The trip was every good, and the safari in Udawalawe National Park lived up to all expectations (with the exception that it was not three hours - closer to two and a quarter hours). There were many elephants and we experienced them up close and for long periods. It was beautiful. In addition we saw water buffalo, spotted deer and a wide variety of extraordinary bird life, all against a magnificent, natural back drop. Subsequent to this, we visited the Elephant Transit Home...this expense is additional to the tour costs (and is minimal, AND worth every bit of it).
Some things to keep in mind if you are travelling solo...when you select the single option, the cost doubles ($150USD becomes $300USD, which when converted to Australian Dollars becomes a very expensive day trip). This is fine...I enjoy traveling solo and am prepared to pay if necessary...however I was advised when I was picked up that we would be traveling to Udawalwe via Galle to pick up another solo traveler (who, it turns out, had also paid the increased solo fare). While not too far out of the way in distance, we had to travel through some back roads for the pick up, and this resulted in my experiencing 4.5hrs travel time in each direction, where travel estimates online suggested 3.5hrs travel time via Southern Expressway. It is a long journey if your are restricted for time and can only manage day trips, as is my situation (5.45am pick up - 7.15pm drop off). Thankfully we proved to be compatible travel companions for the day, given we had to share the back seat of a Toyota Prius, however prior notice would have been welcome, and would definitely have attracted questions regarding the cost, and why I was still expected to pay for a solo trip!!!
Our tour guide, Navin, was excellent and friendly...the driver was good, however at times we reached speeds of 150km'h on the Southern Expressway, with which I was uncomfortable.
On the whole, a satisfying experience that delivered on all promises, however there does need to be better communication and information regarding costs for solo travelers, and assurance that if they are paying for the benefit/privilege/compensation of having the car and tour guide to themselves, that tour operators honor that.
This was an excellent tour. As a solo female traveler, I felt safe the whole time. The transportation to and from the park was comfortable, clean, and cool. The tour guide was kind and answered all my questions. The driver got me safely there and back. I highly recommend Apple Vacations SriLanka!!!! I would use them again without a doubt.
The tour was very well organised. I got a pick-up from my hotel in Colombo and went with a convenient car to Udawalawe.
The way was long but not boring at all as the driver/guide had a very good English and showed and explained me everything.
In the park we could see a lot of animals like elephants, birds, crocodiles, water buffallos etc.
The national park is a large area so there were no crowd of cars near the animals which I was a bit afraid before.
I would recommend this tour to everyone who is lucky to visit the country.