Waraka - Udawalawe

Spot monkeys playing in the treetops, crocodiles popping up for air and eagles soaring in the sky above – the park is teeming with life. With one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, Yala is a prime location to encounter these elusive creatures in their natural habitat and bird enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either with a huge collection of migratory and endemic species to spot. • Duration: half day • Time: 6am to 9am or 3pm to 6pm • Daily departures • Operates year round except September to mid-October • Private experience • Available for guests on a car and driver itinerary staying in Hambantota, Tangalle, Udawalawe and Yala • Available for guests staying at hotels in Yala, Udawalawe, Tangalle and Hambantota Good to know — If not staying in close vicinity to the national park, we’d recommend the afternoon excursion due to the early start of the morning option.

• Duration: half day • Time: 5.30am to 9am or 2.30pm to 6pm • Daily departures • Operates between October and March • Private experience • Available for guests travelling with a private chauffeur and staying in Hambantota, Tangalle, Udawalawe and Yala hotels • Available for guests staying at hotels in Tangalle and Hambantota Good to know — Due to the early start time of the morning excursion, we’d recommend an afternoon visit for those staying further afield.

After a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, hop into your private jeep and get ready to explore the Udawalawe National Park, a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of nearby Udawalawe Reservoir. Have your camera at the ready as you spot herds of majestic elephants feeding, playing and bathing in waterholes as well as an abundance of other mammals, reptiles and birds. • Duration: half day • Time: midday to 6pm • Daily departures • Operates year round • Private experience • Available for guests travelling with a private chauffeur and staying in Udawalawe, Hambantota, Tangalle and Yala hotels • Available for guests staying at hotels in Tangalle, Hambantota, Galle, Koggala and Weligama Good to know — This unforgettable trip is suitable for all ages.

Explore Sri Lanka’s most famous national park and experience the sanctuary’s rich wildlife from the comfort of your own private jeep on this epic full day excursion. As the sun begins to rise and the parks inhabitants begin to emerge from their slumber, your experienced guide will drive you through the grassy plains and light forest in search of elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, monkeys and more. With one of the highest densities of leopards in the world and a full day to explore, there’s a good chance you’ll catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures too.

If you’ve already had the pleasure of exploring the Udawalawe National Park and would like some additional time observing the abundant wildlife in their natural habitat, this is the excursion for you. As you head back into the vast park it won’t be long before you stumble across a herd of elephants strolling alongside the track or water buffalo and deer congregating by a watering hole. Your knowledgeable driver will be on hand to point out the local flora and fauna from soaring eagles to prehistoric looking monitor lizards and will ensure you discover the best secluded spots. • Duration: half day • Times 6am to 9am or 3pm to 6pm • Daily departures • Operates year round • Private experience • Available for guests travelling with a private chauffeur and staying in Udawalawe, Galle, Hambantota, Tangalle and Yala hotels Good to know — Suitable for all, if not staying in the vicinity of the national park we’d recommend an afternoon safari due to the early start of the morning excursion.