Udawalawe National Park Private Safari
4.9
Udawalawe National Park Private Safari
By Lakpura LLC
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About
Take a tour of Udawalawe National Park, one of Sri Lanka's largest animal sanctuaries. Because this is a private tour, you have plenty of time to hear commentary about the wildlife you see and ask questions. Keep an eye out for elephants, water buffalo, fox, leopards, and other animals from the comfort of a rugged 4x4 vehicle. Morning, afternoon, or full-day options are available to suit your schedule.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-70
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
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Written guide: German, Italian, French, Spanish
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
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Highlights
- See and photograph some of the largest herds of Asian elephants in Sri Lanka
- Travel in a sturdy 4x4 vehicle that gives access to all areas of the park
- Have time to ask plenty of questions on this private tour
- Choose from a morning, afternoon, or full-day tour to fit your schedule
- Private Safari Jeep (Maximum of 6 Passengers per jeep).
- Experienced Driver (Also your tracker).
- Free Pickup/Drop off from/to any location within the radius of 5 KM from the Park Gate.
- Water bottle (per-person).
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off if outside of 5km of park entrance gate
- Entrance fees for Jeep-only bookings (Approximately USD 27.00 per person)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entry/Admission - Udawalawa
- Opt for hotel pickup or make your way to the gate of Udawalawe National Park, where you meet up with your private guide. Climb into a sturdy 4x4 vehicle, which gives access to all the rugged areas of the park and offers clear views of the animals. One of Sri Lanka’s largest parks, Udawalawe is known for its large Asian elephant population, which can number up to 100 in a single herd. Other animals in the park include jungle cats, fishing cats, gray hangers, toque macaque, foxes, bandicoots, mongooses, jackals, wild boar, and water buffalo, among others. Learn about the wildlife and ecosystem from your guide along the journey. Morning or afternoon departure options let you choose your own itinerary to fit your vacation schedule. A private guide means you and your party receives personalized attention and have plenty of time to ask questions.
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- Udawalawa, Sri LankaWe will meet and pick you up from any hotel in Udawalawe within the radius of 5KM from the Park Gate.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 16052P7- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- If you are booking a half-day safari, advise if it is a Morning or Evening safari.
- A maximum of 6 people per booking
- Not recommended for child aged 5 years or under
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 16052P7
From
C$41.04
per adult (price varies by group size)
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Kevin R0 contributionsGreat car transfer between Kandy and Anuradhapura.I have mostly used the train traveling around Sri Lanka but the trip between Kandy and Anuradhapura (with connection) would have used up a valuable day. Lakpura arranged a driver who made the trip in 3 hrs (very safe driving) with hotel to hotel pick up and drop off. Cost-efficient and professional. Lakpura provides the driver ID so you know you’re getting in the right car. I highly recommend Lakpura for your Sri Lanka travel needs.Written March 13, 2025
- adsheaff0 contributionsRecommend!Highly recommend booking this transportation option. It was a seamless experience with a kind, safe, and efficient driver!Written March 12, 2025
- kawhis0 contributionsPerfect servicePerfect service, the driver was already at the airport and he help me to find the transfer for the next day with the same company, also Hansika was really kind and helpful so I think if you want to go in Sri Lanka you can ask help at Lakpura.Written March 11, 2025
- Austin M0 contributionsSolid driving serviceGreat service. The assigned driver was on time (even a bit early), and made my transit back to the airport easy and seamless.Written March 11, 2025
- ceciler8880 contributionsFull-day safari at WasgamuwaGreat place to observe wildlife, from birds to elephants and crocodiles. Very professional driver who pointed out birds and other animals. Communication about lunch could have been better handled but knowing the region we anticipated and brought our own snacks.Written March 11, 2025
- C4027TCdavidk0 contributionsRelaxed TransferThe organisation and the transfer itself went really smooth. Our driver picked us up at the airport in time. On arrival he gave US enough am SIM Card and to withdraw money at the ATM. During the drive, he stopped for example as we asked for buying water.Written March 10, 2025
- joshjQ8982TI0 contributionsResponsive and reliable transfer serviceWe used this company to arrange a few transfers during our travels around Sri Lanka. We spoke with Hansika over WhatsApp to arrange pickup and drop off locations and to even pay online prior to the transfer. They would respond almost immediately and we felt very confident that they would be on time and in the right location. Would recommend using them for your transfers around Sri Lanka.Written March 10, 2025
- LeslieHappy0 contributionsFun, fun, fun!Kani drove us to the park and he was fabulous. Janaka was our safari driver and he was excellent. Janaka could spot wildlife, especially birds, which enhanced our experience. The elephants were fun to watch. They are much smaller than African elephants, so we got really close to them. Lots of fun! Be ready for a bumpy ride.Written March 8, 2025
- Jan21030 contributionsExcellent serviceExcellent service. Driver was on time he was very polite and the car was clean and tidy. Highly recommend using this transfer companyWritten March 8, 2025
- Jan21030 contributionsExcellent serviceExcellent service, prompt and on time, driver was very polite , the car was clean and tidy. We can highly recommend this company for transfersWritten March 8, 2025
- Kevin R0 contributionsFantastic Udawalawe NP safari with LakpuraHad a fantastic experience at Udawalawe National Park with a safari arranged by Lakpura. Driver picked me up from my hotel on time (actually a few minutes early) and delivered me to the guide at the park. An almost 4-hr wildlife drive through the park by jeep. Although elephants are a highlight (we saw many up close), the park supports a diverse array of wildlife, and my guide was very knowledgeable of the natural history of all the species we encountered. He also made sure you had all the viewing time/pictures you wanted before moving on. At the end of the safari the driver was waiting to return to my hotel. Both driver and guide were courteous and professional. I highly recommend this safari from Lakpura, and for your other travel needs. A special thanks to Hansika from Lakpura for making arrangements and always available to provide details, answer questions, and checking in.Written March 8, 2025
- _louise_brettshields0 contributionsGreat way to see and hear history of Colombo in a short time frameExcellent way to see the City. After living in the city for 2 years I took this bus ride, although I knew the city well, it was great to see it from a different view point. Excellent commentary during the trip, time to get off at 2 key attractions in the city. Water and snack included which was a nice addition. Friendly staff, departed on time and keep to schedule.Written March 7, 2025
- LauraKDG0 contributionsGreat Service but too commercialGreat service from this company. They are very reactive in case of questions or requests. We had to change the pick up time a day before and there were flexible. But you also pay for, prices are very expensive in comparison to other drivers that you can find while arrived in Sri Lanka. Also very insisting by message, chasing to get reply to message sent 30min ago, offering additional services and requesting ratings. Very nice drivers overall, caring. Not the safest drive we experienced.Written March 6, 2025
- SangeetaL_120 contributionsBeautiful views. Great guide. Need to be a bit fit.Great ride, but you do have to be a little fit to enjoy it. There are some uphill areas that were tough for some. The downhill was a bit scary for my 10year old, fast speed along the edge of hills. The tour guide was very nice and accommodating to our needs. Some of the bikes could use a tuneup on the brakes.Written March 6, 2025
- graememitchell630 contributionsLunch refuellingWe went to this restaurant 2 days in a row because the food was so nice. The first day i got butter chicken, it was so good everyone was jealous, so we went back the second day. The staff were also very helpful and friendly.Written March 6, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.9
175 reviews
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158
Very good
14
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Nov 2023 • Friends
We decided to do the tour early in the morning. The day started with the sunrise and lots of elephants, either individually or in groups, enjoying the first sun of the day on the way. We were accordingly close to the animals. The driver carefully drove around the animals and you could tell that both parties were doing this before. My personal highlight, besides the elephants, were the peacocks and the flocks of butterflies. We had a really great time!

