Full Day Standard Safari
A comprehensive 12-hour wildlife expedition covering every corner of the national park.
Quick Booking
Ultimate Expedition
- Packed breakfast & hot lunch included
- Phase 1, Phase 2 & remote river sectors
- Highest leopard & sloth bear chances
- Full 12-hour immersion in nature
Safari Overview
The Full-Day Grand Wildlife Expedition is the definitive experience for true nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and travelers who desire a thorough, unhurried exploration of Udawalawe National Park's diverse ecosystems.
Unlike half-day tours that concentrate on easily accessible perimeter loops, our full 12-hour safari penetrates deep into the restricted Phase 1, Phase 2, and Mau Ara riverine wilderness. You will track wild elephant herds across their morning and evening grazing cycles, observe solitary tuskers deep in the scrub, and enjoy the rarest chances of encountering the elusive Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) and Sloth Bear.
12 Full Hours
05:45 AM - 06:00 PM2 Full Meals
Breakfast & Hot LunchDeep Park Access
Phase 1, 2 & Mau AraElite Naturalist
Senior Park TrackerFull-Day Expedition Itinerary
05:30 AM — Hotel Pick-Up & Park Gate Transfer
Pickup from your Udawalawe or surrounding area hotel in our modified 4x4 open-roof safari vehicle. Fast-track entry ticket clearance assisted by our guide at the DWC gate.
06:00 AM - 10:00 AM — Dawn Game Drive & Morning Feeding Activity
Enter the park precisely at sunrise. Cruise the reservoir plains and central waterholes when elephant family units, jackals, jungle cats, and raptors are most active in the cool dawn air.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM — Riverbank Picnic Breakfast
Stop under the shady canopies of giant Kumbuk trees along the Walawe River. Enjoy a hearty picnic breakfast with tropical fruits, boiled eggs, sandwiches, fresh bananas, and hot Ceylon tea or coffee.
11:00 AM - 01:30 PM — Midday Deep Wilderness Tracking
While ordinary safari vehicles exit the park, we venture into the secluded interior sectors. Track animals taking shelter near hidden natural springs, deep waterholes, and river pools.
01:30 PM - 02:45 PM — Fresh Sri Lankan Picnic Lunch & Relaxation
Savor an authentic hot Sri Lankan village rice and curry lunch served inside the designated park rest area. Relax, recharge camera batteries, and enjoy the ambient birdsong by the river.
02:45 PM - 05:45 PM — Afternoon Golden Hour Expedition
As the tropical sun cools, the wilderness comes alive again. Witness huge elephant herds wading into the reservoir for their evening mud baths and watch golden jackals patrolling the savanna.
06:00 PM — Park Exit & Return Hotel Transfer
Exit the reserve at official park closing time and return comfortably to your hotel after an unforgettable 12-hour immersion.
What's Included
- Full 12-hour private custom 4x4 safari jeep with elevated tier seats
- Senior licensed DWC naturalist guide & seasoned wildlife tracker
- Packed picnic breakfast served at riverbank rest area
- Hot authentic Sri Lankan lunch served inside the park
- Unlimited chilled bottled mineral water, fresh fruit & cool box
- Complimentary hotel pickup & drop-off (Udawalawe area)
- High-magnification binoculars & rain ponchos provided
Excluded from Price
- Government Wildlife Park Entry Tickets (paid at DWC counter)
- Full Day Foreign Ticket: ~$35 USD per adult (guide assists)
- Tips / gratuities for the safari tracker team (optional)
- Personal travel insurance & medical expenses
- Transfers outside Udawalawe (available upon request)