Udawalawa Safari & Elephants Orphanage Tour from Hambantota port
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Hambantota, Sri Lanka
- 6 to 7 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Spend a day scouting Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park for wildlife without fretting about transport arrangements on this private tour, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select local towns. Settle into a luxe 4WD—either a Hilux or a Bolero—and get excited about spotting leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, and birds; with your driver-tracker seeking them out amid the forests, wetlands, and scrub. Upgrade to include a visit to Bundala National Park for even more wildlife spotting.
- Private safari day trip to Yala National Park with local hotel transfers
- No planning needed: all return transport and safari drive prearranged
- Look for leopards, elephants, and other species by 4WD with driver-tracker
- Price per group includes use of binoculars, water, and cold drinks
What's Included
- Bottled water
- All transport included
- very experienced driving and guiding
- safari jeep
- baby elephant orphanage visit transport
- Snacks
- pick up & drop off from hambantota port/ hambantota hotels
- Entrance fee - National Park & Elephants orphanage entrance ticket not included. Tickets can be purchased at the park counter.$50.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.
Itinerary
1
Udawalawe National Park
5 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Udawalawa Elephant Orphanage
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Timothy_N
Yasanka, our safari guide and driver, graciously showed us a REMARKABLE day out at Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park while visiting Hambantota. He drove a wonderfully comfortable safari vehicle, and really knew his way around the park. Moreover, his almost uncanny ability to spot wildlife exhibited an experts knowledge which impressed the two couples he shepherded throughout the memorable day. Thanks to him, our visit exceeded expectations. Book confidently, and request Yasanka for an extraordinary experience.
Reviews
4.9
based on 73 reviews
MichelleD, Feb 2026
Well organized tour and guide tried extremely hard to get us to orphanage on time for the show, to spot elephants in the park snd to move into positions to get us good camera angles. His English wasn’t great, but good enough to get his point across.
janecousins, Feb 2026
Fantastic from start to finish, picked up the tour from the cruise port, great driver informative and very helpful, provided snacks and water throughout the trip, baby elephants was definitely the highlight of our trip.
Joanne_C, Feb 2026
Amazing day.
Worth every penny
Driver/guide was brilliant.
Met us at the designated spot, very clear.
Mike_E, Feb 2026
This was a great experience. We actually got tired of seeing so many elephants up close. We saw elephant families, crocodiles, deer and many birds. The whole trip was done in a safari type vehicle. Good experience.
Gail_T, Feb 2026
Was a great experience riding in a safari jeep from the cruise port and thru the Udawalawa National Park, was approximately one hour drive. We didn’t see as many elephants as prior reviews but it was because we were there in the afternoon. Highlight of the tour was going to the Elephant Orphanage. This tour is so much cheaper than the cruise excursions and does the exact same thing.
Have to add a negative comment regarding the pick up process. We were one of the first off the ship, we met our driver and were escorted to our jeep. We sat there for over 30 minutes while other vehicle's left right away. This was very frustrating and we kept asking our driver to leave. I would still recommend this tour, was a fun day!
Rafael_F, Feb 2026
The experience is great, the driver very friendly and informed. Very recommended. Elephants orphanage is a magnificent experience
JoAnn_S, Feb 2026
Good experience. Saw lots of Elephants, some water buffalo, deer, a peacock and various bird species. Very nice driver - however this is not a ‘guided’ tour. In other words there is no commentary throughout the tour. I think both the National Park and Elephant orphanage would benefit by offering some verbal information and teaching. There is an educational building at the orphanage but you are not directed to it.
Varda_P, Feb 2026
We enjoyed the safari wildlife especially the elephants who wondered there. Later we were taken the elephants orphanage & they were adorable. Our driver Maduka was great & he drove us safely while stopping near the animals. He talked about the animals and answered our questions.
stephenjbloomer, Nov 2025
Wow. What a fantastic excursion. We were greeted at the cruise terminal and taken to an open jeep. The journey to the reserve was pleasant and we were taken care of with water and snacks.
At the reserve our guide was very informative with all the native flora, fauna and wildlife. It was so lovely to see animals in their natural habitat. Free to roam and be wild.
The ELEPHANTS were unbelievable. The respect shown by the guide to the animals was excellent. We were kept a good distance and when they were getting close to us we were moved quietly away to let them have the space they needed.
The orphanage was a lovely addition. With a great gift shop of genuine local crafts.
The way back to the terminal was brilliant. Where we stopped off for a drink of king coconut and a corn each.
I would highly recommend this excursion if on a cruise. A great price and you will have so much fun!
Marion_B, Nov 2025
Had the best day in Hambantota. Our guide Madu made sure we received the best experience and we got back to the ship in plenty of time. We managed to see lots of elephants in the park and enjoyed the elephants feeding time at the orphanage.
Jon_F, Mar 2025
Very accommodating and informative. Friendly, easy to communicate with.
Five star. Worked extra to get us back on time
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you very much for your valuable feedback.
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our safari service. Providing our guests with exceptional and memorable experiences is always our top priority, and it is truly rewarding to know that our efforts have met your expectations.
Your kind words are a great source of motivation for our team as we continue to strive for excellence in everything we do.
We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka in the future. It would be our pleasure to serve you again.
Jacque_H, Mar 2025
Great day - our driver and young man we called Jimmy was sure to check all 5 of us together. He drove safely- not great English but the safari guide was and he showed us lots of animals. 3 hours bouncing on safari roads to much for us as hot and dusty. We cut it short but most happy with tour and affordability. Easy communication with company.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Timothy_N, Mar 2025
Yasanka, our safari guide and driver, graciously showed us a REMARKABLE day out at Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park while visiting Hambantota. He drove a wonderfully comfortable safari vehicle, and really knew his way around the park. Moreover, his almost uncanny ability to spot wildlife exhibited an experts knowledge which impressed the two couples he shepherded throughout the memorable day. Thanks to him, our visit exceeded expectations. Book confidently, and request Yasanka for an extraordinary experience.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Christine_P, Feb 2025
Great time, anyone going would recommend that you take a face mask as well as glasses due to the dust
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Theresa_F, Feb 2025
Fantastic great day out would recommend this trip it’s so satisfying to see the elephant in great hands
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Raymond_H, Feb 2025
This was a great experience well organised I booked this trip last minute there was no hassle the staff were very helpful and.the driver / guide was.very knowledgeable we had a great time
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Charles_M, Feb 2025
Great experience and Maduka was an excellent driver and guide. Only really saw elephants but that’s what we went fir
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Kathryn_N, Feb 2025
We had an excellent experience visiting the elephant orphanage and Udawale national park. The elephant orphanage had so many baby elephants and a really informative mini museum. We also appreciated that they had clean washrooms. It was great that we got to ride in an air conditioned van to and from the park and then ride in a jeep for the safari portion unlike other tours that used the open air jeep for the whole ride. The guides were very helpful to my elderly mother with getting in and out of the vehicles. The safari guide did an amazing job of spotting wildlife and stopping to allow us to take photos. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves animals.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
DAVID_M, Feb 2025
Be aware that you will be in an open sided vehicle for 5 to 6 hours in 30 plus degrees. Take plenty of water.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Patricia_C, Feb 2025
Great trip! Got picked up from cruise ship and driver was very good with giving information about different things! A must trip to see the Elephants!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Arwood_M, Feb 2025
We saw lots of Elephants in both the Orphanage and the safari. It was at least 50 elephants one the wild and at least 50 in the orphanage. We also saw 5 groups of monkeys on safari and even one crocodile. Our guide was excellent and easy to hear and understand. His background info was very interesting. Don’t miss taking this Safari.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
mike_e, Feb 2025
Loved driving through Sri Lanka to the park.
Elephant orphanage a cute experience with a few characters amongst them.
Park was full of elephants wandering about.
Guide (Madu) was amazing and a real character. Wonderful.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Ian_Q, Dec 2024
Really interesting and exciting day. Almost face
to face with an elephant which is not something you usually do, would recommend it.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Sofia_S, Dec 2024
Amazing and unforgettable experience! Our guide/jeep driver Ishan was absolutely amazing! We saw a lot of elephants, deers, buffaloes, crocodiles, lizards, a lot of different birds, including peacocks, monkeys, etc. Ishan is very nice and professional, was helping us with photos and videos. Thanks so much for such a wonderful experience!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Stephen_L, Dec 2024
A most enjoyable day viewing the feeding of about 50 elephants of all ages as well as the safari drive through the National Park viewing many elephants families, monkeys, peacocks, birds, and water buffalos.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Chris_H, Dec 2024
Fab trip to baby elephant orphanage be sure to get there by 10-10:30 to experience morning feeding time. Elephants in abundance so close to Jeep, it was amazing. Saw monkeys and deer and peacocks and a lot of birds and a giant salamander.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
MATTHEWBRETT_H, Dec 2024
A wonderful experience seeing the elephants, peacocks, deers, monkeys, an eagle & some other birds but our driver didn’t get us to where the crocks, leopards or sloths were.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
Stuart_D, Dec 2024
There was no visit to an elephant orphanage, even though it is advertised.
Lots of peacocks, deer and water buffalo. Aside from a mother and baby elephant no other animals were seen
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Dear Sir or Madam, Thank you very much for your review and we always try to give you a great safari experience, But some days due to natural reasons like extreme heat it is quite difficult to see the animals. because this is a national park, not a zoo. And you have expressed your concern about not getting a chance to see the elephants at the orphanage. But when I asked our driver about it, he said that you said you didn't want to visit the elephant orphanage and again you wanted to get to the ship soon. However, if there was any shortcoming, we apologize a thousand times and will make sure that the same shortcoming does not happen again. Thank you very much and wishing you a happy life.
JulieCaple_C, Dec 2024
Safari to Yala National Wildlife park was amazing !! Also the elephant orphanage great to see the elephants being cared for 👍
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
pat_j, May 2024
This was a very fun day. We went by air conditioned van to baby elephant hospital, which was extremely hot, but well worth the visit back into the air condition van to the national park and transferred to a jeep. It was a fun bumpy ride with lots of elephants. One baby even came right up to our jeep and it’s trunk was rubbing up my husband‘s leg. Our guides spoke very little English but they were very pleasant and pointed at things we should see. Monkeys, crocodiles, birds, mongoose, water Buffalo. Great day!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback! We are thrilled to know you appreciated our safari service. Our goal is always to provide our customers with an exceptional and memorable experience. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering excellence. We sincerely thank you once again for taking the time to express your thoughts. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka and serving you again in the future!
From $57.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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