Hot Line +94 77 945 1738
Duration: 4 hours (usually morning or afternoon sessions)
Transport:
Pickup from your hotel in Udawalawe or nearby areas.
Comfortable, open-sided safari jeep for optimal wildlife viewing.
Guide:
We are provide Experience Driver (Guide).
Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to see elephants, leopards, water buffalo, and various bird species.
Park Entry Fees: Entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park.
Refreshments: Some packages include snacks or drinks, but it's best to confirm beforehand.
Insurance: Basic insurance coverage for the duration of the safari.
Booking: It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
What to Bring: Binoculars, a camera, sunscreen, and water.
This package offers a great way to experience the park’s wildlife in a shorter timeframe while still enjoying a memorable adventure!
Duration: 6 hours (usually morning or afternoon sessions)
Transport:
Pickup from your hotel in Udawalawe or surrounding areas.
A comfortable, open-sided safari jeep designed for wildlife viewing.
Guide:
We are provide Experience Driver (Guide).
Wildlife Viewing: Extended time to spot elephants, leopards, deer, crocodiles, and diverse bird species.
Park Entry Fees: Entrance fees to Udawalawe National Park are included.
Insurance: Full insurance coverage for the duration of the safari.
Booking: Advance booking is recommended, especially during busy seasons.
What to Bring: Binoculars, a camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sufficient water.
This half-day safari allows you to enjoy more extensive wildlife encounters and take in the beautiful landscapes of Udawalawe!
A full-day safari package in Udawalawe National Park offers an immersive experience in one of Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife sanctuaries. The park is located in the southeastern part of the island, known for its large herds of elephants, as well as its diverse bird species, reptiles, and other mammals. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect during a full-day safari in Udawalawe:
A typical full-day safari starts early in the morning, around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM, as this is when wildlife is most active. Depending on your accommodation, you'll be picked up by your safari driver or guide in a 4x4 jeep. Early mornings also offer the best chances for spotting animals like elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species.
Your jeep ride through the park begins at the entrance, where you'll be greeted by the lush landscapes of Udawalawe. The early morning light makes for beautiful views, and this time is ideal for spotting the park’s diverse wildlife, especially elephants. Udawalawe is home to around 600 wild elephants, so you’re likely to see them roaming in herds near waterholes or in the open grasslands.
The park's varied ecosystems, including dry forests, grasslands, and wetlands, provide a habitat for a wide range of animals. You may also spot:
Sri Lankan Leopards (though elusive)
Water Buffalo
Deer (Axis and Sambar)
Crocodiles in the park’s reservoirs
Numerous bird species, including the Sri Lankan junglefowl, eagles, and storks.
Midday, you will often stop at the Udawalawe Reservoir, a prime spot for seeing elephants drinking or bathing. This is also a good location for birdwatching, as the wetlands attract a variety of species. The reservoir provides a scenic spot for a break, and your guide may offer refreshments or snacks at this point.
Most full-day safari packages include a lunch stop at a designated area within the park or just outside it. Depending on the package, you may have a picnic lunch in the park or head to a nearby restaurant. You’ll have time to relax and enjoy the views of the surrounding nature.
After lunch, the safari resumes with a continued exploration of the park. The animals tend to be more relaxed in the afternoon, especially in the cooler hours. This is also a great time to visit the more remote corners of the park, where you can enjoy a quieter experience with fewer tourists.
Many safari packages plan the trip to conclude around sunset (typically around 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM). The golden hour offers beautiful views and the chance to catch some of the park’s wildlife as they become more active again. This is an excellent time for photography, especially as the light changes and the animals gather near water sources.
After watching the sunset, you’ll head back to the park entrance and be dropped off at your accommodation, usually in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on your tour schedule.
Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.
Transportation in a 4x4 jeep (sometimes with a naturalist guide or driver).
Park entrance fees.
Refreshments/snacks, depending on the package.
Lunch (picnic lunch or restaurant stop, depending on the tour provider).
Experienced safari guide (optional, but highly recommended for in-depth knowledge of the park's ecosystem and wildlife).
Bottled water and sometimes light snacks.
Comfortable clothing (light-colored, breathable fabrics for the warm weather).
Hats and sunglasses for sun protection.
Camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing and photography.
Sunscreen and insect repellent.
Water bottle to stay hydrated.
A jacket or light sweater if you're traveling in the cooler months.
Dry Season (May to September): This is the best time for a safari as animals gather around water sources and are easier to spot.
Rainy Season (October to April): Though the park is open year-round, during the rainy season, the park can be less accessible due to muddy roads, and some animals may be more difficult to spot.
Udawalawe is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants in the wild. There are also fewer crowds compared to places like Yala National Park, making it a more tranquil experience.
It’s important to book in advance, especially during peak seasons (December to April).
A full-day safari in Udawalawe National Park offers an unforgettable wildlife experience with an excellent chance to observe a variety of animals in their natural habitat.