This safari day trip offers an exhilarating opportunity to explore two of Sri Lanka’s renowned national parks – Yala and Udawalawe. Travelers can expect to spot a diverse array of wildlife, including the elusive leopard, majestic elephants, and a host of other species. With an experienced guide, comfortable transportation, and a delectable picnic lunch, this all-inclusive package promises an unforgettable adventure. But what truly sets this excursion apart is the chance to witness the remarkable work of the Elephant Transit Home, where visitors can observe the feeding of rescued baby elephants. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the details.

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Key Points

Full-day jeep safari that visits both Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, providing opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife including leopards, elephants, and water buffalo.
Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, a picnic lunch, and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home to observe baby elephants.
Priced from £77.30 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Experienced English-speaking driver/guide provides commentary and expertise throughout the safari.
Overall positive customer reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides, memorable wildlife encounters, and reliable transportation, with recommendations to visit during the dry season for better leopard sightings.

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Trip Overview and Pricing

This full-day jeep safari allows visitors to explore the renowned Yala and Udawalawe National Parks in southern Sri Lanka.

Priced from £77.30 per person, the day-long adventure includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Lasting approximately 1 day, the safari explores diverse landscapes and offers the chance to spot leopards, elephants, water buffalo, and more.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a picnic lunch included, this tour provides a seamless and memorable wildlife experience in the region.

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Safari Highlights

The safari day trip offers visitors the opportunity to explore two renowned national parks in southern Sri Lanka – Yala and Udawalawe.

Highlights include:

Thrilling wildlife sightings of leopards, elephants, water buffalo, jackals, crocodiles, and diverse bird species.
Experiencing the serenity of sunrise and sunset surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Visiting the Elephant Transit Home to observe the feeding and care of baby elephants.

The jeep safaris traverse various terrains, including forests, scrubs, grasslands, and lagoons, providing ample opportunities to witness the region’s rich biodiversity.

The jeep safaris traverse diverse terrains, enabling visitors to witness the region’s abundant biodiversity.

Travelers can also enjoy a delicious picnic lunch as part of the immersive experience.

Itinerary Details

After being picked up from their accommodation, travelers embark on a drive to Yala National Park.

Upon arrival, they’ll meet their private guide and board a 4×4 vehicle for the safari. The route takes them through diverse landscapes – forests, scrublands, grasslands, and lagoons – in search of wildlife.

During the safari, they’ll visit the Elephant Transit Home to observe baby elephants during feeding time.

Next, they’ll explore Udawalawe National Park, known for its concentrated elephant population and other species.

Finally, they’ll return to their accommodation after sunset.

Inclusions

The safari day trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and the jeep safaris at both Yala and Udawalawe National Parks.

Plus, the package includes:

A visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where visitors can observe baby elephants during feeding hours.
An English-speaking driver/guide to provide commentary and expertise throughout the day.
A picnic lunch, bottled water, and soft drinks to enjoy during the safari.

However, the entry fees to Yala National Park, which are approximately $40 USD, aren’t included in the package price.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have provided an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars for this safari day trip, based on 8 reviews.

Highlights include the knowledgeable guides and ample time for wildlife observation. Guests had memorable experiences with elephants and other animals. The transportation was reliable, and the local lunch received positive feedback.

Knowledgeable guides, ample wildlife observation, memorable elephant encounters, reliable transportation, and delicious local lunch make this a comprehensive Sri Lankan safari.

Travelers recommend visiting during the dry season for the best chance of spotting leopards. While the overall experience was positive, a few areas for improvement include more consistent leopard sightings and addressing minor logistics.

Nevertheless, this safari offers a comprehensive wildlife adventure in Sri Lanka.

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Exploring Yala National Park

As the jeep safari departs for Yala National Park, travelers can expect to witness the diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes that characterize this renowned wildlife sanctuary.

The park’s varied terrain, including dense forests, grasslands, and coastal areas, provides a home for an impressive array of wildlife.

Some key highlights include:

Spotting elusive leopards, the park’s apex predator, as they prowl through the undergrowth.
Observing massive herds of elephants grazing peacefully or engaging in playful behavior near watering holes.
Catching a glimpse of vibrant bird life, from majestic peacocks to a multitude of endemic and migratory species.

Visiting the Elephant Transit Home

After exploring the diverse landscapes of Yala National Park, the safari makes a stop at the Elephant Transit Home.

Visitors can observe the facility’s important work in caring for young orphaned elephants. During the visit, they’ll witness the elephants being fed and cared for by the dedicated staff.

Visitors can observe the facility’s important work in caring for young orphaned elephants, witnessing the dedicated staff feed and care for them.

It’s a chance to see the conservation efforts up close and learn about the challenges faced by these gentle giants.

The Elephant Transit Home provides a unique opportunity to appreciate Sri Lanka’s commitment to protecting its iconic wildlife.

Safari at Udawalawe National Park

Departing the Elephant Transit Home, the safari then ventures into Udawalawe National Park.

The safari aims to spot the concentrated elephant population and other wildlife in this vast national park.

Key highlights include:

Exploring the diverse landscapes of Udawalawe, from grasslands to scrublands, in search of elephants and other species.
Observing the majestic elephants in their natural habitat, potentially witnessing behaviors like grazing, bathing, and socializing.
Sighting other wildlife such as water buffalo, crocodiles, and a variety of birds that thrive in Udawalawe’s ecosystems.

After a productive safari, the tour returns to the accommodation as the sun sets.

Common Questions

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs?

The pricing includes most costs, but there’s an additional entrance fee for Yala National Park of around 40 USD per person. Otherwise, there don’t appear to be any other hidden fees or costs.

What Is the Policy for Solo Travelers?

The policy for solo travelers is that they can join the tour without any additional fees. The tour is open to individuals, and solo travelers are welcome to book and participate in the safari experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to individual preferences. Travelers can discuss their specific interests and requests with the tour operator, who will aim to accommodate them within the safari itinerary.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements?

The safari tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but children must be accompanied by an adult. There are no specific requirements, making it suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers of all ages.

How Flexible Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The cancellation policy is flexible, offering a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. This provides travelers with the option to change their plans without penalty, allowing for a hassle-free booking experience.

The Sum Up

This full-day safari adventure offers an unparalleled wildlife experience. Explore the diverse landscapes of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, spotting majestic leopards, elephants, and more with an expert guide. Witness the Elephant Transit Home and see baby elephants being fed, making this trip a truly memorable encounter with Sri Lanka’s fascinating natural wonders.