2 Days Tour of Double Safari (Yala & Udawalawe) – All Inclusive

Two safaris in two days, with smooth logistics. What makes this double-safari package appealing is the way it stacks two top parks—Yala and Udawalawe—with the right timing: one drive in the evening, then a focused morning session the next day. I also like that it’s truly all-inclusive for the big stuff (entry fees, jeeps, hotel with meals, and transport), so you’re not doing mental math all trip long.

The biggest plus is the pacing. You get one full evening safari in Yala, sleep nearby, then head to Udawalawe early for prime animal viewing. One thing to consider: the safari jeep rides can be very bumpy, so if you have back issues, plan for that before you book.

Key highlights (read this before you decide)

• Yala Evening Safari + Udawalawe Morning Safari for two different wildlife moods in one trip
• All entry fees and safari jeeps included, so your budget stays predictable
• 3-star hotel with dinner and breakfast inside the tour plan (no hunting for meals at night)
• Elephant Transit Home (ETH) visit included, right after Udawalawe safari
• Free pick-up and drop-off across a wide list of coastal towns around Negombo and Galle areas
• English-speaking driver-guide plus private transportation for a more relaxed flow

Double Safari Yala + Udawalawe in 2 Days: Why This Setup Works

If you’re short on time in Sri Lanka, a two-day wildlife run like this is one of the smartest ways to get real safari time without turning your whole vacation into a travel day. You’re not just ticking a box. You’re doing two parks that feel different once you’re on the road and in the jeep.

Yala is known for being a high-activity park, and the evening slot is a great choice because animal behavior often shifts as light drops. Udawalawe, on the other hand, is especially famous for elephants, and the morning session helps you catch them when conditions are typically better for spotting.

I also like how the tour handles the stuff that can ruin a “perfect plan”: transfers, park fees, and even meal coverage. You’re not juggling lunch stops between safaris. That’s the kind of small relief that makes the whole experience feel smoother.

Getting From Your Coastal Hotel to Yala: Timing and Travel Reality

The tour starts with pickup around 8:00–9:00am, depending on where you’re located. From the start, you’ll be thinking about two clocks:

1) When you’ll arrive near Yala, and

2) When the evening safari begins.

That drive matters. You don’t want to feel rushed when you step into the safari jeep later. The tradeoff is simple: it’s an active day. You’ll spend time on the road, then switch gears into evening wildlife watching.

Good news: the tour includes private transportation with an English-speaking driver-guide, which usually makes road time less stressful than doing this on public transport. And because the pickup area is wide (from Negombo and Colombo down through Bentota, Galle, Unawatuna, and nearby towns), it’s often convenient for travelers staying along the south-west coast.

Yala Evening Safari: Your Best Shot at Wildlife with Less Pressure

Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s second-largest park and a major one for both locals and visitors. This evening safari is designed to give you a wildlife-focused block of time rather than a long, aimless schedule.

In a place like Yala, evening viewing tends to feel different than midday. Light changes fast, and animals often move when the heat drops and the day cools. That’s why this itinerary separates the days: Yala gets the evening session, then the next morning is reserved for Udawalawe.

What you’ll want to plan for on your side:

• Wear layers: mornings and evenings can feel cooler, even in coastal Sri Lanka.
• Be ready for the jeep ride: the ride is the real workout here. The route into and around park zones can be bumpy.
• Pack for dust: safari vehicles move in environments where dust is part of the deal.

This is also where the included safari jeep helps. It removes one of the most common headaches: figuring out transport logistics that match park hours. Here, you just show up and go.

Overnight in the Yala Area: Simple Comfort Before Elephants

After day one, you’ll overnight at a 3-star hotel in Yala with dinner and breakfast included. For a two-day tour, this is a big deal because it removes a whole chain of decisions. You don’t need to find a place to eat after a safari, negotiate prices, or squeeze in extra travel before the next morning.

The key advantage is recovery. An evening safari plus driving the next day means you’ll feel it in your legs and back (yes, even if you’re fine with bouncing around in the jeep). The included meal plan helps you stay on schedule so you don’t accidentally turn an early morning into a late one.

If you’re someone who hates surprises, note that the tour can also offer hotel upgrades to higher categories for an extra cost. That’s useful if you want a little more comfort after two days of moving.

Udawalawe Morning Safari: Elephants, Grasslands, and Early Light

Udawalawe National Park is famous as one of the world’s best elephant viewing areas. The park is largely made up of grasslands and bush forest, framed by highlands along the north boundary. That mix is often helpful for spotting wildlife because you can see across open areas more easily than in denser forests.

The morning timing is deliberate. You leave around 8:30am for Udawalawe, then you get your morning safari. Morning sessions can be better for visibility and usually feel less exhausting than midday heat.

Here’s what you should do to get the most out of the jeep time:

• Arrive mentally ready, not sleepy. You’re going to be bouncing and scanning at the same time.
• Give your eyes a minute. Open grasslands can look quiet at first; then animals show up once you adjust your sightline.
• Bring water habits. Bottled water is included, but you should still sip regularly.

Because elephants are the headline in Udawalawe, this day tends to feel more rewarding when you keep expectations flexible. Sometimes you’ll see them close. Sometimes you’ll spot them from a distance. Either way, the park’s layout supports good viewing.

Elephant Transit Home (ETH) and the Temple Stop: What These Add to the Safari

After the Udawalawe safari, you’ll visit the Elephant Transit Home (ETH). This facility is within Udawalawe National Park and was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. The tour gives you about 30 minutes for this stop.

Why ETH matters on a safari itinerary: it’s one of the ways this trip connects wildlife viewing with what happens after rescue and relocation. Even in a short visit, you get context that makes elephant sightings feel less random. You’re seeing a living story, not just an animal encounter.

Then there’s a cultural stop: Sri Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya, around 30 minutes, located on a rocky mountain. This is a short temple visit, but it adds balance to the day. You get a break from the jeep scanning, and you see another side of Sri Lanka beyond national parks.

If you’d rather maximize wildlife only, this is the one segment you could consider skipping on a private customization. But if you like having a human-scale moment between safaris, it works nicely.

Price and Logistics: Does $375 Feel Fair for This Much Included?

At $375 per person for two days, this package isn’t trying to be the cheapest way to safari. It’s priced like a service that covers the core costs and removes friction.

Here’s what you’re paying for (and getting):

• Private transportation and an experienced English-speaking driver-guide
• Safari jeep access
• All entry fees and charges for the parks and the included activities
• 3-star hotel with dinner and breakfast
• Lunch on both days
• Bottled water
• Free pick-up and drop-off across a big range of coastal towns

When these are bundled, the real value shows up as time saved and stress reduced. Budget-only safari deals often fall apart in the details: you still end up paying extra for park access, arranging separate jeeps, or spending time on meal logistics. Here, the package is built to keep you moving smoothly between Yala (evening) and Udawalawe (morning).

One more detail: this tour tends to be booked about 91 days in advance on average. That suggests you’ll have better odds if you plan ahead, especially for peak wildlife viewing seasons.

Also, you get a mobile ticket, which is just one less thing to worry about once you’re on the ground.

Practical Tips: Jeep Bumps, What to Pack, and How to Stay Comfortable

The best “heads up” from past guests is also the most important one: the safari rides can be very very bumpy. That’s not the kind of issue you can solve with good intentions. If you have a sensitive back, take that warning seriously and consider bringing support (or ask your provider what vehicle comfort is like on the day).

For most people, the solution is to pack smart:

• Closed-toe shoes with grip (dust and uneven ground are common)
• Light layers for early morning and evening shifts
• Sunglasses + sunscreen (even if it’s not scorching, you’re outdoors)
• A camera strap you can trust (the jeep motion is real)
• Binoculars if you use them (not required, but they can help in open grasslands)

One small note: the tour says alcoholic drinks aren’t included, though you can purchase them. If you drink, you’ll want to budget a bit for that so it doesn’t surprise you later.

Who Should Book This Double Safari Tour (and Who Might Want Another Plan)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want two major parks in a short window
• Like having meals, entry fees, and transport handled
• Are okay with a safari schedule that includes bumpy jeep time
• Prefer a guided experience with an English-speaking driver-guide

It may be less ideal if you:

• Have significant back problems or mobility issues due to the uneven jeep ride
• Want a totally relaxed, slow-paced vacation (this is active, packed days)

For first-time safari-goers, the structure is especially helpful. Yala introduces you to safari rhythm in the evening, then Udawalawe builds on that with elephant-focused morning viewing.

Should You Book? My Take on the Value

If you want a well-run, all-inclusive way to experience Sri Lanka’s wildlife without spending hours coordinating transport and park access, this package makes sense. The biggest reasons to book are simple: you get safari jeeps, entry fees, and a real hotel stop with dinner and breakfast, all tied together with private transportation and free pickup/drop-off in a wide coastal area.

The one caution is comfort. If you know you struggle with rough rides, plan accordingly. For everyone else, this is the kind of tour that saves your energy for the only thing that matters: spotting wildlife and enjoying the parks on their best daily viewing windows.

If you’re choosing between doing one safari or trying both parks, the double approach here is the stronger bet—especially with the evening Yala slot and the morning Udawalawe slot lined up.

FAQ

How long is the 2 Days Tour of Double Safari?

It’s scheduled for 2 days (approximately).

Where does the tour pick up and drop off?

Pickup and drop-off are free from many locations, including Negombo, Colombo, Mt Lavinia, Wadduwa, Kalutara, Bentota, Ahungalla, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Talpe, Koggala, Ahangama, Weligama, Mirissa Dickwella, Tangalle, Hambantota, and nearby areas.

What’s included in the tour price?

The package includes private transportation with an English-speaking driver-guide, safari jeep, all entry fees and charges, 3-star hotel accommodation with dinner and breakfast, lunch on both days, and breakfast/lunch on day 2, plus bottled water. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Do I need to book with more than one person?

Yes. A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required.

Which safari parks are included?

You’ll visit Yala National Park for the evening safari on day 1 and Udawalawe National Park for the morning safari on day 2.

What else is visited on day 2 besides the Udawalawe safari?

On day 2, you’ll visit Elephant Transit Home (ETH) and Sri Sankapala Raja Maha Viharaya, each included in the schedule.

What if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.