A full-day safari in one of the best places in the world to see wild Asian elephants in open terrain with near certainty, alongside water buffalo, crocodiles and exceptional waterbirds on the reservoir margins.
Departure from : Tissamaharama, Udawalawe vicinity or the south coast
Day Tour 9: Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour
Key Highlights
Wild Elephant Herds
One of the most reliably visible wild elephant populations in the world – family herds of 20 or more animals commonly encountered at the reservoir margins in the morning and late afternoon.
Elephant Transit Home
A government rehabilitation centre where orphaned calves are hand-raised before gradual return to the wild – a meaningful visit adding conservation depth to any safari day.
Udawalawe Reservoir
A vast irrigation reservoir attracting painted storks, open-billed storks, cormorants, herons, egrets and kingfishers across open water and marshy margins throughout the year.
Wild Water Buffalo
Large herds of wild water buffalo are regularly encountered in the open grassland – massive animals far more independent and temperamentally unpredictable than their domestic counterparts.
Mugger Crocodiles
Large mugger crocodiles are commonly seen basking on the reservoir banks throughout the year, occasionally approaching the water’s edge in full view from the jeep.
Inclusions
– Private jeep with experienced naturalist-guide
– National park entrance fees
– Jeep hire fees
– Elephant Transit Home entrance
– Bottled water
Exclusions
– Meals (packed lunch recommended)
– Hotel-to-park transport if required
– Gratuities
– Travel insurance