Udawalawe Elephant Safari and Elephant Transit Home

Tour Overview

Udawalawe does what Yala sometimes keeps you waiting for - large wild elephant herds in open grassland, in plain view, for most of the day. The golden hour at the reservoir edge is one of Sri Lanka’s most consistently rewarding wildlife moments. The Elephant Transit Home, a government orphan rehabilitation programme with bottle-fed calves at scheduled times, is one of the most genuinely affecting wildlife encounters on the island.

  • Category: Wildlife
  • Duration: Full day - approximately 9 hrs
  • Best for: Families, wildlife enthusiasts, first-time safari visitors
  • Best season: Year-round. Elephants visible throughout the day.
  • Fitness: Easy - seated jeep throughout.

Tour Highlights

  • Wild elephant herds in open grassland throughout the day
  • Golden-hour reservoir edge - one of Sri Lanka’s best wildlife moments
  • Elephant Transit Home - orphaned calves at scheduled feed times
  • Water buffalo, crocodiles and raptors throughout
  • Family-friendly open terrain - everyone sees everything
Wild Elephants Sunset

Inclusions

  • Private safari jeep
  • National park entrance fees
  • Elephant Transit Home entry
  • Bottled water

Exclusions

  • Meals
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities

Practical Notes

  • The most reliable and family-friendly of the safari day tours
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