safari west napa

Safari West Animal Park: Africa in Napa Valley

If you've ever wanted to rest in the lap of luxury while surrounded by nature in Napa Valley , Safari West Animal Park may be just the right place for you. Safari West is home to more than 800 wild animals, but it's not a zoo. Instead, the 400-acre wildlife preserve in Sonoma County is part bed and breakfast and part safari adventure. It's closer to home (for most of us) than Africa, located between Santa Rosa and Calistoga, just north of Napa Valley.

You can stay overnight in their luxury tent cabins or take one of their guided tours. It's a fun experience for families and for anyone who loves to see wild animals. You even can sip champagne with giraffes and go on safari under the warm California sun.

Wildlife Tours

Safari West's jeep tours are open to the public, even if you aren't staying overnight. If you're visiting Napa Valley for a weekend, think about taking a break from the wineries to tour, as Safari West puts it, "the spirit of Africa in the heart of wine country."

You can take a three-hour Safari Adventure. You may see zebras, blue wildebeest, cape buffalo, watusi cattle, and kudu. These are only a few of the more than 800 animals that live on the Sonoma Serengeti at Safari West. In addition to their standard tours, Safari West also offers private tours and themed tours, including a Valentine's Day tour that focuses on the mating habits of the animals, as well as more traditional photo safaris and sunset safaris.

For the classic adventure tour, children must be at least 4 years old. Toddlers under the age of 4 can join their party on the walking portion of the tour only.

Staying Overnight

Safari West is open for overnight stays March through December. They offer a few styles of luxury tents and serve breakfast. A night at Safari West will cost about as much as a luxury hotel in nearby Calistoga, but on selected dates, they offer discounted rates, which are listed on their website .

The accommodations are "glamping" (glamorous camping) at its best, with plush beds, hot showers, polished wood floors, copper basins in the private bathrooms, and one-of-a kind hand hewn furniture. It's the perfect destination for families looking for a bit of adventure and luxury, and friends who want to escape into the wilderness, but want to have a porcelain throne nearby.

Children of all ages are welcome. If they're less than two years old, there's no additional charge for them to stay. Visit Safari West for a memorable birthday celebration or just to treat your family to the real inspiration behind the neighborhood jungle gym.

Necessary Information

Tours are given daily. Reservations are required for both overnight stays and safari tours. Visit the Safari West website for more information.

For both your pet's safety and that of the animals, no pets are allowed at Safari West at any time. Service animals aren't allowed on the Safari Tour and they can't stay behind in your private vehicle while you go without them, but there is a crate available to kennel your service animal while you're on tour. Contact Safari West ahead of time to make arrangements.

Travel Tips

Location: Even though Safari West's address says Santa Rosa, they're actually closer to Calistoga. You can get there from either town.

Napa With Kids: Napa Valley can be kid-friendly, especially with places like Safari West and kid-friendly wineries . Although your little ones shouldn't have any trouble staying interested while at the park, it may be fun to create a scavenger hunt for them to play with during the wildlife tours. Enjoy your trip to the park and surrounding areas with this guide to a family vacation in Napa Valley .

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Safari West

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(707) 579-2551
3115 Porter Creek Road, Calistoga CA 95404

At A Glance

Things To Do

Safari West 3115 Porter Creek Road, Calistoga CA 95404 (707) 579-2551 | (800) 616-2695 (toll free) Visit Website [email protected]

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Safari west, ca.

Safari West is not a zoo – it is a deluxe African tent camp within a safari park. All tours are by appointment only. The general tour takes about 2.5 hour tours. A 90-minute walking tour, a Sunset Safari tour and Holiday tours are also offered.

This preserve opened in 1978 as a private facility and later opened to the public. Safari West is one of only six private facilities in North America belonging to The American Zoo & Aquarium Association.

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Safari West

View prices for your travel dates

Excellent 149
Very Good 51
All languages ( 213 )
English ( 211 )
French ( 1 )
Japanese ( 1 )

" Plan in advance and prepay. The experience can be pricey for a family but with far advance planning it can be more manageable. Worth it. "

" best views will be slightly higher elevation (but walkable) "

" In the summer it might get pretty hot… I’d bring water. Steps provided to get in/out. "

" Tuck the clothes you are going to wear the next morning under the blankets. They will be nice and warm in the morning. Trust me on this! "

" We felt that Cabin #18 was the best one to get. #19 and #20 are in the same area and are also very good "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

SAFARI WEST - Prices & Campground Reviews (Santa Rosa, CA - Sonoma County)

Safari West

Giraffes in Wine Country? Whadya know. Safari West sprawls over 400 acres and hosts wildebeests, zebras, cheetahs and other exotic animals, which mostly roam free. See them on a guided 2½-hour safari in open-sided jeeps, which also includes a 30-minute hike; reservations required, no kids under four (unless you book a private wagon).

Those feeling adventurous can stay overnight in nifty canvas-sided tent cabins (including breakfast $260 to $475) inside the preserve. While the fires did some damage to the countryside around here and you will still see some burned areas, the animals are just fine and operations are back to normal.

3115 Porter Creek Rd

Get In Touch

707-579-2551

https://www.safariwest.com

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Safari West

Spend the night in Safari West luxury tents which are imported from Africa and are built on high wooden platforms with spacious decks. Pale green canvas walls enclose plush beds, hot showers and rustic but elegant trappings. There are polished wood floors, gleaming copper basins in the private bathrooms and one-of-a kind hand hewn furniture. Safari West luxury tents provide glam-camping at its finest! A continental breakfast is included.

Guests of Safari West can dine indoors in the Elephant Room or the Savannah Café where you’ll dine surrounded by African murals and artifacts. Or you may prefer to sit outdoors on the veranda with its African “Moto” (fire pit), custom-made wooden tables, and vine-covered arbors while overlooking the Sonoma Savannah.

Guests may enjoy carefully chosen California wines featuring both Sonoma and Napa Counties and selected South African wines and fine ports. Also featuring a variety of brews from local Sonoma County and California’s best breweries and selected South African beers.

Website: Book Now
Phone: (800) 616-2695
Business Address: 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, 95404

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Fun Things To Do in Cities Around the World

Go on an African Safari in the heart of California’s Wine Country @ Safari West Wildlife Preserve

Safari west animals & tours.

You don’t have to travel all the way to Africa to go on an an exciting Safari adventure. Safari West – a stunning wildlife preserve – is nestled on 400 acres in the heart of California’s Sonoma Wine Country. The stunning wildlife preserve is home to over 400 exotic African mammals. We saw more giraffes here than we’ve ever seen in one place before. And bird-watchers will love seeing so many birds from around the world.

Bring out the kid in you and get an up-close view of these magnificent creatures in the natural habitat and see for yourself what makes Safari West one of the Santa Rosa’s most popular attractions. Visited by over 60,000 people every year, the wildlife preserve is fun for kids and big kids too. During your visit, expect to see everything from zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, lemurs, antelopes, white rhinos and monkeys, to desert turtles, flamingos, swans, macaws… and a whole lot more!

Note: The animals may touch you but you are not allowed to touch them. Expect to see over 90 species of animals and up to 900 individual animals on the tour.

Open-air safari jeeps have covered tops and open sides. Everyone gets a great view of the animals. Our jeep had three rows of bench seating and a raised area on top that seated up to four people. During the tour, our guide rotated the group so that anyone who wanted to sit on the top could get a chance to do so. There are seat belts on the top seating bench only. Tours can be quite bumpy as they pass over miles rugged terrain in the beautiful wildlife preserve – there’s so much to see at every turn.

Private Safaris & Private Animal Encounters

A selection of Private Safaris are also available if you’re looking for a more personal touch. Private Safaris include your own vehicle and Safari West guide. Private Animal Encounters such as Behind-the-Scenes Tours are also available by advanced reservation only.

Glamping in a Luxury Safari Tent

Safari West makes a great day trip or an overnight “glamping” stay (glamorous camping) in a Luxury Safari Tent. Each tent features a private viewing deck, en-suite bathroom and hardwood floors. Fall asleep and wake up to the sounds of Safari wildlife. We really felt like we were in Africa! Overnight guests enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast.

Savannah Cafe

Enjoy a delicious lunch and/or dinner at the Savannah Cafe. We loved their BBQ dishes! It’s a fun place to have a beer or a glass of wine and meet other Safari West guests.

What To Bring

Wear comfortable, casual clothing. Bring layers. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and bottled water. Temperatures can be high during Summer months. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars if you have one. Also, if you’re planning on staying overnight, bring a flashlight (it’s helpful in finding your way back to your tent at night). Our iPhones came in handy for taking pictures, videos and using the flashlight.

Directions & Reservations

It’s hard to believe that Safari West is only 75 miles north (about a 90-minute drive) from the bustling city of San Francisco. Be sure to call ahead to make your reservations. No pets are allowed.

Note: Peak season is April-August.

Google Map of Safari West

More Info on Safari West

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Safari West

The sheer amount of African wildlife at this park will amaze even seasoned safari-goers. Giraffes, rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, bongos and other incredible animals roam rolling hills and woodlands in this expansive park, a 1½-hour drive north of San Francisco. Dozens of birds also call the park home, including cranes, flamingos, ostriches, and storks. Guests board small vehicles to tour the park with informative guides, and you really don’t know what will be around the next corner. Visitors of all ages also enjoy closer encounters with some of the park’s animals. For an unforgettable experience (families welcome), consider an overnight stay in an ultra-tricked-up safari-style tent, with plush beds, private bathrooms, and a natural soundtrack outside that’s straight out of the Serengeti.

Editor’s note: Due to road closures related to the wine country wildfires of 2017, Safari West is closed until Nov. 20. Its overnight camps will re-open in March 2018.

Safari West African Safaris & Pricing - Safa

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Safari West: An African Safari Experience in Sonoma California

Last updated: June 11, 2019 - Written by Jessica Norah 17 Comments

I was really surprised to learn that there was an African wildlife preserve called Safari West located only 75 miles north of San Francisco. Safari West is a 400-acre wildlife preserve containing over 100 species and over 700 individual animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, flamingoes, rhinos, cape buffalo, lemurs, and wildebeest.

Opened in 1993 by Peter and Nancy Lang, Safari West strives to promote wildlife advocacy and conservation through breeding, education, research and public interaction. The preserve shares similar environmental features to an African savanna and guests can take open-air guided wildlife safari drives to see many of the animals roaming the expansive property.

The smaller animals are kept in enclosures that are reachable by a walkway and you can also visit the open-air aviary containing all sorts of exotic birds. Guests can even stay overnight here and see and hear many of the animals in the evening once the daytime crowds leave.

After hearing about Safari West, I had to visit and so I took Ethan here as a surprise birthday trip back in October. We had just recently returned from East Africa and wanted to see how it compared to our time in Tanzania and Kenya over the summer. We’ll share all the details you need to plan your own trip to Safari West as well as share our experience doing the safari drive and staying overnight!

Table of Contents:

Basic Information on Safari West

Getting there.

Safari West is located in Santa Rosa, CA within Sonoma County about 75 miles north of San Francisco.

There is a local small airport called the Sonoma County Airport, which is about a 10 minute drive from Safari West. The closest major airports are San Francisco International Airport (86 miles, approximately 1 hour and 35 minute drive) and Oakland International Airport (80 miles, approximately 1 hours, 30 minute drive).

The best way to reach Safari West is by car or taxi.

The official address is 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. However, you should note that the actual guest entrance is on Franz Valley Road.

You should be able to follow signs to the entrance once you are close. GPS systems can get confused here so ignore your GPS if it wants you to make a turn onto Loch Haven Road.

Phone Number?

You can call Safari West at +1 (707) 579-2551 -or- 1 (800) 616-2695

Safari Tour Options & Prices?

The regular safari group tours are about 3 hours in length and include both a walking portion (30 to 45 minutes) and an open-air drive portion (up to 2.5 hours long).

They range in price depending on the time of year but as of June 2019, the Adult tickets (age 18 to 61) range from $83.00 to $115.00, Seniors (age 62+) from $80 to $100, Teens (13 to 17) $80 to $100 and children (3-12 years of age) are $45 to $50. Groups of 20 persons or more can receive a discounted group rate, and children under 4 years of age CANNOT be taken on this tour.

In addition to the regular group safari tours, Safari West also offers private and custom safari tours, tours that are more scientific and focused on biology and evolution, and private animal encounters. Speciality custom private tours can also include beer or wine tasting during the tour.

The private behind the scenes encounters include things like feeding the animals, having a private animal presentation of smaller animals, getting to visit the cheetah barn, and playing zookeeper for a day.

Reservations are necessary to visit Safari West and reservations for tours, lodging, and other options can be made by phone (1-800-616-2695) or online through the Safari West website . Booking for the safari tours can also be made online via Viator here .

Food options at Safari West?

There are a couple of food options at Safari West so you won’t go hungry or thirsty during your visit. Delilah’s Snack Shop is open during the summer and on select winter days in case you need a quick pick-me-up of pre-made sandwiches, granola bars, muffins, chips, ice cream, and other snacks, as well as a variety of beverage options, including soft drinks, coffee, wine, and beer.

For those wanting a full hot meal, Safari West’s Savannah Café provides ranch style BBQ lunches and dinners that are inspired by the South African Braai. Guests can dine indoors in the café area or Elephant Room where you’ll dine surrounded by African murals and artifacts, or outdoors on tables or benches near the fire pit. There is a small bar area selling wine, beer, and port.

If you spend the night at Safari West, a complimentary breakfast is served at the Savannah Café.

NOTE: Meals at the Savannah Café are by reservation only so please be sure to reserve prior to your visit if you would like to eat lunch or dinner here during your visit.

Staying Overnight at Safari West?

You can also extend your safari experience by spending the night in one of Safari West’s 30 luxury tents. These tents were imported from Africa and sit on wooden platforms with decks and include a regular bed and private bathrooms.

T ent cabins are set up with a King bed, Double bed, or Family style with bunks and futons available for children. Rates are based on double occupancy and are seasonal and range from $300 to $400 per night, depending on season and location. Each additional guest is $25 plus tax. There is also a cottage available for up to 6 guests for $350 to $400 per night.

A continental breakfast at Savannah Café is included for those guests staying overnight.

All overnight lodging and meals must be booked in advance of your visit.

Lodging Options near Safari West?

If you are not lodging overnight at Safari West, we recommend considering spending the night in nearby Santa Rosa which is about a 20 minute drive from Safari West.

Santa Rosa offers a number of lodging options from budget motels to luxury hotels. A few options to consider in Santa Rosa:

Hotel La Rose – A 3-star hotel located in a historical building on Historic Railroad Square in downtown Santa Rosa that offers comfortable rooms, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Good location for those wanting to explore Santa Rosa downtown area on foot.
My Big Art Project – If you are looking for a quirky but cozy bed-and-breakfast option, you might give this one a try. It offers comfortable rooms in the house of a local artist with lots of art displayed in the rooms and includes a vegetarian continental breakfast. Within walking distance of downtown area.
Vintners Inn – A 4-star luxury hotel which offers lots of amenities, including free bottle of wine upon arrival, a private balcony or patio in every room, on-site spa, and an on-site restaurant and bar. Great spot for couples looking for a romantic stay.
America’s Best Value Inn – A basic budget option in Santa Rosa offering free parking, a 24 hour desk, and continental breakfast. Good option for those traveling on a budget.

Accessibility at Safari West?

Safari West strives to make the experience as accessible as possible. If you or a member of your travel group have special needs due to mobility or sensory issues, contact Safari West in advance to see if they can accommodate you.

The classic safari vehicles are not ADA accessible and unfortunately are not equipped to handle wheelchairs or other mobility assisting devices. However, if scooter or wheelchair users can safely transfer themselves unaided or with the assistance of a travel companion, the Classic Safari Tour is an option.

The vehicle that was previously used for wheelchair users on the safari tours was destroyed in the California wildfires in October 2017, but Safari West is looking to get a replacement. Two of the overnight tents are wheelchair accessible.

Need more Information about Safari West or Sonoma County?

If you have further questions about the Safari West Wildlife Preserve and African Tent Camp, you can visit the Safari West official website . You can also call them or email them: [email protected] (general inquiries) or [email protected] (reservation inquiries).

It should also be noted that Safari West has full accreditation in the American Zoo and Aquarium Association .

You can also find more information about planning your stay in Santa Rosa through the Santa Rosa Convention & Visitors Bureau official tourism website and the larger Sonoma area through the Sonoma County Tourism bureau website .

If you are traveling elsewhere in northern California, you might want to check out our planning guide to the Pacific Coast Highway , things to do in Napa Valley , and things to do in Redding California .

Our Visit to Safari West Wildlife Preserve and African Tent Camp

We drove up to Safari West on a weekday afternoon from our home in the San Francisco Bay area to be on time for an afternoon classic safari tour. Ethan was driving but didn’t know where we were heading as the booking was a birthday surprise. Safari West is located near a lot of vineyards and farms, so once we got near Santa Rosa, Ethan was convinced we were going wine tasting and to stay in some sort of bed-and-breakfast.

When we pulled up at Safari West, he was really surprised that it was a wildlife preserve. He was even more shocked once he learned about how large the property was and that we were actually going to go out on a drive and stay overnight as his first impression was that it was a petting zoo.

I was quite delighted to see a large cage of Traveta weavers near the entrance to the main office. These East African birds are notable for their golden color, loud noises, and intricately weaved nests and I kept missing the opportunities to see these birds and their nests while in Africa.

If you’ve been following the blog, you know that Ethan and I were in East Africa for almost a month this summer, with most of that time spent in Tanzania . It was pretty amazing to have missed these little birds in Tanzania, but we got the chance to see them up close in California! A good start to our stay.

The Safari Tour at Safari West

Most visitors take the Classic Safari group tour, which is what we took and it includes a walking portion and then a longer open-air drive part. The total time of the tour is 2.5 to 3 hours. We met our guide and were part of a group of about 10 people. The guide was very amiable and provided information on the primary animals and also about some of the staff’s caretaking duties as well as some of the conservation efforts.

Some of the highlights were the cats (cheetah, serval, and caracal), the primates (especially as there was one very rambunctious baby Patas monkey bouncing around), the lumbering porcupine, and the bird aviary. It was interesting to see black-and-white colobus monkeys here as we had seen them high up in the treetops at the very beginning of our Mt. Kilimanjaro trek in Tanzania.

You’ll see a lot of different bird species, some are just roaming freely like the guinea fowl, cranes, swans, ducks, and flamingoes and some are in the aviary and other enclosures.

Within the aviary, we were greeted by a very social demoiselle crane who apparently often acts as a guide to groups entering her aviary. While in the aviary, be sure to also look for other non-feathered critters such as the tortoises and blue duikers (cute little deer-like animals).

We did not go past the lemurs or some of the other birds closer to the entrance during the walking tour, so be sure to go check them out before or after your tour. The lemurs are very fun to watch.

After the walking tour, we took a 10-minute break and then got into a waiting safari jeep vehicle. Most of the other members of our group were older and no one else wanted to climb into the upper level seat so Ethan and I got to spend the entire ride here. Sitting on the top is obviously a better viewing spot, especially for the giraffes, but it is bumpier up here. Normally the driver will stop and have people switch spots during the tour so everyone can sit on the top if they wish.

The first stops were to see some of the antelopes and the crowd-pleasing giraffes. The giraffes tend to be very curious and you’re likely to get very close, which made Ethan happy as these are his favorite animals.

My favorite stop was to see the southern white rhinos as we had not gotten an opportunity to see a rhino up close on our trip to Africa (the black rhino found in eastern and central Africa are sadly critically endangered) and it was great to see these amazing prehistoric-animals. I was pleased the guide took a few minutes to explain the plight of all rhinos in Africa due to poaching for their horns.

We covered a lot of ground, stopping whenever we saw some new animals, with some of the remaining highlights including the zebra, cape buffalo, kudu, sables, and wildebeest.

Our guide/driver was very willing to answer questions from us and the other guests and it was interesting to see some of the same animals we had seen on safari in Africa as well as getting to see some new species. It was not exactly like our safari experience in Africa, but it was a good experience and definitely gives visitors a taste of what it would be like to be on safari in Africa.

So while you will see the smaller animals on the first part of the walking tour with the guide, the great part is that if you book a tour you can also return to see the animals after your tour at your own pace. This includes the cheetahs, monkeys, lemurs, porcupines, birds, etc.

One of my favorite animal experiences was getting a cup of tea and taking a quiet walk after dinner along the path and watching the animals. Many of the animals were busy playing, feeding, and jumping around their enclosure now that the heat and crowds had gone. We had the path mainly to ourselves and it was really magical to walk around and hear the animals at night.

One benefit of spending the night is being able to have more time with the smaller animals. We also walked around a bit in the morning after breakfast and this is also a great time to see the animals being active with few people around.

Our Dining Experience at Safari West

During our visit, we had both dinner and the complimentary breakfast at the Savannah Café. The first part of the dinner was self-service hot and cold appetizers which included chicken wings, tomatoes and cheese, fruit, and olives which was served inside the Savannah Café. This gave guests some time to mingle while the staff was setting up the dinner buffet outside and grilling the meats over the fire pit.

Several of the guests purchased local Napa or Sonoma wines that are available by the glass or bottle along with South African wines, port, and beer. So lots of folks were sharing bottles and having pre-dinner drinks together.

The main part of the meal was served buffet style outside with soup, your choice of grilled meat, grilled vegetables, beans, and mashed potatoes. All the food was good and hearty, but it is pretty casual grilled food so if you are looking for more gourmet dining, I would eat elsewhere in Sonoma.

We were also given dessert after our meals, which happened to be cake which was a perfect treat to celebrate Ethan’s birthday! But perhaps the best part was that later in the evening the staff brought out marshmallows that could be roasted over the fire pit! I love toasted marshmallows so I ate these until I started to feel a little sick.

The next morning, the breakfast was a self-service continental buffet that contained the regular staples of pastries, breads, fruit, cereals, and drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa).

Sleeping Overnight at Safari West

We stayed in a Hillside King tent overlooking the lake. The luxury tents have walls made of pale green canvas and are built on high wooden platforms with wooden decks attached. When we walked inside the tent, we could see we would not be roughing it like in regular camping but this was clearly glamping.

Our tent had a plush king-sized bed, polished wood floor, lamps, desk and chair, floor heater, and several decorations from Africa. The bathroom had a flush toilet, hot shower, toiletries, and gleaming copper sinks. The wooden deck was spacious with a table and chairs that overlooked the lake and a cooler to store drinks and snacks. We were very comfortable here and slept well; it did remind of some of the luxury tents we had stayed in while on safari in Africa.

Note that the tents do not have wireless Internet and many people do not have cellular phone service in parts of Safari West, depending on your carrier. A good reason to plan to take a technological break for a day.

Please also keep in mind that Safari West is a wildlife preserve and like in African camps, you can hear the animals at night. We barely heard the animals from our particular tent, but the tents close to the flamingos and cranes can get a lot of noise from the birds. I never knew flamingoes were so loud, but the flamingos and the cranes were pretty vocal at night during our stay so you might want to be closer or further away from these critters depending on your sleeping preferences.

If you can sleep with a bit of noise, it can be a unique experience to fall asleep to the sounds of birds, monkeys, antelopes, and other wildlife.

Our Overall Thoughts on Safari West

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Safari West and it made for a great overnight stay from the San Francisco Bay area. I think that staying overnight made the visit particularly memorable as we got to spend a lot more time wandering around and seeing and hearing the animals. Having the opportunity to see the animals early in the morning and late at night was really great.

I think a visit to Safari West would make a nice break in a Sonoma wine tasting trip, especially for families. A safari tour here allows visitors to get a taste of what it would be like to take an African safari, or in our case it was a great way to relive some of the great memories of our trip to East Africa.

We experienced great service throughout our stay, and would definitely recommend Safari West for visitors wanting to get a little wild while visiting Sonoma Wine Country!

Safari West safari wildlife tours Sonoma

Would you visit Safari West if you were in the area? Have questions for us about our time at Safari West, or comments from your own visit? As always we welcome any comments or questions!

**Disclosure: We were offered a complimentary safari tour and stay in order to review Safari West and its services; however, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. We paid for our own food during our visit.**

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Joan Barker Post author

February 15, 2016 at 10:59 pm

I am attempting to make a wall quilt. I wanted to use one of my images from my trip to Safari West. However, I have lost all of my photos. Would you mind if I used one of your giraffe photos?

Joan Barker

travelcats Post author

February 16, 2016 at 4:03 am

Hi Joan, I am sorry to hear that you lost your photos from Safari West! Sure, I am happy to send you one of your photos for your wall quilt. Just email me at [email protected] and let me know if you have a specific giraffe photo in mind and I’ll send it via email. ~ Jessica

Kelley Post author

May 9, 2015 at 9:53 am

We are planning to book a safari and overnight in June for my son’s birthday because he is a huge animal lover. Is there a tour time you would recommend to see the most animal activity? Any recommendations of which area to stay in…we have our choice of hillside or base camp? We are looking for the area where we can see the most animals from our tent. Thanks!!

May 10, 2015 at 12:25 am

I would probably just book the regular safari group tour at Safari West as the walking part takes you along all the smaller animals in the pens/enclosures and then the drive takes you around all the main fenced areas where the larger animals roam. Then your family can stroll and see all the animals outside the enclosures at any time if you are staying overnight. If once you are there, you are still wanting more, you can inquire about booking a private animal encounter and see what is available but these are pretty expensive. I would recommend a tent near the antelope & giraffe enclosures and bird ponds (I think this is called Antelope Alley) if you want to be more likely to hear and see some of the animals. I would specifically note that you have a preference for a tent near the animals when booking. Mainly the birds are active at night, but you can see the antelopes, birds, and giraffes during the day from this area. Good luck and I am sure your son will enjoy his birthday at Safari West! ~ Jessica

AwesomelyOZ Post author

April 10, 2015 at 7:46 pm

A true Safari in Califrornia!? No way!? That’s so awesome! I want to go to California hopefully next year so this is a great thing to keep in mind. 🙂 I love how you and Ethan are wearing Independent Cat Travel shirts – that’s just precious! 🙂 Great photos, love seeing all the animals and it’s good to know they have an overnight option for the full experience. Have a great weekend Jessica and thanks for sharing!! Take Care -Iva

April 23, 2015 at 9:05 pm

I hope you make it to California next year – there are sooo many great places that you could put on your itinerary! Yes, aren’t those t-shirts cool:)

casacaudill Post author

April 9, 2015 at 9:19 pm

We spent the day at Safari West last month but because it was a last minute trip, we didn’t get a chance to stay overnight. How loud were the animals in the morning? 🙂

April 10, 2015 at 9:40 am

Hi there, we barely heard the animals from our tent (a Hillside King) up above the lake. We did hear a little noise from the ducks and geese on the lake in the morning. But the people right across from the flamingo ponds and giraffe/antelope enclosures could really hear the animals (particularly the birds) in the evening. I never knew that flamingoes and cranes could make so much noise! The sounds are muffled by the canvas but you’ll definitely hear them. So if you want to avoid much of the noise, I would specifically ask for a tent away from the birds and let them know that you are sensitive to noise. If you want to be lulled to sleep by the animal noises ask for a tent near the birds and giraffes:)

Enjoy! Jessica

April 10, 2015 at 10:05 am

Those flamingoes were surprisingly chatty when we arrived first thing in the morning!

Megan | Traveling Nine to Fiver Post author

April 8, 2015 at 6:36 pm

Thank you for sharing. I live just over in Sacramento and have been hearing a lot about Safari West and have been curious if the overnight stay is worth a trip. Sounds like you had a great time. I’m curious, have you been down to the San Diego Wild Animal park, does it compare? That is my judge for any wildlife trip.

April 10, 2015 at 9:33 am

Hi Megan, I have not been to the San Diego Safari Park but it does look similar to the African portion of that park as it specializes in African species primarily. It also does not have some of species that San Diego does, such as the lions and elephants. So I think if you have been to that park, this one would probably not be worth the trip up north unless you were in the area. It is amazing that California has more than one of these safari type parks!

Meredith Post author

April 8, 2015 at 1:03 pm

Wow what a great find! It seems especially rare to find a wildlife preserve of this size in the U.S., but especially with such variety and amenities. I think staying overnight would be particularly fun!

April 23, 2015 at 9:04 pm

Hi Meredith, yes, I think staying overnight definitely enhanced our experience here!

Seana Turner Post author

April 8, 2015 at 6:09 am

I would definitely visit this place. I need to remember this post because I’d love to do another wine country trip. I’ve never been to Africa, and since I”m not terribly adventuresome, I think this might be just the right amount of “roughing it” for me:) I had no idea this existed!!

Yes, I think a place like Safari West is great for those who would love to experience an African safari closer to home. It is amazing how many people keep saying how they never heard about this place in Sonoma County even though they’ve been or lived there!

Eden Post author

April 7, 2015 at 12:06 pm

Wow, I had no idea this existed in California, definitely need to go back and visit here someday. Your photos are beautiful by the way 🙂

April 23, 2015 at 9:00 pm

Thanks Eden! Yes, we are lucky to have so many attractions that keep up so busy exploring!

Safari West: Glamping in the Sonoma Serengeti

S afari West is known as the "Sonoma Serengeti." Home to nearly 1,000 wild animals, the gorgeous 400-acre preserve is so stunning that families won't want to leave. A three-hour African-style safari is the highlight at Safari West to see zebras, giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, and more before dining on-site and sleeping in a private luxury tent. Simply put, Safari West has everything a family needs for a unique glamping experience.

Families will love the large tents, comfortable beds, and private bathrooms that make glamping much fancier and more convenient than camping. Safari West is well worth the short drive from San Francisco for an unforgettable adventure in the middle of wine country.

For more things to do with kids in wine country, check out the best kid-friendly wineries in Napa and Sonoma , discover the best day trips from San Francisco , and pack up the car and get ideas for more one-of-a-kind experiences in our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for San Francisco .

Getting to Safari West

Go on a safari in the middle of wine country.

Safari West is a short drive from San Francisco, only 75 miles away. Although the distance is short at only about an hour's drive, it can be longer due to traffic. Safari West is located at Franz Valley Road.

Glamping Beats Camping

Spending time with loved ones in the great outdoors is always a great time. Where else can families stargaze, tell stories around the campfire, roast s'mores, cuddle to keep warm in tents, and learn to widdle wood? Camping with kids, though, comes with its own set of challenges. Parents often take the brunt of setting up, cooking, and cleaning up. Nights can get chilly, and tents don't come with toilets.

Glamping, on the other hand, comes with minimal preparation, especially at Safari West . Families don't lose the wonder of slowing down and spending time with family outside. There's still adventure, exploring nature, admiring wildlife, and unplugging from phones, Wi-Fi, and work. There are ample opportunities for books, games, and fun family chats. With a nice bed, cozy sheets, a ceiling fan in summer, a space heater in winter, and a private bathroom (including a shower!), glamping is like camping—only easier.

Glamping Adventures in Northern California’s Wine Country

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Glamp amongst the animals.

The large and luxurious canvas tents at Safari West are imported from Botswana. The canvas is not soundproof, so expect to hear unique animal sounds (like cranes, ostriches, and noisy lemurs) while falling asleep. Little ones will love trying to guess what they hear!

Tents sit on stilts and blend seamlessly into the landscape. Each tent includes a private deck with an umbrella, wooden table, and chairs. There’s also a private bathroom with a shower, beautiful beds, nightstands, and electrical outlets. The interior décor is full of colorful artwork, masks, and sculptures. Most furniture gets built from salvaged wood on the property. For example, Safari West creatively used nearby fallen logs to make doors, tables, and headboards.

One thing to note is that you cannot drive up to your tent. Safari West staff will take you and your luggage to your glamping accommodations.

What Makes Glamping at Safari West so Special?

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A rural setting has tents on stilts.

Education and conservation are fundamental to the mission at Safari West. They hope every person will leave a little wiser and more passionate about wildlife, and after seeing their beautiful animals, friendly tour guides, and lovely scenery — this proves inevitable. Staying the night at Safari West is quite different from camping or staying in a typical hotel. The conditions are close to a natural habitat in Africa, and kids’ faces light up when they spot their favorite species or hear noises from on-site animals.

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A three-hour safari is the highlight of the whole Safari West experience.

If there is one activity to do during your visit, it's the African safari. The guided tour is approximately three hours long. It includes roughly two hours of driving in an open-air vehicle covering several hundred acres and one hour of walking around the base of the property.

During the driving portion, families can expect to see zebras, giraffes, gazelles, rhinos, ostriches, and lots more, depending on which animals make an appearance. During the walking portion of the tour, expect to spot monkeys, cheetahs, the smallest fox in the world, colorful bird aviaries, hyenas, and much more!

Families will learn about the animals, the origins of Safari West, and general global conservation concepts while on the tour. One fun option for kids and parents alike, is sitting on the vehicles' top level. There's room for four people, and the views are spectacular. Like accommodations and dining, reservations are required for a safari.

Note: Children must be at least four years old to go on the safari tour. The height requirement to sit on the upper level of the open-air vehicle is 45 inches. Children under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Dining at Safari West

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Enjoy a classic African style Braai meal.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available at Safari West. Breakfast is complimentary for those staying the night. It's served continental style from 7am to 10am in the Savannah Café. Expect pastries, toast, cereals, fresh fruit, eggs, and oatmeal.

Lunch and dinner are reservation-only and reminiscent of a classic African style Braai. A Braai focuses on outdoor grilling, heaps of good food, and community coming together. While menus change, a sample dinner menu often includes fresh fruit, barbeque chicken and ribs, salad, mac and cheese, and dessert. Cocktails, beer, and wine from South Africa and Sonoma County are also available. Prices for lunch and dinner vary. Children under four eat free.

To refuel between meals, head to Delilah’s Snack Bar. It’s the perfect place to grab a snack and go, and there is plenty of outdoor seating for families to snack and watch wildlife. The snack bar offers a wide variety of options that include crackers, cheese and salami, ice cream bars, fruit, chips, cold and hot drinks, and much more.

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Giraffes and other animals create a memorable Safari West experience.

Tips to Know Before You Go

Leave your porch light on before heading down to dinner or when exploring the property in the evening. Safari West is dark, and families might need a little help finding their way back to their tents
The gardens and grounds are beautiful, but be sure to stay on the paths and do not touch creatures or plants. Poison Oak is nearby, and rattlesnakes (among other snakes) have been spotted.
Kids will want to save their pennies to purchase goods in the souvenir shop. It’s large and has everything from toys and books to authentic African art, jewelry, games, gemstones, and much more.
Phone and Internet Access: AT&T has coverage at Safari West. Wi-Fi is available in the Savannah Café, Front Desk, and the Antelope Alley Tent Cabins.
Lunch and dinner are not included with overnight stays. Meal reservations must be made 48 hours before arrival.
Pets are not allowed at Safari West.
The standard occupancy for tents is up to four adults.
If staying the night at Safari West, check-in time is 3pm, and check-out time is 11am.

All photos taken by the author, Nicole Findlay

Safari West: Glamping in the Sonoma Serengeti

California Winery Advisor

Your Independent Guide to the Wine Country

Safari and Glamping In Wine Country | Wine Country Adventures

Allison Levine [May 2017]

A trip to wine country is for wine tasting, of course. But in between winery visits, there are restaurant stops, perhaps an afternoon at the spa and shopping. Why not go on safari while you are there are well. Yes, a safari, just like in Africa!

A visit to Safari West can last a few hours or a few days. A tour around Safari West is approximately three hours long, with a 45-minute walking tour and a two-hour tour by jeep. The guides are all exceptionally knowledgeable about the animals and make the visit informative and fun. There is also a behind the scenes tour to feed the animals.

But, in case you forgot that Safaris West was in wine country, there are a few fun ways to include wine, and beer, into the Safari.

Brews and Buffalo Private Safari

Winos and Rhinos Private Safari

During the three-hour safari drive, stop on a hilltop, relax and enjoy a selection of Francis Ford Coppola wines, as well as the house South African wines, paired with local artisan cheeses and breads.

Cheetahs and Chardonnay Private Safari

This exclusive safari will get you an up-close and personal visit with the cheetahs and their handlers, followed by wine.

Take a little side trip from winery visits during your next visit to Sonoma and go on a glamping safari.

Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate , a boutique marketing, and event-planning agency. Allison is Level 3 WSET Certified from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, is certified as an Italian Wine Specialist from the North American Sommelier Association and has a Master's Degree in International Communications with a focus on cross-cultural training from the American University School of International Service. As a freelance writer, she contributes to numerous publications while eating and drinking her way around the world.

Allison also writes for the Napa Valley Register and other outlets, in addition to her blog at Please The Palate ; Twitter and Instagram @plsthepalate; Facebook: Please The Palate

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I would like I do on a possible group wine and safari experience about 6 to 8 people

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Most frequently asked questions

Safari West is a very unique property. We are a Wildlife Preserve and African tent camp. However, we are not your typical zoo nor a theme park, and we’re quite different from your normal hotel. We expect questions and don’t want any of yours to go unanswered. The Safari West staff is here to make your visit more enjoyable, so please make sure we have a chance to meet you and answer any questions you may have.

We compiled the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) and started with the top several questions people ask. Then, please scroll down…these are followed by questions under specific categories. If you don’t see the answer to your question, please call or email us .

The Top Questions People ask about Safari West

What kind of place is safari west, is safari west a non-profit organization, we were just driving by…can we drop in and walk around to look at the animals, how much does it cost to visit safari west, do you allow pets, what kind of animals do you have at safari west, can we pet the animals, can we feed the animals, what happens if it rains, what else is there to do, do i need a sleeping bag, is there a bathroom in the tent…what is a luxury tent, will my cell phone work at safari west, can i drive up to my tent cabin and leave my car parked there, about safari west, what is the purpose of safari west, are you a zoo, how long has safari west been around, how many people visit safari west every year, who owns safari west, tell me about peter lang., who is nancy lang, why did the lang’s choose to locate safari west in napa/sonoma wine county, how can i work at safari west.

What is the long term goal of Safari West?

Why visit Safari West?

Safari west animals, what kind of animals do you have, how many animals live at safari west, what is the feeding time for the animals at safari west, can we watch when the animals get fed, what happens to the animals when it rains, are the animals warm enough in the winter, do the animals have enough to do are they content, safaris and other wild activities, what happens on a safari west classic safari, if we are just driving by, can we stop in and hop on the next safari.

What time is the best tour to take?

What happens when it rains?

Do you have safaris accessible to guests with disabilities, do you have seat belts on the safari trucks, i’m pregnant…is it safe for me to go on the safari truck.

What age range is appropriate for the safari?
Can my child under three years of age ride on the seat next to me?

Can I take food on the safari?

What about the exotic birds, can i book a private safari truck, is it possible to arrange a special wildlife photography safari at safari west, do you have special animal encounters, overnight accommodations, what type of lodging is available at safari west, what is it like to stay in a safari tent cabin, do i need to bring camping gear, food, or linens to stay at safari west, do you have tent cabins that are accessible, is there a phone in the tent, is there internet access at safari west, is there a television in the tent, do i have to leave my tent in the middle of the night to use the restroom, do the animals wander around outside the tents at night, can the animals get into my tent at night, what are your rates for spending the night, do you really have a two night minimum stay, what does “selected days only” mean, do you offer any specials, other services and amenities, does safari west have a restaurant facility, does safari west offer massage, can we go hiking on the property, i saw a dog running around at safari west, how come i can’t bring my dog, how do i find out about special events at safari west, do you allow service animals, safari west wildlife foundation, what is the safari west wildlife foundation, is your organization a 501(c), how does the foundation support safari west, describe the foundation’s mission and the year it was incorporated., how can i make a donation to the safari west wildlife foundation, what is discover africa.

Safari West is proud to provide an authentic African adventure right here in the heart of California wine country! Our facility covers over 400-acres of oak-studded hillsides and Sonoma County grasslands. Our collections currently house nearly 1,000 animals representing over 90 distinct species, mostly comprised of African antelopes, primates, and predators, plus a variety of avian life from around the globe. Explore the Sonoma Serengeti on an African wildlife safari or relax in your luxury tent under the gaze of a graceful giraffe… The closest you can get to Africa without a passport! Safari West is open to the public only by advanced reservations.

Safari West is a private facility. However, the foundation (Safari West Wildlife Foundation) is a 501(c) (3) Tax ID. No. 91-1837240 nonprofit organization created to support the objectives of Safari West. The Foundation’s main goal is to secure and preserve the legacy of Safari West for future generations and beyond. For more information, please visit the Safari West Wildlife Foundation website .

No. Admission and reservations are required to visit Safari West. The safety of our guests and the well-being of our animals are extremely important to us.

Please check our Pricing page for current rates.

No. Please make other arrangements for the care of your pet before coming to Safari West, as we do not allow pets on the property. This is for the safety of your pet, our guest as well as the safety of our animals. This extends to bringing your pet and leaving the animal in your vehicle while out on tour. Our staff will notify the office if they notice an animal in a vehicle in our parking lot.

Safari West Wildlife Preserve is home to over eighty species of animals. We have cheetah, giraffe, lemurs, addax, cape buffalo, and zebra to name a few. We do not have elephants, lions, or tigers. You can see a full species list here.

No. We cannot allow guests to touch our animals, as they are wild and can be very dangerous. This very firm rule is for your safety.

No, Safari West does not allow feeding of the animals by guests. The only exception is when you experience one of our special animal encounters under the direct supervision of one of our knowledgeable safari guides.

You will get wet…We put on rain gear and head out on tour! In the event of extreme weather, a tour may be canceled for safety reasons. Cancellation policies in the event of extreme weather are available from our reservations department.

A visit to Safari West is an opportunity to reconnect to nature by taking time out of your busy schedule to relax and take part in the many activities we offer. In addition to our Classic Safari, we offer an exciting variety of private animal encounters, educational animal presentations, good food, and good company.

The majority of cell phones and plans do not work at Safari West except for a few hot spots (way up on the hill and sometimes down in the parking lot). Generally, only high-end global satellite phones will work on Safari West property.

*The above applies to all cell phone carriers except AT&T as there is now service to Safari West and the surrounding areas.

We’re sorry. For safety reasons, we do not allow guests to drive up to their tent cabins. Our staff will take you and your luggage up to your tent cabin at check-in and bring you and your luggage back to your vehicle at check-out in one of our Safari West vehicles. The only exception to this is for our two accessible tent cabins which have an accessible parking space right outside the tent cabin.

Our Passion is to Inspire a Meaningful Commitment to Wildlife

The mission of Safari West is to actively promote conservation, environmental education, and share knowledge that will help each individual make personal choices in regards to the environment and conservation efforts.

The non-profit arm is Safari West Wildlife Foundation.

Safari West is not your typical zoo or a theme park, nor are we a drive-through park. We are an African Wildlife Preserve and African Tent Camp. Safari West Wildlife Preserve is a private facility whose primary focus is on conservation through education. We are privately owned and our only source of income is from our guests. We have a lot of mouths to feed with our eight hundred animals. When you pay for safaris, overnight stays in our tents, and other services at Safari West, you are helping to feed and care for the beautiful new animal friends you will meet during your stay here. With friends like you, we can continue our mission to teach and promote conservation now and in the future.

Safari West was founded in 1989 as a private ranch for breeding and species propagation. In 1992, Safari West had gained membership in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, one of only six private facilities in North America to belong to that prestigious organization. We soon added children’s tours. In 1993 we opened our doors to safaris for both adults and children. We look forward to submitting a re-accreditation application to AZA on a future date to be determined.

We host over sixty thousand persons annually – families, students and business travelers.

Safari West is owned by Nancy and Peter Lang. Peter handles the larger animals and Nancy is in charge of the aviaries.

Safari West is the vision of Peter Lang. Peter was raised around exotic wildlife, thanks to his film and television director father Otto Lang, whose credits include “Daktari,” “Flipper” and “Sea Hunt,” among others. Peter is an accomplished wood sculptor and woodworker and has sculpted out of wood realistic replicas of skulls and horn structures of many of the African animal species found at Safari West. You can see one of Peter’s wooden Kudu skull sculptures in our Elephant Room. Peter also is a licensed contractor and operated his own urban tree lumber sawmill on the property and is responsible for much of the building and design of Safari West. When Peter is not on the ranch, he enjoys off-road auto racing (he participates in all the current circuits) and deep-sea fishing with his many good friends. Like Safari West, Peter enjoys an exciting sense of adventure!

Nancy and Peter married in 1993. They met in Africa while on a Safari holiday. At the time she was the curator of the avian collection at the San Francisco Zoo. It was love at first sight…together they lived at Safari West amongst the animals and wildlife they love. Nancy has a Ph.D. in zoological biology and is a raptor specialist. In the past, she has taught a zoological class at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The weather is ideal, the combination of grassland and forest are similar to Africa, the neighbors are friendly, there is plenty of water, plus it’s wine country and paradise! Indeed… a sip of chardonnay pairs marvelously with a spot of cheetah!

We are always looking for friendly faces and team players at Safari West. If you are interested in employment with us, gather up your resume and visit our employment page on the website for information on how to apply.

What is the long-term goal of Safari West?

Our long-term goal for Safari West is to transform the preserve into a non-profit wildlife, conservation and educational facility overseen by the Safari West Wildlife Foundation.

A visit to Safari West is an opportunity to reconnect with nature by taking time out of your busy schedule to relax and take part in the many activities we offer. In addition to our Classic Safari, we offer private safaris, an exciting variety of private animal encounters, educational animal presentations, school field trips, overnight stays in our authentic tent cabins, conference facilities, overnight packages, good food, and good company.

Safari West Wildlife Preserve is home to over eighty species of animals. Our mammals are native to Africa and our birds are native to many different places around the world. You can view some of our animals in our photo galleries on our website. See our full species list .

There are around 800 hundred individual animals at Safari West.

Some animals are fed once and others twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon. Diets are AZA-approved and species-dependent. Some diets are tailored specifically for some individuals.

Generally, if you are present when feeding time occurs you can watch the process. With some of our animals, for safety reasons for the keepers and the animals, we ask that you do not remain in the area when the keepers enter the habitats. Our staff will let you know if this is the case.

No. Safari West does not allow feeding of the animals by guests. The only exception would be if you were on a special animal encounter tour under the direct supervision of one of our knowledgeable guides. In this case, you would be feeding only our approved diet to the animals which we would provide. All other feedings of the animals are prohibited at Safari West, even picking up a leaf off the ground and feeding it to a giraffe is not allowed. While at Safari West, as one who cares about animals’ well-being, the example you set will cue other guests around you. If they see you feed a leaf from a distance, they might believe that feeding the animals is alright and proceed to feed the giraffe a candy bar or other inappropriate food type. Yes…this has happened! And, the giraffe became very ill. Lucky for everyone, the giraffe eventually recovered!

Most animals like rain. We do provide shelter for all of our animals and they can move in and out of the shelters at will within their habitats. If you come to visit Safari West and it rains, rest assured, you will still see animals.

Yes, they are. We provide heated environments for those of our animal species that require a little more heat in the cold months. In general, most of our animals thrive in our Northern California Mediterranean-type climate, rain or shine.

When you visit Safari West you will notice that the majority of our animals have very large habitats. In the larger habitats, the natural environment around the animals provides their enrichment by mimicking the large open or wooded habitats the species would live in within their native environment. In the smaller habitats in the lower area of the preserve, we provide enrichment in the form of environmental features and in some cases, handler interactive specialized activities.

No. It is not permissible to pet the animals at Safari West. The animals at Safari West are wild. They are not pets and they have not been raised as pets. This very firm rule is for your safety.

You will spend an unforgettable morning or afternoon on safari with your knowledgeable guide and your fellow safari adventurers in an open-air jeep style vehicle tracking and learning about exotic and endangered wildlife including African cape buffalo, impala, eland, zebra, scimitar-horned oryx, addax, Nile lechwe, and blue wildebeest. If you’re lucky, you could look a giraffe in the eye! The safari either ends or begins with a walk on the lower premises of Safari West where your safari guide will introduce you to African cheetahs, lemurs, and giant porcupines, among others.

Our safaris are by reservation only. Reservations must be made in advance by contacting our reservations department. Occasionally there are last minute cancellations that may open up seating on our safaris. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and check-in at our front office for more information.

What time is the best time to go on a safari?

All of our safaris are great! Rain or shine, morning or afternoon, you will see most of our species. You are not guaranteed to see all of our animals, or any particular species, as they roam Sonoma Serengeti. Our safari guides are very knowledgeable and dedicated to the Safari West mission of conservation through education.

We put on rain gear and head out on safari! In the event of extreme weather, a safari may be canceled for safety reasons. Cancellation policies in the event of extreme weather are available from our reservations department.

Our classic safari vehicles are customized Dodge Power Wagons and are not ADA accessible and unfortunately are not equipped to handle wheelchairs or other mobility assisting devices. If a guest utilizing a wheelchair can safely transfer themselves unaided or with the assistance of a family member, friend, or personal assistant, the Classic Safari Tour remains a viable option.

Please note: For those with limited mobility, we have a Paratransit Safari Vehicle available for our guests. This vehicle may be used by guests unable to transfer into our vintage Dodge Power Wagons. The vehicle accommodates four guests and one wheelchair or a power-driven mobility scooter primarily for use by individuals with mobility challenges. We do request that reservations for the paratransit safari vehicle be made at least two weeks prior to your visit.

Hearing Impaired: We request that arrangements for an ASL Interpreter be made at least two weeks in advance of your visit. Should this not be possible, you are also welcome to bring a certified ASL interpreter at no additional charge. Should this not be possible, reasonable accommodations will be provided such as a complimentary safari for the signer or the hearing impaired guest.

Vision Impaired: With advance notice, a tactile tour may be provided for a guest who is visually impaired. A sighted companion will almost always accompany a visually impaired visitor. Should this not be the case, the guest will be accompanied by one of our guest service personnel.

There are seat belts on the top seating bench only. The rest of the seats on the trucks (except for the passenger cab seat in some trucks) do not have seat belts at this time.

Our Classic Safari can be quite bumpy at times. This portion of the safari on the truck is approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours long. There are no restroom facilities available during this portion. In the event of extreme hot or cold weather, you may be uncomfortable. We cannot advise you as to whether or not it is safe for you to go on safari when you are pregnant. Your decision is ultimately your own. Please seek the advice of your doctor before engaging in any activity that may put you or your unborn baby at risk during pregnancy.

What age range is appropriate for the safaris?

For the safety and enjoyment of all our guests, children must be 4 years or older to participate in a Classic Safari. While the walking portion of the safari is great for kids of any age (even those who need a little help walking!) we have found that younger children can sometimes need extra attention on the driving portion of the safari, and this can be distracting to the other visitors. If the rest of your party is experiencing the full classic Safari Adventure, one adult can enjoy the walking portion with the toddler for the cost of $45, and the cost for the toddler is waived. Safari West continues to pride itself on being a wonderful and unique destination for the whole family. We introduce this age guideline to help ensure the experience is enjoyable for all of our valued guests. Private safaris are an excellent option for families – please ask our Reservations Agents.

Can my child under four years of age ride on the seat next to me?

If you are booking a private safari and have a child under four : There are no seat belts on our trucks at this time, we ask that you keep children under three on your lap and hold on to them. The ride can get a little bumpy at times.

Guests are not allowed to take food out on the Classic Safari, but water bottles are welcome. Reservations for lunch or dinner at our Savannah Café should be made in advance.

As part of the walking portion, your safari guide will also take you to visit our walk-through aviary where many beautiful birds from around the world surround the very footpath you will walk on including the brilliantly colored scarlet ibis and the unusual African spoonbill. Watch the birds building nests or tending their young during the breeding season.

Yes, you can. We offer very exclusive, private wine and cheese safaris. A sip of chardonnay pairs marvelously with a spot of cheetah. You and your special guest or guests get one of our very knowledgeable safari guides all to yourself for three hours. Bring your questions or just relax and enjoy the view! We also offer a variety of other private and specialty safari experiences .

Private photo safaris also may be arranged based upon availability. Please contact our reservations department at [email protected] or (800) 61602695 / (707) 566-3667 for more information. We also have a Photo Workshop with professional photographer John Burgess at select times of the year. Please visit our Calendar for dates and more information .

Guests at Safari West have the opportunity to enjoy very special Private Animal Encounters such as Behind the Scenes tours, Fast Cat Alley (a special behind the scenes interactive encounter exclusively with our cheetahs), Animal Presentations, plus Keeper of the Day. These activities are by advanced reservation only and must be made through our Private Animal Encounters Department.

The Safari West tent camp adventure, of course! Safari West’s Tent Camp Adventure treats our guests to a luxury African tent camp experience in the heart of California’s Napa/Sonoma wine country.

This is an African Tent camp…it works differently than your normal hotel. The heavy-lined canvas with thick plastic windows that form the walls is imported from Africa and the furniture is crafted almost entirely on-site from local wood. We expect questions and to make your stay with us more enjoyable, we have a few tips to keep in mind. Click here .

If you have booked a reservation to stay in one of our safari tent cabins, expect that it will be like staying in any hotel. Linens, towels, and toiletries are provided in the tent cabins. The tent cabins are equipped with comfortable beds…we call it “glamping”. Coolers are provided on the decks of the tent cabins and you are welcome to bring your own food to put in them for a late night snack. However, we do have a restaurant on site. Continental breakfast is included with an overnight stay. If you wish to have lunch and/or dinner with us, please be sure to make reservations.

Yes, we do. There are two accessible tent cabins with seating and rails in the showers and bathrooms, ramps to the deck and entryway, and both have parking next to the cabin.

There are no phones in the tent cabins at Safari West. If you need to make a phone call while visiting us, guests may use the phones available at the front desk in our office.

Yes. We offer wireless internet access to our overnight guests (available in our café). Ask how to access it at the office.

There is no television in the tent. When you come to Safari West, the idea is to get away from it all and experience the next best thing to being in Africa. Additionally, the tents are not soundproof and having a television on until late into the night would disturb your fellow guests. There are outlets in the tents and you can bring your laptop or a portable DVD player to watch movies if you like. We do ask that you keep the volume down or use headphones to be a good neighbor.

Absolutely not! All of our tent cabins have fully equipped bathrooms as a second room. The bathrooms have tiled floors with roomy hot showers, flushing toilets (just like in a house), and sinks with hot and cold running water.

No, and…yes… The animals are nearby and roaming around. However, they remain within their habitats 24 hours per day for your safety. You will hear lots of jungle sounds during the night and you might spot wildebeests on the hill from your window, but you won’t find any of our animals unescorted on your deck or under your tent cabin at any time… We can’t guarantee it, but, you may wake in the morning to see a giraffe peering at you with their big brown eyes from across the road…on the other side of the fence of course!

No, the Safari West animals cannot. As a wildlife preserve, we take the safety of our guests and our animal care very seriously. Our dedicated staff works diligently to keep fencing secure at all times. There is, however, local wildlife and we cannot guarantee that a raccoon or other local wildlife will not sit on your deck in the middle of the night.

Our rates are seasonal. You can view current rates for lodging at Safari West on our Spend the Night page and call our guest services to inquire about specials.

At this time we do not have a two-night minimum stay. You are more than welcome to stay for just one night.

Certain offerings at Safari West are discounted on selected days throughout the year. Please call our reservations department at (707) 566-3667 or 1 (800) 616-2695 or check our website regularly for dates.

We offer discounted rates on our safaris and tent cabins during fall, winter, and spring. We also periodically have specials. To be one of the first to know, please consider signing up for our email list !

Yes, we do! Join your fellow adventurers and enjoy classic safari-style fare hot off the grill. On those beautiful California days enjoy our spacious outdoor seating while watching giraffes and lemurs play. If it’s cold outside, cozy up in our indoor dining room and enjoy the beautiful artwork. Our restaurant is a little different than the normal sit down and order from the menu type of restaurant. If you want to dine with us, we have to know in advance so our chefs will cook up enough food for all! Please contact our reservations department to reserve your seat.

We have paused messages due to Covid, please check back as we hope to offer guests the pressure point therapy Swedish massage in the serenity of their own luxury tent in the future.

No, we currently are not offering hiking.

No. We are sorry, but we do not allow pets at Safari West. This is for the safety of your pet, our guests as well as the safety of our animals. This extends to bringing your pet and leaving the animal in your vehicle while out on safari. Our staff will notify the office if they notice an animal in a vehicle in our parking lot. If you are out on safari, your truck will be forced to come back so that you can remove your pet from the premises, inconveniencing not only yourself but the other guests on the safari. Please make other arrangements for the care of your pet before coming to Safari West. Thank you for your understanding.

There are currently four dogs that live full time at Safari West. They are working ranch dogs and they help our staff with their daily chores. We do not allow you to bring your dog for the safety of your dog as well as for the safety of our animals. For example, even a small dog running and barking at the fence line can spook a giraffe which could easily make the giraffe run right into the fence, injuring itself and possibly your dog, and our guests. Thank you for your understanding.

If you are looking for upcoming events, sign up to stay in the Safari West loop and/or regularly check our calendar page.

If you want to host or book a special group at Safari West, please contact our Groups Department. We do corporate retreats!

We welcome guests with special needs that chose to bring their service dogs to enjoy our beautiful surroundings and learn about our wonderful animals. It is our policy to assist all guests in making their time at Safari West more enjoyable.

For our guests requiring the use of a service animal please be aware that Safari West is a wildlife preserve covering 400 acres of rough terrain – it’s not a typical zoo or a drive-through park.

Due to the nature of the facility and the proximity to wild animals, a service animal’s presence could produce undue anxiety, stress, agitation, or possibly a direct threat to the safety of our animal collection. We do ask that you review our safety guidelines:

Service animals are permitted to visit Safari West. However, service animals are restricted in all areas where our exotic collection is not separated from our guests by a physical barrier.
Service animals may also be restricted in certain areas due to the sensitivity of our animal collection.
If you are spending the night, your service animal is allowed in one of our accessible tents.
However, your service animal may not accompany you while on tour.
If you are visiting for the day, while you are on tour, your service dog may stay with our staff in the office. We will provide water and a bowl, and it will be clean, safe and comfortable.
Service animals must be under the direct control of the handler at all times, preferably being held by a harness or leash no more than 6 feet in length.
Service animals must be housebroken.
Service animals may not display vicious or aggressive behavior toward other people or animals. This includes barking and/or growling. If your service animal is disruptive at any time, you will be asked to remove your service dog from the park.

Some background to help you better understand our guidelines, Safari West is a unique setting where live exotic wild animals roam freely. In fact, Safari West is home to over 90 different species, including cheetah, giraffe, lemurs, cape buffalo, and zebra to name a few. Often giraffe, zebra, and one of the world’s most dangerous animals, the cape buffalo — will come right up to the vehicle. While Safari West’s tour guides are trained and maintain safe distances when necessary, once inside the preserve, no fences or other barriers are keeping these exotic animals away from our guests. Due to the nature of the facility and the proximity to wild animals, a service animal’s presence could constitute a direct threat to the safety of our animal collection.

Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to provide you with a safe and positive experience for yourself, your service animal, and our animal collection.

For more information or assistance regarding your visit, please do contact our office or call 707-566-3620 as the guests’ experience is a high priority for all of us at Safari West.

Safari West Wildlife Foundation (SWWF) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization created to support the objectives of Safari West. The Foundation’s main goal is to secure and preserve the legacy of Safari West for future and subsequent generations. The president is Stephanie Larson.

For more information please visit the Safari West Wildlife Foundation website .

Safari West is a private facility. The Safari West Wildlife Foundation is a 501(c) – Tax ID No. 91-1837240.

With the assistance of the Foundation, Safari West has become a vital center for education and research in the Greater Bay Area. Students from all over Northern California call Safari West their Serengeti-like home, utilizing its resources for education, internships, and wildlife research.

Safari West Wildlife Foundation (SWWF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was incorporated in 1997 (originally under the name Friends of Safari West).

The Safari West Wildlife Foundation is a research and educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of wildlife.

The foundation helps the community develop a deeper appreciation for the natural environment and conservation through safaris, seminars, workshops, wildlife camps for children, and various other efforts.

Our Safari West Discover Africa program offers a priceless learning experience to children who might never otherwise have this opportunity. We find that even a simple and fun activity such as counting a zebra’s stripes leaves a lasting “conservation imprint” on young developing minds.

For more information about the Foundation, click here .

You can support the Safari West Wildlife Foundation either through a donation! Donations to SWWF help us provide scholarships for school field trip opportunities; support the costs of teacher Safari to Science workshops and advance endangered species education and research. To learn more about Donating and the Safari West Wildlife Foundation, click here .

Discover Africa is an educational field trip program at Safari West that is sponsored by the Safari West Wildlife Foundation. Discover Africa subsidizes the cost of one classroom Safari West field trip per month to schools that would otherwise be unable to afford this vital enrichment program. Safari West Wildlife Foundation is especially committed to giving at-risk students in our local counties and the greater Bay Area an opportunity to participate in this program. For more information on the Discover Africa program, click here .

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Safari West
See all Happenings. Safari West Presents! Shark Stewards. Safari West Presents! Shark Stewards. Friday April 19, 2024 | 8:00pm - 8:30pm. Conservation Dinner Series: David McGuire of Shark Stewards joins us in the elephant room after dinner to give a talk about sharks.
Go on Safari!
If you or a member of your party has any special needs, please don't hesitate to contact us at 707 566-3667. Let us help you plan the safari adventure of a lifetime at Safari West! 400 Acres of Exploration. From cheetahs to lemurs, giraffes to wildebeest, there's always something amazing waiting just around the bend.
Safari West
Top ways to experience Safari West and nearby attractions. Private Tour of Sonoma Wild Safari Animal Park and Sonoma Redwoods. Full-day Tours. from. $927.00. per adult (price varies by group size) Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through North Sonoma County. 21. Recommended.
Safari West Animal Park: More Than a Zoo
Safari West. If you've ever wanted to rest in the lap of luxury while surrounded by nature in Napa Valley , Safari West Animal Park may be just the right place for you. Safari West is home to more than 800 wild animals, but it's not a zoo. Instead, the 400-acre wildlife preserve in Sonoma County is part bed and breakfast and part safari adventure.
Safari West
Location. Safari West. 3115 Porter Creek Road, Calistoga CA 95404. (707) 579-2551 | (800) 616-2695 (toll free) Visit Website. [email protected]. + -. In Napa Valley, a 400-acre wildlife sanctuary, Safari West offers guided, open-air jeep tours daily. It's one of the most unique attractions.
Safari West Wildlife Preserve & African Tent Camp
707-579-2551 [email protected]. Visit Website. Book Now. 3115 Porter Creek Road. Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Get Directions. Description Amenities. WELCOME TO THE SONOMA SERENGETI: EMBARK ON A WILD AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE. Since our inception in 1993, Safari West has proudly stood as one of the foremost wildlife sanctuaries in the United ...
Guides
Safari West is a gem of a nature preserve located only about 20 minutes from Santa Rosa off of Mark West Springs Road at the corner of Franz Valley Road (3115 Porter Creek Road). The park is about 15 minutes from Calistoga in the northern part of the Napa Valley.
Safari West Review
Fodor's Expert Review Safari West Santa Rosa Family Fodor's Choice An unexpected bit of wilderness in the Wine Country, this preserve with African wildlife covers 400 acres.
SAFARI WEST
Safari West. 213 reviews. #1 of 2 campgrounds in Santa Rosa. 3115 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404-9655. Write a review. Check availability. Full view. View all photos ( 250)
Safari West
Safari West sprawls over 400 acres and hosts wildebeests, zebras, cheetahs and other exotic animals, which mostly roam free. See them on a guided 2½-hour safari in open-sided jeeps, which also includes a 30-minute hike; reservations required, no kids under four (unless you book a private wagon). ... Tres Sabores is a portal to old Napa - no ...
Prices
One Private Safari Vehicle: $1,595.00 At the time of booking or within 72 hours notice, we can also include artisan cheese and fruit paired with red or white house wine for only $40 per guest, and $28 per guest for a non-alcoholic beverage choice.
Safari West
Guests may enjoy carefully chosen California wines featuring both Sonoma and Napa Counties and selected South African wines and fine ports. Also featuring a variety of brews from local Sonoma County and California's best breweries and selected South African beers. Website: Book Now. Phone: (800) 616-2695. Business Address: 3115 Porter Creek ...
Safari West in California Wine Country
Safari West - a stunning wildlife preserve - is nestled on 400 acres in the heart of California's Sonoma Wine Country. The stunning wildlife preserve is home to over 400 exotic African mammals. We saw more giraffes here than we've ever seen in one place before. And bird-watchers will love seeing so many birds from around the world.
Safari West
Just 75 miles (121 kilometers) from San Francisco, Safari West lies in the heart of California's Sonoma County. Public transportation in the area is limited, so the best way to reach the park is by car. Parking is available on-site, and the Sonoma County Airport is just 10 minutes away.
Safari West
Editor's note: Due to road closures related to the wine country wildfires of 2017, Safari West is closed until Nov. 20. Its overnight camps will re-open in March 2018. ... including Napa Valley and Sonoma, plus waterfront towns, dramatic beaches, and the tech-savvy southern end of the bay known as the Silicon Valley, where lunchtime ideas at ...
Safari West: An African Safari Experience in Sonoma California
Safari West is a 400-acre wildlife preserve containing over 100 species and over 700 individual animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, flamingoes, rhinos, cape buffalo, lemurs, and wildebeest. ... Several of the guests purchased local Napa or Sonoma wines that are available by the glass or bottle along with South African wines, port ...
Sonoma's Safari West launches virtual 'tour' for underserved and
Located not far from Calistoga, Safari West is reaching out for new audiences during the pandemic. Sonoma's Safari West launches virtual 'tour' for underserved and hospitalized children Skip to ...
Safari West: Glamping in the Sonoma Serengeti
Safari West is known as the "Sonoma Serengeti." Home to nearly 1,000 wild animals, the gorgeous 400-acre preserve is so stunning that families won't want to leave. A three-hour African-style ...
Maps and Directions
African Safari in California's Wine Country. Safari West Wildlife Preserve and African Tent Camp. Mailing Address: 3115 Porter Creek Road. Guest Entrance: On Franz Valley Road. Santa Rosa, CA 95404. (707) 579-2551 or 1 (800) 616-2695 - Fax: (707) 579-8777. WARNING: Some GPS systems have been known to provide wrong directions.
Safari and Glamping In Wine Country
Safari West is a 400-acre wildlife preserve located in the heart of wine country in Santa Rosa. Founded in 1993 by Peter and Nancy Lang, Safari West is a privately funded property that focuses on conservation and preservation of endangered wildlife animals. Currently, there are 90 species on property and 900 animals, ranging from giraffes ...
FAQs
Is Safari West a non-profit organization? Safari West is a private facility. However, the foundation (Safari West Wildlife Foundation) is a 501(c) (3) Tax ID. No. 91-1837240 nonprofit organization created to support the objectives of Safari West. The Foundation's main goal is to secure and preserve the legacy of Safari West for future generations and beyond.

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