Udawalawe jeep drivers faking breakdowns to demand repair cash after parties
We hired a jeep after a late night party. Inside Udawalawe park the driver claimed the engine broke and demanded we pay 10000 LKR in cash for emergency parts from a friend or walk among elephants. Is this a scam.
4 Answers from travellers
This is a severe extortion scam. Jeep drivers know you are hungover or scared of the wildlife. Do not pay! Tell them you will call the official Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) rangers for a free rescue. The engine will miraculously start working again.
A friend fell for this. They paid the cash, a guy on a motorbike rode in with a spark plug, and they were "fixed" in five minutes.
Take a photo of the jeep license plate before you ever get in. It deters them from pulling these tricks.
Walking in the park is strictly forbidden anyway. Call 119 if you feel actively threatened.
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