5 Udawalawe National Park Safaris in Hikkaduwa Worth Booking

1.Hikkaduwa/Galle/Weligama/Mirissa/Tangalle: Udawalawa Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 114 reviews · 3 - 8 hours · from $27Our pick

Travel from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Weligama, Mirissa, or Tangalle to Udawalawe National Park in an air-conditioned car. A local guide such as Pathum or Mahesh leads the 4x4 safari, with wild elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, birds, and an Elephant Transit Home visit on the plan.

“The tour through the national park was great. We were able to see most animals without being at packed spots with many other visitors. Our driver gave us plenty of time to observe the animals living there and explained all questions we had. We were picked up from our hotel from Janaka, who is a very kind person and drove safely without rush. On the way back he also took the time so we could get some lunch at a restaurant before driving us back to our hotel. We were very happy to have him as our driver!”

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2.Udawalawe Safari Private Day Trip with Lunch – All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 69 reviews · 6 - 12 hours · from $110

Travel by private air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver-guide, then spend 3 to 3.5 hours in a private jeep at Udawalawe National Park. You will also see the Elephant Transit Home milk feeding session and enjoy lunch. Dinesh and Ravin are among the drivers who may handle transfers.

“they took care of us from start to end. the pick up was on time and comfortable. the safari guide was great and knew what to look for. highly recommend.”

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3.Udawalawa Safari & Drop Tangalle/ Mirissa/ Galle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 45 reviews · 8 - 9 hours · from $47

Travel from Ella to Udawalawe National Park for a guided 4x4 safari, then watch baby elephants feed at the Elephant Transit Home before continuing to Mirissa, Galle, Tangalle, or Hikkaduwa. Guide Baeus has earned special praise for wildlife spotting and care, but shared transport can be tight.

“The drop-off tour with a safari starting at 8:00 AM turned out to be a 4:00 AM ride in a small minibus crammed with seven people. A few hours before departure, the tour operator informed us of the 4 hours earlier departure time, apparently to fill the bus completely. The driver, as is typical here, was very friendly, but even struggled to squeeze our small backpacks between the rear window and the back seats. My seatbelt was broken, and my wife had no headrest; the comfort level was worse than in a budget airline, all of that after only three hours sleep. The (extra paid) safari itself was great and…”

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4.From Galle/ Mirissa/ Tangalle : Udawalawa Safari & Drop Ella

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 31 reviews · 8 hours · from $46

Travel from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Mirissa, or Tangalle to Udawalawe for a three-hour jeep safari, a baby-elephant feeding visit, and a transfer to Ella. You’ll look for elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles, leopards, and birds with an English-speaking guide. Park and Transit Home fees cost extra.

“The pickup was on time, but the ride was a bit cramped (not enough space in the van). The safari itself went smoothly, however, we paid about $10 more for the entrance fee than the price advertised for tourists at the national park entrance (which is fine with me, since we didn't have to do anything except get in the jeep). We were quickly transported to Ella in a better vehicle. However, we maintained contact with the tour operators regarding further transportation and subsequently encountered problems and discussions about the negotiated price. So, it might be better to just book the safari.”

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5.Value Tour: One Day Safari Trip to Yala & Udawalawe w/ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 13 reviews · 1 day · from $57

Start before sunrise for a Yala jeep safari, eat a local lunch, watch young elephants feed at Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, then safari in Udawalawe from 3 PM. English-speaking guides such as Ishan, Naja, Sasanka, and Dilan have helped guests find wildlife across both parks.

“I loved it! Dilan is a very good guide and driver. Fully recommended!”

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