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Zoo Hours:  9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Aquarium hours:  9 a.m. to 7 p.m. , open 365  days a year.

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Welcome to wildlife world zoo, where visitors will experience a safari-like adventure like no other. our park boasts arizona’s largest collection of exotic and endangered animals, with over 600 separate species on display. in addition to our diverse collection of animals, we offer an array of exciting attractions, rides and daily shows that will leave you on the edge of your seat. come visit us today and experience a world of wildlife like never before.

Open 365  days a year!

June 1 - September 30

Zoo: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Aquarium: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

October 1 - May 30 

Zoo: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Aquarium: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

First Responder Appreciation Day is on December 2nd!  Click here for more info!

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Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Travelling Without a Passport

The Best Safari Destinations in the World (Updated 2024)

From seeing animals in their natural habitats to camping under the stars in open plains, discover the best safari destinations in the world!

A safari is an incredible way to encounter nature and wildlife in Africa or Asia . From seeking out the big five on a safari in Africa to immersing yourself in grassy plains in Sri Lanka and jungle terrain in India , it’s the experience of a lifetime. We share the best safari destinations in the world.

Travel on: a safari tour

1. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Head to northern Botswana for one of the world’s largest inland river deltas, the Okavango Delta . The wildlife encounters visitors will experience here are remarkable. Amid the grassy plains, the cry of hyenas, the roar of lions, the growl of leopards, giraffes, and rhinos will become the melody of your safari. The wetter pastures are home to hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. This is one of Africa’s most epic safari destinations.

2. Ranthambore National Park, India

Ranthambore ’s wild jungle scrub is home to many creatures from the animal kingdom, but the fiercest by far is the tiger. You’ll be blown away by the crocodile-filled lakes, the ancient temples and mosques, the beautiful remnants left behind by maharajas that used to hunt here, once upon a time. But nothing will leave you as breathless than seeing as seeing a tiger in the wild for the first time.

Travel on: a Tiger safari

3. Kruger National Park, South  Africa

As one of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park tends to get crowded, but there’s a reason for that. This stunning park in northeastern South Africa is one of the best destinations to live out your safari dreams. From big five animals like lions, leopards, and elephants to exotic birds soaring down from the sky, there are plenty of opportunities to spot beasts in their natural habitat here.

Travel on: a Big Five safari

4. Serengeti, Tanzania

The Serengeti is considered to be the land that inspired Disney’s Lion King, and it’s not hard to believe. From proud lions stalking across the open plains to beautiful breeds of birds flying above you, this national park is the quintessential safari destination. Every year, the Serengeti becomes the place of migration for over a million wildebeest and zebras in the hundreds of thousands. You won’t forget this trip in a hurry.

Travel on: a Serengeti safari

5. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

There are many things in this beautiful conservation area of Tanzania that will take your breath away. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of Africa’s many wonders. When you are seeking out lions or marveling at the spectacle of thousands of wildebeests and zebras migrating, the rest of the world will fade away. Among the many things you will experience in this epic safari destination, the massive Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge fossils are a must-see.

Travel on: a Ngorongoro safari

6. Yala Park, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka ’s most famous park is located next to the Indian Ocean. Comprised of dense forest, lush grasslands, and blue lakes along with fascinating beasts like leopards, elephants, monkeys, and crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species, Yala Park is a dream safari destination alright. Travelers who go deeper into the park will be rewarded with a chance to explore pilgrimage sites, caves marked with century-old rock paintings, and the ancient Buddhist ruins of Magul Maha Viharaya. 

Travel on: a Yala safari

7. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe ’s largest safari destination doesn’t disappoint. Sprawled across 14,651 square kilometres, you’ll encounter elephant herds, lions, and African wild dogs in the grasslands and mopane woods found in the area. While there’s plenty of wildlife to feast your eyes on (107 animal species and 400 breeds of bird), elephants are what make Hwange so magical; the park is home to one of the largest populations on the planet.

Travel on: a Hwange safari

8. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

There are lots of places to discover the wildlife in Africa , but the sheer density of animals makes South Luangwa one of the continent’s best safari destinations. The open plains are home to marching elephants, impalas, pukus, and buffaloes, meanwhile hippos take dips in the river and leopards hunt for their next meal. If that doesn’t delight, look up to the sky, and you’ll see hundreds of birds flying above you.

See Also: First Time Safari Tips: How to Get the Most Out of Your Trip

9. Masai Mara Reserve, Kenya

The wilderness of Masai Mara is stunning. The Mara and Talek rivers snake through grasslands, river woodlands, and acacia trees, while the animal kingdom’s finest go about their day. Lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and hippos can be found in their natural habitat, and wildebeest too, as they pass through these lands for their annual migration. Along with the wildlife, visitors can explore the nearby Masaai villages and learn about their customs from locals.

Travel on: a Masai Mara safari

10. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Even if you’ve been on a safari in Africa before, Etosha National Park is a different experience altogether. Firstly, Namibia ’s landscape in vivid colours is incredible as it is, but the sight of hundreds of animals flocking to the watering holes is spellbinding. In other parks, visitors go looking for animals, but here, they will make their way to you, lions, elephants, and other creatures will all come out to play.

Travel on: an Etosha safari

11. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe is Botswana ’s first national park and famed for being biologically diverse. Picture antelopes galloping across the plains, hippos seeking cool respite in the lagoons of Linyanti Marsh, and herds of elephants and Cape buffalo flocking to the Chobe riverfront. Even when you’re not watching for animals in the wild, camp under the stars and you have different ways to immerse yourself in the wilderness.

Travel on: a Chobe safari

12. Bwindi Impenetrable National  Park, Uganda 

Bwindi’s mountainous terrain is home to many of the world’s remaining gorillas. In this biodiverse region, this endangered species has some much-needed peace and can be observed feeding off ancient roots and trees native to the region. Make your way to the dense forests of Bwindi for a rare chance to experience something out of this world: gorillas in the wild.

