Sri Lanka’s natural wonders come alive in the "Mirissa: Udawalawe & YALA Safaris + Lunch, Drop Off: Ella" tour. Enjoy the untamed beauty of national parks, witness elephants in their element, and savor local flavors. With a seamless itinerary and expert guidance, this all-inclusive adventure promises an unforgettable encounter with the island’s diverse wildlife. But what makes this tour truly remarkable? Uncover the details that set it apart from the rest.
Key Points
- This 14.5-hour tour offers a comprehensive wildlife experience, including safaris in Udawalawe and YALA National Parks, and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home.
- The tour provides pick-up from popular beach towns and drop-off in Ella/Bandarawela, with a Sri Lankan lunch included in Tissamaharama.
- Group size is limited to 12 participants for a personalized journey, led by a professional driver-cum-guide.
- Entrance fees to the parks and Elephant Transit Home are not included, and must be paid in cash in local currency.
- The tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users due to physical limitations.
Tour Overview
This safari offers visitors the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Udawalawe and YALA National Parks.
Lasting 14.5 hours, the tour provides an immersive wildlife experience. Pickup locations include popular beach towns, and the drop-off is in Ella/Bandarawela.
The small group size of 12 participants ensures a personalized journey with an English-speaking guide. Travelers can expect to see diverse fauna, including elephants, during the morning and afternoon safaris.
This all-inclusive experience covers transportation, meals, and water, providing excellent value for the starting price of £130.73 per person.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour kicks off with an early morning pickup, either at 4:30 a.m. or 5:00 a.m., depending on location.
An early morning pickup, either at 4:30 a.m. or 5:00 a.m., depending on location, kicks off the tour.
First, guests enjoy a wildlife safari at Udawalawe National Park, lasting 2.5 hours.
They then visit the Elephant Transit Home to feed baby elephants for 30 minutes.
After this, the group travels to Tissamaharama for a local Sri Lankan lunch.
The afternoon is spent on a 3-hour wildlife safari at YALA National Park.
Finally, the tour concludes with a drop-off around 8:00 p.m. in Ella.
Included in the Tour
The tour package includes a range of services to provide a seamless experience. Guests enjoy pick-up and drop-off, a professional driver/guide, wildlife safaris in rugged 4×4 vehicles, and a tasty Sri Lankan lunch. A cool box with mineral water is also provided.
| Included | Details |
| — | — |
| Transportation | Pick-up, drop-off, safari vehicles |
| Expert Guidance | Professional driver cum guide |
| Meals | Sri Lankan lunch, breakfast |
| Refreshments | Cool box with mineral water |
The tour covers all the essentials, ensuring visitors can focus on the thrilling game drives and wildlife encounters.
Excluded From the Tour
Although the tour package includes a range of services, there are certain expenses that aren’t covered by the tour price.
While the tour package offers various services, there are costs not included in the tour price.
These exclusions include:
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Entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park (11,000 LKR), Elephant Transit Home (3,500 LKR), and YALA National Park (11,000 LKR).
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All fees must be paid in cash (LKR only) upon arrival.
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A 50% discount is available for children aged 5-12, while children under 5 can participate for free.
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The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users.
Customer Feedback
Two customers, Enrica from Italy and Paul from Germany, have provided positive feedback on the Mirissa: Udawalawe & YALA Safaris tour.
Enrica was satisfied with the efficient organization, friendly staff, excellent lunch, and exciting animal sightings.
Paul enjoyed the seamless experience, timely pick-up, abundant wildlife in Udawalawe, and the larger Yala National Park. He noted a minor issue with the guide’s behavior, but overall, his experience was positive.
The tour’s excellent organization, abundant wildlife, and delightful meals seem to have exceeded the customers’ expectations, making this safari experience a success.
Cancellation Policy
According to the article, the Mirissa: Udawalawe & YALA Safaris tour offers a free cancellation policy.
The key details are:
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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This policy allows for flexibility in case of unexpected changes in plans.
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It demonstrates the tour operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
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Customers can book with confidence, knowing they’ve the option to cancel if needed.
This cancellation policy provides a hassle-free experience for those interested in the Udawalawe and YALA National Park safaris from Mirissa.
Safety Measures
The article emphasizes the tour operator’s commitment to safety, noting that all vehicles used for the safaris are approved for such operations.
The drivers have special licenses and extensive experience, ensuring a secure and smooth journey through the national parks. Safety is a top priority, with measures in place to protect customers during the thrilling wildlife encounters.
Pregnant women, individuals with back problems, and wheelchair users are advised that the tour may not be suitable for them, prioritizing the well-being of all participants.
Suitability
While the Udawalawe and Yala safari tour offers an exhilarating wildlife experience, it may not be suitable for all travelers.
The tour includes:
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Extensive travel in rugged 4×4 vehicles, which may not be comfortable for those with back problems.
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Long hours on the road, starting as early as 4:30 a.m. and ending around 8:00 p.m.
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Navigating uneven terrain and potential bumpy rides, making it unsuitable for pregnant women.
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Limited accessibility for wheelchair users, as the national parks may not have accommodating facilities.
Prospective travelers should consider these factors to ensure the safari tour aligns with their physical abilities and comfort level.
Common Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Safari Tour?
The tour operator recommends comfortable, light clothing suitable for the hot, humid weather. Closed-toe shoes are advised for protection during the safari. Bringing a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent is also recommended.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for the tour, but children under 5 can join for free, while those aged 5-12 receive a 50% discount on the starting price of £130.73 per person.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?
Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks. However, a cool box with mineral water is provided as part of the tour. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted during the safaris.
Is There a Photographer Available During the Tour?
There is no dedicated photographer available during the tour. However, guests are welcome to take their own photos and videos throughout the wildlife safaris and other activities.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Each National Park?
The tour allocates 2.5 hours for the safari at Udawalawe National Park and 3 hours for the safari at Yala National Park. The itinerary is designed to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities at both renowned parks.
The Sum Up
This comprehensive tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s stunning natural wonders. From thrilling safari experiences at Udawalawe and Yala National Parks to a delightful local lunch and engaging encounters with baby elephants, the journey promises an immersive and unforgettable adventure. With expert guidance, comfortable transportation, and small group sizes, this tour caters to wildlife enthusiasts seeking a seamless and rewarding exploration of Sri Lanka’s diverse ecosystems.
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