Yala and Udawalawe National Park Safari one Day-All included

Traveling in Sri Lanka often means seeking out its lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife. For those short on time but eager to see some of the island’s most iconic animals, the Yala and Udawalawe National Park Safari offers a compelling option. This all-inclusive tour packs two unforgettable safaris into 12 hours, giving you a chance to spot leopards, elephants, and a variety of other wildlife across two very different ecosystems.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? We’re talking about early morning wildlife encounters at Yala, the chance to photograph elusive leopards, and an evening drive through Udawalawe’s sprawling grasslands with large herds of elephants under a sunset sky. Plus, with options for shared or private safaris and flexible drop-off points, it adapts well to different travel styles. That said, it’s a long day — so if you’re not a fan of early mornings or extended jeep rides, this might be worth considering.

This tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, or travelers who want a quick but thorough glimpse of Sri Lanka’s premier parks without the hassle of organizing separate trips. Just keep in mind the price of park entry tickets (around $40 per person), and that the day is packed from dawn until dusk.

Good To Know

• Two Parks, One Day: Experience the contrasting landscapes of Yala’s dry forests and Udawalawe’s grasslands.
• Wildlife Highlights: Expect to see leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and an array of bird species.
• Flexible Options: Choose between shared or private safaris, with the flexibility to stay at Udawalawe or continue your journey afterward.
• Early Start & Long Hours: Begins around 4:30-5:00 am, making it a full-day adventure.
• Expert Guides: Guides are experienced and knowledgeable, enhancing spotting chances and providing insightful commentary.
• Ideal for Photographers: The early morning light and sunset views make for excellent photo opportunities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Early Morning Pickups

Your adventure kicks off with pickup from one of eight locations, including Tissamaharama, Kirinda, and Weerawila. The guide will collect you around 4:30 to 5:00 am, which might seem brutal but is when animals are most active. You’ll hop into a comfortable jeep or SUV, perfect for navigating the rugged park trails.

First Safari: Yala National Park

You’ll spend about 4.5 hours exploring Yala, Sri Lanka’s most famous national park. This park is celebrated for its high leopard density, making sightings quite possible — especially if you’re lucky. The landscape features dry forests, waterholes, and open plains, providing diverse backdrops for wildlife photography. The early morning light is especially helpful for capturing vivid images of elephants, crocodiles, and various bird species.

Our guide, who has been described as knowledgeable and enthusiastic, will assist you in spotting animals and provide commentary about the park’s flora and fauna. One reviewer noted, “The guides are great at helping you spot wildlife — and they’re eager to share interesting facts,” which adds a lot to the experience.

Rest and Refresh

After the morning safari, you’ll return to your accommodation around 10:00 am. This break gives you time to shower, have lunch, or relax before heading to Udawalawe for the afternoon.

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Afternoon Drive to Udawalawe

At around 2:00 pm, your driver will take you to Udawalawe National Park. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and the scenery shifts from dense forest to expansive grasslands — a different world from Yala. The park’s ecosystem is best known for large herds of elephants, often seen drinking at waterholes or moving across open plains.

Evening Safari at Udawalawe

The 4.5-hour evening safari allows you to witness elephants in their natural habitat as they gather at water sources. One reviewer highlighted the stunning sunset views from the park, which make for remarkable photos. You may also spot water buffalo, peacocks, and eagles, along with other wildlife that come to waterholes to hydrate.

The guide’s keen eyes and knowledge increase your chances of wildlife sightings, making this part of the tour especially rewarding. As the day winds down, the scenery transitions into a golden glow, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the moment.

End of Day Options

The tour concludes around 6:00 pm. Travelers can choose to stay overnight near Udawalawe or continue onward, depending on their plans. Flexibility is built into the experience, which is handy for those with tight schedules or different travel arrangements.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

Combining two distinct parks in one day maximizes your chances of seeing a wide variety of animals and landscapes. You get the thrill of spotting elusive leopards in Yala, often considered the star attraction, followed by the relaxed, water-centric scene of Udawalawe’s elephants. The experienced guides are a real asset, helping you interpret what you see and ensuring you make the most of every minute.

The cost of park entry tickets (~$40 per person) is not included, so you’ll want to factor that into your budget. However, considering the all-inclusive nature of the tour — pickups, safaris, and transportation — it offers good value for a full day of wildlife adventure.

The small group size (limited to 12 participants) ensures a more intimate, less rushed experience. Plus, the option for private safaris means it can be tailored if you want extra attention or specific animal searches.

The Experience You Can Expect

Wildlife Encounters

The early morning safari at Yala is designed to maximize animal sightings, especially leopards, which are notoriously elusive but occasionally spotted lounging in the trees or prowling through the grass. Several reviews mention guides’ skill in spotting wildlife others might miss; one noted, “Our guide was fantastic at finding animals and sharing insights.” Expect to see elephants and crocodiles, with birdlife abundant at waterholes, making it a paradise for birders.

Photography Opportunities

The timing of this tour — especially the sunrise at Yala and sunset at Udawalawe — is perfect for photography. The soft morning light creates vivid images of animals and landscapes, while the evening glow highlights elephants and grasslands beautifully.

Comfortable Transportation & Logistics

The jeep or SUV is comfortable for the long day, with most reviews emphasizing the professionalism and friendliness of the driver and guide. The 45-minute travel times between parks are reasonable, allowing a good balance of exploration and rest.

Practical Considerations

Since park entry tickets aren’t included, budget around $40 per person. The early start means you’ll need to wake up at dawn, but the payoff is the chance to see animals when they’re most active. The day is long, so a good breakfast at your hotel before departure is advised.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This safari is ideal for wildlife lovers eager to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat. It’s also a good choice for photographers wanting to capture animals in the best light, thanks to the timing of the safaris. If you’re comfortable with early mornings and long days, you’ll find this experience rewarding.

Families or less mobile travelers might want to consider their stamina, as the day involves several hours of jeep riding. The small group format makes it suited to those who prefer a more personalized experience rather than large, crowded tours.

Final Thoughts

This Yala and Udawalawe combined safari offers a well-rounded, value-packed way to glimpse Sri Lanka’s incredible wildlife in just one day. From spotting a sneaky leopard in the early morning to watching a herd of elephants pass at sunset, it’s a journey that captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s diverse ecosystems.

If your goal is to maximize wildlife sightings while enjoying comfortable transportation and expert guidance, this tour hits the mark. It’s a fantastic choice for adventurous travelers, photographers, or anyone wanting a broad taste of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty without the hassle of multiple trips.

For those who love animals and scenic landscapes, and don’t mind early mornings, this safari is sure to deliver memorable moments and a story worth sharing long after you return home.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
Pickup begins around 4:30 to 5:00 am, depending on your location, ensuring you reach Yala at dawn for the best wildlife viewing.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby at one of the designated locations. You just need to specify your accommodation during booking.

How long are the safaris?
Each safari lasts around 4.5 hours, with a break in between for rest and lunch.

Can I choose a private safari?
Yes, private options are available, allowing more personalized attention and flexibility.

Are meals included?
Meals are not included. However, after the morning safari, you can relax and find lunch at your own pace before heading to Udawalawe.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, and water. Remember, park entry fees (~$40) are paid separately.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for older children comfortable with long rides and early mornings, but pregnant women or people with back problems should consider their comfort.

What if I want to stay overnight?
You have the option to stay near Udawalawe after the tour or continue your trip elsewhere; the tour’s drop-off points are flexible.

How good are the guides?
Guides are experienced and passionate, often praised for their ability to spot animals and share interesting facts, making the experience more enriching.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While not explicitly stated, wildlife sightings tend to be best during dry seasons when animals congregate around waterholes, making early mornings particularly rewarding.

Embark on this full-day safari if you’re seeking a vivid, authentic taste of Sri Lanka’s wildlife — packed with action, stunning scenery, and expert guidance that turns a simple trip into a memorable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby