
Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 80 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari worth booking?
Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari is a 8-hour experience in Ella, Sri Lanka, from $40 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 80 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (80)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $40 per person
After pick-up from Ella, head for Udawalawe Or Yala National Park, where you'll switch to an open concept safari jeep in order to have the best views. An early Morning or Afternoon start ensures you'll see the animals during one of their most active times of day Morning or Evening. See Leopards, herds of elephants for sure and have fun watching for crocodiles, monkeys, water buffaloes, various endemic birds species and much more. Along the way, you'll learn about and observe the natural habitats of the local wildlife while you snap some amazing photos. In the Morning or Afternoon, 3-hour safari adventure, switch back to the comfortable, air-conditioned car for the ride on to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Matara/Mirissa/Weligama/Unawatuna/Galle/Hikkaduwa areas
What you get
About this experience
After pick-up from Ella, head for Udawalawe Or Yala National Park, where you'll switch to an open concept safari jeep in order to have the best views. An early Morning or Afternoon start ensures you'll see the animals during one of their most active times of day Morning or Evening. See Leopards, herds of elephants for sure and have fun watching for crocodiles, monkeys, water buffaloes, various endemic birds species and much more. Along the way, you'll learn about and observe the natural habitats of the local wildlife while you snap some amazing photos. In the Morning or Afternoon, 3-hour safari adventure, switch back to the comfortable, air-conditioned car for the ride on to Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Matara/Mirissa/Weligama/Unawatuna/Galle/Hikkaduwa areas
What's included
Included
- Hotel drop in Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Matara/Mirissa/Weligama/Unawatuna/Galle area
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Toll Charges
- 3 Hours Safari jeep Tour
- Pickup from Ella area
Not included
- Park Entrance Fee
What you'll see and do
Yala National Park
Experience the incredible wildlife of Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park during this 6-hour private excursion. Scout for elephants, bears, leopards, and deer in a park considered to be among the best in the world for up-close wild animal encounters.
240 minutes here · Admission not included
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park is a national park on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces in Sri Lanka. The park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir. The reserve covers 30,821 hectares (119.00 sq mi) of land area and was established on 30 June 1972.
180 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Udawalawa National Park
Pickup included
Yala National Park
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shehan Safari
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 80 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
80 verified traveler reviews for Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience. Driver...
Great experience. Driver was on time for the pick up in Ella. Had a great safari ride. Driver was knowledgeable enough to find the leopards. Lastly, I was dropped off in Mirissa safe and sound :)
via Viator
Superb excursion
Laksiri did a really nice job! We enjoyed our safari and were lucky to see everything we wanted! Remember to bring war clothes for the early morning drive because it gets quite cold on the open jeep. I can recommend this tour!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
very good experience from start to finish. guides were wonderful and we were satisfied with their service. highly recommended anybody visiting Yala.
via Tripadvisor
Reasonable way to get from Ella to the coast
My opinion differs a little from reading…the tour picks up ‘from the Ella area’ and drops off at your hotel. I think this makes good sense and saves a bit of time. I wasn’t expecting communication until the day before after reading other reviews - but when requested I had precise messages that were clear and comprehensive - and the bus arrived at Ella Super. The safari was OK, busy, not sure what I was expecting. The next leg took a bit of organising and change over time, around 15 minutes, whilst people were allocated to appropriate buses. We were dropped off about 8.30pm but we were luckily the first! There was opportunity to buy water and snacks - it was a LONG day but probably a good way to plan in a safari if you’re going to do one.
via Tripadvisor
Good safari, but lack of communication
I will rate the safari itself as a 4. We didn't see the leopard, but a lot of other animals. I sort of knew this, as you usually have to go on the morning safari for that. People seemed very focused on elephants, but I have seen that many times. The best experience for me was riding around in the nice "Lion King"-park excitedly spotting animals. And the fact that it is a proper habitat, not animals lined up or cramped together for the benefit of spectators. The dusty queue full of diesel fumes back to the entrance was not nice. The reason why I give it a 3 is the level of communication and overall logistics. First of all, the order form enables you to register a hotel name for pick-up in Ella. What is NOT informed is that the actually won't pick you up there. Hearing nothing until the day before, I contacted the company and they told me to go to Ella Super downtown. I expect much better feedback than this. On the way down the curvy roads from Ella, the driver was speeding up on the wet asfalt like he'd stolen the car. I told him to slow down and he did. Great 👍 I was a bit anxious about luggage security in the vans left behind for all those hours, but turned out OK. But again, bit of chaos when arranging groups for the vans. The drive to Tangalle was good. Although it seemed to be a confusion on the hotels to go to - and even that drop-offs were included at all. Maybe a new driver, I don't know.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $40 to $180
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 28
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Shehan Safari, who run 12 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.7.
See everything Shehan Safari runsWhy this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ella.
How much does Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari cost?
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Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ella usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ella is not rushed.
Is Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 80 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ella, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari?
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Around 28 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ella can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ella and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ella within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Ella?
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On Outty we rank every Ella experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Discover Ella - Ella Rock, Little Adam's Peak & Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Sight seeing Private tours, Ella Sri Lanka Cooking Class Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Ella?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Ella?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari?
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Included: Hotel drop in Tangalle/Hiriketiya/Matara/Mirissa/Weligama/Unawatuna/Galle area; In-vehicle air conditioning; Toll Charges; 3 Hours Safari jeep Tour; and Pickup from Ella area. Not included: Park Entrance Fee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 473 listed pickup locations in and around Ella. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Ella. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari?
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Across 80 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Ella: Transfer to Tangalle/Mirissa/Galle & Yala/Udawalawe Safari?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Udawalawa National Park, Yala National Park. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
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