river safari distance

River Wonders (River Safari) Singapore Review & How to Go Guide

The River Wonders , or previously known as River Safari is a river-themed wildlife park in Singapore with distinct animal zones. Plus, it comes with a riverboat ride and reservoir cruise for a unique kind of adventure.

I visited the park, together with my wife and kid, just recently. And our trip was undeniably memorable and entertaining.

In my River Wonders Singapore (formerly known as River Safari Singapore) review , I will share our personal experiences during our visit as well as the animals in each zone .

In addition, I will provide you with information and tips on how to go to River Wonders (River Safari) Singapore by MRT and Bus .

So, without any delay, here’s everything you need to know about this popular destination.

• What Animals You Can See at River Safari Singapore

1. Giant Panda Forest

2. wild amazonia, 3. amazon flooded forest, 4. mekong river, 5. mary river, 6. nile river, 7. mississippi river, 8. yangtze river, 9. congo river, 10. ganges river, 11. river gems, once upon a river (show), reservoir cruise.

• Where to Eat at River Safari

Visitor Information and Ticket Prices

• Where to Go after River Safari
• How to Go to River Safari Singapore

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What animals you can see at river wonders (river safari) singapore.

River Safari Singapore is the home to over 6,000 animals , including 40 threatened species .

There are 11 zones for you to explore and 1 amazing show for you to look forward to.

The highlight in the park are the giant pandas . On top of that, you’ll also see some Caribbean flamingos, jaguars, manatees, capybaras, pelicans, electric eels, and alligators.

During our trip, we went through all zones and also watched the show.

I will include some of the photos we took in each zone so you’ll have an idea of the animals there (make sure to check out below).

And if you want to know other must-visit places, don’t worry. Get ideas from my suggested five days itinerary for Singapore and 47 top places to go in Singapore so you can plan your dream trip.

Giant Panda Forest is definitely the most anticipated zone at River Safari Singapore. You can’t miss these fluffy creatures roaming around their habitat.

Giant pandas like Jia Jia loves to eat bamboo. In fact, they can consume at least 28 pounds every day!

Here is Kai Kai, having the time of his life hanging around the tree.

If you can’t find him eating bamboos or climbing trees, he is most likely rolling on the ground.

Red Pandas, on the other hand, are quite notable because of their colors. Instead of the usual black and white, they have brown, black, and white fur combination.

But just like giant pandas, they love eating bamboos and climbing around.

Wild Amazonia is one of the most popular River Safari attractions. It offers two unique zones for you to explore.

The first one is the Amazon River Quest, which is a captivating river cruise. The second one is the Squirrel Monkey Forest.

i. Amazon River Quest

The Amazon River Quest is one of the most memorable zones in Wild Amazonia. This river ride offers you a fantastic water escapade.

Catch these monkey species dangling on the trees. Because of their structure, they can easily hang and jump from one branch to another.

Aside from monkey species, you’ll also see some giant anteaters and collared peccaries during the boat ride features.

Other distinct animals in this section are Brazilian tapir, coatimundis, and capybaras.

Also present are the ever-vibrant and eye-catching Caribbean flamingos and scarlet ibis. These give them the reputation of being the brightest bird species.

ii. Squirrel Monkey Forest

Another nice place to tour around River Safari is the Squirrel Monkey Forest.

In this area, you’ll spot some squirrel monkeys that are known for their vibrant colors.

The Saki Monkeys, on the other hand, have the most distinct face among all other monkeys. It’s because the color of their face differs from their entire body.

If you love the adorable Capybara on your Amazon River Quest, you have another chance to see them again here.

Because of their appearance and size, these cute animals look like puppies!

Amazon Flooded Forest is another top-notch zone in River Safari.

Here, you will meet many sea animals, particularly the manatees, or the sea cows.

These large mammals weigh around 600 kgs. Despite their immense size, manatees are mainly slow, plant-eaters.

And, they just prefer swimming in shallow waters and lazing around.

You will also see arapaimas, which are known for their super scaly bodies and pointed head.

As one of the world’s biggest freshwater fishes, they can reach as much as 9 ft wide and weigh up to 200 kgs.

The Giant River Otters are heavier and bigger compared to typical otters. They follow an amphibious lifestyle, wherein they can easily adapt to both water and land.

And it’s not hard to find them as they often relax on the ground or sometimes on the river stream.

Did you know that electric eels are actually not eels but rather knifefish?

They have electric organs that create dangerous discharges to sting their prey.

Aside from these slimy creatures, you’ll also catch a glimpse of different fish species. These include blue discus fishes, altum angelfish, and red oscars.

And if you’re a die-hard fan of sea creatures, you shouldn’t miss the SEA Aquarium. This place is a massive underwater world located in Sentosa Island.

Simply refer to my article of SEA Aquarium Singapore for relevant information and tips about this place.

Mekong River is the home to the Mekong Giant Catfish. Just so you know, this massive freshwater fish is already considered an endangered species.

Studies show that there are only around 100 remaining of these rare fishes.

So, if you spot this huge creature, be sure to appreciate them before they’re gone forever.

Surprisingly, the Mekong River isn’t just for catfishes and stingrays. It also has an impressive collection of distinct-looking animals like the crab-eating macaques.

They even have painted storks, Eurasian spoonbill, and rufous night heron.

At Mary River , you get to meet and interact with some sea stars and horseshoe crabs. This is fun activity that you should try during your River Wonders/River Safari trip.

Both chocolate chip sea stars and horseshoe crab are very fascinating to look at because of their shapes.

Australian Lungfishes are highly interesting because of their exceptional breathing feature.

These slow-paced creatures who love deep waters can breathe air using only one lung!

On contrary, mudskippers are the only fish species that can walk on lands! These amphibious creatures look like a fish with some frog-like characteristics.

Get amazed by various fish species in the Nile River . In this section, you will notice the massive goliath tiger fishes.

These freshwater fishes are famous for their razor-like teeth and muscular body. Because of their physical features, they are one of the river’s ultimate predators.

As you continue with your tour, you will get a glimpse of the African arowanas. These creatures have an elongated body with huge yet almost proportionate scales.

Additionally, you will have the chance to meet some Nile perches.

These are freshwater fishes who love warm waters. They feed on different fishes, insects, mollusks, and even smaller perches.

Another must-visit section in River Safari Singapore is the Mississippi River .

This is where you’ll see alligator gars, alligator snapping turtles, and common snapping turtles.

The alligator gars are quite eye-catching because of its alligator and fish features.

These creatures are also considered one of the longest-living freshwater fishes in the world.

Yangtze River is the habitat of sturgeon fishes. These ancient creatures commonly live in rivers, coastlines, and lakes.

You can easily identify them because of their sharp-edge bodies and long snouts.

Yangtze alligators are recognized for their rock-like body structure. They often swim in the water or spend time hiding around the rocks.

At Congo River , you will come across the African dwarf crocodiles. These reptiles grow up to 5 ft. long, making them one of the smallest crocodilians in the world.

They have a small, bony structure that allows them to climb easily on lower tree branches.

Aside from crocodiles, this place also has a lot of colorful fishes from the cichlid species. These are the blue cichlid, lemon cichlid, Tanganyikan butterfly cichlid.

There are also large spot catfishes swimming around.

Continue with your tour at Ganges River . This is the place where you’ll find the big-mouth Indian golden mahseers.

The clown knifefishes also occupy a part of this zone. Both species have special physical characteristics that make them stand out.

River Gems houses a couple of fahaka pufferfishes. Just like other puffers, these creatures inflate themselves when they sense danger.

Generally, they just feed on snails and freshwater mussels

Other fishes in this particular River Safari Singapore zone are cardinal tetras and black phantom tetras.

On top of that, there are also rummy-nose tetras and rainbow sharks.

Once Upon A River showcases the talents of the animals at River Safari. This animal presentation runs for 20 minutes.

And, it highlights the skills of capybaras, pelicans, ball python, and hedgehog.

All these creatures got their own set of charms to captivate the crowd.

At the end of the show, you’ll gain valuable knowledge about these animals. Not only that but you’ll also get a chance to meet them up-close!

The hornbills are also in the spotlight because of their smartness. Plus, their laugh is very unique and contagious.

Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM

Saturday to Sunday and Public Holidays: 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM

In between animal encounters and interactive shows, you can squeeze in the 15-minute Reservoir Cruise .

Enjoy this scenic water journey with your family and friends and fall in love with nature even more.

As it sails around the Seletar reservoir, don’t forget to take photos of the beautiful landscapes around.

And conveniently, this is a wheelchair-friendly cruise that can cater up to 40 persons in one trip.

Where to Eat at River Wonders (River Safari)

Take your lunch at Mama Panda Kitchen Restaurant inside the River Safari park.

This is the only dining spot in the park, which is just beside the viewing Panda area.

This fast-food restaurant is unique because of its panda-themed food and bamboo-framed photos.

However, the restaurant is quite crowded during lunchtime.

To avoid the waiting game and skip the long queues, you can take your lunch earlier or later.

The best time to go to the restaurant is either 11:30 AM in the morning or 2:00 PM in the afternoon.

Mama Panda Kitchen’s menu largely consists of Chinese dishes. They have ramen, steamed buns, wanton, and wok rice.

In addition, they have western selection that includes seafood basket and roasted chicken. And for dessert, they serve fresh fruit cups and almond chocolate profiteroles.

Our visit to River Wonders Singapore (previously known as River Safari) was definitely a great experience.

We enjoyed touring around each zone and meeting different animals.

We recommend that you prioritize Giant Panda Forest and Amazon River Quest boat ride . It’s because these 2 attractions are the most popular at River Safari.

During our trip, we started around 3:00 PM in the afternoon and spent 3 hours inside the park.

A tip when visiting the park is to bring your own drinking bottle. There are free water dispensers near the washroom to refill your water bottles.

Make sure you also bring a mosquito repellent, hats, and sunblock.

Also, we bought our River Safari tickets online and actually saved money .

Not only that but we also entered the park conveniently. It’s because we just presented the soft copy of our tickets at the entrance of the park.

To wrap it up, this famous river-them zoo is highly recommended to anyone who wants to have a fun-filled adventure with the animals.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last Admission at 6:00 PM)

Normal Ticket Prices: Adult: SGD $41 Child (3 to 12): SGD $24 *Included Amazon River Quest Boat Ride

Money Saving Tips: To save money and get speedy access to the park, buy your tickets online here .

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826

Official Website: https://www.wrs.com.sg/en/river-safari.html

Where to Go after River Wonders (River Safari)

Are you done with your River Safari Singapore tour?

You can explore Singapore Zoo or Night Safari right after because these two are just a 1-2 minute walk from River Safari.

1. Singapore Zoo

Explore this popular animal park together with your loved ones. This place comes with distinct animal zones as well as spectacular shows for everyone.

Just see here for a complete guide to Singapore Zoo and review and start kicking off with your plans.

2. Night Safari

Have a unique encounter with the wild animals at Night Safari. As the world’s first night zoo, this place provides you with an unforgettable animal experience.

Here are my tips for visiting Night Safari and review that are very helpful when planning.

Other than Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, Sentosa Island is also a great place to visit for nonstop adventures.

Here, you can explore some family-friendly beaches, try different outdoor activities, or simply enjoy the views.

Find out more about this destination in my super detailed guide on what to do in Sentosa .

If you’re planning to travel to Bangkok, there’s also a famous zoo that should be part of your itinerary. Get more information about this place in my detailed Safari World Bangkok article and start plotting your plans now.

How to Go to River Wonders (River Safari) Singapore

There’s no MRT station near River Safari Singapore. But there’s nothing to feel sad because you can easily reach the river-themed wildlife park by MRT then bus.

Basically, there are 3 easy ways to go there and let me show you in details below.

1. By MRT and Mandai Khatib Shuttle

To get to River Safari Singapore, you can take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle from Exit A of Khatib MRT Station .

The bus runs every 20 minutes from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Monday to Wednesday) and 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Thursday to Sunday).

This is a direct bus go to River Safari in 15 minutes and it costs SGD $1 only.

Kindly take note that the bus only accept EZ-link or NETS Flash card without accepting Cash.

2. By Bus 138

Another method to reach River Safari is to take the bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio Bus Terminal.

The service runs every 8 to 14 minutes from 6:30 AM to 11:45 PM. The one-way ticket costs SGD $1.64 (via EZ-link or NETS Flash card)/ SGD $2.50 (via Cash).

It takes around 39 minutes to reach River Safari.

To reach Ang Mo Kio bus terminal, you can take the North South Line to Ang Mo Kio MRT Station. From there, you go out the Exit C which will give you direct access to Ang Mo Kio Bus Terminal.

Take a taxi to River Safari Singapore is the easiest way but it can be expensive. If you plan to take a taxi, you can ride it from Exit A of Khatib MRT Station.

It costs about SGD $13 and you’ll reach there in 10 to 15 minutes.

Singapore Itinerary: The Best 5 Day Trip for You to Copy It

Canopy Park at Jewel Changi Airport: A Detailed Guide

47 Best Places to Visit in Singapore

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Singapore River Safari – tickets, price, how to reach

Singapore’s River Wonders is Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park. It was formerly known as the Singapore River Safari.

At this 12-hectares wildlife reserve, you explore the ecosystem of eight of the largest rivers in the World – Mississippi, Congo, Amazon, Nile, Ganges, Mary, Mekong, and the Yangtze River.

Besides these river trails, you also experience the Amazon River Quest and the Reservoir cruise – the two times you will get on a boat.

The River Safari features over 6,000 animals from 200 species, including the manatee, capybara, electric eel, and many more.

Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride along the river to see the exhibits and animals up close.

One of the main attractions at the River Safari is the Giant Panda Forest, where visitors can see the rare giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia in their specially designed habitat.

In addition to the various animal exhibits, the River Safari also offers educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages.

There are guided tours, animal shows, and interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the importance of freshwater habitats and the animals that live in them.

This article covers everything you must know before booking your Singapore River Wonders tickets.

Top Singapore River Safari Tickets

# Singapore River Safari tickets

Table of contents

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Singapore River Wonder tickets get emailed to you as soon as you make the purchase.

On the day of your visit, you can show the ticket in your email and enter the River Safari. 

If you want, you can take a printout too. 

Besides admission to the Singapore River Safari, ticket also gets you access to the Amazon River Quest boat ride and the River Cruise, if you upgrade at the venue.

You can also attend the River Talk Show.

Ticket price for tourists

Adult ticket (13+ years): S$42 Child ticket (3 to 12 years): S$30 Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free

Ticket price for local resident 

Adult ticket (13 to 59 years): S$40 Child ticket (3 to 12 years): S$29 Senior ticket (60+ years): S$20 Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free

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Singapore’s River Wonders opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm every day of the year.

The last entry to River Wonders is at 6 pm. 

Some of the exhibits at Singapore River Safari operate at different timings.

Touch Pool’s timings

River Safari Touch Pools open at 10 am and close at 6.30 pm on weekends and public holidays.

On weekdays, the animals at the Touch Pools are given a short break during the day.

The weekday timings of the Touch Pools are 10 am to 1 pm and 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

Amazon River Quest hours

River Safari’s Amazon River Quest is a 10-minute boat ride that starts at 11 am and goes on till 6 pm daily.

The last ride of the day is at 6 pm. 

Giant Panda Forest’s timings

River Safari’s Giant Pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia start welcoming visitors at 10 am daily.

The climate-controlled forest remains open till 6.15 pm. 

Squirrel Monkey Forest’s hours

The Squirrel Monkey Forest opens at 10 am and closes at 6 pm daily. 

Reservoir Cruise’s operating hours

The Reservoir Cruise starts at 10.30 am, half an hour after the River Safari opens for the day. 

The 15-minute long cruises continue all through the day, till 6 pm when the last cruise sets sail. 

At 12 hectares, the River Wonders in Singapore is a moderately sized attraction. 

Eighty-five percent of the River Safari (freshwater aquariums, walk-through exhibits, etc.) must be explored on foot and rest on the Amazon River Quest boat ride.

If you are visiting with kids, spend time at each exhibit, see the animal show, dine, etc., you will need at least three hours to explore the River Wonders.

If you are a bunch of adults in a hurry, you can learn about the fascinating flora and fauna at the Singapore River Safari in two hours. 

Since River Wonders in Singapore is a unique concept, many visitors don’t know what to expect. 

Here is a list of things you get to do, see and explore at this fantastic wildlife attraction.

Rivers of the World

At this Singapore River Safari exhibit, animals and plants of some of the world’s most significant rivers are on display.

Two to three massive glass tanks are used to create the ecosystem of each of these large rivers – Mississippi, Congo, Nile, Ganges, Mary, Mekong, Yangtze, etc. and visitors walk through them as in an aquarium. 

However, as in an aquarium, these glass tanks aren’t indoors. 

These glass tanks are outdoors to ensure sunlight is abundant – to mimic the inhabitants’ natural habitat. 

Squirrel Monkey Forest

This exhibit is a kid favorite.

You get to see cute, adorable monkeys native to Central and South America at the Squirrel Monkey Forest.

Even though it is a dense forest, you don’t have to worry about spotting them because the Squirrel Monkeys are very curious. 

They are also known to hold hands and sit on the heads of some of the visitors. 

Since the monkeys are small and weigh only about a Kilogram (2.2 Pounds), even kids don’t mind all the attention. 

• Amazon Flooded Forest

During the rainy season, the banks of the river Amazon submerge in more than 10 meters (33 feet) of water. 

During such times, animals such as Manatees, Arapaimas, etc. stuff themselves with whatever they can eat. 

This hurried eating helps them build fat reserves, which allows them to tide over the dry season.

At Singapore River Safari, this scenario is re-created at the Amazon Flooded Forest.

Don’t miss the giant river otters called Carlos and Carmen.

• Giant Panda Forest

This Forest is South East Asia’s largest Panda enclosure, where both temperature and humidity are controlled to ensure the animal’s comfort.

The two Giant Pandas who live here are called Kai Kai and Jia Jia. 

Image: Wrs.com.sg

They also have a unique outdoor area in case they want to experience Singapore’s tropical climate. 

Giant Panda Forest is also home to one Red Panda. 

Once Upon A River show

Once Upon A River is a brand-new interactive presentation where you learn about various animal species living in and around the Rivers. 

It is suitable for both kids and adults alike and has numerous exciting characters such as – 

• Luke and Chewie, the Pelicans
• Justin and Selina, the Beavers
• Peanut, Moe and Jelly, the Capybaras
• Perry, the Brahminy kite
• Sam, the Oriental Pied Hornbill

This River Safari show is a fantastic opportunity for the kids to feed and touch the Capybaras, Beaver, Iguana, Pelican, and the other animals mentioned above.

Since the shows are in high demand and the seats are limited, reach the Boat Plaza 15 minutes before the scheduled show. 

It is also known as the River Safari show. 

Where: Boat Plaza Duration: 20 minutes Entry: Included in the admission ticket  Timing: 11.30, 2.30 pm*, 4.30 pm

*The mid-day show is only on weekends and public holidays 

Amazon River Quest

Amazon River Quest is Singapore River Safari’s attempt to re-create the experience of a boat expedition on the Amazon River. 

During this ten-minute ride, your boat floats through the Amazon-like jungle, and you can spot animals such as Jaguar, Brazilian Tapir, Capybara, etc. 

These boat rides start at 11 am and go on till 6 pm. 

Amazon River Quest can’t be booked online. However, if you have bought your River Wonders tickets online , you can upgrade your experience to include the Amazon River Quest.

You can book this experience for S$5 per adult and S$3 per child (3 to 12 years) at the River Safari’s Boat Plaza.

Restrictions

– The child must be at least 1.06 meters (3.5 feet) tall  – Expectant mothers, those with motion sickness, heart conditions, etc. can’t join the Amazon River Quest – Due to safety reasons, visitors with mobility issues can’t board this boat

Reservoir Cruise

Unlike the Amazon River Quest, the Reservoir Cruise is a free activity. 

The 15-minute River Safari Cruise on the scenic Upper Seletar Reservoir happens along Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari compound.

Each cruise can take up to 40 passengers, including visitors on wheelchairs. 

And since there are no height or other restrictions, everybody in the family can enjoy the Reservoir Cruise together. 

Duration: 15 minutes Time: 10.30 am to 6 pm, daily

Touch Pools

The Touch Pools at River Wonders are part of the Mary River Zone, which narrates the journey of a river as it empties itself into coastal mangrove forests before flowing into the ocean. 

Visitors can dip their hands at these Touch Pools and feel aquatic creatures such as the sea star, horseshoe crab, and other exotic fish.

This River Safari exhibit is quite popular with kids. 

Entry: Free

Weekdays : 10 am to 1 pm, 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm Weekends : 10 am to 6.30 pm

River Games for kids

These entertaining and yet educational games at River Wonders Singapore teach the kids about animals and their environment.

These games are included with the admission ticket and can be played at the Giant Panda Courtyard.

Recycle like the Otter:  This River Game aims to teach the kids about reduce, reuse, and recycle. They get to fish out recyclable materials using a fishing rod and put them in the correct recycling bin. 

Pelican’s Throat:  Kids try to find out how elastic the Pelican’s throat can be by throwing fish into it. 

Animal Memory Test:  Children must match 30 pairs of animals in 30 seconds and prove they have the kind of memory to survive in the animal world!

Match the Capybaras in weight:  This is a weighing booth, where one can find out how many people’s weight equals that of one furry rodent.

Building a Dam:  In this Game, one saves the Beavers from predators by helping them construct a dam using twigs.

The best way to reach the River Safari in Singapore is by public transport. 

River Safari’s location 

Many tourists get confused between the Singapore Zoo, Singapore Night Safari, and Singapore River Safari. 

These are three different attractions close to each other. In fact, within a few minutes walking distance of each other. 

River Safari’s entrance is adjacent to Singapore Zoo’s entry gate. 

Address:  80, Mandai Lake Road, Singapore, 729826.  Get Directions

To River Safari by MRT

If you plan to use MRT, you are in luck because five MRT stations of North South Line are around the Singapore River Safari Park.

You can get down at any of these stations and catch a bus to reach the River Safari. 

From Khatib MRT , you can get onto the Mandai Khatib Shuttle to reach River Safari.

From Ang Mo Kio MRT , get on to Bus No. 138, and from Choa Chu Kang MRT you must board Bus No. 927.

From both Marsiling MRT and Woodlands MRT , Bus No. 926 can get you to the Singapore River Safari.

Bus to River Wonders

If the MRT doesn’t cover your travel, the next best option is to take a bus. 

If you are traveling from Bedok, Sengkang, or Tampines, we recommend the  Mandai Express Bus service .

The Mandai Express operates on all days of the week, including public holidays.

The adult ticket costs S$3 while kids between 3 to 12 years of age pay only S$1. 

Some of the other bus services you can use to get to Water Safari, Singapore are  Safari Gate Buses .

Driving to Singapore River Safari

If you are in the city center, a 30-minutes drive can get you to the Singapore River Safari.

You can either take the Central Expressway (CTE) or Pan Island Expressway (PIE).  Get Directions

Taxis also follow the same route and will cost you approximately S$22. 

The River Safari shares its parking slot with the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. 

There are two parking areas – one is a covered car park while the second is an open-air parking space and there are enough slots. 

The parking charges at Singapore River Safari work out cheaper if you are carrying a cash card.

First 10 minutes: Free Next 1 hour: S$3 per hour Every additional hour: S$2 per hour

We recommend you look at the River Safari Map and plan your itinerary before your visit. 

To use this map while exploring the River Safari, bookmark this page. 

Carrying the Singapore River Safari’s layout is even more necessary if you are traveling with kids.

With an exhaustive map you won’t waste your time looking for the numerous animal exhibits, and in the process get exhausted.

Besides the exhibits, this Singapore River Wonders’s map also points out visitor services such as food kiosks, Cool Zones, First Aid centers, etc.

The River Safari in Singapore is home to 6000 animals across 200 species and 400+ plant species.

More than 20% of the animal species present at the River Safari are believed to be on their way to extinction. 

These River Safari animals occupy over 11 Zones. 

• Wild Amazonia
• Yangtze River
• Ganges River
• Mississippi River
• River Wonders
• Congo River
• Mekong River

Some of the River Safari animals are more popular than others. We list them below – 

Alligator Snapping Turtle, Electric Eel, Giant Freshwater Stingray, Giant Panda, Giant River Otter, Green Anaconda, Indian Gharial, Manatee, Mekong Giant Catfish, Red Panda, Red-bellied Piranhas, Squirrel Monkeys, etc. 

Singapore River Safari has two dining options – 

Mama Panda Kitchen

Mama Panda Kitchen is in the Giant Panda Forest and is open from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm, daily. 

It offers Chinese cuisine, and some of its signature dishes are Panda Pau, Wok Rice, Noodles, etc. 

If you are traveling with kids, it’s a perfect stopover because they also offer kids meal. 

For S$18 you can order a Set Meal including the main course, desserts, and a drink. 

Starbucks is at the Entrance Plaza and offers excellent coffee and tea and premium pastries and other treats. 

It is open from 8 am to 7 pm. 

For more dining options, check out the numerous restaurants at the main entrance of Singapore Zoo, which is a few minutes away by walk. 

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

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This article was researched & written by

Utkarsh Chauhan

He loves to travel to beautiful locations but prefers mountains and hilly areas. For him, travel means meeting new people, knowing about their culture, and trying cuisines. He loves to sit peacefully on top of a hill after a long trek, adoring the priceless beauty of nature. Favourite Cities: Chamonix, Hallstatt, Whistler, Innsbruck and Gstaad.

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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What to see at Singapore’s River Safari

Singapore’s River Safari is located next to the Singapore Zoo and also administered by Wildlife Reserves Singapore. It is the first and only river themed wildlife park in all of Asia. The River Safari is situated upon 12 hectares on the Upper Selator Reservoir and is home to over 240 species of both land and aquatic animals.

While the River Safari is nowhere near as large as the Zoo next door, the park serves as a great add-on to a trip to Singapore Zoo, both due to the proximity of the attractions, and their relative distance from the rest of the city. If you’re interested in exploring Singapore’s wildlife parks in one day, head to the River Safari after spending a half day at Singapore Zoo, before finishing up at the Night Safari. The parks are literally all next door to each other.

• Want to know more about the Singapore Zoo? Click HERE .
• Not sure how best to spend your time in Singapore? Check out my three day Singapore itinerary HERE .

• Where? 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826.
• When? Open daily from 10AM – 7PM.
• How much? Single admission to the River Safari is $36.00 SGD (adults)/$24.00 SGD (children). There are discounts available if you pre-purchase a Park Hopper ticket which allows you to visit the other attractions run by Wildlife Reserves Singapore within 7 days of your visit. For more details, see HERE .
• How to get there? The River Safari is unfortunately not well connected to the city by Singapore’s efficient MRT service. I recommend getting a taxi or GRAB (about 30 minutes away from the city). Alternatively, a shuttle operates from the Khatib MRT station on the North-South Line.
• Website: https://www.wrs.com.sg/en/river-safari.html

How long to spend at the River Safari

The River Safari can be toured within around 2 hours. As mentioned above, it works best combined with a trip to the Singapore Zoo and/or Night Safari. Most of the exhibits in the River Safari are undercover, making it a good choice for the afternoon (Singapore showers and all that!).

What is there to see at the River Safari?

The River Safari is made up of a number of zones, each representing different global river ecosystems. Unlike Singapore Zoo, your progression through the River Safari is quite linear, so you shouldn’t have much trouble seeing all of the exhibits. Lets now break down the areas of the River Safari one by one so that you can get an idea of what to expect when you visit.

1. Rivers of the World

You’ll enter the River Safari through the Rivers of the World trail. In this section of the park, you’ll walk past a number of fresh water exhibits, each representing a different river and its distinct biodiversity. This serves as a great introduction to the river ecosystem, highlighting the immense amount of life found under the water’s surface around the world.

As you explore the Rivers of the World, you’ll travel to the following destinations:

• Mississippi River (USA): Bring on the alligators as you experience the fourth largest river system in the world. The Mississippi River is home to 25% of North America’s fish species. Unique species that you might find here include the common snapping turtle and the alligator gar, a prehistoric river monster that dates back to over 100 million years on earth.
• Congo River (Central Africa): Also known as the Zaire River, this body of water in Central Africa is the deepest in the world. While its surface is covered by rapids and waterfalls, under the water is a world of tranquility where you’ll find species such as the African dwarf crocodile.
• River Nile (North-East Africa): The longest river in the world, and the lifeblood of Ancient Egypt, the River Nile today empties the East African Great Lakes into the Mediterranean. In this exhibit you’ll see native species such as the Tigerfish and Giraffe Catfish.
• Ganges River (India): Flowing through India and Bangladesh, this river is sacred to those of the Hindu faith, being worshipped as the Goddess of Creation. Traversing 2,500 kilometres, the Ganges is home to the critically endangered Indian Gharial, the longest species of crocodile on earth.
• Mary River (Australia): Heading back to my home country, the Mary Catchment is a major river system in North-Eastern Australia. This river is home to the ancient Australian lungfish which have an average lifespan of a century.
• Mekong River (South-East Asia) : Aside from the Amazon (which has its own exhibit elsewhere in the park), the Mekong River is the second most populous river system in the world in terms of aquatic life. While its only the world’s tenth largest river, its the most productive. The Giant Siamese Carp and Giant Catfish are just two of the freshwater species that keep being discovered in this region.
• Yangtze River (China) : Asia’s longest river is deeply intertwined with the history of China and contains some of the most critically endangered species on the planet. Rare lifeforms such as the Yangtze Alligator and Giant Salamander can be found here.

2. Giant Panda Forest

Continuing on from the Yangtze River, the next part of the River Safari keeps the focus on China. The Giant Panda Forest is probably the most popular exhibit at the River Safari. Inside this bio-dome is the largest Panda exhibit in South East Asia, and is home to a pair of the critically endangered Giant Pandas. Named Kai Kia and Jia Jia, these two Pandas are on loan from the Chinese government (as I discovered all Giant Pandas in zoos around the world are) and are incredibly popular among guests to the Safari. The climate controlled bamboo forest in which you’ll find the two Giant Pandas lazing around is also home to the tree-dwelling Red Pandas. Spend some time admiring these beautiful animals here (and take a break from the humid air outside in the process).

Outside the Panda Exhibit, you can also get a quick bite at the Mama Panda Kitchen before continuing your journey along the river.

3. Reservoir Cruise

As you say goodbye to the Pandas, you’ll cross the river to the Boat Plaza. Here you can take a moment to relax and board a boat for a quick (15 minute) cruise out onto the Upper Seletar Reservoir. There’s no extra charge to go on this cruise and its a good way to break up your time exploring the animal exhibits at the River Safari. You might even get a view at the back of some of the exhibits at the Singapore Zoo next door before cruising out further to become immersed in the scenic environment of natural beauty.

On busy days, you may need to time your arrival here, but I was able to pretty much walk onto the boat rather than stand in line.

4. Amazon River Quest

If one boat ride wasn’t enough for you, the River Safari has a second one. This one isn’t included in your admission, but tickets are only an extra $5.00 SGD (adults) and can be purchased at Boat Plaza. This attraction is actually like a theme park ride in that you board a boat and are swept along a track, symbolising a journey along the Amazon River. There’s a few short drops but its very tame. From your boat, you’ll see the jungle come to life around you as you pass enclosures of animals native to the world’s largest river, including jaguars, tapirs, capybaras and flamingos. You’ll have to look carefully to see some of the animals as they camouflage with the surroundings as your boat moves past, but that’s all part of the adventure.

The Amazon River Quest is a lot of fun and adds a unique element of exploration to the River Safari. Don’t miss it when you visit. Its well worth the additional cost.

4. Squirrel Monkey Forest

The Squirrel Monkey Forest is a large walk-through dedicated to the most populous monkey in the Amazon rainforest. These highly curious monkeys spend most of their lives in the rainforest canopy, but as you explore this exhibit you’ll get up close and personal with them as they roam around you. If you time your visit right, you might be able to join a guided walk with a zookeeper around the enclosure to learn more about these active creatures.

5. Amazon Flooded Forest Floor

The last part of the River Safari takes you away from the tree-tops to the submerged forest floor of the Amazon. The Amazon river is flooded for six months of the year, resulting in up to ten metres of water covering the forest floor. This unique ecosystem is replicated here in the world’s largest freshwater aquarium exhibit.

While venturing through this exhibit, you’ll see species such as the red bellied piranha, electric eel, arapaima (largest freshwater fish in South America) and giant river otter. The highlight though is undoubtedly the gigantic manatees. Also known as sea cows, these herbivorous marine mammals can weigh around 600kg and feed on sea plants and mangrove leaves for six to eight hours a day. The manatee has an incredibly complex digestive system (taking about a week to digest a single meal), with the creatures intestines giving it its bloated appearance.

If you really want to splurge, you can even take the Manatee Mania tour ($118 SGD per adult) for a chance to really get up close with these incredible animals, however the main exhibit that you’ll go through when finishing up your River Safari experience provides a large area where you can sit and admire them from afar.

Shows at the River Safari

While I didn’t get the chance to see it during my visit, the River Safari also hosts the Once Upon a River Story presentation multiple times a day. This show highlights the important relationship that the animals living in river ecosystems have with their aquatic environment and provides opportunities to get an up-close look at some of these animals in the process. The show generally runs at 11.30AM and 4.30AM each day and is located near Boat Plaza.

Wrapping Up

After visiting the River Safari, its inevitable that you will compare it to the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. If you don’t have time to do all three of these attractions, this is definitely the one to skip. With that said, I still enjoyed my visit. The River Safari provides a unique mix between a zoo and aquarium and I can’t say I’ve been to a wildlife park like this one before. As I’ve said multiple times in this post, I view the River Safari as an ‘add-on’ to the Singapore Zoo experience. I wouldn’t make the trip out to the city’s outer reaches just for the River Safari, but along with the other attractions here, its a great way to spend part of your day. Besides, pandas and manatees are awesome. Now, grab a coffee out front and head over to the Night Safari.

• Kale by LyraThemes.com.

River Safari

This wildlife park re-creates the habitats of numerous world-famous rivers, including the Yangtze, Mississippi and Congo. While most are underwhelming, the Mekong River and Amazon Flooded Forest exhibits are impressive, their epic aquariums rippling with giant catfish and stingrays, electric eels, red-bellied piranhas, manatees and sea cows. Another highlight is the Giant Panda Forest enclosure, home to rare red pandas and the park's famous black-and-whiters, Kai Kai and Jia Jia.

Young kids (at least 1.06cm tall) will enjoy the 10-minute Amazon River Quest Boat Ride (adult/child S$5/3), a tranquil, theme park–style tour past roaming monkeys, wild cats and exotic bird life. The ride begins with a big splash, so if you're sitting in the front row, keep feet and bags off the floor. Boat-ride time slots fill quickly, so go early. Discounted multi-park tickets are available, which includes the Singapore Zoo , Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park .

To get here catch bus 138 from the Ang Mo Kio MRT station.

80 Mandai Lake Rd

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Places to Visit in Singapore

• River Safari

River Safari - History, Timings & Entry Fee

Singapore | Singapore

#17 of 24 places to visit in singapore, distance (from singapore): 31 kms, visited from: singapore zoo (300 m), trip duration (including travel): 2 hours, place location: adjacent to singapore zoo, transportation options: walk/trek, website: na, phone no: na, place address: na, travel tips: none.

At a distance of 27 km from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station and 31 km from Changi Airport, the River Safari is a river-themed zoo and aquarium located in Singapore. It is the first of its kind in Asia and among the top places to visit as part of Singapore Trip. Part of the Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the River Safari is Asia's first and only river-themed wildlife park. The river-themed park spreads across a 12-hectare area between the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. The main aim of the Singapore River Safari is to inspire visitors to appreciate and protect fragile freshwater ecosystems. The freshwater exhibits and a riverboat ride are its main highlights. River Safari was designed with the environment in mind and is the first attraction in Singapore to receive the Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) Green Mark Platinum Award in the Park category. The park is home to 400 plant species and over 7,500 aquatic and terrestrial animals representing close to 240 species, including one of the world's largest collections of freshwater animals. These magnificent animals are housed in themed exhibits that mirror iconic rivers of the world including Mekong River, Congo River, Yangtze River, Mississippi River, Mary River, River Ganges, etc. The park is home to some exotic animals including the giant Chinese salamander - world's largest amphibian, Giant river otter - world's largest otter and the giant Mekong catfish. One of the main highlights of this massive biosphere is the male and female pair of Giant Pandas, Kai Kai, and Jia Jia, housed at the Giant Panda Forest. Giant Pandas are considered China's national treasures and are a heavily endangered species, with about 1,600 currently present in the wild. To facilitate the survival and lifestyle of these adorable creatures, authorities have constructed a high-tech biodome, complete with climate-control, boulders, water features and vegetation that mimics the natural habitat of these pandas from their native land of China. One can also find the rare red panda and golden pheasants within this enclosure. The River Safari Singapore also houses the world's largest freshwater aquarium. This ensures that visitors experience an immersive Amazonian underwater forest experience which features over 18 animal species, including the majestic arapaima, manatees and many more South American fishes. The viewing glass panel is 22m long and 4m in height which contains 710000 cubic feet of water. Also, to make the conservation of endangered species a global effort, there are many interactive in-park activities such as enrichment programs, interdisciplinary trails, and workshops. Visitors can choose to explore the River Safari on foot or embark on the River Safari cruise. To enjoy the wildlife park and the river completely, you must go on an Amazon Quest Boat Ride that would take you on a journey to explore the wilderness of the Amazon rainforest. The 15-minute cruise of the Upper Seletar Reservoir would get you a glimpse of the inhabitants of the Singapore Zoo as well as the Singapore Night Safari. Timings: 10 AM - 6.30 PM Entry: SGD. 33 for Adults & SGD. 22 for Children (3-12 Years), SGD. 5 for River Quest

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Dania Experiences

Travel • food • lifestyle, review: river safari/wonders, mandai wildlife reserve (singapore).

River Safari recently underwent a name change to River Wonders as part of a corporate rebranding move , so for consistency, I’ll be referring to River Safari as River Wonders from here on out! This wildlife park is one of four (soon to be five) parks managed by the Mandai Wildlife Group , with a river theme and greater focus on aquatic animals. The open-dated tickets my husband and I bought from Traveloka included entry to both River Wonders as well as the Singapore Zoo. It was flexible in that we could visit each park on a different day, as long as both visits were within 7 days of each other. However, given the fact that we’re both working folks, that flexibility didn’t exactly apply to us so I planned a packed but doable itinerary to cover both parks in a day. Unfortunately, God had other plans and literally rained on our parade shortly after we arrived so we had to make spontaneous adjustments. That also meant that we could only visit River Wonders as the Singapore Zoo is largely unsheltered, rendering that option untenable (no matter since my workplace provides complimentary corporate zoo passes). Thank goodness the plan was to start the day at River Wonders anyway!

• 1-day entry tickets to River Wonders and Singapore Zoo
• Spent: SGD$60 (for 2 tickets)

The animals are more or less sorted into zones of rivers or forests where their species can be found but it became rather perplexing as it wasn’t very clear when one zone ended and another began. So I’ll just string together some highlights of the animals which I found pretty interesting (: We spent the most time at the Amazon Flooded Forest’s otter and manatee habitats as there was something magical about watching these graceful creatures glide through the waters. Two of the otters were frolicking and chasing each other, zooming overhead as we stood beneath them in an underwater tunnel (video here !). During the manatees’ feeding time, it was quite amusing to see them swimming around with poop hanging off their undersides. On a sweeter note, I managed to take a video of one manatee “hugging” another, awww ❤

At the Squirrel Monkey Forest, it was really cool how we got to get so up close and personal with animals like the squirrel monkeys and Azara’s agoutis. No barriers, no glass, just us walking along the same paths in the same space as them. While a staff was handing out food to these guys, I spotted a cheeky squirrel monkey snatching food from a helpless agouti, who had no means of fighting back! Poor fella ): In the event of rain and lightning, note that this zone will be closed.

Over at the Mekong River zone, I was blown away by the sheer size of the giant catfish there! At first glance from far, they didn’t appear that humongous but it was a totally different story when we stood in front of the glass tank. I’d never seen such a big fish in real life, only those on Wicked Tuna heh.

An undeniable must-see here are the super cute pandas at the Giant Panda Forest. It was a bummer that mummy Jia Jia was nursing baby Le Le in the maternity ward during our visit so we could only see daddy Kai Kai lazing out on a rock. Not forgetting the adorable red pandas too! They were perched quite high up on the trees so it was tough to get a proper view of them. Even if you don’t fancy pandas that much, this is still a great place to cool off and seek respite from the heat as it’s fully air-conditioned to maintain a suitable climate for them.

If you’re feeling hungry, your only two options within the park are Starbucks (located at the entrance) and Mama Panda Kitchen (located at the Giant Panda Forest), which serves up chinese cuisine. Deciding to have lunch at the latter and wait out the rain there, we ordered chicken zha jiang mian ($12.90), chicken cutlet ramen ($12.90), a panda chocolate custard pau ($2.90) and a root beer float ($6.90). Portion sizes were not too bad but the food was terribly bland. I even found a short strand of hair in my soup, nasty. The only saving grace of this meal was the fluffy panda pau with its creamy chocolate custard. As with most theme park food, prices were on the expensive side, making this meal totally not value for money. Pack your own food if you can.

Right after lunch, we made a beeline for the Amazon River Quest as it was closed earlier due to the rain. This ticketed boat ride goes in a loop and brings you past various animal habitats along the way. Thankfully, the staggering queue for this ride moved fairly quickly even though the board indicated a wait time of 20 minutes. There are 3 mild roller-coaster-ish slopes spaced out across the ride (video of one of them here !), possibly an attempt to make the ride a little more exciting. It was a pretty cool experience as the boat gets right up to the edge of the enclosures and it felt like we were really near the animals. I read in some reviews that the best time to see the animals here is earlier in the morning as it gets too hot past noon. Although we didn’t make that timing, we still managed to see many of them. All things considered, I thought this ride was quite worth it ($5 per adult, $3 per child), but do note that if weather conditions aren’t suitable, there’s a chance you won’t get to take the ride and no refunds will be given.

On top of Amazon River Quest, there used to be another boat ride called the Reservoir Cruise that would take you on a 15-minute scenic journey along the outskirts of the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. However, due to the covid situation, this ride has been temporarily suspended.

Rounding off our day here was the Once Upon A River animal presentation. I can’t even begin to describe how arduous it was for us to get seats for it. There are 3 sessions in a day: 11.30am, 2.30pm and 4.30pm. When we reached Boat Plaza at 11.15am for the first show, the capacity of 50 pax (40 pax in rainy conditions) was maxed out. Thinking we’d learnt our lesson, we decided to arrive 45 minutes earlier for the second show. We were initially allowed in the queue to supposedly take the last two available slots. Alas, due to some miscalculation on the staff’s part, our slots apparently never existed and so we were ousted from the show once again. One of the staff empathized with our plight and very kindly told us that she will help to reserve 2 spaces for the last show of the day, suggesting that we come by at 4pm. After visiting the rest of the exhibits, we came back to Boat Plaza at 3.25pm for the 4.30pm show AND IT WAS FULL, save for the fact that we had seats reserved. We were legit the last ones standing in the queue line even though we were a whole hour early to showtime, such is the weekend crowd. Hopefully there won’t be such occurrences again as the park has introduced an online booking system where visitors can now reserve slots 2 hours before showtime (fastest fingers first, of course), ideally helping to limit the uncertainty of seat availability. We finally got to watch the show after all that hullabaloo and our verdict is, it’s really not worth waiting in line for an hour or more for it. It simply felt like a quick, successive parade of the animals (some doing little tricks) while having loads of information thrown at us. I think the suspension of interaction opportunities with the animals as compared to pre-covid iterations of this show kinda stifled the experience, but kudos to the presenters who did their best to engage the audience.

My overall rating of the experience: 3 out of 5 stars . I was pleasantly surprised that the animals here weren’t the common run-of-the-mill types, which was a refreshing eye-opener for me. I was especially intrigued by the gigantic Mekong catfish, the adorable capybaras, the graceful manatees, as well as the agile and playful otters. The Amazon River Quest boat ride was quite the novel experience, where we got to view various animals and intermittently cruise down some slopes. It was amazing to be in such close proximity to the creatures at the Squirrel Monkey Forest too! However, a number of park experiences like the feeding sessions were suspended at the point of our visit, which was a bit of a letdown. But what really affected this rating was the pricey yet unappetizing food served at Mama Panda Kitchen and the pains of getting a near-impossible seat at the animal presentation (I hope you won’t find yourself in a such a situation with the new online booking system). Otherwise, this would’ve been a 4-star rating. With that said, it’s still worth a visit for the unique wildlife you can find here.

If this post helped you in some way and you’d like to buy me a coffee, I’d be incredibly grateful (:

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• Safari Seminar
• Texas River Marathon

Texas Water Safari

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Registration is OPEN for TWS, Prelim and Gator Chase – Click here

There is a new route to reach swinging bridge check point.  see video , updates to texas water safari tracker requirements.

March 19, 2024

Texas Water Safari Community,

Beginning this year (2024) Texas Water Safari competitors may use any handheld Garmin inReach ® device or a SPOT Generation 3, 4 or X device, in the boat.  

Both types of devices may be used for the race in 2024 and in 2025. The goal is to completely switch the Texas Water Safari to Garmin’s inReach ® technology for 2026. The inReach ® system will be tested and the two-year implementation plan in the TWS should allow for any issues with the Safari to be worked out.

In making the switch, Texas Water Safari racers will be afforded greater latitude in choosing their Garmin inReach ® devices. Choices range from the entry level inReach ® Messenger and inReach Mini 2, to the high-end Montana 700 series. As with the SPOT devices, racers may use a device they own or choose to rent one from an external vendor for the duration of the race. Garmin has a wide variety of subscription plans for inReach ® that can be found here: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/837461

NOTE: While the adoption of these Garmin devices allows tracking to be combined with a GPS device, regardless of what device you choose to use it must be able to be charged, or have a backup/external battery pack, in the boat.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] .

1. Board Member – Jerry Cochran

2. Board Member- Jay Daniel

3. Board Member- Bob Spain

4. President – Allen Spelce

5. Board Member- vacant

TWS Auxiliary Board Announcement

TWS Community,

           The Texas Water Safari (TWS) Board has created a five-person Auxiliary Board.  The Auxiliary Board is comprised of: David Kaiser, Melissa James, Brian Jones, Holly Orr and Chris Stevenson.  Many of you already know the paddlers and their history with the TWS.  All have been a part of the race and feel passionately about it. 

There are two basic reasons for the creation of the new Auxiliary Board:

•  First, over the years the complexity of hosting the race has become an increasingly challenging task for the current voluntary board and additional help to administer the race would be beneficial, and
•  The current board is seeking input from a new generation of paddlers needed to identify and address future growth and success of the race.

 The TWS Auxiliary Board will learn how the TWS and its sponsored races operate and will also provide input and ideas on how to improve the race and decisions that will affect the race. The term of each Auxiliary Board Member is for two years with reappointments at the discretion of the Texas Water Safari Board. The current TWS Board is excited to be working with new A uxiliary Board and what it holds for the future.

We are excited about the creation of the new Auxiliary Board and look forward to the upcoming 61 st Texas Water Safari, World’s Toughest Canoe Race.

TWS Board: 

• Board Member – Jerry Cochran
• Board Member- Jay Daniel
• Board Member- Bob Spain
• President – Allen Spelce
• Board Member- vacant

“They don’t call the Texas Water Safari The World’s Toughest Canoe Race’ for nothing. In addition to the length, the challenges include whitewater rapids, multiple portages, and the relentless, soul-sapping Texas heat. Competitors have four days and four hours to paddle from San Marcos, in the center of the state, to the shy little town of Seadrift on the Gulf Coast. There is no prize money for the winners; just Texas-size bragging rights for the finishers.” Larry Rice, in July 2009 Canoe & Kayak Magazine

The Texas Water Safari is actually comprised of several events including an information seminar, two short races (one of which can be considered as a preliminary race) and of course, the Safari itself – the 260 mile race to Seadrift from the headwaters of the San Marcos River. The Safari itself, billed as the "World's Toughest Boat Race", is an annual race via the San Marcos and Guadalupe rivers, from Aquarena Springs in the college town of San Marcos, to the shrimping village of Seadrift on the Texas coastline, a total distance of 260 miles. The first official race was held in 1963, and is run annually on the second Saturday of June.

The primary requirement is a boat powered only by human muscle. Racers must take all equipment needed with them, receiving only water, ice and food along the way.

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Visiting the Chambal River Safari in Palighat, Sawai Madhopur

traveller Divya

You can add to your whole wildlife sighting  experience in Sawai Madhopur by adding the Chambal river safari to your itinerary.  The river safari at the Palighat Chambal Sanctuary is a great way to spot the big underwater predators.  It is also a great place to see some wonderful native and migrant bird species.

While in Sawai Madhopur, keep half a day for Chambal River Safari at Palighat Chambal Sanctuary or National Chambal Sanctuary. It is around 35 km away from the centre of Sawai Madhopur and is a conservation site for Gharials and crocodiles.

While on a visit to Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambore National Park, we had half a day to spare.  We had read about Palighat Chambal Safari and we decided to visit it. In my current blog, I will be explaining all the essential details you need to know for your Chambal river safari at Palighat.

Chambal River Safari: An Overview

The Palighat Chambal Sanctuary is situated on the banks of River Chambal and is an hour’s drive away from Ranthambore National Park. Here are a few details that you must know about the sanctuary:

About Palighat Chambal Sanctuary

The Palighat Chambal Sanctuary is a part of the National Chambal Sanctuary or National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary. The National Chambal Sanctuary is spread over an area of 5,400 km 2  in three states- Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on the banks of Chambal River.

The Palighat Chambal Sanctuary is home to the critically endangered Gharials, Marsh Crocodiles, Turtles and the Endangered Ganges river dolphin. The Palighat Sanctuary is also a delight for bird watchers as you can observe a lot of resident and migratory birds here.

Other than Rajasthan, the sanctuary can also be visited f rom Agra in Uttar Pradesh and Mo rena in Madhya Pradesh.  These would, of course, be a different part of the sanctuary.

How to Reach Chambal River Safari?

We visited the Palighat Chambal Sanctuary from Sawai Madhopur since we were visiting Ranthambore National Park . From Sawai Madhopur, you have to book a cab.

Cabs are easily available from the main town. You can ask your hotel to arrange it or ask the local taxis near the railway station. Make sure you ask a few of them to get the minimum price. Bargaining always helps.

After asking 4 different people, we found a cab at the lowest cost. An auto driver we were travelling with gave us the contact number of a guy. We contacted him and hired his cab for Rs. 2000, thanks to the bargaining skills of our friend Srishti. The person picked us up from the hotel and dropped us back as well.

How & where to book Chambal River Safari?

When we first decided to go for Chambal River Safari, we searched the internet for safari details. Someone on TripAdvisor had mentioned a name along with a phone number- Mr Rudra Pratap Singh ( Contact No. 09783459569) 

We took the contact details and booked it over the phone as we thought there were no other safari providers there. We later found out that there were two providers for safari. So, I would suggest you can go there are choose the cheaper option for yourself.

The price of the safari ranges anywhere between 200-500 INR per head depending on the season and the visitor count. You can either book seats per person on the Chambal river safari boat or book a whole boat.  The ride lasts for about an hour.

Best Time for Chambal River Safari

Although you can see the crocodiles and gharials all through the day, the best time to visit is between 8 AM and 9 AM. This is the time when these predators come up to the land to bask in the heat of the morning sun. 

What to expect at the Chambal River Safari?

Make sure you wake up early and start early on the day of your Chambal River Safari. Although the safari lasts for only about an hour, it is totally worth it.

Ride to the Palighat Crocodile Sanctuary

The driver picked us up at 7.30 and we reached Palighat in about an hour. The ride to Palighat is a little bumpy, especially in the last 15-20 minutes. To our disappointment, the whole Palighat area was covered in thick fog. We waited for an hour, but the fog wouldn’t lift. We sat in the car and our driver was kind enough to wait with us.

There are no shops or eating joints at the place, only a small little shack which provides tea and pakoras.

Chambal River Safari at  Palighat Crocodile Sanctuary

After waiting for around one and a half hour, the fog finally started to lift but the visibility was still very poor. We decided to take our chances and hopped on into the boat but weren’t able to see anything. 

After about 15 minutes of boat ride, the Sun finally decided to have mercy, the fog cleared up and we were able to see the Palighat River. It was beautiful. There was no sign of the reptiles yet. Our guide told us that it was today that the fog was heavy otherwise you are able to see a lot of crocodiles and gharials on the river banks basking in the sun at that hour. Along the boat ride , we also saw the confluence of two rivers- River Chambal and River Parbati.

After a few minutes, we saw the snout of a gharial under the water but as we moved closer, it went under water. The thrill was inexplicable, the gharials and crocodiles could just be swimming by the side of your boat!!!.

Finally, we were able to spot a big crocodile lying around in the sun. Our guide told us an interesting anecdote: If you see a single crocodile on the bank, there would always be one underneath the water i.e. they are never alone.

On a clear sunny day, you are able to spot many gharials and crocodiles on the banks of the river. The feeling of being up close this incredible creature is beyond thrilling.

Palighat is great for spotting birds too. Along the way, we also spotted a lot of birds including the Indian Skimmer, Great stone curlew, Black-bellied Tern, Ruddy Shelduck, Black-winged stilt, Lapwings, Eurasian Wigeon and Kingfishers. We also caught a Kingfisher in action – hovering over water, sighting the prey and taking a quick dive to catch the fish. It was pure delight. The boat ride lasted for about an hour and was truly an unforgettable experience.

Things to carry when Visiting Chambal River Safari?

When embarking upon a Chambal river safari, make sure you are carrying these essential things.

So, if you are planning to visit Sawai Madhopur or Ranthambore National Park make sure to spare some time for the Chambal river Safari. It is a must-visit place for wildlife and photography enthusiasts.

Another important thing, be a responsible traveller. Make sure to keep the environment clean and do not throw garbage near the river.

Happy Wayfaring 🙂

THIS POST IS AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF BUDGET WAYFARERS. ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ASSOCIATION INDULGING IN PLAGIARISM WILL BE DEALT WITH STRICTLY . IF YOU WANT TO USE INFORMATION FROM THE ARTICLE ABOVE, KINDLY QUOTE THE SOURCE.

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