night time safari park

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Nighttime Zoo

Member Preview: May 24, 2024 Activities and entertainment begin at 4 p.m. daily.*

When the sun goes down, your wild adventure is only just beginning! The San Diego Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. all summer long, and a whole new world wakes up after dark during Nighttime Zoo. Join us for live music, spectacular entertainment, one-of-a-kind moments with your favorite wildlife, and more unforgettable fun that’s perfect for the whole family.

For additional information on Nighttime Zoo, see the  Seasonal Events  section of the San Diego Zoo's FAQ page.

*No Nighttime Zoo entertainment is scheduled on Saturday, June 15, or Thursday, August 22.   On August 22, San Diego Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Special Entertainment

Rock & Roar

• 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 7:30 p.m. (30 min.)
• Front Street Stage, Front Street

The Zoo’s in-house rock and pop band plays top hits from yesterday and today that are sure to get everyone on the dance floor.

• 5, 6, & 7 p.m. (30 min.)

Join our high-energy hosts as they get guests of all ages up and grooving! These fun interactive dances will have your toes tapping and energy pumping.

The Chameleons

• Outside Front Plaza and Sweet Shack

This talented brass ensemble presents their unique brand of musical entertainment, playing a variety of songs from the Beatles to Broadway in their interactive performances.

Whimsical Wildlife Performers

• 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. (continuous)
• Along Front Street

Meet, greet, and get photos with our fanciful, bigger-than-life wildlife puppets and other wildlife-themed performers that are sure to bring the smiles.

Jambo Dunia!

• 8:30 p.m. (15 min.)

Live music, fanciful wildlife puppets, dancers, and acrobats make up this dazzling, interactive celebration of Africa’s savannas and all who share these vibrant ecosystems.

Dr. Zoolittle's Exploration Station

• 5, 6, & 7 p.m. (25 min.)
• Wildlife Explorers Basecamp Stage

Join Dr. Zoolittle for this fun and interactive presentation exploring nature, parallel play with wildlife, and our conservation efforts around the globe. 

The Explorers

Enjoy the a cappella, four-part harmony of this talented group of singers as they perform wildlife-themed songs about the world we share!

Summer Songs

• 3:45, 5, & 6:15 p.m. (45 min.)
• Boardwalk Beer Garden, Australian Outback

After a long day of exploration, relax with the soothing sounds of acoustic guitar and vocals as our performer entertains with a wide variety of songs from across the decades.

Bounce-a-Roo Bonanza

• 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 7:30 p.m. (15 min.)
• Behind Sydney's Grill, Urban Jungle

Check out our jumping, bouncing, acrobatic group of animal-themed performers as they show off their astonishing athletic skills in this high-energy trampoline show.

Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania

• 4:45, 5:45, & 6:45 p.m. (15 min.)
• Africa Rocks Stage, Africa Rocks

With an incredible mix of eclectic acrobatic skills and high-energy fun for all ages, this troupe from Tanzania will share their jaw-dropping talent that will leave you amazed. 

Vibrant Rhythms

• 5, 6, & 7 p.m. (45 min.)

Feel the drumbeats of the savanna as musicians and dancers showcase music from across East Africa. 

Dr. Harry & Friends

• 5, 5:30, 6, & 6:30 p.m.
• Upper Gardens, Africa Rocks & Australian Outback

Dr. Harry Lion and Friends will meet and greet guests of all ages, bringing their special brand of Zoo fun to everyone they see.

PREFERRED HOTELS

Picture Your Special Day at the Park!

Save the Chubby Unicorns

Gorilla Shadow

What’s the Best San Diego Safari Park Tour? Chart & Reviews

With 18 choices, how do you pick the best San Diego Safari Park Tour/Safari? After the quick summary below, check the comparison chart for prices, tour duration & age limits. Then read the individual tour reviews and about their refund policy if you have to cancel.

Africa Tram’s the best free San Diego Safari Park tour. The 1-hour Wildlife Safari truck trip into the African fields is the most popular paid one. But a 90-minute Twilight Wildlife Safari with lunch is a better deal. Roar & Snore Safari overnight stays are family favorites. All require separate admission.

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

* 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 .

Prices are given as a range because Safari Park charges extra for tours on peak days. Prices and availability can change without notice.

• Least Expensive: non-holiday Mondays and Tuesdays thru Thursdays
• Mid-priced: most Fridays
• Peak prices: Some Fridays. Usually Saturdays, Sundays, and 3-day holidays (best time for aRes discount tour deals )

You’ll need to buy a Safari Park admission in addition to your tour ticket. Why not take advantage of the best admission discount from aRes Travel , the San Diego-based authorized ticket seller? Click on the koala’s furry face below!

And finally, here’s what else you can do at Safari Park . That’s a page that I wrote that covers the animal exhibits, shows, and keeper talks. And if you’re wondering where to eat I’ve also written an article on where’s the best food ?

Wildlife Safari Tour

The 1-hour Wildlife Safari is the most popular tour at San Diego Safari Park followed by the 90-minute Twilight Wildlife Safari. You go inside the African animal enclosure in an open-air covered truck. Twilight tours add a light meal. Deluxe Safari is 90 minutes long and also tours the Asian enclosures .

The worst thing about these Safaris is that there are sometimes so many opportunities for close-up photos of animals that you won’t know where to point your camera first.  The best part of them is that you have the opportunity to feed giraffes if the animals are feeling hungry. Don’t worry, they’re ALWAYS hungry.

There are 3 different variations of this Safari plus an alternative for those with teenagers:

Wildlife Safari

• Duration: 1 hour
• Price: $89 – 105 per person. Admission is separate for each person and required.
• Age restrictions: Ages 3+. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult
• What’s Special: The overwhelming SIZE of a 4-foot long giraffe head next to yours. And how daintily they take the acacia leaves from your fingers.
• Deals : Check HERE for discounted tours for SanDiegoing readers from aRes Travel — San Diego’s local authorized ticket source.

Twilight Wildlife Safari

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Price: $109 – 129 per person. Admission is separate for each person and required.
• Age restrictions: Ages 3+. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult 
• You’ll also enjoy a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic drink with some tasty nibbles at a stunning overlook.

Deluxe Safari

• What’s Special: The Deluxe Safari provides you with your best chance to pet a rhino. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s more likely than on either of the other truck safaris. Why? Maybe because the One-Horn rhinos in the Asian fields are a bit smaller than the White rhinos in the other safaris? Still, stroking the soft snout of a 3,500-pound animal instead of a 5,000-pound one is ok with me. And there are always hungry giraffes!

Combine A Truck Safari with a Zipline Experience

If you’ve got teenagers or other adrenalin junkies in your group, try the Deluxe Flightline Safari (further down this page). It combines a shorter truck caravan safari with a 3,520-foot zipline ride. Same cost, but more experiences!

Wildlife Safari Tips

Feed giraffes, but don’t touch them . Keep your hands low during feeding. Raise your hand just a bit so that they can see the acacia leaves. Then let them reach down for the leaves.

Why? They use their heads as battering rams in dominance contests. Your friendly hand reaching towards their head can be viewed as an aggressive gesture. So no high-fives with giraffe horns. That avoids misunderstandings with a creature 10 times your size and makes for better photos as well.

THIRSTY? Bring drinking water in a container with a closed lid. Sip, don’t guzzle unless you’ve got an iron bladder.

MOBILITY ISSUES : If anyone in your party has mobility issues or needs to use a wheelchair call 619-718-3000 after you purchase your ticket. They will make arrangements for you.

RESTRICTIONS

• Selfie sticks must be stowed away. They can scare animals.
• No outside food, beverages, or bulky camera equipment (small tripods are ok if they’re used as monopods)
• Admission is separate and required.
• 5 or more days before reservation – changes allowed but $15 Administrative Change Fee will be charged.
• Less than 5 days before reservation – changes not permitted

CANCELLATIONS

• 5 or more days before reservation – changes allowed but $25 Cancellation Fee will be charged.
• Less than 5 days before reservation – payment not refundable.

Sun-Up Cheetah Safari Tour

Do you love cheetahs? Then this is San Diego Safari Park’s best tour for you. It’s the very best way to get amazing cheetah photos like the one above.

• Duration : 1 hour
• Start Time: 8:00 AM on most Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
• Price: $99 – 105. Admission is separate and required for each guest.
• Age restrictions: All ages ok. There must be a responsible paid adult present for every 3 children. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Proof of age of children may be required.

You’ll get into the park early and meet your experienced guide for a walk down to Shiley’s Cheetah Run . There you’ll see a cheetah fly by at nearly 70 miles per hour from a prime viewing location.

After the cheetah chases the mechanical lure down the track you’ll head down to the Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook . There you’ll get to see another speedster, this one flying through the air. After all that rushing around, relax with a savory brunch. Enjoy coffee, tea, mimosas, and the only San Diego restaurant view that includes giraffes, rhinos, and antelope.

• Purchase your admission ticket(s) in advance online. You will be arriving before the ticket sale booths are open. Have your admission ticket printed or ready to be scanned on your cell phone.
• To get the best viewing locations for all of these tour events, arrive about 30 minutes before check-in so you get the first pick. But don’t worry if you can’t be early. There aren’t any “bad” locations.

Cart Safari Tour

A Cart Safari is the best tour at San Diego Safari park if you’ve got small children or babies. The cart is much lower to the ground than the truck used in the Wildlife Safari. It’s much easier to get in and out to view animals while carrying infants or toddlers. The ride is also much smoother since Cart Safaris only go on paved roads.

You’ll have a private tour driver/guide. They’ll be masked and the cart has special screens to social distance your guide from your household group. But they’ll still be able to hear and see you to answer just about any question and direct you to wildlife feeding opportunities and photo stops.

• Price: $55+ per person. Admission is separate and required for each guest.
• Age restrictions: None. Infants and children under the age of 2 are welcome as long as they sit on an adults’ lap. There’s a limit of two lap children per group. Children 15 years old and younger must be with a paid adult.
• Two Options: Asian Cart Safari or African Cart Safari

There Are 2 Flightline Safari Zipline Rides and Tours at Safari Park

Flightline safari.

• Duration : 1 hour. Includes orientation session and Fledgling flight
• Price: $77 – 85
• Age restrictions: 8+ years old. There must be one paid parent or guardian accompanying up to 3 children aged 8 to 15 at all times. If you’re 16 or 17 you may ride the flightline alone, but you must have a parent or guardian sign a liability waiver at check-in. 
• Deals : Check HERE for daily discounts for SanDiegoing readers from aRes Travel — San Diego’s local authorized ticket source. TIP : The deals are best when you need them most, on weekends and holidays.

Take an exhilarating flight down a zip line 2/3rds of a mile long. Soar up to 130 feet above herds of wild antelope, giraffes, and rhinos. 

You’ll take a training course on the Fledgling run. There you’ll become familiar with the procedures and safety equipment. Once you’re comfortable with the short Fledgling flight, you’ll be transported to the launch platform for the Flightline Safari. You land near the campground at Kilima Point.

Deluxe Flightline Safari

This tour is a very good deal for groups that include restless teenagers looking for a bit more action. It adds a truck caravan tour into the African plains exhibits before your orientation session and zipline flight. You can get up close with the animals, take great photos, and ride the zip line for the price of just the Wildlife Safari truck tour.

• Duration : 90 minutes.
• Price: $89 – 105

Safety Restrictions: You will be asked to sign a liability waiver. You must be able to understand the waiver and be able to follow instructions in English. There’s a weight limit of between 60 and 300 pounds (your weight may be checked). 

The safety harness must fit comfortably. Wear snug-fitting closed-toe shoes. Do not drink alcohol before the Flightline Safari. If the trainers or those assisting you think that you’ve been imbibing you will not be allowed on the zip line. 

If you don’t meet all of these qualifications you will be denied access to the zip line and there will be no refunds.

Behind the Scenes Safari Tour

If you’re looking for an insider’s view, these will be San Diego Safari Park’s best safaris for you. There are 3 different safari options available, each focusing on one animal or exhibit area. But no two Behind the Scenes Safari Tours are exactly the same. All of them provide an intimate look at off-exhibit areas that are inaccessible to the general population of Safari Park guests.

You’ll take a ride on a small electric cart and then explore on foot with a guide who’ll fill you in on the park’s animals and conservation initiatives. 

There are three Behind the Scenes Safari Tour s:

Elephants & Friends

Have a close encounter of the pachyderm kind! See the Safari Park elephant herd from a private viewing area. Discover how they’re cared for and what’s being done to protect their wild relatives. Selfie sticks are not permitted on this tour.

• Price: $89 – 105 per person. Admission is separate and required for each guest.
• Age restrictions: Children 3-15 must be accompanied by a paid adult. A maximum of 2 children per group.

Rhinos & Friends

Get close to rhinos. Explore behind the scenes at Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center. Here the Safari Park staff is developing assisted reproductive techniques that may bring back the Northern White Rhino from functional extinction.

You’ll also take a trip around the park’s large field exhibits and view many other species there. You have to be able to stand or walk for at least 60 minutes to take this tour.  Selfie sticks are not permitted here.

• Age restrictions: Children 3-15 must be accompanied by a paid adult. A maximum of 2 children per group. A maximum of 2 children per group.

Roar & Snore Safari Tour

In my ever so humble opinion, and that of many others, this is the BEST safari at San Diego Safari Park. You can experience the sights and sounds of sleeping on safari in Africa without traveling there (no extra vaccinations needed!).

Fall asleep to elephants’ rumblings. Wake to the sound of lions roaring. But don’t worry about it being too noisy to sleep. Most of the time it’s so quiet that you can hear the footsteps of giraffes passing by. 

What happens at Roar & Snore? Close-up animal encounters, night-time guided walking tours, and a backstage look at some of the animal accommodations. You’ll also enjoy good food, and relaxing around a campfire.

The last time Bob and I went, we saw the inner workings of Lion Camp at night. Did you know that they sometimes put different colored glitter in each lion’s food? Me neither! The colored particles let keepers know which scat belongs to which cat. Examining their feces is just one way that keepers monitor lions’ health.

The sleepovers include a catered hot dinner and breakfast. They’ve got something for everyone with many gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan selections. For adults, there’s a cash bar. And everyone will enjoy sitting around the campfire eating s’mores and listening to the guides and campers trading stories of their wildlife experiences.

Most Roar & Snore Safaris include an evening or early morning Africa Tram ride. It’s magical. The animals in the African multi-species enclosures are at their frisky best. It seems as if they’re trying to get all of their sparring, running, and chasing done in the cooler weather. 

The campsite overlooks the African Plains multi-species enclosure loaded with antelope, giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, wildebeests, and many other animals. Clean restrooms and a limited number of showers are available. The tents are clean and spacious.

If you cringe at the thought of sleeping on a cot or the floor of a tent you’ll probably be happier spending the night at a nearby hotel. I’ve written a guide to the best local lodging close to Safari Park .

There are 3 different tent options:

Classic tent.

• $149 (Ages 3+)
• $30 (Ages 0 – 2)
• Price is per person. Single campers pay 2-person tent price. Maximum 5 people per tent. Admission is separate and required. 
• Size: 9 ft x 14 ft interior
• Tent Type: Canvas roof, vinyl-covered tent floor
• Furnishings: Sleeping bag pads. Bring your own sleeping bag, pillow, etc.
• $189 (Ages 3+)
• Price is per person. Single campers pay 2-person tent price. Maximum 6 people per tent. Admission is separate and required. 
• Tent type: Canvas roof, vinyl-covered tent floor. 
• Furnishings: 2 single cots, 2 chairs. Bring your own sleeping bag, pillow, etc.

Premium Tent

• $229 (Ages 3+)
• Price is per person. Single campers pay 2-person tent price. Maximum 4 people per tent. Admission is separate and required. 
• Great for couples looking for a special evening or families of 4.
• Size: 12 ft x 16 ft interior
• Tent type: Canvas roof. Wood floors with rug. Electrical outlets (charge your mobile devices!), storage/night-stand
• Furnishings: Queen bed with linens & pillows., 2 cots with sleeping bags, a fan and a space heater 

There are 5 different Roar & Snore Safari options:

All-Ages Roar and Snore

• Best sleep-over option for families with young children . 
• Age restrictions: For ages 3 and up
• What’s Special: There’s an evening, after-hours Africa Tram ride just for All-Ages Roar & Snore campers and an easy guided walk. Full cash bar for adults.

Adults-Only Roar and Snore

• Best option for couples . 
• Age restrictions: Ages 21+
• What’s Special: Adult topics like animal reproduction are presented by keepers. There are more animal experiences than during the All-Ages offering. The guided hikes are more strenuous. We went backstage at Lion Camp to see the big cats’ bedrooms and care areas.  It was dark in spots and the footing was a bit challenging. There was a cash bar for adults during dinner and the campfire experience.

Girl Scouts Roar and Snore

• Age restrictions: Ages 5+ with adults
• Pricing: $139+
• What’s Special: This is a troop oriented event. There are group guided walks, conservation related activities and animal-oriented crafts.

School Nights Roar and Snore

• Age restrictions: Ages 3-12 with adults
• What’s Special: This is a great field trip. The kids will get hands-on educational conservation & animal care experiences 

Supreme Roar and Snore

• Age restrictions: Aged 8 – 15 with adults.
• Pricing: $303+
• What’s Special: This is a great bundle of activities. Soar into the Roar & Snore camp on a zipline Flightline Safari. Spy on animals in the Night Vision Safari with vision-enhancing goggles. See the Sun Up Cheetah Safari with an exclusive viewing spot. And finally ride into the herds of giraffes, rhinos and antelopes on a morning Wildlife Safari.

For more detailed information on what to bring, how to prepare, and a menu, check out the Safari Park Roar & Snore Safari page on their website.

Ultimate Safari Tour

Assemble a Safari Park tour that is customized to your interests and desired activities. Full disclosure, we haven’t been on this safari, but we’re saving up for it! Because of that, I’ve asked a LOT of questions on the phone to the booking team. I hope that you’ll benefit from my research. And if you go before I do, send me pictures!

When you book your Ultimate Safari know the answers to the following questions before you call:

• What are your favorite animals?
• Are you interested in feeding any of these animals?
• Which animal exhibits would you like to see behind the scenes and find out more about how they’re cared for? 
• Do you have any dietary restrictions? They serve you lunch on this safari. You don’t want this experience spoiled by food that you can’t eat!

Duration: 5 hours. It’s easy to add too many activities and animal experiences to this safari. You’ll have to be selective so you don’t feel rushed. Your planner will help you decide how much to see in the time that you have.

Price: Varies depending upon day and seasonality

• $675+ for a 5-hour tour. Priced per person.
• $50 – children aged 2 and under
• Children aged 15 and under must be with a paid adult

Age and other restrictions: Depends upon the activities you choose.

You must book/reserve your tour at least 72 hours in advance . San Diego Safari Park usually only schedules one Ultimate Safari per day. The animals need to be fed and cared for daily and their keepers need to be notified so they can make special accommodations for Ultimate Safari visitors. 

Balloon Safari

Soar 400 feet up in a helium balloon. You’ll have great views of San Diego Safari Park and the San Pasqual Valley agricultural area that surrounds the park. 

Duration: About 30 minutes. You’ll spend 10 to 12 minutes at the highest viewing point.

Price: Varies depending upon peak hours and days. Plan on spending $20 or less. Reservations are NOT available online. Pay at the gate.

Ages restrictions:   All ages. 

Tips: The best times to fly are between 9:00 AM and noon, but it’s open until sunset. The ride may shut down due to windy or rainy conditions. Afternoons in Escondido can be windy. The balloon is grounded shortly before Cheetah Run at about 3:00 PM and afterward while any cheetahs remain near the Shiley’s Cheetah Run track. 

Africa Tram Tour

Africa Tram is San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s best tour if you’re on a budget . It’s one of the highlights of the park. And it’s free with your park entrance ticket! We’ve ridden this attraction hundreds of times and plan to do it many more.

You get to see dozens of species at once, and they’re always doing something new. The many thousands of rare plants surrounding you and the over 900 acres of open California Sage Scrub habitat make it even more appealing.

Duration: 25 – 30 minutes.

Price: FREE with your paid admission to Safari Park, except for children in school groups. Ride as many times as you want to.

Ages restrictions:   All ages. Children under 2 years of age must remain in their parent’s lap.

• Skip this one if you have booked a Caravan or Cart Safari, and you are feeling like you don’t have time to see everything on your list.
• In a rush? You can purchase priority boarding. Check the kiosk at the entrance to the Africa Tram queue. 
• When’s the best time to ride the Africa Tram? The peak hours are from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. So anytime before or after will be good. The animals are most active when the weather is cool. Many people try to take the first Africa Tram trip or one of the last ones for that reason. But there’s really not that much difference. You’re going to see spectacular creatures whenever you go. 
• Where’s the best place to sit? We like sitting in the 2nd or 3rd car. The first car can be a bit noisy. However, that car is the only one with accessible seating for those with mobility issues. So it may be best for you. 
• Which side of the tram is best? You’ll see animals on both sides. And you are encouraged to stand up if the vehicle is not moving. So you’ll be able to take great photos no matter where you sit. However, the cheetahs, zebras, and most giraffes and rhinos are on the right side.
• Expect long lines on weekends & holidays. There are signs that tell you approximately how long the wait times are. They are fairly accurate. The longest times are from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.The wait times are shorter during Cheetah Run (around 3:30 PM). We also like late afternoon trips because it’s getting cooler and they’re less crowded. The last trip of the day starts 45 minutes before the park closes. 
• Request an “Easy Access Pass” if you have difficulty standing for long periods or are of limited mobility. With this pass, any guest with a disability and 3 additional members of your group, can be directed to a separate boarding area. Park employees are glad to provide extra boarding and disembarking assistance (if requested), to those boarding from the Easy Access areas.

7 Tips for Better Safari Tours

• Save money by reserving in advance versus purchasing the same day in the park. Plus you’ll be more likely to be able to choose a convenient time. 
• Get the best deal by booking on non-peak days . Safari Tour tickets generally cost less on weekdays. Non-holiday Mondays and Tuesdays are the cheapest. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays are a bit more expensive. You’ll pay the most on weekends and holidays.
• Include parking fees in your budget. Parking is not included and must be paid upon arrival at the parking entrance to Safari Park. Parking costs $15 for passenger vehicles and $20 for RVs. You can have preferred parking by adding $18 to either of the parking fees. “Preferred parking” means that you get a spot close to the entry/exit and you don’t have to walk uphill to get to the Park entrance.
• Arrive a minimum of 45 minutes before your tour or safari . This will allow time for you to travel from your parking or drop-off point to your safari check-in location. Leave earlier during holidays and on Friday afternoons when the traffic is usually heavier.
• Check in 10 minutes before the beginning of your safari.
• Know where your safari check-in location is. Check their map from the San Diego Safari Park website before you arrive.
• Download their map app. It’s available for both Apple and Android. Apple iOS download here.
• Android download here.

About Refunds or Cancellations of San Diego Safari Park Tours or Safaris

• There are no refunds if you arrive late or are a no-show.
• Make changes or cancellations early! There are no changes or cancellations less than 5 days before the date of your safari.
• What if you get sick? Call them at 619-718-3000 as soon as you know that you can’t go. Their Reservations Sales Department is open every day at 8:30 AM. They will need your Order Number, so have it with you when you call.
• Pay attention to the age limits and other restrictions for certain safaris. You won’t be given a refund at the last minute because you didn’t read the tour descriptions.
• The park reserves the right to cancel any safari or tour because of bad weather, animal welfare concerns or concerns for your safety. If they have to cancel your safari they try to do it as soon as possible and do their best to reschedule your safari at your convenience. If you cannot reschedule, your money will be refunded.  However, if it’s raining and they don’t call to cancel, enjoy! The park can be wonderful when it’s wet. Check out my article on how to enjoy San Diego Safari Park if it rains.

Closing Thoughts

Take the Caravan Safari Deluxe or the Ultimate Safari if you’re visiting for the first time and may not be returning for a long while. Splurge a bit. If you’re feeling guilty about the extra expense, tell yourself that you’re spending the extra cash to help end wildlife extinction.

If one of the paid safari experiences is not in your budget, then take the Africa Tram. Maybe twice. Once in the morning and again right before closing time.

Maybe you’ve read all the way down this page and still aren’t sure whether the Zoo or Safari Park is a better fit for you? In that case, go to my page where I compare the differences between the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park and the pros and cons of each.

I hope that this has been a help for you to decide which San Diego Safari Park tour or safari will be best for you and your family.

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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Did you know about this unique zoo and resort here in our state? This is one overnight adventure you’re bound to remember! If you thought this place looked amazing, then be sure to check out The Unique Park In Northern California That Everyone Should Visit.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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REVIEW: One Of The Most Popular Nighttime Tours In Disney World Is…At A Hotel?

By Shelby Smith 1 Comment

As part of Disney World’s phased reopening, experiences are slowly returning to the parks and hotels (but some still haven’t quite yet!) .

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

You can once again hug your favorite Disney characters, dine at fan-favorite restaurants, and enjoy a FULL parade in Magic Kingdom. But, if you want to take your park visit to the next level you might be considering one of Disney World’s behind-the-scenes tours . Many of these remain suspended to this date , BUT, one of our FAVORITE tours is FINALLY back and we’re taking you along with us!

The Starlight Safari has returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and we couldn’t wait to head back out to the savanna and see if it was still worth the cost!

As a quick refresher, the Starlight Safari currently costs $89 per person and takes place two times each night with one tour at 8:30PM and another at 10PM . Disney recommends arriving at least 15 minutes before your tour, so we arrived a bit in advance at the porte-cochere in Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village to check in. Note that a valid photo ID is required and guests must be at least 8 years old participate.

It’s almost time!

Once everyone had arrived, it was time to load up into the safari vehicle! Before we hopped in, there was a short ribbon-cutting ceremony where the first guest that had checked in for the tour got to do the honors. Cast Members were equally excited to be giving tours once again!

Time to board the vehicle!

Now, what makes this tour so unique is that you get to see the animals at NIGHT when many of them are more active. And, there’s no need to worry about being able to see all the nighttime activities because Disney provides night-vision devices so you can see the animals in the dark. We were given ours once we boarded the truck.

Got our night vision goggles!

Our guide for the safari was Noah, with Emily as our driver. Both are actually what Disney called “Interpretive Keepers,” which means they work directly with the animals AND lead tours — a.k.a. they’re the experts.

Our guide, Noah

Once our safari vehicle set off, it was time for an adventure!

The safari begins!

We were lucky enough to see a TON of animals, including zebras, antelopes, giraffes, and more! As we mentioned before, the animals tend to be more active at night, so you’ll see some enjoying their dinner, roaming the field, and whatever else animals are up to after sunset.

And, while our cameras did a great job at making it look like there was still some light out when we were touring, it was actually totally dark — making us all that much more thankful for our night vision goggles.

Hello, Giraffe!

Now, you can see the animals with night vision goggles at night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge without paying for the tour . But, what makes this tour so unique (and worth the cost in our opinion) is that you get to see the animals at night up-close PLUS you’ve got a Cast Member who is dedicated to teaching you all about them!

SO many animals to see!

Our tour guide, Noah, was SO knowledgeable, but at the same time, he was also hilarious — he made everything he told us sound so interesting as he spoke about each animal and how Disney takes care of them.

Our tour guide knew EVERYTHING about these animals!

Our tour lasted just a little under an hour (though Disney suggests carving out about an hour and a half for this experience) and we were SO happy to have had the chance to come back! It’s important to keep in mind that this behind-the-scenes tour does entail riding in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna (and it gets BUMPY), but if you’re looking for something unique to add to your Disney World vacation, this is a great, affordable option. Plus, you could easily make an event out of the evening for you and your family by spending time at Animal Kingdom Lodge, having a nice dinner at Boma , Sanaa , or even Jiko , and then following it up with the tour.

So, if you’re thinking about giving it a try, reservations can be made online on the Disney World website, or through the My Disney Experience app . And, as always, make sure to keep reading DFB for more reviews — and news — from Disney World!

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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

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Have you ever been on the Starlight Safari? Let us know in the comments!

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April 26, 2022 at 11:22 pm

I went to high school with Noah! He’s just as fun and hilarious as he is while working!

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Animal Kingdom at Night: What You Need to Know

Ever since the Animal Kingdom Park opened in 1998, guests could only enjoy the park during the day as it regularly closed at dark. Fortunately, that has now changed! On May 27 th , Animal Kingdom introduced new extended hours and rolled out a variety of new nighttime entertainment and experiences. However, it’s important to note that Animal Kingdom is a different creature at night; and its signature nighttime show, Rivers of Light , and new land, Pandora – The World of AVATAR , haven’t even made their debuts yet. So, if you’re planning a night venture to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park in the near future, here’s what you need to know…

Opt for a Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris

When Animal Kingdom first announced it was staying open after dark, it also promised a nighttime version of the park’s famous Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction, but with a constant sunset! While it sounds awesome and was highly anticipated, it has been met with criticism since it debuted. Why? The problem is that animals can’t be controlled. If they don’t want to be in view of the safari vehicles, they won’t; and while this is true of the daytime safaris as well, the animals are still often visible. This is not the case at night, even with new lighting effects.

Speaking of lighting, I can say that I was impressed with the constant sunset. While it wasn’t totally realistic, it looked fantastic and the glow and shadows from the effect looked great. I was, however, completely fooled when it came to the artificial moonlight towards the end of the safari, but it still did little to reveal the animals.

Now I’ve heard from other guests and Disney Park regulars that riding the safari around the time of the actual sunset is so much better. While each ride varies, the animals are often very active and visible. So try to experience Kilimanjaro Safaris as soon as you arrive at the park for your evening experience in order to see the animals and have the best ride possible. It’s also much more ideal for photographers who need daylight and for families with kids eager to see the wildlife.

Not Everything is Open at Night

As of right now, not everything Animal Kingdom offers during the day is available during night hours. For instance, Finding Nemo – The Musical and Flights of Wonder hold their last shows before the sun sets, so nighttime guests may not get a chance to enjoy these offerings if they don’t arrive early enough. Fortunately, the popular Festival of the Lion King show offers performances into the evening, but does stop a few hours shy of park closing.

A number of the park’s wildlife trails and exhibits are also closed for the night, such as the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia, the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Africa, and Rafiki’s Planet Watch . Finally, for those who love meeting and greeting with characters at Animal Kingdom, most character interactions currently end in the afternoon or early evening, except for Mickey and Minnie at the Adventurers Outpost. Personally, I think this will change in the near future.

Note : Animal Kingdom’s Wilderness Explorers also closes at 7:45 P.M.

Low Wait Times for Park Attractions

On May 27 th , when the park kicked off its nighttime hours, I booked a number of FastPass+ reservations in advance thinking that the wait times would be outrageous for this debut night. Halfway through the evening, I checked attraction wait times on the MyDisneyExperience app and found that most of Animal Kingdom’s attractions, with the exception of Kilimanjaro Safaris, hardly had waits at all! This pattern has somewhat continued throughout the month. Perhaps after dark is the new ideal time to take advantage of the park’s headlining attractions?

Skip The Jungle Book – Alive with Magic

Rivers of Light was intended to be the park’s signature nighttime show; but when it was delayed until later this year, Disney realized they needed something to entertain the summer crowds in the meantime. Their answer was The Jungle Book – Alive with Magic which packed in the crowds during its first night on the Discovery River. Sadly, the show hasn’t lived up to expectations and truly does look like a short-term substitute. What I suggest for guests wanting the nighttime Animal Kingdom experience is to skip the show and use that precious park time to ride Animal Kingdom attractions with minimal waits, to take in the Tree of Life projections, and just to explore the park in cooler temperatures than they would ever experience during the day.

There is No Set Schedule for the Tree of Life Awakenings

In addition to promising a nighttime show on the water and the nighttime Kilimanjaro Safaris, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park also promised special projections on its massive icon, the Tree of Life. Disney has been employing projections for sometime now, most noticeably on the Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle for its nightly Celebrate the Magic show. But trust me when I say that Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life awakenings take projection entertainment to a whole new level and just have to be seen in person!

Animal Kingdom guests should also note that there are four different mini-shows or “awakenings” projected on the Tree of Life, each lasting around three minutes. There’s also no set schedule for these mini-shows either, something I wish I had known before my first visit to Animal Kingdom at night. Also, in between showings, guests should keep their eyes on the tree. At times, an animal carving may spring to life on the Tree of Life via projection, and the effect is stunning!

Ride Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain at Night

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is one of my all-time favorite attractions; and several years ago, for special extended park hours or something like that, I had the chance to ride Expedition Everest at night in the dark!

To this day, that nighttime ride is my favorite Expedition Everest experience; and when I first heard that Animal Kingdom would be staying open at night, I couldn’t wait to enter the Forbidden Mountain after dark yet again.

I secured at FastPass+ reservation weeks in advance; but when it was time for my ride, the sun hadn’t quite set just yet. So learn from my mistake and check the time for the sunset if you too would like to experience Expedition Everest in the dark. Still, it was darker than usual when it was time for my ride; and needless to say, I was not disappointed. Expedition Everest just feels faster and scarier at night, and the dark truly compliments and even enhances the overall experience. Even if you have ridden Expedition Everest dozens of times, be sure to experience it in this new way when you visit!

There’s A LOT of New Live Entertainment

Animal Kingdom has always offered a variety of live entertainment, my favorite being the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe ; but just for the park’s new nighttime hours, Animal Kingdom has introduced a lot of new live entertainment! I’m not kidding either, there’s A LOT and you probably won’t be able see all of the acts in a single visit.

To kick off the night, Animal Kingdom has the Discovery Island Carnivale with its lively music, super colorful costumes, and the invitation to dance along with the performers. In Africa, the new Harambe Wildlife Parti offers a range of acts such as Muziki, the Harambe Village Acrobats, the Karibu Sisters, and the Harambe Soccer Meerkats! Burudika is also offered throughout the night as well.

Creature Comforts is Open Until Park Closing

Creature Comforts , otherwise known as Animal Kingdom’s Starbucks, is conveniently open until park closing. I typically head straight for Creature Comforts to caffeinate myself for the evening ahead when enjoying an evening at Animal Kingdom, but it’s truly a comfort to know that it’s open when heading for the parking lot and bus stops for a late night boost for when someone in your family is begging for a quick snack to take back to the resort room. Creature Comforts is also a prime destination for some of the park’s best cupcakes, which are already packaged to-go. How perfect is that?

If you’re planning to check out Animal Kingdom at night, these are a few things that you need to know to hopefully help you and your family maximize your park time!

Have you experienced Animal Kingdom at night yet? If so, share what you think park guests need to know in the comments!

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Savannah Sanders

Savannah has been visiting Disney World since she was a year old and has gone back almost every year since. In the real world, she teaches high school history and government and enjoys writing about all things Disney. Savannah can be reached on Twitter @DisneyParkSavvy.

10 thoughts on “ Animal Kingdom at Night: What You Need to Know ”

Does Expedition Everest operate during the Jungle Book show?

It does, and it’s a great time to ride. It was virtually a walk-on during the show.

Just a quick note, it is still light for a while after sunset. If you want to ride Expedition Everest in the dark, you should wait until around Nautical Twilight, which is currently about an hour *after* sunset at AK.

Has there been any indication about the Fall/Winter plans for the evening activities? When this was first announced I thought I read it was going to be a “permanent addition” but when I look ahead to my November/December trip the park hours show AK closing at 5:00 just as in years past? The evening hours seem to stop after the Labor Day weekend. I realize I am asking you to speculate but just wondering if you had heard anything about future hours? Thank you!

Excellent question! The upcoming park hours schedule has me puzzled as well, especially since Rivers of Light is supposed to debut later this year. My best guess is that the park may begin to only offer night hours on certain days of the week in the fall and winter, but perhaps those dates haven’t been scheduled or announced yet. I’m thinking we will hear info on this soon once the summer season gets well underway. Again, great question and thanks for commenting and I hope we will get an official answer from Disney soon!

Savannah – Thank you for your reply. Your thought about the parks only offering night hours on certain days of the week sounds likely to me too. I also thought I may not see a schedule change until Rivers of Light has actually debuted allowing Disney to not commit until it is fully up and running and have some idea of the crowds and popularity? I have also noticed that the HS schedule makes no mention of the fireworks yet for that time as well. So, I will wait patiently and keep watching for updates! Thanks again!

Hi Savannah. We plan to see the Safari on 6/28 around 7:00 PM. We had a FP @ 4:30 for Lion King, but switched it for a 7:10 Safari. Was this wise? Last visit, we got closed out of the Lion King and had to wait for the next show. Projected TP wait times for Safari are low @ 7:00 PM, but shoot up around 8:00 PM. Do you sense that Safari will be getting more crowded in the early evening now?

We got in line on 6/15 at 8:00 PM with FPP for the Safari and were on the vehicle by 8:20. It was the perfect timing to capture the sunset and lots of active animals.

I was glad we had used our other FPP beforehand, as overall lines were extremely short for everything during our evening at AK. We loved it!

So glad you enjoyed your time at Animal Kingdom and that you too took advantage of the short wait times at night! Thanks so much for commenting!

It’s hard to say because the safaris and the animal activity can be unpredictable. Sunset during this time of year occurs around 8:30 PM; but with your 7:10 PM FastPass+ time, you should be aboard your vehicle by 7:30 PM which I would think would still allow you a great experience. If you plan to spend the day at the park, I would suggest catching Festival of the Lion King during the heat of the day; but if not, there is often a show every hour in the afternoon and into the evening. I do think the safari will be become more popular in the early evening hours, but I don’t think people have learned the best times to check it out just yet with Animal Kingdom’s nighttime experiences still in their infancy. Hope this helps and I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Comments are closed.

EXPLORE 50 YEARS OF LIFE-CHANGING MEMORIES, INNOVATION AND IMPACT

Celebrating fifty years of conservation, at the san diego zoo safari park.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park was one of the boldest wildlife preservation projects in the history of the United States, and continues to positively impact conservation efforts around the world. The Park’s 1,000 acres in Escondido’s San Pasqual Valley have been expertly transformed into diverse habitats for more than 3,600 animals and over 1 million plants, while preserving an additional 800 acres as an undeveloped Biodiversity Reserve—with large expanses of coastal sage scrub vegetation at the nexus of two regionally important wildlife corridors.

May 10, 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of this awe-inspiring place, where life-changing moments are experienced every day. Celebrate with us as we look back at some of the Park’s most groundbreaking milestones, as we work toward helping to create a future where people and nature thrive.

50 YEARS OF ADVENTURE

Welcome to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where life-changing moments happen daily. Reflect on our 50th anniversary in the video below.

50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL SAFARIS AND PROGRAMS

From a stroll down memory lane to a “tasteful” fete celebrating our wild past, and even an overnight adventure, the Safari Park wants to commemorate this milestone anniversary with YOU—our guests who have been with us over the past 50 years. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the party—and part of the Safari Park’s future!

A WALK THROUGH HISTORY

ROAR & SNORE SLEEPOVERS

Foundations for a brighter future.

What started as a dream became a reality when developers broke ground and construction on the San Diego Zoo Safari Park officially kicked off in 1970. The early years proved to be a critical time for establishing the Park’s reputation as a leader in conservation around the world, as guests came face-to-face with wildlife they had never seen before.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park may be best known for its wildlife, but it’s the scientists, customer service associates, wildlife care team, grounds keepers, and more that make it one of the most awe-inspiring places in the world. Celebrate our 50th anniversary by getting to know the Faces of the Park. Click Here to Watch Video

Each decade brought new innovations, groundbreaking moments for endangered species, and life-changing memories for everyone who visited the Park. Celebrate with us as we look back at 50 incredible milestones that made the Safari Park what it is today.

1967 – 1976

Breaking ground.

1977 – 1988

Mission minded.

1989 – 2001

Conservation takes root.

2001 – 2013

Forward thinking.

2013 – 2021

Where all lives thrive.

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San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a 501(c)(3) organization

Safari West

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6 Exciting West Coast Safaris and Animal Parks for Families

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Take your next exciting adventure with kids to one of these West Coast safaris for families! For animal lovers , it doesn’t get much better than getting up-close and personal with a variety of exotic wildlife. Luckily, families living in the United States won’t have to travel very far to do so! If you have ever dreamed of feeding giraffes on a safari or driving through untouched wilderness in your own vehicle, then this list is for you! We’ve compiled this great list of the 6 U.S. West Coast Safaris and Animal Parks For Families! All of these parks also stress education and conservation, a particularly effective way to teach kids about animals and their respective habitats. Start planning a trip to one of these West Coast safaris for families to give kids the experience of a lifetime!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San diego, california.

If the San Diego Zoo is a must-see attraction in California, then its Safari Park is a big bonus. Not to mention, it is one of the best safari zoos in the United States! Here, families can immerse themselves in a hands-on safari experience via caravan truck, cart, or zip-line. Through these different vehicles, Safari Park offers experiences tailored to specific animals or habitats within one of the best safaris in California . In fact, there’s a specific caravan to educate kids on wildlife preservation! Consider booking the Cheetah Safari or the Jungle Safari. Families can also choose several different safari experiences , in admission to basic admission. Get an up-close view of Asian and African animals including giraffes, rhinos, and tigers. Or, travel to keepers-only areas in the Behind-the-Scenes safari to see how animals are cared for! This leading-edge park provides countless opportunities to further everyone’s knowledge of exotic animals.

Other Experiences in the Park

The San Diego Zoo is definitely a must-visit after touring the Safari Park . In addition to housing some of the most diverse animals worldwide, it’s also the most famous zoo in the United States! While you’re visiting the San Diego Zoo , consider checking out other family-friendly experiences in the park. Start by soaring the skies in a hot air balloon. Or, watching a coordinated animal show. Finally, kids can also ride the Africa Tram, or take a swing on the special Conversation Carousel to end their day of exploration at this wild safari park!

Safari West

Santa rosa, california.

Discover African wilderness mere miles from the heart of wine country at Safari West ! Families can traverse over 400 acres here to meet friendly rhinos, lemurs, and so many more beautiful creatures. Then, book a ride on the designated safari caravan to surround yourself with nearly 90 species, all inhabiting the Sonoma Serengeti area. Suitable for ages four and up, an expert guide will make the experience fun and educational. Safari West also aims to inspire wildlife advocates by helping protect and preserve these beautiful and often endangered creatures. Throughout your safari, you’ll notice how the park promotes conservation by encouraging kids to feel joy in witnessing nature up-close. Sit on the upper level of the truck for an even more daring experience at one of the best safari parks in California !

Safari West also offers more family-friendly opportunities to encounter animals throughout the safari animal park grounds. Additionally, you can extend your visit longer by staying overnight in a luxurious glamping tent, the ultimate getaway with kids! To get even closer to the animals, the park also offers a Behind the Scenes Wild Walk . During this experience, a guide will educate you similar to one of the caravan trips. Opportunities to “Meet a Creature,” be a “Keeper for a Day”, and take a private safari adventure are also available!

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Camp verde, arizona.

Out Of Africa’s Bush Safari offers a 30-minute narrated tour reminiscent of an authentic African safari! You’ll be shocked no passport is required to visit this tranquil Arizona oasis, nestled amongst a vast green valley. Overlooking the dramatic Mingus Mountains, the park’s mission is to create the ultimate animal adventure for all ages, where kids can actively learn and have fun doing so. As a plus, you’ll be surrounded and inspired by over 100 acres of rolling hills and exotic wildlife, some from across the world! Watch in amazement as kids spot giraffes, zebras, sable antelope, gemsbok, and so many more inhabitants of their spacious Serengeti preserve. Then, you can get even closer to the giraffes by feeding them provided treats! Protecting the animals is a priority for Out Of Africa Wildlife Park , especially those bordering on extinction.

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Out Of Africa Wildlife Park is also jam-packed with other family-friendly animal encounters! Check out the Tiger Splash show to watch two magnificent tigers play off each other in an aquatic performance. Or, have a more laid-back experience at their Sloth Encounter. Older children can also Feed A Tiger if they feel brave enough, or watch a Giant Snake Show! A Wonders of Wildlife Show is also another perfect afternoon activity for the entire family! Other excursions at this safari animal park include a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour or a Zip Line Tour.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Eatonville, washington.

Discover over 40 species of native Northwest animals at the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park ! Situated on over 400 acres of land, this wild animal park offers families a special W i ld Drive opportunity. There, you’ll be able to tour its expansive free-roaming area from the comfort of your own vehicle (just be sure to secure a timed ticket!). Encounter everything from bison, elk, and moose to bears, otters, and wolves here. Not only is it a wonderful way to introduce children to animals in their own backyard; you’ll also have a fantastic time doing it! Northwest Trek Wildlife Park also offers a Discovery Tram Tour, a unique way to explore stunning meadows or forests alongside a guide. Watch herds of Roosevelt elk, moose, bighorn sheep, caribou, and more during your 40-minute narrated tour! Finally, everything here is included with the price of admission (a great perk for large families!).

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park has plenty more opportunities to hang out with wildlife! To explore its beautiful landscapes via foot, consider taking a more specialized Animal Walking Tour. A Keeper’s Adventure Tour combines these two experiences on land and foot, definitely more ideal for active older kids. Whether toddlers or teens, however, all ages will love the chance to run about and play at the dynamic Kids’ Trek Playground , featuring jumping bridges, rope climbing, and more!

Bearizona Wildlife Park

Williams, arizona.

Make Bearizona Wildlife Park your next family-friendly animal adventure! Encompassing a gorgeous property within Arizona’s Ponderosa Pine Forest, visitors can explore 160 acres of lush habitats belonging to North American animals. You can even do it directly from your own car! Drive through the Arizona wilderness at your own pace. During this 3-mile-drive, you can see black bears, white wolves, and more unique animals along the way! Deer, bison, and caribou are also often spotted, alongside the occasional hunting jaguar! Feeling ambitious? You can climb aboard the Wild Ride Bus Tour , available four times a day on a first-come, first-serve basis. Whether you choose to venture solo or with a guide, kids will love Bearizona for its playful inhabitants, always ready to put on a smile on your face. Finally, be sure to stop by the gift shop after to purchase a memento to remember your visit!

Bearizona Wildlife Park also provides families with additional opportunities to immerse themselves in nature within the boundaries of this wild animal park. Take a walking tour to venture off-the-beaten-path and spot even more animals! Then, head to the Barnyard Petting Zoo, and little ones can feed favorite animals! If you’d prefer to come face-to-face with hawks, eagles, and other awe-inspiring birds, Bearizona Wildlife Park also offers seasonal birds of prey shows for kids of all ages!

Wildlife Safari

Winston, oregon.

Open daily, the Wildlife Safari is a non-profit organization committed to conservation, education, and animals in wide-open spaces. Featuring over 600 animals, it is also the only drive-through animal park in Oregon . Located in southern Oregon (just under three hours from Portland), your kids will adore this opportunity to see some of their favorite animals. Explore regions dedicated to Africa and North America. Animals are able to roam the 600-acre park, while your family cruises the easy-to-follow paths. While exploring the dedicated African region, search for cheetahs, ostrich, Watusi cattle, lions, zebras, and more captivating creatures. Then, in the North American-inspired area, keep an eye out for bison, elks, and bears! Kids will adore spotting their favorite creatures from the comfort of your vehicle. While searching for animals, engage them in conversations about these special creatures and the importance of the park’s conservation efforts .

While visiting this wild animal park, you can also learn about the on-site cheetah breeding facility and get up close and personal with some of the locals. For an additional fee, feed red pandas, encounter hippos, and feed giraffes, or engage in other animal encounters. After driving around the property, treat kids to a village train tour, starting at on-site the train station (available in spring and summer months only). Then, be sure to pack a few quarters so kids can feed the koi fish too! Afterward, head to the Wells Fargo Australian Walkabout. Here, you can meander an aviary in search of the resident kookaburra. Finally, there is a petting zoo, on-site cafe, and gift shop available.

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No matter where you choose to visit in the United States, we know many families love adding animal adventures to their itineraries. No matter what you’re looking for, from caravan to walking tours, you are sure to find the perfect match among these West Coast Safaris and Animal Parks for families !

As always, this article featuring  6 Exciting West Coast Safaris and Animal Parks in for Families  would not have been as helpful, informed, or family-friendly without the contributions and input from the amazing members of our Facebook group,  Families Who Love To Travel ! For more travel recommendations on wild safari parks and other types of animal encounters, join us on Facebook at  Families Who Love To Travel . It’s a community of dynamic families who love to adventure and explore through travel. Plus, follow us on Instagram ( @families.love.travel ) to connect with other families who love the unique experiences travel has to offer – and to get sneak peeks of upcoming articles!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the locations in this article featuring the best West Coast safaris for families may be temporarily closed or may have reduced services. Please ensure availability before making your decision.

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community. 

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Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

As the sun sets, the savanna awakens.

Witness the wild as it comes to life on an after-dark safari tour of Disney’s African savannas and wildlife! This popular, nighttime expedition is open to all Guests at Walt Disney World Resort.

Climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle and feel the rush of night air as you rumble through lush scenery, scanning the horizon for over 30 species of African wildlife!

The Nightlife of Wildlife To make the most of your animal-viewing extravaganza, Guests will be provided with a night vision device! You’ll be astounded by what you can see: zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and antelopes—plus ostriches and over 20 other exotic African species that freely roam across the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge .

Reservations and Important Details Reservations can be made on this page or in the My Disney Experience app .

This nighttime tour lasts approximately one hour. It’s available exclusively to Guests 8 years of age or older. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult who is 18 years of age or older.

Know Before You Go

• Warning: This experience features a ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna. For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.
• Late arrivals after the start of the tour will not be accommodated.
• Check in at the porte-cochere at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Valid photo ID will be required to check in.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.
• Guests must be at least 8 years of age to participate in Starlight Safari, and Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
• Guests using an ECV must leave their mobility devices behind at the Resort. They will retrieve them upon conclusion of the tour. This experience requires Guests in ECVs to transfer into an available wheelchair in order to participate in the tour.
• Nontransferable wheelchair Guests may remain in their wheelchair throughout this experience, however due to limited capacity on board the safari vehicle, all accommodation requests must be confirmed by calling (407) 939-5277.
• While safari vehicles are equipped for rain and wet terrain, experiences may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
• All aspects of the tour are subject to change without notice.
• Starlight Safari is a night experience, and Guests are responsible for transportation to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village.
• Allow up to 1.5 hours to travel to your destination within Walt Disney World Resort.

Related Activities

Savor the savanna, safety, accessibility and guest policies, make a reservation, times for starlight safari at disney's animal kingdom lodge.

• Kruger Park Game Drives
• Guided Kruger Night Safari

Kruger Park Night Safari South Africa

What to Expect

An exciting opportunity and absolute must for those with a spirit of adventure is a Kruger Park night game drive! Experience the sounds of the African bush with bright stars in the Kruger night sky above you and a great range of spectacular African wildlife around you. A lot of animals laze around during the day and start getting active after sunset.

Don't miss the chance to spot Lion and other nocturnal species hunting at night .

Pick Up and Schedule for Kruger Park Night Game Drives

Your ranger will collect you from your accommodation near Kruger National Park at 4:30pm. Night game-drives in Kruger Park normally start in the late afternoon, around 17:00, and end in the late evening, around 20:00. Please note that these times act as a guideline only.

The moment you enter the gate, your exciting game-viewing experience begins. Spot some more active Hippo and Rhino, running Zebra, Wildebeest and Giraffe or even a Lion on the hunt.

What to Bring

• Neutral colored clothing, long sleeved shirts
• Sun block or sunscreen (as the afternoon is still intense)
• Insect repellent
• Special medication if needed
• Jersey or light jacket and hat
• Spirit of adventure
• Camera, binoculars
• Entrance fee
• Mineral water
• Food and Drinks
• Conservation Fees

Please Note

This night safari in Kruger National Park only runs for groups of a minimum of 6 people sharing.

Kruger Park Game Viewing Activities

• Customer Support
• Tel: +27 21 424 1037
• Fax: +27 21 424 1036
• Contact by Mail
• Business Hours
• Mon - Fri. 08:00 - 17:00
• Saturday. 08:00 - 12:00
• Reservations and Booking
• Booking Conditions
• Visa and Passport
• About Siyabona Africa (Pty) Ltd
• Most Popular Pages
• Closest Hotels to Kruger Park
• Hot Air Ballooning
• Kids on Safari
• The Elephant Sanctuary
• Kruger Night Safari
• Big Five Wildlife Safari
• Panorama Route and Kruger
• Accommodation Near Kruger Guide
• Game Reserves
• Balule Game Reserve
• Manyeleti Game Reserve
• Sabi Sand Game Reserve
• Thornybush Game Reserve
• Timbavati Game Reserve
• Near Kruger National Park
• Private Game Reserves
• Birding in Kruger Park
• Kruger National Park

• More Animals
• Jungle Hopper Legend
• Elephant Safari
• Night Safari
• Feed the Predator
• Jeep 4 x 4 safari
• Water Play & Fun Zone
• Varuna Underwater Dining
• SAFARI HOTEL
• Park Activities
• Restaurants
• Shuttle Service
• Safari Wonders
• WEDDING & FUNCTIONS
• CONSERVATION

The Night Safari Package

Enjoy Bali’s best safari experience in the dark. This mesmerizing Night Safari Package is available every day! From witnessing zebras, elephants, and giraffes interacting with each other. Don't miss the opportunity to watch the king of the jungle  and  fierce tigers roaming freely and approaching you as they please. Your evening is guaranteed to be filled with many exciting moments! Night Safari in Taman Safari Bali is a close-range wildlife experience where you will practically feel the tigers breathing next to your cheek. Get your tickets now!

Night Safari Package

Inclusions:

• Walking Safari
• Welcome Drink
• Night Safari Journey (1x)
• The Rhythm of African Fire Dance Show
• Animal Encounter
• Tax included
• Valid after 6 PM

Starting from: IDR 880.000 /person

*note: the activities schedules are subject to change or cancellation due to weather circumstances and on the condition of our animals..

Description:

Satisfy your senses with the unforgettable experience of a nighttime adventure in the wilderness.

A specially designed caged tram will take you on a journey where you will get to witness and hand-feed animals at a close range!

See our Fire Show, and enjoy a BBQ dinner, with our unique shows included, you will experience a true natural wildlife encounter.

Night Safari Premium

If you would like to experience sophisticated; more intimate and incredible dinner, while surround yourself with tiger. You can have Night Safari Premium. An incredible night at Ranthambore.

Additional Information:

• Walking Safari close at 7.15 PM
• Ticketing Counter close at 8 PM

You will see...

Night Safari Experience

Meet all our animals

We have hundreds of animals in our park from over 100 species, including some of the rarest and endangered.

Not only are we one of the leading wildlife conservations in Indonesia, we are devoted to caring for the animals in our own safari. We ensure the highest standards of wellbeing is given to all our animals.

Browse below to see the animals that we have given a loving home to.

The world's largest land mammals gather in groups and are led by females! It requires them to drink 150 litres of water per day to quench their thirst.

Lions are the second largest cats in the world after the tiger and can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa (West African Lion) and in western India (Asiatic Lion). They live [...]

The word rhinoceros is derived through Latin from the Ancient Greek: which is composed of rhino, "nose" and keras, "horn". There are five living species of Rhinoceros. The two African [...]

The third largest mammals on land are the hippopotamus. These animals can weigh up to 2000 kg. The common hippopotamus lives near rivers, lakes and mangrove swamps. During the day, [...]

Tigers are as majestic as they appear. The tiger is the largest member of the "big cat" species, as they can weigh up to 350kg. There are 6 subspecies of [...]