Questions
Udawalawe safari FAQ
Practical answers before you reserve a jeep. If yours is not here, send the hotel name and the date.
Is the safari private?
Yes. The jeep is for your group, up to six guests. We do not sell leftover seats to other travellers.
Are park entrance fees included?
Yes. The quote includes the private jeep, Udawalawe entrance tickets, taxes, and bottled water. A long-distance hotel transfer is extra and is quoted from the hotel name before you pay anything.
Can you pick us up from Ella or the south coast?
Yes. Hotels in Udawalawe and along Thanamalwila Road are included. Embilipitiya, Ella, Tissamaharama, Hambantota, and the south coast are arranged on request. Send the hotel name with the date.
Are elephant sightings guaranteed?
No. Udawalawe is one of the most reliable places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants, which is not the same as a guarantee. We will not sell you a promised herd.
How does the deposit work?
The form on this site is a request. Once we confirm the jeep, a $30 deposit holds it. The rest is paid on arrival, in USD or in rupees at the day’s rate. See the refunds page for cancellations.
Can children come?
Yes. Children aged 5–11 pay a reduced share. Children under 5 ride free and still use a seat. The jeep holds six guests in total, including children.
Can we visit the Elephant Transit Home?
The transit home is outside the national park. It cares for orphaned elephants before they return to the wild, and viewing times are set by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Ask when you book and we will try to place the morning safari around a viewing. It is not included in the park ticket.
What should we wear?
Closed shoes, a layer for the dawn start, and a hat for later. The jeep is open. Neutral colours are kinder on a wildlife drive than white. Leave drones at the hotel.
Still have a question?
Send the hotel name and the date, and we will answer on WhatsApp.