From: Ella – Udawalawe Safari – Hiriketiya

From Ella to Udawalawe and Hiriketiya: An Authentic Sri Lankan Safari Experience

If you’re in Sri Lanka and looking to see wild elephants in their natural habitat, this tour offers a compelling chance. For around $80 per person, you get the option of a morning, afternoon, or full-day safari, with visits to the Udawalawe National Park and the Elephant Transit Home. The trip covers some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wildlife areas, with a comfortable transfer that takes you from the lush hills of Ella to the dry plains of Udawalawe, then on to the sunny beaches of Hiriketiya or nearby towns.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances wildlife encounters with local support. The guides are knowledgeable, and the park’s rich wildlife—elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes—will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a wildlife documentary. Plus, the shared vehicles keep the safari intimate and eco-friendly. The slight downside? The early start and longer day might be a challenge if you’re not a morning person or prefer a leisurely pace.

This tour suits travelers who want to combine adventure with comfort—those eager to see elephants in the wild, experience Sri Lanka’s countryside, and enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the coast. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone keen on authentic encounters will find this a worthwhile day out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Wildlife in natural habitats: Spot elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species.
• Flexible options: Choose between a morning or afternoon safari with one game drive, or a full-day adventure with three game drives.
• Expert guides: Led by seasoned guides with extensive park knowledge, ensuring a richer experience.
• Eco-conscious operation: Shared safaris and support for local communities.
• Convenient transfers: From Ella, Bandarawela, Wellawaya, to Hiriketiya or Tangalle, with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Cost breakdown: Includes park entry fees, optional meals, and transfer costs, offering good value for wildlife lovers.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

When you book this safari from Ella to Udawalawe, you’re signing up for a well-structured day that maximizes wildlife viewing while keeping logistics straightforward. The tour starts early—pickups can begin as early as 4:30 a.m.—so you’ll need to be ready to jump into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. This early start is essential because the cooler morning hours are prime time for spotting wildlife and seeing elephants at their most active.

The Transfer: Comfort and Convenience

The transfer involves traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle or minivan on a sharing basis, which keeps costs manageable and the group small—limited to around 12 participants. We appreciated the punctuality and friendly attitude of the drivers, who are also guides. From Ella or nearby towns, expect a drive of roughly 2.25 hours to reach Udawalawe, giving you time to settle in and prepare for the safari.

The Safari Itself: Wildlife at Its Best

Once you arrive at Udawalawe, the real adventure begins. You’ll switch to a rugged 4X4 safari vehicle with individual seats and a 270-degree view—perfect for wildlife viewing without feeling cramped. The game drives last about 3 hours in the morning, with the optional full-day tour adding two more drives, totaling over 8 hours of wildlife spotting.

The guides are seasoned and knowledgeable, often pointing out elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and many bird species, making each moment more vivid. As one traveler mentioned, “Our guide was very kind and punctual, and we saw lots of elephants,” highlighting how professional guides enhance the experience.

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Visiting the Elephant Transit Home

A highlight of the tour is the visit to the Elephant Transit Home. This sanctuary cares for orphaned elephants, and the feeding times at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. are magical moments to watch young elephants being fed. The photo stops and free time here allow for some memorable photos and a closer look at these gentle giants.

Breaks and Meals: Flexibly Managed

The itinerary includes breaks—about 20-30 minutes—where you can relax, have a snack, or buy a simple breakfast or lunch. You can opt for a picnic meal, or purchase food from the tour operator for around USD 8-10. The full-day option typically includes a lunch break, with the choice of a picnic or restaurant meal, giving you a chance to recharge before the afternoon game drive.

The Return Journey: Scenic and Relaxing

Post-safari, you’ll reboard the transfer vehicle for the long drive back to the coast, arriving around 7:45 p.m. in Hiriketiya or nearby beaches. The longer day means you get to unwind on the beach after a full immersion into Sri Lanka’s wilderness—a perfect way to balance adventure and relaxation.

The Value of This Tour

At $80 per person, this safari offers excellent value considering the multiple game drives, park entrance fees, and guided expertise. The optional meals are reasonably priced, and the small group ensures a more intimate experience that’s not overwhelmed by crowds. The shared vehicles also reflect a commitment to eco-friendliness, reducing your carbon footprint while supporting local communities.

Multiple reviews praise the guides’ extensive knowledge and ability to spot animals quickly, which is crucial in a wildlife safari. One traveler shared, “We loved the way the guides explained things, making it more than just a drive—it felt like an educational tour.” This makes the experience not just fun but enriching.

What to Consider Before Booking

The early start might be difficult for some, and the long hours necessitate a good level of comfort with early mornings and a full-day commitment. Also, the park entry fees are not included in the base price, so budget around USD 37 for entrance and USD 12 for Elephant Transit Home**—cash in Sri Lankan Rupees.

If you’re traveling with children, note that kids under five ride free, and those over five pay half price, making it accessible for families. However, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users due to the nature of the vehicle and terrain.

Summary: Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This safari is perfect for wildlife lovers eager to see elephants and other animals in the wild, especially if you value guides with local insights and eco-friendly practices. It’s a good choice for those who don’t mind early mornings and want a comprehensive day that combines wildlife, sanctuary visits, and scenic drives. Families with older children or groups of friends looking for an authentic Sri Lankan adventure will find it particularly rewarding.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Are the park entry fees included in the tour price?
No, the entrance fees for Udawalawe National Park (around USD 37) and Elephant Transit Home (around USD 12) are paid separately in cash.

What is the pickup time?
Pickup is usually between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. for morning and full-day options. Afternoon safaris start around 12:15 p.m..

Can I choose a specific time for the safari?
Availability varies, so check with the operator to see which starting times are open on your preferred date.

Is lunch included?
Not automatically. You can request a picnic lunch or buy meals during breaks for about USD 8-10.

How long does the safari last?
The morning/afternoon options include one 3-hour game drive, while the full-day tour has three drives totaling over 8 hours.

What should I bring for the safari?
Bring comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars if you have them. Cameras are encouraged!

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 ride free, and those between 5-12 pay half price. It’s best suited for families with older children who are comfortable with early mornings and long days.

Final Thoughts

This tour is a solid choice for those wanting to combine wildlife viewing with travel between some of Sri Lanka’s most scenic locations. It provides a good balance of adventure and comfort, with knowledgeable guides making each sighting memorable. The small group and eco-conscious approach also add value, ensuring that your experience is both personal and responsible.

While it demands an early wake-up and a long day, the rewards—a close-up look at elephants and other wildlife, plus the chance to support local conservation—are well worth it. If you love animals and want to see them where they live, this safari from Ella to Udawalawe is a memorable way to do it.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a curious traveler seeking an authentic encounter, this tour offers a genuine slice of Sri Lanka’s wilderness at a fair price.

You can check availability for your dates here: