Udawalawe & Yala Safari from Galle: Wild elephants, two parks

Two national parks, two safari drives, one day of wild elephants and leopards

A full-day private safari tour from Galle that visits Udawalawe National Park in the morning and Yala National Park in the afternoon, with hotel pickup, park entry, lunch, breakfast and an English-speaking guide. The tour runs 14 to 15 hours and includes air-conditioned vehicle transport and all fees. Children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Galle Fort2m
2. Udawalawe National Park3h

Safari at Udawalawe and Yala Parks

• Hotel pick up
• Transfer to Udawalawe National Park
• Three-hour jeep safari at Udawalawe
• Transfer to Yala National Park
• Afternoon safari at Yala National Park
• Drop off at hotel

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup in Galle, then a drive to Udawalawe National Park, where a safari guide takes you into the park in a specialized jeep. Udawalawe is home to a large herd of Sri Lankan elephants: the best place in the country to see them in the wild. The three-hour morning safari follows gravel paths into the forest, stopping at spots where elephants, rusty-spotted cats, fishing cats and dozens of bird species gather. The jeep is built for viewing, with seats positioned for clear sightlines into the scrub and grassland.

After the morning drive, you break for lunch before heading to Yala National Park for the afternoon safari. Yala is Sri Lanka's second-largest national park and sits in the dry southeast, spanning moist monsoon forest, thorn scrub, grasslands and wetlands. It holds 215 bird species (six found nowhere else in Sri Lanka), 44 mammal species, and one of the world's highest leopard densities. Sloth bears, wild water buffalo and elephants also roam here. The afternoon safari follows the same format: a guide-led jeep drive through the park's hotspots, with time to watch and photograph wildlife as it appears.

The tour wraps with a return drive to your Galle hotel. Breakfast, lunch, all park entrance fees, taxes and the air-conditioned vehicle are included. No hidden charges apply. The guide speaks English throughout the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return drop-off in Galle.
• entrance fees for both Udawalawe and Yala national parks.
• breakfast and lunch.
• air-conditioned safari vehicle with specialized seating for wildlife viewing.
• English-speaking safari guide.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except FridayDeparts at 05:30

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by BTR SL

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Sri Lankan elephants and leopards in a single day without arranging your own transport or park logistics. The private jeep and guide mean you move at your own pace through both parks, stopping where wildlife appears rather than following a fixed schedule.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What animals will I actually see on the Udawalawe safari?

Udawalawe is known for its large herds of Sri Lankan elephants, which are the main draw. You'll also see rusty-spotted cats, fishing cats and a wide variety of birds. Other mammals live in the park, though sightings depend on the time of day and season.

Is Yala National Park really home to leopards?

Yes. Yala has one of the highest leopard densities in the world, along with sloth bears, wild water buffalo and elephants. The park also holds 215 bird species, including six found only in Sri Lanka.

How much time do I spend actually on safari in the jeep?

The morning safari at Udawalawe runs three hours. The afternoon at Yala follows a similar format, though the exact duration depends on wildlife activity and your guide's route. The full tour is 14 to 15 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, both national park entrance fees, breakfast, lunch, the air-conditioned vehicle, the safari guide, and all taxes are included. No hidden charges apply. Alcoholic beverages are not included.