safari park adult ticket

What’s Included in Your San Diego Safari Park Admission?

What do San Diego Safari Park tickets include? Here’s a free vs paid tours & attractions chart. Plus the one word you’ll need to instantly know which is which. And that makes decisions so much easier.

San Diego Safari Park admission tickets include  Africa Tram, keeper talks & attractions, entertainment, animal encounters & kids playgrounds . But any activity with “Safari” in its name requires payment in addition to the cost of admission. Parking is not included.   It costs $20 minimum.

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

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

Continue reading if you’re curious about whether you can have a great time with just what’s included with admission. I’ve provided descriptions of all the activities, animal encounters, shows, and Safaris at San Diego Zoo Safari Park for you to help you make up your mind.

What San Diego Safari Park Exhibit Areas  Are Included With Admission

First, parking is not free at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. But most of the rest of the park can be explored freely with your entry fee. When you look at the Safari Park map there are 14 different sections at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. All but two of them are accessible to you with your admission.

The 2 different areas that you are not able to navigate on your own are Africa Plains and Asian Savanna. I marked them with a yellow outline on the map above. You cannot enter these large field exhibits unless you are with Safari Park personnel. You can get inside via paid Safari experiences or via the free Africa Tram. However, many of the animals in both of these areas are visible from other areas in the park.

Highlights of San Diego Safari Park That Are Free With Entry Ticket

The following tours and attractions are some of the highlights at Safari Park. You can ride and experience them as many times as you like. They are:

Africa Tram

Do not miss riding the Africa Tram , it’s included at no extra charge with your admission. It’s also one of the must-see attractions at Safari Park. I’ve been able to ride the Tram hundreds of times (no exaggeration). And every time I notice something new. 

Sometimes its been a new baby giraffe or rhino! At other times it’s two antelope sparring with their horns. Or herds of every type of animal running in the same direction like shoppers at a Black Friday sale. Just because one giraffe became spooked by a blowing leaf.

It’s best to ride Africa Tram either early in the day or late. The animals are most active when it is cool. Ride as many times as you’d like while you’re at San Diego Safari Park.

Hidden Jungle

Hidden Jungle is a tropical rain forest aviary that’s included in your San Diego Safari Park admission ticket . It’s located in the Gorilla Forest area. This climate-controlled environment is populated by colorful birds, delicate plants and towering trees. It can be a bit humid during the summer and early fall. Visit the birds either early or late in the day during those seasons.

This is also where the Butterfly Jungle event takes place every spring . Thousands of colorful butterflies flutter by in search of nectar from the blooming jungle flowers. They often land on you. Which makes the experience special for kids and adults alike. 

At the end of the Butterfly Jungle event, the birds eat any caterpillars that have hatched. This ensures that the colorful non-native butterflies do not invade the fertile farms of the San Pasqual Valley.

The Gorilla Forest is also free with your admission . It’s home to the Safari Park’s troop of Western lowland Gorillas. 

These (relatively) peaceful, family-oriented, plant-eaters are a favorite with kids. Their exhibit includes gorilla hand and footprints (which kids love to measure against their own). There is a life-sized drawing that guests can use to compare their arm lengths to that of an adult male gorilla. And recordings of the noises made by the gorillas when they’re communicating with each other.

Kangaroo Walk

Kangaroo Walk is free with your San Diego Safari Park entry also . Mingle with kangaroos, wallabies, and waterfowl in this Australian savanna grassland environment inside Walkabout Australia. See the ‘roos with their baby joeys go bounding by.

There are a few wallabies that come on the marked paths for some gentle petting and stroking. Because of COVID, this is now discouraged. But sometimes the critters insist. Don’t worry. Wallabies feel like they look, soft and woolly! 

Do you want to know about other animals that you are allowed to touch at either San Diego Zoo or Safari Park? Then check out my article, “ Can You Hold Animals at the San Diego Zoo? “

Nairobi Station

You don’t need to pay extra to walk through Nairobi Station . You can get close-up views of some of San Diego Safari Park’s smaller animals. Depending upon the animal you may even get to touch them. Just make sure to ask their keepers first. 

Nairobi Station is also the home of the Animal Care Center . Animal babies that need to be hand-raised because their mothers cannot care for them are brought to this nursery. It can get very crowded (with people) here if this facility is hosting young lions or cheetahs. 

While you’re here, take a look at the sandcat. WARNING : If you love felines, their round faces will make your heart melt into a puddle on the floor. Even those who don’t particularly like cats have been known to succumb to their megatonne-weight cuteness.

Petting Kraal

Petting and brushing the goats in the Petting Kraal will not cost you any extra in addition to your admission fee. This is the closest thing to a classic “children’s petting zoo” at either the Safari Park or the San Diego Zoo. The pygmy, Nubian, and Boer goats are just the right size to interact with human kids. 

Be sure to close and secure any purses or backpacks. The goats are intensely curious and will nibble on almost anything. 

Playgrounds

There are 5 play areas for kids. And as far as I’m concerned that deserves its own category.

Camp Play Area

You and your kids are free to enter Camp Play Area with your park admission . It’s located in Tiger Trail (click the link for my full article). This playground is built to resemble a logging camp in the Sumatran rain forest. There are logs to climb, rope ladders and statues of tigers and their cubs to play on. And of course there are real tigers to look at right around the corner.

Jameson Research Island

This seasonal water play area won’t cost you or your kids any extra cash . It’s located on the African Loop trail within the Safari Park’s African Outpost area. It is usually open during the hot days of summer. It provides cooling splashes on the walk between the flamingos and colobus monkeys. 

Samburu Jungle Gym

  You’ll love that your kids can climb and explore here because it comes free with the Safari Park admission . This playground is located in the African Woods area. It’s close to the bird show amphitheatre and the Lemur Walk.

Your little monkeys will enjoy a shaded play area with a jeep, rhino and a lion to ‘ride’ and tree trunks to crawl through. You’ll be happy because you’ll be keeping an eye on them from shaded Samburu Terrace . Sip a cool craft beer or soda while you’re unwinding. 

Savanna Cool Zone

This seasonal water playground is open to everyone with entry to Safari Park . It’s located near Lion Camp and Shiley’s Cheetah Run track. It’s a godsend for parents who are waiting in the hot sun for Cheetah Run to start. Send the kiddos to cool off in the fountains. And if you get soaked trying to retrieve them that’s not so bad.

Village Playground

V illage Playground is also free with admission to San Diego Safari Park.   It’s located in the Nairobi Village area between the Petting Kraal and the Rodrigues fruit bat exhibit. It’s a good place for those kids who get a bit intimidated by the goats next door. 

Entertainment 

The San Diego Safari Park does a good job of disguising conservation education as entertainment. You’ll find that these 4 activities provide a fun way to learn about endangered species and how you can help save them and their habitat.

Training Talk

Entry to this 15-minute bird training session is free with your admission . It’s only 15 minutes long, but it is fascinating to watch the positive reinforcement training process. Makes you think that if the Safari Park can teach their feathered charges to do all sorts of amazing things, that you have a chance with your (sometimes) bird-brained babies. Hope!

Robert the Zebra

If Robert the Zebra was located in Las Vegas you would be paying big bucks to see him. But since he’s at San Diego Safari Park you get to see his snarky shtick free with your entry ticket.

Robert’s an interactive digital puppet that’s visible on a big screen in Nairobi Station. He tells jokes, talks with children and adults about what it’s like to be a zebra, and asks visitors questions about their experiences at Safari Park. Listen carefully, some of the kids’ answers to his queries are priceless!

Tiger Keeper Talk

Tiger Keeper Talks are another experience that is included with admission to San Diego Safari Park . Each morning the keepers interact with one of the tigers. For a bit of meat or a scratch behind an ear, the giant cat cooperates to display some of its amazing adaptations to life in the wild. 

The highlight for me is when the tiger is asked to stretch full-length upright against the protective mesh barrier so that the keeper can inspect the belly. A tiger on its hind legs is HUGE. And a little scary. 

Frequent Flyers

I would pay extra to see this bird show, but I’m glad that Frequent Flyers is free with any Safari Park admission . It’s a free-flying show, which means that any of them are free to fly off into the Escondido sky. But they don’t.

The level of training shown by the birds is impressive. It features vultures, secretary birds, hawks and 3 adorable guinea hens. But the cute star of the show isn’t a bird at all. I’m not going to tell you what it is. Just go see Frequent Flyers and have some fun. 

Cheetah Run

Unfortunately, Cheetah Run was put on hold during the COVID-19 restrictions and has not been brought back yet. But if it is brought back, it is a MUST SEE.

Sun Up Cheetah SAFARI is an early morning paid experience where you get taken in a Safari truck for an exclusive look at the park and see a cheetah run at top speed. Check it out HERE .

Bring your camera because you’ll have the best place to watch the cat run. And your guide and the trainer will arrange for you to be photographed with the cheetah.

Here are some of the best Cheetah Run viewing locations if you aren’t in the paid Safari:  

• On the bridge across from the Savanna Cool Zone. The kids can play in the water while you wait
• Below the Balloon Safari, along the walk to the Africa Tram close to the bridge. The sun will be at your back. And during the summertime that’s a blessing.
• On the other side of Shiley’s Cheetah along the path to Lion Camp. Again, close to the bridge. There are some shady spots here by the trees.

Animal Encounters

Animal ambassador stage.

The Animal Ambassador Stage presentations are free with your admission . They are your chance to view some species that may not be on exhibit. The stage is located in Safari Base Camp close to the park entrance. The Ambassadors come out from the park’s opening to noon. And then again starting at 4:00pm to when the park closes. 

The more spectacular Animal Ambassadors are usually brought out closer to noon. At that time you’re more likely to see their BIG python “Julius Squeezer”, high-jumping servals & caracals , and sometimes even cheetahs. 

Near Benbough Amphitheater (Animal Encounter)

We’ve seen a lot of cheetahs at this free presentation which takes place in Gorilla Forest. It only lasts 15 minutes, but it’s a more informal, intimate setting so you get a more up-close view. If you’re reluctant to ask your questions in large crowds, this may be the perfect place for you to get some answers. 

Lawn at Okavango Outpost (Animal Encounter)

The animal activity on the Lawn at Okavango Outpost is another, more informal free edu-tainment experience. It only lasts 15 minutes, sometimes a bit longer depending upon the animal. But it’s a wonderful photo opportunity. It’s usually uncrowded. Bob has gotten some great photos of leaping caracals here.

8 Types of Safari – Premium Paid Experiences

Here are the eight types of premium “Safari” tours/experiences offered at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Most of them have several different options. That means that there are more than 30 different types of Safaris to try at the Escondido wild animal park. 

It can get confusing.

I’m going to give you just the basic outlines below. If you’re interested in reserving one of the safaris check out my guide to choosing the best San Diego Safari Park tour for you and your family. The summary chart on that page includes prices, age limits, and trip durations which will help make your decision easier.

Balloon Safari

Fly 400 feet above the park and the picturesque San Pasqual Valley. Best to ride this between opening and noon because it can be grounded because of the strong afternoon winds. Check my balloon safari review for prices & more details. 

Behind the Scenes Safari

Tour areas that are off-limits to most park guests. Get an insider’s view of the park while exploring the nighttime ‘bedrooms’ of various animals like platypuses, elephants, tigers, rhinos, kangaroos & cheetahs, feed okapis and see the veterinary center. You can find more information including prices in my Behind the Scenes Safari review.

Caravan Safari

Take a shaded truck with a knowledgeable guide into the park’s huge Asian and African field exhibits. See herds of antelope and other animals up close. Taking stunning animal photos is EASY. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to point your camera first. The best part is that you frequently have opportunities to feed giraffes and rhinos. Best. Selfies. Ever. For more info including prices read my Caravan Safari review . 

Cart Safari

View herds of giraffes, rhinos, antelope from the comfort of a 9 passenger cart. Your driver will fill you in on the park history, weird animal facts and answer your questions about animal care and conservation. It’s a more relaxed ride than the Caravan Safari. There are great animal photo opportunities, especially when your driver offers enrichment items or treats to some of the wildlife. Find out more about the two types and prices in my Cart Safari review .

Sun Up Cheetah Safari

Get the best views of a cheetah running. Have a close encounter with another African Animal Ambassador beforehand. Then have a meet & greet with the spotted sprinter after. Take home great photos of you with a cheetah and wonderful memories. Discover more details including price in my Cheetah Safari review .

Flightline Safari

If you or your kids are adrenaline junkies, this is the safari for you! Soar over the park’s open wildlife fields like a condor. It’s an exhilarating ride over beautiful scenery and animals. Training and practice provided. Find out about prices and more in my Flightline Safari review .

Roar & Snore Safari

My personal favorite. Spend the night at Safari Park. You sleep in tents overlooking the Africa Plains exhibit. The location’s sandwiched between Elephant Valley and Lion Camp. You fall asleep to the low muttering (and sometimes trumpeting) of elephants and rise to roaring lions. Good food. Great keeper talks. And s’mores around a campfire. I’ve put more details about prices and what to expect in my Roar & Snore Safari review .

Ultimate Safari

Customize your Safari Park experience. Go behind the scenes. Meet animal ambassadors up close. Do it all with your own personal guide. And yes, they feed you too. Find out all about prices and what you can do in my Ultimate Safari review .

Closing Thoughts

I hope that you now have a better idea of what types of tours, attractions, encounters and entertainment that you get with your entry ticket. You can have a wonderful time and fill a whole day (or more) with just the activities that you get with your San Diego Safari Park admission ticket.

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

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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.

Back to Top

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 .

Popular attractions in San Diego

Other Zoos in California

# San Diego Zoo # Los Angeles Zoo # San Francisco Zoo

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This article was researched & written by

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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Tickets and Hours

Spend an hour or stay the day! Your paid admission grants access to the Safari Drive-Thru & Safari Village Walk-Thru for the entire day. Present your receipt to re-enter the park.

Ticket Prices

Law enforcement, active duty, and retired military receive a $4.00 discount on each paid admission *.

Law Enforcement, Active Duty, and Retired Military must show valid identification

KEEP IN MIND

No Animals Allowed

No Outside Animal Feed Allowed

No Smoking or Vaping Allowed, except in the designated area

Minivan Sliding Doors MUST Remain Closed in Drive-Thru Section of the Park

Guest must stay in vehicles at all times while on the Safari Drive-thru.

2024 Park Hours

Our season will end on sunday, december 1, 2024.

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Group Visits

Field Trips

TICKETS & PASSES

A great  day out  for the whole family.

Get ready for an unforgettable day out that’ll have the whole family roaring with excitement!

Drive through four miles of awe-inspiring habitats, spotting majestic lions, giraffes, rhinos, tigers, and more. Explore walk-through areas featuring penguins, hippos, lemurs, sea lions, lorikeets, and meerkats. Don't miss the African Walking Trail for a close encounter with elephants, giraffes, and rhinos! Step into Tiger Tropics and Lion Ridge to meet nature's magnificent big cats. Explore the Land of the Living Dinosaurs exhibit and enjoy daily feeds and talks. 

It’s a day packed with fun, learning, and unforgettable memories for the whole family!

Day Tickets

• Safari Drive-through

Walk-through areas

• Save up to 30% in advance
• Free Return included*

Pre-book - from £22.00

On the day - £32.00

Under 3s - Free

Ride Wristbands

• A variety of rides in our Adventure Theme Park
• Height restrictions apply

Pre-book – £10.00

On the day- £12.00

Little Penguin Wristband on the day – £7.00 (child between 0.8m-1.0m in height)

Annual Passes

Valid for up to 12 months

Exclusive discounts in shops and restaurants

Unlimited trips around the Safari on the day you visit

From £99.00

Free return offer...

This fantastic offer entitles the vehicle and online pre-paying occupants to an admission-only return visit to West Midlands Safari Park, within six months. Date restrictions apply. Find out more on our Free Return Ticket  page.

* Free Return Codes are ONLY sent to guests booking online in advance and are not included in the discounted group and school prices, Combi Tickets or special evening event tickets.

ESSENTIAL  COMPANIONS

West Midlands Safari Park has teamed up with Nimbus Disability, the administrators of the Access Card scheme, to oversee essential companion tickets and easy access eligibility.

To benefit, you must apply online through Nimbus Disability at least 7 days before your planned visit.

Successful applicants with a +1 qualify for a free Essential Companion Ticket, which can be booked online.

Tesco Vouchers

Tesco vouchers can be used to purchase Admission tickets, at the Ticket Office on the day only. Please exchange your points for a voucher for West Midlands Safari Park and arrive with this voucher code to purchase tickets on the day.

Tesco Vouchers are not valid against any extras: animal food, guidebooks, ride wristbands, minibus tours, annual passes, or anywhere else in the Park. Tesco Vouchers are not valid against special events such as Santa Safari; upgrade fees apply to see Santa, subject to availability.

Tesco vouchers do not qualify for our free return offer.

NO outside animals allowed NO exceptions.

Ticket / Feed Cup Pricing

• Ticket/Feed Cup Pricing

Tickets and Hours

Spend an hour or stay the day! Your paid admission grants access to the Safari Drive-Thru & Safari Village Walk-Thru for the entire day. Present your receipt to re-enter the park.

Alabama Safari Park is open 363 days a year!

Spend the day with us!

Ticket Prices

Animal feed, 2024 park hours.

January 1 - February 28, 2024 - Open Daily 9AM - 4PM (Last admission 3 PM)

March 1 - October 31, 2024 - Open Daily 9AM - 5PM (Last admission 4 PM)

November 1 - December 31, 2024 - Open Daily 9AM - 4PM (Last admission 3 PM)

Open 363 Days a Year! * * Closed Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024 and Christmas Day, December 25, 2024.

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Alabama Safari Park Groups

Field Trips

Wagon Rides

Live experiences might be delayed or cancel, due to inclement weather or animal welfare. l

بسبب سوء الأحوال الجوية أو رعاية الحيوانات، قد يتم تأجيل اي من التجارب الحية أو إلغاؤها., tickets & packages.

Day Pass ( Book Now ) All day access to Dubai Safari Park to explore the Al Wadi area, the African, Asian and Explorer Villages and the Kids Farm.  Also includes the following experiences:

• 10 minute Arabian Desert Safari
• All Live Presentation throughout the day
• All animal feeding sessions throughout the day (Giraffe Feeding extra)
• Any educational talks and workshops (as per the schedule)  

Day Pass+  ( Book Now ) As per the Day Pass ticket PLUS:

• Train Service around the park throughout the day
• Reserved seating in all the Live Presentation throughout the day  

Safari Journey  ( Book Now ) All day access to Dubai Safari Park to explore the Al Wadi area, the African, Asian and Explorer Villages and the Kids Farm.  Also includes the following experiences:

• 35 minute Guided Safari Journey bus tour
• All Live Presentation throughout the day

Safari Journey+  ( Book Now )

As per the Safari Journey ticket PLUS:

• Reserved seating in all the Live Presentation throughout the day

Free admission for:

- Children below 3 years old (Identity card is required upon entry)

- People of Determinations are eligible for free Day Pass ticket for self + 1 companion. (POD ticket can be availed at the tickets counter upon presentation of a valid POD card)

King of Safari ( Book Now )

This is a VIP luxury package provided to those who want an extra special experience. The guests will get treated like a “King” in a chauffeur driven vehicle along with a personal guide to provide them with all the knowledge and interesting facts about our incredible animal collection. They will also get priority access into all our amazing experiences and exhibits, as well as reserved seating at all our live presentations throughout the day.  (this package is for groups of up to 10 guests)

*Booking has to be made 3 days in advance, and it is subject to availabilty.

Behind the Scenes  ( Book Now )

An amazing and exclusive experience where our guests go “behind the scenes” here at Dubai Safari Park to witness where all the action happens. Our guests will get the chance to meet our animal caretakers and learn firsthand about the special care given to our incredible animal collection. This experience will also give our guests the opportunity to feed our Elephants or Giraffes as well as brushing the formidable White Rhinoceros. (this package is for groups of up to 10 guests)

Dine in the Wild  ( Book Now )

An incredibly unique experience where our guests get the opportunity to take a meal in the park in the company of one of our amazing and exotic animals (this package is for groups of up to 6 guests)

Jungle Capture  ( Book Now )

A unique exclusive experience for the animal photography lovers; spend up to 3 hours with our incredible animals and a private guide capturing those memorable photos that will last a lifetime (this package is for groups of up to 3 guests)

• Opening Hours
• Tickets and Packages
• Know Before Your Visit
• Food and Beverage
• Live Presentation
• Souvenir Shop

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

Guests with Disabilities

Download San Diego Zoo Safari Park Accessibility Guide (PDF)

Website Accessibility Statement

Jambo! The San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes all guests. We have several services to help all our guests enjoy their visit.

We have a map that marks the stops for our ADA (American with Disabilities Act) shuttle. These maps are also available at our ticket booths and at Park Base. Restrooms and services—including many of our Safaris—are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis near the entrance at Safari Outfitters.  Please refer to our Accessibility Guide for more information. The minimum age requirement to operate an Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) is 16 years old.

Click here to download our Accessibility Map (PDF)

Guests who have difficulty standing in line at the Africa Tram may request an “Easy Access Pass” at the Tram Host podium, across from the Africa Tram ticket booth. The attendant on duty will provide a return time for the group based on the length of the line. Guests may continue exploring and return at their assigned boarding time. Up to four additional members of the guest’s party may accompany a guest with a disability.

We welcome guests with disabilities who choose to bring their trained service animal into the Safari Park. Emotional support animals as well as companion, comfort, or service animals in training are not allowed entry into the Safari Park. Our guidelines for service animals can be found by accessing the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Accessibility Guide.

Please see our Accessibility Guide (click the link at the top of this page) for Frequently Asked Questions and more detailed Safari Park information for guests with disabilities.

Mobility Assistive Device Policy

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is dedicated to providing all of its guests with equal enjoyment of the wonderful experience offered by its parks: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

The safety of our visitors is extremely important to us. The parks are primarily pedestrian environments. By “pedestrian,” we mean any individual who moves within walking areas with or without the use of walking-assistive devices such as crutches, leg braces, wheelchairs, etc. Park attendance is often at high capacity, resulting in busy pedestrian pathways. Our goal is to maintain a safe pedestrian traffic flow for all visitors while allowing for use of mobility-assistive devices that do not fundamentally alter the nature of the experience the parks provide.

In order to maintain a safe pedestrian environment and the desired pace and flow of visitor traffic, the parks do not allow guests to bring or use most wheeled vehicles within the grounds. Bicycles, tricycles, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and similar modes of transportation are not allowed within the grounds. The parks allow strollers as well as the following mobility-assistive devices for use by guests with disabilities: wheelchairs, electric scooters, and Segways®. All Segways entering the parks must be operated in “turtle” mode so as not to disrupt the desired pace of the visitor traffic at the parks and disturb other guests.

The Safari Park provides accommodations to people who need mobility assistance while on our grounds. Shuttle service is available for guests with limited mobility and guests who use wheelchairs, running on a continuous loop stopping at Park Base and Okavango Outpost. The Park also offers a limited number of wheelchairs and electric scooters for rent. In addition, the Park provides free admission for a personal attendant/caregiver to accompany a guest who requires such help to access the Park's public programs, activities, and facilities.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance reserves the right to modify this policy at any time as it deems appropriate.

Additional Information

Wheelchair and ECV rental prices

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Accessibility Guide

For general questions not answered here, please email [email protected], or call 619-231-1515 after 8:30 a.m. PDT.

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