safari park theater

San Diego Zoo Safari Park – What You’ll Want to Do & See – 2024

How to do San Diego Safari Park from Africa Tram to zebras. Here’s a gorilla-sized tips guide to animal exhibits, shows & tours. A day planner’s included with animal encounters and entertainment events pre-loaded. You’ll know what you want to do, and when to do it to have a great day.

At San Diego Zoo Safari Park you can have an African Safari experience without going to Africa. Walk and see wild animals in large natural field enclosures and exhibits like Lion Camp. Enjoy activities like Africa Tram, Cheetah Run, overnight camping, ziplining, ballooning, playgrounds, and shows.

* Save with a secret promo code on each San Diego Zoo or Safari Park 1-Day Pass. Go any day. Go directly to the gate. Click  HERE  to get your code, instructions & discounted tickets by email. By clicking the link above you agree to receive an automated email message. Valid only at aRes Travel , San Diego’s local authorized ticket seller. Read my full privacy policy .

If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated. Read my Advertising Disclosure for more info. Thanks! ~ Nancy

That’s the quick summarized version of what there is to do at Safari Park. But there’s a lot more to discover below. Also, check out my Safari Tours reviews to discover how much time each takes to make organizing your day easier.

What Can You Do At San Diego Zoo Safari Park?

At safari park you’ll walk…a lot .

You’ll be getting your steps in during your day at San Diego Safari Park. It was designed first as a breeding facility for rare and endangered species. Because of this, the animal exhibits have more room here than at a ‘normal’ zoo. And thus you’ll be strolling a bit further between them. 

Safari Park is 1800 acres large. But the area that is open to general admission ticket holders is only about 80 acres ( Link to my page with the maps ). Still, that’s a lot of ground to cover.

If you have limited mobility there are wheelchairs and electric scooters for rent. There’s also an ADA (American With Disabilities Act) shuttle bus to get you around the park. Those who have difficulty with standing in line may request an “Easy Access” pass at the entrance to Safari Park. The pass offers you and 3 more members of your group preferred boarding and seating if needed. Download the park’s “ Guests With Disabilities ” guide for more information.

You Can Take a Safari Tour

There are 9 different types of Safari add-on experiences, and 27 different variations.They range from animal photo and feeding opportunities to sleepovers and activities like zip lining that will get your adrenaline going. You’ll need to make reservations well in advance. They fill up quickly and you can plan your day around them.

TIP: Make sure that you arrive at least 10 minutes early for your Safari. If you’re late or miss it you will not be given a refund or a raincheck in most cases. Cancellations for full refunds must be done 5 days in advance.

Below you’ll find quick summaries of all 9 Safari tours. For detailed information including how much time you’ll need, costs and other requirements see my page on Safari Park Tours .

Caravan Safari Is the Most Popular Paid Tour at San Diego Safari Park

This is our favorite Safari, we’ve taken it several times. You ride a flatbed truck out into the wild animal herds in their large field enclosures. These include even the dangerously unpredictable cape buffalo who are sometimes called “ the black death ”. Fortunately, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide familiar with their behavior to keep you out of trouble. The guides also point out other (safer) animal behaviors and answer your questions. 

They’ll also help you feed the giraffes and sometimes rhinos if the critters are feeling curious and hungry. There are always so many great photo opportunities on this trip it’s sometimes hard to choose where to point your camera. 

Roar & Snore Safari Is More Than Just Camping Overnight

Experience the sights and sounds of an African safari without the killer plane ticket cost. You get to fall asleep to the sounds of elephants snorting and giraffes walking by. And the sounds of lions roaring may wake you the next morning. You get a tasty, filling dinner and a hearty breakfast. There’s also a night campfire where you can make gooey s’mores. There are guided night walks through some behind-the-scenes areas and a morning keeper presentation. 

For more information, here’s my review of our Roar & Snore evening .

The biggest downside of the Roar and Snore experience is if you need to sleep on a good mattress. If that’s the case, this is not the tour for you. But don’t worry. I’ve written a guide to the best local hotels around Safari Park . There, your sleeping problem is solved!

Behind-the-Scenes Safari Shows You San Diego Safari Park’s Secret Places

Explore behind the scenes into areas not accessible to the general public. This guided safari’s a  great way to get an insider’s view of some of the animals at safari park and the organization’s conservation efforts. You’ll also get a chance to meet and maybe feed some of the Safari Parks animal ambassadors. There are 7 different types of Behind-the-Scenes safari; platypuses, elephants, tigers, rhinos, kangaroos, cheetahs or butterflies. 

Cart Safari is a Relaxed Tour Around the Large Field Enclosures

On the Cart Safari tour you get a chance to observe herds of giraffes, rhinos, antelope and other animals in a natural setting. Your driver is also an experienced guide. They’ll point out significant behaviors and would love to answer your questions about what you’re seeing. 

It’s a more relaxed trip than the Caravan Safari and offers lots of photographic opportunities. 

Flightline Safari -Fly Over San Diego Safari Park

Get your pulse pumping, and feel the wind in your face as you fly 2/3rds of a mile over herds of antelope, rhinos and giraffe. 

You’ll get a training session from professional staff and take a short practice flight to get your landing technique down. Then you’ll take a truck up to a high ridge above the park and fly down. 

TIP : Pay the little extra for a helmet camera to record your trip down. Using your cell-phone to make your own live video is not possible. You’ll need your hands free to hold your harness when you land.

Cheetah Safari – Meet the Spotted Speedsters

Watch the Cheetah Run at speeds close to 70 miles per hour from a prime reserved trackside spot. Then meet the speedy sprinter afterward for an exclusive close-up experience. 

There will be plenty of opportunities to take amazing cheetah close-ups. But don’t waste your time trying for the perfect selfie with a cheetah. The Safari Park employees will make sure that you get a great shot with the big cat. 

Another African animal ambassador will also be brought out for you to meet before the run. This Safari is relatively inexpensive so it fills up fast. Make your reservations early. 

Balloon Safari – Get Above It All

Soar 400 feet above the scenic San Pasqual Valley and the herds of wild animals below. This is a tethered ride, so you don’t have to worry about floating away and landing within Lion Camp. This safari is very dependent upon favorable weather conditions.  

Try to schedule your ride between 9 AM and noon. Winds tend to pick up speed in the valley during the afternoon. And the balloon safari does not fly during the Cheetah Run. It can spook the cats.

Ultimate Safari – Wish Fulfillment for Animal Lovers

Build yourself a custom safari experience with the assistance of the Safari Park’s professionals. Visit off-exhibit areas. Have close encounters with the animal ambassadors that interest you most. Make it as adventurous as you wish, zipline, balloon ride and rope courses, cape buffalo, feeding an elephant. Dream big. Explore Safari Park with your personal tour guide for up to 8 hours.

Board These Safari Park Rides

Africa tram is a must-do safari park activity.

Africa Tram is a must-do activity especially if you aren’t going on one of the paid safaris. When you hop aboard it’s like you’ve been transported to the plains of Africa. You’ll see herds of giraffe, rhino, antelope and birds living together just as you would there. The tour guide drivers are very knowledgeable and quite often funny. They’ll point out unique animal survival tactics and adaptations and new babies in the large field enclosures. 

TIP: The animals are most active when it’s coolest. On hot days try to catch the earliest tram rides or the latest ones. The tram starts running at 10 AM. It stops 45 minutes before the park’s closing. I’ve written an in-depth review with extra tips on my Safari Tours page . 

Conservation Carousel

Have your kids (or you)  ever dreamed of riding a tiger, a bear, or maybe even a zebra? You can do it on this merry-go-round. It features 60 endangered animals and was opened in 2005 . There’s a $6 fee to ride the carousel. (open 10 AM to closing).

Watch Shows and Keeper Talks at San Diego Safari Park

Shiley’s cheetah run is a must-see at safari park.

Don’t even THINK about visiting San Diego Safari Park without attending Cheetah Run . See one of these leggy cats explode out of its carrier and sprint after its prey (a stuffed animal on a motorized tether) at speeds close to 70 miles an hour. Six or 7 seconds later it comes to an abrupt halt at the end of the 100 meter run. It’s long tail whips around for balance and dirt goes flying as its feet dig into the turf. Spectacular. Hang around. Depending upon how the cheetah feels they sometimes run the course twice.

TIP : Get to the Shiley’s Cheetah Run track at least 30 minutes ahead of time. Good viewing areas are on the bridge close to Savannah Cool Zone and on the walkways closest to it. The entire presentation lasts about 20 minutes and usually starts at 3:30 PM. Confirm the time when you arrive at Safari Park.

Tiger Keeper Talk

Get close-up views of tigers and inside information on how they’re cared for at Safari Park. The keepers use this time to provide enrichment to the tigers as well as give them a quick physical exam. The Sumatran tigers are the smallest tiger. But they’re still intimidating as you see them stretch up on their hind legs to reach a meaty treat. 

TIP : Arrive at least 20 minutes early for the 11:45 AM Tiger Keeper Talk. The 15-minute tiger training session is very popular. 

Frequent Flyers Bird Show

(Temporarily canceled due to avian flu)

This is an entertaining show, perfect for an afternoon sit-down break. You’ll experience exotic birds like owls, parrots, and large vultures flying just inches above your head. They’re close enough to reach up and touch (but don’t).

They’re not caged or tethered in any way. It’s an impressive example of the power of positive behavior conditioning and the patience and kindness of the keepers. The 20-minute show is presented twice, once at noon and again at 2:00 PM. 

Animal Ambassador Stage 

Get within a couple of feet of various Animal Ambassadors here. You never know what the keepers will bring out. I’ve gotten up close to tiny Kestrel hawks, echidna (an Australian spiny anteater which has spines like a porcupine, a beak like a bird, a pouch like a kangaroo, and lays eggs like a reptile) to a golden eagle and African serval cats. 

Training Talk

Get an up-close look at free-flight bird training. Most people don’t bother with this presentation. That’s what makes it so good. You can often sit in the front row and see firsthand how expert animal trainers establish trust with their charges. Aside from being able to view exotic birds up close, it’s easier to ask questions in this forum. If you pay attention you can pick up tricks that can be applied to your cats, dogs, and maybe even kids to encourage them to do what you want them to.

Talk with Robert the Zebra

Chat with a digital, interactive zebra. He’s snarky, and clever and will keep your children occupied for 20 minutes with stories about what it’s like to be a zebra. Kids are fascinated by this cartoon zebra that carries on a conversation with them from a large-screen TV. You can talk to Robert every hour on the hour from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Visit These Can’t-Miss Safari Park Animal Exhibits 

The platypus are a must-see at safari park in san diego.

These are the only platypus on exhibit outside of Australia…anywhere. So go see them. Give yourself some time and exercise a bit of patience in this exhibit.

First, it’s dark and you’ll need to let your eyes adjust to the bright San Diego sun.

Second, platypi move fast and rarely stay put in one spot. Getting a good photo can be a challenge. Just have fun looking at these energetic creatures. 

Gorillas have always been one of the most popular animals at Safari Park and the Zoo. Go anytime. They are fed five or six times per day with leaves, stems, fruit, seeds, and roots. Be sure to check out the Gorilla Activity Center. Compare your arms to those of an adult male gorilla on a drawing, listen to their vocalizations, and watch a video on how the keepers care for them. 

Elephant Valley

(Elephant viewing may be limited due to the construction of the new, larger ‘Elephant Valley’ exhibit.)

There are few things as wonderful as seeing elephants playing in the water. There are two swimming pools for the San Diego Safari Park herd in this 5-and-a-half acre habitat.

There are two main yards. One is usually open while the other is being cleaned of copious amounts of elephant dung and stocked with treats. In most cases, the Elephant Viewing Patio will be the best place to watch them. 

NOTE: Open observation points may differ during the construction of the new Elephant Valley exhibit.

The lion exhibit at San Diego Zoo is justifiably famous for its design. It’s both visitor friendly and great for the lions themselves. There are many places to view lions from the large windows by the air conditioned rocks, to rock piles and an ‘abandoned’ jeep that sometimes hosts a very large sleeping feline. The lions have wonderful views of the large field enclosures filled with tasty meals on the hoof. Think of it as must-see cat TV. 

Tiger Trail Sambutan Longhouse

If you love tigers, you’ll love Tiger Trail. It’s green and lush and the perfect place to watch tigers watching you. For more information on what’s there and why you should go there, check out my “ 11 Coolest Reasons to See San Diego Safari Park Tiger Trail ” page. 

Kangaroo Walk in Walkabout Australia

At Kangaroo walk you can go inside the exhibit and see wallabies and kangaroos go bounding by on all sides. And if you’re lucky, maybe one will stop within petting distance. They’re super soft and feel like they’re covered is fuzzy wool. 

Petting Kraal

Kids love brushing and petting the three types of small African goats here. One word of caution. Goats will try to eat ANYTHING. So make sure that your cameras, purses and wallets are tucked away safely. Any children that are intimidated by the rambunctious kraal critters can relax next door at the Village Playground. Because of their proximity, it’s easy to keep an eye on both areas. 

Kids Love These Playgrounds At San Diego Safari Park

Samburu jungle gym .

This will be your favorite playground at Safari Park. Your kids can climb on a rhino or pretend to be driving a jeep across the African plains. And you can watch their antics while relaxing in the shade at Samburu Terrace. Sip a cold one and have lunch while your offspring work off their excess energy. 

Savanna Cool Zone

Your kids can have a wet and wild time here while you sit in the shade and keep an eye on them from tables by Lion Camp Slush and Snacks.. It’s perfect for hot summer days. There are play statues shaped like lions and tortoises with squirt fountains coming from their heads on a soft spongy play surface.

Camp Play Area

Kids climb, slide and run on tree trunks in a simulated logging camp hidden within the lush wooded landscape of Tiger Trail. There are also statues of a tiger mom and her cubs where you can take memorable photos of the kiddos. 

Village Playground

KIds have fun experiences in this interactive play area designed as an African Village. It’s located next to the Petting Kraal in Nairobi Village. This is great planning because some children are frightened by the curious goats poking their noses everywhere looking for treats. It’s much easier for parents with several kids to keep an eye on everyone here. 

Jameson Research Island

Your kids will have buckets of wet fun here…literally. Buckets periodically dump cooling water in one of the play areas on the island. Even though the African Loop that goes past the flamingos and colobus monkeys goes over water, the path can get very warm in the summer and early fall. 

Explore These Gardens at San Diego Safari Park

Bonsai pavilion is the best garden at san diego safari park.

The Bonsai Pavilion at San Diego Safari Park is fascinating even to those who aren’t into gardening.  These aren’t just plants, they’re art.

Bonsai is a Japanese word that roughly translates into “tree in a tray”. Ordinary young trees are shaped by pruning and cutting to mimic the natural effects of centuries of wind and weather on a small scale. 

Baja Gardens, Old World Succulent Gardens, and California Nativescapes Garden

Take a walk on the wild and spiky side in the World Gardens. These three gardens will amaze you with the wide variety of plant shapes, colors, and sizes found in the world’s arid areas. It’s like a journey through a Dr. Seuss book with elephant trees , euphorbias , and over 200 boojums . 

TIP: Bring a water bottle. These gardens are located at the highest elevations in the park that are open to the public. They can be physically challenging, especially during the hot afternoons in August and September. The best time of the year to see these exhibits is early May when many of the plants are blooming.

Epiphyllum Trail

The blooms in this garden are spectacular from April through early July. At other times this garden is rather boring.  

Epiphyllum are cacti indigenous to central America and Mexico. They live in the crooks of trees and get water from the moisture in the air. Almost all of the plants are hybrids that combine the characteristics of several different naturally occurring species. 

Herb Garden

Give your nose a treat. Take the thyme to smell the roses, it won’t cost you a mint because entry to this garden comes with your San Diego Safari Park admission, Herbs have been used for centuries to flavor food, treat illnesses and make us smell good. There are over 20 different species of herbs here. 

Hidden Jungle

Wander through a tropical rainforest complete with towering trees, flowering vines, and exotic birds. Many of the birds are named for their colors like the blue-capped cordon bleu, pink pigeon, and purple grenadier. 

In springtime, half of this exhibit is home to Butterfly Jungle and you’ll see many more colorful wings than usual. The other half of Hidden Jungle is reserved for birds that eat butterflies and other insects. It’s a natural way to keep the butterflies inside.

TIP: Visit this exhibit in the morning or late afternoon. This is an enclosed greenhouse. It can be hot and humid. 

Mombasa Lagoon

Even though this area is listed by Safari Park as a garden, the major attraction here is the birds, not the plants. At any given time there are over 150 avians here from about 25 different species. There are cormorants fishing, storks, ducks, and my favorite, the shoebill. It looks like something out of Jurassic Park. 

If you see some of the birds taking off and flying away, don’t worry. They’re most likely local freeloaders like great blue herons, egrets or migratory birds like mallards. 

Additional Tips for Visiting San Diego Zoo Safari Park

How long does San Diego Zoo Safari Park Take?

People in online forums say that it’s possible to see Safari Park in two hours. They’re wrong.

San Diego Zoo Global recommends allocating at least 4 hours . The only way to “do” Safari Park in 2 hours is to just walk to Africa Tram to ride it and then walk back to the parking lot. Keep in mind that the park is at least 45 minutes of travel time from downtown San Diego…each way. Then add another 30 minutes for parking and walking to and from the entrance. 

If you’ve only got 2 hours and you’re near downtown San Diego, just go to the Zoo in Balboa Park. Take the money that you’d have spent for getting to Safari Park and buy a nice dinner with some wine at Albert’s Restaurant .

What’s the best day to go to San Diego Safari Park?

The best days to visit Safari Park are typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays on weeks without a major holiday. The park is less crowded on these weekdays . If you’re going on a holiday weekend, get there at 9:00 AM when it opens .

Click HERE to check your date(s) to see if Safari Park will be crowded. 

Safari Park can get very warm in late August and September. These are the days when temperatures can be over 100°F (38°C). It doesn’t happen very often, but make sure that you’ve packed hats and refillable water bottles if you decide to go then. 

Don’t let a bit of rain keep you from going to Safari Park. It can be a delightful experience. Here’s a page that I wrote giving you tips and hints for enjoying Safari Park in the rain . 

What’s the Best Time to Arrive at San Diego Safari Park?

It’s best to arrive at San Diego Zoo Safari Park just before opening at 9:00 am. Many of the animals at Safari Park will be more active when it is cool. Also, keepers generally put out enrichment and treats first thing in the morning. That encourages the animals’ natural foraging behaviors and keeps them from getting bored.

Where’s the Best Place to Eat in Safari Park?

The best restaurant in San Diego Safari Park is The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook. But it may not be the best for you. So I’ve written an entire page about all the restaurants and eateries at and around Safari Park . Chow down!

7 Things You Should Wear to San Diego Safari Park

Closing thoughts.

I hope that you’ve found this post on what to do at San Diego Safari Park useful in planning your day. Because this attraction is not your ordinary zoo, some people can get overwhelmed by all the options and just decide not to go. I didn’t want this to happen to you. Let me know if you have questions on any of the Safari tours, rides, activities, play areas or if you know of a great tip for visiting San Diego Safari Park.

Nancy Ulrich

I'm nuts...about animals, polymer clay, mixed media art & husband Bob. Happily planted in San Diego among good friends, family that I would have chosen if given the choice and optimism for a bountiful future for us all.

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San Diego Safari Park – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, kids activities

San Diego Safari Park is a wildlife paradise in Southern California. 

The 1,800-acre Safari Park houses more than 2,500 animals of 300 species in open field enclosures. 

The park is divided into habitats such as African Plains, Asian Savanna, and Australian Outback, each housing animals native to those regions.

In addition to the animals, the park has a variety of botanical gardens featuring over 1.5 million plants representing more than 4,500 species. The gardens are designed to showcase different types of plants worldwide, including succulents, bamboo, and orchids.

It is San Diego Zoo’s sister and often gets referred to as San Diego Zoo Safari Park. 

This article shares everything you must know before purchasing your San Diego Safari Park tickets. 

Top San Diego Safari Park Tickets

# 1-day San Diego Safari Park ticket # Safari Park + San Diego Zoo: 2-Day Ticket

Table of contents

What to expect at safari park, san diego, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, san diego safari park ticket prices, safari park + san diego zoo: 2-day ticket, discounts for san diego safari park, how to reach san diego safari park, san diego safari park opening hours, how long does the tour take, best time to visit  , san diego safari park free entry, what to do at san diego zoo safari park, kids in san diego safari park , weather at san diego safari park, san diego safari park map, faqs about san diego safari park.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park provides a unique and immersive safari experience.

The Safari Park is home to a diverse range of animals worldwide. You can expect species like elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, etc. The park aims to create naturalistic environments for the animals to thrive.

One of the main attractions is the safari tours that allow you to get up close to the animals. There are various safari options, such as wildlife, behind-the-scenes, cart safaris, and more, where you can observe animals in settings that mimic their natural habitats.

You might also find educational exhibits and programs highlighting the work of preserving endangered species and ecosystems.

The park features beautiful botanical gardens with a variety of plant species.

The park hosts animal shows and presentations, where trainers showcase certain species’ natural behaviors and abilities. These can be both entertaining and educational.

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Tickets for San Diego Safari Park are available online and at the attraction box office window.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because the attraction sells limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Once you purchase San Diego Safari Park tickets , they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction. Proceed directly to the turnstiles; you do not have to stand in line at the ticket booth.

The Safari Park San Diego ticket is priced at US$69 for all visitors aged 12 years and above.

Children between three and 11 years pay a discounted price of US$59 for entry.

Infants aged two years and below can enter for free.

San Diego Safari Park tickets

This popular skip-the-line San Diego Safari Park ticket gets you access to almost all exhibits to see and experience. 

The Safari Park ticket gets you access to the following:

• Africa Tram Safari (subject to availability)
• Cheetah Run

Frequent Flyers Bird Show

Animal Ambassador Stage

• Hidden Jungle
• Kangaroo Walk

Tiger Keeper Talk

Training Talk

Lorikeet Landing

Nairobi Station

• Jameson Research Island
• All kids play areas

This ticket doesn’t get you access to any of the paid safaris. 

Paid safaris at San Diego Safari Park are nice but unnecessary because the 30-minute Africa Tram Safari is already included with this ticket. 

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$69 Child Ticket (3 to 11 years): US$59

Infants up to two years can enter the park for free.

San Diego Zoo is San Diego Safari Park’s sister, located 56 km (35 miles) away.

The travel time between the two wildlife destinations is approximately 45 minutes. 

This combo ticket is popular amongst tourists who love wildlife and are in the region for at least two days. 

This ticket helps you save 20% on the ticket costs and gets you one entry into the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park and San Diego Zoo.

You can visit the same attraction twice if you don’t want to try the second location.

Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$118 Child Ticket (3 to 11 years): US$108

If you prefer to view animals in a not-so-open environment (which is far more convenient for visitors), opt for the 1-day San Diego Zoo ticket .

Active military professionals can enter the zoo for free by showing their ID. Their dependents qualify for a 10% price reduction. 

San Diego Zoo offers a 15% discount on the ticket price to seniors (65+ years) and students (12+ years) with valid photo ID cards. 

However, the Military, Seniors, and Student discounts can only be availed at the ticket window.

The best way to save money on your San Diego holiday is by opting for the  Go San Diego Pass . With this one pass, you get to visit  San Diego Zoo , San Diego Safari Park,  SeaWorld San Diego , and 30+ other city attractions for free.  Find out more

The San Diego Safari Park in the San Pasqual Valley area of San Diego, California, near Escondido.

Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, United States. Get Directions .

It is 56 km (35 miles) northeast of the San Diego Zoo near Balboa Park in San Diego.

Depending on the time of the day, it takes 45 to 60 minutes to travel from the Zoo to Safari Park.

You can reach the park by car or public transportation.

The nearest bus stop Highway 78 & Safari Park Outside Gat e is 1.2 km (0.8 miles) from the park. Board the bus 371 to reach the nearest bus stop and take a cab to get to the Safari Park.

Amtrack Railway Service is a better option if you plan to visit a wildlife attraction from another city, such as Los Angeles.

At 43 km (27 miles), Oceanside Amtrak Station is the closest station to San Diego Safari Park. 

From Oceanside, you must board the light rail service called Sprinter to get to Escondido. 

After 53 minutes and 14 stops, you must get down at Escondido Transit Center .

From Escondido Transit Center, you can take a taxi.

If you wish to travel by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s general parking costs US$20 per day. 

Preferred parking (a spot closer to the Safari entrance) is US$18 extra, which means you pay US$38 for parking your vehicle. 

Credit cards, debit cards, or cash are accepted. 

There are numerous parking garages around the safari park.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park, including holidays, opens at 9 am throughout the year. 

During the summer months of April to August, when the park gets lots of visitors, it closes at 7 pm, and the rest of the year, at 5 pm. 

Visitors need at least four to five hours to explore San Diego Zoo Safari Park to satisfaction. 

If you plan to explore the bare minimum – walk in, go on the Africa Tram at the Safari Park, and step out – you need around 90 minutes.

Some visitors wonder if they can shorten their visit by driving through the safari park. 

Unfortunately, that’s impossible because San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a walk-through sanctuary.

Note: During peak summer months, the queue for the Tram ride can be long, leading to longer waits. 

It is best to visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park when it opens at 9 am because the animals are most active during the first half of the day. 

As the day gets hotter, animals tend to look for shade.

Heat can also affect your experience at the Safari Park, so a fair-weather day is recommended.

On Weekdays, expect the longest lines at San Diego Safari Park between 11 am and 1 pm; on weekends, it is between 11 am and 3 pm. 

However, the crowd doesn’t affect your experience if you purchase your tickets in advance. 

San Diego Safari Park is most crowded from June to August and during school vacations. 

Best time of the year

The best time of the year to visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park is spring – from mid-March to mid-June. This is also known as the birthing season. 

The park sets up nursery exhibits where you can see baby animals take their first steps into the wild. 

Tourists on a budget holiday tend to compare San Diego Zoo and Safari Park and then decide where to go.

With four fantastic zoos, California State is a wildlife lover’s destination. Read about all the  Zoos in California .

All through the year, infants up to two years and active military professionals can enter the zoo for free.

Besides this, everybody must purchase a ticket. 

Seniors free days

Adults 65 and older can visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park for free throughout February. 

Kids free days

In October, every child aged three to 11 years gets free admission to San Diego Safari Park as long as a paying adult accompanies them. 

Only kids aged 12 and above need to purchase tickets this month. 

The animals at San Diego Safari Park are divided into 11 primary areas, which you can walk around and explore.

You can interact with the wildlife at the Park in many exciting ways.

Africa Tram

The Africa Safari is a 30-minute guided tour on an open-air tram.

The tram takes a 4 km (2.5 miles) long route through San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s field habitats, and visitors get to wild animals such as giraffes, rhinos, elephants, antelopes, etc.

African Tram Safaris start from the African Outpost, a 20-minute walk from the attraction entrance. 

The Tram trips start at 10 am and continue till 45 minutes before the park closes. 

The African Tram Safari is free with the regular San Diego Safari Park ticket .

To avoid waiting in queue to board the safari tram, be at the African Outpost in San Diego Safari Park before 11 or after 3 pm. 

At 11.45 am, the Tiger Keepers at San Diego Safari Park conduct a training session with the animals at the Sambutan Longhouse. 

This keeper talk is a fantastic opportunity to meet the San Diego Safari Park’s tigers up close. 

Since the talk is popular, plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early for the 15 minutes long Tiger Keeper Talk. 

The majestic animal gets a brief physical visual examination by their caretakers and lots of treats. 

The San Diego Safari Park Animal Ambassador Stage is an open platform for showcasing different animals. 

Visitors get a chance to get within a couple of feet of animals that aren’t available in an exhibit. 

The stage is at Safari Base Camp close to the park entrance, and there are two shows daily – first at noon and the last at 4 pm. 

If you are lucky, you may interact with the massive python ‘Julius Squeezer,’ cheetah, Kestrel hawks, or the high-jumping servals and caracals.

At the Nairobi Station, visitors get close-up views of some of the smaller animals at San Diego Safari Park.

Don’t miss out on Robert, the safari’s interactive digital zebra.

The Animal Care Center houses the baby animals and is also at Nairobi Station.

Expect some waiting time when baby lions or cheetahs are cared for at the center. 

Petting Kraal

Open from 10 am to 4.45 pm, the Petting Kraal is an excellent opportunity for your kids to interact with the Safari Park’s friendly goats.

Kids can feed the Pygmy, Nubian, and Boer goats and have fun. 

At Lorikeet Landing, visitors can engage with a colorful rainbow of parrots from 10 am to 3.45 pm.

The entrance to the exhibition is free, but the nectar you feed the parrots is for sale. 

A small bowl of nectar can get these parrots to land on you and make for beautiful, funny photographs. 

At Lemur Walk, open from 9 am to the Safari Park’s closing time, visitors get to spend time with the Lemurs. 

You walk along a path inside the habitat as ring-tailed lemurs hang around in the trees or walk with you. 

Only visitors over five years of age are allowed. 

The 20-minute Frequent Flyers Bird Show at San Diego Safari Park is scheduled twice daily – at 12 noon and 2 pm. 

The exciting show is perfect for a quick break mid-way through exploring the park. 

Visitors see exotic birds like owls, parrots, and large vultures flying just inches above your head. 

The Training Talk happens in the amphitheater between Gorilla Forest and African Woods.

It is an opportunity to get a closer look at free-flight bird training as the birds prepare for the famous Frequent Flyers show. 

Most people ignore this show, which means you can get the front seat row. 

Shiley’s Cheetah Run

San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Cheetah Run is held once a day, at 3.30 pm.

You see an agile Cheetah run down a 100-meter (330-foot) long track and reach its top speed of nearly 112 km (70 miles) per hour.

It is better to be at the spot 15 minutes earlier because it is a massive hit with visitors. 

Cheetah Run is different from Cheetah Safari. Read up on the other safaris at San Diego Safari Park .

Safari Park Gardens

If you love greenery, check out Safari Park’s World Gardens, which has thousands of plants representing geographical areas worldwide. 

Our favorite gardens are Baja Garden, Old World Succulent Garden, Epiphyllum Trail, Bonsai Pavilion, and California Nativescapes Garden.

Conservation Carousel

The Conservation Carousel is at the Safari Base Camp and costs US$6 per person for an all-day bracelet.

It is a good entertainment option for kids, with 60 reproductions of rare or endangered animals that rotate around an axis. 

Kids can choose their favorite animals, such as giraffes, rhinos, zebras, cheetahs, etc., to ride on. 

It is open from 10 am until the Safari Park closes. 

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is very kid-friendly, and more than half of the visitors on any given day are children.

Besides the animal exhibits, which are always a hit, many activities and experiences are designed for children. 

Village Playground

The Village Playground is designed like an African village, next to the Petting Kraal in Nairobi Village.

The interactive play area is open from 9 am onwards. 

Savanna Cool Zone

Located in the Lion Camp, this is an excellent way for your family to beat the heat. 

The kids can have a wet and wild time even as you relax in the shade with snacks.

Kids love the play statues shaped like lions and tortoises with water squirting from their heads. 

Samburu Jungle Gym

This is a hit for kids and adults, located below the Benbough Amphitheater in the African Woods. 

Children love climbing up and exploring in this safari-themed play area, even as the parents put their feet up in the shade at Samburu Terrace and keep an eye on them. 

Tiger Trail Play Area

Also known as the Camp Play area, this spot is part of the lush wooded landscape of Tiger Trail. 

Children love climbing, sliding, and running on tree trunks in a simulated logging camp. 

Besides this, kids also love Petting Kraal and Conservation Carousel, which are paid activities. 

All play area images from Sdzsafaripark.org

Stroller Rentals for kids: San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers strollers for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. The daily charge for a single stroller is US$16, and a double stroller is US$20. 

Because of some odd zoning rules, the Safari Park is in San Diego, referred to as the San Diego Safari Park.

However, Safari Park’s geographical location is Escondido.

Escondido is around 32 km (20 miles) inland and usually 5 to 7 degrees Celcius (10 to 14 Fahrenheit) warmer than oceanfront San Diego.

Since the Safari Park is an outdoor attraction, it makes sense to dress up in layers during your visit. 

The weather gets warmer as the day progresses. 

With more than 2500 animals to see, a San Diego Safari Park map is helpful.

Besides the animal enclosures, a map helps you identify visitor services such as viewing points, petting areas, restaurants, restrooms, etc.

Keeping the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s layout handy is highly recommended if you are visiting with kids because you won’t waste time looking for the exhibits and, in the process, get exhausted.

You can also download the GPS-enabled San Diego Zoo app from the Android or iOS store .

Here are some frequently asked questions about the San Diego Safari Park:

While the San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park, the Safari Park is in Escondido. The Safari Park offers a more expansive and natural setting, allowing animals to roam in larger habitats that resemble their native environments.

Tickets for the safari park can be purchased online or at the park ticket window. We recommend buying your tickets online in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment.

The Safari Park is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and many more. Visitors can experience up-close encounters with various species through safari tours and walking trails.

Yes! Visitors can bring their single-person food supply in small containers into the parks. No facilities are available for food storage other than lockers. For the safety of the guests and the wildlife in care, no large coolers, glass items, alcohol, party trays, candles, balloons, or decorations are allowed on the grounds.

Yes! There are a variety of options to assist you and your family. In addition, complimentary shuttles assist you and your party access the lower canyon areas. Please stop at Guest Services to request the ADA Packet, which includes information on the services, habitat descriptions, and show access. You can check the full details on the services for guests with disabilities .

Pets, comfort animals, and emotional support animals are prohibited at the Safari Park. The park houses significant populations of rare and endangered species; the Safari Park is a quarantined facility. State and federal regulations for such facilities do not allow access to pets, comfort animals, or emotional support animals accompanying guests to these facilities.

Sources # Sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com # gocity.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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She has a passion for both traveling and photography, which help her document her memories forever. She loves to explore city streets taking in the people, the colors, and the culture surrounding her. Occasionally she loves to step away from the hustle-bustle of urban lifestyle, and chill-out either alone or with friends. Favorite Cities: Istanbul, London, Marrakech, Venice

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Family-Friendly Animal Park in Pine Mountain, GA

Experience the thrill of meeting nature’s animal friends. Wild Animal Safari ® is your destination for breathtaking adventures. Bring the family to our drive-thru animal park in Pine Mountain, GA. You’ve never been this up close and personal to nature.

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Drive-thru tours let you meet some of the world’s wildlife. Join the fun and see some of your favorite animals as you’ve never seen them before. Our park offers many ways to discover the beauty of nature. There are three ways to explore Wild Animal Safari ® :

Drive-Thru Safari

Travel down our 3.5-mile trail and see many different animals along the way. Some of them may even get close to meet you and your family! Choose from the comfort of your vehicle, our safari rental vehicles, or a bus with a guide for you and your group to experience the thrill of the safari.

Walkabout Adventure Zoo™

The Walkabout Adventure Zoo™ allows you to meet the animals in a zoo-like setting. Stretch your legs and make friends with our resident Bengal tigers, African lions, peacocks, exotic birds, lemurs, monkeys, and much more.

Visit our ticketing page to reserve your spot for one of our animal safari tours . We are open throughout the year and are located in Pine Mountain, GA.

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Tennessee Safari Park

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Tennessee Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

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• Photo Courtesy of San Diego Zoo

I’ve always appreciated the successful preservation efforts of the  San Diego Zoo  and San Diego Safari Park.   What I didn’t know about were the V.I.P. Experiences you can add to the already awesome adventure offered by the parks. Customize your own safari. Get up close and personal with your favorite wildlife or tackle challenging adventures. I took the Flightline Safari.   A bit of an adventurist, I wanted to soar like a bird above the wildlife of the savanna below. The bird’s eye views are breathtaking as you “fly” about two thirds of a mile. The deluxe Flightline experience includes an exciting tour around the park’s savanna habitats. 

There are many Cart Safari tours focused on your favorite animals or environments such as Asia’s northern white rhino. Wildlife Safari   and Twilight Wildlife Safari venture into the expansive savanna habitat for an up-close view of their newest babies! On the Mimosa Wildlife Safari, you mingle with flamingos while enjoying pink mimosas. The Mimosa and Wildlife Safari: Southwest to Savannaventures into the African habitat, and the deluxe version spends even more time on up-close views of giraffes, rhinos, and more.  Behind The Scenes Safari   (and the deluxe version) give a sneak peek into the secret lives of wildlife while exploring off-limits areas and the   African Forest ,   Walkabout Australia, Wildlife in Action, Saving Giants, and Mission Rhino Rescue,   each with its own unique environments and wildlife.

For tickets and more information, click here .

Safari Park offers drive-in movies on weekends

Since its opening in 2007, Claude Conley and his brothers who own the Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo have always discussed different ways to make it bigger and better for visitors.

One idea they’ve discussed for more than a decade has come to fruition in the past month since they began showing drive-in movies in their parking lot.

“We’d been talking about it for probably 10 years, and then last year we finally decided to do it,” Conley said. “We began bringing in the equipment in December to make it happen.”

The screen was constructed on the edge of the parking lot, and now movie fans have the option to watch a movie in their vehicles in Crockett County.

This weekend will be the fifth week for the theater. It opened with the classic “Jurassic Park” before showing the new depiction of a classic story – “Godzilla vs. Kong.” They’re now showing the movie version of “Tom & Jerry.”

“We’re all pretty big movie buffs in our family, and I always said if we did the theater, the first movie we should show should be ‘Jurassic Park,’” Conley said. “It just fits in with the Safari Park.”

Despite the weather not being ideal the first couple weekends, Conley said the crowds were still good and they’ve grown the last couple with better weather and more people planning on coming.

“We’ve got a lot of parents and grandparents coming in for the nostalgia remembering when they went to the drive-in when they were younger,” Conley said. “And they’re giving their kids and grandkids a new experience of coming here.”

Conley said they’re plan is to show nothing with a rating above PG-13.

“We want it to be family-friendly, so we’re going to keep the movies kid-friendly,” Conley said. “Even before we were showing ‘Tom & Jerry,’ we had a couple of visitors request we show cartoons, so we’ll make sure to put them on our schedule.”

For now, the showings are just Friday and Saturday, but Conley said it’s possible they’ll expand that schedule in the summer. They also plan to show new movies but throw in classic movies as well.

“If there’s a new movie people want to see that’s G or PG-13, then we’ll show it,” Conley said.

The sound from the movies doesn't bother the animals because that is broadcast through a small FM radio signal that cars can get so people can listen in their vehicle.

Conley said he’s proud of something they thought of to make sure visitors don’t miss out on the movie if they have to leave their car momentarily.

“If someone decides they want to come to the concession stand during the movie or they need to go to the restroom, we have speakers at both of those places making sure you can still hear the movie even if you can’t see it for a minute,” Conley said. “I know that’s one thing I hate about watching in a theater is possibly missing something if you have to get up, but we’ve cut that out.”

The concession stand offers hamburgers, nachos, popcorn and other similar items. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children.

“We’ve had a good time the past few weeks and looking forward to doing this every weekend,” Conley said.

Gates open at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with the movie set to start at 8 p.m.

Reach Brandon Shields at [email protected] or at 731-425-9751. Follow him on Twitter @JSEditorBrandon or on Instagram at editorbrandon.

Tourist killed by rampaging elephant on Zambian safari

Animal in Kafue National Park runs towards car carrying tour group before flipping vehicle over twice

An 80-year-old American woman has been killed while on safari in Zambia after an elephant charged at her car and flipped it over several times.

She was part of a group of six tourists staying at the luxurious Lufupa Camp in the country’s Kafue National Park , the largest game reserve in Africa, with a tour company called Wilderness Zambia.

The group were out on a photography tour last weekend when the elephant charged.

Footage posted online shows the vehicle cruising along a bush-lined road where a bull elephant – the largest land-living mammal on Earth – can be seen walking in the vegetation.

But when the elephant apparently spots them, it breaks into first a trot and then an all-out run.

Just as the elephant catches up with the car, the vehicle suddenly stops. A statement from Wilderness said the route was “blocked”.

The passenger in the car continues to film as the elephant turns towards the group and flips the vehicle over twice.

‘Tragic event’

The 80-year-old woman, who has not been named, later died from her injuries. Another woman in the group was also injured and hospitalised. The four other guests received treatment locally for minor injuries.

“At around 9.30am on Saturday morning the six guests were on the game drive when the vehicle was unexpectedly charged by the bull elephant,” said Keith Vincent, Wilderness Zambia’s chief executive officer, in a statement released to local media.

“Our guides are all extremely well trained and experienced, but sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide’s route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm’s way quickly enough.”

Mr Vincent says Kafue National Park’s management dispatched a helicopter to the scene.

“This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died. We are also, naturally, supporting those guests and the guide involved in this distressing incident,” Mr Vincent said.

Kafue National Park is the largest game reserve in Africa and is managed by African Parks, which also controls a further 22 wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.

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Safari Park Takes Flight

Have you ever wanted to look an ostrich in the eye from less than 2 feet away, touch the velvety soft nose of a camel or feed a carrot to a curious giraffe named Jackson? If so, then the Tennessee Safari Park needs to be on your short list of places to visit.

Located in West Tennessee on the Conley Family Century Farm in Alamo, the park gives visitors an up-close opportunity to have all three of these experiences and many more.

With more than 2,600 exotic animals and 250 acres to explore, most visitors begin by purchasing several buckets of feed for their own self-guided driving tour.

The road leads you through four distinct safari areas, each with an array of animals, including camels, ostriches, cranes, many varieties of deer and antelope, wildebeest, alpacas, buffalo, rhea and giraffes.

As you slowly drive through the farm at a speed limit of 5 miles per hour, you can stop anywhere on the road anytime. Animals will approach your vehicle, some out of curiosity but mostly in search of feed. Visitors are instructed to carefully hold the outside of the buckets, keeping fingers out of the way as animals feed. Only animals in the petting zoo may be fed and touched by hand.

The adventure begins as soon as you pull into the first drive-thru area and are welcomed by a menagerie of animals. Riding along with the Fowler family on a hot summer day in July, it was easy to see why the park is a favorite. As Beckett Fowler’s dad, Brett, carefully drove through the park, Beckett’s brother, Aaron, and sisters, Cadence and Paisley, all joined in the adventure.

“I want to go back to the Safari Park and feed them,” says Beckett Fowler after his first visit. “They make me happy.”

Seeing and feeding the animals up close seems to make everyone happy — especially Beckett, who is a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“The Safari Park was the perfect place to go to get a break from the treatments that Beckett has been going through,” says his mother, Tammie Fowler. “The amount of laughs and memories we made while his brother and sisters were here for just a short time made the long trip from St. Jude definitely worth it!”

In addition to the drive-thru experience, guests can explore the 20-acre walk-thru area of the park to find more animals such as a wallaby, lemurs, Nigerian dwarf goats, giraffes and parakeets, to name a few.

Having a fun family experience for everyone is one of the guiding principles at the park — as are wildlife conservation and education. Zoos and parks like this one are at the forefront of trying to keep many of these exotic breeds from the brink of extinction.

This family farm began in 1858. The land owned by Tolbert and Cornelia Conley was known as Hillcrest. For more than 100 years, the farm operated as a traditional Crockett County farm with cattle and row crops that included cotton and corn, according to Claude H. Conley II. His father, Claude M. Conley, began to transform the farm in the early 1960s.

As a child, about the same age that his grandkids are today, Claude Sr. had a couple of peacocks and a dream of running his own zoo someday.

“Dad started out in 1963 with his first buffalo, then got some elk and deer,” says Claude H. Conley II. “He had the first privately held buffalo herd in Tennessee. Then as he added more and more, it became something like a petting zoo with zebras and antelope, things like that.”

Today, the farm management is still a family affair. Claude Sr. and his sons, Claude H. and Jon Wesley Conley II, manage the park with several other family members, including Jon’s wife, Whitney. They are the fifth generation of Conleys to do so, and they hope to pass it on to their children.

“My boys, Claude H. III and Caleb, and my brother’s girls, Ava and Sophia, are the sixth generation to grow up here,” says Claude H., a Gibson Electric Membership Corporation member.

The Tennessee Safari Park opened in 2007 with a more limited drive-thru experience. “We had about 2,500 people come through that first year,” says Claude H. “By 2020, with COVID, we had about 500,000.”

Today, visitors’ experiences include the safari drive-thru, a walk-thru petting zoo, aviary and even a new drive-in theatre. Other park amenities include restrooms, snacks and drinks, a gift shop and a picnic area.

The Tennessee Safari Drive-In Theatre is open seasonally with concessions. The 40-by-60-foot screen is near the gift shop. Movies will begin again in October on Friday and Saturday nights. Movie listings can be found by following the Tennessee Safari Drive-In Theatre Facebook page.

The park is solely funded through sales of tickets, which are $24 for adults and $16 for children. “We don’t receive any tax dollars, donations or outside funding,” explains Claude H. “None of it would be possible without our park visitors. Our feed bill alone is over $1 million a year.”

“We hope each visitor leaves here with a better sense of how special these animals are and that they have enjoyed the opportunity to see them up close,” says Claude H. Conley II.

At a glance

Tennessee Safari Park 618 Conley Road Alamo, TN 38001 731-696-4423 tennesseesafaripark.com

Monday–Saturday: Gates open at 10 a.m. Last car in at 4 p.m. Park closes at 5 p.m.

Sunday: Gates open at noon. Last car in at 4 p.m. Park closes at 5 p.m.

Please note that no outside animals or pets are allowed at any time.

Check out the print edition of The Tennessee Magazine for a discount coupon to the Tennessee Safari Park.

Robin Conover has spent the last 33 years documenting the people and places of Tennessee with The Tennessee Magazine. After graduating from Murray State University, Robin began working for magazine in October 1988 as a communications specialist and photojournalist. She now serves as TECA vice president of communications and editor of The Tennessee Magazine. Her interest in preserving the environment and Tennessee’s beautiful natural areas has led her down many miles of trails to capture thousands of images. Robin is currently a board member of the Friends of Radnor Lake, a nonprofit in Nashville. Robin’s images can be seen in greeting cards, calendars, books and at a few fine-art shows she participates in each year.

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Animals & Gardens

Explore the animals and gardens you will encounter on a visit to the Safari Park.

ABDIM'S STORK

Called the grasshopper bird in parts of Africa, the Abdim's stork feasts on swarms of the insects.

African Rhinos

Black rhinos and white rhinos are the same color—a brownish gray—and both live in eastern and southern Africa.

ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK

Known for their colorful plumage and high-energy mating displays, males of this species are impossible to ignore.

All antelope species have horns. In some species they are only found on the males; in others, both males and females have them.

ARABIAN ORYX

Once extinct in the wild, many Arabian oryx have been reintroduced in Oman and Jordan.

BAJA GARDEN AND OLD WORLD SUCCULENT GARDEN

Succulent. The word conjures up images of things delectable and desirable, and that's what you'll find in the oases of extraordinary plants at the Safari Park called the Old World Succulent Garden and the Baja Garden.

Bald eagles live near bodies of water to be close to their favorite food—fish!

BIGHORN SHEEP

Bighorn sheep have amazing climbing talent, spectacular horns, and can live in some of the world's steepest, most forbidding habitats.

BONSAI PAVILION

Discover a world of tiny trees! The Safari Park's Bonsai Pavilion is a striking showcase for this extraordinary living art.

BURROWING OWL

Instead of making their nest in the hollow of a tree, as most owls do, burrowing owls make their home in abandoned prairie dog burrows or rattlesnake dens.

During their lives, butterflies transform from caterpillar to pupa to fluttering adult. Their remarkable eyes have thousands of lenses, and see flowers in ultraviolet light.

CALIFORNIA CONDOR

North American tribes respect the California condor and see it as a symbol of power. In legends, they call it the "thunderbird," bringing thunder to the skies with the beating of its huge wings.

Camels can travel as fast as horses, but can also endure legendary periods without food or water.

Long and lanky, cheetahs are the sprinters of the cat world. Their body is designed to run fast for short distances, allowing them to catch prey that other big cats can’t get.

CROWNED CRANE

The majestic-looking crowned crane is a tall bird with a “crown” of tall, stiff, golden feathers. Its long legs and neck, and excellent peripheral vision help it spot predators in the tall grasses of the savanna.

Dik diks are small African antelope that weigh only 6 to 13 pounds as adults. Their name is believed to be inspired by the sound they make when alarmed.

Duikers are shy and elusive creatures. Their name comes from the Afrikaans/Dutch word for diver or diving buck, referring to the duikers' practice of diving into tangles of shrubbery.

EGYPTIAN VULTURE

Only a few animal species use tools, and the Egyptian vulture is one of them. It selects just the right-size rock to drop on an ostrich egg, to crack it open—then, this clever bird slurps up the goodies!

You can travel to Africa, of course, but the easiest way to observe African elephants is at the Safari Park! We have two large habitat areas for our African elephant herd.

EPIPHYLLUM TRAIL

The Safari Park's Epiphyllum Trail, located between Walkabout Australia and Condor Ridge, includes more than 600 of these surprising plants and their spectacular, eye-catching spring blooms.

Social birds, flamingos live in groups of varying sizes, from a few pairs to sometimes thousands, or tens of thousands. The Safari Park is home to the largest population of greater flamingos in North America—and three of the six flamingo species are represented here.

Giraffes are the tallest land animals, able to nibble the highest leaves in Africa's acacia trees!

Gorillas are largest of all primates, animals that include monkeys, lemurs, orangutans, chimpanzees, and humans.

GREATER ONE-HORNED RHINO

Many people describe greater one-horned rhinos as "armor-plated," but they are actually covered with a layer of skin that has many folds.

Found in the woodlands and wetlands of Africa, the hamerkop is a wading bird famous for its enormous, domed nest. 

HERB GARDEN

The Herb Garden is designed and tended by dedicated volunteers—and whether you are an herbal novice or steeped in the lore of herbs, it's a fragrant habitat worth exploring.

HIDDEN JUNGLE

A tropical rain forest is teeming with wildlife that is beautiful, yet often hard to see. But Hidden Jungle’s climate-controlled environment provides excellent views of delicate and fascinating tropical birds and plants.

You can pick out a hornbill from other birds by the casque above its bill. This hollow or spongy structure is made of keratin, like our fingernails.

Kangaroos are macropods—marsupials that carry their young in a pouch, have large hind legs that are ideal for hopping along at impressive speeds through Australia’s savannas or forests, and a long, thick tail that can act as a third leg to help them balance.

In a 24-hour period, lions have short bursts of intense activity followed by long bouts of lying around that can total up to 21 hours!

MAGPIE GOOSE

Black and white coloration gives this bird its "magpie" name, but its long bill, long neck and long legs make it hard to mistake for anything other than a goose.

MATSCHIE'S TREE KANGAROO

Instead of hopping on the ground, Matschie's tree kangaroos climb high in the trees, where they feed on leaves.

NATIVESCAPES GARDEN

The Safari Park's Nativescapes Garden is home to more than 1,500 individual plants representing 500 species, all of which historically call Southern California home.

NILE LECHWE

The Nile lechwe's long, slender hooves are ideal for moving through water and mud—but on dry land, this antelope sometimes looks a bit clumsy.

Okapis are hard to find in the wild—the dense rainforest in central Africa. Scientists didn’t know of the animal's existence until 1900.

Pelicans are among the only birds with an enormous, naked-skin pouch under their bill, which they use to catch fish.

Argus pheasants are the size of peafowl and live in the montane forests of Southeast Asia. They have powerful legs and strong flight muscles to move their heavy body, and eyes on the side of their head to help detect predators.

PINK PIGEON

Endangered pink pigeons, native to the island of Mauritius, are victims of habitat destruction. In 1994, only 77 of them remained in their native habitats.

The platypus looks like no other mammal. And even more unusual, this mammal lays eggs.

PRZEWALSKI'S HORSE

The Przewalski's horse is the closest living relative of the domestic horse—and it is the only true wild horse left on Earth.

RED RIVER HOG

Colorful red river hogs are active both day and night—and they are good swimmers, holding their tail above the water. They can even swim underwater, catching a breath every 15 seconds or so.

RODRIGUES FLYING FOX

In our cozy Bat House in Nairobi Village, a camp of Rodrigues flying foxes observes guests from an upside-down perspective! These cute little creatures weigh about one pound.

RUPPELL'S VULTURE

The Ruppell’s vulture is the world's highest-flying bird, capable of flying at altitudes up to 35,433 feet (10,800 meters).

Save the Chubby Unicorns

Gorilla Shadow

PREFERRED HOTELS

Come Travel with Us!

Travel with us to see Monarchs

Picture Your Special Day at the Park!