Hikkaduwa: Yala & Udawalawe Safari Day Trip with Picnic

A Full-Day Adventure Through Sri Lanka’s Wildlife: Yala & Udawalawe Safari from Hikkaduwa

Imagine waking up early in Hikkaduwa and setting out for a day packed with animal sightings, scenic landscapes, and the thrill of spotting elusive predators like leopards. For $95 per person, this guided tour offers a full-day journey to two of Sri Lanka’s most famous national parks—Yala and Udawalawe. From the comfort of air-conditioned transport, you’ll traverse grasslands, forests, and lagoons, all while your expert guide keeps a lookout for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and more. The tour also includes a picnic lunch amidst nature, a perfect way to refuel after your morning safari.

What we especially appreciate about this trip is the well-balanced itinerary that combines two parks in one day—saving time and maximizing your wildlife encounters. The private guided experience ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd and that you can tailor your wildlife viewing to your interests. Plus, the visit to the Elephant Transit Home, where you can see baby elephants during their feeding, adds a heartwarming touch to the day.

One thing to keep in mind is that park entry fees are not included—roughly $40 USD—so you’ll want to budget accordingly. Also, since the tour starts early to catch the best wildlife activity at sunrise, be prepared for an early start. This tour suits travelers who enjoy nature, photography, and authentic wildlife encounters, and who are comfortable with a full-day commitment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Two parks in one day: Visit Yala and Udawalawe without the need for separate trips.
• Wildlife diversity: Spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
• Comfortable transportation: Travel in a sturdy, air-conditioned vehicle suitable for Sri Lanka’s varied terrain.
• Expert guidance: A private guide helps maximize sightings and offers insightful commentary.
• Heartwarming highlight: Baby elephants during feeding at Udawalawe’s Elephant Transit Home.
• Additional costs: Entry fees are not included, so plan for an extra ~$40 USD.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Drive to Yala National Park
Your day begins with hotel pickup, often early morning, as your guide and driver from Ceylon Nature Tours whisk you away towards Yala. This part of the journey offers a chance to relax in a climate-controlled vehicle while enjoying the scenic countryside. We loved how the drive sets the tone—anticipated wildlife sightings start right from the outset, especially if you catch the early morning “golden hours.” The ride itself is informative; your guide might share snippets about the local flora and fauna you pass along the way.

Yala National Park Safari
Once at Yala, you’ll meet your private guide and hop into a rugged 4×4 vehicle, specially designed for park terrain. The landscape varies from light forests and scrubs to open grasslands and lagoons—each habitat home to different animals. The park boasts 44 mammal species and over 215 bird species, making it a wildlife photographer’s dream.
We loved the way the guide pointed out tracks and signs that suggested animal presence, adding a layer of excitement to the safari. You may see leopards, which are famously elusive but often spotted here, along with water buffalo, jackals, and an array of waterfowl. The experience is about patience and attention—sometimes a quick glimpse of a leopard in the distance makes the whole morning worthwhile.

Picnic Lunch in Nature
After several hours of safari, a picnic lunch is served in a scenic spot within or near the park. The menu is simple but satisfying—think sandwiches, fruits, and snacks—perfect to restore your energy for the afternoon. We appreciated the chance to relax amidst the sounds of nature, with views that make you forget about the busyness of the world.

Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe
Post-lunch, your journey continues to Udawalawe’s Elephant Transit Home. This facility is dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned elephants and allows visitors to watch the babies during their feeding hours. It’s a touching moment to see hundreds of wild elephant calves enjoying their meal—an experience that tugs at the heartstrings.

Udawalawe National Park Safari
The second safari takes you into Udawalawe, renowned for its large concentration of elephants—many more than in Yala. As your guide and driver scan the landscape, you’re likely to see herds of elephants, with some wandering very close to your vehicle. Water buffalo, spotted deer, and crocodiles are common sightings here, giving you a broad picture of Sri Lanka’s wetland ecosystem.
We found Udawalawe especially rewarding for elephant lovers; the park’s open terrain offers excellent viewing opportunities, and the chance to see wild elephants in their natural habitat is genuinely impressive.

Sunset Return and Drop-off
As the day winds down, you’ll leave the parks around sunset, giving you beautiful golden light for your journey back to Hikkaduwa. The drive provides time to reflect on the day’s sightings and enjoy the scenery one last time. Most tours conclude with hotel drop-off, so you arrive back relaxed and full of stories.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, private guide, jeep safaris in both parks, visit to the Elephant Transit Home, a picnic lunch, and bottled water.
However, park entry fees (~$40 USD) are separate, which is an important consideration for your budget. The live English guide enhances the experience by offering valuable insights, making it worth the extra cost in our opinion.

Timing is flexible; check availability for starting times. The full-day format is ideal for those who want a comprehensive wildlife experience without multiple trips. The small group size or private nature of the tour means you can set a comfortable pace and ask plenty of questions.

Authentic Feedback and Insights

Many travelers note how the early start is crucial to catching the best wildlife activity. One reviewer said, “We loved the way the park came alive at sunrise, and the guide’s eagle eye kept us spotting animals most travelers miss.” Others especially enjoyed the Elephant Transit Home, describing it as a “heartwarming experience” seeing the baby elephants during feeding hours.

A common highlight was the opportunity to see elephants in the wild, which, as one reviewer shared, “was truly the highlight of the trip—nothing beats seeing these gentle giants in their natural environment.” Some found the price a bit steep considering park fees aren’t included, but agreed that the guided support and convenience added value.

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Who Would Benefit Most From This Tour?

This safari is excellent for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and families eager to see Sri Lanka’s iconic animals in a single day. It’s particularly suited for those who want a guided experience to maximize their chances of sightings and prefer comfortable transport. If you’re on a tight schedule but still want to enjoy authentic wildlife encounters, this tour efficiently combines two parks with minimal hassle.

Travelers who appreciate shared experiences with knowledgeable guides will find this a rewarding way to learn about Sri Lanka’s ecosystems. It’s also perfect for first-timers wanting a safe, well-organized introduction to Sri Lankan wildlife.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and wildlife discovery. With the chance to see leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and baby elephants, you’re unlikely to come away disappointed. The private guide and air-conditioned vehicle make the long day comfortable, while the inclusion of the Elephant Transit Home adds a meaningful touch.

While the park entry fees are extra, they are a small price to pay for the chance to see these animals in Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes. The early start might be a challenge, but the reward is witnessing the animals at their most active.

For travelers who crave an authentic, immersive wildlife experience that covers both of Sri Lanka’s famed parks in one day, this trip hits the mark. It’s a solid choice if you want to combine wildlife viewing with the convenience of guided transport and a touch of heartwarming animal encounters.

FAQ

Are park entry fees included in the tour price?
No, the entry fees to Yala and Udawalawe National Parks (~$40 USD) are not included. You’ll need to budget for these separately.

What time does the tour start?
Start times vary; check availability when booking to find the most suitable option for your schedule.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, you’ll travel in a sturdy, air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the long day more comfortable, especially in Sri Lanka’s warm climate.

How long is the entire tour?
It’s a full-day experience, generally lasting about 12 hours including pickup, safaris, lunch, and return.

Can I see leopards on this tour?
While sightings depend on luck and animal activity, Yala is known for its leopard population, and guided safaris boost your chances.

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, especially for those interested in wildlife. Just keep in mind the early start and full-day commitment.

You can check availability for your dates here: