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Looking for a wild adventure out of the classroom? Book a Safari Adventure with us at Global Wildlife Center.

Be sure to check out the News section for the latest happenings at Global Wildlife Center!

Global Wildlife Center will be closed for tours April 10, 2024 in anticipation of severe weather predicted.

Get ready for a WILD Interactive Adventure!

Explore our vision.

The Global Wildlife Center is one of the largest free-roaming wildlife preserves of its kind in the country! We are located in Folsom, Louisiana and are home to over 3,500 exotic, endangered, and threatened animals from all over the world.

Adventure Tours

Find your adventure.

Wagon tours

Explorers are encouraged to touch and feed animals from the comfort of a canopy-covered wagon while learning about each species from their tour guide.

• Private Tours

For those who enjoy an up close and intimate experience, Global Wildlife offers private tours. Your friends and family are shuttled by Pinzgauer or Can-Am to your favorite animals.

• Safari Parties

Looking for a fun and exciting setting for your next company picnic or birthday party? Check out our Pavillion rentals. Global Wildlife would love to host your next event!

Book Today!

Did you know..., every tour booked benefits the wildlife we work to protect, every tour booked benefits the wildlife we work to protect​.

Global Wildlife Center contributes to Global Wildlife Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission of ensuring the conservation of threatened and endangered species through the education of future generations.

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Our work cannot continue without the generous financial support of our members. The best part about becoming a member are the members only events we host yearly.

Never miss a beat

Stay up to date on all the exciting things happening at Global Wildlife Center from newborn baby giraffes, to upcoming events and promotions, and even updates on endangered species! 

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If you’re looking for things to do with the kids, you’ll love Global Wildlife Center in Folsom. In an area of St. Tammany Parish frequently reserved for country homes, plant nurseries, and equestrian farms, Global Wildlife raises four legged hoofstock of a different sort. Reminiscent of  Africa, but in Louisiana, Global Wildlife is a 900-acre free roaming safari park. Gentle rolling hills and a lake, the absence of predators, and wide open spaces make it a serene habitat for thousands of animals from all over the world. Some of the furry friends you’ll meet at Global Wildlife include camels, giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, deer, bison, and more. Book online today!

Kid-friendly guided safaris are conducted in large covered wagons pulled by tractors, or you can also schedule a Private Pinz tour for your family’s own personal safari. As a safari guide explains interesting facts about the animals’ habits and habitats in the wild, visitors learn through touch as they are able to count the stripes of a zebra, wiggle a camel’s hump, nuzzle a giraffe, or feel the wooly fur of bison. The best part about Global Wildlife Center is that petting the animals is encouraged; the key to getting up close and personal comes in the souvenir cup of animal feed. The more food, the more fun animal encounters you’ll have. Whether you’re two or 92, there’s nothing like getting eye to eye with a family of giraffes to connect with your inner child.

No matter what season you visit, Global Wildlife Center offers a dynamic experience. Autumn brings the rut, or breeding season, and you’re likely to see antlers clashing and dust flying as male deer compete for dominance of their herds. The cool, brisk temperatures definitely get the animals feeling frisky, and it’s a lovely time for humans to be on safari tours, too. As long as you’re dressed accordingly (it gets windy in those fields), winter tours are exciting. The animals are especially “hungry,” many bulking up in preparation for winter. You may even be able to see a “feed-up,” when staffers broadcast feed thousands of pounds of animal feed in the Lake field. Spring brings a bevy of beautiful babies, with hundreds of deer giving birth. In fact, new baby animals are born year-round at Global, and many births have been witnessed by lucky visitors on tour.

After your safari, grab lunch nearby at  Gus’s , or coffee and a pastry at  Giddy Up Folsom , both on Hwy. 25 in the village of Folsom. Little River Bluffs and Maison Reve B & B offer unique and memorable accommodations a short drive away.

Traveler’s tip: If feeding the giraffes is a must on your bucket list, the Private Pinz tour, in a Jeep-like vehicle with amazing access to the animals, may be your best bet. Be sure and check globalwildlife.com for tour availability and to book online!

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Destination Louisiane: Get an inside look at the Wild Country Safari Park

D ELHI, LA (KTVE/KARD) – Welcome to the Wild Country Safari Park, where they specialize in getting up, close, and personal with wildlife, giving you the real safari experience.

“There is nothing to be afraid of. We do not have animals that would hurt you or we would not have you back there with them,” said Denny Cahanin, tour guide at Wild Country Safari Park.

The park is an open animal enclosure. This means just like in the wild, all the exotic animals run together freely. Families can either drive through the park in their car or go on a guided tour. Either way, you get to enjoy these majestic creatures at arm’s length without getting out of the car.

“The animals actually just come up to the window and you feed them out of a cup. You don’t get to do that in many places,” said Debbie Broadway, manager of Wild Country Safari Park.

Roughly 500 animals and 30 different species call this place home.

“In the tour area, we have the large animals. We have water buffalo, bison, camels, zebra, zedonks, and seven different types of deer,” said Broadway.

On the guided tour, you will learn all about the lifestyle and habitats of some of those animals. The family-owned business welcomed the Northeast Louisiana community to the animal kingdom at the end of 2011, after Travis and Kathy Broadway bought the place. Since then, every animal there has become part of the Broadway family.

“My brother just said, ‘Hey, I need you to come and stay a few weeks and see what you think.’ Well, it turned into seven years and it’s because I love the animals,” said Broadway.

Officials said this drive-thru park is very educational for kids because not only do they get to interact with the animals but learn about the animals as well.

“One of the animals took the cup out of my hand. It’s always the camel,” said a kid who went through the safari.

“I really enjoy the people, especially the children who come. Most of them would never experience these types of animals, so it’s very rewarding,” said Broadway.

But the safari experience doesn’t stop there. In the welcome center, you’ll not only be greeted by human beings but birds, chinchillas, and bearded dragons. Then grab some feed and head outside to the two petting zoos. There you will find goats, kangaroos, deer, ostriches, and so much more!

The Wild Country Safari Park is open Tuesday through Sunday all year long. The pricing depends on a few things, including how old you are and which tour option you chose. Click here to see pricing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com.

Wild Country Safari Park

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At the Wild Country Safari Park we believe every living creature is a thing of beauty; something we can not only marvel at from afar but embrace and learn from. It is our goal to open the wildlife to the public so they can enjoy these majestic creatures at arm's length. We want to educate you during your visit so you can learn many wonderful facts about each fascinating animal while you have a bit of fun, too!

Open today: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Buy tickets ›

Safari Shuttle

While you’re at the Zoo, hop aboard Safari Shuttle for a quick trip from one end of the park to the other. All day long, seven days a week (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the Safari Shuttle picks up passengers, circles the Zoo, and returns to the main flamingo exhibit near the front entrance. You can get on and off the tram as often as you like at six different stops. The last trip departs at 3:30 p.m.

Adults: $5 Children (2 – 12): $2.50 Senior Citizens (60 and older): $2 Physically Disabled: $2 Children under 2: Free

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San diego zoo safari park.

Whether you are planning a family day in La Jolla or plan to head to a theme park, San Diego certainly doesn’t lack in options! The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a 1,800-acre wildlife preserve that’s home to over 3,500 animals across 260 species from six continents of the world. A sister location to the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park offers a much more diverse experience: its most famous feature is the expansive free-range enclosure area that’s home to herds of giraffes, rhinos, antelope, zebras, and buffalo, among other animals!

Here is everything you need to know about the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, including helpful tips, dining spots, and the best exhibits. (Pro Tip: Save money on tickets by visiting our San Diego Zoo discounts page.)

Hours & Directions

The Safari Park is located at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido 92027. The park is open from 9am-5pm seven days a week.

Directions from the NORTH (southbound): From Interstate 5 (Orange County, Los Angeles), take the State Route 78 East exit at Oceanside, proceed east to Interstate 15 South, exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27) and follow the signs to the Park. From Interstate 15 (Riverside), exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27) and follow the signs east to the Park.

Directions from the SOUTH (northbound): From State Route 163 (downtown San Diego, Mission Valley) proceed to Interstate 15 North to the Via Rancho Parkway exit (Exit 27). Go east and follow signs to the Park. From Interstate 5 or 805 (Mexico), proceed to State Route 163, then to Interstate 15 North, and then exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27). Follow signs east.

Directions from the EAST (westbound): From Interstate 8 (Imperial County, Arizona) take Interstate 15 North to the Via Rancho Parkway exit (Exit 27). Follow the signs east to the Park.

Parking at the lot at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is:

• $15 per vehicle.
• $20 for RV parking.
• Preferred parking is available on weekends and holidays for an additional $18 ($15 + $18 = $33 total to park in preferred parking).

How to Get Discounted Tickets for San Diego Zoo Safari Park

1-DAY PASS: $56 Adults / $46 Children. Includes Africa Tram, Cheetah Run, and all regularly scheduled shows.

2-VISIT PASS: $89 Adults / $79 Children. Includes one visit to the San Diego Zoo and one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park -or- two visits to the San Diego Zoo -or- two visits to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

San Diego GoCard

$209 Adults / $189 Children. The Go San Diego Card is a 3-day, all-inclusive attraction pass with free admission to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, LEGOLAND®, SeaWorld San Diego, and 35 other attractions.

Best Time to Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The best time to visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park is in the springtime, during birthing season. The busiest times of the year are from June-August and during school vacations. The park offers many nursery exhibits to see the baby animals, including enclosures that let visitors watch them as they take their first steps or are fed from a bottle.

Regardless of the time of year, the best time of day for guests to visit is in the morning as the animals tend to be most active then, before the temperatures reach afternoon highs. Tip: To avoid crowds, plan to visit the park on a weekday if possible.

Where to Eat at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The Sheared Sheep Enjoy a salad/wrap or one of their Australian inspired snacks, along with a specialty cocktail drink or a draft/craft beer.

The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook Enjoy an incredible view of the African Plains at the Safari Park’s newest gathering spot: The Watering Hole restaurant and bar. Watch rhinos and giraffes as you dine on menu items including tasty sandwiches and fresh salads, or relax with a refreshing beverage from the full-service bar with a wide selection of craft beers, wine, and mixed drinks.

Barking Deer Pizza and Beer Stop in for delicious Neapolitan-style gourmet pizza, cooked to perfection in a brick oven. Also choose from specially made sandwiches and salads, and wash down your meal with a refreshing draft/craft beer.

Rift Sand Bar Relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the African Plains and Lion Camp with a refreshing drink and snack. Beer, wine and spirits are also available.

Thorntree Terrace Breakfast, Asian cuisine (featuring rice bowls, salads, and wraps), burgers, french fries, and draft/craft beer.

Mombasa Cooker Enjoy all your barbecue favorites, burgers, fresh entree salads, and kid’s meals. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, and so are draft/craft beers. Dine outdoors on our African-themed fishing village deck surrounded with exotic waterfowl.

Okavango Outpost Experience the new menu at the Okavango Outpost while dining indoors or outside, taking in the beautiful view of the African Plains. This spot offers a variety of sandwiches, including Turkey and Swiss, Margherita, and BBQ Beef—served cold or grilled panini-style. Longtime favorites include the Rotisserie Club Wrap, Wild Cobb Salad, BBQ Beef Nachos, Meatball Sandwich, and Gluten-free Chicken Strips.

Samburu Terrace Dine with a view as you enjoy delicious “South of the Border” entrées, nachos, burgers, fresh entree salads, and Kid’s Meals. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, and so are draft/craft beers. This outdoor dining facility is conveniently located between the popular Bird Show amphitheater and Samburu Jungle Gym.

The Exhibits

There is so much to see and do at the Safari Park, especially at the extensive free-range animal enclosures in the park – the park has a whopping 13 habitats, each with their own theme.

Tiger Trail

Most visitors begin their visit with a trip through Tiger Trail, where you can watch the elusive Sumatran Tigers in their habitat as you walk along the path. You’ll have many opportunities to see the Safari Park’s tigers up close in three separate yards; one has a cooling waterfall and one includes a pool.

Africa Tram

Definitely plan on riding the Africa Tram, which runs from 10am – 5:15pm daily. It’s an exciting, open-air expedition aboard a safari tour vehicles, and you’ll wind through all of the various animal habitats on a relaxing adventure. The ride path takes you around some of the field exhibits, giving you a chance to connect with the animals on a closer level. The entire tram ride is approximately 25 minutes.  You can catch the tram at the African Outpost.

Lion Camp offers an exciting opportunity to view these incredible creatures up close. You’ll be able to observe natural lion behaviors as the cats romp in the grass, explore the logs and rocks, or rest in the cool shade. Let the little ones walk right up to the large glass panels for some eye-to-eye moments!

Gorilla Forest

The Gorilla Forest is a large enclosure that houses a variety of different animals in addition to the gorilla; including several birds, lemurs, and the Hidden Jungle – which is a  fun off-the-beaten-path area to explore with little ones.

Elephant Valley

Elephant Valley is comprised of two large exhibit yards for the Park’s African elephant herd. The Park actually rescued the founder herd from a scheduled cull in Swaziland in 2003, and since then, have celebrated several births!

You can observe the action from the Elephant Viewing Patio, located at the south end of Elephant Valley, next to Tembo Stadium. There are also shade structures made of simulated rock, and plenty of room to roam. Keep an eye out for the playful younger ones in the herd!

Add-on Experiences

In addition to seeing the animals and regular exhibits, the Safari Park has a wide array of add-on activities including: a zip line, balloon Safaris, campouts, playgrounds, behind-the-scenes safaris, rope climbing through the trees, encounters with animal ambassadors, trike safaris, and customized experiences with personal guides – so you can really make a whole day of fun out of your visit and tailor your experiences to your kids’ interests!

Visit the park website for details.

Tips for Families

• Be sure to bring snacks, water or a water bottle, and a picnic lunch if you don’t plan on buying lunch inside the wild animal park. There are plenty of tables throughout where you can eat the food you brought from home.
• Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, and bring a stroller for younger kids who might get tired from walking around the Park all day. Strollers are also available for rent at the Park.
• Arrive early, at opening time if possible – temps are cooler and you’ll see more animals out and about.
• There are four separate play areas, including one “cool zone” with water misters during the spring and summer months. Kids will love these when it’s hot out. The Park also has misting fans on many of the paths.
• Bring a swimsuit/towel for kids who want to make a big splash in the Savanna Cool Zone.
• Pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen – it can get warm at the Park, especially during the spring and summer months.
• The park is open even in the rain. In fact, it’s an excellent time to go, when many of the animals may come out to soak it up. And you might feel like the only person in the whole park.

Regardless of how you spend your day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, there is truly no other place like it in San Diego. Be sure to check out our San Diego Zoo Guide if you plan on checking that out, as well!

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Gone Wild Safari Park

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

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Safari Park Single Day Tickets

Buy online and save, 1-day pass – any day.

Includes: One visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park®, Africa Tram, and all regularly scheduled experiences. Experiences above subject to availability.

1-Day Pass Any Day tickets valid any day within one year from date of purchase. Cannot be exchanged for Value Days ticket. No reservation required.

Additional $2 Mandatory Processing Fee Charged Per Ticket

1-Day Pass – Value Days

1-Day Pass Value Days tickets valid on any Value Day (see calendar)  within one year from date of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discount/offer/promotion. No reservation required.

$72   $68

$62   $58, multi-day / multi-park tickets, 2-visit pass.

Includes: One visit to the San Diego Zoo and one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park -or- Two visits to the San Diego Zoo -or- Two visits to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Two total visits by the same person on any and all days.

2-Visit Pass tickets valid on any day within one year from date of purchase. Tickets cannot be combined with any other discount/offer/promotion. 2-Visit Pass cannot be exchanged for Value Days tickets. No reservation required.

San Diego 3-for-1 Pass

Enjoy visits to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld® San Diego. The San Diego 3-for-1 Pass is valid for one visit per attraction—three total visits—by the same person on any and all days. Valid for seven consecutive days from the first visit.    

Go San Diego Pass

Discover 55+ top San Diego attractions and enjoy incredible savings with Go City. Meet wildlife at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, spend the day at SeaWorld®, explore the USS Midway, cruise the bay with Speedboat Adventures, and more!

San Diego CityPASS®

One easy purchase saves big on admission to San Diego's top attractions and theme parks, including San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld®, and LEGOLAND®. 

No need to decide now, choose which attractions as you go. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over a 9-day period. No reservation required.

Membership offers a variety of ways to visit both the Zoo and Safari Park all year long. Please visit our membership pages for more details.

Starting as low as $95 per person

San Diego Zoo Gift Cards make the perfect gift! A gift card is valid toward San Diego Zoo and Safari Park admission packages, gift shop and food-stand purchases, tours and education programs, Zoo memberships, and more!

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The Drive-Thru Gone Wild Safari In Louisiana Lets You Experience A Safari From You Own Car

Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.

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Calling all animal lovers! Tucked away in central Louisiana lies one of the most unique attractions in the state, Gone Wild Safari. What started as an animal rescue has turned into a fascinating exotic animal park where you can get up close and personal to some of your favorite furry friends. The whole family will love this adventure so bring the whole crew out to this hidden gem.

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Ready to book your tickets? Head on over to the Gone Wild Safari website for more information and be sure to give them a follow on Facebook so you can stay up to date on the latest activities and possible closures (they’ll have to close down if the weather is bad). If you’ve ever visited Gone Wild Safari, share your experience with us in the comments below!

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

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Strange LaGrange Walking Tour

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Located just south of LaGrange in Pine Mountain, Georgia, Wild Animal Safari features an array of wildlife from all over the world. Get up close and personal with over 550 animals and 70 different species while driving through the 500-acre park. Load up the family on a rented zebra van or drive your personal vehicle on a winding trail through the park, while enjoying the encounters of numerous exotic animals.

When you purchase your tickets, you can also purchase bags of grass pellets for the animals. As you drive through the park, animals will flock to your vehicle with their appetites wide open. After finishing the drive-through portion of the park, discover more animals in a self-guided walk. This allows you to see birds, reptiles and other animals in a zoo-like setting.

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Insider tips.

• Discount available for military personnel and their families
• These animals are wild, don't risk scratching your new wheels, rent a zebra van for the drive through portion of the park
• Purchase one bag of food per two people, it goes fast
• Great for small and large groups
• Food available at the park

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What to know about California’s new state park, a scenic green space where two rivers meet

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On June 12, California will open its first new state park in nearly a decade, setting aside 1,600 acres near the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers in the San Joaquin Valley.

The park will give visitors a glimpse of what the valley’s waterways were like before the arrival of agriculture, but it will be a while before the site offers many activities. Or has a name.

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The site is known as Dos Rios, but state officials have yet to officially name it. It sits eight miles west of Modesto, amid dairy farms and almond orchards, and is considered the largest public-private floodplain restoration project in the state.

State parks officials said that beginning June 12 , visitors will be able to take escorted hikes on some areas of the property and use about a dozen newly placed picnic tables and shade structures.

But many activities will need to wait. Officials are still seeking public input and making plans for other possible activities, including biking, swimming, fishing and nonmotorized boating.

“We’re still growing,” park manager Paige Haller said. Haller said the park would open with three full-time interpretive employees and be open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will be able to reserve guided visits, Haller said, on a soon-to-be-unveiled park website.

Temporary restroom facilities are in place. A prefab “welcome center,” about the size of a trailer, is due to open by year’s end, to be followed eventually by a larger visitor center.

Once a dock is in place at the park’s main pond, Haller said, “We’re planning on having nonmotorized boating” and fishing, perhaps by the end of 2025.

There will be no entrance fee at the beginning, Haller said, adding, “We expect that to happen in the next couple of years.”

The property, formerly known as the Dos Rios Ranch, includes eight miles of river; a long, oxbow-shaped pond; a barn; several farm buildings that will be adapted to new uses; and about 20 miles of ranch roads, many of which likely will become trails.

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The property was run as a dairy and cattle ranch for decades, with a series of berms separating the rivers from the rest of the land, before it was acquired in 2012 by the California conservation nonprofit River Partners. River Partners planted vegetation, removed the berms in 2018 and began a transfer of the property to the state in 2023.

A River Partners analysis of the property found species including riparian woodrat, Swainson’s hawk, least Bell’s vireo, yellow warbler, sandhill crane and “an entire suite of neotropical migratory songbirds.” In waters near the restoration site, River Partners has documented spawning Chinook salmon, steelhead trout and white sturgeon. The park is neighbored by the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge.

Before this, the last new state park unit to be unveiled was Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area, opened in November 2014. The Dos Rios park will be the 281st unit in a system that covers nearly 1.4 million acres and includes almost 15,000 campsites and 3,000 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails.

The Dos Rios park’s name is to be determined and approved in coming meetings of the California State Park and Recreation Commission. Its next meetings are June 11 and Sept. 11. Gov. Gavin Newsom spoke at the Dos Rios site on Monday as part of an Earth Day celebration.

The Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers both carry snowmelt from the Sierra into agricultural areas of the Central Valley. The 366-mile San Joaquin River, longest in the valley, eventually flows into the Pacific Ocean by way of Suisun Bay and San Francisco Bay.

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Born and raised in California, Christopher Reynolds has written about travel, the outdoors, arts and culture for the Los Angeles Times since 1990.

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Dove fare un safari in Africa quest’estate

Dal Kenya alla Tanzania, i parchi più belli per una full immersion nella natura selvaggia

L’Africa è un continente affascinante e prospero di bellezze naturali, dove si trovano alcuni tra i parchi biologici più belli e importanti al mondo. Habitat naturali da proteggere e valorizzare ma anche da ammirare. Partire per un safari in Africa fa scoprire mondi nuovi e indimenticabili. Gli animali selvatici , i baobab e la meraviglia di trovarsi in mezzo alla savana, sono ciò che rende magica un'esperienza come questa. Decidere tra Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia o Botswana dipende da cosa si preferisce vedere e soprattutto da quali animali si vogliono avvistare . Ecco i parchi più belli dove fare un safari d'estate.

Kenya, Parco Nazionale Masai Mara e Lago Nakuru

Il Kenya ha grandi riserve naturali dove vivono tribù come quella dei Masai Mara . Il Maasai Mara in Kenya è tra le riserve più famose in Africa , qui si possono incontrare leopardi, leoni, elefanti, rinoceronti e bufali. Assistere, inoltre, allo spettacolo della Grande Migrazione , permette di avvistare branchi di gnu e di altri animali che arrivano nella Riserva tra luglio e ottobre per poi rientrare nella vicina Tanzania. Durante la Grande Migrazione gli animali iniziano a radunarsi nella vallata del Serengeti, in Tanzania, dopo le piogge per poi partire verso il Kenya. Nel mese di ottobre ritornano a sud, verso la Tanzania e il Ngorongoro, per la stagione riproduttiva. La Riserva Nazionale Masai Mara e il Parco Nazionale del Lago Nakuru nella Great Rift Valley sono un ormai un must per molti turisti, questo gioca a sfavore rispetto all’esperienza che potrebbe essere un po ' sovraffollata. I mesi migliori sono da maggio ad ottobre , ovvero la stagione secca in cui le temperature sono più indicate per i safari. Il Kenya è tra i paesi dell’Africa più amati.

Tanzania, Parco Nazionale Serengeti e Cratere Ngorongoro

Nel nord della Tanzania, tra il lago Vittoria e il Kenya, troviamo il Parco Nazionale del Serengeti , Patrimonio dell’Umanità dall’UNESCO, uno dei parchi più importanti e protetti al mondo, dieci volte più grande del Maasai Mara in Kenya; il Serengeti ospita la più grande concentrazione di erbivori del mondo e qui ogni anno si può assistere alla Grande Migrazione di gnu, gazzelle e zebre che si riversano nelle pianure, dove troviamo anche una numerosa popolazione di leoni. Il Cratere Ngorongoro, invece è una caldera vulcanica che racchiude nei suoi 250 chilometri quadrati, foreste, laghi e pianure e ospita poi una fantastica concentrazione di elefanti, leoni così come il raro rinoceronte nero. In Tanzania la natura è strepitosa grazie anche alle sorgenti del Nilo e del Congo . Il Serengeti ospita la più grande concentrazione di erbivori del mondo. Per assistere alla Grande Migrazione i mesi migliori sono da luglio ad ottobre.

Namibia, Parco Nazionale Etosha

Il parco più famoso della Namibia è il Parco dell'Etosha , il cui nome significa grande luogo bianco , come il colore del suolo del deserto salino, l'Etosha Pan, che occupa gran parte di questo territorio. Nel parco è possibile avvistare i Big Five citati anche prima ovvero: leopardi, leoni, elefanti, rinoceronti e bufali, ma anche zebre, giraffe e sciacalli. Il Parco ha diverse pozze artificiali che, data l’ assenza di acqua, attirano gli animali permettendo ai viaggiatori di poterli ammirare da vicino. Il Parco dell'Etosha è adatto anche ai viaggiatori che preferiscono viaggiare in solitaria . Le grandissime distese della Namibia, quasi prive d’acqua, sono uno spettacolo lunare da non perdere. Il periodo estivo come per il resto delle mete è il migliore.

Sudafrica, Parco Nazionale Kruger

Il Sudafrica offre una gran scelta di posti dove fare un safari. Il Parco Nazionale Kruger , Patrimonio Unesco, è il parco più conosciuto; inaugurato nel 1988, si trova nel Nord del Paese e si estende su un territorio di 20000 chilometri quadrati . Anche qui i Big Five sono di casa e il parco è ben organizzato per l’avvistamento grazie a bacheche e lavagne usate per segnalare i punti migliori per trovarli, uno strumento utile specialmente, per fare un safari in self-drive. Grazie alle strade asfaltate , il Sudafrica, così come la Namibia, è un paese più sicuro per il self drive. Il periodo migliore per andarci va da a prile a settembre.

Botswana, il Chobe National Park

Il Botswana vanta parchi naturali bellissimi , e viene chiamato la terra dei giganti perché qui vive la maggior parte degli elefanti africani, circa 120.000 esemplari. Nel Chobe National Park si possono incontrare ippopotami e coccodrilli. Il Botswana è una terra incontaminata dove facilmente si incontrano animali; ideale per un safari avventuroso immersi nella natura dominante. Il Chobe National Park fu il primo parco nazionale del Botswana, istituito nel 1968 , è suddiviso in quattro aree geografiche . Tra le esperienze da fare c’è la crociera sul fiume Chobe, le rive sono frequentate da branchi di erbivori e da famiglie di elefanti, soprattutto la sera. L’ enorme delta dell’Okavango è, invece, un habitat unico da sorvolare con un volo a bassa quota durante il tramonto per avvistare antilopi, bufali, gazzelle, leoni, zebre, elefanti, leopardi, ippopotami, ghepardi e coccodrilli.

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