Yala & Udawalawe: Safari Day Trip with Hotel Pickup & Lunch

Summary

Track wild elephants and search for leopards on a full day out

You’ll start early with hotel pickup and head straight into Yala for your first safari drive — leopards if you’re lucky, elephants almost guaranteed. Enjoy a simple picnic lunch before moving on to Udawalawe for another game drive plus a stop at the Elephant Transit Home to see rescued calves up close. Expect real wildlife moments and stories you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the 5am pickup because my alarm didn’t go off — classic. The driver just grinned when I stumbled out with wet hair, still zipping my bag. It was barely light as we left Galle, but I remember the way the air smelled, that mix of dew and diesel from the old van. By the time we reached Yala, I’d half-woken up, but it was our guide Nuwan’s laugh that really got me going. He handed me tea in a plastic cup before we climbed into the 4x4, saying something about “good luck for leopard today.” I think he meant it.

Yala was quieter than I expected — not silent, but muffled somehow. We bumped along dirt tracks while Nuwan pointed out peacocks strutting like they owned the place and water buffalo sinking into muddy pools. There was this moment when we stopped completely: an elephant crossed right in front of us, so close I could see dust clinging to its wrinkled skin. My heart thudded like it does when you’re caught doing something you shouldn’t be doing — except all we were doing was watching.

Lunch was just sandwiches under a tree at midday (not glamorous, but honestly perfect). The heat made everything slow down. After that we drove to Udawalawe — longer than I thought; I might’ve dozed off because suddenly there were more trees and less chatter. At the Elephant Transit Home, kids pressed against the fence to watch rescued calves get their bottles. One little guy kept swinging his trunk at us like he was waving hello or maybe just showing off.

The afternoon safari in Udawalawe felt different — wider skies, and somehow brighter even though clouds were rolling in. We saw herds of elephants moving together, mothers nudging calves along with their trunks. Someone spotted a jackal slinking through tall grass but honestly, by then I’d stopped worrying about ticking animals off a list. There’s something about seeing those big grey shapes against green that stays with you after you leave. Even now, days later — I keep thinking about that slow crossing at Yala.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Safari tour to Yala and Udawalawe

• Pick up from hotel early morning
• Yala morning game drive
• Picnic lunch
• Drive to Udawalawe National Park
• Visit Elephant Transit Home
• Udawalawe afternoon game drive
• Drop off at hotel in evening

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Yala & Udawalawe day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from many towns near both parks.

How long does the safari last in each park?

The morning drive in Yala runs from around 6am–11am; Udawalawe is 3pm–5:30pm.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

Yes, a picnic lunch is included between park visits.

Will we visit both parks on the same day?

Yes, this tour covers both Yala and Udawalawe in one day trip.

What animals might we see during the safaris?

You can spot elephants, leopards (if lucky), water buffalo, jackals and more.

Do we visit the Elephant Transit Home?

Yes, there’s a stop at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe included.

Is transportation between parks included?

Yes, all transfers between locations are part of your tour.

Are guides English-speaking?

Your driver-guide speaks English throughout the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup from nearby towns or meeting at either park gate if preferred; all transportation by safari jeep; entry to both Yala and Udawalawe; an English-speaking driver-guide who shares stories along the way; bottled water; a simple picnic lunch under the trees; plus entry to the Elephant Transit Home before your evening drop-off back at your hotel.