If seeing wild elephants is top of your list, Udawalawe is the safari to choose — a full day among hundreds of them, with easy transfers from Hiriketiya and a gentler pace than Yala.
Udawalawe National Park, set around a large reservoir on the edge of the hill country, is home to a resident population of several hundred elephants. Sightings are remarkably reliable year-round, which makes it the most rewarding park for anyone whose priority is elephants — and it is generally quieter and less crowded than Yala. Water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, eagles, and abundant birdlife round out the experience.
The drive from Hiriketiya takes a little under three hours, climbing gently inland from the coast. We time your pickup so you arrive for a morning or afternoon game drive in an open jeep, which we can arrange along with your park entry. It is a fantastic option for families, first-time safari-goers, and anyone who wants a strong wildlife day without the pre-dawn intensity of Yala.
Just outside the park, the Elephant Transit Home cares for orphaned calves before releasing them back into the wild, and its feeding times are a moving thing to witness. We can include a stop if the timing works. Tell us your priorities and we will shape the day around them.
Because the drive is gentler and the park is compact, Udawalawe pairs beautifully with other stops if you would like a fuller day — a riverside lunch, a short walk, or a visit to a local village on the way home. It is also an ideal choice if you have already done a leopard-focused safari elsewhere and simply want to spend unhurried time watching elephants graze, bathe, and cross the track in front of you. We will match the vehicle and the timing to your group so the whole day feels relaxed rather than rushed.
- Duration
- Full day (~9 hours)
- Price
- from $100
Itinerary
- 1Morning pickup from your accommodation in Hiriketiya
- 2Drive inland to Udawalawe National Park
- 3Game drive in an open safari jeep
- 4Optional Elephant Transit Home visit at feeding time
- 5Return transfer to the coast
Highlights
- Reliable wild elephant sightings all year round
- Quieter and less crowded than Yala
- Great for families and first-time safari-goers
- Optional visit to the Elephant Transit Home
- Open jeep and park entry arranged for you
Frequently Asked Questions
For elephants, yes — Udawalawe has a large resident herd and sightings are reliable throughout the year. Yala offers a broader mix including leopards, so the best choice depends on what you most want to see.
Very much so. The drives are gentle, sightings come quickly, and the day is less demanding than a pre-dawn Yala start, which makes it a great family safari.
Yes, timing permitting. Feeding sessions run at set times through the day, and we can plan the game drive around one so you catch it.