From: Mirissa/ Matara – Udawalawe Safari – To: Ella

A Wild Ride from Mirissa or Matara to Ella with a Safari at Udawalawe

This tour offers an adventurous day exploring Udawalawe National Park, with options for a morning, afternoon, or full-day safari. Starting early or late from Koggala, Mirissa, Matara, or nearby areas, you’ll spend several hours searching for elephants, crocodiles, and other wildlife in their natural setting. For just $108 per person, the experience includes not only game drives but also a stop at the Elephant Transit Home, making it a compelling way to connect with Sri Lanka’s incredible wildlife.

What we really love about this tour is the chance to see wild elephants in their natural habitat—an experience that’s both thrilling and humbling. The guides, with their extensive knowledge, help you spot animals you might otherwise miss and share fascinating facts along the way. Plus, the support for local communities and eco-friendly operations makes it feel good to travel with purpose.

A possible consideration is the early start, especially if you’re not a morning person. The pickup can be as early as 4:45 a.m., which might require some coffee motivation. Also, the entrance fees to the park and Elephant Transit Home aren’t included in the price, so budget extra for those. This tour suits travelers who love animal encounters, scenic drives, and cultural support, especially those eager to see elephants in the wild and appreciate an authentic Sri Lankan safari experience.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Experience close-up views of elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and more in Udawalawe’s natural environment.
• Flexible Options: Choose between a morning, afternoon, or full-day safari to fit your schedule.
• Inclusive Visits: Tour includes a stop at the Elephant Transit Home, giving you the chance to observe baby elephants being fed.
• Comfortable Transport: Small group sizes and well-maintained safari jeeps ensure a personal, engaging experience.
• Additional Costs: Entrance fees and meals are extra; plan accordingly for a complete experience.
• Authentic and Eco-friendly: The operation supports local communities and emphasizes sustainable tourism.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour: What to Expect on Your Day

Starting the Day: Early Pickup and Transfer

From 4:45 a.m. for full-day tours or around noon for an afternoon safari, your driver will collect you from your hotel in the Mirissa, Koggala, Weligama, or Matara areas. The early mornings are designed to maximize wildlife sightings, as animals tend to be most active at dawn and dusk. The transfer from the coast to Udawalawe takes about two hours, giving you a chance to enjoy the changing scenery of Sri Lanka’s interior.

The Safari Experience: Game Drives in Udawalawe

Once at the park, you’ll jump into a rugged 4X4 safari vehicle—the best way to get a 270-degree view of the wilderness. The guides, with over 30 years of experience, lead you on your game drives, which typically last about 3 hours in the morning or afternoon. Expect to see elephants grazing, crocodiles basking on the banks, and perhaps even a sloth bear or buffalo. Bird watchers will appreciate the diverse species fluttering overhead.

The guides’ expertise is a huge plus; as one traveler put it, “Guide was very good and told us a lot about the animals,” enriching the experience beyond just spotting wildlife. We’ve found that the guides’ knowledge turns a simple drive into a fascinating lesson in Sri Lankan ecology.

Visiting the Elephant Transit Home

A highlight of this tour is the visit to the Elephant Transit Home. Here, you’ll observe baby elephants being fed (feeding times are at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.), an adorable and memorable sight. Depending on your schedule (morning or afternoon safari), the visit will come either before or after your game drive. The home acts as a rescue and rehabilitation center, supported by the park and local community, which makes this visit both heartwarming and educational.

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Breaks and Meals

In the afternoon safari, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute break for lunch, which you can purchase for $10, or bring your own picnic. In the full-day option, you’ll also have a break for breakfast ($8). These pauses help keep energy levels up during the long day and allow you to relax a bit before heading back into the wilderness.

Scenic Route to Ella

After your wildlife adventures, you’ll start the scenic two-hour transfer to Ella. If you’re doing the full-day tour, there’s even an optional 20-minute stop near Rawana-Ella Waterfall—a lovely spot to stretch your legs and snap some photos before continuing your journey. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel in Ella or nearby towns around 1 p.m. for the morning tour or around 8:15 p.m. for the full day.

The Value of This Safari Experience

At $108, this tour offers a solid mix of wildlife viewing, cultural insight, and scenic travel. The price includes transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, a well-maintained safari jeep, and the expertise of seasoned guides. Since park entrance fees and meals are extra, it’s worth budgeting around $45 for park entry and $12 for Elephant Transit Home, plus additional costs if you want meals.

Compared to independent travel, the guided tour simplifies logistics and ensures you get the most out of your time. The small group size (limited to 12 participants) makes for a personalized experience, where your guide can point out animals and answer questions more easily. Many travelers find that this kind of tour strikes the right balance between adventure and comfort.

