Ella: Safari Day Trip to Yala & Udawalawe w/ Picnic Lunch

Exploring Sri Lanka’s Wild Side: A Full-Day Safari to Yala & Udawalawe

If you’re craving a day of close encounters with elephants, leopards, and a variety of other wildlife, this full-day safari trip from Ella is hard to beat. For around $104 per person, you’ll be whisked away in an air-conditioned vehicle to explore two of Sri Lanka’s most renowned national parks—Yala and Udawalawe—each offering something unique. The trip begins early, with hotel pickup, and packs in a lot of wildlife spotting, stunning scenery, and memorable moments, all within about 12 hours.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the chance to see both parks in one day, saving you the hassle of multiple trips. Plus, the inclusion of a picnic lunch and the visits to iconic spots like the Elephant Transit Home add extra layers of value. Another highlight? The guides and drivers are praised for their local knowledge and dedication to helping you spot elusive animals—something that can turn a good safari into an unforgettable adventure.

That said, a potential consideration is the timing and park entrance fees. The tour price does not include the $43 USD fee for Yala and the approximately $37 USD for Udawalawe, so budget for those if you want to avoid surprises. Also, early mornings can be a bit tricky—if the sunrise viewing isn’t perfect, it’s worth remembering that wildlife is unpredictable. But overall, this tour is ideal for those who love wildlife, photography, or simply want to experience Sri Lanka’s nature in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day safari suits travelers who want a comprehensive wildlife experience without multiple bookings. It’s especially good for first-timers to Sri Lanka or those on a tight schedule but eager to see elephants, leopards, and the diverse birdlife. If you’re interested in authentic, guided wildlife encounters with knowledgeable guides, this trip ticks those boxes. It also appeals to families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those wanting a convenient, all-in-one adventure.

Key Points

Convenient Multi-Park Visit: Cover two major parks—Yala and Udawalawe—in a single day, maximizing your wildlife sightings.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable drivers and guides enhance your chances of spotting animals and understanding their habits.
Comfortable Transport: An air-conditioned vehicle keeps you cool, especially after early morning starts.
Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see elephants, leopards, water buffalo, jackals, and a variety of birds in their natural habitats.
Value for Money: Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a picnic lunch, and visits to the Elephant Transit Home—adding cultural and animal-experience layers.
Park Entrance Fees Not Included: Budget around $43 USD for Yala and $37 USD for Udawalawe, payable on the day.

A Deep Dive Into the Safari Experience

Starting the Day: Early Pickup and Drive to Yala

Your adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup in Ella, a charming hill town known for its lush scenery. The comfortable ride to Yala National Park takes about 3 hours, giving you time to relax and enjoy the changing landscapes. The drive itself offers a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s rural life and the transition from highlands to plains, building anticipation for the wildlife encounters ahead.

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Yala National Park: The Quest for Leopards and More

Once at Yala, your guide (or more accurately, your private guide and driver) will lead you into the park in a sturdy 4×4 vehicle. Yala is famous for its leopards, but you’ll also encounter elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, and myriad bird species. The “Golden Hours” of early morning are considered the best for animal sightings, and many reviewers have reported success during this time.

One reviewer shared that “seeing leopard, elephants, and countless other animals and birds was awesome,” although they also noted that the early morning start and wait times can be a little discouraging if animals don’t appear immediately. Still, the guide’s local knowledge dramatically improves your chances—it’s clear that some skilled guiding can turn a potentially slow start into a wildlife jackpot.

The Picnic Lunch: A Rest and Recharge

After some hours of safari, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch—a thoughtful addition that breaks up the morning, allowing you to relax and reflect on your sightings so far. The menu isn’t specified, but typically, these are simple but satisfying options that keep you energized for the afternoon.

Visiting the Elephant Transit Home

Post-lunch, the journey continues to the Elephant Transit Home near Udawalawe. Here, during feeding times, you’ll see baby elephants being fed and cared for in a semi-wild environment. One reviewer called this part “the best experience,” emphasizing how close you can get to these gentle giants and how enriching it is to see them thriving after rescue.

Udawalawe National Park: Elephants and Other Wildlife

Your afternoon is dedicated to exploring Udawalawe, where the world’s highest concentration of elephants roams freely. From about 3 PM until sunset, you’ll be on the lookout for herds of elephants, water buffalo, spotted deer, and even crocodiles basking in the late afternoon light. The park’s vastness and the skill of your guide help maximize sightings, but wildlife always has a mind of its own.

Wrapping Up: Return Journey

As the sun sets around 6 PM, you’ll start the journey back to Ella. The drive offers a peaceful opportunity to process the day’s sights, perhaps sharing photos or stories from your wildlife encounters. The hotel drop-off ensures a convenient end to a packed, adventure-filled day.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Transportation & Comfort

Travel is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a big plus after a day outdoors. The small group size keeps things intimate and flexible, allowing your guide to spend more time helping you spot animals rather than sticking to a rigid schedule.

Pricing and Fees

While the tour costs $104 per person, remember that entrance fees to Yala and Udawalawe are not included—they come to roughly $43 USD per person and $37 USD, respectively. Budget accordingly, and consider whether you want to handle these payments on the day or include them in your planning.

Timing & Flexibility

This trip starts early—check availability for specific times—and runs for about 12 hours. It’s a full day, so be prepared for an early start and a long, active day. The “reserve now & pay later” option provides flexibility if your plans are still shaping up.

Reviews: Authentic Voices

One reviewer noted, “timeliness and waiting around for no apparent reason was discouraging,” but acknowledged that “the day definitely got better once we got into the park.” Another praised the “wonderful, friendly drivers” and the guide’s efforts to help see a leopard. These comments highlight that while wildlife sightings can sometimes depend on luck, the guides’ expertise and friendliness make a real difference.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This safari offers a comprehensive look at Sri Lanka’s iconic wildlife in a single, well-organized day. The combination of Yala’s elusive leopards and Udawalawe’s elephants provides a variety of memorable encounters, making it especially valuable for travelers with limited time. The inclusion of Elephant Transit Home visits adds a caring, conservation-focused element that many wildlife lovers appreciate.

The guides are praised for their local knowledge and dedication, which greatly enhance the experience. The comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off make the long day manageable, especially after a night in Ella.

For adventurers eager to photograph wildlife, families wanting a safe yet exciting outing, or anyone curious about Sri Lanka’s diverse ecosystems, this tour delivers genuine, authentic encounters. Just keep in mind the additional park fees and the unpredictability of wildlife sightings—patience and a good guide are your best assets.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, jeep safaris at Yala and Udawalawe, a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, a picnic lunch, bottled water, and soft drinks.

Are park entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fees for Yala (about $43 USD) and Udawalawe (about $37 USD) are not included in the tour price and need to be paid separately on the day.

How long is the safari?
The entire experience lasts around 12 hours, with safaris at both parks, meals, and transfers included. Specific start times depend on availability.

What animals might we see?
You can expect to see elephants, leopards, water buffalo, crocodiles, jackals, deer, and various bird species, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a full-day adventure with plenty of opportunities for photos and animal sightings.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, binoculars if you have them, camera gear, and a hat—although the vehicle provides shade, a little extra protection helps.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s best to reserve ahead, especially during peak travel seasons. The “reserve now & pay later” option allows you to secure your spot without immediate payment.

Embarking on this safari from Ella offers a chance to see Sri Lanka’s incredible wildlife with convenience and comfort. Whether you’re a dedicated animal lover or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this tour balances professional guiding with authentic encounters, making it a worthwhile addition to your Sri Lanka itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: