# Full Day Elephant Safari in Udawalawe URL: https://rapidadventures.lk/experiences/full-day-elephant-safari-in-udawalawe > Witness the untamed wilderness up close **Rating**: ★ 4.9 / 5.0 (11 reviews) **Location**: Udawalawe National Park (80.7992975, 6.4612624) **Duration**: 10 Hours **Difficulty**: Easy **Season**: All year round **Booking Requirements**: Minimum 1 guest ## Overview Experience the best of Udawalawe National Park with a full-day safari from sunrise to sunset. Starting at 6:00 AM, this adventure gives you the rare chance to witness the park’s wildlife in their natural rhythm throughout the day. In the early morning, catch sight of elephants and other animals as they roam freely in the cool dawn. Midday offers time to pause, enjoy refreshments, and absorb the vast landscapes of the park. As the afternoon unfolds, you’ll head deeper into the wilderness where elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, deer, and a wide variety of birdlife can be spotted. Spanning from morning until evening, this full-day safari ensures maximum wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to fully immerse yourself in one of Sri Lanka’s most visited national parks. ## Location & Coordinates - **Area**: Udawalawe National Park - Where Elephants Roam Free in the Wild - **Coordinates**: Latitude 80.7992975, Longitude 6.4612624 - **Google Maps**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e61TApR2d4C6Xjgc8 Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wildlife destinations, famous for its large population of wild elephants. Spanning grasslands, forests, and the Udawalawe Reservoir, the park offers incredible opportunities to observe elephants, water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Its open landscapes make wildlife sightings frequent and unforgettable, making Udawalawe a must-visit for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. ## Operating Hours & Sessions ### Available Sessions / Time Slots - **Daylight Availability**: 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Enjoy a full-day safari experience with flexible daytime entry and exit) ## Itinerary ### Early pickup & park entry Kick off your full-day safari after the hotel pickup near Udawalawe or meet your guide directly at the park entrance. Your expert guide handles all ticketing — you just sit back and get ready to roam with the wild. ### Full Day Safari – nonstop wildlife encounters Spend the day exploring Udawalawe’s vast plains in search of elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, monitors, and a wide array of birdlife. With more time in the park, you'll witness animals in different moments of their day — feeding, roaming, resting, and even playing. Duration: Approximately 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM and & you'll get plenty of time for wildlife photography, quiet observation, and nature immersion. ### Return with a wild heart After hours of unforgettable sightings, return to the park entrance or your hotel — your camera roll full and your soul recharged. Note: Meals are not included. Please bring your own snacks, lunch, and drinks to stay fueled during the safari. ## Included - 10 hours game drive in Udawalwe National Park - Safari jeep with an experienced driver - Cool water - Cool box - Binocular - All applicable taxes ## Excluded - Entrance Tickets to the National Park - Food and beverages - Tips for your guides - Travel insurance - Personal expenses ## Things to Know ### What to Bring & Preparation - Sun cream or protective clothing - Binoculars - Cameras - Plenty of water - Bring along your good spirits and a thirst for adventure ### Safety Instructions - No strict age limit — suitability assessed individually. - Do not consume alcohol, intoxicants, or heavy meals before activities. - We need to know if you are suffering from heart conditions, epilepsy, or any other medical condition before participating in our activities. Especially food allergies. - Be honest about your level of fitness. Do not attempt an activity if you are not in a condition to participate. - Please wear suitable clothing and shoes for the activity. Make sure they're comfortable and that you won't mind them getting a bit damp or muddy. - Follow the guide’s instructions at all times. We are not liable for injuries or damages caused by ignoring safety briefings or instructions. - Safety is our top priority, so please respect the decision of your guide. ### Terms & Policies - Please refer all the General Terms and Conditions prior to your journey in addition to the below. - Please ensure that your health insurance policy is valid in Sri Lanka for the safety of all concerned and, most importantly, for you. ## Additional Information & Custom Attributes - **Location**: Udawalawe National Park ## Customer Reviews & Ratings **Overall Rating**: ★ 4.9 / 5.0 (11 verified reviews) ### Rating Breakdown - **Experience Quality**: 4.9 / 5 - **Location**: 4.8 / 5 - **Value for Money**: 4.9 / 5 - **Listing Accuracy**: 4.5 / 5 - **Host Communication**: 4.6 / 5 ### Recent Guest Reviews - **Anna Müller** (5/5 via Google): "Our guide was attentive!" - Spending an entire day in Udawalawa felt like stepping into another world. The vast open plains, the quiet moments of observation, and the close encounters with elephants made this safari incredibly special. Our guide was attentive, patient, and always willing to answer questions. Even though meals weren’t included, the experience itself was more than enough to make the day perfect. - **Thomas Reynolds** (5/5 via Google): "Recommended for anyone who truly loves nature! " - As a photography enthusiast, this safari exceeded my expectations. The long duration meant we had excellent lighting at different times of the day, and the guide positioned the vehicle carefully for photos without disturbing the animals. Udawalawa offers amazing visibility, and we were lucky to see elephants multiple times, along with reptiles and birdlife. By the end of the day, my camera was full and my heart was even fuller. Highly recommended for anyone who truly loves nature. - **Michael Anderson** (5/5 via Google): "It felt unhurried, peaceful, and deeply rewarding." - From the early morning pickup to the final drive out of the park, this safari was an incredible experience. Our guide handled all the entry arrangements smoothly, which allowed us to fully relax and enjoy the day. Udawalawe is stunning — wide open landscapes and wildlife everywhere. We saw multiple elephant herds throughout the day, along with crocodiles, buffalo, and countless birds. Spending a full day inside the park made such a difference, as we were able to observe animals in different moments of their routine. It felt unhurried, peaceful, and deeply rewarding. - **Sanjeewa Fernando** (5/5 via Google): "Highly recommend for locals and visitors alike!" - Our Udawalawe safari with this adventure company was truly remarkable. The timing was perfect for seeing the elephants up close in the evening light. The guides were knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting information about the park and its animals. The jeeps were clean and comfortable, ensuring a smooth ride through the wilderness. The company’s friendly and professional service made this a fantastic adventure. Highly recommend for locals and visitors alike! - **Nimal Perera** (5/5 via TripAdvisor): "I would definitely book with them again!" - The safari experience in Udawalawe offered by this company exceeded all my expectations. The afternoon start was perfect for spotting large herds of elephants peacefully grazing. I also appreciated the optional tea service back at the hotel, which was a wonderful way to unwind after an exciting adventure. I would definitely book with them again!