Udawalawe National Park Wildlife Safari From Hambantota Port

Exploring Udawalawe National Park from Hambantota Port offers visitors a thrilling safari adventure. For just $100 per person, they’ll enjoy a scenic drive to the park and a 3-hour game drive showcasing diverse wildlife, including the iconic elephants and leopards. With expert guides and respect for the environment, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. Optional visits to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home provide further insight into the country’s conservation efforts. Whether a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, this Hambantota Port excursion is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Key Points

Udawalawe National Park is a popular wildlife safari destination located approximately 75 minutes’ drive from Hambantota port.
The 7-hour tour includes a 3-hour game drive to spot elephants, leopards, and diverse bird species.
Visitors can optionally visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home and enjoy a local lunch for additional fees.
The safari offers flexible booking options, such as free cancellation and reserve-now-pay-later.
Guests should be prepared for wildlife interactions and adhere to park rules and regulations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Udawalawe National Park Wildlife Safari from Hambantota Port offers an exciting opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s diverse natural wonders.

Priced from $100 per person, this 7-hour tour provides a comprehensive wildlife experience. Guests can enjoy a 3-hour game drive to spot elephants, leopards, and more.

For just $100 per person, this 7-hour tour offers a comprehensive wildlife experience, including a 3-hour game drive to spot elephants, leopards, and more.

An optional visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home and lunch at a local restaurant are available for an additional fee.

The tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a flexible reserve-now-pay-later booking option.

Restrictions apply, and guests should confirm all details with the driver on the day of the tour.

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Itinerary Details

Shared transfers pick up guests from Hambantota or the Yala area, taking them on a 75-minute drive to Udawalawe National Park.

Once there, guests embark on a 3-hour game drive to spot the park’s diverse wildlife, including its large elephant population.

After the safari, they can visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home for an additional fee.

Lunch at a local restaurant is also included in the tour.

The day ends with the return journey to Hambantota, arriving approximately 75 minutes later.

Wildlife Experience

Udawalawe National Park was established in the 1970s as a sanctuary for displaced wildlife.

The park is known for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife, including leopards and a variety of bird species.

Visitors can expect to witness scenic grasslands, forests, and a reservoir during the jeep safaris led by expert guides.

The park offers a unique opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat.

Travelers should be prepared to respect the wildlife and natural surroundings, as well as adhere to weather conditions that may impact the tour’s operation.

Important Information and Restrictions

While the Udawalawe National Park safari is an exhilarating experience, it may not be suitable for all travelers. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or other health conditions that could be exacerbated by the safari.

Visitors should come prepared with a passport, comfortable shoes, camera, insect repellent, and cash, as certain activities may incur additional fees. Prohibited items include pets, large bags, outside food and drinks, alcohol, and fireworks.

The safari isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility issues should consider alternative options.

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Customer Feedback and Additional Notes

According to the information provided, the Udawalawe National Park safari has earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 1 review.

The review highlights a positive experience with various wildlife sightings and minimal crowds, allowing for great photography opportunities.

To ensure a smooth excursion, it’s important to:

Confirm booking details with the driver.
Respect the wildlife and natural surroundings.
Adhere to weather conditions for tour operation.
Bring necessary items such as passport, comfortable shoes, camera, and insect repellent.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home

Exploring Udawalawe National Park

Nestled in the southern region of Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park stands as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, drawing visitors from around the world. This 308 sq km park is renowned for its large elephant population, along with leopards, sloth bears, and over 200 species of birds. Guests can embark on thrilling jeep safaris led by expert guides, navigating the lush grasslands, forests, and reservoir in search of these magnificent creatures. The park’s scenic beauty and rich biodiversity create an unforgettable wildlife experience. To ensure a memorable visit, consider the following factors:

| Activity | Highlights | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Game Drive | Elephant Sightings | 3 Hours |

| Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home | Rehabilitating Orphaned Elephants | 45 Minutes |

| Lunch | Local Cuisine | Varies |

The Elephant Transit Home Experience

Why visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home during your safari experience?

The Elephant Transit Home is a unique addition to the Udawalawe wildlife safari.

The Elephant Transit Home is a unique addition to the Udawalawe wildlife safari.

Here’s what you can expect:

Witness the rehabilitation of orphaned elephant calves.
Learn about the center’s efforts to reintegrate young elephants back into the wild herds.
Observe the calves being fed and cared for by dedicated staff.
Gain insight into the challenges of elephant conservation in the region.

The Elephant Transit Home visit offers a special opportunity to support Sri Lanka’s wildlife protection initiatives and deepen your safari experience at Udawalawe.

Planning Your Hambantota Port Safari Adventure

How can you plan your Hambantota Port safari adventure to Udawalawe National Park? Start by booking your tour in advance to secure your spot. The tour includes a shared transfer from Hambantota or Yala area, a 3-hour game drive, and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home (extra fee). Don’t forget to bring the essentials like your passport, comfortable shoes, and insect repellent. To ensure a smooth experience, confirm the pickup details with your driver and be mindful of the tour’s restrictions, such as no pets or large bags allowed. With a bit of planning, you’re set for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

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Common Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size. It’s a private tour, so you can book it for yourself or a small group. As long as you meet the pricing and capacity requirements, you can reserve the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Safari?

No, bringing one’s own food and drinks is prohibited on the safari. The tour operator states that only bottled water is allowed in the vehicle, and all other food and beverages are not permitted.

Are There Any Restrictions on Camera Equipment?

The tour has restrictions on camera equipment. Large bags and professional photography gear are prohibited. Travelers should bring a lightweight camera or smartphone to capture their wildlife experience.

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in the Area?

You can likely combine this tour with other activities in the Hambantota area, such as visiting Yala National Park or exploring the local beaches. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator about adding extra activities to ensure availability and scheduling.

How Flexible Are the Pickup and Drop-Off Locations?

The pickup and drop-off locations are flexible, as the tour offers shared transfers from Hambantota or the Yala area. Travelers can choose the most convenient starting and ending points for their safari experience.

The Sum Up

A Udawalawe National Park safari from Hambantota Port offers an unforgettable wildlife experience in Sri Lanka. For just $100, visitors can enjoy a scenic drive, 3-hour game drive, and optional visit to the Elephant Transit Home. With expert guides and stunning landscapes, this adventure promises to immerse travelers in the country’s natural beauty and conservation efforts.

You can check availability for your dates here: