From Negombo: Udawalawa National Park Wildlife Safari

Venturing from Negombo to Udawalawe National Park promises an unforgettable wildlife safari. This full-day excursion allows visitors to enjoy the park’s diverse ecosystem, renowned for its thriving elephant population. With convenient transportation and optional lunch, the safari delivers a unique opportunity to observe buffalo, deer, and other captivating creatures in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an extraordinary adventure, the Udawalawe experience awaits.

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Key Points

Full-day safari experience from Negombo to Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its thriving elephant population and diverse wildlife.
14-hour adventure including hotel pickup, 4-hour drive to the park, and 3-hour game drive to spot elephants and other animals.
Optional lunch at a local restaurant available for an additional fee.
Convenient transportation with air-conditioned shared vehicle and safari jeep, with bottled water and park entrance fee included.
Suitable for most travelers, but not recommended for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to vehicle and terrain restrictions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day safari experience from Negombo to Udawalawe National Park, priced from $105.00 per person.

It’s a 14-hour adventure with free cancellation 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

The itinerary includes hotel pickup, a 4-hour drive to the park, a 3-hour game drive, and a 4-hour return trip.

Optional lunch at a local restaurant is available for an additional fee.

Travelers can expect to spot the park’s thriving elephant population and other wildlife like buffalo, wild boar, and sambar deer.

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Itinerary Details

This full-day safari experience begins with pickup from your accommodation in Negombo.

You’ll embark on a 4-hour drive to Udawalawe National Park. Once there, you’ll enjoy a 3-hour game drive to spot the park’s thriving elephant population, as well as other wildlife like buffalo, wild boar, and sambar deer.

Venture into Udawalawe National Park for a 3-hour game drive to witness the park’s thriving elephant population and other wildlife.

After the safari, you’ll drive back to Negombo, which takes another 4 hours. During the tour, you can optionally have lunch at a local restaurant for an additional fee.

Bottled water, park entrance fees, and air-conditioned shared transportation are included.

Wildlife Experience

Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its thriving elephant population, which visitors can witness firsthand during the safari.

The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including buffalo, wild boar, and sambar deer.

With around 50 butterfly species and diverse birdlife, Udawalawe is the third most visited national park in Sri Lanka, offering a rich and varied wildlife experience.

Guests will have the opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat during the 3-hour game drive, making for an unforgettable safari adventure.

Inclusions

The safari tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, providing convenient transportation to and from the national park.

Travelers will ride in an air-conditioned shared vehicle, and a safari jeep will take them on the 3-hour game drive. Bottled water is provided, and the tour covers the national park entrance fee.

Gratuities for the drivers and guides are optional. However, the tour doesn’t include lunch – guests can choose to have a meal at a local restaurant for an additional cost.

The safari is suitable for most travelers, though pregnant women and wheelchair users should avoid it.

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Important Information

Certain restrictions apply to this safari tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to the nature of the safari vehicles and terrain.

Recommended items include comfortable shoes and a sun hat to protect from the sun.

Guests aren’t allowed to bring large bags or luggage on the tour.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking.

Vaccinated passengers must stay in level 1 hotels and provide a negative PCR report, while unvaccinated passengers must complete 14 days of quarantine before the tour.

Not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users
Recommended items: Comfortable shoes, sun hat
Restrictions: No large bags or luggage allowed
Confirmation received at booking
Special COVID-19 requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers

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Getting to Udawalawe National Park

The 4-hour drive from Negombo to Udawalawe National Park takes travelers through scenic countryside, offering a glimpse of rural Sri Lankan life along the way. The journey allows visitors to witness the diverse landscapes, from lush green paddy fields to rolling hills and valleys.

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Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the park’s diverse wildlife, including the iconic Asian elephants, which are the main attraction of this safari experience.

What to Expect on the Safari

Once guests arrive at Udawalawe National Park, they’ll embark on a thrilling 3-hour game drive in a specially-equipped safari jeep.

The safari experience promises:

Sightings of the park’s thriving elephant population, including calves and matriarchs.
Glimpses of other wildlife such as buffaloes, wild boar, and sambar deer.
Opportunities to observe the park’s diverse avian life, including endemic and migratory bird species.
Panoramic views of the park’s lush, rolling landscapes and watering holes.
Insights from knowledgeable guides who share their expertise on the local flora and fauna.

Tips for Your Udawalawe Adventure

To make the most of your Udawalawe adventure, pack appropriately. Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.

Pack appropriately for Udawalawe – wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes to make the most of your adventure.

Bring sun protection – a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes. Stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Avoid bringing large bags or valuables, as the safari vehicles have limited space. Listen closely to your guide’s instructions for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Be respectful of the park’s rules and the animals’ natural habitat. With the right preparation, you’ll have an unforgettable experience in Udawalawe National Park.

Common Questions

Can I Book a Private Safari Instead of a Shared Vehicle?

Yes, travelers can book a private safari instead of a shared vehicle. Private safaris are available at an additional cost and provide a more exclusive and personalized wildlife viewing experience in Udawalawe National Park.

Are Meals Provided or Do I Need to Bring My Own Food?

The tour does not include a meal, but an optional lunch at a local restaurant is available for an additional fee. Travelers are responsible for bringing their own food and snacks for the safari.

Are There Bathroom Facilities Available During the Safari?

The safari includes bathroom facilities at the Udawalawe National Park. Passengers can use these facilities during the safari. However, it’s advised to use the restroom before departing, as there may not be opportunities for frequent stops.

Can I Get a Discount for Booking the Tour in Advance?

Yes, you can get a discount for booking the tour in advance. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, and you can reserve now and pay later without an upfront payment.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size. It’s an open tour, so you can book it even if you’re traveling solo. There’s no need to meet a certain group size requirement to join the safari.

The Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable wildlife safari to Udawalawe National Park from Negombo. Experience the park’s thriving elephant population and diverse wildlife up close during a 3-hour game drive. Enjoy convenient transportation and optional lunch on this full-day adventure, priced from $105 per person. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this Sri Lankan national park for an unrivaled wildlife experience.