2 Days Tour to Udawalawe & Yala National Park From Negombo

Planning a quick escape into Sri Lanka’s wild side? This 2-day tour offers a fantastic chance to see some of the island’s most iconic wildlife—elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and more—without the hassle of traveling solo or organizing logistics yourself. For those with a keen interest in nature and animal spotting, this tour provides a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and cultural insights.

What really stands out is the chance to see wild elephants in Udawalawe, which is often considered one of the best places in the world for elephant sightings. Plus, the visit to Yala National Park seals the deal with its dense forests, lagoons, and the possibility to spot elusive leopards. The tour includes expert guides and comfortable transportation, making it accessible even for those new to safaris.

A potential consideration is the long hours of travel involved—around 8 hours in total, including transfers—so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a bit of movement and early mornings. If you’re after a hassle-free, expertly guided adventure to Sri Lanka’s wildlife hotspots, this tour could be a perfect fit.

This experience is especially ideal for wildlife lovers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to tick off two major national parks in just a weekend. It balances a good dose of adventure with cultural highlights, making it suitable for those who enjoy a mix of nature and local history.

Key Points

• Wildlife Encounters: Guaranteed elephant sightings in Udawalawe and a high likelihood of spotting leopards, crocodiles, and buffalo in Yala.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes hotel pickup, drop-off, air-conditioned transport, and a knowledgeable guide.
• Authentic Parks: Visit iconic parks with diverse habitats—scrub, forest, lagoons—and the chance to learn about their ecological importance.
• Additional Sites: The Udawalawe Dam adds a scenic and functional element to your trip, combining nature with engineering marvels.
• Value for Money: For $315, you get two full days of guided safaris and transportation, offering a good balance of cost and experience.
• Limited Flexibility: The tour is non-refundable; weather cancellations may lead to rescheduling or full refunds.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Day 1: Udawalawe National Park – Elephants and More

The journey begins early, with a 6:00 am pickup from Negombo, setting the tone for a full day of wildlife discovery. The trip to Udawalawe is part of the adventure, with comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles making the long drive less tiring. Once arriving, your main focus is the Udawalawe National Park, known for its dense populations of wild elephants. The park’s unique landscape, centered around the Udawalawe Reservoir, offers a stark but captivating beauty—it’s lightly vegetated, making wildlife spotting easier than in dense jungles.

Visitors have praised the knowledgeable guides, often the same guides throughout the trip, for their ability to spot wildlife and share insightful stories. One reviewer mentions, “Our guide knew the park so well, he pointed out rare birds and gave us interesting facts about the elephants’ behavior.” The game drives last around 4 hours, during which you’ll get close to herds of elephants, wild buffalo, sambar deer, and the adorable giant squirrel.

A highlight is visiting the Udawalawe Dam, a large irrigation structure used for hydroelectric power. Walking along the dam, you get scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding plains, often filled with migrating birds. The dam also highlights how Sri Lanka’s wildlife and infrastructure coexist.

Day 2: Yala National Park – The Leopard Chase

The second day kicks off early again, with another 6:00 am pickup to head toward Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous safari area. Encompassing over 1,200 square kilometers of scrub, grassland, and lagoons, Yala is a wildlife hotspot—especially if you’re hunting for leopards. While spotting these elusive cats isn’t guaranteed, the park’s diverse habitats make it a good bet.

Your guide will explain the park’s ecology and the best spots for wildlife viewing. You might see elephants drinking at the lagoons, crocodiles basking on riverbanks, or troops of monkeys swinging through the trees. The park’s rich avian life also impresses birdwatchers, with hundreds of species recorded.

Beyond wildlife, the area boasts cultural sites. Sithulpawwa, an ancient Buddhist monastery, and nearby caves with centuries-old rock paintings provide a quiet, reflective contrast to the safari. The admission to Yala is free, but some areas might be restricted, depending on park regulations and weather.

Transportation & Comfort

Traveling in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly driver-guide ensures a smooth ride between locations. The tour’s logistics are thoughtfully arranged to maximize your time in each park, with approximately 4 hours allocated for each safari. The group size is small, enhancing the chance to ask questions and receive personalized attention.

Food & Refreshments

While the tour includes breakfast, dinner, bottled water, and Wi-Fi, there’s no mention of food or drinks included during the safaris themselves. Given the early start and long hours, it’s wise to bring snacks or plan for meals outside the park. The guides often recommend local eateries or suggest packing light picnic options.

Cost & Value

At $315 per person, this tour offers a solid value—covering transportation, park entry fees (except for the optional paid tickets), and expert guidance. For wildlife enthusiasts wanting to maximize their chances without the hassle of organizing their own safaris, this package delivers a well-rounded experience.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable, neutral-colored clothing for safaris, as bright colors might scare animals away.
• Bring a camera with a zoom lens—the wildlife can be a little far, and photos are part of the fun.
• Pack a hat and sunscreen; Sri Lanka’s sun is strong, especially during daytime safaris.
• Arrive early for the safaris to maximize wildlife sightings; animals are often most active at dawn.
• Respect park rules—stick to designated paths and avoid loud noises to minimize disturbance.
• Be prepared for the long travel days; staying hydrated and rested will make the experience more enjoyable.
• Check weather conditions in advance; if weather affects the safari, the tour provider offers alternative dates or a full refund.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is ideal for wildlife lovers and photography enthusiasts wanting to see Sri Lanka’s iconic animals in their natural habitat. It’s a good fit for travelers who enjoy guided experiences, appreciate comfort, and don’t mind early mornings and long travel hours. The inclusion of both parks makes it perfect for those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of the country’s biodiversity.

It’s also suitable for those with an interest in cultural sites, due to the optional visits to Buddhist ruins near Yala. However, if you prefer a more flexible, self-paced trip or are sensitive to long transfers, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day safari tour from Negombo is a strong choice if you’re seeking an efficient, guided wildlife adventure in Sri Lanka. It combines the excitement of spotting elephants in Udawalawe with the thrill of Yala’s chances for leopards and crocodiles. The experienced guides and comfortable transport make it accessible for most travelers, while the inclusion of cultural stops adds further depth to the experience.

While the long hours could be tiring, the overall value—especially if wildlife observation is your main goal—is compelling. The tour’s logistical planning and emphasis on authentic park visits make it a well-rounded option for those eager to explore Sri Lanka’s diverse ecosystems in just two days.

For lovers of nature, photography, or those simply wanting a memorable adventure, this tour offers a practical, engaging way to experience some of the best wildlife Sri Lanka has to offer.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Negombo, making the start and end of your day hassle-free.

What is the tour duration?
It’s approximately two days, with travel and safaris spread over around 8 hours of transfers and park time.

Are park entrance tickets included?
No, the entrance tickets for the parks are not included, but the safaris themselves are part of the package.

What is the best time of day for the safaris?
Early mornings, starting at 6:00 am, are recommended as animals are more active and visibility is better.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the physical fitness level is moderate, and long drives are involved. Children comfortable with these conditions should be fine.

Can I see leopards in Yala?
Leopards are common but elusive; sightings are not guaranteed, but the park’s habitat makes it a good chance.

What should I bring for the safaris?
Bring a camera with zoom, hats, sunscreen, bottled water, and comfortable clothing.

Will I get Wi-Fi during the trip?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available during travel, subject to availability.

Is the tour refundable?
No, this experience is non-refundable. Cancellations due to weather may be rescheduled or refunded fully.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is offered by Apple Vacations Pvt Ltd, known for their reliable safari experiences.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear, honest picture of what to expect from this exciting two-day safari adventure in Sri Lanka. Whether you’re after stunning wildlife photos or just want to experience Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, this tour offers a well-organized, memorable experience worth considering.