Travel on: a Bwindi safari

13. Kalahari Desert, Botswana

Spread across three countries, a considerable mass of Botswana, parts of Namibia and South Africa , the Kalahari is an amazing and surreal safari destination. It’s home to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which is one of the last unspoiled ecosystems on the planet. It may be arid, but it’s brimming with wildlife, roaring lions and cackling hyenas are just some of the creatures found here.

See Also: Last-minute safari deals

Based in Toronto, Sahar is a full-time content editor for Days to Come and part-time travel junkie.

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Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park has Arizona's largest collection of exotic and endangered animals, with more than 600 separate species, rides, a petting zoo and daily shows! We offer free animal shows, feeding stations and the opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing animals.

Trip Advisor Reviews

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Kid-Friendly Arizona

From the Wild West and wildlife to child-friendly museums and the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a lot to offer families.

• 16501 W Northern Ave.
• Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340
• Hours Zoo: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (last zoo admission is 4:30 p.m.)Aquarium: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
• (623) 935-9453
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17 unforgettable African safaris

Set off into the wild and see the world like never before with this guide to the best experiences in 11 countries.

Chobe National Park in Botswana holds one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.

What images come to mind when you hear the words “African safari”? Sitting in the bush on a moonlit night, so close to a lion that you can feel the rumble of its roar in your chest?

Many travelers might conjure up visions of tented camps, gourmet meals under a baobab tree, game drives through golden savanna, and sundowners at the end of the day. But safaris can also involve self-guided rental cars , game walks, and fly-fishing. Safaris can be as varied as the continent of Africa itself.

One recent trend: expeditions that enlist travelers in the fight to save endangered wildlife. Tourists make a difference by joining rhino or lion conservationists at work in South Africa or accompanying researchers working on a chimpanzee habituation project in Kibale National Park in Uganda . ( Read about the dark truth behind wildlife tourism. )

Three zebras line a waterhole in South Africa's Kruger National Park.

No matter where you go and what type of safari you choose, timing is key. Once you’ve narrowed your options, look into the best time to visit. South Africa’s summer (December through February), for example, is prime safari season in that region. You’ll still see wildlife if you go during South Africa’s winter (June through August), but pack a jacket, as temperatures can be chilly, especially before the sun rises.

Set off into the wild and see the world like never before with our guide to top safari experiences in 11 African countries.

Spot animals in these natural wonders.

South Africa

Kruger National Park: South Africa ’s largest game reserve, Kruger National Park makes a perfect home base for self-guided and first-time safaris. Stay in one of the park’s fenced camps, such as the Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp on the northern bank of the Crocodile River. Head into the bush early to explore the Southern Circle, famous for its competing lion prides and their varied hunting practices. Don’t miss the nearby hippo pool, but be sure to stay in your car outside of the camp. ( Take a solo safari through South Africa’s wild grasslands. )

Hazyview: Not far from Kruger’s southwestern Phabeni Gate, Hazyview is a family-friendly hub for horseback safaris, zip-lining, safari golf, and trout fishing. Check in to one of the lodges, such as Hippo Hollow Country Estate , and then head out into the Kruger before sunrise on a self-guided game drive to scout lions and white rhinos. Break for lunch in the town of Skukuza.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve: The rugged Timbavati is one of the private nature reserves that make up the greater Kruger area. Guests can choose from eight lodges there. An upscale chalet at fence-free Simbavati Safari Lodges , for example, is perfect for families. Wake up early for game drives, perhaps to search for African wild dogs . Mid-morning, kids head into the bush for a scavenger hunt with a guide.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve: Animals aren’t the only sights to track on safari. In South Africa’s Western Cape region, wildflowers provide the dazzle. The two lodges at Grootbos , part of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World , sit amid the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, home to some 800 plant species. Watch for sharks and southern right whales from your suite’s deck. ( See the world’s best places for flowers. )

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, located in South Africa’s Western Cape, offers a "flower safari" to guests.

Hlane Royal National Park: Head to Swaziland , a country landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique , to see Hlane ’s fiercely protected rhinos and marabou storks. Stay in one of the park’s two lodges, Ndlovu Camp or Bhubesi, and enjoy self-guided drives on the safe game-viewing roads that crisscross the park’s flat terrain. Spot lions, hyenas, giraffes, and vulturess, then picnic at the Mahlindza water hole.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Black-maned Kalahari lions roam this reserve in central Botswana . Stay just north of the reserve at Deception Valley Lodge , where you can watch magical sunsets dip into the horizon from the deck of your chalet.

Chobe National Park: To the north of Central Kalahari, Chobe National Park is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. And Chobe Game Lodge boasts the only all-female safari guide team in Africa. ( Meet the all-female anti-poaching unit saving rhinos and other wildlife. )

Elephants enjoy a sunny day in Botswana’s Chobe National Park.

Hwange National Park: All aboard the Elephant Express to tour the Ngamo Forest Area and Hwange National Park, known for its pachyderms and 400-plus species of birds. The two-hour safari rail trip is easily accessible to Imvelo Safari Lodges’ Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge . Check out the game-viewing underground hide at nearby Stoffie’s Pan. North from Hwange, a four-hour drive or a one-hour flight gets you to regal Victoria Falls, a thundering natural wonder you can hear long before you first catch sight of it.

Mana Pools National Park: Try a river-based safari in a kayak at this remote park. The best time to go may be in April, when large herds of elephants, buffalo, kudu, and the elusive eland return to the four (or mana in the local language) large permanent pools along the south bank of the Zambezi River after the rainy season. Accommodations in the park include lodges, thatched chalets, and campsites.

Namib Desert: A safari here means brilliant stargazing, silky sand, age-old views, and resilient desert animals such as oryx, bat-eared foxes, Burchell’s zebras, and loads of lizards. Stay at & Beyond’s Sossusvlei Desert Lodge , located at the desert’s eastern edge. Explore the Namib dunes on a quad bike, and hike a craggy slope to see ancient rock paintings in a nearby cave, making sure to pack water, a hat, and sunscreen. ( See eerie photos of a Namibian ghost town. )

Gorongosa National Park: Located in central Mozambique , Gorongosa has been brought back to life after suffering the devastations of many years of civil conflict. Today, when you visit, you become a part of one of Africa’s most successful wildlife restoration stories. Home to floodplains and preserved palm forests, Gorongosa has an amazing diversity of wildlife, from antelope to primates and huge Nile crocodiles, as well as lions, elephants, and hippos.

A female crocodile guards her nest of eggs beside the Mussicadzi River in Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park.

Selous Game Reserve: Visit this off-the-beaten-track and tranquil reserve in southern Tanzania for walking safaris and traditional game drives. Then cruise the Rufiji River to watch for elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, and brindled gnu. Stay at Beho Beho , a hilltop lodge that also has secluded tree-house accommodations for the extra adventurous.

Serengeti National Park: At Asilia’s Namiri Plains camp in northern Tanzania, visitors become part of the migration as they travel in a luxury mobile camp alongside herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. Walking safaris get you closer to the action, with veteran Serengeti safari guides giving the play-by-play. The animals—often stalked by big predators, such as lions and cheetahs—follow one of Earth’s most ancient routes. And if you come too close to an animal, never run. Move away quietly.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy: Cross the border from Tanzania into southern Kenya for an iconic East African lodge experience at the Mara Plains Camp. About a 2.5-hour drive from the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, the eco-friendly camp was built by National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert with their partners at Great Plains Conservation . From camp, you’ll head out on safari to watch migrating zebras and wildebeests make exciting and risky river crossings. You may even see a few big cats. ( Experience an air safari through Kenya. )

A lioness takes in the view of Kenya's Olare Motorogi Conservancy.

Ragati Conservancy: Kenya may be a great place to see the migrations, but it’s also a surprisingly fantastic spot for fly-fishing. On the southern slopes of Mount Kenya (Africa’s second highest peak), the Ragati Conservancy has mountain streams stocked with glistening rainbow trout. What makes the Ragati worth the trip? Nat Geo photographer and fly fisherman Pete Muller says that while Idaho fishing is amazing, “anglers won’t encounter an elephant along the Lochsa!” Fishing in Kenya, he says, also gives fishing enthusiasts the chance to visit locations such as Aberdare National Park.

Rwanda/Uganda

Volcanoes National Park/kalinzu Forest Reserve: Rwanda ’s Volcanoes National Park allows a limited number of visitors per day to hike into the jungle to view endangered mountain gorillas up close, as they groom each other, play, and eat bamboo shoots and fruits. Keep your eyes open for golden monkeys too. Nat Geo Expeditions offers an itinerary that includes a gorilla trek, then heads north into Uganda for a chimpanzee trek through the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve near Queen Elizabeth National Park. ( Here’s how to visit the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda. )

Zakouma National Park: Intense wildlife experiences await at this park known for the number of animals that make it their home. A herd of more than 500 elephants and flocks of birds, such as the black-crowned crane, in the tens of thousands, congregate here. Zakouma had a tremendous comeback after enduring civil unrest in the region. Visit between December and April, and stay at traditional Camp Nomade, its tents decorated with local carpets and brass bells.

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Wildlife World Zoo

Aquarium & safari park.

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium & Safari Park displays Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals, White Tigers, Lions, Jaguars, Leopards, Giraffe, Monkeys, Kangaroos, Sharks, Penguins, Stingray, and over 6,000 other exotic species. Take the Log Flume ride through the Aquarium, have an African Safari Train ride, skyride over animal exhibits, Australian Boat ride and kid’s exotic Animal Carousel. Open every day of the year!

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African Safaris

• Secluded South Africa

Trip Highlights

Smallest Groups, Closest Encounters

Uncrowded Private Reserves

Remote Luxury Camps & Lodges

Photo Expeditions Available

Secluded Wildlife Viewing Away from the Crowds

• Maximum Group Size Just Six Travelers! An authentic encounter with nature is tough to achieve in a big group. While South Africa’s tarmac road system and established network of lodges encourages a more bus-based safari approach, often with 15-20 guests aboard, we limit our groups to six, lessening our impact and granting us access to smaller camps and remote spots larger groups can't get to. We promise the most personalized safari experience available!
• Private Reserves Offer Seclusion & Superior Wildlife Viewing Private reserves are essential to the best African safari, especially in South Africa. In the exclusive wilderness areas of Sabi Sand, Marataba and Madikwe, we explore exceptionally varied habitats in solitude, viewing abundant wildlife away from crowds of other visitors (who are mostly traveling on paved roads inside the public parks). 
• An Unusually Diverse Itinerary Most South Africa safaris concentrate on Kruger National Park, and rightfully so, as its wildlife is legendary. Naturally, our itinerary includes the Greater Kruger ecosystem, but from a private reserve, where visitor numbers are strictly limited. MalaMala has an unfenced border with the park, so wildlife can wander back and forth freely. Our itinerary also includes the less-visited Marataba and Madikwe reserves, adding yet more elements of diversity with completely different ecosystems and landscapes.
• Remote & Intimate Luxury Accommodations  Most visitors to South Africa are relegated to larger, impersonal safari lodges that dominate in the national parks. Since our focus is private reserves, our guests enjoy exclusive boutique lodgings. Our isolated luxury camps and lodges are highlights in their own right. Each blends seamlessly with the natural environment, and tents and chalets have private verandas to maximize personal wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Flights Maximize Your Time on Safari While we enjoy watching the countryside unfold on the drive between Madikwe and Marataba, we put a big focus on flights, arranging air transfers where possible to maximize your time with wildlife, rather than spending too much of it negotiating rough roads on long drives. And from the air, you'll gain a whole different perspective on South Africa’s dramatic landscapes and roaming wildlife.
• The Very Best Vehicles—with a Window Seat for All Standard safaris often utilize cramped mini buses. In contrast, we charter top-quality custom safari vehicles that optimize comfort. Our 4x4 Land Rovers and Land Cruisers have a suspension system designed for rugged terrain, and an open-top, open-sided, tiered seating arrangement maximizes game-viewing opportunities. Each vehicle has 10 cushioned passenger seats, but since we don't fill them to capacity, everyone has an unimpeded side view. Each row is raised slightly higher than the one in front of it, allowing for unobstructed views of scenery and wildlife. 
• Exclusive Opportunities to Explore via Bush Walks and Night Drives Guided bush walks and night drives are available on the private reserves we visit, though not in national parks, where most safaris go. You'll appreciate the rare opportunity to stretch your legs while on safari as we get close-up views of interesting smaller species, which most safari-goers confined to vehicles miss. And drives after dark reveal fascinating nocturnal wildlife that's rarely seen by the typical traveler.
• South Africa's Most Outstanding Safari Guides We are proud to provide the personalized service of some of South Africa’s premier naturalist guides. We employ only the most highly trained and experienced Safari Expedition Leaders. Rather than relying on less-qualified local camp guides at each stop, our Expedition Leaders accompany our guests from start to finish. Our guides average 15 years' experience each, with additional resources provided by WWF’s leading scientists. See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
• Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Superior South Africa Safari With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee, which clearly states that we will meet the lofty expectations we set in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise for yourself!
• Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.

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Chris Breen , Founder With over 30 years of experience, we create outstanding wildlife holidays worldwide. Our team of wildlife experts explore destinations around the world to ensure we give you the finest wildlife encounters . We offer tailor-made itineraries to suit your personal requirements, and small group holidays with like-minded wildlife enthusiasts.

Ultimate Tiger Safari

Our relaxed two-centre group tour focuses on India’s most iconic mammal – the magnificent Bengal tiger. We spend time in two national parks, offering the best chance of sighting tigers: Bandhavgar… Read on

From the blog

Safari group tours.

We're the leading tour operator in the UK specialising in small safari group tours to Africa. Our trips bring you face-to-face with the continent’s most remarkable wildlife.… Read on

Upcoming Events

Rutland: global birdfair.

12 Jul 2024

London: Destinations

30 Jan to 2 Feb 2025

London: The Photography Show

8 to 11 Mar 2025

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For the latest on our trips, destinations, events and offers. We generally send 2 to 3 e-newsletters per month. Here are examples of recent ones we’ve sent…

• Bears of the World 30 Apr 2024
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Current offers

Solo travellers save over £5,000 in the galapagos.

If you're a single traveller, you can enjoy huge savings of over £5,000 on selected Northern Galapagos and Southern Galapagos holidays in 2024.… Read on

Looking for inspiration? Use our handy holiday search tool , browse our group tours calendar , or here are some of our most popular wildlife holidays…

Choose your destination

From African safaris to bear watching in Canada, cruising the Galapagos Islands, and wildlife viewing in the Amazon, we offer an unparalleled range of trips to see the finest wildlife in the world.

Featured destinations

Brazil offers remarkable wildlife experiences. Discover the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon and the Pantanal, home to iconic and rare animals.

Canada is one of the world’s finest wildlife destinations, famed for its outstanding bear watching (black, brown and polar bear) and fantastic whale watching.

Costa Rica is home to diverse ecosystems, remarkable mammals and colourful birdlife, making it a popular choice for wildlife enthusiasts.

Watch brown bears, Eurasian wolf and wolverine in Finland's boreal forests, and choose from wildlife watching, photography or videography tours.

Tanzania is abundant in wildlife across varied ecosystems. Serengeti’s great migration and Ngorongoro Crater are just some its wildlife highlights.

United Kingdom

Avid wildlife enthusiasts don’t need to stray far from home. Across the UK our national parks and nature reserves are home to some truly spectacular wildlife.

Discover your holiday

From whale watching around the world, to tiger safaris in India, viewing orangutan in Borneo and gorilla trekking in Africa, we offer the finest choice of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Whale watching

Bear watching

Tiger safaris

Jaguar watching

Orangutan watching

Polar bear watching

Need inspiration for your next wildlife encounter? With wildlife cruises, photography tours, walking safaris, group trips, tailor-made holidays, family adventures and flying safaris, we have got it covered.

Group tours

Tailor-made wildlife holidays

Wildlife cruises

Walking safaris

Wildlife photography

Photography tours With Nick Garbutt

Your experience

Wildlife is at the heart of what we excel at and we have an extensive range of specialist wildlife holidays from small group tours to tailor-made adventures and African safaris to polar voyages, there’s something for everyone. Here are just three of the thousands of experiences our customers have enjoyed. Read our client reviews or talk to us about what’s possible for you.

We spent a week in beautiful countryside, listening to birdsong with amazing views of a variety of birds thanks to the hides. It was also a treat to see so many hares, ground squirrels, deer and red squirrels.  Catherine D went to Hungary , Europe in May 2024

Our highlights were seeing an orangutan with twin babies, a group of flying foxes getting ready to take off and flying around just over us, and the very close viewing of monkeys, birds and crocs from the boats. Elizabeth G went to Borneo , Africa in May 2024

The highlight was the opportunity to view whales at close quarters. A high number of blue whales seen alongside the greys and humpbacks. Snorkel opportunities with whale sharks and sea lions a close second. Roy B went to Mexico , Latin America in May 2024

Aside from this site, other ways to get a taste of what we offer include coming to one of our UK-based events , subscribing to our regular e-news , or asking us for advice on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram .

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Wildlife Safari

Visit some of the world's best wildlife sanctuaries with our award winning responsible travel ethos and you can be confident knowing your interaction with wildlife is ethical and sustainable! On safaris you will have an experienced guide along with you to provide commentary and insight into some of the world’s most impressive and hard to access wildlife populations.

Whether you’re spotting lemurs and chameleons in the forests of Madagascar, elephants, giraffes and the elusive lion on the plains in the Serengeti in Tanzania; admiring the living laboratory that is the Galapagos Islands; making your way through the marshlands of Costa Rica's Corcovado National Park viewing the two-toed sloth; journeying deep into the Borneo jungle to view orangutans and proboscis monkeys; in Antarctica observing vast penguin colonies; or in Rwanda witnessing the silver back gorilla families.

Our wildlife safari adventures take you deep into the heart of the animal world, ensuring you have the best experience viewing animals in their wild habitat, in a 100% animal-friendly way!

As you spend your days marvelling at the creatures of the world, rest assured your nights will be spent relaxing in high quality accommodation, whether it be on board one of our exceptional vessels, in excellent safari lodges for a truly wild experience, or in well maintained hotels for that little bit of luxury!

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Antarctica & the arctic, australasia, central america, central asia, indian subcontinent, middle east, north america, south america, vessels & boats, advanced search, find your wildlife safari trip.

South Africa Walking Adventure

Activities:, introductory to moderate.

South Africa Encompassed

Adventure touring.

African Wildlife Explorer

African wildlife explorer (vfa to cpt).

Best of South America

Introductory.

Madagascar Adventure

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Important information, popular wildlife safari destinations.

South Africa

World Expeditions has over 40 years of experience operating authentic and unique adventure holidays with a genuine focus on the paths less travelled. We are the pioneers in designing groundbreaking itineraries and many say our trips start where most others end. As the leaders in responsible travel, we offer big adventures with a small environmental footprint. While safety is core to how we operate, we’re also focused on the fun factor and suitably challenging you to feel that great sensation of personal achievement while enjoying the camaraderie of like minded travellers.

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World Expeditions is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. It was a commitment formed when the company was established, and today, in the face of a multitude of threats to global environments and cultures, our commitment is stronger than ever. Over several decades we have honed our responsible travel philosophy and are continually assessing and improving initiatives that are practiced in the field to ensure that we are mitigating our impact to the smallest possible footprint. View our award winning The Thoughtful Traveller booklet here .

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Inclusions & Equipment

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.

These adventure tours sometimes involve travel at high altitude (rarely exceeding 4000m, except on certain trips in Tibet, Peru and India) and may visit remote areas of the world where facilities are often basic. Many of these trips sometimes involve some camping or basic lodging. These adventure tours will often involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and optional day walks are often included and these days may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity.

Up to 5 or 6 hours of physical activity a day at a slow but steady pace.

Introductory activity with several moderate stages.

Up to 5-7 hours of physical activity a day at a steady pace. Terrain may vary and some steep ascents to be expected. Be prepared for variable weather conditions.

Moderate to Challenging

Moderate activity with several challenging stages.

Challenging

Up to 8 to 10 hours+ of physical activity a day, often in remote areas with variable and adverse weather conditions.

Apply only to mountaineering trips and are therefore not shown.

These journeys of discovery and cruises are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2-3 months prior to departure.

To enjoy these adventures we suggest you have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a moderately active lifestyle and a positive attitude.

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Our introductory trips are not ‘easy’ trips and you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, starting at least two to three months before departure. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. For treks, hill or stair walking with a 5-7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is advised.

On these adventures you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, from a minimum of three months period to your departure. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling - good cardiovascular exercise. For treks, hill or stair walking with a 7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is advised.

These adventures require a good level of fitness and health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45-60 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions, kayaking or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

These adventures require a good level of fitness and excellent health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of aerobic type exercise, four times a week. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions, kayaking or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

On these challenging adventures, you will need an excellent level of fitness.

Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of aerobic exercise, four times a week – such as jogging, hard walking, cycling or paddling. Solid preparation is essential in the months leading up to your departure. For trekking, hill walking with a 7kg pack is a must. On the weekends mix in a relatively demanding bushwalk relatively steep ascents and descents. For cycling, regular biking for one to four hours at a time, with as many hills as possible, will help prepare you for your trip.

The exact inclusions and equipment for each of our adventures is listed once you've found the trip you want. Our trips are generally more inclusive than others in the market place in line with our philosophy of minimising 'extra payments' displayed outside of the main trip price as well as out of pocket expenses once you reach your destination.

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

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

Global Wildlife Center will be closed, Tuesday, May 28th, for our Team Appreciation Day!

Get ready for a WILD Interactive Adventure!

Explore our vision.

The Global Wildlife Center is one of the largest free-roaming wildlife preserves of its kind in the country! We are located in Folsom, Louisiana and are home to over 2,000 exotic, endangered, and threatened animals from all over the world.

Adventure Tours

Find your adventure.

Wagon tours

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

• Private Tours

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

• Safari Parties

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

Book Today!

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

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

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

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

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South Africa Wildlife

With a coastline that spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean with mountains, coastal forests on the eastern coast, semi-arid wilderness deserts of the Kalahari in the northwest and everything else between, the variety of wildlife in South Africa will not disappoint.

The big five can be seen in various parks throughout South Africa including the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the flagship of South Africa’s wildlife safari parks and a dramatic landscape covering 2 million hectares, rich in prides of lion and herds of elephant. You will find fast predators such as cheetahs, lions and leopards in the Phinda Game Reserve, wild dogs in Madikwe Game Reserve or head to Cape Cross to see seals in huge numbers on the coast. Other animals you are likely to see include zebra, antelope, wildebeest, giraffe, but there is so much more beyond this, with 336 tree species, 49 fish species, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals in total.

This apex predator is known for their strength and power. South Africa is home to two subspecies of lions, the Southern African lion (Panthera leo melanochaita) and the East African lion (Panthera leo nubica). The Southern African lion is found in several of the country's national parks, including Kruger National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and Addo Elephant National Park. Living in prides, lions are social animals that will rest and conserve energy during the day and are active during the night.

African Elephants

South Africa is home to both savannah and forest elephants, which can be found in several of its national parks and reserves. The largest land mammal in the world is led by a matriarch, elephants are social animals living in herds and are known for their emotional capacity, intelligence and incredible strength. They are herbivores that consume up to 300 pounds of vegetation in a single day.

One of the 90 species of antelope, the Springbok is the National animal of South Africa. These small, slender antelopes are social creatures that can be seen in herds of up to several hundred. Adapted to dry, barren areas and open grass plains, they can absorb moisture from leaves instead of drinking water if it's not available. They have distinctive white fur on their faces and bellies, and a dark stripe running down their back.

African Safaris

A journey into the extraordinary.

Short Big Cats & Game Safari

Enjoy a tailor-made safari to kenya taking in the big cats and game of the masai mara and the private olare orok conservancy..

South Africa Safaris

Classic South Africa Safari

History, culture, wildlife and the world's largest waterfall await travellers embarking on this 10-day safari, an itinerary that takes in everything from game drives in search of the Big Five to a tour of Robben Island, where the legendary Nelson Mandela spent 18 years as a political prisoner.

Short South Africa Safari

A Kwandwe, winelands & adventure; immerse yourself in South Africa’s natural beauty without compromising on luxury. Spend six days in the company of expert guides while exploring idyllic winelands and a private game reserve, all while staying in private villas.

Luxury South Africa Safari

Relax in the ultimate luxury of your lodge after encountering the African big cats whilst out on safari with your expert guide. Spend time on the coast of Cape Town exploring historic Robben Island and the rugged rocks of beautiful Cape Point. Visit Hermanus, a world-renowned whale watching destination, take the opportunity to see both black and white rhino in one place and even search for the rare white Lion in Timbavati Game Reserve.

The Garden Route is a popular natural haven and picturesque stretch of coastline that winds its way from cosmopolitan Cape Town to Knysna, passing through spectacular bays such as Mossel Bay, which offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the country between May and December, as southern right, humpback and killer whales join the notorious great white shark to hunt for prey around Seal Island. Southern Right Whales can be seen from June to November along the Western Cape coast, while Humpback Whales are usually seen from June to November along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

Cape Buffalo

Also known as African buffalo, this large and powerful animal can be found in several national parks and reserves across South Africa, including Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, and Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve. Living in herds of up to several hundred, cape buffalos are known for their massive horns that can grow up to five feet long. Their fierce and unpredictable nature means they will attack humans and animals if they feel threatened and can be aggressive and dangerous, if provoked.

Great Sardine Run

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Wildlife Safari

$92 & up*.

Price is per person

At A Glance

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

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

A separate admission ticket or membership is required for Safari Park entry; parking is not included. Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $15 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable. 



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



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

If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit.

Deluxe Wildlife Safari

• Ages 6 & up
• $117 & up per person
• Offered daily
• Savanna habitats

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

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

Wildlife Safari Deluxe Twilight

• $142 & up per person
• Select weekends and holidays

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

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

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

Tour spend approximately 70 minutes in the savanna habitat with approximately 10 minutes’ travel time at the start and end of the tour.

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

• Age 3 & up

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

Mimosa Wildlife Safari

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

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

Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $15 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable. 



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

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

If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit. For the health and safety of wildlife, service animals are not permitted on Wildlife Safaris.

Restrooms are available during the stop at Amani Point. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended.

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

Wildlife Safari: Southwest to Savanna

• $135 and up per person
• Select weekend dates
• Biodiversity Reserve and savanna habitats

Travel deep into the heart of the Safari Park on an open-air truck to learn how San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance helps wildlife and ecosystems thrive, from North America’s Southwest to the African savanna. Venture into the 900-acre Biodiversity Reserve , where conservation scientists study and protect the coastal sage scrub habitat and the many species that call it home. Next, enter an expansive African savanna habitat for unique glimpses of giraffes and other amazing wildlife.

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Behind-the-Scenes Safari

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

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Safari News

Keep up to date with the most recent safari happenings here, our current hours are 9:00am – 6:00pm for the drive thru and safari village.

Upcoming Events

Mother's Get in FREE - Mother's Day, May 12th

Father's Get in FREE - Father's Day, June 16th

Sippin' Safari - July 19th

DreamNight - August 3rd

Learn more about these events here

Bring the Safari Home with You!

Looking for the perfect gift for the animal enthusiast in your life or want to treat yourself? We have some options we think are perfect! Check our our gift shop during your visit and make sure to stop by the animal artwork section!  

Amazon for the Animals

Check out our   Amazon Wishlist   and get a present for your favorite animal.

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An African Safari Changed My View of the World

In the Shondaland series The Novelty of Nature , we’re digging into the power of natural places and the wellness benefits of embracing the elements. From camping tips and safari stories to eye-opening tales about the environment to inspiring ways to reclaim your relationship with nature, these stories show it’s never been a better time to get lost in the great outdoors.

A rustling outside my canvas tent in a remote part of Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy jolted me out of my jet-lagged daze. Opening the zipper, I scanned the expansive bush and realized I wasn’t alone. Quietly, I walked toward the barbed wire fence along the edge of an embankment leading to the reddish-brown waters of the narrow Ewaso Ng’iro River. There, knee-deep in the muddy water, stood an adolescent African elephant, 30 or so feet in the distance, completely oblivious to me.

Flapping his giant ears to keep cool, the elephant snaked his nimble trunk around the branches to feast. I let out a gasp; my first instinct was to capture the moment on camera. But I reminded myself to be mindful of this solitude in the wilderness in the presence of such a mighty creature. I stashed my phone away and stood there transfixed, lulled by the cool woodland breeze and warmed by the equatorial sun until the animal moved on. My body relaxed, my worries dissolved, and for a short period, my mind was still enough to be at peace.

Enrapturing experiences like this make a safari thrilling and unforgettable. My introduction to African wildlife came when I was a teenager growing up in a small town in South India. My aunt, who moved to the continent after getting married, mailed photos from a vacation in South Africa. A towering giraffe stood in a grassland near the vehicle, its mahogany patches contrasting against a cloudless, baby-blue sky. The image was etched in my memory.

Ten years later, while living in California after graduating college, I got the chance to go on my own safari. A friend who was on an extended volunteer trip in a rural community along the shores of Tanzania’s Lake Victoria invited me and two other girlfriends to visit. In just a few months, I received the necessary vaccination shots and was on my way with a backpack and nearly empty bank account. The word “safari” translates to “journey” in Swahili; I didn’t realize then that the moment I stepped on African soil would forever change my life.

Two flights to Nairobi and a 12-hour overnight bumpy bus ride to Mwanza later, the four of us arrived exhausted but excited for the adventure ahead. We hired a safari guide and vehicle for a multiday girls’ trip. Our first stop was the Serengeti, the famed national park famous for the greatest spectacle on Earth — the wildebeest migration — where millions of ungulates make the grueling journey across the plains and rivers in the dry season in search of food.

We drove for hours, with the same barren plains passing us by, our hair, faces, and arms covered in dust from the open windows. The scenery changed as we approached the migration. The grayish-brown bodies of the wildebeests, with their black manes stirring, moved like an undulating wave across the endless plains.

While they trudged along, we scanned the savanna for wild cat action, as the migration was prime hunting season. Finally, we spotted a leopard, camouflaged in the tall grass and acacia trees, stalking its prey. My heart rate quickened; I remember standing on the seat and poking my head out of the pop-top roof for a better view. The scene in front of me seemed straight out of a Discovery Channel nature show, and I expected music signifying an impending kill to come on any minute. Alas, there was no dramatic soundtrack, and the leopard slinked off into the grasses with nary any action.

That night, no matter how much I prepared mentally, I wasn’t ready for camping out in the middle of the wilderness. At a campground called Simba Camp on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania, the four of us pitched our tent under an imposing tree. The area is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and has the distinction of being the largest unbroken caldera in the world.

After a dinner prepared over a campfire, we piled into our small tent and slipped into our sleeping bags, with just a thin material shielding us from the dangerous bush. Throwing on all the warm clothes we brought, we huddled, fighting the chill that descended soon after the sunset. But the cold wasn’t the only thing that kept us up that night. The shrieks and squeals of hyenas right outside the tent haunted us, ensuring none of us got a wink of sleep. We learned the next morning that it isn’t uncommon for lions and elephants to venture into the camp. After all, we were in their world, cocooned in relative safety, as there was plenty of meaty prey around for predators to stay away from humans.

We headed down the slope of the Ngorongoro Crater. With encircling walls higher than the Empire State Building, the crater is blessed with dense evergreen montane forests, open moors, and grasslands. This Eden is home to the Big Five — elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, black rhinos — and other animals, all coexisting in a 102-square-mile area. With barely any other vehicles around, we took our time to stop and spot wildlife, and drove toward the seemingly alien-planet landscape of Lake Magadi, a saline soda lake that attracts hundreds of flamingos who inhabit the shallow saline soda lake. The highlight of the game drive, though, was seeing the endangered black rhino, an animal who eluded us in the Serengeti, where poaching decimated their population.

As we drove up, the setting sun cast a warm glow on the canopy, and brilliant golden rays went in different directions. Underneath, two mating elephants, with their trunks intertwined, playfully wrestled. On this hopeful and adventurous journey, a seed was planted. I became enamored with wildlife, and a desire to protect them took root. This led to a career in writing with a focus on conservation, in which I hoped to inspire others to have similar adventures and protect nature.

Covid put an abrupt end to my traveling days, confining me at home like the majority of the population. The turmoil was made worse by a traumatic event in my family. I was barely hanging onto hope; normalcy seemed like a distant memory, and getting on a plane was a scary proposition.

It was during this long, reflective time that it occurred to me that the most joyful times are when I am living in the moment in pristine wild places. Untouched areas that take me back to another era, where ancient trees like baobabs stand proud, where virgin rainforests, acacia woodlands, and savanna grasses remain havens for wild animals who roam freely as they have for thousands of years. Nowhere on the planet is this more evident than in the protected places in several African countries.

I was dismayed to learn that the pandemic deeply affected communities and halted many conservation efforts. With both tourism income and boots on the ground gone, poaching increased in certain hot spots. It was then I found a new purpose of not merely fulfilling my desire to be immersed in nature but to also do what I could to help. As soon as I was vaccinated, I boarded a flight back to Nairobi, almost 20 years after that fateful journey.

This time, I didn’t sleep on the ground or drive for endless hours. On my first stop in Kenya’s Mara Naboisho Conservancy in the Masai Mara reserve, a community-owned protected land home to abundant wildlife, I upgraded to a tent with canvas walls, a plush bed, and a bathroom with hot showers. I dined on gourmet food overlooking the savanna. I went on twice-daily game drives in an open-air vehicle, snapped photos of the sunrise, and learned about animal tracking on a walking safari. Most rewardingly, I met with the women at a local organization helping uplift women through beadwork.

I continued on to two different camps in the Serengeti, one that is run entirely by women and another in a recently opened conservation area called Namiri Plains, where efforts have resulted in an increase in the cheetah population. On each of my outings at these camps, I brought a notepad and camera in my day bag, a heart full of fresh hope, and a bubbling hankering to share my experiences with others once again.

My outings opened my eyes to the fact that a safari is more than just the Big Five or the African Great Migration. And no game drive is ever the same. One day, it was lions and their cubs feasting on a zebra as jackals and vultures waited their turns, young hyena pups playing near a den, and hundreds of gazelles and impalas grazing and jumping.

On another day, an elephant in musth blocked the way, two cheetah brothers wandered along a drying river in pursuit of their next meal, adorable vervet monkeys groomed each other along the sides of the road, and a male lion roared so close to the vehicle that I felt it in my bones. Birds including ostriches, marabou storks, kori bustards that look like descendants of dinosaurs, and stunning beauties like African fish eagles and lilac-breasted rollers filled up my memory card.

I returned to the continent a few more times to experience its diverse regions, hiking the rain-forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas and learn about conservation successes; witnessing anti-poaching guide dogs in training in Akagera National Park; and venturing on solar-powered boat rides to catch sightings of Nile crocodiles, hippos, and herds of elephants along the Chobe River in Botswana with a female guide to report on equity, sustainability, and conservation.

Back at Ol Pejeta Conservancy the day after my elephant encounter, I knew exactly who I was going to see, as I was scheduled to meet Najin and Fatu, the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world. The two females, who belong to a subspecies of the white rhinoceros, live in a large enclosure with a southern white rhino, under 24-7 armed protection against poachers. Their predecessors roamed the savanna grasslands and woodlands of East and Central Africa. The species is extinct in the wild.

Enticed with a snack, mom Najin walked toward me like an armored vehicle and stuck her horn the size of my forearm into the window. With her massive stature, compared to the four-wheeler I was sitting in, she stood mere inches from me. With my heart pounding and overflowing with joy, I handed her a carrot that quickly disappeared into her square-lipped snout. My shaky hand reached and touched the folds of her thick, rough skin, compelled to memorialize our interaction, as I may never see her species again.

Losing interest once the treats stopped coming, Najin moseyed on and brought herself down onto the ground, laying her massive head on one side as if contemplating life. While Najin doesn’t realize the fate of her species, the gravity of what I just experienced hit me hard. Once these two are gone, the world will forever lose this subspecies, never to be seen again. Our relationship with nature is mutual; it helps us heal, feel joy, and find meaning, and in return, it needs us to protect, preserve, and care for it. It gives us unforgettable moments and makes us appreciate the fragility and beauty of life.

Lavanya Sunkara is a New York-based travel writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure , National Geographic , Fodor’s , and Readers’ Digest . Follow her on Instagram @ nature__traveler .

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Explore a world of wildlife: Unveiling the wonders of Sharjah Safari Park

Living in uae.

The largest safari outside Africa, visit the Savannah, Serengeti and more.

Dubai: Craving an African adventure without leaving the UAE? How about heading to Sharjah’s Al Dhaid area, where you will find meticulously recreated African habitats at the Sharjah Safari Park.

Inaugurated in 2022, the park extends over an area of eight square kilometres and is the largest safari in the world outside Africa. Here you will find more than 120 species of animals that live in Africa and up to 50,000 animals. Whether it is the lion, the African elephant, or a wildebeest, you will find them all at this safari experience.

What to expect

At the Sharjah Safari Park, different environments have been recreated, inspired by all parts of Africa. They represent the life and terrain of the continent, and the animals and birds that live in it. Here are some of the sections that bring to life the African wilderness at the park:

1. To Africa: In this area you will get a walking experience and explore the wildlife endemic to the islands and archipelagos scattered along the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. 2. The Sahel is represented by deserts, pastures, and diverse wildlife. 3. The Savannah is a tropical grassland and is home to the largest concentration of biodiversity on Earth. 4. The Serengeti celebrates the largest migration of animals in the world every year. 5. The Ngorongoro , formed from an extinct crater, is a unique ecosystem and home to some of Africa’s most famous species. 6. Moremi is inspired by the canyons and valleys of southwest Africa that were formed over centuries by heavy monsoon rains.

Plan your visit

Gear up for adventure: Pack a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, a camera, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your exploration.

Choose your Safari experience: Depending on what you are looking for, there are different packages to choose from. The cost listed below does not include Value Added Tax (VAT):

Bronze Package

This budget-friendly option offers a walking safari through the ‘Into Africa’ zone and Zanzibar Village, and is perfect for a quick introduction to the park.

Adults - Dh40+VAT Children (ages 3-12) - Dh15+VAT Child under three years of age – free Approximate duration: 1-2 hours

Silver Package

Ideal for a more comprehensive experience, this package includes everything in the Bronze package, plus a safari tour through various habitats and a stop at the Safari Camp.

Adults - Dh120+VAT Children (ages 3-12) - Dh50+VAT Child under three years of age – free Approximate duration: 2 to 4 hours

Gold Package

Immerse yourself in the ultimate safari adventure with a personal guide, a walking safari in the Serengeti, and everything included in the Silver package. You can also turn this experience into a private Gold tour.

Adults – Dh275+VAT Children (ages 3-12) – Dh120+VAT Child under three years of age – free Approximate duration: 3 to 5 hours

Gold private tours:

Game Viewer (maximum 9 person): Dh2,250+VAT Safari Van (maximum 6 person): Dh1,500.00+VAT Safari Coach (max 15 person): Dh3,500.00+VAT

How to get there

Situated within the Al Bardi Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid, you can get to Sharjah Safari Park via the Khorfakkan Road – S142. If you are coming from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, simply get onto Emirates Road E611 and take the exit for S142, right after you pass the iconic Sharjah mosque. If you are coming from Sharjah or the other northern emirates, you can also take E611, and then take the exit for S142, after you pass the Al Sajaa Industrial Area. Once you are on S142, you will need to drive down for 40km, and then take the exit for Sharjah Safari, right after the roundabout at the intersection of S142 and E55.

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