Top 5 Safari Experiences Near Udawalawe Hotels: Exploring Wildlife from Waraka

Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park is a wildlife sanctuary, renowned for offering some of the most captivating safari experiences in the country. Known for its impressive elephant population and diverse range of species, Udawalawe draws nature lovers from around the globe. If you’re staying at Waraka Udawalawe, a luxurious retreat offering both adventure and relaxation, you are in the ideal spot to explore the park’s top safari experiences. Here are the five best safari adventures that allow you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking wildlife of Udawalawe.

1. Visit to the Elephant Transit Home

Conservation Effort

The Elephant Transit Home (ETH) near Udawalawe National Park hotels is a pioneering project run by Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation. It’s dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned elephants before releasing them back into the wild. 

• Unique Experience: Visitors to the Elephant Transit Home can witness the feeding of baby elephants and learn about the critical conservation efforts being made to protect them. This educational experience offers a unique insight into Sri Lanka’s elephant conservation initiatives.
• Opening and Closing Times:
  Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily, with feeding sessions at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.

Nestled just a short distance from Waraka Udawalawe, the Elephant Transit Home (ETH) offers an inspiring, heartwarming experience that perfectly complements your safari adventure. This renowned sanctuary is dedicated to caring for and rehabilitating orphaned baby elephants, providing them with a second chance at life in the wild.

At Waraka Udawalawe, we’re proud to support this remarkable initiative, including the adoption of our very own baby elephant, Amie. Her journey from rescue to eventual freedom is a testament to the meaningful conservation efforts happening here.

Learn more about Amie’s story and how you can be part of this incredible mission by visiting our sustainability page.

Incorporate a visit to the ETH into your itinerary and witness firsthand the inspiring work being done to protect Sri Lanka’s majestic wildlife.

2. Udawalawe National Park Elephant Safari

Why It’s Famous

Udawalawe National Park  is celebrated for its abundant population of elephants, making it one of the top destinations for elephant safaris in Asia. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the park is home to over 600 wild elephants, providing nearly guaranteed sightings on any safari. Visitors can experience these majestic creatures roaming freely, which is why it attracts over 300,000 visitors annually 

• Safari Highlights: Besides elephants, you might spot water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and, with some luck, even leopards. The park’s diverse ecosystems, from grasslands to wetlands, create ideal conditions for observing a variety of species.
• Proximity to Waraka: Staying at Waraka Udawalawe, one of the leading Udawalawe hotels, means you’re only a 10-minute drive from the park’s entrance, making it convenient to enjoy early morning or late afternoon safaris.

Opening and Closing Times:

Park Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot wildlife.

3. Birdwatching Safari in Udawalawe

Rich Birdlife

For birdwatchers, Udawalawe National Park hotel offers an incredible variety of over 180 bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. The wetlands and open grasslands make this park one of the top spots for bird watching in Sri Lanka. 

Key Species: On a bird watching safari, expect to see species such as the Sri Lankan Junglefowl, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, and the colorful Painted Stork. Many of these species are endemic to Sri Lanka, making it a hotspot for bird enthusiasts.

• Best Time for Birdwatching: The best time for birdwatching is early morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM), as birds are most active during these cooler periods.

Waraka Udawalawe’s proximity to the park allows guests to easily head out for early morning birdwatching safaris, maximizing the chance of seeing rare species.

4. Jeep Safari to Udawalawe’s Water Bodies

Scenic Water Safaris

The water bodies within Udawalawe National Park are critical to the park’s ecosystem, especially during the dry season. A jeep safari focusing on waterholes and reservoirs offers a rare opportunity to observe wildlife gathering to drink, bathe, and cool off.

• Wildlife Sightings: In addition to elephants, these waterholes attract crocodiles, water buffalo, and a wide variety of bird species. 
• Perfect for Photography: For photography enthusiasts, a water safari offers some of the most picturesque landscapes in the park. The reflection of wildlife in the still waters, particularly during sunrise or sunset, provides excellent opportunities for dramatic wildlife and landscape shots.

Best times : 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The best times are early morning or late afternoon for golden hour photography.

5. Full-Day Safari Adventure

Immersive Experience

For those looking for a more in-depth exploration of Udawalawe, a full-day safari is the ultimate adventure. It allows you to explore more remote sections of the park and increases your chances of spotting elusive wildlife like leopards and sloth bears.

• What to Expect: A full-day safari takes you across Udawalawe’s varied landscapes, from open savannah to dense forest. You’ll have plenty of time to observe animals in their natural habitat and take breaks at scenic spots for meals in the wild.
• Data on Full-Day Safari Benefits: Research from Global Safari Guide shows that full-day safaris increase the chance of rare wildlife sightings by 40%, as you can cover more ground and visit areas that shorter tours might skip (Global Safari Guide, 2023).

Opening and Closing Times:
Full-Day Safari Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. These safaris typically last 8 to 10 hours, allowing for a truly immersive experience.

For a similar immersive experience, venture to Wild Glamping Gal Oya, where the Gal Oya Safari offers encounters with Sri Lanka’s vibrant wildlife.

Additional Experiences Offered by Waraka Udawalawe

Beyond the safaris, Waraka Udawalawe offers several unique experiences to enhance your stay:

• Sustainability Walk: Learn about Waraka’s eco-friendly practices and the importance of sustainable tourism in preserving Sri Lanka’s natural environment.
• Village Bike Ride and Walk: Explore the local villages on a guided bike ride or walk, offering you an immersive cultural experience.
• Kayaking in Udawalawe: For adventure seekers, kayaking on Udawalawe’s lakes provides a unique way to observe wildlife from the water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best time of year to visit Udawalawe for safaris?

The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September), when animals are more likely to gather around waterholes.

2. How long does a typical Udawalawe safari last?

A typical safari lasts 3 to 4 hours, but full-day safaris are available for a more comprehensive experience.

3. Is it possible to arrange safaris directly from Waraka Udawalawe?

Yes, Waraka Udawalawe offers tailored safari packages and can arrange jeep safaris, guides, and transportation directly from the hotel.

4. What wildlife can I expect to see besides elephants in Udawalawe National Park?

In addition to elephants, you can see water buffalo, crocodiles, deer, and a wide variety of bird species. If you’re lucky, you might even spot leopards and sloth bears.

5. Are children allowed on safaris in Udawalawe?

Yes, safaris are family-friendly, and children are welcome. It’s an exciting and educational experience for young wildlife enthusiasts.