Udawalawe Safari from Mirissa to Ella: Private Transfer Included

Spot elephants and leopards in a 4x4 jeep, then ride straight to Ella

A seven-hour safari tour departing from Mirissa combines wildlife viewing in Udawalawe National Park with a private transfer to Ella or another South Coast destination. You ride in a comfortable 4x4 jeep with an expert guide, watch for elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles and rare birds in their natural habitat, then transfer onward without arranging separate transport. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Udawalawe Safari and Private Transfer

• Join Udawalawe National Park safari
• Spot elephants and wildlife
• Enjoy wildlife photography
• Take private transfer to Ella or South Coast

The experience

The safari starts early (either at 5:00 am for a morning departure or 11:30 am for an evening one), and runs for four hours inside Udawalawe National Park. You travel in a private 4x4 jeep with an English-speaking guide who knows where the elephants gather and how to spot the rarer animals. The park holds a large elephant population along with water buffalo, crocodiles, deer and bird species. Leopards are less common but possible. Bring a camera if you photograph wildlife, and the guide will position the jeep for the best sightings without disturbing the animals.

After the safari ends, the same driver takes you onward in an air-conditioned vehicle. Drop-off is in Ella by default, or you can arrange a different location along the South Coast: Mirissa, Unawatuna, Matara or other towns nearby. If you need to go farther, like Hikkaduwa or Bentota, additional charges apply, so confirm your destination when you book. Breakfast and bottled water are included during the safari portion. The transfer is a quiet ride where you can rest or watch the landscape change as you move inland from the coast.

The whole day is private: only your group travels in the jeep and vehicle, so the pace and stops are yours. Hotel pickup from Mirissa happens before the safari, and the route avoids the need to arrange a separate ride to the park or onward to Ella. Parking fees and the jeep are covered. The only cost not included is the national park entrance fee, which you pay when you arrive.

What’s included

• Bottled water and breakfast during the safari.
• private 4x4 safari jeep with an English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer.
• hotel pickup from Mirissa.
• drop-off in Ella or an agreed location along the South Coast.
• parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 05:00 and 11:30

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 40

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by KHK TOURS

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Mirissa means you do not need a car or arrange transport to the park. The driver collects you and handles the whole day. If you are staying on the coast and heading inland to Ella afterward, this tour settles both the safari and the transfer in one booking.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What animals will I actually see in Udawalawe National Park?

Elephants are guaranteed sightings in Udawalawe, along with water buffalo, crocodiles, deer and rare bird species. Sri Lankan leopards live in the park but are elusive and sightings are not guaranteed, though your guide will search for them.

Can I choose between a morning and evening safari departure?

Yes. The morning safari departs at 5:00 am and the evening safari at 11:30 am, both running for four hours. You select your preferred time when you book.

What happens after the safari ends? How do I get to Ella?

Your driver takes you directly from the park to Ella or another South Coast location of your choice in the same private vehicle. The transfer is included. You do not arrange separate transport.

Is the national park entrance fee included in the price?

No. The entrance fee to Udawalawe National Park is paid separately when you arrive at the gate. Everything else (the jeep, guide, breakfast, water, transfer and parking) is included.

Do I need to arrange my own pickup from my hotel in Mirissa?

No. Hotel pickup from Mirissa is included. Your driver collects you before the safari and brings you back to your accommodation if you choose a drop-off in Mirissa, or takes you onward to Ella or another location instead.