The Elephants of Udawalawe
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Port
Hambantota, Sri Lanka
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$269
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Udawalawe National Park was established in 1972 to provide a haven for wildlife displaced by the opening up of land for agriculture and other purposes. Covering just over 115 square miles this is home to many different varieties of wildlife but is mainly visited for the abundance of elephants here. With undulating countryside, open grasslands and a reservoir, the landscape makes for a picturesque drive and the elephants are relatively easy to spot. Other wildlife in this park includes a myriad of birds, spotted deer, wild boar, sloth bear and water buffalo. Enjoy a 4x4 safari through the park with a tracker-guide to search for some of these magnificent creatures. After your morning on safari, you’ll stop for lunch at a local hotel. The theme of elephants continues with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home—a government-run organization and supported by the Born Free Foundation. Their mission is to rescue orphaned elephants and rehabilitate them to enable them to return to the wild once they are ready. Keeping them in permanent captivity is a last resort. Around 40 elephants are in residence at any one time. You will have the opportunity to view them up close as they are being fed before you return to the ship in the late afternoon.
Notes:
Not suitable for guests with back or neck problems. Participants must be able to step up into the safari vehicle. The vehicle is covered but has open sides; bring sunscreen and a hat. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed.