Book Your Safari in Udawalawe

If you’re dreaming of seeing elephants in the wild—not just one or two, but dozens at a time—a safari in udawalawe is exactly where you need to be. At Lanka Safe Tours, we’ve spent 11 years perfecting these routes.

More Details About Udawalawe Jeep Safari

Duration: 3–4 Hours
Location: Udawalawe
Starting Times: Early Morning or Afternoon
Pick-up: Local Hotels (within 5km) or Gate Number 1
Inclusions: Private Jeep, Entrance Tickets, Insurance, and Wate

If you are looking for an authentic wildlife experience in the heart of the southern plains, a safari in udawalawe is likely at the top of your list.

This isn’t just a quick stop; it’s a rugged adventure that connects you with the nature and biodiversity of Sri Lanka. We’ve designed our udawalawe wild safari tours to be reliable, professional, and unforgettable for anyone wanting to see the wild side of the island.

Itinerary of our Udawalawe Safari Day Tour

The day begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel (if located within 5km of the park) or we meet directly at Gate Number 1 to start the tour

Before entering the main park, we visit the Elephant Transit Home (Athuru Sevana) to watch orphaned baby elephants being bottle-fed milk by the caretakers

Then we head into the national park to begin your udawalawe wild safari tours in a rugged 4×4 jeep, specifically designed for these terrains.

You will spend the next 3 to 4 hours on a udawalawe jeep safari, exploring open grasslands where it is common to spot herds of 250 to 300 elephants we make our way toward the massive reservoir, which is the best spot to see elephants and their young calves bathing and playing in the water

Aside from elephants, we keep a lookout for water buffalo, crocodiles, and various bird species that are active throughout the day

After completing a successful safari in udawalawe, we exit the park and provide a safe drop-off back at your hotel or designated meeting point

Udawalawe Safari Highlights

Watch orphaned baby elephants being bottle-fed milk. This nearby rehabilitation center is a heart-warming stop before your safari in udawalawe begins.

Witness one of the highest densities of wild elephants in the world. It is common to spot between 250 and 300 elephants grazing in the open grasslands during a single trip.

Observe scenic views of elephants and their young calves bathing and playing in the water. The reservoir provides a stunning backdrop for photography.

Spot a variety of species including peacocks, crested serpent eagles, water buffalo, and crocodiles. August is a particularly great time for a udawalawe jeep safari to see birds in full display.

Rugged 4×4 Jeep Experience – Navigate the park’s off-road trails in a professional safari vehicle. Our udawalawe safari jeep tours ensure you reach the best watering holes safely and comfortably.

Planning Your Udawalawe Jeep Safari: What to Expect

Organizing a trip shouldn’t feel like a chore. You basically have two windows: the early morning or the late afternoon. The morning session starts as the sun comes up, which is great for birdwatchers. The afternoon session often ends with a spectacular sunset over the reservoir.

When you book one of our udawalawe safari jeep tours, we take care of the “boring” stuff. We pick you up, handle the park entrance fees, and provide a rugged 4×4 built for these trails. You’ll spend about 3 to 4 hours inside the park, which is plenty of time to cover the best watering holes.

Udawalawe National Park sits on the boundary of the Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces. It’s popular for one simple reason: visibility. Unlike the thick jungles of other parks, Udawalawe is mostly open grassland and scrub. This makes it incredibly easy to spot animals. You aren’t squinting through dense leaves hoping to see a tail; the wildlife is right there in the open.

A Brief History of the Park

The park was established in 1972, primarily as a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River. It serves as a vital catchment area for the reservoir itself. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the most successful conservation areas in Sri Lanka, especially for the local elephant population.

The Stars of the Show in Udawalawe

While everyone comes for the elephants, the park is a massive biodiversity hub. On a typical udawalawe wild safari, you’re likely to spot:

Water Buffalo (often seen cooling off in the mud)
Crested Serpent Eagles and Painted Storks
Monitor Lizards and the occasional Crocodile
Spotted Deer and Wild Boar

The Famous Elephant Population in Udawalawe

This is the main event. There are roughly 600 to 700 elephants living within the park boundaries. On a single udawalawe safari trip, it is common to see between 250 and 300 elephants. You’ll see them bathing in the reservoir, grazing in herds, and—if you’re lucky—plenty of calves playing in the water.

And if you want to see the babies up close, the Elephant Transit Home (Eth Athuru Sevana) is right nearby. This is where orphaned calves are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. Watching them get bottle-fed is a highlight for many of our guests.

When to Book Your Udawalawe Wild Safari Rides

There really isn’t a “bad” time to visit. The park is open 365 days a year, and the animals don’t go on vacation. However, if you are a bird lover, August is particularly special for seeing peacocks in their full glory and various migratory birds.

Morning Safari: Starts around 6:00 AM. Cooler weather and active birds.
Afternoon Safari: Starts around 2:30 PM or 3:00 PM. Best for seeing elephants heading to the water as the heat dies down.

World-Class Safari Experience on a Budget in Udawalawe

One of the biggest advantages of a safari in Udawalawe is its affordability. A comparable high-end safari in Africa can cost thousands of dollars, but in Sri Lanka, you can enjoy an equally memorable wildlife experience at a much lower price.

Professional Safari Pricing

We believe in transparent pricing. No hidden “service fees” or surprise taxes when you arrive at the gate.

Child Safari Fee: Approximately $40 USD.
What’s Included:
- Private Jeep and experienced driver
- All Park Entry Tickets
- Government Taxes
- Insurance Coverage
- Complimentary Water Bottles
- Hotel Pick-up (if staying within 5km of the park)

Getting to Your Jeep Safari in Udawalawe

Udawalawe is well-connected by road, making it a perfect stop between the hill country (like Ella) and the southern beaches.

From Colombo: About a 4-hour drive.
From Ella: Around 2 hours.
From Mirissa/Galle: Roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.

Note: If you are staying nearby (within 5km), we will pick you up directly from your hotel. If you are coming from further away for a day trip, we’ll meet you at Gate Number 1, the main entrance to the park.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of glamping sites, eco-lodges, and guest houses right on the edge of the park. Staying nearby is highly recommended so you can catch that early morning udawalawe safari fun without a long commute.

Preparation & Rules for a Udawalawe Wild Safari Tours

To keep the park pristine and the animals safe, there are some hard rules we have to follow. As a registered agency with the Sri Lanka Tourist Board, Lanka Safe Tours strictly adheres to these:

No Drones: They scare the animals. Drone use is strictly prohibited.
Stay in the Vehicle: You cannot get out of the jeep inside the park. It’s for your safety and the animals’.
No Feeding: Never toss fruit or food to the animals. It disrupts their natural diet and behavior.
Silence is Golden: Keep noise to a minimum so you don’t startle the wildlife.

Quick Tip: Wear light, breathable clothing. It gets dusty and hot. A hat and sunglasses are your best friends out there.