Exploring the enchanting Udawalawe National Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. This private safari offers a chance to witness the park’s diverse inhabitants, including the majestic Sri Lankan elephants. But the real highlight? Visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where you can observe the heartwarming feeding of young orphaned elephants and learn about crucial conservation efforts. With an experienced tracker guiding the way, this 3-hour adventure promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.

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Key Points

A private 3-hour safari in Udawalawe National Park with the opportunity to see elephants, buffalo, leopards, and various bird species.
A 30-minute stop at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to observe the rehabilitation and feeding of young orphaned elephants.
The safari is guided by an experienced English-speaking guide, and the package includes entrance fees, a driver, and bottled water.
Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the meeting point is at the Udawalawa National Park Gate.
The safari and transit home visit provide insights into the park’s diverse wildlife and Sri Lanka’s elephant conservation efforts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Safari Overview

Udawalawe National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, particularly its impressive population of Sri Lankan elephants.

The 3-hour private safari experience allows visitors to enjoy the park’s natural splendor. Led by an experienced English-speaking guide, the tour takes guests in a 4×4 safari Jeep with a maximum of 6 passengers.

During the safari, guests can observe elephants, buffalo, leopards, and various bird species in their natural habitat.

The tour also includes a 30-minute stop at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to witness the heartwarming rehabilitation of young elephants.

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Itinerary Details

The safari begins at the Udawalawe National Park Gate, where an experienced driver and tracker will meet participants.

After a brief stop at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home to observe young elephant rehabilitation, the 3-hour wildlife viewing experience in the park begins.

The main highlight is exploring Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its elephant, buffalo, and leopard populations.

Participants may spot other animals like water buffalo, wild boar, and various bird species during the safari.

Itineraries are subject to change, but the focus remains on immersing guests in the natural wonders of the park.

Highlights of the Safari

One of the main highlights of the Udawalawe National Park Safari is the opportunity to observe Sri Lankan elephants in their natural habitat. Guests can witness these majestic creatures roaming freely, displaying their unique behaviors.

Along With the elephants, the safari also offers sightings of water buffalo, wild boar, and a variety of bird species. A particularly heartwarming experience is watching the young elephants being fed at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where visitors can learn about the rehabilitation efforts for these gentle giants.

The diverse wildlife and conservation initiatives make this safari a must-do activity.

Visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

A highlight of the Udawalawe National Park Safari is visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. The transit home rehabilitates young orphaned elephants, preparing them for release back into the wild.

Visitors can observe the elephants during their daily feeding time:

At 3 PM, the elephants are brought to a feeding enclosure.
Visitors can watch the calves being hand-fed milk formula and browse.
Caretakers monitor the elephants’ health and development.
This heartwarming experience provides insight into elephant conservation efforts in Sri Lanka.

After the transit home visit, the safari continues with wildlife viewing in Udawalawe National Park.

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Wildlife Viewing in the National Park

After visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, the safari continues with wildlife viewing in Udawalawe National Park.

Spanning over 31,000 hectares, the park is home to herds of elephants, water buffalo, wild boar, and diverse birdlife.

Using an experienced guide, the safari jeep navigates the park’s network of roads, allowing guests to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

The 3-hour wildlife viewing experience offers the chance to observe the animals’ behavior and interact with them from a safe distance.

Sightings can include elephants grazing, buffalo wallowing, and birds soaring overhead.

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Booking Information

The Udawalawe National Park Safari offers flexible booking options, allowing visitors to reserve their spot conveniently. The tour is priced at €36.78 per person, with no upfront payment required.

Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. To check availability for different starting times, visitors can simply inquire.

The safari experience includes:

3-hour wildlife viewing in the national park
Entrance fees to the national park
An experienced driver/tracker
Bottled water

Exclusions cover food, drinks, personal expenses, and gratuities. The meeting point is at the Udawalawa National Park Gate.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Udawalawe National Park Safari offers an inclusive package that covers the key aspects of the wildlife experience.

The tour includes a 3-hour safari, an experienced driver/tracker, all taxes and service charges, bottled water, and entrance fees to the national park. Guests don’t need to worry about additional costs for these core components.

However, the package excludes food, drinks, personal expenses, and gratuities. Travelers will need to budget for these optional extras.

Meeting Point and Directions

To begin your Udawalawe National Park Safari, travelers should head to the Udawalawa National Park Gate. This is the designated meeting point for the tour. Here’s what to expect:

Travelers should head to the Udawalawa National Park Gate, the designated meeting point for the Udawalawe National Park Safari.

The park gate is located approximately 170 km from Colombo, just off the Embilipitiya-Wellawaya Highway.
Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in and boarding the safari vehicle.
Look for the tour company’s signage and staff who’ll assist you with the check-in process.
Once checked in, you’ll be directed to your assigned 4×4 safari Jeep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Vegan Lunch?

Vegetarian or vegan lunch options aren’t explicitly included, but the tour provider may be able to accommodate dietary requests if you inform them in advance. It’s best to check with them directly to confirm availability.

Will There Be an Opportunity to Take Photos During the Safari?

Yes, there’ll be ample opportunities to take photos during the safari. The safari Jeeps are designed to provide clear, unobstructed views, allowing guests to capture the wildlife in their natural habitat.

How Often Do the Safari Vehicles Stop for Wildlife Sightings?

The safari vehicles frequently stop to allow passengers to observe and photograph wildlife. Drivers are experienced in spotting animals and will adjust the pace to maximize sightings during the 3-hour safari experience.

Is Drinking Water Provided Throughout the Safari?

Yes, drinking water is provided throughout the safari. The tour includes bottled water for all passengers, ensuring they stay hydrated during the 3-hour wildlife viewing experience.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Safari?

Yes, visitors can bring their own camera equipment on the safari. The tour allows photographers to capture the wildlife in their natural habitat during the 3-hour experience.

The Sum Up

The Udawalawe National Park private safari and Elephant Transit Home visit offer a unique opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s wildlife and conservation efforts. Guided by an experienced tracker, visitors can observe elephants and other animals in their natural habitat, as well as the feeding of young orphaned elephants at the transit home. This 3-hour excursion provides a captivating and educational experience amidst the park’s stunning natural beauty.