Udawalawe Safari Private Day Tour: Elephants & Reservoir

Elephants come to the reservoir to drink, and you watch from the banks with mountains behind them.

A private safari tour of Udawalawe National Park departing from Bentota, Beruwala, Kaluthara, Kosgoda or Ahungalla, with a live English-speaking guide, park entry and air-conditioned transport included. The tour moves through savanna grasslands looking for elephants, water buffalo, mongooses and crocodiles, then stops at the Udawalawe Reservoir where herds come to drink and rest. A minimum of two people per booking is required. Specialized infant seats are available.

Step-by-step itinerary

Udawalawe Safari and Wildlife Viewing

• Travel to Udawalawe National Park
• Explore savanna grasslands spotting elephants and wildlife
• Observe birds including eagles and hornbills
• Visit Udawalawe Reservoir banks
• Watch crocodiles and herds of elephants at the reservoir

The experience

Udawalawe National Park is built around the elephants: herds of them move through the grasslands and wetlands, and the reservoir is where they gather to drink. The tour starts in the savanna, moving slowly through the park in hopes of spotting elephants, deers, water buffalo and mongooses. Crocodiles rest on the banks of the wetland areas, and the birds are constant: Fishing Eagles, Brahminy Kites, Crested Serpent Eagles, Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl, Grey Hornbills, Spot-billed Pelicans, Little Cormorants, Green Bee-eaters and Crested Tree Swifts move through the trees and across open water.

The route leads to the banks of the Udawalawe Reservoir, where the landscape opens up: huge mountains rise in the backdrop and the water stretches wide. This is where the wildlife concentrates: crocodiles swim or rest on the banks, birds of prey fish the surface, and the herds of elephants arrive to quench their thirst and rest. The guide navigates the timing and the stops, and the air-conditioned car keeps the heat manageable during the ten-hour day. Bottled water is provided. Meals are not included, so plan accordingly if you're staying in the area for the full stretch.

Pickup is included from your hotel in Bentota, Beruwala, Kaluthara, Kosgoda or Ahungalla. The tour is private, only your group participates, and a live English-speaking guide travels with you. If you need a guide in Russian, German, French, Italian, Arabic, Tamil or Hindi, that can be arranged at extra cost. Transport is by private air-conditioned car, and the safari jeep for the park itself is included in the price.

What’s included

• Park entry and Elephant Transit Home admission.
• private air-conditioned transport from your hotel.
• safari jeep inside the park.
• live English-speaking guide.
• bottled water.
• all taxes and fees.

Options for this experience

5 options

Bentota/Aluthgama/BeruwalaGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 03:30, the last at 10:30Includes pickup

Kosgoda/Ahungalla/BalapitiyaGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 04:00, the last at 10:30Includes pickup

Hikkaduwa/Galle/UnawatunaGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 04:00, the last at 10:30Includes pickup

See 2 more options

Mirissa/Weligama/AhangamaGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 04:00, the last at 10:30Includes pickup

Kalutara/WadduwaGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 03:30, the last at 10:30Includes pickup

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 03:30, the last at 10:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 23 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dimtours Srilanka

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Bentota, Beruwala, Kaluthara, Kosgoda or Ahungalla and want a full day covering both grasslands and reservoir where elephants, water buffalo, and raptors concentrate. The private format lets your group control the pace while your guide responds to sightings as they happen.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What animals am I most likely to see at Udawalawe National Park?

Elephants are the main draw: herds visit the reservoir regularly to drink and rest. You'll also see crocodiles in the wetlands and on the reservoir banks, water buffalo, mongooses, deers, and a wide range of birds including Fishing Eagles, Brahminy Kites, Crested Serpent Eagles, Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl, Grey Hornbills, Spot-billed Pelicans and Little Cormorants.

How long is the full tour and what's included in the price?

The tour runs ten hours and includes park entry, transport by private air-conditioned car, the safari jeep inside the park, a live English-speaking guide, bottled water and all taxes and fees. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are not included.

Which towns can I be picked up from?

Hotel pickup is available from Bentota, Beruwala, Kaluthara, Kosgoda or Ahungalla. Choose your location when you book.

Is this tour private or shared with other groups?

This is a private tour: only your group participates. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

What is the Udawalawe Reservoir and why is it part of the tour?

The Udawalawe Reservoir is a large body of water at the heart of the park, backed by mountains. It's where wildlife concentrates: elephants, crocodiles and birds of prey all gather there, making it the best vantage point to see multiple species in one place.