From Ella :- Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, the Udawalawa Safari and Elephant Transit Home Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the wonders of the island’s diverse wildlife. From spotting majestic elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat to observing the compassionate care of orphaned calves, this captivating experience promises to leave a lasting impression on any nature enthusiast. Set out on a thrilling journey through the lush landscapes of Udawalawe National Park, where the chance to encounter a myriad of species awaits.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 8-hour tour from Ella to Udawalawa National Park and Elephant Transit Home, with wildlife viewing and conservation efforts.
• Pricing ranges from Kč 2,104 to Kč 1,683 per person, with free cancellation and reserve now, pay later options.
• Includes a 3-hour Jeep safari in Udawalawa National Park to observe endangered Asian elephants, crocodiles, and other wildlife.
• Optional 30-minute visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, which cares for orphaned elephant calves.
• Tour offers an immersive experience in wildlife observation and supports conservation efforts, with high customer satisfaction ratings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour offers a comprehensive 8-hour experience, with savings of up to 20% on the standard pricing.

Priced from Kč 2,104 to Kč 1,683 per person, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing in Udawalawa National Park, home to a high population of endangered Asian elephants, as well as an optional visit to the Elephant Transit Home, which cares for orphaned calves supported by the Born Free Foundation.

Itinerary and Transportation

As part of the Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour, the tour includes pickup from hotels in Ella, Bandarawela, or Haputale, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Udawalawa National Park.

Guests can then enjoy:

• 3 hours of wildlife viewing, including elephants, crocodiles, and birds

• An optional 30-minute visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

• Drop-off at the same locations after the tour

The transportation is provided via a 4×4 private safari jeep, and the tour is led by an experienced English-speaking driver/guide.

Wildlife and Conservation

Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its high population of wild Asian elephants. The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is an endangered subspecies, with many orphaned due to human activities.

The Elephant Transit Home was established to care for these orphaned elephant calves. Supported by the Born Free Foundation, the home has provided care for 39 orphaned calves as of February 2009, successfully releasing 65 elephants to the wild by 2008.

This conservation effort aims to protect the dwindling Sri Lankan elephant population and reintroduce them to their natural habitat whenever possible.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a Jeep safari within Udawalawe National Park, a 4×4 private safari Jeep, and an experienced English-speaking driver/guide.

Explore Udawalawe National Park on a private Jeep safari with an experienced English-speaking driver/guide.

Plus, the tour provides a visit to the Elephant Transit Home. Bottled water and hotel pickup and drop-off are also included.

However, the tour excludes:

• Entry tickets to Udawalawe National Park

• Entry tickets to the Elephant Transit Home

• Food and drinks

• Gratuities (optional)

Visitors are responsible for covering these additional costs not covered by the tour package.

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Customer Reviews and Recommendations

Based on 4 reviews, customers have given the Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers praised the punctuality and safety of the drivers, as well as their expertise in spotting wildlife.

Highlights included seeing a variety of animals and the baby elephants during feeding time at the Elephant Transit Home.

Recommended for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, this tour offers a unique opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s endangered elephants in their natural habitat and support their conservation.

Preparing for the Safari

Before embarking on the safari, it’s important to prepare properly.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, consider the following:

Wear comfortable clothing, bring a camera, stay hydrated, and pack snacks for an enjoyable safari experience.

• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun.

• Bring a camera with a telephoto lens to capture the wildlife. A small backpack or bag can hold your essentials.

• Stay hydrated by packing plenty of water. Snacks are also recommended, as the safari can last several hours.

Exploring Udawalawe National Park

As the safari vehicle ventures into the lush expanse of Udawalawe National Park, visitors are immediately captivated by the diverse array of wildlife thriving within this protected sanctuary. The park is renowned for its significant population of wild Asian elephants, which visitors may have the opportunity to observe in their natural habitat. Plus, other species such as crocodiles, various bird species, and even the occasional leopard can be spotted during the guided tour. The experience offers a chance to witness the incredible biodiversity and conservation efforts in place to protect this unique ecosystem.

| Animal | Sightings |

| — | — |

| Elephants | Frequently |

| Crocodiles | Occasionally |

| Birds | Abundant |

| Leopards | Rare |

| Deer | Commonly |

The Elephant Transit Home Experience

Nestled within the grounds of Udawalawe National Park, the Elephant Transit Home stands as a beacon of hope for orphaned and abandoned Asian elephants.

Established with the support of the Born Free Foundation, this unique facility focuses on rehabilitating and reintroducing young elephants to the wild.

Visitors to the transit home can witness the heartwarming sight of the calves being fed and cared for by dedicated staff.

The experience offers a chance to:

• Learn about the challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s endangered elephant population

• Observe the orphaned elephants’ daily routines and feeding schedules

• Understand the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these majestic creatures.

Common Questions

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

The tour includes bottled water, but you’re welcome to bring your own food and additional drinks if you’d like. However, the tour pricing doesn’t cover any outside food or beverages you may bring.

Is There a Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size. Travelers can book the tour individually or as a group. The transportation provided is a private 4×4 safari jeep, so the group size is flexible.

Can I Request a Different Pick-Up Location?

Yes, travelers can request a different pickup location. The tour provider offers hotel pickup and drop-off services from Ella, Bandarawela, or Haputale. Customers should confirm their preferred pickup location when making the booking.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages can participate, though parents should consider the young ones’ ability to enjoy the activities. The tour is suitable for families with kids.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Safari?

The tour doesn’t require any special equipment. Visitors should bring comfortable clothes, sun protection, and cameras to capture the wildlife sightings. The safari jeep provides all the necessary equipment for the wildlife viewing experience.

The Sum Up

The "From Ella: Udawalawa Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour" offers an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Udawalawa National Park, home to endangered Asian elephants. The tour includes a safari, where visitors can spot wildlife, and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, supporting vital conservation efforts. With a scenic drive and thrilling experiences, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Ella.

You can check availability for your dates here: