Exploring the captivating terrain from Ahungalla to Ella via Udawalawe Safari promises an unforgettable wildlife adventure. Travelers can choose between a morning, afternoon, or full-day excursion, each showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of the national park. With convenient pickup options and a scenic transfer, guests will witness thrilling game drives and visit the renowned Elephant Transit Home before arriving in the charming town of Ella, ready to uncover its hidden gems.

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Key Points

The Udawalawe Safari tour offers two main options: Morning/Afternoon Safari and Full Day Safari, both priced at $128.51 per person.
The Morning/Afternoon Safari includes a 3-hour game drive and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, with pickup and drop-off in Ella.
The Full Day Safari consists of three game drives over 8.5 hours, with optional breakfast ($8) and lunch ($10) available, and drop-off in Ella around 8:15 p.m.
Entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park (11,000 LKR) and Elephant Transit Home (3,500 LKR) are payable in cash, and a minimum of two adults is required for booking.
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Options and Pricing

The tour offerings for the Ahungalla to Ella journey provide two main options: a Morning or Afternoon Safari and a Full Day Safari.

The Morning or Afternoon Safari costs $128.51 per person and includes a 3-hour game drive and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home.

The Full Day Safari, also priced at $128.51 per person, offers three game drives spanning 8.5 hours. Meal options like breakfast ($8) and lunch ($10) are available.

Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. Both tours offer small group sizes and air-conditioned transport.

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Itinerary Overview

Depending on the selected tour, travelers can expect varying pickup times and durations.

For the Morning or Afternoon Safari, pickup is at 4:00 a.m. or 4:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m., respectively. The transfer to Udawalawe National Park takes 2.75 hours. After a 3-hour game drive, visitors stop at the Elephant Transit Home before being dropped off around 1:00 p.m. in Ella.

The Full Day Safari follows a similar pickup and transfer schedule, with two additional game drives from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., before the 8:15 p.m. drop-off in Ella.

Morning/Afternoon Safari

For the Morning or Afternoon Safari, travelers enjoy a 3-hour game drive in Udawalawe National Park, followed by a visit to the Elephant Transit Home.

Pickup is at 4:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m., with a 2.75-hour transfer to the park.

During the game drive, they’ll spot elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and diverse bird species.

Travelers on the safari can expect to spot elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species during the game drive.

At the Elephant Transit Home, they can observe baby elephants during feeding times.

The tour ends with a drop-off around 1:00 p.m. in Ella.

This option costs $128.51 per person, with optional meals available.

Full Day Safari

Although the Morning or Afternoon Safari provides a 3-hour game drive, the Full Day Safari offers an extended wildlife experience.

This full-day tour includes three game drives totaling 8.5 hours in Udawalawe National Park. Guests can observe elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and diverse bird species across multiple viewing sessions.

The itinerary features two additional drives from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Travelers are dropped off around 8:15 p.m. in Ella. Meals can be added for an additional cost.

With a maximum group size of 12, the Full Day Safari provides an immersive, personalized wildlife adventure.

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Wildlife Experience

Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its rich wildlife.

Visitors can expect to spot a variety of animals, including:

Herds of majestic elephants roaming the grasslands and forests.
Crocodiles basking on the riverbanks and lurking in the waters.
Elusive sloth bears foraging for food in the dense vegetation.
An impressive array of bird species, from vibrant peacocks to migratory waterfowl.

The guided tours are led by experienced drivers who possess extensive knowledge of the park, ensuring visitors have the best chance of witnessing the diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.

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Transportation and Group Size

Visitors are picked up from their hotels in Kosgoda, Ahungalla, Balapitiya, Ambalangoda, and Akurala Beach for the safari tours.

The group size is kept small, limited to a maximum of 12 participants. Air-conditioned vehicles are used for the transfers to and from Udawalawe National Park, while rugged 4×4 safari vehicles are utilized for the game drives within the park.

This ensures a comfortable and immersive wildlife experience. The small group size also allows for a more personalized and intimate safari, enabling better observation of the diverse flora and fauna of the Udawalawe region.

Important Information

Entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park (11,000 LKR, approximately $37) and the Elephant Transit Home (3,500 LKR, approximately $12) are payable in cash.

To book a tour, a minimum of two adults is required. Children under 5 are free, while those aged 5-12 receive a 50% discount.

The tours aren’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Minimum of 2 adults required for booking.
Children under 5 free; 50% discount for 5-12 years old.
Not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users.
Entrance fees payable in cash.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Though a minimum of two adults is required to book the safari tour, travelers can easily reserve their spot online or by contacting the tour provider.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility in planning. Payment can be made securely online or in cash upon arrival.

Children under 5 are free, while those aged 5-12 receive a 50% discount. Unfortunately, the safari isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Common Questions

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

Guests can bring their own food and drinks for the safari, but the tour operator does not provide any storage or refrigeration. It’s best to pack light, portable snacks and beverages that don’t require special handling.

Are There Toilet Facilities Available During the Game Drives?

Yes, there are toilet facilities available during the game drives. The safari vehicles are equipped with basic restrooms, and there are also stops at the Elephant Transit Home where guests can use more comprehensive facilities.

How Likely Are We to Spot the Sloth Bears?

Sighting sloth bears during the game drives is generally considered quite unlikely. Though Udawalawe National Park is home to these elusive creatures, they’re known to be rather reclusive and difficult to spot even for experienced safari guides.

Do the Safari Vehicles Have Charging Ports for Electronics?

The safari vehicles don’t have charging ports for electronics. They’re rugged 4x4s focused on providing an immersive wildlife viewing experience in Udawalawe National Park, rather than modern amenities.

Is There an Option to Extend the Safari Duration if Desired?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the safari duration. The full-day safari offers 3 game drives over 8.5 hours, allowing guests to spend more time exploring the national park and observing wildlife.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a seamless wildlife adventure from Ahungalla to Udawalawe National Park, culminating in the charming town of Ella. Travelers can choose between a Morning/Afternoon Safari or a Full Day Safari, both providing thrilling game drives and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home. With convenient pickup options and scenic transfers, guests can enjoy the stunning landscapes and diverse animals of the region.