How to Plan an Unforgettable Safari in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an underrated destination for diverse wildlife and a budget friendly place to go on a safari tour. This guide will help you plan your safari in Sri Lanka.
To add to the impressive list of things to do in Sri Lanka, you can top it off with a safari. Bucket list, check!
In my opinion, Sri Lanka is an underrated destination for diverse wildlife. For such a small country it is a remarkable feat to boast their own “big 5” animals including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, blue whales, and sperm whales.
Sri Lanka is also a budget friendly place to go on a safari. I found it to be surprisingly affordable for a budget accommodation with private tour options.
Options for Safaris in Sri Lanka
There are at least 20 national parks in Sri Lanka with options for year round safaris. There are so many options! A few of the most visited parks include Yala, Minneriya, and Udawalawe.
Yala National Park is the most popular safari park and is known for leopards. Minneriya & Udawalawe are smaller parks and best known for their elephant population. Wilpattu National Park is also a great safari park option as it is one of the largest, yet least visited parks.
Udawalawe National Park
Seeing a herd or “parade” of elephants in the wild was a dream of mine, so I chose to go on safari in Udawalawe National Park. While driving into Udawalawe town, I spotted elephants grazing on the side of the road, so I knew the safari would be successful.
Udawalawe is located south centrally, approximately 2 hours south of Ella. It was conveniently located on my clockwise route around the country, making it an easy stop between Ella and Mirissa.
It’s close enough to Ella that you could make it a day trip or you can book a safari lodge and spend the night, which I recommend.
Preparing for a Safari Tour
I stayed at Kottawatta Village and thoroughly enjoyed relaxing by the pool and resting before my safari day. They have an outdoor restaurant and covered dining area, so you don’t have to leave the property for food, unless you want to.
This accommodation was a perfect springboard into the park and very budget friendly. If you opt for the morning safari, you will be up before dawn so it helps to spend the night close to the park. There are many options in the area of Udawalawe.
Kottawatta Village Safari Tour Options
Kottawatta Village offered 3 options for safari; the little tour (3.5 hours), half day (6 hours), and full day. The little tour and half day safari have two start time options, 5:30am and 2:30pm and the full day safari runs from 5:30am-5:00pm.
For example, a full day safari for two people costs $160 total, prices are subject to change per the hotel. The full day safari starts at 5:30am and ends at 5:00pm. The cost breakdown is $85 for the jeep and $75 park admission for two people and includes a packed breakfast & lunch.
If you are traveling alone and wish to do a private jeep tour, Kottawatta Village quoted the price for the little tour (3.5 hours) = $70 total, which includes the price of the jeep and park entry fee.
If you are traveling with kids ages 5-11, the price is half of the adult admission price and children under age 5 are free.
The Safari Experience
The morning safari tour starts early, you will meet with your driver and leave the hotel while it’s still dark. There was a long line of jeeps at the park entrance anxiously waiting in the dark for the park to open. After stopping to pay the park entrance fee we bolted down the dusty road and all the safari jeeps scattered in different directions down dirt paths right on cue with the sunrise.
It was a rush of excitement looking for wild animals while simultaneously holding onto my seat during the bumpy ride. Seeing a herd of wild elephants was a dream come true. I also saw water buffalo swimming, a peacock crossing the road, monkeys being monkeys, four massive crocodiles lurking around the banks of the reservoir, and lots of birds.
I opted for the little tour and thought it was just the right amount of time. We covered a lot of ground around the park and I was thrilled with the animal sightings.
Starting early was favorable because I avoided the midday heat and I was able to return to Kottawatta Village and order a late breakfast/early lunch before packing up and arranging for transport to my next location.
Tips for an Amazing Safari in Sri Lanka
10/10 amazing day, but after a few hours of inhaling the exhaust fumes from the jeep, I developed a really bad headache. If you’re sensitive like me, I recommend bringing a bandana or some type of facial covering to decrease the exposure. This is all dependent on the vehicle, but worth considering if fumes trigger headache or migraines for you.
Also, I recommend either a long sleeve shirt or some type of cover up for the potential chilly morning or to guard against sun exposure. The jeeps have covered seating, but your arms might be exposed if you sit on the outer seat.
Booking a Safari in Sri Lanka
I found the process of booking the safari extremely easy through my accommodation. It was not something that needed months of preparation and pre booking. If you are a flexible traveler, have no worries, there are a lot of tour companies in Udawalawe and online. You can make plans the night before and be on your way to a safari the next morning.
Based on my observations, most of the tour companies and accommodations offered very similar safari experiences. Overall the tour jeeps looked very comparable with tiered seating and covered tops, but there were a few that looked more luxurious if you’re looking for an upgraded experience.
The most important factor is the skill and knowledge of your driver and guide. Their ability to spot and track animals will greatly impact your experience.
I had an unforgettable safari experience in Sri Lanka. Being in such an untouched place will make you truly feel alive. It was an important reminder that we share Earth with amazing animal species and that nature is wild and beautiful. Put a Sri Lanka safari on your list of must do things when you are planning your trip!
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