Safari in Uda Walawe National Park: reservations

On a trip to Sri Lanka, to observe wild animals, we invite you to safari in Uda Walawe National Park.

Of the 26 parks and reserves in Sri Lanka, Uda Walawe is a separate place. Here, the forest has left room for large, almost deserted areas, which recall the savannah of Africa. The large southern plain, which extends between the foot of the mountains of the centre and the coast, offers ideal conditions for cultures. For many years, the burning culture has been practiced here, leading to its deforestation. However, in the 1960s, there was a huge reservoir lake of over 3,000 hectares. He immediately attracted abundant fauna, especially elephants.

In order to protect animals and the risk of a complete disappearance of the forest, the Sri Lankan state created Uda Walawe National Park in 1972. The population of elephants, which is less than 30,000 hectares, is estimated at almost 500 at present. They are not the only animals who have chosen a home in this haven of peace. There are about forty mammal species and nearly 250 bird species.

History of Uda Walawe Park

Uda Walawe Park, the same name as the river passing through the reserve, was created in 1960. It is one of the largest parks with 30.8 hectares.

Like , it is a national park of « savanna type » Thus, you will see large plains, water bodies and sometimes a very dry and scattered vegetation of trees. Many people say they prefer the landscapes of Uda Walawe to those of Yala. In addition, it is easier to observe animals in safari in Uda Walawe National Park!

Our tips to visit Uda Walawe Park

The best time to visit Uda Walawe Park

The two best moments of the day to make a safari in the park are early morning or late afternoon. The afternoon visits tend to be less busy and you can attend the sunset. You can dedicate the morning to a walk along the Walawe River and admire the birds there.

The park is visiting throughout the year, but you will have better conditions when you arrive in one of the two dry seasons: in February/March or between May and September . April, October and November are often rainy.

How do you team up and take it in your bag?

• Hat
• Lunettes
• Solar cream
• mosquito repellent
• Water bottle

The duration of a visit to Uda Walawe Park

Depending on the safari you choose, the duration varies between 2h for the shortest, and 2 p.m. For the longest.

What to see and what to do in a safari in Uda Walawe Park?

A diversified wildlife

It is often to observe the elephants that one participates in a safari in Sri Lanka. Uda Walawe is particularly interesting in this regard, because they are numerous and easy to observe. As the park is relatively small, it is ensured to meet during the safari. This is where you have the best chance to see a tusker , solitary male, with impressive defenses.

Elephants are not the only inhabitants of the place. In Uda Walawe Park, you will also meet:

• Deer axis with spotted peel: It is a species specific to Asia, for which there are enough wooded surfaces.
• Leopard: about twenty specimens are present in the park, often hidden among the high herbs.
• **Buffalo of the rivers:**one can see them regularly coming to water at the edge of the Walawe River.
• Bears lazy or bear lippu : especially visible at the beginning of the summer, when they come to enjoy bays.
• Crocodile of the marshes: A wild and impressive species that can be seen near the water points.

The park is also a paradise for ornithologists, as more than 250 bird species fly over it. The paons and their coloured plumage are in good place, in the company of the ash, the ashailant, the pygargue or the ring. They are accompanied in the sky by a multitude of large multicolored butterflies.

A shelter for abandoned elephants

The elephants do not always live in harmony with the men installed in their territories. If they venture into cultivated areas, the owners are forced to flee. In the afforestation, the youngsters may be injured or separated from the troupe and become vulnerable. Others find themselves orphaned because of poaching.

In order to help them, Uda Walawe Park has established a transit site in its enclosure. The elephants are treated there, before being released. Elephant Transit Home is open to the visit, especially at feeding time. Four times a day , visitors can see them be fed to the bottle from a specially designed platform.

How much is the entrance to Uda Walawe Park?

The right of access is 14 € for adults, 7 € children 6 to 12 years old and free for kids. Most of the time, however, this amount will be included in the benefit you choose to visit the park. We give you the main safaris formulas in Uda Walawe National Park:

Classical Safaris

• Three hours: from the park entrance, located 7th mile from B427 road. The trip starts at 6:30 or 3:00. Count about 30 € per person.
• A whole day: (pic-nic in the park included). Departure to 6 a.m. from your hotel. Count about 100 € per person.

Private Safaris

• Three hours: from your hotel in Udawalawa, with departure 6 h or 2 h 30. Count about 70 € per person.
• Ella region: you will travel to the park by taxi, it lasts about Two hours. At the entrance you will be transferred to a jeep and the taxi will take you to your hotel after the visit. Count 8 a.m. between your departure and return to the hotel. Cost near 100 € per person.
• From Bentota, Colombo or Negombo : the trip will last about 2 p.m.. Count between 125 and 185 €depending on the place of care.

Note that all prices of these benefits include English guidance.

If you have a less important budget, don't worry, you can always rent a jeep with a driver. Count about 30 € for the vehicle and 25 € per person for the duration of the visit.

Are there visits combined with other sites and activities?

There are combined visits that will allow you to safari in Uda Walawe National Park, but also in Yala National Park. For a full day experience, count as a minimum 150 € per person.

Opening hours of Uda Walawe Park

The park is open daily, from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the last entry 4.30 p.m. .

How to get to Uda Walawe Park?

Car

If rent a car , you can include the park in your road trip. If you visit then the Haputale tea fields, you can then go down to the park, in two hours thirty car .

Are you on the south coast and its beaches? The park is located in Two hours' drive from Matara. On site you will find many jeeps with a driver, who can take you to the animals. A forest guard supervises every trip.

Bus

By bus, whether from the centre or the south, take a bus to Thanamalwila. On the way, ask to stop near the park entrance.

Tours operators

When you arrive in Sri Lanka or even before you plan to use the services of an agency specializing in the organization of safaris. When you travel with an experienced tracker, who knows the right places, you will discover the many animals in the park.

The most frequent routes are:

• Udalawe, Ella, Bandarawela, Wellawaya Koslanda for those who leave the center of the country.
• Bentota southwest, Colombo or Negombo, for those who would like to start with this visit after arrival at the airport.

Where to stay near Uda Walawe National Park?

After your safari in Uda Walawe National Park, you can also stay in a hotel in the park.

If you have a limited budget, Uda Walawe National Park also has a few bungalows and tent camping places in its own enclosure. It is also possible to find Airbnb in cities or villages close to the park.