Discover the wonders of Udawalawe National Park on a captivating full-day safari from Ella. Witness the park’s remarkable elephant population and visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home for a closer encounter with these gentle giants. With an experienced guide, enjoy a thrilling game drive and savor an authentic local lunch. This unforgettable adventure offers nature enthusiasts a chance to enjoy Sri Lanka’s breathtaking wilderness and learn about the importance of elephant conservation.

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Key Points

Full-day excursion from Ella to Udawalawe National Park, including a 3-hour guided game drive and an optional visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.
Tour priced at $65 per person, with hotel pickup, transportation, and entrance fees included.
Opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, such as elephants, wild buffalo, and a variety of bird species.
Udawalawe National Park covers 230,821 hectares, providing an unparalleled safari experience for nature enthusiasts.
Tour includes bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, and an authentic local lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day excursion from Ella to Udawalawe National Park. Priced from $65 per person, the 10-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a 2-hour drive, and a 3-hour game drive for wildlife viewing.

Visitors can also opt to visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home for an additional fee.

The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and offers the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.

With a focus on convenience and flexibility, this tour provides an immersive experience in one of Sri Lanka’s premier national parks.

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Itinerary Details

As the tour begins, guests are picked up from their hotels in Ella at 9:00 AM for the 2-hour car ride to Udawalawe National Park.

Once there, they’ll embark on a 3-hour guided game drive to spot the park’s abundant wildlife, including around 500 elephants, wild buffalo, deer, boar, and more.

After the safari, there’s an optional 30-minute visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to see the facility’s rescued and rehabilitated baby elephants.

Finally, the tour returns your to their hotels in Ella, completing the day’s adventure.

Wildlife and Attractions

Udawalawe National Park covers a sprawling 230,821 hectares and is renowned for its incredible wildlife diversity.

Home to around 500 elephants, the park also boasts populations of wild buffalo, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, sambhur, hare, mongoose, crocodiles, and 30 snake species.

Visitors can spot over 50 butterfly species and a variety of birds during the safari.

The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, located within the park, provides a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close.

With its abundant wildlife and natural wonders, Udawalawe offers an unparalleled safari experience for nature enthusiasts.

Tour Inclusions

The Udawalawe Safari tour includes a variety of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Travelers will receive bottled water to stay hydrated throughout the journey. Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable ride to and from the national park. Hotel pickup and drop-off services are included, eliminating the need for additional transportation arrangements.

The safari itself is conducted by Jeep, allowing for optimal wildlife viewing. A delicious authentic lunch from a local hotel is provided. Entrance fees to both Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home are covered in the tour package.

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Important Information

Although the Udawalawe Safari tour is an exhilarating experience, it may not be suitable for all travelers.

The Udawalawe Safari tour may not be suitable for all travelers, as it is an exhilarating experience.

Pregnant women and wheelchair users are advised against joining the tour.

Guests are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and sun hats.

Smoking and bringing large bags aren’t allowed.

The exact tour duration may vary depending on traffic conditions, as confirmed at the time of booking.

Not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users
Recommended items: Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat
Not allowed: Smoking, luggage or large bags
Confirmation received at booking
Exact transfer duration may vary based on traffic conditions

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What to Expect on the Udawalawe Safari

Embarking on the Udawalawe Safari is an exhilarating journey that promises unforgettable encounters with Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife.

Guests will be picked up from their Ella hotel at 9 AM and embark on a 2-hour drive to the national park.

The 3-hour game drive offers ample opportunities to spot elephants, buffalo, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat.

An optional visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home allows travelers to observe the conservation efforts for orphaned elephants.

The tour includes a delicious local lunch, bottled water, and all transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Exploring the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

After the safari through Udawalawe National Park, visitors have the opportunity to explore the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.

This unique facility cares for orphaned and injured elephants, preparing them for release back into the wild.

Visitors can observe:

Elephants being fed and cared for by dedicated staff
Young calves taking their daily mud baths
Elephants engaging in enrichment activities to promote natural behaviors
Veterinary examinations and treatments for any sick or injured animals
Informative talks about the transit home’s important conservation work

The transit home offers a chance to witness the remarkable recovery and rehabilitation of these magnificent creatures.

Why Choose the Ella to Udawalawe Safari Tour

Why choose the Ella to Udawalawe Safari tour? This full-day excursion provides an exceptional opportunity to witness the natural wonders of Udawalawe National Park. At just $65 per person, the tour includes comprehensive amenities such as hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, a guided safari, and an authentic local lunch. Travelers have the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. With a duration of 10 hours, this tour offers ample time to explore the park’s diverse wildlife, including its renowned elephant population.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| • Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Safari by Jeep | • Smoking
• Luggage or large bags
• Wheelchair access |

Common Questions

What Time Does the Tour Start and End?

The tour starts at 9:00 AM with pickup from the hotel in Ella and returns to Ella after the tour. The total duration of the tour is 10 hours.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water and an authentic local lunch, so there’s no need to bring your own. Consuming outside food or beverages is not permitted.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour?

Yes, the tour can be customized. Guests can choose to skip the Elephant Transit Home visit or opt for additional activities like a boat safari. Customization options are available at an additional cost.

Can I Take Photographs During the Safari?

Yes, visitors are welcome to take photographs during the safari in Udawalawe National Park. Cameras and photography are allowed, providing an opportunity to capture the diverse wildlife and natural scenery within the park.

How Do I Get to the Starting Point From Ella?

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Ella at 9:00 AM for the 2-hour drive to Udawalawe National Park. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, so you don’t need to worry about getting to the starting point.

The Sum Up

The Ella to Udawalawe safari tour offers a captivating adventure for nature enthusiasts. Guests can expect to spot a diverse array of wildlife, including a remarkable population of elephants, during the 3-hour game drive. The optional visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home provides an opportunity to get up close with these gentle giants. With convenient hotel pickup, an authentic local lunch, and all necessary fees included, this safari is a must-do experience for those seeking an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

You can check availability for your dates here: