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

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

This full-day safari adventure takes you from the lush hills of Ella to two of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife parks—Yala and Udawalawe. For $96 per person, you’ll enjoy a private guided tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and jeep safaris in both parks. The experience spans approximately 12 hours, starting early enough to catch the sunrise at Yala and ending at sunset in Udawalawe.

What we really like about this tour is how well it balances wildlife spotting with comfort and convenience. The private guide and 4×4 vehicles ensure you’re not lost in the crowd, and the picnic lunch provides a nice break amid the day’s excitement. Another highlight is the stop at the Elephant Transit Home—a heartwarming chance to see wild elephant babies being fed—a truly special moment that adds an authentic touch to the safari.

A potential downside is the early start—if you’re not a morning person, that might be a challenge. Also, keep in mind that the Yala entrance fee (around $43 USD) is not included in the package, so budget for that. This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive wildlife experience without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions themselves. It’s especially good for those who appreciate expert guides, comfortable transportation, and a variety of animal sightings.

Key Points

Comprehensive two-park experience—see both Yala and Udawalawe in one day.
Wildlife variety—spot leopards, elephants, water buffalo, jackals, and more.
Loaded with authentic moments—like watching baby elephants fed at Udawalawe.
Comfort and convenience—hotel pickup, air-conditioned vehicle, private guide.
Value for money—includes transport, guide, and picnic lunch, with optional park entry fee.
Early start—ideal for those wanting to maximize wildlife viewing, but may be tiring.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Safari Day Trip

Itinerary Breakdown: From Hill Country to the Heart of Sri Lanka’s Wildlife

We start our day in Ella, a charming town surrounded by tea plantations and misty mountains. The tour company arranges for a prompt hotel pickup, which means you can relax knowing your guide, probably a local with a lot of knowledge, will handle the logistics. The drive to Yala National Park takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic, but it’s worth it once you’re within the park’s boundaries.

Yala National Park is famous for its leopard sightings, but it’s also home to 44 varieties of mammals and 215 bird species. Our guide shares insights about the park’s eco-diversity while expertly navigating the sandy tracks and varied terrains—from light forests to grasslands and lagoons. We love the way the early morning light enhances the scenery, and the excitement of spotting our first leopard adds a thrill to the morning.

After a couple of hours, it’s time for a picnic lunch. The tour offers a delicious spread—which travelers have praised as “good food,” providing enough energy to keep us going. The lunch is usually a packed meal, easy to eat in the field, though one reviewer noted it was at a local restaurant, which might feel a bit less refined but still authentic.

Next, we head to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where we get a chance to observe baby elephants being fed during designated hours. This is a highlight, especially for animal lovers. We loved the close-up view of elephants and the heartfelt effort to rehabilitate and protect these gentle giants.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at Udawalawe National Park—a sprawling reserve where we’ll spend several hours searching for herds of elephants, along with deer, jackals, wild boar, buffalo, crocodiles, and other wildlife. Our guide’s expert navigation makes it easy to spot animals, even in the vastness of the park. The elephant sightings here are particularly abundant, and the vast landscape makes for a striking backdrop.

The entire day wraps up around sunset, offering a peaceful end to a long, rewarding day, before we’re driven back to Ella. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and attentive guide make for a relaxed return trip, giving you space to reflect on the day’s adventures.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You get hotel pickup and drop-off, transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, jeep safaris in both parks, an Elephant Transit Home visit, a picnic lunch, and bottled water and soft drinks. The main expense not covered is the entrance fee to Yala (around $43 USD per person), which is a significant consideration in your budget. The Udawalawe entrance fee is roughly $37 USD, but it’s not included in the package, so be prepared for that expense.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Guides

Several reviews highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guides and drivers. One reviewer remarked, “The guides and drivers were all very nice and you didn’t feel uncomfortable with them at all,” which speaks to the professionalism and warmth you can expect. This kind of personalized attention makes the experience more engaging and enjoyable, especially when trying to spot elusive animals like leopards or catching the playful dips of elephant calves.

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Who Will Love this Tour?

This trip is best suited for wildlife enthusiasts who want an all-in-one day of birdwatching and animal spotting. It’s also great for travelers who prefer comfortable transportation and appreciate the expert guidance that helps maximize sightings. If you’re an early riser, the sunrise safari at Yala will thrill you; if you love elephants, the Udawalawe stop is a must.

However, keep in mind that Yala can be crowded, especially during peak times, and the long drive between parks can be tiring if you’re not accustomed to early mornings or full days outdoors. The park entry fee adds to the cost, so budget accordingly.

Why Choose This Safari?

The main value here lies in the convenience and diversity of the experience. Instead of booking separate trips, you get a well-organized day covering two parks, each offering different wildlife encounters. The inclusion of a picnic lunch and Elephant Transit Home visit adds unique, memorable moments that you won’t find on standard safaris.

Plus, the small group size (private guide) means you’re less likely to be lost in a large crowd, and the air-conditioned vehicle makes the long day much more comfortable. With the expert guidance, you gain a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s ecological diversity, making the trip not just fun but educational.

Final Thoughts

This safari tour from Ella strikes a good balance between adventure, comfort, and value. It’s ideal for those wanting to tick off Sri Lanka’s top wildlife parks in one day without the stress of organizing transport or guides themselves. The early start is perfect for wildlife viewing, especially for spotting leopards and herds of elephants in their natural habitat.

If you’re after an authentic experience with knowledgeable guides, a chance to see a wide range of animals, and some beautiful scenery along the way, this tour delivers. While it does require some energy and a willingness to pay the entrance fees, the payoff in memorable sightings and local encounters is worth it.

Travelers who value professional guidance, comfortable transport, and authentic wildlife moments will find this trip a worthwhile addition to their Sri Lankan itinerary. Just bring your camera, some patience, and a spirit eager for adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Since the tour involves jeep safaris in the parks, which are generally on uneven terrain, it may not be ideal for those with mobility challenges. The vehicle pickup and drop-off are convenient, but some walking or standing in the parks might be necessary.

What is the best time of day for wildlife sightings?
The tour begins with a sunrise safari at Yala, so early mornings are when animals are most active. The late afternoon in Udawalawe is also good for spotting elephants, as they tend to be more visible during cooler parts of the day.

Are the safaris in open vehicles?
No, the safaris are in air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles, but the safari in the parks is typically conducted in jeep-style open or semi-open vehicles designed for wildlife viewing.

Do I need to pay the park entrance fees myself?
Yes, the Yala entrance fee (around $43 USD) is not included and must be paid on arrival. The Udawalawe fee (about $37 USD) is also not included, so budget accordingly.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for early mornings and warm afternoons, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and your camera. Also, it’s wise to carry some extra cash for the entrance fees and any snacks or souvenirs.

Will we see leopards?
While leopards are a highlight of Yala, sightings depend on luck and animal activity, but your guide will do their best to locate them. It’s a common hope among travelers, and with patience, you might be rewarded.

What is the lunch like?
The tour offers a picnic lunch which many travelers find satisfying, with some reviews calling it “good food.” It’s usually a packed meal, but alternatives at a local restaurant are also available, which adds a bit of local flavor.

How long is the drive between parks?
The drive from Yala to Udawalawe takes about 1.5 hours, providing a chance to rest or nap during the journey.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children who enjoy wildlife and early mornings can find this tour exciting. However, consider their stamina for a full day and early start when planning.

In the end, this safari tour offers a well-rounded, authentic Sri Lankan wildlife experience, combining expert guides, comfortable transport, and the chance to see some of the country’s most iconic animals. Perfect for those who want a hassle-free, meaningful adventure into Sri Lanka’s natural world.

You can check availability for your dates here: