Yala & Udawalawe: Private Safari Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Private safari day trip to Yala and Udawalawe with local guide

You’ll watch wild elephants up close in Udawalawe National Park, visit rescued calves at the Elephant Transit Home, then explore Yala’s open landscapes searching for leopards—all with a friendly local guide and private transport from your hotel. Includes lunch under the trees and entry fees—an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve washed off the dust.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the air changed as we rolled into Udawalawe — not just hotter, but thick with that grassy, earthy smell you only get after rain. Our driver, Sunil, grinned when I asked if we’d really see elephants. “Wait five minutes,” he said, and honestly, he wasn’t kidding. We’d barely bounced along in the safari jeep before a small herd appeared by the water’s edge, flapping their ears like they were waving us over. I tried to take a photo but just ended up watching instead — sometimes you forget about your camera when it feels this close.

After that, we stopped at the Elephant Transit Home. It’s quieter than I expected; you can hear the calves’ trunks sloshing in their buckets. The staff explained how these little ones are orphaned and slowly reintroduced to the wild — there’s something hopeful about it. I tried asking one of the keepers how long it takes for an elephant to trust people again. He just smiled and shrugged: “Depends on the elephant.” That stuck with me.

Yala National Park felt different — drier somehow, more open sky. There was this moment when our guide pointed out leopard tracks in the dust (I wouldn’t have noticed them at all), and everyone went silent for a second, hoping we’d spot one. We didn’t see a leopard that time, but honestly? The anticipation was its own kind of thrill. Lunch was simple rice and curry under a tree — nothing fancy but tasted perfect after hours bumping around in jeeps. I still think about that view across the grasslands while eating with my hands (messier than I thought).

By late afternoon, we were all dusty and tired but no one wanted to leave yet. Sunil laughed at how quiet we’d gotten — “Too much nature for city people?” he teased. Maybe he was right. On the drive back toward Galle, I kept replaying those first few minutes with the elephants in my head. You know how some days just feel bigger than others? This was one of those.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Double Safari and Elephant Visit

• Yala National Park Safari
• Visit Elephant Transit Home
• Udawalawe National Park Safari

Top questions

How long does this Yala & Udawalawe safari day trip take?

This is a full-day tour including both parks plus lunch; expect to spend most of your day on safari and transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this private safari tour?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off are included from Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Tangalle, Hambantota, Yala, Tissamaharama, Udawalawe & nearby areas.

Are entry fees for Yala & Udawalawe National Parks included?

Yes, all entry fees for both national parks and the Elephant Transit Home are included in your package.

What animals can I expect to see on this safari?

You’re likely to see wild elephants in Udawalawe; Yala is known for leopards (though sightings aren’t guaranteed), plus birds and other wildlife.

Is lunch provided during this double safari trip?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your all-inclusive package.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infant seats are available upon request.

Will there be a local guide during both safaris?

A local driver-guide accompanies you throughout; park guides may join during safaris as required by park rules.

Can pregnant travelers join this double safari tour?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to bumpy jeep rides.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off from Galle or nearby towns, all entry fees for both Yala and Udawalawe National Parks plus the Elephant Transit Home, private transportation with an experienced local driver-guide throughout the journey, dedicated safari jeeps in each park so you don’t miss any wildlife moments, bottled water along the way to keep cool under that Sri Lankan sun, and a simple lunch served outdoors before heading back home again.