Udawalawa National Park: Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

Udawalawa National Park is a premier wildlife destination in southern Sri Lanka, offering visitors an immersive safari experience and a chance to witness the remarkable work of the Elephant Transit Home. This tour promises an unforgettable encounter with the park’s diverse fauna, including the iconic Asian elephant. Explore the stunning landscapes, spot elusive species, and gain insights into conservation efforts – all while enjoying the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of Udawalawa and its remarkable inhabitants.

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Key Points

Comprehensive 3-hour safari experience in Udawalawa National Park to spot elephants, wild buffalo, deer, and diverse bird species.
Visit to the Elephant Transit Home to observe the feeding and care of orphaned and injured elephants.
Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, 4×4 safari jeep, and expert guide/driver.
Entrance tickets to the national park and Elephant Transit Home are included in the package.
Not suitable for pregnant women, but offers a unique opportunity to observe wildlife and conservation efforts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Highlights

Udawalawa National Park offers a comprehensive safari and wildlife viewing experience.

Situated in the southern region of Sri Lanka, this tour provides a unique opportunity to spot a variety of animals in their natural habitat.

Travellers can expect to see elephants, wild buffalo, deer, and an array of bird species during the 3-hour safari.

During the 3-hour safari, travellers can expect to spot elephants, wild buffalo, deer, and an array of bird species.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where guests can observe the care and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

The tour’s expert guides ensure an optimal wildlife-spotting experience amidst the park’s stunning natural setting, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

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Itinerary and Duration

The tour begins with hotel pickup, allowing travelers to wait in their lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

They’ll then travel to Udawalawe National Park, just a 20-minute drive away.

Once there, the 3-hour safari experience begins, with expert guides leading the way to spot elephants, wild buffalo, deer, and birds – and possibly even crocodiles.

After the safari, the group will visit the Elephant Transit Home for a 30-minute observation of the orphaned elephants during their feeding time.

Finally, the tour returns to the hotel, taking 20 minutes.

Safari Experience

During the 3-hour safari experience, expert guides lead visitors through the stunning natural setting of Udawalawa National Park.

Guests can expect to spot:

Majestic herds of elephants roaming the vast grasslands
Herds of wild buffalo grazing peacefully
Graceful deer and a variety of vibrant birds

Possible sightings may also include crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.

The safari provides a unique opportunity to observe the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat while immersed in the park’s breathtaking scenery.

Travelers are sure to depart with unforgettable memories from this immersive wildlife experience.

Elephant Transit Home Visit

Visitors also have the opportunity to visit the Elephant Transit Home, a facility that cares for orphaned and injured elephants. Here, guests can observe the elephants during their scheduled feeding times, a unique and memorable experience. The Elephant Transit Home is an important part of the tour, as it highlights the conservation efforts in the region.

| Feature | Description |

|———|————-|

| Purpose | Care for orphaned and injured elephants |

| Feeding Times | Scheduled feedings that visitors can observe |

| Importance | Showcases conservation efforts in the region |

| Duration | Approximately 30 minutes |

| Included | Part of the Udawalawa National Park tour |

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Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a 4×4 safari jeep, an experienced guide/driver, and entrance tickets to both Udawalawa National Park (approximately $38 per person) and the Elephant Transit Home (approximately $6 per person).

However, the tour doesn’t include food and drinks. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to observe orphaned elephants during their feeding time at the Elephant Transit Home, as well as to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, wild buffalo, deer, and birds, during the safari experience.

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Pricing and Discounts

Though the tour starts at $24.93 per person, customers can save up to 20% by booking in advance. This discounted rate brings the price down to $19.94 per person.

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a 4×4 safari Jeep, an experienced guide/driver, and admission to both Udawalawa National Park and the Elephant Transit Home.

While food and drinks aren’t included, the 4-hour duration provides ample time to explore the park and observe the orphaned elephants during their feeding time.

With a free cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour offers flexibility and value.

Pickup and Transportation

As part of the tour package, the hotel pickup and drop-off service is included.

Guests should wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The journey to Udawalawe National Park takes just 20 minutes.

Guests should wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The journey to Udawalawe National Park takes just 20 minutes.

The tour includes:

Comfortable transportation in a 4×4 safari jeep
An experienced guide/driver to provide optimal wildlife spotting opportunities
Hassle-free roundtrip transportation, eliminating the need to arrange your own travel

After the safari and Elephant Transit Home visit, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel, completing the convenient door-to-door experience.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the tour, with an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 1 review. The customer highlighted the friendly driver, who provided breakfast and water, and the abundance of elephants spotted during the safari. Filtering options allow travelers to see feedback from specific groups, such as couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, sorted by star rating.

| — | — | — | — | — |

| Star Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 | – | – |

| Example Review | "Driver was friendly, provided breakfast and water. Saw many elephants with photo stops." | – | – | – |

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring With Me on the Tour?

Visitors should bring sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as comfortable clothing and walking shoes. They may also want to bring a camera to capture the wildlife sightings and a small amount of cash for any additional expenses.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum or maximum group size. It’s a private tour, so travelers can explore the wildlife and orphaned elephants in their own group without being part of a larger tour group.

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities?

Yes, this tour can be combined with other activities. The tour operator offers flexible options to customize the experience and pair it with additional sightseeing or activities to suit the traveler’s interests and schedule.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, including families with children. However, it may not be recommended for pregnant women due to the nature of the safari activities.

How Often Do the Elephants Get Fed at the Transit Home?

The orphaned elephants at the Elephant Transit Home are fed several times a day, with visitors typically able to observe them during one of their scheduled feedings. The frequency ensures the elephants receive the proper nutrition and care they require.

The Sum Up

The Udawalawa National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour offers an unforgettable wildlife experience in southern Sri Lanka. Travelers can spot elephants, wild buffalo, and diverse bird species during a guided 3-hour safari, then visit the Elephant Transit Home to observe orphaned elephants. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and support important conservation efforts.

You can check availability for your dates here: