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Behind-the-Scenes Safari
$92 & up*.
Price is per person
At A Glance
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park? Get a special sneak peek into the secret lives of your favorite wildlife and meet the wildlife care specialists who care for them, while exploring otherwise off-limits areas with a knowledgeable guide. Choose from a variety of experiences below!
- Ages 3 and up
- $92 & up, per person
- Daily. Certain tours available select days only.
- 90 minutes or 2 hours
Ages 3 and up. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age.
Some walking required during tour. Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away.
If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit.
Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Elite Adventure
- Ages 3 & up
- $425 & up, per person
- Offered on select weekend dates
The check-in location for the Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Elite Adventure is at the Wildlife Safari check-in by Park Base.
Strollers and child car seats are not permitted on cart. Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away.
Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $50 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $100 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable.
Come explore and enjoy the Safari Park on this 3.5-hour tour that includes some of the Safari Park’s most iconic experiences. Visit staff-only areas to learn about how we care for wildlife, such as platypuses and tigers, and then hop into a Safari truck and tour the savanna, surrounded by rhinos, giraffes and so much more!
What you'll do: • See some of the Safari Park’s most notable species, and experience the iconic Wildlife Safari. • Peek into some of the wildlife care areas, and learn what it takes to look after the diverse wildlife that call the Safari Park home. • Hear stories about the Safari Park’s past, present, and future, while you travel in your tour cart with a personal guide. • Enjoy a snack, and relax with views of the savanna. • And more!
This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit.
Deluxe Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Passport into the Wild
- $117 & up, per person
- Offered daily
- Noon, 2 hours
Ages 3 and older. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult, per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age.
Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $15 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable. Strollers and child car seats are not permitted on the cart. For the health and safety of wildlife, service animals are not permitted on this tour.
Please call 619-718-3000 prior to your visit to inquire about accommodations, including wheelchair access.
Take this exciting two-hour journey through the Safari Park and discover amazing and unique wildlife from across the globe—no plane tickets required! You’ll journey across the Park to observe wildlife and explore exclusive behind-the-scenes areas to gain remarkable insights about different species. Find out how our collaborative global conservation efforts are making a difference around the world—and what you can do to help secure the future for wildlife. This Safari runs through March, 2024.
This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. To inquire about accommodations, including wheelchair access, please call 619-718-3000.
Deluxe Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Born to Be Wild
- Visit exclusive areas
Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $15 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable.
Some walking required during tour. Tours board in African Outpost beyond Signpost #13, between the cheetah habitat and Okavango Outpost. Look for the red Behind-the-Scenes (jeep) icon on the lower right of your Safari Park map.
Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away. Service animals are not permitted on this tour due to the sensitive nature of these animals and the restricted access of this habitat and buildings.
Trek through the Safari Park to see some of our youngest residents! This two-hour experience will take you around some of the large savanna habitats and to behind-the-scenes areas to meet some of our animal families. You will learn how we care for our amazing wildlife, and hear their conservation stories. This Safari begins April, 2024.
Deluxe Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Mission Wildlife Rescue!
- Ages 8 & up
- Selected dates
Ages 8 and up. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age.
Tours board in African Outpost beyond Signpost #13, between the Cheetah habitat and Okavango Outpost. Look for the red Behind-the-Scenes (jeep) icon on the lower right of your Safari Park map.
Go behind the scenes to learn about the science of saving species like the northern white rhino and Przewalski’s horse, while also gaining insights on the high level of care we provide to all our wildlife at the Safari Park. This remarkable safari will take you on a rare tour of the Frozen Zoo®, a critical component of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Wildlife Biodiversity Banking efforts. Safari participants will also visit the Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center and the Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center. Offered select days.
Walkabout Australia
Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away.
Go on safari behind the scenes at the Safari Park’s Walkabout Australia! On this guided tour, you will meet a variety of beautiful birds and amazing marsupials. As you explore Walkabout Australia by foot, listen to the many stories your guide will share about unique Australian wildlife, and what it takes to care for them.
What you'll do: • See some of Australia’s most exotic species, including platypuses and cassowaries. • Peek into some wildlife care areas, and learn what it takes to look after these unique Australian animals. • Enjoy a stroll through Walkabout Australia with your personal guide. • And more!
Discover Africa
Discover some of the most iconic species in the world! Your guide will share the wonder of Africa, as you visit some amazing African animals. While learning about the challenges facing wildlife, you will also hear stories of hope and the amazing conservation work being done by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and our partners.
What you'll do: • See some of the Safari Park’s most iconic African species. • Peek into wildlife care areas, and learn what it takes to look after the diverse wildlife that call the Safari Park home. • Hear stories about the Safari Park’s current conservation projects in Africa, while you travel in your tour cart with a personal guide. • Have an up-close visit with unique African animals.
Wildlife in Action
- Saturdays & Sundays; select additional dates
Come meet with passionate wildlife care specialists and amazing wildlife ambassadors to discover how they help other wildlife around the globe. Did you know that dogs were trained to assist in locating koalas during wildfires in Australia? Hear some of the amazing stories our wildlife have to tell. This 90-minute journey will take you on foot and by cart to various destinations around the Safari Park.
Saving Giants
Ages 3 and up. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age. Some walking required during tour. T ours board in Afr ican Outpost beyond Signpost #13, between the cheetah habitat and Okavango Outpost. Look for the red Behind - the - Scenes (jeep) icon on the lower right of your Safari Park map. Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away.
Discover what it takes to s ave g iants! This 90 - minute journey will take you by Safari Cart to behind - the - scenes areas , where you will hear firsthand conservation stories about how San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is saving elephants and rhinos around the world. Our story begins right here at the Safari Park, with our 50 - year history of ca ring for and saving these giants. You will join the story as you get a closer look!
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Wildlife Safari
Travel in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck into our expansive savanna habitats, with an expert guide.
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Let us answer your questions and create your day at the Safari Park!
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The Zoo is free, but Entry Passes are required for all guests, including infants.
Traveling with a big group? Reserve passes for your group of 16 or more.
Today's Hours
Grounds Open: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Last entry is 5 p.m.
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The Smithsonian's National Zoo is a wonderful place to explore, learn and have fun. These few rules help ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all visitors.
Is the Zoo free to visit?
Yes! Admission to the Zoo is free, but entry passes are required. Reserve entry passes here .
Can I get passes when I arrive at the Zoo?
Free entry passes and paid parking passes should be reserved in advance through the online system. A limited amount of same-day passes will be offered at Zoo entrances for visitors without access to the online system. To reserve a pass, see the Entry Passes (tickets) page .
Members can show their member card for walk-in entry to the Zoo, no passes needed. Parking requires a reservation.
Does the Zoo have parking?
If you plan to drive and park at the Zoo, you must reserve a Paid Parking Pass online before your visit. Parking is available for a flat rate of $30, and spaces are extremely limited. All cars must enter through the main vehicle entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW .
To reserve your parking pass, visit our reservation page .
Is the Zoo accessible by public transit?
Yes! Both Metro Bus and Metro Rail have stops within walking distance of the Zoo's main pedestrian entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW.
For more information, visit our Parking and Directions page.
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Have you ever met a penguin, fed a giant tortoise or held a giant walking stick?
Book Your Behind-the-Scenes Tour or Day Program Today!
Share an experience like no other when you go behind the scenes at the Saint Louis Zoo!
Book one of our Zoo Tours or Day Programs to get to know the animals up close and see what it's like to be a zookeeper. Or, book a Specialty Tour to explore the inner workings of facilities such as our veterinary hospital, research laboratories and administration areas.
What to Know Before You Book
- All tours are walking tours. No transportation is provided.
- There is a fee for parking. More information on parking and directions is available here .
- Some tours take place in temperature-controlled environments or outside. Please dress accordingly.
- Closed-toe shoes are required for all tours.
- Tours are not guaranteed to be private unless your group fills the maximum capacity.
- Due to the unpredictability of animals, tour experiences may vary.
- All guests must abide by staff instructions at all times.
- Each tour and program has a specific age requirement listed in the description.
- For safety reasons, children under 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult adult on Zoo Tours and Specialty Tours. Day Programs do not require an adult, however, if a parent or guardian wishes to accompany the participant, they may do so by purchasing an additional ticket.
- While all of our public spaces and guest amenities are fully accessible, some of the behind-the-scenes areas visited through our tours and programs may not be. If there are any physical, cognitive or behavioral needs within your group, please call our Tours Department at (314) 646-4840 so our staff can be prepared to make any reasonable accommodations.
- In compliance with best practices for zoo animal welfare — and the quarantine protocols outlined by federal regulations and the Association of Zoo and Aquarium accreditation standards — service animals are not permitted in our behind-the-scenes animal areas.
- Zoo Tours, Specialty Tours and Day Programs are non-refundable. If it becomes necessary to reschedule your tour or program, please contact Guest Relations at [email protected] or (314) 646-4797 . Zoo Tours, Specialty Tours and Day Programs must be rescheduled within 30 days of cancellation. No refunds or rescheduling opportunities will be given for no-call/no-shows.
- The Saint Louis Zoo reserves the right to cancel any tour due to unforeseeable animal health, weather or staffing issues. In case of such an event, the Zoo will contact you to reschedule.
- Want to give a tour as a gift? Purchase a Zoo gift card here: https://stlzoo.org/services/gift-shops/zoo-merchandise/zoo-gift-cards
Schools (high school level and above) are welcome to book tours, but space is limited. Call our Tours Department at (314)-646-4840 for school tour accommodations.
Talk about a CLOSE encounter! Get to know the Zoo's wildlife in a whole new way with a tour experience you'll remember for a lifetime.
Day Programs
Spend the day with the Saint Louis Zoo’s team of keepers, helping guests learn how to feed the stingrays and touch the sharks! Or, become a train engineer for the day. You'll keep our railroad activities on track, helping passengers, narrating the journey around the Zoo, and operating the whistle and bell.
Specialty Tours
Get a backstage pass to explore our animal care facilities, or take a deep dive into the Zoo's business operations, conservation initiatives and more!
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Tours & Safaris
Enhance your visit at both parks upgrade with a tour and safari.
San Diego Zoo Tours
- BOOK A ZOO TOUR
- San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, California 92101
- 619-718-3000
Upgrade your visit to the Zoo with one of our exclusive tours. Enjoy an entertaining and educational adventure with one of our knowledgeable guides.
Safari Park Safaris
- CHOOSE YOUR SAFARI
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027-7017
Want to get up close and personal with your favorite African Plains animals? Enhance your experience; add a Safari and get ready for an adventure you’ll always remember!
- San Diego Zoo Tickets
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