Sri Lanka · UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK SAFARIS

Udawalawe Safaris: The 15 Best Elephant Jeep Tours

29 tours  ·  from $18 a head

Open scrub, a reservoir and elephants in the open all year, which is why Udawalawe is the safer bet than Yala if you have one morning. The 15 below are priced and timed, with the Elephant Transit Home feeding times noted where they fit.

Udawalawe National Park: Elephant Safari with Expert Guide - What the four-hour safari feels like
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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

Take a private 4x4 safari through Udawalawe National Park, with an experienced driver-guide such as Gimhana, Jayashan, or Uditha. Expect open grasslands, wetlands, forest tracks, elephants, crocodiles, deer, jackals, and Sri Lankan birds. Choose a four-hour morning or afternoon outing, or extend the trip to 10 hours with lunch and water.

“We had an excellent time with our guide Gimhana. Compared to another safari we did in Wilpattu, our experience was so much more relaxed. We did the four hour safari and Gimhana was excellent at pointing out different animal species, and getting into good positions for photos while being respectful of the animals’ space. We found him very considerate; making sure we were ready to move on from a stop before going etc. We also saw lots and lots of elephants, which all seemed very happy to get close up to the jeep!”

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Galle/Mirissa/Hiriketiya: Drop to Ella & Udawalawa Safari - The pre-dawn pickup from the south coast
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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

Leave your hotel in Galle, Mirissa, Hiriketiya, Tangalle, or nearby coastal towns for Udawalawe National Park. After the air-conditioned transfer, switch to a 4x4 jeep for a 2.5 to 3 hour safari with guides such as Pathum, Mahesh, Prasad, or Koshala. Continue to your hotel in Ella, with possible stops along the way.

“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 - What happens inside the private 4x4
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Udawalawe: National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

3.National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour

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

Join a four-hour 4x4 safari in Udawalawe National Park, then visit the Elephant Transit Home during feeding time. Guides such as Pathum, Koshala, Mahesh, and Prasad are praised for spotting wildlife, explaining animal behavior, and choosing quieter routes. Hotel pickup is included in the Udawalawe area, but park and transit home entrance fees cost extra.

“We had a great tour with our guide Pathum! He took time explaining what we saw, from birds to elephants. He showed respect for the animals!”

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Ella: Shuttle to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle w Udawalawe Safari - Switching to the Udawalawe safari jeep
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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

Use this Ella to south-coast transfer as a practical wildlife stop. Your air-conditioned vehicle collects you in Ella, then you switch to an open safari jeep for about three hours in Udawalawe National Park. Guides such as Pathum, Koshala, Mahesh, and Manesh are praised for spotting elephants, crocodiles, birds, buffalo, and monkeys before the driver takes you to your hotel.

“Overall, the roadtrip was easy and comfortable, and our driver was lovely and even offered to pause at some sights. The safari was very fun and our guide Manesh was lovely, explaining things to us and pointing things out as we drove along. As a transit from Ella to Tangalle, it was a great bypass, and something I would recommend to anyone interested!”

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Udawalawa National Park Safari Tour with Experienced Guides - Beyond elephants: what else you might see
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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 English-speaking driver at your Udawalawe hotel or the park entrance, then explore Udawalawe National Park for three hours in a jeep shared by up to seven people. Guides such as Pathum, Koshala, Prasad, and Pashum are praised for spotting elephants and explaining wildlife. Park fees and food cost extra.

“The safari was amazing. We were lucky to see elephants, buffalos, crocodiles. I highly recommend !”

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Udawalawe National Park Entrance Ticket with Private Safari - Finding elephants in the open plains
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Udawalawe National Park Entrance Ticket with Private Safari

6.Udawalawe National Park Entrance Ticket with Private Safari

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

Prebook entry to Udawalawe National Park, then ride a 4x4 Jeep for about three hours with a driver who also tracks wildlife. Guides such as Asunka, Shameera, Max, and Lahiru are named in recent feedback. Expect elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys, deer, lizards, and many birds across plains, forest, and marsh.

“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 - Choosing the right safari departure
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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 by air-conditioned car from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Mirissa, or Tangalle to Udawalawe National Park. A local guide such as Pathum or Mahesh leads the 4x4 safari, where you may see elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, deer, and birds. Add the Elephant Transit Home feeding visit for a useful conservation stop.