Why It’s a Good Deal

Given the length and inclusions, you’re getting a comprehensive day out—covering wildlife, conservation, and scenic transfer—all for a reasonable price. The tours are well-reviewed, with travelers praising guides’ knowledge and the chance to see elephants living in the wild. The support for local communities adds an ethical layer, making your wildlife outing feel more meaningful.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This safari is best suited for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and families who want a hassle-free experience. It’s also ideal if you’re staying near Mirissa or Matara but want to see Elephants in their natural habitat without the hassle of organizing transport and park entry independently. If you’re someone who loves photography, birdwatching, or simply observing animals in the wild, this tour will fit your interests.

However, it’s less suitable if you’re sensitive to early mornings, as the tour begins before sunrise, or if you’re traveling with very young children (below 5), since the safari involves a lot of sitting and vehicle time. The tour is also not designed for those with mobility restrictions, given the rugged vehicle terrain and walking involved at stops.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

The Drive to Udawalawe

Leaving your hotel early in the morning, you’ll traverse Sri Lanka’s lush landscape, passing rural villages, rice paddies, and patches of forest. The two-hour transfer is a scenic reminder of what makes Sri Lanka unique—the vibrant colors, the smells of local markets, and the gentle rural life. The anticipation builds as you approach Udawalawe, renowned for its large herd of elephants.

At Udawalawe National Park

Once inside, the guide will lead you into the park’s open plains and waterways. This is where your camera zooms in on elephants grazing in the early morning light or crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks. The guides’ extensive experience will help you spot creatures that might be camouflaged or hidden behind brush.

The park’s reputation for elephant sightings is well-earned. Many travelers report that they’ve seen multiple herds, and some have even encountered sloth bears or water buffaloes. Birds are plentiful too, with species like kingfishers, hornbills, and herons overhead.

Elephant Transit Home—A Heartwarming Stop

Following the safari, the visit to the Elephant Transit Home is a highlight. Watching the tiny elephants being fed, with their trunks waving or curious eyes peering out, adds a personal touch to the day’s wildlife experience. As one reviewer shared, “Guide was very good and told us a lot about the animals,” making the visit both educational and emotionally engaging.

Scenic Transfer to Ella

After the wildlife adventure, the journey continues through scenic hills, tea plantations, and villages. If you’ve booked the full-day tour, the optional Rawana-Ella Waterfall stop is a lovely way to stretch your legs and enjoy nature’s beauty before arriving in Ella, known for its cool climate and lush landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For $108, you’re getting significant value—a meaningful wildlife experience, comfortable transport, and a chance to see Sri Lanka’s elephants in the wild. It’s particularly appealing for those who want a hassle-free, guided day that combines adventure and nature without overextending the budget.

The focus on sustainable tourism and supporting local communities adds a feel-good factor, making it more than just a sightseeing trip. On top of that, the small group size ensures a more intimate experience, led by guides who genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge.

This tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, families, or anyone eager to experience Sri Lanka’s wilderness in a day. If you enjoy photography or nature watching, you’ll especially appreciate the opportunities here.

FAQs

What are the pickup times?
For the full-day safari, pickups start around 4:45 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.; for the afternoon, around 12:00 p.m. These early starts are designed to maximize wildlife sightings.

Are meals included?
No, meals are extra. You can purchase breakfast for $8 and lunch for $10, or bring your own. They’re optional but recommended for longer days.

How much does park entry cost?
The entrance fee to Udawalawe National Park is approximately $45 USD (Sri Lankan Rupees 13,000). The Elephant Transit Home costs about $12 USD.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, you can choose between the morning, afternoon, or full-day options, depending on your schedule and interest level.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children above 5 can join with a reduced fee, but young children should be comfortable with long vehicle rides and early mornings.

What’s the group size?
Limited to 12 participants for a more personal experience.

What vehicle is used?
A rugged 4X4 safari jeep designed for wildlife viewing, providing excellent visibility and access to the park’s terrain.

Are guides experienced?
Absolutely. The guides have over 30 years of experience and are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, binoculars if you have them, sun protection, and extra cash for entrance fees and meals.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
Yes, the tours support local communities and emphasize sustainable tourism practices, helping conservation efforts.

This safari from Mirissa or Matara to Ella offers a fantastic chance to see Sri Lanka’s wildlife up close in a responsible way, combined with scenic travel that highlights the island’s natural beauty. It’s a great choice for those wanting an authentic, well-organized adventure that balances fun, education, and support for local efforts.

You can check availability for your dates here: