Sri Lanka · UDAWALAWE SAFARIS

Udawalawe Safaris: The 15 Best Jeep Days

118 tours  ·  from $18

Udawalawe is open scrub, which means elephants in plain view most of the year and none of the leopard scramble. The 15 below differ on jeep size, start time and the elephant transit home, each priced honestly.

Udawalawe National Park: Elephant Safari with Expert Guide - Pickup, ticketing, and the first ride into the park
Colombo Tours, Elephant Encounters, Elephant Experiences in Colombo, Guided, National Parks, Safari, Tour Reviews, Udawalawe Safaris, Udawalawe Safaris in Colombo

Udawalawe National Park: Elephant Safari with Expert Guide

1.Udawalawe National Park: Elephant Safari with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 641 reviews · 4 - 10 hours · from $30Our pick

Ride a private 4x4 through Udawalawe National Park with guides such as Gimhana, Jayashan, Udith, or Gayan. Expect open grasslands, wetlands, forest tracks, and excellent chances to see elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, deer, jackals, and birds. Choose a 4-hour safari or extend the outing to 10 hours with lunch and water included.

“This was the activity of a lifetime. I had a breathtaking experience on the 2pm safari. We saw so many different animals. Worth every dime. Gimhana was great. He knew all the animals and was always stopping whenever we saw even the smallest animal. I love birds so we stopped a lot and he was super helpful. I would recommend doing this safari if you love animals”

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Galle/Mirissa/Hiriketiya: Drop to Ella & Udawalawa Safari - Switching to the Udawalawe safari jeep
Galle Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Udawalawe Safaris, Udawalawe Safaris in Galle

Galle/Mirissa/Hiriketiya: Drop to Ella & Udawalawa Safari

2.Galle/Mirissa/Hiriketiya: Drop to Ella & Udawalawa Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 186 reviews · 7 - 8 hours · from $48

Start with hotel pickup from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Weligama, Matara, Hiriketiya, Tangalle, or nearby resorts. Ride to Udawalawe, switch to a 4x4 jeep for a 2.5 to 3-hour safari, then continue to Ella. Guides such as Pathum, Mahesh, Prasad, and Koshala are praised for spotting elephants and birds.

“We had so much fun, it was so cool, Pahum was really good driver and guide! Thanks for having us!”

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Udawalawe: National park safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour - Starting early at 6 a.m. or choosing a later drive
Elephant Encounters, National Parks, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Udawalawe Safaris

Udawalawe: National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

3.National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 183 reviews · 4 hours · from $21

Spend four hours exploring Udawalawe National Park in a 4x4 jeep with an English-speaking guide such as Pathum, Koshala, Mahesh, or Prasad. Expect wild elephants, crocodiles, deer, buffalo, birds, and more, followed by a feeding-time visit to the Elephant Transit Home. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included around Udawalawe.

“Our tour at the park was amazing and our guide was knowledgeable and friendly.”

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Ella: Shuttle to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle w Udawalawe Safari - Leaving Ella early for Udawalawe
Ella Tours, Private Driver Days in Ella, Private Drivers, Safari, Tour Reviews, Udawalawe Safaris, Udawalawe Safaris in Ella

Ella: Shuttle to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle w Udawalawe Safari

4.Shuttle to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle w Udawalawe Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 166 reviews · 7 hours · from $48

Turn a long transfer from Ella into a wildlife outing. After hotel pickup, you ride to Udawalawe, change to an open safari jeep, and spend three hours looking for elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, monkeys, and birds. Guides such as Pathum, Koshala, and Mahesh are praised for patient animal spotting. Your air-conditioned vehicle then takes you to the southern coast.

“Everything punctual, well organized. We saw many elephants and one crocodile, many birds, buffaloes. I highly recommend this trip”

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Udawalawa National Park Safari Tour with Experienced Guides - Meeting your driver near the park entrance
National Parks, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Udawalawe Safaris

Udawalawa National Park Safari Tour with Experienced Guides

5.Udawalawa National Park Safari Tour with Experienced Guides

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 122 reviews · 3 hours · from $19

Meet your driver at your Udawalawe hotel or the park entrance, then ride into Udawalawe National Park in a jeep shared by up to seven people. Guides such as Pathum, Koshala, Prasad, and Pathum have been praised for spotting animals and explaining their behavior. Expect elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, birds, and a possible picnic break.

“We had a wonderful experience with Koshala. He guided us throughout the journey, drove carefully, and explained about all the animals we saw. Highly recommended!”

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Udawalawe National Park Entrance Ticket with Private Safari - Elephants, crocodiles, birds, and the smaller sightings
National Parks, Private, Safari, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Udawalawe Safaris

Udawalawe National Park Entrance Ticket with Private Safari

6.Udawalawe National Park Entrance Ticket with Private Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 115 reviews · from $27Top rated

Visit Udawalawe National Park with admission arranged in advance and an optional 3-hour private safari in a 4x4 jeep. Your driver also tracks wildlife, with guides such as Asunka, Shameera, Max, and Lahiru praised for calm, attentive service. Pickup and drop-off are included within 5 km of the park gate.

“We had an amazing safari experience with an excellent guide Asunka! He was knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about wildlife, making the whole trip both exciting and educational. We saw so many animals and felt well looked after thRead more”

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Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa/Tangalle: Udawalawa Safari - The journey from the southern coast
Hikkaduwa Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Udawalawe Safaris

Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa/Tangalle: Udawalawa Safari

7.Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa/Tangalle: Udawalawa Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 114 reviews · 3 - 8 hours · from $27

Travel from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Weligama, Mirissa, or Tangalle to Udawalawe National Park in an air-conditioned car, then explore by 4x4 jeep with a local guide such as Pathum or Mahesh. Expect elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, birds, and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home during feeding time. Park and transit-home fees cost extra.

“The tour through the national park was great. We were able to see most animals without being at packed spots with many other visitors. Our driver gave us plenty of time to observe the animals living there and explained all questions we had. We were picked up from our hotel from Janaka, who is a very kind person and drove safely without rush. On the way back he also took the time so we could get some lunch at a restaurant before driving us back to our hotel. We were very happy to have him as our driver!”

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From Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa: Udawalawa National Park Safari - Leaving Galle, Mirissa, or Hikkaduwa
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From Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa: Udawalawa National Park Safari

8.From Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa: Udawalawa National Park Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 106 reviews · 5 - 9 hours · from $27

Travel from Galle, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Matara, Tangalle, or nearby towns to Udawalawe in an air-conditioned vehicle. A safari guide takes you through the park for elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, and birds, followed by feeding time at the Elephant Transit Home. Expect a long but well-organized day, with park fees paid separately.

“Driver was perfectly on time. Super helpful Even did a pick up in Mirissa and drop off in Ella, helping us get a tuk tuk to the hotel we stayed which was down a road too narrow for cars. Car was clean and pleasant. Safe driver. Kept us informed and told us which times are best for seeing animals after booking via whatsapp. We were able to securely keep our luggage in the car during the safari without worry. We saw lots of elephants, monkeys and other animals. Safari driver was incredibly educated and made for a relaxing journey. Definitely well worth the money.”

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Udawalawe National Park Wildlife Safari Tours - Wildlife viewing, with elephants at the center
National Parks, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Udawalawe Safaris, Wildlife

Udawalawe National Park Wildlife Safari Tours

9.Udawalawe National Park Wildlife Safari Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · from $40

Spend about 4.5 hours exploring Udawalawe National Park in a private jeep with guide-driver Taranga or another experienced local guide. Expect elephant sightings, birdlife, conservation stories, bottled water, and pickup options. Park admission costs an extra $44 per person.

“The safari was an amazing experience with beautiful nature and incredible wildlife. Everything was well organized and truly enjoyable.”

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Udawalawe Safari DayTrip frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa - Choosing between the 4am, 7am, and 10.30am starts
Bentota Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Udawalawe Safaris, Udawalawe Safaris in Bentota

Udawalawe Safari DayTrip frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa

10.Udawalawe Safari DayTrip frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · from $200

Travel by private vehicle from Bentota, Kalutara, Hikkaduwa, or nearby coastal towns to Udawalawe National Park. Your package includes transport, a three-hour jeep safari, entry fees, lunch, water, and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home. Early starts offer cooler conditions and a better chance of seeing wildlife.

“Once in a lifetime experience, could not believe how close we came to the animals in their natural environment, a day full of wonderful memories, not everything needs to be photographed, the sounds and smells are also amazing. All drivers, gRead more”

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Udawalawe Safari Adventure - The three-hour jeep ride through the park
Hambantota Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Udawalawe Safaris, Udawalawe Safaris in Hambantota

Udawalawe Safari Adventure

11.Udawalawe Safari Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · from $18Best value

Take a roughly three-hour jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park with an experienced driver-guide. Look for elephants, water buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks, and birds across open grasslands and forest. Lahiru Prasad is a frequently praised guide, and hotel pickup is included within 5 km of the park entrance.

“This safari experience was amazing! I will highly recommend the guide Lahiru Prasad, he answered all our questions and also was very informative about all the animals and creatures living in the national park. He has work as a guide in 8 yearRead more”

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Udawalawe National Park Safari - Searching for elephants across the park
National Parks, Safari, Tour Reviews, Udawalawe Safaris

Udawalawe National Park Safari

12.Udawalawe National Park Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · from $27

Spend three hours in Udawalawe National Park in an open 4x4 jeep with a driver who also tracks wildlife. Look for elephants, endemic and migratory birds, butterflies, and native plants. Morning departures begin at 6:00 am, evening trips at 3:00 pm, with pickup within 5 km of the park gate.

“Really enjoyed our trip into Udawalawe National Park. We did a morning safari, (6am 10th March 2024). The driver was prompt and professionally friendly. The vehicle is in excellent condition. A very comfortable drive. Had a great few hours iRead more”

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Udawalawe Safari Private Day Trip with Lunch - All Inclusive - The early pickup and long road transfer
1-Day Tours, Hikkaduwa Tours, Private, Safari, Tour Reviews, Udawalawe Safaris

Udawalawe Safari Private Day Trip with Lunch – All Inclusive

13.Udawalawe Safari Private Day Trip with Lunch – All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 69 reviews · 6 - 12 hours · from $110

Set out from your hotel in a private air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver-guide, then switch to a private jeep for 3 to 3.5 hours in Udawalawe National Park. Expect elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, monkeys, birds, and sharp-eyed guides such as Dinesh or Raveen. A milk-feeding visit and local lunch complete the day.

“We had a lot of fun in Udawalawe and enjoyed the Safari. Our driver Raveen arrived earlier than our pick up time and was very sweet. Don't forget to tip the drivers and the guide! (:”

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Udawalawa Safari & Elephants Orphanage Tour from Hambantota port - What makes Udawalawe National Park special
Hambantota Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours, Udawalawe Safaris, Udawalawe Safaris in Hambantota

Udawalawa Safari & Elephants Orphanage Tour from Hambantota port

14.Udawalawa Safari & Elephants Orphanage Tour from Hambantota port

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · from $57

Travel from Hambantota Port to Udawalawe National Park in a private vehicle, then explore the reserve by safari jeep before visiting the Elephant Transit Home. Expect elephants, deer, buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks, and many birds. Guides such as Madu, Maduka, Ishan, and Yasanka are praised for their spotting skills.

“A most enjoyable day viewing the feeding of about 50 elephants of all ages as well as the safari drive through the National Park viewing many elephants families, monkeys, peacocks, birds, and water buffalos.”

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03 Days Highlights Of Sigiriya,Kandy,Nuwara Eliya ,Ella & Udawalawe - Day one: Sigiriya’s rock and Dambulla’s painted caves
3-Day Experiences, Sigiriya Tours, Tour Reviews, Udawalawe Safaris

03 Days Highlights Of Sigiriya,Kandy,Nuwara Eliya ,Ella & Udawalawe

15.03 Days Highlights Of Sigiriya,Kandy,Nuwara Eliya ,Ella & Udawalawe

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · from $265

This private 3-day circuit from Colombo links Sri Lanka’s biggest sights: Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy’s Tooth Relic, tea country, Ella’s Nine Arches Bridge, and Udawalawe National Park. An English-speaking driver-guide such as CJ, Aaron, Chathu, or Danesh handles the driving, hotels, breakfasts, dinners, and route.

“A wonderful tour through exciting places in central Sri Lanka. Definitely lived up to our expectations. Good hotels. Most important was our driver/guide Mr. "Range", a very nice person, always looking out for our welfare and safety. He was also an excellent driver that took us safely through the sometimes hectic and chaotic traffic.”

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