Explore the diverse landscapes of Sri Lanka on this captivating journey from Ella to Udawalawe and beyond. Enjoy a thrilling safari experience where you’ll witness majestic elephants and vibrant birdlife in their natural habitat. With options for morning or full-day tours, this eco-friendly excursion not only showcases the country’s rich biodiversity but also supports local communities. As you conclude your trip in the serene coastal town of Hiriketiya, you’ll uncover a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Contents show

Key Points

The safari pickup is available from hotels in Ella, Bandarawela, and Wellawaya, with drop-off at hotels in Hiriketiya, Tangalle, Dikwella, Rekawa, Nilwella, or Mawella.
The transfer time from the pickup locations to Udawalawe National Park is approximately 2.25 hours, with stops along the way taking around 15 minutes each.
The safari options include Morning/Afternoon Safari ($95.68 per person) and Full Day Safari, both offering opportunities to spot elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, buffaloes, and diverse bird species.
The safari operations are eco-friendly, supporting local communities and reducing carbon footprint compared to individual travel.
Entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park (11,000 LKR) and Elephant Transit Home (3,500 LKR) must be paid in cash, and certain groups may not be suited for the safari.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Options and Pricing

Udawalawe Safari offers two main tour options – a Morning or Afternoon Safari and a Full Day Safari.

Udawalawe Safari offers two main tour options – a Morning or Afternoon Safari and a Full Day Safari.

The Morning or Afternoon Safari costs $95.68 per person and includes a 3-hour game drive and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home.

The Full Day Safari offers three game drives over 8.5 to 15.5 hours. Additional meal options are available, with breakfast at $8, lunch at $10, and a picnic breakfast and lunch combo for $18.

Children under 5 are free, while those aged 5-12 receive a 50% discount.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Udawalawa

Itinerary Overview

For the Morning Safari, guests are picked up from their hotels as early as 4:30 a.m. or 5:00 a.m.

They’ll embark on a game drive from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a visit to the Elephant Transit Home at 10:30 a.m.

The Afternoon Safari begins with a lunch break at 11:45 a.m. or 12:15 p.m., then continues with a game drive after the Elephant Transit Home visit.

The Full Day Safari follows a similar schedule, with additional game drives and longer breaks.

All safaris provide opportunities to spot elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, buffaloes, and diverse bird species.

Transportation Details

Guests are picked up from hotels in Ella, Bandarawela, and Wellawaya for the Udawalawe safari. They are transported in a shared, air-conditioned vehicle, either a car or minivan. After the safari, guests are dropped off at their hotels in Hiriketiya, Tangalle, Dikwella, Rekawa, Nilwella, or Mawella.

| Pick-up Locations | Drop-off Locations |

| — | — |

| Ella | Hiriketiya |

| Bandarawela | Tangalle |

| Wellawaya | Dikwella, Rekawa, Nilwella, Mawella |

The transfer time from the pick-up locations to Udawalawe National Park is approximately 2.25 hours, while the stops along the way take around 15 minutes each.

Wildlife Experience and Highlights

Renowned for its diverse wildlife, Udawalawe National Park offers visitors an unparalleled safari experience.

Explore the park’s vast landscapes and witness the majestic elephants, the mighty crocodiles, the elusive sloth bears, and the magnificent herds of buffaloes.

Vast landscapes teeming with majestic elephants, mighty crocodiles, elusive sloth bears, and magnificent herds of buffaloes.

The birdwatching opportunities are equally impressive, with a wide variety of species to delight nature enthusiasts.

The safari operations are designed to be sustainable and eco-friendly, supporting the local communities and ensuring a responsible approach to wildlife conservation.

With experienced guides leading the way, your safari adventure in Udawalawe will be a truly unforgettable experience.

