Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Hambantota Port, exploring the wonders of Udawalawe National Park and the renowned Elephant Transit Home. This 4-hour tour offers a chance to witness Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife, including majestic elephants, water buffaloes, and elusive leopards. Led by expert guides, you’ll gain insights into the lives of these remarkable creatures while enjoying the park’s breathtaking landscapes. But the journey doesn’t end there – a visit to the Elephant Transit Home promises a unique opportunity to observe the conservation efforts that are shaping the future of these gentle giants.

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Key Points

This 4-hour adventure offers a guided jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park, where you can spot Sri Lankan elephants, water buffaloes, and other wildlife.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Hambantota Port, a professional driver/guide, and the opportunity to visit the Elephant Transit Home, a sanctuary for rescued elephants.
Pricing ranges from $66.32 to $63.01 per person, with potential savings of up to 5%, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour provides an immersive nature experience, with the guide offering educational insights on animal habits and habitats.
Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, excellent drivers, and memorable wildlife sightings, particularly with elephants, making this tour a popular choice for cruise passengers visiting Hambantota.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Udawalawe Safari Tour offers a 4-hour adventure through Sri Lanka’s wilderness, priced from $66.32 to $63.01 per person with a potential savings of up to 5%.

Travelers can enjoy a flexible booking option with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Hambantota Port and nearby hotels, a professional driver/guide, and a jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park.

However, the entrance and service fees to the national park, approximately $37 or 11,000 LKR, are excluded from the tour price.

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Wildlife Experience

Explore Sri Lanka’s wilderness on a guided day trip from Hambantota Port to Udawalawe National Park.

Observe diverse wildlife through a game drive, including:

Majestic Sri Lankan elephants roaming freely
Wallowing water buffaloes cooling off in watering holes
Curious monitor lizards basking in the sun
Playful monkeys swinging from tree branches
Elusive leopards prowling in the thick vegetation

Learn about animal habits and habitats from an English-speaking guide.

An English-speaking guide provides insights into the diverse animal habits and habitats within the national park.

This immersive experience allows you to witness nature in its raw, untamed glory.

Elephant Transit Home Visit

Visitors can make a stop at the Elephant Transit Home, Asia’s largest elephant sanctuary, to witness the rehabilitation of rescued elephants.

They’ll observe the feeding time and see baby elephants being prepared for their eventual return to the wild. The transit home provides a safe haven for these gentle giants, caring for them until they’re ready to roam free in the jungle.

Guests can learn about the important work being done to conserve Sri Lanka’s iconic elephant population and support the sanctuary’s efforts to protect and nurture these remarkable creatures.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Although the Udawalawe Safari Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional driver/guide, and the Jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park, it excludes the entrance and service fees to the national park, which cost approximately $37 USD or 11,000 LKR per person.

The tour’s inclusions provide a seamless experience, but the additional fees for the national park are something to keep in mind when budgeting.

The tour offers:

Convenient hotel transportation
Knowledgeable guide to enhance the safari experience
Access to Udawalawe National Park’s diverse wildlife
Flexible booking with free cancellation
Competitive pricing with potential savings

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Udawalawe Safari Tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 17 traveler evaluations.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and excellent drivers who enhance the wildlife experience. Visitors highlight memorable sightings of elephants, birds, and other animals during the game drive.

While some note additional entry fees for the park, the tour is widely recommended, especially for cruise passengers visiting Hambantota.

The combination of the Udawalawe National Park safari and the Elephant Transit Home visit provides a well-rounded Sri Lankan wildlife encounter.

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About Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the iconic Sri Lankan elephant. The park offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

From the gentle giants to the elusive leopards, Udawalawe is a haven for nature enthusiasts:

Observe majestic Sri Lankan elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat.
Spot the iconic peacock, Sri Lanka’s national bird, in all its splendor.
Catch a glimpse of the agile and stealthy leopards, the apex predators of the park.
Explore the diverse ecosystems, from lush grasslands to dense forests.
Enjoy the serene beauty of the park’s scenic landscapes.

Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policy

With the flexible booking and cancellation policy, travelers can easily plan and adjust their Udawalawe Safari Tour.

This tour offers a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for last-minute changes. Plus, the "reserve now & pay later" feature provides a flexible booking option for those who need it.

This ensures travelers can secure their spot without needing to pay upfront. These flexible policies cater to the needs of cruise passengers visiting Hambantota, making it easy to fit the tour into their itinerary.

Getting to Hambantota Port

Reaching Hambantota Port, where the Udawalawe Safari Tour begins, is convenient for travelers. The port is well-connected, with multiple transportation options:

Direct flights to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, just 30 minutes away
Trains and buses from major cities like Colombo and Galle
Private transfers or self-drive from nearby hotels and accommodations
Cruise ship docking at the port, making it accessible for cruise passengers
Affordable taxis and rideshare services to navigate the last mile

With its strategic location and diverse transport links, Hambantota Port provides an easy starting point for the unforgettable Udawalawe Safari adventure.

Common Questions

Is It Safe to Visit the Elephant Transit Home?

Yes, the Elephant Transit Home is generally considered safe for visitors. It’s a well-managed sanctuary focused on rehabilitating injured or orphaned elephants before reintroducing them to the wild. Proper precautions are in place to ensure the safety of both the elephants and the visitors.

Can I Take Photographs of the Elephants During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photographs of the elephants during the tour. The tour includes a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe and photograph the rescued elephants as they’re being rehabilitated for jungle reintroduction.

How Long Does the Drive From Hambantota Port to Udawalawe Take?

The drive from Hambantota Port to Udawalawe National Park takes approximately 1.5 hours. The tour includes a hotel pickup and drop-off service, allowing travelers to enjoy the scenic journey comfortably before embarking on the safari experience.

Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions for the Safari Tour?

There are no specific age or health restrictions for the safari tour. However, participants should be able to comfortably board and ride in the safari vehicle throughout the tour. Those with mobility issues may want to consult the tour provider.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour if I Want to Spend More Time?

Yes, you can extend the duration of the tour if you want to spend more time. The tour provider offers flexible booking options, allowing you to customize the length of your safari experience based on your preferences.

The Sum Up

The Udawalawe Safari Tour and Elephant Transit Home Visit from Hambantota Port offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Witness the magnificent wildlife of Udawalawe National Park and learn about conservation efforts at Asia’s largest elephant sanctuary. With flexible booking options and positive customer reviews, this tour is a must-add to any Sri Lankan itinerary. Explore the breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: