1-Day Safari: Yala & Udawalawe National Parks
Experience two of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wildlife reserves in one unforgettable day. Spot elephants in Udawalawe and leopards in Yala, guided by expert naturalists.
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Tour Highlights
- Experience two world-famous wildlife reserves in one unforgettable day – explore Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park, home to Sri Lanka’s most iconic animals.
- Spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species on guided 4x4 jeep safaris through stunning natural habitats.
- Enjoy a scenic countryside drive from Ella through misty tea-cliff panoramas and rural villages before reaching the wild plains of Yala and Udawalawe.
- Travel in comfortable, air-conditioned transfers in high-roof vans or safari jeeps with professional local drivers.
- End your journey with a coastal drop-off at your choice of Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, or Galle – perfect for continuing your southern beach stay.
- Join a sustainable, eco-friendly safari that supports local communities and promotes responsible wildlife tourism across Sri Lanka.
Full Description
Start your adventure bright and early with a 5:00 AM pickup from any hotel along Sri Lanka’s South Coast — including Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa, Matara, Tangalle, Hiriketiya, Dikwella, and Hambantota. Travel in comfort inside an air-conditioned vehicle as the dawn light spills across the coastal plains on your way to Yala National Park, one of Asia’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries.
Upon arrival, meet your naturalist guide and climb aboard a sturdy 4×4 safari jeep for your early-morning game drive. These “golden hours” offer the best chance to witness leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 species of birds in their most active state. As you explore Yala’s diverse terrain — from forests and lagoons to grassy plains and scrublands — your guide will help you track animal footprints, identify rare birds, and capture incredible wildlife photography moments.
After your Yala safari, enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch before heading north toward Udawalawe National Park. Arriving in the afternoon gives you the perfect window to explore from 2:30 PM until sunset, when elephants are most visible near watering holes. Known for having one of the world’s highest concentrations of wild elephants, Udawalawe also hosts spotted deer, jackals, wild boar, water buffalo, and countless migratory birds. With your experienced driver-guide, you’ll cover the best tracks for sightings while learning about each animal’s behavior and habitat.
As the park closes around 6:00 PM, your day concludes with a comfortable drop-off back at your hotel anywhere along the southern coast. Whether you’re staying in Mirissa, Tangalle, or Galle, we’ll return you safely — filled with memories of two incredible wildlife encounters in a single day.
This combined Yala & Udawalawe 1-Day Safari Tour is ideal for travelers based in the South Coast region who want to experience Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity in a seamless, eco-friendly day trip. Our tours follow sustainable practices, support local communities, and include free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. It’s the ultimate way to see elephants, leopards, and the wild heart of Sri Lanka — all in one unforgettable day.
Why This Yala & Udawalawe Safari Is Unmissable
Pickup from the South Coast
Start before sunrise with door-to-door pickup from any hotel between Galle and Tangalle, travelling inland toward Sri Lanka’s wild heartlands.
Sunrise Yala Safari
Experience the “Golden Hours” of Yala National Park — home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and over 200 species of birds.
Afternoon Udawalawe Safari
Join an afternoon game drive through Udawalawe National Park, world-renowned for its dense elephant herds and open grassland views.
Eco-Friendly Comfort
Travel in modern air-conditioned vehicles, guided by local naturalists committed to responsible, sustainable safari practices.
Pickup from South Coast
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Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa, Matara,
Dikwella, Hiriketiya, Tangalle, Hambantota,
Tissamaharama, Kirinda, Weerawila, Kataragama
Car Transfer
Details
Comfortable air-conditioned van or car transfer from your hotel to Yala National Park.
Yala National Park Safari
Early-morning game drive in an open 4×4 jeep with an expert ranger, spotting leopards, elephants, and exotic birds.
Picnic Lunch Break
Details
Relax and enjoy a picnic-style lunch before departing toward Udawalawe National Park.
Car Transfer to Udawalawe
Details
Enjoy a scenic countryside drive between the two parks, passing rice fields and rural villages.
Udawalawe Safari
Afternoon game drive from 2:30 PM until sunset, famous for its herds of elephants and wide open grasslands.
Return Transfer
Details
Comfortable return journey in air-conditioned vehicle to your coastal hotel or onward destination.
Drop-off Locations
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Tangalle, Dikwella, Hiriketiya, Matara,
Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, Galle,
or other hotels along the southern coast.
Itinerary
Yala & Udawalawe 1-Day Safari: What’s Included & Important Information
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from any South Coast location (Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle, Matara, etc.).
- Air-conditioned transportation between parks.
- Guided Yala and Udawalawe National Park safaris with experienced naturalist drivers.
- Picnic lunch between the two safaris.
- Drinking water and a cool box provided.
- All government taxes and service charges.
Exclusions & Not Suitable For
- Entrance & service fees to Yala and Udawalawe National Parks — these are not included but can be conveniently purchased during your reservation through our secure booking portal.
- Additional food & drinks not listed above.
- Pregnant women or travellers with serious back problems.
- Wheelchair users.
- Pets and smoking inside vehicles or park areas.
Important Information
- What to bring: Sun hat, camera, sunglasses, insect repellent, and light clothing.
- Children aged 2 and under join free of charge; under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.
- Safaris operate rain or shine — please prepare for warm weather and occasional rain.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
- Know before you go: Park tickets can be added to your booking for convenience or purchased at the gate upon arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does pickup start and where?
Pickup begins around 5:00 AM from any hotel along Sri Lanka’s South Coast — Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Weligama, Matara, Tangalle, Hambantota and nearby. We’ll confirm the exact time the evening before.
Can I visit both Yala and Udawalawe in one day?
Yes. This itinerary is designed for a sunrise Yala safari plus an afternoon Udawalawe safari, covering both parks efficiently with comfortable transfers.
How long are the safaris?
Expect roughly 3–4 hours in each park. Yala at dawn (better for leopards), Udawalawe 2:30 PM–sunset (excellent for elephants).
Are National Park tickets included?
Tickets are not included in the base price, but you can add both tickets during checkout in our booking portal — no cash or queues required.
What vehicles do you use?
Air-conditioned high-roof vans/minivans for road transfers; open-top 4×4 jeeps inside the parks for optimal viewing and photography.
Is lunch provided?
Yes — a picnic-style lunch with bottled water is included between the two safaris. Vegetarian options available on request.
What wildlife might I see?
Yala: leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, many raptors. Udawalawe: large elephant herds, deer, jackals, hornbills and 200+ bird species.
Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely. Suitable for children; we can provide booster seats on request. The afternoon Udawalawe drive is gentle and ideal for young travellers.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brim hat, insect repellent, light clothing and a camera/phone with zoom. If you didn’t add tickets at checkout, you can purchase via our guide on the day.
What if it rains?
Jeeps have rain covers and tours run rain or shine. In rare severe weather we’ll reschedule or provide a full refund.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Full terms: yalawild.com/terms-and-conditions.
When is the best time to visit?
Year-round is good; the dry months (May–September) often deliver the best sightings around waterholes.
Get in Touch
Have questions or need help planning your Ella → Yala adventure? Drop us a line and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Pickup & Drop-off Points — South Coast → Yala & Udawalawe
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