“We were a bit unsure at first when booking this activity. The reviews were too good, almost too good to be true. After the activity I cannot find anything negative to say. Our driver Janaka picked us up from our Airbnb precisely at 12 and drove us to the park. He was very talkative and told us many interesting facts about the country as well as showing us many locations on the way. The drive was very comfortable with AC and water in a nice car! At Udawalawe the safari jeep was already waiting for us (no waiting time) and our guide Pathum showed us the best spots in the…”

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From Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa: Udawalawa National Park Safari - The Elephant Transit Home at feeding time
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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 by air-conditioned car from Galle, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, or nearby towns to Udawalawe National Park. A safari guide takes you by 4x4 jeep to see elephants, buffalo, deer, crocodiles, monkeys, birds, and more, followed by the Elephant Transit Home feeding visit. Park entry costs extra.

“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 - What you may see beyond the elephants
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Udawalawe National Park Wildlife Safari Tours

9.Udawalawe National Park Wildlife Safari Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · from $40

Explore Udawalawe National Park for about four and a half hours in a private jeep with guide-driver Taranga or another experienced local guide. Expect a safari focused on elephants, birds, habitat, and conservation. Pickup is offered, bottled water is included, and the park entrance fee is paid separately.

“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 - The road from the coast to the park
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Udawalawe Safari DayTrip frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa

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

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

You’ll leave Bentota, Kalutara, Hikkaduwa, or nearby coastal towns for a private Udawalawe safari and a visit to the Elephant Transit Home. Expect a 10 to 12-hour day, a three-hour jeep drive through elephant country, included entry fees, lunch, water, and a driver-guide. Early departures at 4am help beat the heat.

“Excellent day out, safari being the main highlight and Danishe was fantastic driver and very accommodating! Overall an experience to remember”

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Udawalawe Safari Adventure - The guide can shape the whole safari
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Udawalawe Safari Adventure

11.Udawalawe Safari Adventure

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

Take a three-hour jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park with an experienced driver-guide. You may see elephants, water buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks, and many birds. Lahiru Prasad is a frequently requested guide, praised for his English, Spanish, wildlife knowledge, and careful driving. Park entry costs extra.

“We had a unique experience. With Lahiru Prasad ( he is a legend). We were lucky to see many different kind of animals like elephants, wild buffalos, monkeys, peacocks, lizards and many different kind of birds! We even saw one crocodile anRead more”

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Udawalawe National Park Safari - What happens inside the park
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Udawalawe National Park Safari

12.Udawalawe National Park Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · from $27

Spend three hours in Udawalawe National Park in a private 4x4 jeep with up to six people. Your driver also tracks wildlife, helping you search for elephants, birds, butterflies, and other native animals. Morning departures begin at 6:00 am, with afternoon safaris at 3:00 pm. Pickup is included 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 Private Transfer From Coast to Park
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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

Join Bentota Travel Mart for a private Udawalawe day trip with hotel pickup, a 3 to 3.5-hour jeep safari, the Elephant Transit Home feeding session, and lunch. Drivers such as Dinesh and Ravin handle the road transfer, while a park guide helps you spot elephants, crocodiles, birds, monkeys, and smaller wildlife.

“Everything was excellent to the punctual pickup by Dinesh, smooth drive & handover to jeep & safari guide We saw loads of Elephants & even a 5 day old baby. Lots of other animals & birds seen & expertly pointed out to us. Would highly recommend Bentota Travel mart for this experience. Thanks to all!!”

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Udawalawa Safari & Elephants Orphanage Tour from Hambantota port - Udawalawe National Park: five hours of open-country safari
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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 ride through elephant country by safari jeep. Look for elephants, deer, buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks, and birds before visiting the Elephant Transit Home. Guides such as Yasanka, Madu, Maduka, Ishan, and Sakun are praised for spotting wildlife and keeping cruise passengers on schedule.

“Very accommodating and informative. Friendly, easy to communicate with. Five star. Worked extra to get us back on time”

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03 Days Highlights Of Sigiriya,Kandy,Nuwara Eliya ,Ella & Udawalawe - Day one: Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy after a very early start
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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

Travel from Colombo through Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Udawalawe with a private vehicle, English-speaking driver-guide, two hotel nights, breakfasts, and dinners. Guides such as Rukshan, Chathu, Danesh, Aaron, and CJ have earned praise for safe driving and flexibility. Expect long days and several extra entrance fees.

“If you want to visit Sri Lanka, look no further! CJ is a superstar driver and guide and this tour is exactly what I wanted and needed. Having only 3 days, I was looking for an experience that could allow me to see and do as many landmarks as poRead more”

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New in Udawalawe National Park Safaris

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