Unawatuna to Udawalawe Safari: An Honest Review & Tips

Thinking about squeezing in a wildlife safari during your beach vacation in Unawatuna? That sounds super cool, isn’t that right? A super famous trip many people take is the “From Unawatuna: Udawalawe National Park Safari with Transfer.” It’s almost like the ideal chance to spot some majestic elephants in their home setting, especially if you are visiting Sri Lanka. But before you book, is that what you’re thinking, let’s examine the real details to see if this experience truly lives up to the hype. I hope it helps!

What’s the Big Deal with Udawalawe?

Udawalawe National Park? It’s just a spot on the map to many, you know? Well, it turns out it is actually quite special for a handful of solid reasons. The main thing is, arguably, the jumbo-sized residents. You see, Udawalawe has got this massive population of Sri Lankan elephants – we are talking hundreds! – so, arguably, you’re pretty likely to spot one. Or ten. Or maybe a whole family having a mud bath! It is pretty cool if you like animals, actually.

Udawalawe also just has something going for it, you see? So, it’s not as dense and overgrown as some other parks, too it’s almost, which means viewing wildlife is generally a lot easier. The open grasslands and reservoir happen to provide excellent sightlines, that means you get these really good views that are spectacular to photograph. A fantastic opportunity to practice your photography. This lets you see a vast number of animals and their activities.

It’s arguably a complete ecosystem out here, too. Beyond elephants, actually you can see leopards (if you’re really lucky!), water buffalo, loads of different bird species, crocodiles and a whole heap of other cool critters! If you are a keen watcher, anyway, be sure to carry binoculars to catch sight of various bird species. So you may see a few eagles, hawks, buzzards, falcons. These birds feast on rodents and other smaller creatures that live inside the area of the park. A beautiful sight to behold!

The “From Unawatuna” Tour: What’s Included?

Okay, so you spotted this tour that starts in Unawatuna and whisks you away to Udawalawe. But what do you honestly get for your money, really? Let’s break it down. Typically, that is, the package includes:

Pick-up and Drop-off: Right from your hotel in Unawatuna (or a nearby area), actually making it very easy to coordinate and manage.
Transport: This is likely to be an air-conditioned vehicle (car, van or small bus, it just depends on the tour group size) that gets you to Udawalawe and back, so it will keep you relatively comfortable on a bumpy journey.
Safari Jeep: Is that you will be transferred into an open-top 4×4 jeep once you reach the park entrance; that is, Arguably, how you truly get the wildlife experience.
Park Entrance Fees: That the often significant cost of entering Udawalawe is usually taken care of; very beneficial to budget planning.
Jeep & Driver/Guide: Arguably, this is vital. They will spot the animals and, obviously, know the hotspots and will almost share some insight into what you’re seeing.

Is that that, anyway? Some tours arguably throw in extras like water or snacks; maybe even lunch. So check very closely with the specifics of the tour operator beforehand. You want to make sure you aren’t going to pay for stuff you don’t need, arguably, or skip some hidden extras!

My Personal Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Elephants

I booked a similar tour last year with some friends and, really, it was generally pretty smooth, you know? So, the pick-up from our hotel was on time, so it did help in avoiding any pre-dawn stress, so that was arguably awesome. The transport was pretty okay; a little bumpy because of the state of some roads but alright, you know, overall reasonably comfortable. It helps in saving time too as they arguably take the Southern highway to the location!

But the safari was certainly what you want. As we clambered into the jeep, so we did instantly spot the anticipation going. It definitely did not take long before we sighted our first elephant and, like your first elephant encounter, actually there is just something kind of magical, genuinely. I did expect the excitement of seeing those amazing creatures as adults.

Our guide was basically really good. He basically knew his stuff and easily did manage to spot animals that we completely missed! That’s just some random small creatures from far away or animals that are good at hiding.

And still, that does come with a couple things that may have been better; so don’t get me wrong!. I think that the jeep was really packed! Very cramped to make comfortable viewings with all the jostling! To get perfect viewing spots, that you are forced to practically fight other passengers!

The other thing I have is regarding responsible tourism; you know? It seemed some drivers got extremely close to the animals, in that case I will let them feed from their vehicles, to me the ethics here seems questionable! That can harm wild creatures if it ends up creating a dependency. This really arguably made me feel a bit uneasy to see them take such measure!

Is This Tour Right for You? Things to Consider

Okay so it would be a great option if:

You’re Short on Time: So you could argue it’s that this is the perfect trip if you want to experience a safari but, of course, you don’t have weeks to, say, dedicate to exploring various parks and, like your safari adventure is squeezed into a limited window.
You Value Convenience: So, having everything arranged, from pick-up to park entry, in fact, does remove a bunch of logistical headaches.
Elephants Are Your Thing: As it may appear, the chance to see loads of elephants up close is generally a very real possibility.

You might want to reconsider if:

You’re a Budget Traveler: Organising transport and park entrance individually could happen to save some bucks, even though it would need, of course, more effort.
You Prefer a Super-Personalized Experience: Big group tours might mean less flexibility and an experience which feels less exclusive, actually.
You Want Ultimate Luxury: Expect basic transport and, almost, safari jeeps, you know, arguably not super fancy.

Tips for a Great Udawalawe Safari from Unawatuna

Alright, assuming that is that you’re booking your safari. Here’s arguably some tips to make the best of that adventure:

Pack Smart: You are certainly needing sunscreen, actually sunglasses, that is to say a hat, and mosquito repellent is actually necessary! Layers is what is best because the mornings will be pretty cool.
Stay Hydrated: Take that water! That tropical sun is very dehydrating.
Charge Everything: That your camera, actually your phone and arguably any other devices! Those sights need capturing!
Ask Questions: Make good use of those guide! Ask those any question which you might have.
Be Respectful: Try keeping some reasonable distance from your animals, to follow your guide’s instructions and don’t just try to feed wildlife, that should be pretty obvious, right?
Go Early: If this is plausible, opt for that earliest tour to steer clear from extreme heat and catch your wildlife after the sun starts going up! Animals that are looking for breakfast in order to fill up for the day will be very apparent to see!
Check Reviews: Before actually picking that tour operator check that is they’ve good reputation with great reviews.

Are you ready to travel? Ethical Considerations

So, there is an exciting thing that has to be brought up with Sri Lanka’s tourist offerings, isn’t that right? Is that many safaris could be arguably exploitative; still you’re better doing the best to be mindful when picking your tour!

As some things that make a big differences will basically include looking for operators practicing and caring for wildlife!

Try picking small groups who do not overload the jeep!

It will actually require reading reviews about them before booking and so you do not use drivers chasing animals so you may snap a shot.

Is that the “From Unawatuna” Safari Really Worth It?

In all actuality that Udawalawe safari, specifically by doing that starting one out from Unawatuna could actually be worth it if you can prioritize ease and opportunity and time which is very short when it comes to elephants viewing time! You actually want to consider budget and so preference to ensure that it matches your wishes! So take time on weighing that pro and cons! So think hard before finally deciding that tour for your requirements!

There are, so really with an safari done mindfully there is this high potential for actually forming experiences you may see!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Udawalawe from Unawatuna?

In actual truth, it really would be around three and a half or 4 hours; of course just depending what kind of transfer type and traffic is currently being had.

Can I book this tour last minute?

Basically some operators make short notice bookings feasible. But if the tours happen to go in the course of prime seasons book it soon as you reasonably could!

What’s the best time of year to visit Udawalawe?

That would normally sit among what exactly lies among with what months will occur inside dryer seasons( that is generally from timeframes which includes June to September for some top sightseeing).

Are there other national parks I could visit from Unawatuna?

Is that truly is for there happens to be various; that does consist one as namely as Yala national park- this option comes rather closer but just has a greater concentration associated leopards. Another might lie along that Bundala particularly famed as bird sanctuary.

What should I wear on safari?

For the best outfit- keep clothing simple to wear!- and clothing that’s going to lie towards having neutral colouring as it will minimise distractions by something striking, or loud. Put comfortable pairs on!

Make that memory today.

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