Half Day Elephant Safari in Udawalawe
06+ Hours
Easy
All year round
26°C & Partly Cloudy
Udawalawe National Park
Witness the untamed wilderness up close
Experience one of Sri Lanka’s best wildlife encounters at Udawalawe National Park, world-famous for its large herds of elephants. The park was established as a sanctuary for animals displaced by the Udawalawe Reservoir and today offers visitors a chance to witness elephants, buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and countless bird species in their natural habitat.
Your safari begins in the afternoon, the best time to spot elephants as they gather near the water and roam across the open landscapes. With its mix of grasslands, forests, and wetlands, Udawalawe is not just about elephants — it’s a thriving ecosystem where every game drive reveals something new.
Perfect for wildlife lovers and photographers, this half-day safari promises close encounters and unforgettable moments in one of Sri Lanka’s most visited national parks.
Available sessions for Half Day Elephant Safari in Udawalawe
Morning Session
Morning safaris offer cooler weather, active birdlife, and a chance to spot elephants and other animals beginning their day.
Evening Session
Evening safaris are perfect for spotting elephants near watering holes and enjoying a magical sunset in the wild.
Itinerary
Meet your guide & enter the wild
Start your safari with a convenient hotel pickup near Udawalawe or meet your guide at the park entrance. Your guide will assist with ticketing and entry, so you can skip the lines and dive straight into the experience.
Track the giants of Udawalawe
Hop into your 4x4 and head deep into elephant territory! Udawalawe is famous for its large elephant herds, often seen up close — plus buffalo, crocodiles, peacocks, eagles, and more. Your guide will help you spot and understand the park’s diverse wildlife during this 5–6 hour immersive safari.
Return from the wild
After hours of thrilling wildlife sightings and photo moments, return to the park entrance with your camera full and your heart fuller. A raw and real Sri Lankan safari you won’t forget.
Location
Udawalawe National Park
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.
Private Transfers to Udawalawe National Park
Need transfers from where you are to Udawalawe National Park? Contact us today!
What‘s included and not
What‘s Included
6 hours game drive in Udawalwe National Park
Safari jeep with an experienced driver
Cool water
Cool box
Binocular
All applicable taxes
What‘s Not Included
Entrance Tickets to the National Park
Food and beverages
Tips for your guides
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Things to Know
Few things you‘ll needed
Sun cream or protective clothing
Binoculars
Cameras
Plenty of water
Bring along your good spirits and a thirst for adventure
Safety
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 & Conditions
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.
Guest Reviews
Reviews are gathered from various online review platforms.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Well balanced adventure
I highly recommend this company for a safari in Udawalawe. The afternoon safari is the best time to see elephants, and the guides were incredibly professional and friendly. It was a well balanced adventure with both excitement and relaxation. I’m grateful for this memorable experience!