Written November 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WimborneAnnette
Wimborne
Jan 2025 • Couples
Booked with crocodile safari tours and had a great time! Our jeep driver was excellent and really had ‘eagle eyes’ when it came to spotting things we would never have noticed. We saw many elephants and also various species of birds and a couple of iguanas. We also had the best view of the crocodiles as the driver had binoculars to let us use. Many other people we saw did not and they missed out! Suggest either take your own or ask if your driver has some. Personally I think all the tours should offer them!
Written January 19, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maddiedurnell
London, UK
Dec 2024 • Friends
We recently booked an evening Safari through Lakpura and it was amazing. Our driver, Darmasiri from Max Safaris, was really lovely and super knowledgable.
We saw so many animals and Darmasiri gave us as much time to enjoy watching them as we liked, we didn’t feel rushed once. We kept largely away from other jeeps, so it felt pretty quiet and peaceful.
Would definitely recommend both Lakpura and Max Safaris
We saw so many animals and Darmasiri gave us as much time to enjoy watching them as we liked, we didn’t feel rushed once. We kept largely away from other jeeps, so it felt pretty quiet and peaceful.
Would definitely recommend both Lakpura and Max Safaris
Written December 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J32057U03 Thank you so much for taking the time to review your experience and our service. We are thrilled to hear the lasting impression the experience has left on you, Your wonderful comments and positive feedback are a great incentive for us to further ensure and enhance our level of service for the future as well. We hope to have you again here in Sri Lanka.
Written December 17, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jamie L
Bordeaux, France
Mar 2022
I cannot recommend this safari highly enough! It was absolutely magical. We saw what seemed like every kind of animal the park has to offer (peacocks and other birds, water buffaloes, crocodiles, mongeese, a wild boar and her piglets...) and had multiple close encounters with elephants.
Our guide, Ruwan, had a well-trained eye and an incredible sense of the animals' behavior. At one point he had us wait around for 10+ minutes because he guessed a group of elephants was trying to cross the road ahead of us with a baby -- and he was right! Totally worth the wait.
If you're still considering which safari to book, book this one. You will be amazed at every turn and leave with lifelong memories.
Our guide, Ruwan, had a well-trained eye and an incredible sense of the animals' behavior. At one point he had us wait around for 10+ minutes because he guessed a group of elephants was trying to cross the road ahead of us with a baby -- and he was right! Totally worth the wait.
If you're still considering which safari to book, book this one. You will be amazed at every turn and leave with lifelong memories.
Written April 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Feb 2024 • Couples
Got lucky and had the jeep to ourselves, but sharing wouldn’t have been a problem. Driver had eyes like a hawk and stopped to show us so much. Memorable and peaceful moments alone with wild elephants - best way to see Udawalawe without disturbing the wildlife. Transit Home before or after your visit is a must. £100 per person all in (return taxi from Mirissa included) sounds a lot, but it’s the going rate and good value.
Written March 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
(J29966S03) Thank you so much for taking the time to review your safari experience and our service. We are thrilled to hear the lasting impression the experience has left on you, Your wonderful comments and positive feedback is a great incentive for us to further ensure and enhance our level of service for the future as well. We hope to have you again here in Sri Lanka.
Written April 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jan 2025 • Couples
The safari was amazing! We saw so many elephants, deer, crocodiles, we saw a wild pig and many many birds. Our driver was amazing! He stopped for every wildlife, even the different types of birds, explaining their characteristics. You could tell he very much cared about the wildlife and the national park, he picked up plastic as we drove past it and was extremely kind and patient the whole time. Definitely recommend this safari! This was our favourite thing we have done in Sri Lanka!!
Written January 13, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J30725S1P2 Thank you so much for taking the time to review your experience and our service. We are thrilled to hear the lasting impression the experience has left on you, Your wonderful comments and positive feedback are a great incentive for us to further ensure and enhance our level of service for the future as well. We hope to have you again here in Sri Lanka.
Written February 13, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Feb 2023 • Solo
My guide was awesome at spotting animals and taking me across what felt like the entire park. He knew the name of every bird, interesting facts about everything and was charming and fun. He ensured I had a great time from beginning to end, amazing!
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J26640S010 Thank you so much for taking the time to review your safari experience and our service. We are thrilled to hear the lasting impression the experience has left on you, Your wonderful comments and positive feedback is a great incentive for us to further ensure and enhance our level of service for the future as well.
We hope to have you again here in Sri Lanka.
Written February 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maryann & Mina
Tampa, FL
Good communication with the company prior to the safari via WhatsApp. The safari itself was great, we saw many animals. We hired a guide to come with us for 1000 LKR who helped us spot animals and told us educational info. It’s not like an African safari, this is on a much smaller scale, but still very enjoyable!
Written March 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J23338S090 Thank you so much for taking the time to review your safari experience and our service. We are thrilled to hear the lasting impression the experience has left on you, Your wonderful comments and positive feedback are a great incentive for us to further ensure and enhance our level of service for the future as well.
We hope to have you again here in Sri Lanka.
Written March 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Feb 2022 • Friends
Amazing safari with loads of elephant encounters, beautiful birds, wild cats and other animals. Our driver was absolutely fantastic, spotting tiny birds and driving us to the places where elephants would come very close to the car. We had loads of fun and a smooth ride across the national park!
The driver who took us from the hotel and back was also incredible, navigating through tough busy roads and being super patient with us! Loved the experience!
The driver who took us from the hotel and back was also incredible, navigating through tough busy roads and being super patient with us! Loved the experience!
Written February 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J23330S090 Thank you so much for taking the time to review your safari experience and our service. We are thrilled to hear the lasting impression the experience has left on you, Your wonderful comments and positive feedback are a great incentive for us to further ensure and enhance our level of service for the future as well.
We hope to have you again here in Sri Lanka.
Written March 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DAK
Minneapolis, MN
Jan 2022
This is not a 3-day African safari (which we've done), so you need to temper your expectations about what you will experience and not try to compare the two.
We had a great time, the guides were very knowledgeable and we were the only ones on an open air Jeep.
Plenty of birds, deer, elephants, crocodiles, etc.
We had a scenic lunch near the end to top it off.
Definitely worth doing once.
We had a great time, the guides were very knowledgeable and we were the only ones on an open air Jeep.
Plenty of birds, deer, elephants, crocodiles, etc.
We had a scenic lunch near the end to top it off.
Definitely worth doing once.
Written February 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J23139S040 Thank you so much for taking the time to review your safari experience and our service. We are thrilled to hear the lasting impression the experience has left on you, Your wonderful comments and positive feedback is a great incentive for us to further ensure and enhance our level of service for the future as well.
Written February 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, what's the difference between jeep and tickets with jeep? Price differs a lot. Thank you
Written April 18, 2022
2.30pm if I remember correctly
Written February 2, 2020
Hi goodash89, the trip from Colombo to Udawalawe by taxi will cost around 12,500 LKR and whilst the distance is not that far, it will take 4 hours or so to get there and the same amount of time to get back. Its much better to stay overnight in Udawalawe so that you get a reasonable amount of time in the park. We stayed at Centauria Wild hotel which was perfect.
Written March 30, 2019
What is the difference between just the Jeep and the ticket? How far can you see with only the jeep?
Written February 13, 2019
Can i do a day tour from Royal Palm Beach Hotel in Kalutara to Udawalawe?
Written February 12, 2019
How far in advance do you need to book if your going in December - Xmas day or Boxing Day? Is it better to stay locally?
Written February 11, 2019
We are Scout Wild Safari Udawalawe Well experienced safari service in Udawalawa national park. We Request you to Come & Enjoy your safari with Us Contact Us
Written November 1, 2019
We will be arriving tomorrow around 1.30 pm can we get on a safari
Written December 29, 2018
We are a family of two adults and two children. How much will it cost us a half day safari in total? Thanks
Written December 21, 2018
Tell me your child's age
Written November 1, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.