Udawalawe Safari & Yala Safari – 01 Day, All Included

A Day of Adventure: Udawalawe and Yala Safaris in One Excursion

If you’re craving a full-day immersion into Sri Lanka’s wildlife, this all-inclusive tour offers the chance to visit Udawalawe National Park and Yala National Park in one seamless trip. For around $350 per person, you’ll start early with hotel pickup—possibly from Galle or nearby locations—and spend about 14 to 15 hours exploring these two iconic parks. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll enjoy private transportation, breakfast, lunch, and dedicated safari jeeps, making it an effortless day for wildlife enthusiasts.

What we love most about this experience? First, the opportunity to see Sri Lankan elephants in Udawalawe, a park known for its large herds and open landscapes. Second, the chance to encounter Yala’s famous leopard populations and other mammals like sloth bears, along with birdwatching at its finest. The tour’s fully private and customizable nature means you can focus on your interests, and there’s no hidden cost—everything from entrance fees to meals is included.

However, a consideration is the long day’s drive—about 3 hours each way—which might be tiring for some travelers, especially if you prefer more leisurely park visits. This tour suits active travelers interested in wildlife photography, birding, or simply enjoying Sri Lanka’s natural beauty without fussing over logistics. It’s perfect if you want a comprehensive, value-packed wildlife experience in a single day.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Meals, entrance fees, private transport, and safari jeeps included, so no surprises.
• Two Parks, One Day: Visit Udawalawe for elephants and Yala for big cats, birds, and diverse landscapes.
• Private and Customizable: The tour is tailored to your interests, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
• Suitable for Active Tourists: Expect a long, energetic day with plenty of moving around.
• Authentic Experience: Guided by locals who know the parks’ hotspots for animal sightings.
• Great for Wildlife Enthusiasts: Ideal for those eager to see Sri Lanka’s iconic animals and bird species in their natural habitat.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect

This tour begins early, with hotel pickup around 5:30 am in the Galle area, or wherever you’re staying. The route covers a series of scenic stops, mostly brief, along the coast and through small towns—think of it as a scenic drive punctuated by opportunities to stretch your legs and appreciate local life.

From Galle to Udawalawe

Once you meet your safari guide and jeep driver at Udawalawe National Park, the real adventure begins. This park is famed for its large herds of Sri Lankan elephants, which roam freely across the expansive landscape. The jeeps, designed for optimal viewing, venture into gravel paths deep into the forest, giving you the chance to spot these gentle giants close up. Travelers like A Tripadvisor reviewer mention seeing “lots of elephants” and enjoying a “great jeep safari”—a true highlight for wildlife lovers.

Udawalawe is also a top bird-watching site, with many species fluttering overhead or perched on branches. Besides elephants and birds, you might encounter other mammals such as the rusty-spotted cat or fishing cat, adding a touch of mystery to your safari. The three-hour safari here is a well-paced introduction to Sri Lanka’s wildlife and natural scenery.

Transition to Yala National Park

After your morning in Udawalawe, you’ll transfer to Yala, which takes approximately 3 hours. This scenic drive offers a chance to see the countryside, small villages, and perhaps even some local wildlife along the roadside. Most travelers find this drive worthwhile, especially considering the spectacular sightings awaiting in Yala, the second stop of the day.

Yala National Park Safari

Yala is Sri Lanka’s second-largest national park and one of the most visited. It boasts a diverse range of ecosystems—semi-deciduous forests, grasslands, wetlands, and beaches—that support over 215 bird species and 44 mammal species. The park’s high leopard density is a major draw, and spotting one is often the highlight. Visitors have shared their experiences of seeing leopards, sloth bears, and other big cats, making it a must-see for wildlife photography.

The guided jeep safari in Yala lasts about three hours. As you navigate the park’s gravel paths, your guide will take you to hotspots for animal sightings. The chance to observe these majestic predators and other wildlife in their natural habitat adds a sense of magic to the day.

End of the Day and Return

After your Yala safari, the tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to your hotel, arriving in the evening. The entire experience, from early morning pickup to evening return, is designed to maximize your wildlife encounters while minimizing stress and logistical worries.

What We Appreciate About This Tour

This carefully curated experience offers a balance of adventure and convenience. The private transportation means you’re not stuck in a large group, and the all-inclusiveness simplifies planning—no need to worry about extra costs or missing out on park fees. The guides’ local knowledge is invaluable, often leading to better animal sightings and more insightful commentary about the parks’ ecosystems.

The inclusion of meals—breakfast and lunch—adds value, especially considering the long day on the road. The breakfast typically features fresh fruit and local dishes, giving you energy for the day ahead, while the lunch provides a taste of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

Reviews highlight how well-organized the tour is, with punctual pickups and friendly guides. One reviewer mentioned, “Very well organized, on time and smiling guide,” which makes a significant difference when covering such a hefty itinerary.

The Potential Drawbacks

The main challenge of this adventure is the long hours on the road, which might be tiring if you prefer more relaxed sightseeing. The early start and late return mean you should be prepared for a full day of activity and movement. Also, because the tour covers two parks in one day, your time in each is somewhat limited—about three hours per park—so if you’re a wildlife aficionado or keen photographer, you might wish for more time in each location.

Plus, not seeing certain species—like cheetahs in Yala—has been noted, but this is common with safari trips, as wildlife sightings depend on numerous factors, including animal movements and weather.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This safari experience is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to cover a lot of ground in one day. If you’re interested in big game viewing, birdwatching, and experiencing Sri Lanka’s diverse ecosystems, this tour offers excellent value and variety. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, hassle-free day with plenty of opportunities to see iconic animals, especially if you appreciate organized, all-inclusive trips.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a leisurely pace or those who prefer more time in each park. If you’re traveling with limited time but want a comprehensive wildlife experience, this tour strikes a nice balance.

The Sum Up

This Udawalawe and Yala Safari combo is a robust, well-organized adventure that packs a lot into one day. The inclusion of meals, park fees, private transport, and expert guides offers great value for wildlife lovers, especially those who want to see elephants, leopards, and a host of bird species without the hassle of coordinating multiple trips.

The long hours and shorter park visits are the main trade-offs, but for many, the quality of sightings and ease of logistics outweigh these minor inconveniences. The personalized service and focus on authentic experiences make this tour a reliable choice for travelers who want to maximize their time in Sri Lanka’s natural parks.

If you’re someone who thrives on wildlife photography, nature walks, or simply loves the idea of tracking big cats and elephants in their natural habitat, this trip will give you plenty to remember—and plenty of photos to prove it. For active, curious travelers wanting an efficient, engaging safari experience, this tour is a solid pick.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, pickup from your hotel in the Galle area or nearby locations is included, starting around 5:30 am.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers private transportation, all entrance fees, safari jeeps, breakfast, and lunch—so it’s all paid upfront, with no hidden charges.

How long is the total tour?
Expect to be on the road for about 14 to 15 hours, with approximately 3 hours spent in each park for safaris.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, this is a private and customizable tour, so you can focus on your interests during the safaris.

What kind of animals will I see?
You’ll have a good chance of seeing elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and various bird species, depending on animal activity during your visit.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Most travelers can participate, but the long day may be tiring for very young children. It’s best suited for active families with older kids or wildlife enthusiasts.

What is the suitability for photography?
With dedicated jeeps and expert guides, it’s a good opportunity for wildlife photography, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons.

What if I don’t see certain animals?
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but guides know the hotspots and will do their best to maximize your chances.

This tour offers a solid, authentic taste of Sri Lanka’s wild heart. For those eager to see elephants and leopards in a single, well-organized day, it’s hard to beat the value and authenticity of this memorable safari adventure.