Galle/Mirissa: Yala & Udawalawe Safari Day Trip With Picnic

Exploring Sri Lanka’s renowned national parks is a thrilling opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. This day trip from Galle or Mirissa lets you embark on a private safari adventure in Yala and Udawalawe, where you’ll witness majestic leopards, herds of elephants, and other captivating wildlife. With comfortable transportation, a delightful picnic lunch, and expert guidance, this excursion promises an enriching experience amidst the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes. What awaits as you delve deeper into this remarkable safari journey?

Key Points

• Enjoy a private guided jeep tour to Yala and Udawalawe National Parks with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife such as leopards, elephants, and crocodiles.
• Savor a picnic lunch amidst nature during the 16-hour excursion, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for flexibility.
• Benefit from competitive pricing ranging from $105.34 to $100.07 per person, with optional reservation and pay later option.
• Experience worry-free transportation with included pickup and drop-off from accommodations in air-conditioned vehicles, rated 4/5 for timeliness and comfort.
• Explore the highlights of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, renowned for their high density of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and more.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Safari Experience

Although the safari experience lasts a full day, travelers embark on a private guided jeep tour to Yala and Udawalawe National Parks.

The 16-hour excursion provides opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, water buffalo, jackals, and crocodiles. Travelers enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature.

Set out on a 16-hour excursion to spot wildlife like leopards, elephants, and crocodiles, while enjoying a picnic lunch in nature.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the safari offers flexibility. Pickup and drop-off from accommodations, air-conditioned transportation, and efficient travel ensure a comfortable experience, as highlighted in positive traveler reviews.

While national park entrance fees aren’t included, the safari’s overall value is noted.

Pricing and Booking

The safari trip offers savings of up to 5%, with prices ranging from $105.34 to $100.07 per person.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, which is convenient. However, the entrance fees to Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, around $40 total, aren’t included in the package price.

While the safari itself is competitively priced, visitors should budget for these additional costs.

The excellent transportation and timely service highlighted in reviews suggest the overall value is worthwhile, especially for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot leopards, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.

Transportation and Comfort

Pickup and drop-off from the traveler’s accommodation is provided, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day-long safari adventure. The safari experience utilizes a sturdy, air-conditioned vehicle, offering comfort and efficient transportation. As highlighted in traveler reviews, the transportation is timely and reliable, allowing visitors to focus on the wonders of the national parks.

| Feature | Rating |

| — | — |

| Pickup/Drop-off | Included |

| Vehicle Type | Air-conditioned |

| Transportation Timeliness | 4/5 |

| Transportation Comfort | 4/5 |

The transportation is a crucial component of the safari, and this tour ensures a worry-free journey, enabling travelers to enjoy the natural beauty and abundant wildlife of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks.

Highlights of Yala National Park

Yala National Park boasts an impressive array of wildlife, home to 44 mammal species and 215 bird species.

During the safari, guests can expect to spot:

• Majestic leopards, the park’s star attraction

• Massive herds of wild elephants, one of the highest densities in the world

• Lumbering water buffalo wallowing in the mud

• Playful jackals scurrying across the rugged terrain

• Enormous saltwater crocodiles basking on the banks of the park’s lagoons

With both sunrise and sunset excursions, travelers can enjoy the park’s diverse ecosystems and witness the daily rhythms of its captivating wildlife.

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Highlights of Udawalawe National Park

Along With the wonders of Yala National Park, the safari experience also includes a visit to the expansive Udawalawe National Park. Home to over 500 wild elephants, Udawalawe offers a chance to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Visitors can also see water buffalo, sambar deer, and if lucky, the sloth bear. The nearby Elephant Transit Home provides an opportunity to observe young elephants during their feeding times. The safari offers an immersive experience in this biodiverse haven, leaving travelers with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s remarkable wildlife.

| Location | Key Highlights |

|———-|—————-|

| Udawalawe National Park | – Over 500 wild elephants
– Water buffalo, sambar deer, sloth bears
– Diverse vegetation and landscapes
– Opportunity to visit Elephant Transit Home
– Stunning sunrise and sunset views |

Seeing Baby Elephants at the Elephant Transit Home

As part of the safari experience, visitors have the opportunity to observe baby elephants during their feeding times at the Elephant Transit Home.

This unique facility cares for orphaned and injured elephants, with the goal of rehabilitating and releasing them back into the wild.

During the safari, guests can:

Watch the baby elephants being bottle-fed, see them play, and learn about conservation efforts at the Elephant Transit Home.

• Watch the baby elephants being bottle-fed by caretakers

• See the elephants interacting and playing in their enclosure

• Learn about the conservation efforts to protect Sri Lanka’s elephant population

• Witness the elephants’ natural behaviors and behaviors

• Appreciate the important work being done at the Elephant Transit Home

Traveler Feedback and Recommendations

What do travelers have to say about this safari experience? According to reviews, the safari garners an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 from 31 travelers.

They praise the guide’s expertise, rating them 4.5 out of 5. The transportation is also well-received, with a 4 out of 5 rating.

However, the value for money is seen as slightly lower at 3.5 out of 5. Travelers recommend bringing snacks and water, and being aware that national park entry fees are cash-only.

What to Bring and Expect

Travelers should pack snacks and water for the day-long safari, as entry fees to Yala and Udawalawe National Parks are cash-only.

The safari experience includes:

• Spotting leopards, elephants, water buffalo, jackals, and crocodiles in their natural habitats

• Viewing sunrise and sunset in the parks

• Visiting the Elephant Transit Home to see baby elephants during feeding hours

• Efficient and timely transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle

• Guidance from an expert safari driver who can navigate the parks and locate wildlife

Bringing the essentials and being prepared will ensure a comfortable and memorable safari adventure.

Common Questions

Can I Request Specific Safari Animals to See?

While you can’t guarantee specific animal sightings, the safari guides do their best to locate the wildlife based on their knowledge of the parks. Requesting to see particular animals may help guide the experience, but cannot be entirely assured.

How Early Do I Need to Arrive at the Parks?

Most national parks in Sri Lanka open around 6 AM, so arriving early ensures the best chance of spotting wildlife before it gets too hot. The guide will coordinate the arrival time to maximize the safari experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography in the Parks?

The national parks generally allow photography, but visitors should check with their guide or park authorities for any restrictions. Some areas may have limited photography to avoid disturbing the wildlife.

Is It Possible to Extend the Safari Duration?

The safari duration can be extended, but this would incur additional costs. Travelers can discuss options with the tour operator to customize the itinerary and extend the safari if desired, subject to availability and pricing.

Are There Any Hiking or Walking Activities Included?

The safari experience is focused on wildlife viewing by vehicle. There are no hiking or walking activities included in the itinerary. The tour emphasizes a private guided jeep safari to spot animals like leopards and elephants.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Galle or Mirissa offers an unforgettable adventure, immersing visitors in the stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks. Spot iconic Sri Lankan species like leopards, elephants, and crocodiles, and enjoy a delightful picnic lunch in the heart of nature. With comfortable transportation and flexible booking, this 16-hour excursion promises an enriching experience filled with adventure and breathtaking views of the country’s unique ecosystems.

You can check availability for your dates here: