travelers.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Safari?

Customers can extend the duration of the safari, but they’ll need to pay an additional fee. The tour operator offers flexibility to accommodate special requests, though the standard safari lasts around 3 hours within Udawalawe National Park.

The Sum Up

The Udawalawe National Park Wildlife Safari from Bentota offers an exceptional opportunity for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the park’s rich wildlife and stunning landscapes. The tour’s comprehensive itinerary, expert guides, and inclusion of the Elephant Transit Home make it a well-rounded and memorable experience. With a reasonable price point and positive customer reviews, this safari is a must-consider for those seeking an unforgettable wildlife adventure in Sri Lanka.

You can check availability for your dates here: