san diego safari park wiki

• Meeting Planners
• Meet the Team
• Services & Resources
• Service Providers
• Hotel & Venue Search
• Convention Center
• Travel Trade
• San Diego Specialist
• Trade Offers
• Request Images
• Hosting Assistance
• Press Releases

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Jambo a safari adventure in san diego.

 Welcome to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where life-changing moments happen daily. Set out on safari and discover 1,800 acres of sprawling savannas teeming with wildlife as well as world-class botanical gardens—there’s no place like it on Earth. Encounter rhinos, giraffes, wildebeest, and large herds of wildlife roaming together. Journey through bamboo forests and come face-to-face with Sumatran tigers. Hop alongside kangaroos and dive underwater to meet the only two platypuses outside of Australia. And experience the awe-inspiring giants of Elephant valley. When you’re here, you’ll discover adventure is in every moment. And a moment can change a lifetime. 

Neighborhood: North Inland

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd Escondido, CA 92027-9614

Contact Info

(619) 718-3000 Toll-Free: (800) 407-9534

Please check our website for current hours.

More To Know:

• Located 30 miles north of downtown San Diego - and well worth the trip!
• The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is open 365 days a year
• Plan a full day & bring walking shoes, sunscreen and water for your adventures
• Safaris do fill up; book online ahead of time to ensure your spot
• Lovely facilities for catered weddings, parties and other group events!

Special Events:

• Marvel at eagles, owls and an Andean condor at Frequent Flyers
• Visit the World Gardens to see amazing and rare plants
• Autumn Festival On The Weekends From 10/7 -10/29
• Kids Free month with free admission for kids 11 and younger during October

More Information

• Destination Weddings
• Historic Landmark
• General Admission - Adult
• General Admission - Child
• Parking (RV)

Sharing is caring

Like what you see? Share with your friends, family, and the world!

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

• Things to Do
• Downtown & Urban
• Inland Valley, Mountain & Desert
• Baja California
• Neighborhood Maps
• Getting Around
• Travel Guides & Apps
• Family Travel
• International Travelers
• Visitor Information & Services
• Hotels & Resorts
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Camping & RV Parks
• Vacation Rentals
• Other Accommodations

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

Or use google translate.

• Real Estate
• Attractions

Search LaJolla.com

• Regional Attractions Articles
• Tours Article

A Travelers Guide to the San Diego Zoo: Safari Park

San Diego Zoo: Safari Park

Encounter animals from around the world, running and reveling in life, at the San Diego Zoo: Safari Park! This park started with a vision by Dr. Charles Schroeder in 1968 and, since then, has become the amazing wildlife paradise it is today.

Note that the Safari Park is not to be confused with the San Diego Zoo that’s located near the heart of downtown SD! The Safari Park is a far larger lot of land far away from the bustle of downtown. It’s home to a very different set of unique animals and is located near Escondido, which is to the northeast of La Jolla. Whether you go to the SD zoo or Safari Park, don’t miss these fabulous San Diego discount vacation packages here for amazing savings on both parks.

The Safari Park environment is a contrast to the usual zoo enclosures. Here, animals roam on large tracts of land, 1,800 acres of land to be exact. Because of its size, make sure you take at least one whole day to explore! Open every day of the year, including holidays, you can visit your favorite animals any time, no matter the season.

What Type of Animals & Plants to Expect

There’s a wide variety of creatures here to meet. Some of the top favorites include the African rhinos, camels, cheetahs, coati, lemurs, lions, millipedes, hissing cockroaches, bald eagle, Przewalski’s horses, red river hogs, dik diks, elephants, gorillas and zebras. The experience of seeing these animals is extremely authentic because the animals are put together to encourage interaction. See giraffes mingle with ostriches and deer run with antelope!

If seeing all these majestic creatures wasn’t already enough, also look forward to the globally-encompassing gardens you’ll be exploring. Visit unique plant life exhibits like the beautiful Bonsai Pavillion and Old World Succulent Garden.

Add On Safaris

It’s important to know that your initial ticket may seem quite inexpensive. This is because what you’re paying for is just admission to get in, the animal shows and a basic tram tour. This ride is of an open square mile at the center of the park, giving you the most general tour of park.

To get more in-depth knowledge and close ups of other animals and exhibits, you’ll want to check out the add-on safaris, which do cost extra. Some of these tours are:

– Cart Safari (goes through African Plains or Asian Savannah) – Cheetah Safari (meet these spotted speedsters up close) – Jungle Ropes Safari (climb a ropes-filled obstacle course) – Flightline Safari (zip line through some of the most popular exhibits) – Roar & Snore Safari (camping out in the park itself)

Additional Experiences

As mentioned before, you have animal encounters and shows included in the price of ticket admission. The purpose of these experiences? To have park trainers and keepers introduce you to animals up close and provide you a truly in-depth look at what makes them unique! Some of these animal encounters include:

– Tiger Keeper Talk (Everyday at 11:45 am) – Bird Training Talk (Everyday at 10:30 am) – Petting Kraal the goat (Everyday from 10 am — 4:45 pm) – Lemur Walk (Everyday from 9 am to close) – Elephant Keeper Talk (Everyday at 1:30 pm) – Frequent Flyers Bird Show (Everyday at noon and 2:30 pm)

How to Prepare (Attire, Food and More)

You’ve picked your date. You’ve mulled over which tours to add on. Now for the nitty gritty details…what to wear and what to pack!

Since you’ll be walking a long ways, supportive walking shoes are critical. Your feet will be giving you a big thank you by the day’s end!

Food-wise, you’re more than welcome to bring your own grub into the park. For those with families where buying food for 4 gets expensive fast, packing a picnic lunch is a great option. And hey, if you’re not in the mood to haul a cooler…there’s plenty of great food throughout the park. And don’t worry too much about dietary needs at these restaurants; most of the options like Thorntree Terrace, Samburu Terrace and Mombasa Cooker all have vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Good to Know

You can often find great deals on San Diego Zoo tickets or Safari Park tickets and packages through discount sites like LivingSocial and Groupon. Better yet, you’ve visited our zoo discounts page ! When looking to book your trip;, look on these sites first to make sure you’re getting the best savings possible!

In Conclusion

A day at the Safari Park is one well-spent, especially for families with kids. Everyone will come out feeling enriched, and, after your day of hiking, dinner will have never tasted so good!

Named after Pearl Street in La Jolla, Pearl is the unofficial mascot of the various elves on the daily news desk at LaJolla.com. We’re writers, editors, and people who work on websites; sometimes so many people work on one project that no one feels like they should take the credit.

Related Articles

Copyright © LaJolla.com 2022. All rights reserved.

Search form

• FOR SCIENTISTS
• Frozen Zoo®
• Native Plant Seed Bank

Safari Park Biodiversity Reserve

• Pathology Archives
• Amphibian Disease Laboratory
• Molecular Diagnostics Lab
• Chromosome Atlas
• Sperm Atlas
• FOR TEACHERS
• Conservation Education Lab
• Eddy Family Outdoor Learning Lab
• Highlighted Project
• Endowment Opportunities

• Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
• Training in Veterinary Pathology
• AIP Masters Degree Program
• Teacher Workshops
• Field Trips
• Seminars & Special Events
• Native Biodiversity Corps

• Reptiles & Amphibians

• Conservation Genetics
• Reproductive Sciences
• Population Sustainability
• Disease Investigations
• Plant Conservation
• Recovery Ecology
• Community Engagement
• Biodiversity Banking
• Full Staff List
• Mission, Purpose, and Values
• Beckman Center for Conservation Research
• Associated Facilities
• Global Field Stations
• Institute News

Of the 1,800 acres that comprise the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 900 are undeveloped, supporting large expanses of coastal sage scrub vegetation. This natural habitat, which occurs at the nexus of two regionally important habitat corridors, is extraordinarily high in native species diversity, supporting 24 mammal, 179 bird, 28 reptile, and 4 amphibian species. Remarkably, the area supports 16 species of native snakes, more than have been found at any other site in Southern California. This reserve, which was formally set aside in 1996-1997 as part of San Diego’s multi-species and habitat conservation plans, forms a key part of the larger system of interconnected protected areas designated to conserve San Diego’s unique regional biodiversity over the long term.

This natural area provides an unparalleled opportunity for scientific study and the development of monitoring and management techniques. The reserve is well protected, bordered by a broad spectrum of adjacent land uses, and contains a variety of habitat types, ranging from riparian areas to live oak woodlands. Scientists at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have been intensively monitoring wildlife populations on the reserve for more than ten years. We take an active role in restoring the area, which is slowly recovering from the impact of the 2007 wildfires. To date, we have planted thousands of cacti and young shrubs as part of our efforts to restore fire-damaged areas of the reserve. Although the reserve is not open to the public, it is available to individual scientists for approved research projects.

Local News | The San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park opened 50 years…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Breaking News

Local news | evacuations under way as crews battle brush fire near torrey pines state beach, local news | the san diego zoo’s safari park opened 50 years ago.

From the Evening Tribune, Wednesday, May 10, 1972:

ZOO’S OPEN-SPACE FACILITY GOES PUBLIC

Animal park opens with snort, bleat, roar

By BETTY PEACH

The gates to the San Diego Wild Animal Park opened at 9 a.m. today to admit the public to the San Diego Zoo’s great rural venture — a view of 1,000 animals, birds and reptiles.

First man in was Earl Hall, 71, of 2124 22nd St., National City, who arrived at the parking lot at 7:30 a.m.

Lena, an elephant, with trainer Pat Derby on her trunk, charged through a paper bull’s-eye at the visitors’ gate at 11 a.m. yesterday to mark the dedication ceremony.

Guests ate lunch at long tables under thatch umbrellas or on the shaded walkway wh1le Carol, the painting elephant, took a bath with the aid of trainer Joan Embrey.

Members of the zoo board of trustees, government officials and dedication speakers sat under white tents at a table on the bridge overlooking the pool.

Beyond, across an umbrella-dotted terrace, lay the rolling hills of the 1,800 park at San Pasqual, with 600 acres developed for display of the wild animal collection.

For Ian Player, the Republic of South Africa chief conservator and the man who captured the 20 white rhinos brought to the South African Plains exhibit at te park more than a year ago it was almost a homecoming.

“I am a religious man,” he said, “and my religion is of the wilderness. This park is brilliant in its conception and execution. No one can visit this wilderness threshold without experiencing a spiritual uplift.”

Player, one of the speakers in the dedication ceremonies, told the audience he was so delighted with the possibilities when e first saw the site more than two years ago that he made an oral agreement for the sale of the rare rhinos with Dr. Charles Schroeder zoo director, and Anderson Borthwick, board president, on the spot.

“We shook hands on it and never exchanged any kind of paper, he said.

“That’s how much faith I had in this project.” The agreed price for the rhinos was $100,000.

Bill Burrud, a producer of animal documentary films for television, was master of ceremonies.

Mayor Wilson, on of three mayors present, praised the zoo for developing the park.

“I commend your courage and imagination in developing this conservation program that will be greatly educational for all,” he said.

During Borthwick’s brief remarks, the clock struck noon with 12 loud bongs, forcing him to pause. then a sprinkler head because a geyser, briefly spraying dozens of guests.

“I hope you appreciate the extra shower,” Borthwick said “That water costs about 20 cents a quart all the way from Lake Wohlford.”

The first car of the electric train, filled with the honor guests, broke through ribbons and clouds of balloons to take visitors on the five-mile continuous view of animals from various parts of the world.

There were exotic, rare and endangered species — addax, blackbuck, eland, gnu, gaur, gazelle, giraffe, impala, kudu, lion, nilgai, rhino, springbock and zebra — some in pairs, some in families, some in herds. all have been imported for their own protection.

And mixed in with them are native chipmunks, having a feast at the daily fresh feed, bobcats, mule deer, an occasional skunk and, according to the train’s commentator, a mountain lion that comes through the more remote regions of the park about once a week.

The park, 30 miles north of San Diego and five miles southeast of Escondido on State 78, will open every morning at 9. Gates close at 5 p.m. but visitors in the park may remain until 6.

More in Local News

Politics | Supervisors adopt $8.53 billion budget, largest in county history

Courts | Judge dismisses pastor’s free-speech lawsuit against Mayor Gloria

Transportation | Coronado ferry rides will cost $9 Friday — nearly twice what they did 3 years ago

Crime and Public Safety | Former sheriff’s watchdog to head San Diego police oversight commission

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Price & Hours

• Facilities 5.0
• Atmosphere 5.0

U.S. News Insider Tip: Spend the night with the animals on a Roar & Snore Safari. Guests sleep in comfortable tent cabins with cots and heaters. Witness the animals' activity after dark and roast s'mores around the campfire. – Sharael Kolberg

If you want more of the San Diego Zoo , head about 35 miles north to its Safari Park in Escondido. Here, you can view some of Africa's most beloved animals – including lions, elephants and cheetahs – roaming free (well, relatively). There are also meerkats, zebras, gorillas and bald eagles, to name a few. True to its name, the park offers a variety of different safaris, including a zip line safari and a wildlife safari in an open-air truck.

Like the zoo, the Safari Park is operated by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and regularly wins high praise from animal lovers, who say the facility offers an excellent way to observe the multitude of creatures. Travelers frequently describe the staff as very friendly and knowledgeable. Visitors acknowledge that it is an inconvenient trek from San Diego, but the unique habitat created for the animals is very fascinating to see. Some travelers even went so far to say that it felt like they were on a real African safari. Many point out that it can get extremely hot here in summer and advise you to plan accordingly.

Hours and Tickets

The park is open daily, usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but extended hours at select times throughout the year may be until 7 or 8 p.m. Prices for single-day tickets start at $72 for visitors ages 12 and older and $62 for kids 3 to 11. This covers admission to the park and use of the Africa Tram that travels through it. Individual safari experiences cost extra.

Packages combining admission to both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park or blending visits to the two Wildlife Alliance institutions with a trip to SeaWorld San Diego are also offered. If you're hoping to visit the Safari Park, you'll either need to drive or take a taxi as the city doesn't offer an efficient mode of public transportation between the zoo and park. For additional information, see the park's website .

Tours & Tickets

San Diego Harbor Cruise

(2133 reviews)

from $ 35.00

Best of the Bay 90-Minute Harbor Tour in San Diego

(243 reviews)

from $ 34.50

San Diego Whale Watching Tour

(1108 reviews)

from $ 71.00

More Best Things To Do in San Diego

#1 Balboa Park

U.S. News Insider Tip: Leave your car in one of the parking lots and take the free Balboa Park Tram that runs every 10 to 15 minutes to get around. Save money with a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which offers discounts at park museums. – Sharael Kolberg

Home to the renowned San Diego Zoo , this 1,200-acre park is the city's cultural hub. Located in downtown San Diego (about 1 ½ miles north of the city center), Balboa Park is a great place for a stroll, a bike ride or a picnic. Wander around the park's many gardens while admiring the intricate Spanish-Renaissance architecture that permeates the grounds (the best examples are the California Building and the reconstructed House of Hospitality). The Botanical Building is a great starting point in Balboa Park. The building is one of the most photographed places in Balboa Park and is one of the largest lath structures in the world. But don't just look at it. The famous botanical building features more than 2,100 permanent plants, including striking collections of tropical plants and orchids. Balboa Park also features a cactus garden, a rose garden, a Japanese-style garden as well as a palm tree canyon, among many others.

Explore More of San Diego

Things To Do

Best Hotels

You might also like

Los Angeles

# 4 in  Best Food Cities in the U.S.

Santa Barbara

# 17 in  Best Places to Visit in California for 2024

Long Beach, CA

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

Category : San Diego Zoo Safari Park

• This and the San Diego Zoo are run by the Zoological Society of San Diego. The Park houses a large array of wild and endangered animals including species from the continents of Africa , Asia , Europe , North America , South America , and Australasia . It has the world's largest veterinary hospital.
• The park is in the semi-arid environment of the San Pasqual Valley , and one of its most notable features is the "Journey into Africa tram" which explores the expansive free-range enclosures of the African semi-arid species exhibits.
• The park is noted for its California condor ( Gymnogyps californianus ) breeding program, the most successful such program in the country.

Subcategories

This category has the following 2 subcategories, out of 2 total.

• Animals in San Diego Zoo Safari Park ‎ (2 C)
• Plants at San Diego Zoo Safari Park ‎ (97 F)

Media in category "San Diego Zoo Safari Park"

The following 86 files are in this category, out of 86 total.

• Parks in San Diego County, California
• Escondido, California
• Zoos in California
• Safari parks in the United States of America
• California State Route 78
• Uses of Wikidata Infobox
• Uses of Wikidata Infobox with maps
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wildlife Safari Tour

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

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

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

Wildlife Safari

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

Twilight Wildlife Safari

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

Deluxe Safari

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

Combine A Truck Safari with a Zipline Experience

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

Wildlife Safari Tips

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

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

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

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

RESTRICTIONS

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

CANCELLATIONS

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

Sun-Up Cheetah Safari Tour

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

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

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

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

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

Cart Safari Tour

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

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

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

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

Flightline safari.

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

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

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

Deluxe Flightline Safari

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

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

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

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

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

Behind the Scenes Safari Tour

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

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

There are three Behind the Scenes Safari Tour s:

Elephants & Friends

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

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

Rhinos & Friends

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

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

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

Roar & Snore Safari Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are 3 different tent options:

Classic tent.

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

Premium Tent

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

There are 5 different Roar & Snore Safari options:

All-Ages Roar and Snore

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

Adults-Only Roar and Snore

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

Girl Scouts Roar and Snore

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

School Nights Roar and Snore

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

Supreme Roar and Snore

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

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

Ultimate Safari Tour

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

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

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

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

Price: Varies depending upon day and seasonality

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

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

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

Balloon Safari

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

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

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

Ages restrictions:   All ages. 

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

Africa Tram Tour

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

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

Duration: 25 – 30 minutes.

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

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

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

7 Tips for Better Safari Tours

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

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

Nancy Ulrich

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

Recent Posts

Discover the Best Hotels Near San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido 2024

I've got the scoop on the best hotels near San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido for 2024. These highly-rated spots offer awesome amenities and prime locations. Plus you can score a 20% discount....

3 Best Kid-Friendly Hotels Near San Diego Zoo on a Budget

Discover the top kid-friendly hotels near the San Diego Zoo that are affordable too. My chart compares cost, distance, and number of family amenities. Reviews with room tips help you choose the best...

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

• Edit source
• 2.1 Field Exhibits & Safari Tours
• 2.2 Nairobi Village and Gorilla Forest
• 2.3 Lion Camp
• 2.4 Condor Ridge
• 2.5 African Woods and African Outpost

Overview [ ]

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, formerly the San Diego Wild Animal Park (from 1972-2010), is an 1,800-acre (728 hectares) zoo and animal park in the San Pasqual

Valley area of northern San Diego County, near Escondido and San Marcos, California. The park is surrounded by many vineyards and pasturelands, in a part of the county accentuated by rolling hills and ranches, including ostrich and emu farms. It is one of the primary tourist attractions within San Diego County, along with its sister facility, the San Diego Zoo (open since 1916), SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland California, among other destinations. The Park, visited by 2 million people annually, cares for around 3,000 individual animals, representing more than 400 species, and over 3,500 species of plants, including trees, succulents, herbs, perennials, epiphytes, aquatic and carnivorous plants. Depending on the season, the park has about 400-600 employees. The park is also Southern California and the west’s quarantine center for animals imported into the United States through San Diego.

The Park features a large array of animal and plant species from each continent (except Antarctica), notably specializing in those from the Old World, and maintains a special focus on conserving those which are threatened with extinction or endangered. Quite a few species at the Park have either been extirpated from or hunted to extinction in the wild, only surviving in captivity today; several species have made considerable population recoveries thanks to focused breeding programs at the Safari Park, with the status of some being officially downgraded from “endangered”, such as the southern white rhinoceros, one of the Park’s biggest success stories and its logo/emblem. The Park revolutionized captive breeding efforts of the endangered California condor, and to this day has the highest hatchling success rate for the species in captivity.

Through their networking efforts with other zoos around the world, the Park has also had success in the conservation of Père David’s deer (formerly extinct in China), the rare Indian barasingha (swamp deer), Mongolian Przewalski’s horses, Indian one-horned rhino, European bison, African sable and Russian saiga antelope (wild populations decimated by a deadly disease), as well as several North African and Middle Eastern antelope species, including Mhorr, dama, slender-horned and red-fronted gazelles, the scimitar-horned and Arabian oryx, and the addax. Many believe the Park’s expansive grassland enclosures (some 200-300 acres in size), as well as its location in a semi-arid, coastal desert valley (about 30 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean), is a conducive environment to the successful breeding and preservation of species. The climate is superficially similar to that of southern, northern or eastern Africa, as well as western India, Asia Minor, or Central Asia, all regions with a high percentage of species present at the Safari Park.

One of the Park’s main attractions is the Africa Tram Safari tour, a half-hour, guided tram tour which explores the expansive African savannas and Asian Plains exhibits. These free-range enclosures house the bulk of the Park’s animals, including numerous types of antelope, deer, giraffes, buffalo, bison, ostriches, sheep, goats, dozens of exotic birds, and even some primates.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park maintains the world's largest zoological veterinary hospital. Adjacent to the hospital is the Institute for Conservation Research—formerly the Center for the Reproduction of Endangered Species (CRES)—which holds the park's “Frozen” Zoo, vast sperm- and egg-bank of all of the Park and Zoo’s animals, as well as holding countless seeds, spores and cuttings of the thousands of botanical species. Both the park and the San Diego Zoo are run by the Zoological Society of San Diego. The Park is 32 miles (51 km) away from the zoo, at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road east of Escondido, California, along California State Route 78.

List of Animals and Exhibits [ ]

Field exhibits & safari tours [ ].

The park's most spacious exhibits are the five grassland enclosures, as well as a number of hidden hillside exhibits for sensitive species. Guests can travel on the half-hour-long Africa Tram Safari; included with admission, this tour takes guests around the largest of the fields, East Africa (approx. 200 acres), as well as seeing part of Northern, Southern, Western and Central African habitats. As a number of the Park’s species are rare, sensitive or otherwise timid, the bulk of the larger field exhibits are only accessible through the cart safaris or the caravan tours, both additional up-charges that require reservations. Prices fluctuate based on the number of exhibits a guest wishes to experience. The cart safari is a smaller, more personal tour in a golf cart-style vehicle; caravan safaris see guests riding directly into the field enclosures in the back of special pickup trucks, with plenty of photo opportunities feeding vegetables to curious giraffes, rhinos, deer and more.

East Africa

• Angolan roan antelope ( Hippotragus equinus cottoni )
• Cape buffalo ( Syncerus caffer caffer )
• Eastern defassa waterbuck ( Kobus ellipsiprymnus adolfi-friderici)
• Eastern Thomson’s gazelle ( Gazella thomsonii)
• Eastern white-bearded wildebeest ( Connachaetes taurinus albojubatus )
• Ellipsen waterbuck ( Kobus e. ellipsiprymnus)
• Fringe-eared oryx ( Oryx callotis / O. beisa callotis )
• Kenyan impala ( Aepyceros melampus )
• Lowland nyala ( Tragelaphus angasii )
• Nile lechwe ( Kobus megaceros )
• Southern white rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium s. simum )
• Ugandan giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi )

Nikita Khan Rhino Rescue Center

• Southern white rhinoceros

Southern Africa

• Cape buffalo
• Ellipsen waterbuck
• Lowland nyala
• Masai giraffe
• Nile lechwe
• Patterson’s eland
• South African springbok
• Zambian sable antelope

Arid Africa ( paid tours only )

• Defassa waterbuck
• Grevy’s zebra
• Scimitar-horned oryx
• Cape vulture
• East African grey crowned crane
• Lappet-faced vulture
• Rupell’s griffon vulture
• Yellow-billed stork

Mammal Marsh

• Baja Peninsular pronghorn

Somali hillside enclosures

• Dromedary camel
• Nubian Soemmerring’s gazelle
• Somali wild ass

Mountain Habitat ( paid tours only )

• Desert bighorn sheep
• Transcaspian urial

Central Africa

• Angolan roan antelope
• Ugandan kob

African Forest

• East African bongo
• Nubian red-fronted gazelle
• Speke’s sitatunga

African Hillside Habitat

• Greater kudu

Northern Africa

• Ankole cattle
• Barbary red deer
• Bactrian hangul
• Hartmann’s mountain zebra

Central Asia ( paid tours only )

• Burmese Eld’s deer ( Rucervus eldii thamin )
• Indochinese sika deer
• Indochinese sika x swamp deer hybrid
• Javan banteng
• Przewalski’s wild horse

Asian Plains ( paid tours only)

• Barasingha or Indian swamp deer
• Blackbuck antelope
• Burmese Eld’s deer ( R. e. thamin )
• Indian one-horned rhinoceros
• Malayan sambar deer
• Nilgai antelope

Asian hillside enclosures ( paid tours only )

• Arabian oryx
• Kordofan aoudad
• Nubian ibex

Nairobi Village and Gorilla Forest [ ]

In addition to being the park's main entrance and shopping, dining, and customer service location, Nairobi Village houses numerous exhibits featuring smaller animals: South African meerkats, Chilean pudu, ring-tailed lemurs, Andean flamingos, Sulawesi babirusa, red river hogs, bat-eared foxes, aardwolves, dik-dik antelope and African warthogs, to name a few. A large, centrally-located lagoon features a replica Congo fishing “treehouse” structure made of bamboo, built over a large waterfall. This lagoon is home to numerous species of exotic (and local/transient) waterfowl, among them many ducks, geese, cranes, herons and storks. Lorikeet Landing is a walk-through aviary featuring a large flock of talkative rainbow lorikeets, which will gladly land on visitors and drink from cups of nectar for a small fee. The adjacent Hidden Jungle is another walk-through exhibit, this time a heated glasshouse rainforest, featuring South and Central American butterflies, birds, poison dart frogs, leaf-cutter ants, and various smaller exhibits of unusual invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians. Additionally, there is a baby animal nursery where visitors can see orphaned or injured baby animals being hand-reared, with an adjacent petting “kraal”. Finally, an expansive gorilla habitat houses a troop of Western lowland gorillas. There is also a walk-through flying fox and Ruwenzori mountain fruit bat exhibit.

Lion Camp [ ]

Opened in October 2004, Lion camp houses the park's African lions in a 1-acre (0.40 ha) exhibit. One side of the enclosure is dominated by an artificial rock kopje which has a 40-foot-long (12 m) glass viewing window and heated rocks. The path continues along an acacia-studded ravine and leads to a replica observation tent. This has a smaller viewing window as well as a Land Rover for the lions to rest on.

Condor Ridge [ ]

Condor Ridge displays several endangered North American and Southwestern species. The featured animals are California condors (the Park was instrumental in the recovery these birds, which is still ongoing). Other rare species include the Baja peninsular bighorn sheep, Sonoran pronghorn, and mountain lions. Other species displayed include Aplomado falcon, the critically endangered thick-billed parrot (one of the only American parrots not to live in the tropics), black-tailed prairie dogs, black-footed ferrets, magpies, and locally-endemic desert tortoises.

African Woods and African Outpost [ ]

Formerly known as Heart of Africa, these are two of the park's major exhibits. Visitors go down a trail which replicates habitats in Africa. The exhibit begins in African Woods with scrub animals - vultures, lesser kudu, and western giant eland. It then progresses to forest (okapi, duikers, and wattled cranes). The path then leads to African Outpost, which features plains animals - bontebok, warthogs, southern ground hornbills, and South African cheetahs - against a backdrop of the 200-acre East African grassland exhibit. A central lagoon has lesser and greater flamingos, numerous species of waterfowl, an island with Kikuyu colobus monkeys, and an interpretive research camp on a separate island.

• 1 San Diego Zoo
• 2 Zoo Miami
• 3 San Francisco Zoo

• Help Center
• Plan Your Visit
• Places to Stay
• Youth Programs
• Student & Youth Groups
• Events & Catering
• Live Cameras
• Our Mission

Wildlife Safari

$92 & up*.

Price is per person

At A Glance

• Ages 3 & up
• $92 & up per person
• Savanna habitat

Ages 3 and older. Ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Maximum 3 children ages 15 and younger per adult. 

A separate admission ticket or membership is required for Safari Park entry; parking is not included.

Wildlife Safaris are an all-weather event, however during periods of inclement weather please call 619-718-3000 to check the status of your tour. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park reserves the right to cancel or reroute a tour due to inclement weather, animal health, and/or safety concerns. In the event of cancellation, efforts will be made to reschedule you on a later tour. 



For the safety of our animals and the comfort of our guests, outside food and beverages, selfie sticks, and tripods (except tripods used as monopods) are not permitted. Drinking water in closed-lid containers is recommended.

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. ​​​​​​​ Change/Cancellation:   Reservations may be changed up to 3 days before the program. Changes made 3 days or less prior to the program are not permitted. Cancellations received more than 3 days before the scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Cancellations made 3 days or less prior to the program, payment is non-refundable.



Wildlife Safari Deluxe Twilight

• Ages 6 & up
• $142 & up per person
• Select weekends and holidays
• Savanna habitats

Ages 6 and older. Ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Maximum 3 children ages 15 and younger per adult. 

A separate admission ticket or membership is required for Safari Park entry; parking is not included. 

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. Change/Cancellations: Reservations may be changed up to 3 days before the program. Changes made 3 days or less prior to the program are not permitted. Cancellations received more than 3 days before the scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Cancellations made 3 days or less prior to the program, payment is non-refundable.

This 90-minute adventure takes you into the Safari Park’s expansive savanna habitat during the twilight hours.  Your expert guide will share stories and insights while you experience this exclusive opportunity to be the only ones in the savanna at twilight. The tour also includes a stop to visit some of our nocturnal wildlife that can only be seen at dusk.

Each tour visits one habitat representing areas of Africa. Tour routes vary; you may have the opportunity to view species of giraffe, rhinos, antelope, gazelle, cattle, birds, and more.

The tour also includes a stop to visit one of our nocturnal species.

Feeding and/or touching of wildlife is not offered or permitted.

Mimosa Wildlife Safari

• Ages 21 & up
• $140 & up per person
• Offered select dates

Ages 21 and older. Guests will be required to show ID or proof of age at check-in to be served alcohol. A separate admission ticket or membership is required for Safari Park entry; parking is not included.

Wildlife Safaris are an all-weather event, however during periods of inclement weather please call 619-718-3000 to check the status of your tour. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park reserves the right to cancel or reroute a tour due to inclement weather, animal health, and/or safety concerns. In the event of cancellation, efforts will be made to reschedule you on a later tour.

For the safety of our wildlife and the comfort of our guests, outside food and beverages, selfie sticks, and tripods (except tripods used as monopods) are not permitted. Guests may bring drinking water; closed-lid containers are recommended.

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. For the health and safety of wildlife, service animals are not permitted on Wildlife Safaris.

Restrooms are available during the stop at Amani Point. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended. Change/Cancellations: Reservations may be changed up to 3 days before the program. Changes made 3 days or less prior to the program are not permitted. Cancellations received more than 3 days before the scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Cancellations made 3 days or less prior to the program, payment is non-refundable.

Enjoy sipping mimosas among the wildlife of the African savanna! Begin with a meet & greet mingle and your first mimosa in a souvenir aluminum glass. Next, board a covered, open-air safari truck and venture into an expansive habitat for up-close views of giraffe, antelope, and more. Then it’s off to a breathtaking viewpoint for more yummy mimosas and pastries while taking in the sights and sounds of African wildlife. A scrumptious way to start your day!

Deluxe Wildlife Safari

• $117 & up per person
• Offered daily

Spend even more time with your favorite wildlife! On this 90-minute safari, you’ll venture into habitats representing Africa and/or Asia for up-close views of giraffes, rhinos, and many other species. Enjoy amazing photo opportunities while learning about how caring for wildlife here helps us to conserve wildlife around the world.

• Age 3 & up

Venture into one of our expansive savanna habitats to get an up-close view of a variety of birds and mammals—including some of our newest babies! You'll travel in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck, with an expert guide.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Behind-the-Scenes Safari

These Safaris are guaranteed to thrill and amaze! Your guide will escort you to a variety of locations around the Park to see animals up close and share stories of wildlife care and conservation.  

Reservations

Let us answer your questions and create your day at the Safari Park!

Roar, White, and Blue

PREFERRED HOTELS

Come Travel with Us!

Travel with us to see Monarchs

Picture Your Special Day at the Park!

• Give Monthly
• San Diego Zoo
• Safari Park
• Special Experiences
• Plan Your Visit
• Renew/Rejoin
• Conservation
• Take Action
• Adventure Travel

Paul A. Baribault

President and Chief Executive Officer

“The world is interconnected. The health of wildlife, and ecosystems, are tied to our own human health. The challenges wildlife face today are unprecedented, and, we can drive change for the future if we work collaboratively with partners worldwide. At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we have the unique opportunity to bring our global work home to empower our guests as we create allies for wildlife, every day.”

Paul Baribault serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit organization and leader in wildlife conservation, health care, science and education. His team leads cutting edge conservation work across six continents, collaborating with hundreds of partners around the globe to save wildlife. And, they bring their work home to share with guests at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, inspiring the next generation of wildlife allies. He is responsible for leading the pursuit of the organization’s mission of driving impact for wildlife conservation and a vision to create a world where all life thrives.

Baribault began his leadership role as President and Chief Executive Officer of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in 2019. Previously, he worked at The Walt Disney Studios as Vice President of Animation Marketing Operations and Strategy and General Manager of Disneynature. Baribault co-led theatrical film campaigns for Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and The Muppets. He led strategic campaign planning, marketing, creative development, media planning and placement, digital and social media, publicity, promotions, research, and finance. He also oversaw all aspects of the Disneynature film label, including marketing, feature film production, and brand development. He was instrumental in the creative development and leadership of the first 14 Disneynature films. And, it was there where he built an understanding of the challenges facing wildlife today. In his work with Disneynature, Baribault pioneered the connection of conservation projects to films, collaborating with leading nonprofits to plant millions of trees and protect millions of acres of land for wildlife worldwide.  

Baribault has a long, committed history as a conservationist. He serves a chair on the board of directors for The Jane Goodall Institute, is a member of the executive committee of Jackson Wild (a conservation summit and wildlife film festival), and executive chair of The Aspen Institute High Seas Initiative.

Baribault earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at Stanford University and an MBA at the University of Southern California. He was honored to represent the United States as a member of the U.S. National Luge team at the Junior and Senior levels, winning Junior Nationals in 1991 and narrowly missing a spot on the 1994 U.S. Olympic Team. He also served on the board of directors of the United States Luge Association until recently. He enjoys traveling, volunteering, athletics, and spending time outdoors in nature with his wife Emilie, and their three daughters.

• San Diego Zoo Tickets
• Safari Park Tickets

• Attractions
• Parks & Recreation
• Featured Hotels
• Mission Bay
• Mission Valley
• San Diego Events Calendar
• SAN Convention Calendar
• Craft Breweries
• Japanese Markets
• Airline Information
• Airport Transportation
• Charter Bus
• Location/Maps
• Public Transportation

San Diego DISCOVER

San diego zoo, seaworld san diego, zoo & safari park.

San Diego Zoo  

San Diego, California  attraction not to be missed is the world renowned award winning San Diego Zoo. 

1-Day pass includes one visit to the San Diego Zoo®, Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram, and all regularly scheduled shows.  1-Day Pass tickets within one year from date of purchase. 

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Don't spend time waiting in line at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Buy tickets online and head straight to the gate! Pass includes Africa Tram, Cheetah Run, and all regularly scheduled shows. 

  2-VISIT PASS

One visit to the San Diego Zoo and 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.

SeaWorld San Diego 

1-DAY TICKET

Save online off the gate price with a Single-Day or Two Day Ticket to SeaWorld San Diego . Buy online and save.

NEW for 2024 is Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience. Another San Diego DISCOVER recommendation is  Sesame Street San Diego also located at SeaWorld!

Stay @ wyndham garden san diego near seaworld

 California sunshine, relaxation and modern conveniences await at Wyndham Garden San Diego , minutes from SeaWorld San Diego and San Diego International Airport (SAN). 

Discover "Go Card San Diego"

Free entry to 48+ san diego attractions.

Pay nothing at the gate. Save up to 55% vs. buying tickets separately. San Diego, California package includes entrance to San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, and more. 

Photo Gallery

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Video - TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO

Connect with san diego discover, become a san diego discover member members receive premium space on on sandiegodiscover.org plus dedicated blog and social media posts..

Sign up for our email list for updates, promotions, and more.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

[email protected]

Copyright © 2021 San Diego Discover - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.