Diverse wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and buffaloes.
Exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
Sustainable and eco-friendly safari operations supporting local communities.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information and Requirements

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. To enter Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home, visitors must pay the required entrance fees in cash. Foreign currency is not accepted. Certain groups may not be suited for this safari, including pregnant women, individuals with back problems, and wheelchair users.

| Entrance Fee | Amount (LKR) | Amount (USD) |

|————–|————–|————–|

| Udawalawe National Park | 11,000 | $37 |

| Elephant Transit Home | 3,500 | $12 |

This safari offers a unique opportunity to explore Udawalawe’s diverse wildlife in an eco-friendly manner, supporting the local community.

There's plenty more to explore in Udawalawa

Getting to Udawalawe National Park

To reach Udawalawe National Park, travelers have several transportation options. The safari tour provider offers:

Shared transfer vehicle: The safari package includes a shared air-conditioned car or minivan that picks up guests from hotels in Ella, Bandarawela, and Wellawaya, and drops them off at hotels in Hiriketiya, Tangalle, Dikwella, Rekawa, Nilwella, and Mawella.
Convenient pickup and drop-off: The transfer takes approximately 2.25 hours from Ella to Udawalawe, with 15-minute stops between locations.
Eco-friendly transportation: The shared transfer service promotes sustainable tourism by reducing the carbon footprint compared to individual transportation.

What to Expect on the Safari

The Udawalawe National Park safari offers an immersive wildlife experience that showcases the park’s diverse ecosystem. Visitors can choose between morning, afternoon, or full-day safaris, each providing opportunities to spot elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. The safari operations are sustainable and eco-friendly, supporting local communities. The guides are experienced and knowledgeable, ensuring an educational and memorable experience.

| Tour Options | Pricing |

|————–|———|

| Morning or Afternoon Safari | $95.68 per person |

| Full Day Safari | Includes 3 Game Drives (8.5 – 15.5 hours) |

| Additional Meals | Breakfast – $8, Lunch – $10, Picnic Breakfast & Lunch – $18 |

Children under 5 are free, and there’s a 50% discount for those aged 5-12.

Extending Your Trip to Hiriketiya

After the exhilarating safari experience in Udawalawe, travelers may want to extend their trip by visiting the charming coastal town of Hiriketiya.

Located just 2.5 hours from Udawalawe, Hiriketiya offers a serene beach vacation:

Relax on the crescent-shaped bay with golden sands and turquoise waters.
Enjoy world-class surfing and other water sports in the sheltered cove.
Explore the vibrant beach community with its cafes, boutiques, and laid-back atmosphere.

Hiriketiya provides the perfect counterpoint to the wildlife adventure, allowing visitors to unwind and soak up the coastal charm of Sri Lanka.

Common Questions

Can Visitors Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Visitors can bring their own food and drinks for the safari. However, they must adhere to the park’s regulations and avoid littering. Catering options are also available for an additional fee.

Is There an Option to Book a Private Safari Tour?

Yes, there is an option to book a private safari tour. Visitors can inquire about private safari packages that offer a more personalized and exclusive wildlife experience in Udawalawe National Park.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Safari?

Guests are generally allowed to take photos during the safari, but should avoid disturbing the animals. Flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to avoid startling the wildlife. It’s best to check with the tour operator’s guidelines prior to the trip.

Can Visitors Extend Their Stay in Udawalawe National Park?

Yes, visitors can extend their stay in Udawalawe National Park. The full-day safari option provides additional game drives and longer breaks, allowing for a more comprehensive wildlife experience within the park.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Larger Groups?

Yes, there are discounted package options for larger groups. Visitors can get a 10% discount on the total booking cost for groups of 4 or more. Plus, children aged 5-12 receive a 50% discount on safari fees.

The Sum Up

This unforgettable journey from Ella to Udawalawe offers an exhilarating safari experience, followed by a relaxing conclusion in Hiriketiya. Travelers can choose from morning or full-day safaris, with knowledgeable guides enhancing the adventure. The eco-friendly tour showcases Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife and supports local communities. Visitors can expect a scenic drive, the chance to spot elephants and birds, and an opportunity to extend their trip to the beautiful Hiriketiya beach.