safari park run

San Diego Zoo Safari Park – What You’ll Want to Do & See – 2024

How to do San Diego Safari Park from Africa Tram to zebras. Here’s a gorilla-sized tips guide to animal exhibits, shows & tours. A day planner’s included with animal encounters and entertainment events pre-loaded. You’ll know what you want to do, and when to do it to have a great day.

At San Diego Zoo Safari Park you can have an African Safari experience without going to Africa. Walk and see wild animals in large natural field enclosures and exhibits like Lion Camp. Enjoy activities like Africa Tram, Cheetah Run, overnight camping, ziplining, ballooning, playgrounds, and shows.

* 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 .

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

That’s the quick summarized version of what there is to do at Safari Park. But there’s a lot more to discover below. Also, check out my Safari Tours reviews to discover how much time each takes to make organizing your day easier.

What Can You Do At San Diego Zoo Safari Park?

At safari park you’ll walk…a lot .

You’ll be getting your steps in during your day at San Diego Safari Park. It was designed first as a breeding facility for rare and endangered species. Because of this, the animal exhibits have more room here than at a ‘normal’ zoo. And thus you’ll be strolling a bit further between them. 

Safari Park is 1800 acres large. But the area that is open to general admission ticket holders is only about 80 acres ( Link to my page with the maps ). Still, that’s a lot of ground to cover.

If you have limited mobility there are wheelchairs and electric scooters for rent. There’s also an ADA (American With Disabilities Act) shuttle bus to get you around the park. Those who have difficulty with standing in line may request an “Easy Access” pass at the entrance to Safari Park. The pass offers you and 3 more members of your group preferred boarding and seating if needed. Download the park’s “ Guests With Disabilities ” guide for more information.

You Can Take a Safari Tour

There are 9 different types of Safari add-on experiences, and 27 different variations.They range from animal photo and feeding opportunities to sleepovers and activities like zip lining that will get your adrenaline going. You’ll need to make reservations well in advance. They fill up quickly and you can plan your day around them.

TIP: Make sure that you arrive at least 10 minutes early for your Safari. If you’re late or miss it you will not be given a refund or a raincheck in most cases. Cancellations for full refunds must be done 5 days in advance.

Below you’ll find quick summaries of all 9 Safari tours. For detailed information including how much time you’ll need, costs and other requirements see my page on Safari Park Tours .

Caravan Safari Is the Most Popular Paid Tour at San Diego Safari Park

This is our favorite Safari, we’ve taken it several times. You ride a flatbed truck out into the wild animal herds in their large field enclosures. These include even the dangerously unpredictable cape buffalo who are sometimes called “ the black death ”. Fortunately, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide familiar with their behavior to keep you out of trouble. The guides also point out other (safer) animal behaviors and answer your questions. 

They’ll also help you feed the giraffes and sometimes rhinos if the critters are feeling curious and hungry. There are always so many great photo opportunities on this trip it’s sometimes hard to choose where to point your camera. 

Roar & Snore Safari Is More Than Just Camping Overnight

Experience the sights and sounds of an African safari without the killer plane ticket cost. You get to fall asleep to the sounds of elephants snorting and giraffes walking by. And the sounds of lions roaring may wake you the next morning. You get a tasty, filling dinner and a hearty breakfast. There’s also a night campfire where you can make gooey s’mores. There are guided night walks through some behind-the-scenes areas and a morning keeper presentation. 

For more information, here’s my review of our Roar & Snore evening .

The biggest downside of the Roar and Snore experience is if you need to sleep on a good mattress. If that’s the case, this is not the tour for you. But don’t worry. I’ve written a guide to the best local hotels around Safari Park . There, your sleeping problem is solved!

Behind-the-Scenes Safari Shows You San Diego Safari Park’s Secret Places

Explore behind the scenes into areas not accessible to the general public. This guided safari’s a  great way to get an insider’s view of some of the animals at safari park and the organization’s conservation efforts. You’ll also get a chance to meet and maybe feed some of the Safari Parks animal ambassadors. There are 7 different types of Behind-the-Scenes safari; platypuses, elephants, tigers, rhinos, kangaroos, cheetahs or butterflies. 

Cart Safari is a Relaxed Tour Around the Large Field Enclosures

On the Cart Safari tour you get a chance to observe herds of giraffes, rhinos, antelope and other animals in a natural setting. Your driver is also an experienced guide. They’ll point out significant behaviors and would love to answer your questions about what you’re seeing. 

It’s a more relaxed trip than the Caravan Safari and offers lots of photographic opportunities. 

Flightline Safari -Fly Over San Diego Safari Park

Get your pulse pumping, and feel the wind in your face as you fly 2/3rds of a mile over herds of antelope, rhinos and giraffe. 

You’ll get a training session from professional staff and take a short practice flight to get your landing technique down. Then you’ll take a truck up to a high ridge above the park and fly down. 

TIP : Pay the little extra for a helmet camera to record your trip down. Using your cell-phone to make your own live video is not possible. You’ll need your hands free to hold your harness when you land.

Cheetah Safari – Meet the Spotted Speedsters

Watch the Cheetah Run at speeds close to 70 miles per hour from a prime reserved trackside spot. Then meet the speedy sprinter afterward for an exclusive close-up experience. 

There will be plenty of opportunities to take amazing cheetah close-ups. But don’t waste your time trying for the perfect selfie with a cheetah. The Safari Park employees will make sure that you get a great shot with the big cat. 

Another African animal ambassador will also be brought out for you to meet before the run. This Safari is relatively inexpensive so it fills up fast. Make your reservations early. 

Balloon Safari – Get Above It All

Soar 400 feet above the scenic San Pasqual Valley and the herds of wild animals below. This is a tethered ride, so you don’t have to worry about floating away and landing within Lion Camp. This safari is very dependent upon favorable weather conditions.  

Try to schedule your ride between 9 AM and noon. Winds tend to pick up speed in the valley during the afternoon. And the balloon safari does not fly during the Cheetah Run. It can spook the cats.

Ultimate Safari – Wish Fulfillment for Animal Lovers

Build yourself a custom safari experience with the assistance of the Safari Park’s professionals. Visit off-exhibit areas. Have close encounters with the animal ambassadors that interest you most. Make it as adventurous as you wish, zipline, balloon ride and rope courses, cape buffalo, feeding an elephant. Dream big. Explore Safari Park with your personal tour guide for up to 8 hours.

Board These Safari Park Rides

Africa tram is a must-do safari park activity.

Africa Tram is a must-do activity especially if you aren’t going on one of the paid safaris. When you hop aboard it’s like you’ve been transported to the plains of Africa. You’ll see herds of giraffe, rhino, antelope and birds living together just as you would there. The tour guide drivers are very knowledgeable and quite often funny. They’ll point out unique animal survival tactics and adaptations and new babies in the large field enclosures. 

TIP: The animals are most active when it’s coolest. On hot days try to catch the earliest tram rides or the latest ones. The tram starts running at 10 AM. It stops 45 minutes before the park’s closing. I’ve written an in-depth review with extra tips on my Safari Tours page . 

Conservation Carousel

Have your kids (or you)  ever dreamed of riding a tiger, a bear, or maybe even a zebra? You can do it on this merry-go-round. It features 60 endangered animals and was opened in 2005 . There’s a $6 fee to ride the carousel. (open 10 AM to closing).

Watch Shows and Keeper Talks at San Diego Safari Park

Shiley’s cheetah run is a must-see at safari park.

Don’t even THINK about visiting San Diego Safari Park without attending Cheetah Run . See one of these leggy cats explode out of its carrier and sprint after its prey (a stuffed animal on a motorized tether) at speeds close to 70 miles an hour. Six or 7 seconds later it comes to an abrupt halt at the end of the 100 meter run. It’s long tail whips around for balance and dirt goes flying as its feet dig into the turf. Spectacular. Hang around. Depending upon how the cheetah feels they sometimes run the course twice.

TIP : Get to the Shiley’s Cheetah Run track at least 30 minutes ahead of time. Good viewing areas are on the bridge close to Savannah Cool Zone and on the walkways closest to it. The entire presentation lasts about 20 minutes and usually starts at 3:30 PM. Confirm the time when you arrive at Safari Park.

Tiger Keeper Talk

Get close-up views of tigers and inside information on how they’re cared for at Safari Park. The keepers use this time to provide enrichment to the tigers as well as give them a quick physical exam. The Sumatran tigers are the smallest tiger. But they’re still intimidating as you see them stretch up on their hind legs to reach a meaty treat. 

TIP : Arrive at least 20 minutes early for the 11:45 AM Tiger Keeper Talk. The 15-minute tiger training session is very popular. 

Frequent Flyers Bird Show

(Temporarily canceled due to avian flu)

This is an entertaining show, perfect for an afternoon sit-down break. You’ll experience exotic birds like owls, parrots, and large vultures flying just inches above your head. They’re close enough to reach up and touch (but don’t).

They’re not caged or tethered in any way. It’s an impressive example of the power of positive behavior conditioning and the patience and kindness of the keepers. The 20-minute show is presented twice, once at noon and again at 2:00 PM. 

Animal Ambassador Stage 

Get within a couple of feet of various Animal Ambassadors here. You never know what the keepers will bring out. I’ve gotten up close to tiny Kestrel hawks, echidna (an Australian spiny anteater which has spines like a porcupine, a beak like a bird, a pouch like a kangaroo, and lays eggs like a reptile) to a golden eagle and African serval cats. 

Training Talk

Get an up-close look at free-flight bird training. Most people don’t bother with this presentation. That’s what makes it so good. You can often sit in the front row and see firsthand how expert animal trainers establish trust with their charges. Aside from being able to view exotic birds up close, it’s easier to ask questions in this forum. If you pay attention you can pick up tricks that can be applied to your cats, dogs, and maybe even kids to encourage them to do what you want them to.

Talk with Robert the Zebra

Chat with a digital, interactive zebra. He’s snarky, and clever and will keep your children occupied for 20 minutes with stories about what it’s like to be a zebra. Kids are fascinated by this cartoon zebra that carries on a conversation with them from a large-screen TV. You can talk to Robert every hour on the hour from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Visit These Can’t-Miss Safari Park Animal Exhibits 

The platypus are a must-see at safari park in san diego.

These are the only platypus on exhibit outside of Australia…anywhere. So go see them. Give yourself some time and exercise a bit of patience in this exhibit.

First, it’s dark and you’ll need to let your eyes adjust to the bright San Diego sun.

Second, platypi move fast and rarely stay put in one spot. Getting a good photo can be a challenge. Just have fun looking at these energetic creatures. 

Gorillas have always been one of the most popular animals at Safari Park and the Zoo. Go anytime. They are fed five or six times per day with leaves, stems, fruit, seeds, and roots. Be sure to check out the Gorilla Activity Center. Compare your arms to those of an adult male gorilla on a drawing, listen to their vocalizations, and watch a video on how the keepers care for them. 

Elephant Valley

(Elephant viewing may be limited due to the construction of the new, larger ‘Elephant Valley’ exhibit.)

There are few things as wonderful as seeing elephants playing in the water. There are two swimming pools for the San Diego Safari Park herd in this 5-and-a-half acre habitat.

There are two main yards. One is usually open while the other is being cleaned of copious amounts of elephant dung and stocked with treats. In most cases, the Elephant Viewing Patio will be the best place to watch them. 

NOTE: Open observation points may differ during the construction of the new Elephant Valley exhibit.

The lion exhibit at San Diego Zoo is justifiably famous for its design. It’s both visitor friendly and great for the lions themselves. There are many places to view lions from the large windows by the air conditioned rocks, to rock piles and an ‘abandoned’ jeep that sometimes hosts a very large sleeping feline. The lions have wonderful views of the large field enclosures filled with tasty meals on the hoof. Think of it as must-see cat TV. 

Tiger Trail Sambutan Longhouse

If you love tigers, you’ll love Tiger Trail. It’s green and lush and the perfect place to watch tigers watching you. For more information on what’s there and why you should go there, check out my “ 11 Coolest Reasons to See San Diego Safari Park Tiger Trail ” page. 

Kangaroo Walk in Walkabout Australia

At Kangaroo walk you can go inside the exhibit and see wallabies and kangaroos go bounding by on all sides. And if you’re lucky, maybe one will stop within petting distance. They’re super soft and feel like they’re covered is fuzzy wool. 

Petting Kraal

Kids love brushing and petting the three types of small African goats here. One word of caution. Goats will try to eat ANYTHING. So make sure that your cameras, purses and wallets are tucked away safely. Any children that are intimidated by the rambunctious kraal critters can relax next door at the Village Playground. Because of their proximity, it’s easy to keep an eye on both areas. 

Kids Love These Playgrounds At San Diego Safari Park

Samburu jungle gym .

This will be your favorite playground at Safari Park. Your kids can climb on a rhino or pretend to be driving a jeep across the African plains. And you can watch their antics while relaxing in the shade at Samburu Terrace. Sip a cold one and have lunch while your offspring work off their excess energy. 

Savanna Cool Zone

Your kids can have a wet and wild time here while you sit in the shade and keep an eye on them from tables by Lion Camp Slush and Snacks.. It’s perfect for hot summer days. There are play statues shaped like lions and tortoises with squirt fountains coming from their heads on a soft spongy play surface.

Camp Play Area

Kids climb, slide and run on tree trunks in a simulated logging camp hidden within the lush wooded landscape of Tiger Trail. There are also statues of a tiger mom and her cubs where you can take memorable photos of the kiddos. 

Village Playground

KIds have fun experiences in this interactive play area designed as an African Village. It’s located next to the Petting Kraal in Nairobi Village. This is great planning because some children are frightened by the curious goats poking their noses everywhere looking for treats. It’s much easier for parents with several kids to keep an eye on everyone here. 

Jameson Research Island

Your kids will have buckets of wet fun here…literally. Buckets periodically dump cooling water in one of the play areas on the island. Even though the African Loop that goes past the flamingos and colobus monkeys goes over water, the path can get very warm in the summer and early fall. 

Explore These Gardens at San Diego Safari Park

Bonsai pavilion is the best garden at san diego safari park.

The Bonsai Pavilion at San Diego Safari Park is fascinating even to those who aren’t into gardening.  These aren’t just plants, they’re art.

Bonsai is a Japanese word that roughly translates into “tree in a tray”. Ordinary young trees are shaped by pruning and cutting to mimic the natural effects of centuries of wind and weather on a small scale. 

Baja Gardens, Old World Succulent Gardens, and California Nativescapes Garden

Take a walk on the wild and spiky side in the World Gardens. These three gardens will amaze you with the wide variety of plant shapes, colors, and sizes found in the world’s arid areas. It’s like a journey through a Dr. Seuss book with elephant trees , euphorbias , and over 200 boojums . 

TIP: Bring a water bottle. These gardens are located at the highest elevations in the park that are open to the public. They can be physically challenging, especially during the hot afternoons in August and September. The best time of the year to see these exhibits is early May when many of the plants are blooming.

Epiphyllum Trail

The blooms in this garden are spectacular from April through early July. At other times this garden is rather boring.  

Epiphyllum are cacti indigenous to central America and Mexico. They live in the crooks of trees and get water from the moisture in the air. Almost all of the plants are hybrids that combine the characteristics of several different naturally occurring species. 

Herb Garden

Give your nose a treat. Take the thyme to smell the roses, it won’t cost you a mint because entry to this garden comes with your San Diego Safari Park admission, Herbs have been used for centuries to flavor food, treat illnesses and make us smell good. There are over 20 different species of herbs here. 

Hidden Jungle

Wander through a tropical rainforest complete with towering trees, flowering vines, and exotic birds. Many of the birds are named for their colors like the blue-capped cordon bleu, pink pigeon, and purple grenadier. 

In springtime, half of this exhibit is home to Butterfly Jungle and you’ll see many more colorful wings than usual. The other half of Hidden Jungle is reserved for birds that eat butterflies and other insects. It’s a natural way to keep the butterflies inside.

TIP: Visit this exhibit in the morning or late afternoon. This is an enclosed greenhouse. It can be hot and humid. 

Mombasa Lagoon

Even though this area is listed by Safari Park as a garden, the major attraction here is the birds, not the plants. At any given time there are over 150 avians here from about 25 different species. There are cormorants fishing, storks, ducks, and my favorite, the shoebill. It looks like something out of Jurassic Park. 

If you see some of the birds taking off and flying away, don’t worry. They’re most likely local freeloaders like great blue herons, egrets or migratory birds like mallards. 

Additional Tips for Visiting San Diego Zoo Safari Park

How long does San Diego Zoo Safari Park Take?

People in online forums say that it’s possible to see Safari Park in two hours. They’re wrong.

San Diego Zoo Global recommends allocating at least 4 hours . The only way to “do” Safari Park in 2 hours is to just walk to Africa Tram to ride it and then walk back to the parking lot. Keep in mind that the park is at least 45 minutes of travel time from downtown San Diego…each way. Then add another 30 minutes for parking and walking to and from the entrance. 

If you’ve only got 2 hours and you’re near downtown San Diego, just go to the Zoo in Balboa Park. Take the money that you’d have spent for getting to Safari Park and buy a nice dinner with some wine at Albert’s Restaurant .

What’s the best day to go to San Diego Safari Park?

The best days to visit Safari Park are typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays on weeks without a major holiday. The park is less crowded on these weekdays . If you’re going on a holiday weekend, get there at 9:00 AM when it opens .

Click HERE to check your date(s) to see if Safari Park will be crowded. 

Safari Park can get very warm in late August and September. These are the days when temperatures can be over 100°F (38°C). It doesn’t happen very often, but make sure that you’ve packed hats and refillable water bottles if you decide to go then. 

Don’t let a bit of rain keep you from going to Safari Park. It can be a delightful experience. Here’s a page that I wrote giving you tips and hints for enjoying Safari Park in the rain . 

What’s the Best Time to Arrive at San Diego Safari Park?

It’s best to arrive at San Diego Zoo Safari Park just before opening at 9:00 am. Many of the animals at Safari Park will be more active when it is cool. Also, keepers generally put out enrichment and treats first thing in the morning. That encourages the animals’ natural foraging behaviors and keeps them from getting bored.

Where’s the Best Place to Eat in Safari Park?

The best restaurant in San Diego Safari Park is The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook. But it may not be the best for you. So I’ve written an entire page about all the restaurants and eateries at and around Safari Park . Chow down!

7 Things You Should Wear to San Diego Safari Park

Closing thoughts.

I hope that you’ve found this post on what to do at San Diego Safari Park useful in planning your day. Because this attraction is not your ordinary zoo, some people can get overwhelmed by all the options and just decide not to go. I didn’t want this to happen to you. Let me know if you have questions on any of the Safari tours, rides, activities, play areas or if you know of a great tip for visiting San Diego Safari Park.

Nancy Ulrich

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

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San Diego Safari Park – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, kids activities

San Diego Safari Park is a wildlife paradise in Southern California. 

The 1,800-acre Safari Park houses more than 2,500 animals of 300 species in open field enclosures. 

The park is divided into habitats such as African Plains, Asian Savanna, and Australian Outback, each housing animals native to those regions.

In addition to the animals, the park has a variety of botanical gardens featuring over 1.5 million plants representing more than 4,500 species. The gardens are designed to showcase different types of plants worldwide, including succulents, bamboo, and orchids.

It is San Diego Zoo’s sister and often gets referred to as San Diego Zoo Safari Park. 

This article shares everything you must know before purchasing your San Diego Safari Park tickets. 

Top San Diego Safari Park Tickets

# 1-day San Diego Safari Park ticket # Safari Park + San Diego Zoo: 2-Day Ticket

Table of contents

What to expect at safari park, san diego, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, san diego safari park ticket prices, safari park + san diego zoo: 2-day ticket, discounts for san diego safari park, how to reach san diego safari park, san diego safari park opening hours, how long does the tour take, best time to visit  , san diego safari park free entry, what to do at san diego zoo safari park, kids in san diego safari park , weather at san diego safari park, san diego safari park map, faqs about san diego safari park.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park provides a unique and immersive safari experience.

The Safari Park is home to a diverse range of animals worldwide. You can expect species like elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, etc. The park aims to create naturalistic environments for the animals to thrive.

One of the main attractions is the safari tours that allow you to get up close to the animals. There are various safari options, such as wildlife, behind-the-scenes, cart safaris, and more, where you can observe animals in settings that mimic their natural habitats.

You might also find educational exhibits and programs highlighting the work of preserving endangered species and ecosystems.

The park features beautiful botanical gardens with a variety of plant species.

The park hosts animal shows and presentations, where trainers showcase certain species’ natural behaviors and abilities. These can be both entertaining and educational.

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Tickets for San Diego Safari Park are available online and at the attraction box office window.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because the attraction sells limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Once you purchase San Diego Safari Park tickets , they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction. Proceed directly to the turnstiles; you do not have to stand in line at the ticket booth.

The Safari Park San Diego ticket is priced at US$69 for all visitors aged 12 years and above.

Children between three and 11 years pay a discounted price of US$59 for entry.

Infants aged two years and below can enter for free.

San Diego Safari Park tickets

This popular skip-the-line San Diego Safari Park ticket gets you access to almost all exhibits to see and experience. 

The Safari Park ticket gets you access to the following:

• Africa Tram Safari (subject to availability)
• Cheetah Run

Frequent Flyers Bird Show

Animal Ambassador Stage

• Hidden Jungle
• Kangaroo Walk

Tiger Keeper Talk

Training Talk

Lorikeet Landing

Nairobi Station

• Jameson Research Island
• All kids play areas

This ticket doesn’t get you access to any of the paid safaris. 

Paid safaris at San Diego Safari Park are nice but unnecessary because the 30-minute Africa Tram Safari is already included with this ticket. 

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$69 Child Ticket (3 to 11 years): US$59

Infants up to two years can enter the park for free.

San Diego Zoo is San Diego Safari Park’s sister, located 56 km (35 miles) away.

The travel time between the two wildlife destinations is approximately 45 minutes. 

This combo ticket is popular amongst tourists who love wildlife and are in the region for at least two days. 

This ticket helps you save 20% on the ticket costs and gets you one entry into the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park and San Diego Zoo.

You can visit the same attraction twice if you don’t want to try the second location.

Adult Ticket (12+ years): US$118 Child Ticket (3 to 11 years): US$108

If you prefer to view animals in a not-so-open environment (which is far more convenient for visitors), opt for the 1-day San Diego Zoo ticket .

Active military professionals can enter the zoo for free by showing their ID. Their dependents qualify for a 10% price reduction. 

San Diego Zoo offers a 15% discount on the ticket price to seniors (65+ years) and students (12+ years) with valid photo ID cards. 

However, the Military, Seniors, and Student discounts can only be availed at the ticket window.

The best way to save money on your San Diego holiday is by opting for the  Go San Diego Pass . With this one pass, you get to visit  San Diego Zoo , San Diego Safari Park,  SeaWorld San Diego , and 30+ other city attractions for free.  Find out more

The San Diego Safari Park in the San Pasqual Valley area of San Diego, California, near Escondido.

Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, United States. Get Directions .

It is 56 km (35 miles) northeast of the San Diego Zoo near Balboa Park in San Diego.

Depending on the time of the day, it takes 45 to 60 minutes to travel from the Zoo to Safari Park.

You can reach the park by car or public transportation.

The nearest bus stop Highway 78 & Safari Park Outside Gat e is 1.2 km (0.8 miles) from the park. Board the bus 371 to reach the nearest bus stop and take a cab to get to the Safari Park.

Amtrack Railway Service is a better option if you plan to visit a wildlife attraction from another city, such as Los Angeles.

At 43 km (27 miles), Oceanside Amtrak Station is the closest station to San Diego Safari Park. 

From Oceanside, you must board the light rail service called Sprinter to get to Escondido. 

After 53 minutes and 14 stops, you must get down at Escondido Transit Center .

From Escondido Transit Center, you can take a taxi.

If you wish to travel by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s general parking costs US$20 per day. 

Preferred parking (a spot closer to the Safari entrance) is US$18 extra, which means you pay US$38 for parking your vehicle. 

Credit cards, debit cards, or cash are accepted. 

There are numerous parking garages around the safari park.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park, including holidays, opens at 9 am throughout the year. 

During the summer months of April to August, when the park gets lots of visitors, it closes at 7 pm, and the rest of the year, at 5 pm. 

Visitors need at least four to five hours to explore San Diego Zoo Safari Park to satisfaction. 

If you plan to explore the bare minimum – walk in, go on the Africa Tram at the Safari Park, and step out – you need around 90 minutes.

Some visitors wonder if they can shorten their visit by driving through the safari park. 

Unfortunately, that’s impossible because San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a walk-through sanctuary.

Note: During peak summer months, the queue for the Tram ride can be long, leading to longer waits. 

It is best to visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park when it opens at 9 am because the animals are most active during the first half of the day. 

As the day gets hotter, animals tend to look for shade.

Heat can also affect your experience at the Safari Park, so a fair-weather day is recommended.

On Weekdays, expect the longest lines at San Diego Safari Park between 11 am and 1 pm; on weekends, it is between 11 am and 3 pm. 

However, the crowd doesn’t affect your experience if you purchase your tickets in advance. 

San Diego Safari Park is most crowded from June to August and during school vacations. 

Best time of the year

The best time of the year to visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park is spring – from mid-March to mid-June. This is also known as the birthing season. 

The park sets up nursery exhibits where you can see baby animals take their first steps into the wild. 

Tourists on a budget holiday tend to compare San Diego Zoo and Safari Park and then decide where to go.

With four fantastic zoos, California State is a wildlife lover’s destination. Read about all the  Zoos in California .

All through the year, infants up to two years and active military professionals can enter the zoo for free.

Besides this, everybody must purchase a ticket. 

Seniors free days

Adults 65 and older can visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park for free throughout February. 

Kids free days

In October, every child aged three to 11 years gets free admission to San Diego Safari Park as long as a paying adult accompanies them. 

Only kids aged 12 and above need to purchase tickets this month. 

The animals at San Diego Safari Park are divided into 11 primary areas, which you can walk around and explore.

You can interact with the wildlife at the Park in many exciting ways.

Africa Tram

The Africa Safari is a 30-minute guided tour on an open-air tram.

The tram takes a 4 km (2.5 miles) long route through San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s field habitats, and visitors get to wild animals such as giraffes, rhinos, elephants, antelopes, etc.

African Tram Safaris start from the African Outpost, a 20-minute walk from the attraction entrance. 

The Tram trips start at 10 am and continue till 45 minutes before the park closes. 

The African Tram Safari is free with the regular San Diego Safari Park ticket .

To avoid waiting in queue to board the safari tram, be at the African Outpost in San Diego Safari Park before 11 or after 3 pm. 

At 11.45 am, the Tiger Keepers at San Diego Safari Park conduct a training session with the animals at the Sambutan Longhouse. 

This keeper talk is a fantastic opportunity to meet the San Diego Safari Park’s tigers up close. 

Since the talk is popular, plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early for the 15 minutes long Tiger Keeper Talk. 

The majestic animal gets a brief physical visual examination by their caretakers and lots of treats. 

The San Diego Safari Park Animal Ambassador Stage is an open platform for showcasing different animals. 

Visitors get a chance to get within a couple of feet of animals that aren’t available in an exhibit. 

The stage is at Safari Base Camp close to the park entrance, and there are two shows daily – first at noon and the last at 4 pm. 

If you are lucky, you may interact with the massive python ‘Julius Squeezer,’ cheetah, Kestrel hawks, or the high-jumping servals and caracals.

At the Nairobi Station, visitors get close-up views of some of the smaller animals at San Diego Safari Park.

Don’t miss out on Robert, the safari’s interactive digital zebra.

The Animal Care Center houses the baby animals and is also at Nairobi Station.

Expect some waiting time when baby lions or cheetahs are cared for at the center. 

Petting Kraal

Open from 10 am to 4.45 pm, the Petting Kraal is an excellent opportunity for your kids to interact with the Safari Park’s friendly goats.

Kids can feed the Pygmy, Nubian, and Boer goats and have fun. 

At Lorikeet Landing, visitors can engage with a colorful rainbow of parrots from 10 am to 3.45 pm.

The entrance to the exhibition is free, but the nectar you feed the parrots is for sale. 

A small bowl of nectar can get these parrots to land on you and make for beautiful, funny photographs. 

At Lemur Walk, open from 9 am to the Safari Park’s closing time, visitors get to spend time with the Lemurs. 

You walk along a path inside the habitat as ring-tailed lemurs hang around in the trees or walk with you. 

Only visitors over five years of age are allowed. 

The 20-minute Frequent Flyers Bird Show at San Diego Safari Park is scheduled twice daily – at 12 noon and 2 pm. 

The exciting show is perfect for a quick break mid-way through exploring the park. 

Visitors see exotic birds like owls, parrots, and large vultures flying just inches above your head. 

The Training Talk happens in the amphitheater between Gorilla Forest and African Woods.

It is an opportunity to get a closer look at free-flight bird training as the birds prepare for the famous Frequent Flyers show. 

Most people ignore this show, which means you can get the front seat row. 

Shiley’s Cheetah Run

San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Cheetah Run is held once a day, at 3.30 pm.

You see an agile Cheetah run down a 100-meter (330-foot) long track and reach its top speed of nearly 112 km (70 miles) per hour.

It is better to be at the spot 15 minutes earlier because it is a massive hit with visitors. 

Cheetah Run is different from Cheetah Safari. Read up on the other safaris at San Diego Safari Park .

Safari Park Gardens

If you love greenery, check out Safari Park’s World Gardens, which has thousands of plants representing geographical areas worldwide. 

Our favorite gardens are Baja Garden, Old World Succulent Garden, Epiphyllum Trail, Bonsai Pavilion, and California Nativescapes Garden.

Conservation Carousel

The Conservation Carousel is at the Safari Base Camp and costs US$6 per person for an all-day bracelet.

It is a good entertainment option for kids, with 60 reproductions of rare or endangered animals that rotate around an axis. 

Kids can choose their favorite animals, such as giraffes, rhinos, zebras, cheetahs, etc., to ride on. 

It is open from 10 am until the Safari Park closes. 

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is very kid-friendly, and more than half of the visitors on any given day are children.

Besides the animal exhibits, which are always a hit, many activities and experiences are designed for children. 

Village Playground

The Village Playground is designed like an African village, next to the Petting Kraal in Nairobi Village.

The interactive play area is open from 9 am onwards. 

Savanna Cool Zone

Located in the Lion Camp, this is an excellent way for your family to beat the heat. 

The kids can have a wet and wild time even as you relax in the shade with snacks.

Kids love the play statues shaped like lions and tortoises with water squirting from their heads. 

Samburu Jungle Gym

This is a hit for kids and adults, located below the Benbough Amphitheater in the African Woods. 

Children love climbing up and exploring in this safari-themed play area, even as the parents put their feet up in the shade at Samburu Terrace and keep an eye on them. 

Tiger Trail Play Area

Also known as the Camp Play area, this spot is part of the lush wooded landscape of Tiger Trail. 

Children love climbing, sliding, and running on tree trunks in a simulated logging camp. 

Besides this, kids also love Petting Kraal and Conservation Carousel, which are paid activities. 

All play area images from Sdzsafaripark.org

Stroller Rentals for kids: San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers strollers for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. The daily charge for a single stroller is US$16, and a double stroller is US$20. 

Because of some odd zoning rules, the Safari Park is in San Diego, referred to as the San Diego Safari Park.

However, Safari Park’s geographical location is Escondido.

Escondido is around 32 km (20 miles) inland and usually 5 to 7 degrees Celcius (10 to 14 Fahrenheit) warmer than oceanfront San Diego.

Since the Safari Park is an outdoor attraction, it makes sense to dress up in layers during your visit. 

The weather gets warmer as the day progresses. 

With more than 2500 animals to see, a San Diego Safari Park map is helpful.

Besides the animal enclosures, a map helps you identify visitor services such as viewing points, petting areas, restaurants, restrooms, etc.

Keeping the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s layout handy is highly recommended if you are visiting with kids because you won’t waste time looking for the exhibits and, in the process, get exhausted.

You can also download the GPS-enabled San Diego Zoo app from the Android or iOS store .

Here are some frequently asked questions about the San Diego Safari Park:

While the San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park, the Safari Park is in Escondido. The Safari Park offers a more expansive and natural setting, allowing animals to roam in larger habitats that resemble their native environments.

Tickets for the safari park can be purchased online or at the park ticket window. We recommend buying your tickets online in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment.

The Safari Park is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and many more. Visitors can experience up-close encounters with various species through safari tours and walking trails.

Yes! Visitors can bring their single-person food supply in small containers into the parks. No facilities are available for food storage other than lockers. For the safety of the guests and the wildlife in care, no large coolers, glass items, alcohol, party trays, candles, balloons, or decorations are allowed on the grounds.

Yes! There are a variety of options to assist you and your family. In addition, complimentary shuttles assist you and your party access the lower canyon areas. Please stop at Guest Services to request the ADA Packet, which includes information on the services, habitat descriptions, and show access. You can check the full details on the services for guests with disabilities .

Pets, comfort animals, and emotional support animals are prohibited at the Safari Park. The park houses significant populations of rare and endangered species; the Safari Park is a quarantined facility. State and federal regulations for such facilities do not allow access to pets, comfort animals, or emotional support animals accompanying guests to these facilities.

Sources # Sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com # gocity.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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She has a passion for both traveling and photography, which help her document her memories forever. She loves to explore city streets taking in the people, the colors, and the culture surrounding her. Occasionally she loves to step away from the hustle-bustle of urban lifestyle, and chill-out either alone or with friends. Favorite Cities: Istanbul, London, Marrakech, Venice

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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• Conservation Status: Threatened

Long and lanky, cheetahs are the sprinters of the cat world. Their body is designed to run fast for short distances, allowing them to catch prey that other big cats can’t get.

The cheetahs’ ability to run starts with their flexible spine. It allows their front legs to stretch far forward on each stride. Cheetah claws are hard and sharp like cleats, giving them great traction when they run. You can watch a cheetah run at full speed during the Park’s popular Sun Up Cheetah Safari experience, available on Saturdays and selected holidays.

Cheetahs are quite vocal. They make a unique, bird-like sound called a “chirrup” when excited. Mothers use the same sound to call to their cubs. They also purr, growl, snarl, hiss, cough, moan, and bleat, but cheetahs cannot roar like lions or tigers do.

Enjoy the view of our cheetahs and their view of the African Plains beyond, in African Outpost.

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 2, 2020

CONTACT: San Diego Zoo Global Public Relations 619-685-3291

WEBSITE: SDZSafariPark.org

  NEWS RELEASE

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Launches Sun Up Cheetah Safari

Exclusive Private Tour Includes Brunch with a View and Cheetah Run on Selected Weekend Mornings

There’s a wild new way to start the day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park: It’s the Sun Up Cheetah Safari, a one-of-a-kind experience that includes brunch and exclusive wildlife encounters. With this reservation-only safari, groups of up to four household members can have the Safari Park to themselves before it opens for the day, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This month, the Sun Up Cheetah Safari is also available on Labor Day Monday.

Safari guests will make their way to Shiley’s Cheetah Run to witness one of nature’s most jaw-dropping displays: a cheetah hitting speeds upwards of 50 miles per hour. Afterward, at the Watering Hole restaurant at Kijamii Overlook, another intimate animal encounter awaits, followed by a question-and-answer session with knowledgeable wildlife care specialists. Then it’s time for a delicious brunch—including coffee, tea and mimosas—to compliment Kijamii Overlook’s sweeping view of the African Plains habitat and its diverse wildlife.

The Sun Up Cheetah Safari is a new addition to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s safari tours, which also include a variety of Wildlife Safaris, Roar & Snore sleepovers and Behind-the-Scenes Safari experiences with wildlife. The Sun Up Cheetah Safari is especially designed to safely accommodate one family or household group, with social distancing provided between each group and their private guide—and pricing includes everyone in the group. For more safari information, or to reserve your Sun Up Cheetah Safari, visit SDZSafariPark.org .

Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes on-site wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is made accessible to over 1 billion people annually, reaching 150 countries via social media, our websites and the San Diego Zoo Kids network, in children’s hospitals in 12 countries. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible with support from our incredible donors committed to saving species from the brink of extinction.

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Review Highlights

“ . Definitely set up for family fun with nice couches for parents to lounge and keep an eye on the kiddo s ” in 7 reviews

“ We had our daughter's birthday party there and staff did such an amazing job from the beginning till the end. ” in 15 reviews

“ Arcade is always well maintained and clean as well, with all machines working all the time. ” in 14 reviews

Location & Hours

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2300 Coit Rd

Plano, TX 75075

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Open Play hours take place Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The store is open for birthday parties only on Saturdays and Sundays. For more details please visit the store's website. …

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103 reviews

Came here with my 2 year old toddler (25 months) and he had so much fun here. The place is huge,the climbing structure is huge as well. He spent 2 hours running and climbing everywhere. He did need help climbing up certain spots as they were too tall for him but adults can go on the structure too so we were there to help him go up. The slides are fun for both adults and kids. There were 4 different slides to go down and they were all fun in their own way. (Wavy slides, straight tall slide, straight short slide, and spiral slide). My son went down all of them surprisingly and loved it. Couple of times he did disorient himself inside the straight slide and came out of the slide head first even though he went in sitting normally, but he wasn't badly injured or anything like that. He still had fun and went back on it again. Besides the huge structure, they also had a separate smaller structure for smaller toddlers. My 2 year old was in there a couple times but he preferred the big structure. There's also a separate room for arcade games but you do have to pay separately for those. There's also a seating area outside of the play area for you to sit and eat if you'd like. They sell some snacks, ice cream and drinks. There were also some toys for sale. We went on a weekday early rainy afternoon (1pm) and it wasn't that busy which was nice. I'd recommend coming here with your little ones especially on a rainy day!

Can't say enough good things about this place! We planned our daughters 3rd birthday since she loves animals, so naturally the theme was perfect! The planning process was a breeze and they communicate very quickly via email and phone. The day of the event, we were running a little behind but they graciously allowed our guests to get started with play time! When we arrived the place was spotless clean even though it was a middle of the day party time! Having the whole place to yourself (per our package type) was awesome, and all of the parents loved it! We were pleasantly surprised at how organized the flow went and engaged the staff was with us throughout without being overbearing! They setup our food room perfectly with the small decor additions I brought and our food was ready to go. They assisted with rounding up the kiddos, hand washing, and transitioning between activities/rooms. Unlike a lot of other facilities, the food room is very spacious which was so nice! The kids had a ball in the game room at the end even though it was a little small, it's still very fun for your whole party! The price of a private party isn't the cheapest, but I would def say for what you get it's a great value!!! We are def booking here again for our next kiddos birthday:)

Food room setup. Picture doesn't do the space in here justice though!

Play room pic the hosts assist with right before we transition to the food room:)

We went here for a kid's birthday party and loved it. It's an indoor playground that is totally engaging but also safer than a gym or trampoline park. There's a separate playground just for toddlers too. In addition to the playground play and cake time, Safari Run has a mini game arcade (tokens/tickets) that you can book as part of the birthday package! The arcade is small and enclosed and perfect for a birthday party. The one downside is that, being a small operation, the arcade uses physical tokens and tickets which is hard for kids to manage while they are trying to play games. Their party room was amazing, theme decorated, huge, and with a staff and kitchen on hand (yes, inside the party room!). The staff were AMAZING. They were incredibly attentive to the guests and experienced at coordinating the flow of the party. Staff actually brought me pizza as I was holding my one-year-old! Did I mention how incredibly CLEAN the entire facility was?! Yeah.. you guessed it. It's pricey. But you get what you pay for, and this is one of the best kids' birthday facilities I've ever seen.

My son loves this place! One of the best indoor play areas for toddlers in the DFW Metroplex. The kids are respectful to one another and it's never too crowded when we visit. Worth the money to get in.

My 16 month old had a blast here. $15 to play until he's ready to go. He's completely OBSESSED with balls, so the fact that they had a wall of many balls sent him over the moon! They have a separate playground for littler ones which is a plus. Came on a Monday morning & parking lot was empty.

Great place to hang out with the kids. Very clean and well run. My six year old had a great time running around and going down the slides. They do have an infant and toddler area for the smaller children as well. They also offer drinks and snacks at a cost. Great if you need to catch up on work while entertaining your child!

Finding a good indoor play place seems tough in Dallas. While visiting we were looking for a place to take our 4 and 2 year old and so happy we stumbled on Safari run! We came on a Wednesday around noon and had the place all to ourselves - at least for an hour! WINNING! When we first walked in, it smelled like new equipment and the air was fresh - not smelly like most kids places. There was a huge structure for bigger kids and a whole toddler area for smaller kids. My kids enjoyed both areas. Since the place was empty, my youngest got to explore the big kid area and slides. It was great. About an hour into our visit a few other kids came, one who refused to wear socks and was allowed to play/climb without them despite the requirement to wear em. GROSS! Plus 3 of the other 4 kids were coughing. Please keep your sick kids home!!! Anyway, I really like this place. Oh and the hand wash stations that were easily accessible for kids was a win! Highly recommend!

We had a party here for our little one on her 5th birthday with her entire pre-K class. The set up is great because we booked our party for 2.5 hour so we had the entire place for your party. The wife did the reservation but I think that it is standard to book one party at a time for a certain time interval (the price varies according to how long you stay). Everything is well organized and runs according to a schedule. There are 3 main rooms. The kids first play in a big play room where kids can run and climb and play for about an hour. The next step is a second smaller room for eating which is allocated about 30 minutes. They offer pizza for sale (arranged in advance) and you can bring your own veggie tray or whatever and cake. You can pre-order water and soda. They provide paper plates and people to cut everything and pass out the plates. The third stage and third room is an arcade room which is allocated about an hour for doing arcades and then cashing in tickets for trinkets. There are probably a dozen or so arcade games so there is choice and the kids really liked it. A number of parents commented how nice it is to have the whole place to yourself and how well everything is organized. The staff takes care of everything efficiently and competently. We had no problems whatsoever. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. It was an excellent experience all the way around and everyone had fun. Safari Run is an fantastic place for birthday parties and I highly recommend it.

I recommend this indoor playground for rainy days! For $15/kid, you get unlimited playtime and can even bring nut-free snacks! The downside was the price for toddlers. You pay full price for 1+ years old. If your infant isn't feeling social, you've wasted your money. I also expected the size of the venue to be bigger (other reviews showed a pov that made everything look larger). Aside from the infant fee, I recommend bringing your kids to sweat and use up their energy for a few hours!

Very nice and helpful staff. Clean, not over crowded, the grandkids loved it! Great break from the heat.

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Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa

C an't decide where do you want to start your next (or first) safari in Africa? We collected the top 10 safari parks in Africa places to see wild African animals in their natural habitat. If you want to know what to be on the lookout for, read our article on the top 10 safari animals you can spot on your travels!

There's always more to explore so feel free to check out our article on the top 10 countires for safaris! For some Safari fun you can check our blog post on how a Family Safari completely errupted into chaos!

Read ahead or jump to any section that interests you:

Introduction

A safari (Swahili: journey) in one of Africa's national parks is an exciting thing: many people can observe a larger number of wild animals and even have the oppurtunity to see the famous Big 5 of africa. 

The focus is on the savannah and bush landscapes, where savannah elephants , lions , buffalos , and other well-known wild animals feel at home. 

Whether it's Africa for the first time or safari connoisseurs, there should be something for everyone. And it attracts attention: There is no best destination in Africa, but there are the best destinations. 

So, where should the next safari lead?

10th place: Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Where else can wild animals be observed in front of one of the most famous mountains on earth? The Amboseli National Park at the foot of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania serves both as a postcard motif for Africa and as a photographic object. Giraffes, elephants and all sorts of other wild animals strut in front of the snow-covered summit of the "Kili" and give great photo motives.

Ancient elephants still live in the park. This allows visitors to observe the almost intact social behavior of the pachyderms in their herds.

The Kilimanjaro usually wraps itself in thick clouds during the day. The chances of seeing it are best in the morning and evening.

9th place: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Number 9 on the top 10 safari parks in Africa is Addo. Known for, as the name suggests, its elephants, the Addo is more than a convenient destination near South Africa's Garden Route. The park is home to lions again after a resettlement program; black rhinos and leopards are also found here. Due to the extension to the south, the coast with its sharks and whales is also part of the park, which now advertises with the "Big 7".

In conclusion, the park is ideal for exploring with your own (rental) car. Please make sure to ask in advance what you have to consider for the self-drive safari.

In addition, holidaymakers in their cars should ensure they do not run over pill turners (African dung beetles), hundreds of which run across the roads depending on the weather.

8th Place: Etosha National Park, Namibia

Namibia's most important park is home to countless wildlife, including the white and black rhino who are critically endangered, something you can read more about in one of our other articles about these ancient and disappearing creatures. There are also several predatory cat species and many antelopes. "Etosha" means "big white square," which describes the landscape well. The vegetation is extremely sparse; in the dry season, many animals gather at artificial waterholes.

In the dry season, many animals can easily be observed at the park water holes and camps. 114 different species of mammals live in the park.

Every coin has two sides: The park is completely fenced in and cuts the animals off their original routes in search of water in the Kuene region. The waterholes are not comparable to the actual environment and natural migration behavior for true lovers.

7th place: Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

The Tarangire National Park is one of the most underestimated parts of the continent. Many visitors only make a short stop at the Serengeti or do not ebaobabven include the national park in their travel plans. But the park is home to large herds of elephants and many other species in a remarkable landscape of boabab trees.

The park is known for its elephant herds, which run through a prehistoric landscape along the Tarangire River.

The park is home to the tsetse fly, which transmits sleeping sickness. Visitors should urgently pay attention to consistent protection.

6th place: Chobe National Park, Botswana

"Land of the Giants" is written on the sign at the park entrance and already announces the park's main attraction: Elephants, one of the savannah's most social creatures . Between 80,000 and 100,000 pachyderms are estimated to live in the park and adjacent areas, where they migrate depending on the season.

Botswana pursues an exemplary animal and species conservation policy and no longer kills elephants if they become too numerous for the ecosystem. Instead, fences were dismantled to create more space for the animals. Kaffir buffalos and warthogs are also common. As a result, always check the weather forecast before you go.

A safari with the boat on the Chobe river belongs to the experiences, which holiday-makers surely do not forget so fast.

During the high season the Chobe River can be very narrow.

5th place: South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

On the Luangwa River, the wilderness awaits: no fences, no radios to communicate with the rangers. Those who travel to the South Luangwa National Park will experience the bush unadorned, without much traffic and wild. It is not uncommon for your own jeep to be the only one at a spectacular sighting, giving visitors more time and peace to enjoy the encounter with the animals. Night safaris and bushwalks, i.e. safaris on foot, are allowed in the national park.

Pure wilderness. The park is known for its hippos and leopards . Many camps are not fenced and often wild animals run through the lodges. The park is also home to numerous endemic species and subspecies, i.e. animals that can only be found here. Sometimes you can even see the endangered Pangolins and the even more threatened Rhinos . Two species of Animals we explore in more detail in another article.

These include the Cookson gnu, the Crawshay zebra and the Thorneycroft giraffe.

The season plays an important role in the South Luangwa National Park. While in the dry season many large wild animals gather at the water and are so easy to discover, during the rainy season bird lovers get their money's worth.

4th place: Kruger National Park, South Africa

For most vacationers the Kruger National Park is the first safari experience in the African bush . It is one of the largest national parks on the continent and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. In contrast to the open savannahs in East Africa, the landscape is bushy and the animals are harder to spot.

This may be described as the best South African Safari.

In the Kruger National Park live some very rare animal species like wild dogs. Another animal worth further exploration in another one of our articles.

Animals in Vermont

The good infrastructure, the developed roads and the fences around the national park make it clear that the park is used and marketed commercially.

This partly causes a lot of traffic in the park and has at some corners only little to do with the real wilderness feeling.

3rd place: Ngorongoro Nature Reserve, Tanzania

While driving over the edge of the burglary crater into the nature reserve, visitors can rarely suppress the "wow" that involuntarily comes over their lips. The view can take your breath away. The safari through the crater, which has the highest predator density in Africa, becomes the photographic highlight of many Africa journeys.

The wildlife hike through Masai Mara and Serengeti also touches on the protection of the wildlife.

Overall, the high density of animals naturally attracts many visitors and some have the feeling of driving through an open-air zoo.

Some of the jeeps obstruct the way of the animals or hinder cats of prey during the hunt. Tell your driver that you don't approve of such behaviour.

2nd place: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Hardly any other national park in Africa is as famous as the Serengeti. This is of course due to the diverse fauna and one of the largest animal migrations in the world .

On the other hand, the Serengeti is almost always threatened: Many people have an interest in the place and in the fertile savannah, on which millions of wild animals cavort and planned large-scale projects would probably mean the end of the national park. The battle for the Serengeti has been fought for decades and culminated in the documentary "Serengeti must not die" by Michael Grzimek and his father Bernhard in the 1950s.

Really one of the Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa.

The migration of wild animals, where millions of wildebeests, zebras and antelopes travel in a large circle through the Serengeti and the adjoining Masai Mara in Kenya during the course of the year. This is known also as one of the great wilderbeast migration , a topic you can do further reading on with another one of our articles .

The Serengeti is exposed to constant threats. The plans to build a highway through the area are not over yet. There are also frequent conflicts between wildlife and humans.

In addition, organizations are now warning that too many tourists are coming to the park. It is best to drive in the low season and avoid facilities that require a lot of water (swimming pools etc.).

1st Place: Masai Mara Nature reserve, Kenya

Number one on the top 10 safari parks in africa list! When tears shoot into the eyes of the viewers of a lion documentary because the pictures are so overwhelming, the reportage is mostly shot in the Masai Mara (or Maasai Mara).

Wide landscape with green hills as far as the eye can see. The view is interrupted only by Wildebeest , zebras, giraffes, Elephants ,, antelopes , lions , hyenas… The Masai Mara could pass for an African cliché if it were not real.

Word has got around of course that the Masai Mara is a paradise on earth. It is therefore frequently overcrowded and the many cars already have influence on the behavior of the wild animals. Some cars leave the tracks in search of the best view. If this happens to you, it's best to tell the driver that you don't want them to.

The park also serves as a Rhino sanctuary and is home to some 60 white and black rhinos, who are guarded around the clock by armed rangers. An absolute must for rhino fans, who are almost guaranteed to meet some of the animals here.

The impressive Murchison waterfall, where the Victoria Nile plunges over 43 metres into the depths, is also a must see. The park is home to the endangered Rothschild Giraffes (also Uganda giraffe or Nubian giraffe). To the south of the park is the Budongo chimpanzee forest.

The park is in some places tsetse fly high area. Be sure to take care to protect yourself against insects.

When to go on a Safari

The best time is always present, but if you are looking for the most enjoyment from your trip, the best time to go is from July through October, when the animals are easy to find and in substantial numbers. However, deciding when to go on a safari depends on  what  country you want to visit and when you can plan your trip. As well as the type of wildlife you hope to encounter.

The best months for an African safari are therefore varied.

What to pack/ best luggage for African safari

Some of the most recommended basics:Here's the "must-haves" to  pack  for your  safari :

• T-shirt, shirt or blouse – long sleeves and collars help to protect from the sun and mosquitoes
• Fleece or warm jacket.
• A pair of  safari  trousers – those that zip off at the knees are very handy, too.
• Comfortable walking shoes (or boots) and socks.

Above and beyond the comfortable basics, there are niche items which could enhance your experience on safari. We've researched the best of these items to take with you.

Best insect repellent for African safari: Natrapel 8  Hour insect repthatellent: this is a CDC recommended product based on 20% Picaridin formula and is  DEET  FREE. It is safe to spray on your skin and clothing.

Best binoculars for African safari : Celestron 71347 Outland x | 10×25 |  Best compact Binoculars  for Travel.

Best camera for African safari : Best -buy cameras for  safari  in Africa: At Canon, it would be the Canon EOS Rebel series. Often you can get a kit ( camera  + lenses + accessories). Best for travelling and easy shots.

Best shoes for African safari :  light trail  shoes  and hybrid  shoe /sandals (Keen, Teva, Merrel, North Face, HiTec, Garmont, Salomon etc) are adequate for regular travel and normal  safari  conditions. Even fly-camping trips and walking trails on fairly rough terrain don't warrant hiking boots when conditions are dry.

It is important to find out what you need for specific areas as well as administrative documents and permits.

Summary on Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa

The landscape is very bushy and visitors often only see the animals when they are standing directly in front of or next to the car. Slow driving is therefore all the more important.

How did you like the article on the top 10 safari parks in africa? In conclusion, we hope to give you some ideas and inspirations on the best african safari tours, animal encounters and holiday trips.

• Masai Mara Nature Reserve, Kenya – Overcrowded but abundant wildlife, including rhinos.
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – Famous for the great wildebeest migration.
• Ngorongoro Nature Reserve, Tanzania – High predator density, popular tourist destination.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa – Large park with diverse wildlife, commercialized.
• South Luangwa National Park, Zambia – Unspoiled wilderness, known for hippos and leopards.
• Chobe National Park, Botswana – Land of the Giants, home to a large elephant population.
• Tarangire National Park, Tanzania – Underrated park with large elephant herds and baobab trees.
• Etosha National Park, Namibia – Sparse vegetation, artificial waterholes attract many animals.
• Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa – Known for elephants, self-drive safari recommended.
• Amboseli National Park, Kenya – Elephants near Mount Kilimanjaro, observe intact social behavior.

Tips for Safari:

• Best time to go is from July to October for high animal sightings.
• Pack essentials like long-sleeved shirts, hat, fleece, comfortable shoes, insect repellent.
• Recommended binoculars: Celestron 71347 Outland x | 10×25.
• Canon EOS Rebel series for safari photography.
• Check specific requirements, permits, and administrative documents for each park.

Be advised that those are subjective ideas and of course every safari park, whether big or small can be beautiful and present you with awesome wildlife.

There's always more to explore so feel free to check out our article on the top 10 countires for safaris!

Frequently Asked Queastions (FAQs)

Safari experiences are generally safe, but it's important to follow guidelines and instructions provided by your guides or tour operators. Wildlife should be observed from a safe distance and never approached or provoked. It's also recommended to stay within designated areas and camps, especially during night hours. Adhering to these precautions ensures a safe and enjoyable safari experience.

Many safari operators and lodges prioritize sustainability and conservation efforts. They work to minimize the ecological impact by implementing responsible practices such as supporting local communities, conserving natural resources, and participating in wildlife conservation initiatives. When choosing a safari operator, it's advisable to opt for those with strong environmental ethics and credentials.

Interacting with or touching wildlife is strongly discouraged and, in most cases, prohibited during safaris. The well-being of the animals and the safety of visitors are of utmost importance. Safaris promote responsible wildlife viewing, which involves observing animals from a safe distance and respecting their natural behaviors. Touching or disturbing the wildlife can cause stress or potentially dangerous situations for both humans and animals.

Several ways to contribute to conservation efforts during a safari include supporting eco-friendly lodges or tour operators that actively participate in conservation initiatives. Additionally, you can choose to visit parks and reserves that allocate a portion of the entrance fees to conservation projects. It's also encouraged to learn about and respect local customs, traditions, and wildlife protection regulations while engaging in responsible tourism practic

The post Top 10 Safari Parks in Africa appeared first on Animals Around The Globe .

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Get the most of your stay in Moscow

TOP-11 Moscow Parks to Visit

I have chosen the best 11 Moscow parks to visit and spend a beautiful time for you. Do not miss and choose one that you like the most – cycling, festivals, flowers, panoramic views and many other things are waiting for you!

Gorky Park (The Central Park of Culture and Leisure) – The main one of the Moscow Parks

In my opinion this park could be called the main park of the city. Why? Because of its huge territory, the central location and the amount of people visiting the park daily.  It was founded in 1928 and in 2011 it was totally reconstructed. Now it pleases visitors with modern objects and soft green lawns.

• Oktybrskaya or Park Kultuty metro station, Krimsky Val, 9

The Gorky park is a the right choice for everyone! The youth will like a free WiFi, bicycles, skateboards and other rentals; the couples will enjoy spending time near the river, watching a sunset; parents will appreciate colorful playgrounds and a room for mother and child. Everyone can find something for themselves: from yoga classes  to watching movies in a cozy summer cinema, from dance classes to volleyball playground. Gorky Park is also the venue for all kinds of exhibitions, festivals, events for children and adults. During the winter there is one of the biggest skating rinks in the park.

Museon Art Park – A Second Gorky they say

“Museon” is located on the opposite side of Krimsky Val street. And right now some people believe that Gorky and Museon together is a one space sharing the same beauty.

• Oktybrskaya or Park Kultuty metro station, Krimsky Val, 2

The Park of Arts was named this way because there is the largest composition of open-air sculptures in Russia. In its territory there are already more than 1000 unique exhibits: from monuments of the socialist realism era to various kinds of contemporary art. But this is not all the attractions of the park. In recent years, “Museon” has become an important cultural site of the city. The park regularly hold many different concerts, festivals, educational projects in the field of art and design. There is a Central House of the Artist, a comfortable summer cinema and other attractions on territory. Be sure to stroll pedestrian Crimean embankment, which looks like a modern park.

Neskuchny Garden – True Russian Nature is Here

Neskuchny garden is located on the right bank of the Moscow River. Today it is also seen as a part of the Gorky Park. This landscape park is one of the oldest in the city and is protected by the state. Its name was received from the Neskuchnoye Estate of  Prince Trubetskoi which is still located in the park.

• Leninsky Prospekt metro station, Leninsky Prospect, 30

This park is famous mostly for its location close to the Gorky park. It is a quite place with true nature, lots of trees and squirrels and also ancient architecture. As in every park, there are sports and playgrounds, cafes and even a football field.

Zaryadye Park – 5 Steps Away From The Red Square

The area of this brand new park was opened only in September 2017 and located in the very heart of Moscow – right near the Red Square.

• Open from 10AM to 10PM
• Teatralnaya, Okhotnyi ryad, Ploschad Revolutsii

The park has 4 zones, each of them represent different parts of Russian landscapes. Above the river there is a floating bridge from where you get to see one of the best panoramic views on Moscow. Other attractions of the park are 5D cinema where you can take a flight above Moscow, few cafes and restaurants, pretty lakes with fishes and old preserved churches. In addition there is still being built a  philharmonic hall, covered with a huge dome and an Ice cage where the temperature will always stay below zero degrees.

When you are on the Red Square do not miss it!

All-Russia Exhibition Center (VDNKh) – The Soviet Style Moscow Park

Park VDNKh – one of the most famous parks in Moscow. This park is one of the sights of the city as it hasn’t changed much since the Soviet era.

• VDNKh metro station, Prospect Mira, 119

The symbol of VDNKh is a fountain with 16 women symbolizing the friendship of the nations of the USSR. Around this fountain there are all the pavilions representing 16 republics. Now inside the pavilions you find various shops, cafes and exhibitions. If you go deep inside the park you will find a rocket Vostok and and an aircraft. What is funny the inside of the aircraft there is actually a photo exhibition. Near the northern entrance you there is a famous sculpture “Worker and Kolkhoz Woman”. It is extremely famous among Russians as all the movies by Mosfilm corporation used to start with the picture of this statue. But if you go further inside the park you will reach a very calm area. A lake is there, forest and birds singing. Since the park occupies a large area I suggest you to rent a bicycle.

Sokolniki Park – A Place For A Hunt Or For Leisure?

The park got its name because of the royal falconry, which took place there in the past when there was a dense forest. (Sokol means a falcon.) In 2011 it was significantly transformed: updated lawns, landscaped ponds and picnic areas, restored summer cinema and theater, a large rose garden, sports grounds, bicycle paths and other things.

• Sokolniki metro station, Sokolnichesky Val, 1, p. 1

From the main entrance along the alley you can walk to the Sokolniki circle, where 8 alleys form 9 sectors, in each of them you will find trees of the same breed.  The park is famous for its rosary, as well as flower decoration. On the territory of the park there are concert halls, a library, amusement zone, dances zone and many many other attractions. In winter the park has a skating rink (a free of charge one) and ski runs. During the warm season you can rent a bicycle.

Tsaritsino Park – A Different World Inside Moscow

Here you can walk for hours, admiring the most beautiful nature and magnificent architecture.

• Open from 6AM to 12AM
• Tsaritsyno metro station, Dolsky, 1

The most amazing part of the park is the lake with a light and musical fountain. Every evening the fountain starts the show. Lights and music combined make you feel like you are not in Moscow but in a fairy tale. The park is also well equipped for sports lovers and healthy lifestyle. There are volleyball and basketball courts, a tennis court, sports facilities for acrobatics, bodybuilding equipment.

What I personally like about this park is the atmosphere. This place is actually far from the city center but I love going there anyway. Whenever I go there I feel like I left Moscow with all its hectic lifestyle. It is the place where I relax, enjoy myself or a company of my friends and feel kind of different. By the way totally suggested for a date!

Kolomenskoye Park – Combination Of Reserve and Architecture

The Kolomenskoye park is actually a Museum-Reserve. It is a former residence of Russian tsars and one of the most scenic places in Moscow.

• May to September – open from 8AM to 12AM, October to April – from 8AM to 9PM
• Kolomenskoye metro station, Andropov Ave, 39

 Alike with Tsaritsino park Kolomenskoye park has its own special atmosphere with all the architecture, trees, ponds and even a river bank. The park regularly hosts various folk festivals and different fairs. In summer time you can play with kites or rent a bicycle and ride around the huge area of the park.

I love the view that you get on the city from one of the hills near the river. I love the apple trees alleys and the beautiful churches. It is also a bit far from the city center but yet worth going there. One of my best friends even celebrated her wedding there.

Aptekarsky Garden or Botanical garden of the Moscow State University – The Best Botanical Garden in The World

Aptekar in Russian language means a pharmacist so basically it is a pharmacist’s garden. It was founded in 1706 by Peter The Great for growing medicinal plants for the royal family. But later they moved it from under the walls of the Kremlin to the current location.

• Open from 10AM to 8PM
• Prospect Mira metro station, Prospekt Mira, 26

In the botanical garden there are no attractions and noisy crowds of tourists. The area of the garden is not as big as any other park in Moscow. And the entrance is not free. But this exactly what makes this park one of the most comfortable in the city. In the Aptekarsky garden they grow thousands of different plants, flowers and trees. Some of the trees are more than 300 years old. They held different festivals there: flowers festivals, sand and ice sculptures expositions.

For me it is one of the most beautiful parks not only in Moscow but in the world. I have never seen so many different flowers and plants anywhere else. And trust me I am a real park lover. And what is more the staff really takes care about every single tree or plant there, some of the trees have names and stories. I love it there and I think the price is really worth what you get.

Victory Park – A Park That Makes Us Remember The War

The park is located on the Poklonnaya Hill and it has one of the world’s largest memorial complexes dedicated to the World War II. The park was opened for the 50th anniversary of the Victory on May 9, 1995. It is also one of the main venues in the city for holding a variety of mass events.

• Park Pobedy metro station, Brothers Fonchenko, 7

On the main avenue of the park there are with 1418 fountains – exactly as long as the war lasted. Fountains make five water terraces, symbolizing five years of military operations. And in the center of the park there is the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. If you are interested in the history of the war do not miss it. The Poklonnaya Hill is a part of the park and from the hill you get one of the best views on the city of Moscow. And I could say this is the best place for watching the fireworks during the mass celebrations. But be aware it gets too crowded then. As in most of the other big parks you can rent a bicycle or rollers there.

Izmailovsky Park – A Mix of a Big Forest and Attractions

Izmaylovsky Park occupies a huge green territory, making up a large part of the Izmailovo district. The park consists of two parts: Izmaylovsky Park of Culture and Rest and the forest park of Izmailovo. First part is full of attractions and restaurants while the second one is like a real forest with pine trees, birch groves, beautiful clearings and ponds.

• Izmaylovskaya, Shosse Entuziastov or Partizanskaya metro stations, Izmaylovsky Park

It is easy to spend there a whole day. A large landscaped area and a lot of various entertainments for children and adults will help you not to get bored. An observation wheel, a boat station, children’s playgrounds, a dance floor, sports grounds, a skate park – all this is only a small part of the possible leisure activities. In the park there are bike paths and a rental services.

I don’t go there often to be honest. But the park is very very close whenever to a souvenir market on Partizanskaya metro station. And whenever the weather is nice and I have enough of free time I stroll through the alleys of the park and enjoy the nature. So if you are going to the souvenir market too and you have enough free time then do go to the park too.

5 thoughts on “TOP-11 Moscow Parks to Visit”

Pingback: Places to visit in Moscow – Sheran Bhattacharyya

Yes, sure 🙂 This is my top list 🙂

Yes, sure. These are my favorites!

I like this blog very much. Please keep sharing it in future too.

Thanks for sharing.

Thank you! 🙂

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Ree park safari run 2024.

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Ree Park Safari

3 KM, 5 KM & 10 KM

INFORMATION

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ET LØB FOR HELE FAMILIEN I REE PARK SAFARI  

Lørdag d. 20. april afholdes det succesfulde og meget populære ree park safari run, hvor du har mulighed for at komme helt tæt på dyrenes verden. tøv ikke for længe med at tilmelde dig til årets sjoveste og mest unikke motionsløb. udover den fantastiske løbsoplevelse og en hyggelig tur til ree park safari, bidrager du gennem tilmeldingsgebyret til arbejdet med bevarelsen af truede dyr og meget andet i karen blixen camp, kenya  psst... der er rift om startnumrene.

LØB FRA DE VILDE DYR - HVIS DU KAN

Deltagerne løber side om side med blandt andet løver, giraffer, bjørne, ulve - og naturligvis verdens hurtigste løber – geparden. det bliver en helt unik løbeoplevelse, og du bestemmer naturligvis selv, om du løber for sjov eller for alvor. ree park safari holder lukket for andre gæster, så sæt hele dagen af til dette begivenhedsrige heldagsarrangement. familien til deltagerne er selvfølgelig meget velkommen. (der vil blive sendt en mail ud på et senere tidspunkt med køb af entrébilletter til familien)..

FANTASTISK LØBSRUTE

Ruten tager dig rundt på en smuk tur i safariparken, hvor du blandt andet kommer forbi løvernes katanga hill, et fantastisk anlæg i bakket terræn med lange træbroer og en klippeformation på toppen i bedste løvernes konge stil. glæd dig også til busksavannen, hvor geparderne med en topfart på over 110 km/t højst sandsynligt vil vinde bakkespurten, og ikke mindst prærien, hvor de nordamerikanske sortbjørne holder til, og kan følge løbet fra deres udkigspost i trætoppene. det bliver uden tvivl et unikt løb, og vi garanterer for en fantastisk og oplevelsesrig dag..

Efter anstrengelserne vil der være gratis adgang til Ree Park Safari, hvor resten af dagen kan bruges på at nyde dyrene i et mere roligt tempo. Er man for træt til selv at gå, kan man tage på en safaritur i en af Ree Park Safaris Land Rovere. Det Vil være muligt at bestille mad i parken, hvor Ree Park fremtryller en lækker buffet, som kan nydes, hvad enten du er er sammen med din familie, venner eller kollegaer. For børnene vil der være masser af underholdning.

10 KM TRAIL LØB

Specielt 10 km ruten vil være anderledes og mere krævende end de andre ruter, idet den nogle steder har momenter af trail. både 5 og 10 km ruterne går uden for parken på en skøn natursti. trailløb betyder, at stierne ikke er kunstigt belagte og der vil være flere brud i løberytmen, end hvis det havde været et almindeligt asfaltløb. meld dig til 10 km ruten, hvis du ønsker ekstra udfordringer i et varieret terræn..

LØBET FOR HELE FAMILIEN

Ree park safari run er et løb, hvor hele familien kan være med. du kan vælge mellem tre forskellige distancer: 3 km (løb og walk), 5 km eller 10 km. hele 3 km ruten forløber på broer og stier inde i parken, og selv de mindste børn kan være med. for de mere udholdende løbere er der 5 eller 10 km ruter. nyd oplevelsen med dyrerne i stedet for at fokusere på en god tid. ruterne er ikke daf opmålte, hvilket betyder, at de ikke vil være helt nøjagtige..

100.000 KR. TIL ARBEJDET I KAREN BLIXEN CAMP

Som deltager i ree park safari run kan du have god samvittighed på flere fronter. udover at have fået pulsen op og rørt benene, bidrager du til at nedsætte krybskytteri på elefanter i afrika og støtte lokale kvinder i masai mara området., pengene bliver samlet ind via deltagergebyret til løbet. alle voksne har doneret 60 kr. og børn 40 kr. til det gode formål. og pengene gør virkelig en forskel. ”vi har allerede set effekten af de indsamlede penge fra sidste års løb”, fortæller jesper stagegaard, der er direktør i ree park safari., en del af pengene fra 2023 gik til kvinderne i masai mara. i masaiernes verden har perler og smykker altid spillet en stor rolle. kvinderne lærer allerede fra barns ben at udfærdige de fantastiske smykker og arbejde med de små perler og knuder. ree parks karen blixen camp trust ønsker at hjælpe med at finde markeder for kvindernes traditionelle smykkehåndværk, så kvinderne kan få en indtægtskilde. .

Til årets løb er der én version af løbs t-shirten. Det vil sige, at du kun kan vælge den. Den er i år armygrøn, med detaljer af hvid i stoffet. Et helt nyt design. T-shirten er fra Only Play og har en værdi på 299 kr.

DETTE FÅR DU: 

Only play t-shirt (værdi 299 kr.), gratis adgang til ree park efter løbet (værdi 210 kr.), unik løbsrute igennem ree park, chip tidtagning, væskedepot på ruterne og frisk frugt i mål, mulighed for tilkøb af grilltallerken, der kan nydes i parken, en fantastisk hyggelig dag, du har mulighed for at tilkøbe en flot medalje, som bevis på at du har gennemført ree park safari run. medaljen er lavet i træ med en rå lædersnor. medaljen koster 65 kr og bliver udleveret når du er i mål. fik du ikke købt medalje med din bestilling kan du gøre det her https://www.aarhusmotion.dk/event/240/shop/523 ..

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Mulighed for tilkøb af resultat-SMS à 10.00 DKK. Gennem tilmeldingsgebyret støtter du bevarelsen af truede dyrearter.

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In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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