Udawalawe National Park Safari with Naturalist — Elephant Encounters & Birdwatching
Board a private jeep with a trained naturalist and track Sri Lankan elephants through marshes, grasslands and open forest. This 3-hour safari pairs reliable wildlife encounters with expert interpretation—ideal for photographers and birders.
The Experience
Before You Go
Go early or late
Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk—book a morning or late-afternoon slot to maximize sightings.
Bring binoculars
A 8–10x pair helps pick out distant elephants and small birds across open plains.
Wear neutral colors
Avoid bright clothing and sudden movements to reduce disturbance and improve concealment.
Respect distance
Keep a safe distance from elephants; follow your naturalist’s instructions to avoid startling animals.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Visit the reservoir shoreline at sunrise for reflections and waders when game activity is low
- •Ask your naturalist to track smaller sign—mongoose holes and bird feeding flocks reveal more of the ecosystem’s rhythms
Wildlife
- •Sri Lankan elephant
- •Toque macaque
Conservation Note
The park plays a key role in regional elephant conservation and human‑wildlife coexistence; follow guidelines to minimize disturbance and avoid feeding or approaching animals.
Udawalawe National Park was established in the 1970s primarily to protect elephants and other wildlife displaced by the creation of the Udawalawe Reservoir.
What to Bring
BinocularsEssential
Essential for spotting birds and distant elephant herds in open habitat.
Long-lens camera (optional)
A 200–400mm lens captures intimate wildlife behavior without approaching animals.
Sun hat and sunscreenEssential
Open plains and midday sun make sun protection necessary.
Light rain jacket
Short tropical showers can arrive suddenly—pack a compact waterproof.
Common Questions
How long is the safari?
This tour runs approximately 3 hours—typically a single morning or late-afternoon game drive.
Will I definitely see elephants?
Udawalawe is known for consistent elephant sightings year-round, though wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Is transportation provided from my hotel?
Yes—private air-conditioned round-trip transfers from local hotels are included in the tour.
Is this suitable for children or pregnant travelers?
The activity is physically easy but not recommended for travelers with serious back issues or for pregnant visitors; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 hours
Location
Udawalawe, Sabaragamuwa Province
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light mobility and ability to climb into a safari jeep; suitable for most fitness levels
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