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San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Jambo a safari adventure in san diego.

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

Neighborhood: North Inland

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd Escondido, CA 92027-9614

Contact Info

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

Please check our website for current hours.

Spring Safari Featuring Butterfly Jungle

Spring brings the perfect chance to get outdoors, spend time with family, and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season! From special entertainment and culinary creations to amazing...

More To Know:

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

Special Events:

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

More Information

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

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tips and Fun Things to do

The San Diego Zoo in southern California had an idea for a new park. They wanted to create a wild animal park that allows the animals to roam free with plenty of room to run. The Zoo wanted to mimic their natural habitat as much as possible.

At the same time, they wanted to still give the guests ways to get up close to them. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is what they came up with.

This post has been sponsored by the San Diego Zoo . As always, my opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the site, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for the support. 

The Safari Park is a one-of-a-kind exhibit. It does an amazing job of immersing you in the diverse habitats you are visiting. From the trails to the landscaping, you are transformed into another world.

The only thing I’ve seen that came is Disney Worlds Animal Park. But there are some differences between this park and the San Diego Zoo .

San Diego Safari Park Tips

A lot of the tips I gave regarding the San Diego Zoo apply to the Safari Park too. But there are a few other things that make this park stand out.

Planning Your Day

Get there early, wear good walking shoes and make a plan for the animals you want to see first. For me, it was the Tiger Trail. This trail has ADA walking paths. It was one of the nicest trails I’ve seen.

Since we got there so early, we were able to see very active tigers enjoying their enclosures. They also had a secondary trail you can take that goes off the beaten path.

If you are up for the adventure, I recommend taking this loop for a unique experience.

Some of the other favorites are the gorillas, elephant odyssey, rhinos, and giraffes. The park spends a lot of time educating its visitors about the animals. Each has its own unique world.

As of Spring 2018, they are working on a new exhibit in this part of the zoo, the Walk About Australia. Because of this, some birds on California Condor Ridge have been relocated during the construction.

They should have it back open to the public this summer. Don’t let this detour you from visiting the Tigers. It was unforgettable.

How much walking is required?

This park didn’t feel as big as San Diego Zoo, but it was definitely comparable. We logged 4.7 miles of walking. If you have young kids, make sure to bring a stroller.

The biggest difference was the space between each animal enclosure. Because they have given the animals more space to roam, they filled in with additional landscaping and added enrichment opportunities for the younger guests.

Want to see a mix of animals from everywhere? Don’t forget to check out the San Diego Zoo. It’s a blast! Essential Tips For Visiting the San Diego Zoo Before Going Buy Tickets for the San Diego Zoo by Clicking here.

The food situation is the same. Pricing is at a premium, and the quality is mediocre. They have a wide variety of options including gluten-free and vegan options.

They also allow you to bring in your own food and snacks, which will save you a lot of money. I also recommend bringing in a water bottle or hydration backpack too just to keep the costs down.

My favorite backpack is the Rupumpack because of its extra storage space. I take it with me everywhere. The longest lines for food are right around 12-1 and right next to the tram tour.

If you walk a few food joints away, you’ll be able to walk right up.

Animal Encounters

One of my favorite parts of the zoo was getting to see an animal encounter. These encounters are more than just a Zoo Keeper talking about animals.

They come right out into the park and talk with the guests. These encounters are at various times of the day and can be found all over the park. Some of my favorites were the Nairobi Village, Lion Camp, and the Walkabout Australia.

The Africa Tram

The Safari Park’s Africa Tram is included with admission. This ride is incredibly popular. It gives you a 30 min highlight tour of the African plains. The busiest time is between 11-3.

You’ll be looking to wait for about 1hr in line during peak times. The wait goes down significantly if you go during the Cheetah Run show. The first train starts at 10 am, so I recommend getting on this one if you can.

The Cart Safari Tour

The cart safari tour is a great way to see the animals if you are traveling with younger kids. With a maximum capacity of 12 people, the tour was practically private.

They take you on a complete perimeter of the facility. The Asian plains tour gives takes you to the far end of the park.

Getting the opportunity to get up close and personal with the San Diego safari park animals was an experience I will never forget. Our guide gave us all kinds of information about the different species and their history with the park.

Visiting in springtime gave us a rare opportunity to see some of the babies, including a 2-day old Dik-Dik. Witnessing the baby’s unstable steps and a mama protective of her new baby was just like wanting a Discovery Channel Special.

The tour thought us so much about the park and its extensive steps to ensure survival and conservation efforts. Including their work to help endangered species.

Other Safari Tours to Take

The least expensive tour is the $15 balloon safari. Taking you up 400 feet above the prairie, to witness the animals from above. You’ll spend about 10-12 minutes high above the Serengeti.

There is a Wildlife Safari Caravan Tour for people six years and older. Everyone piles into the open-air safari truck, and you all get the opportunity to hand feed different animals.

The trip is anywhere from 2-3.5 hrs long depending on the trip you choose. You must be 13 years old. They also do a Twilight Wildlife Safari. Same thing but during the nighttime magic.

Love Flamingos? You gotta try the Mimosa Wildlife Safari. Start off with enjoying a drink next to the flamingos. THen board the open-air safari truck to see giraffes, antelope, and other African Savana wildlife.

With all the differnet Safari Tours, they have something for every age group. They are a must-see for any trip to the San Diego Safari Park.

My only criticism of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the add-ons. They sell express passes tickets to get in the front of the line at a few of the different features. And a few extra dollars to feed the birds.

It also seemed like in order to really see the Safari Animals; you need to pay the extra money for the safaris tours. These experiences are great and well worth the money.

We opted to spend the extra money on the Cart Safari Tour, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I recommend doing at least one while you are there.

The problem I had was that everywhere you turned it seemed like another amazing experience you can do for a fee. If you have small kids, make sure to prepare them for this.

Decide which add-ons you want to or get them involved in the planning. This way they aren’t begging to do all the cool attractions.

Getting the Best Deal on Tickets to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

I recommend skipping the line by purchasing your tickets online. There are a few different options for tickets. A standard one-day ticket or a two-day ticket is an incredible deal.

You can choose to get into either the Safari Park one day or the San Diego Zoo the next. Or spend both days at the Safari Park! Groupon also has some incredible deals you can check out too.

The other option is to get a Go City Card . This pass is a great deal. You can purchase a pass for the exact number of days you want to do attractions.

The pass includes admission to over 40 different attractions, museums, and a lot of California favorites, including both Zoo’s , SeaWorld , and the USS Midway .

If you plan in outright, you can save yourself a lot of money using this pass. But you may need a few days poolside to recover.

Get your tickets before you leave for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The lines can get long and you don’t want to miss out on anything. San Diego Zoo Safari Park Go City Card Bundle

Final Thoughts

We had a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It was something that I will never forget. The steps they have taken to improve the quality of life in the zoo and their conservation efforts are out of this world.

If you are trying to decide on which zoo to visit between the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, it would depend on what your interests are. If you’re looking for variety and value, the San Diego Zoo is where you want to go.

If you are looking for something a little different and have the money for some extra safari add-ins, go to the Safari Park!

Pin it for Later

Minnesota native and Midwest travel expert Jennifer provides insider tips and budget-friendly trip ideas for families looking to explore the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Through her travel blog DayTripper28, she draws on first-hand experience to recommend the best hidden gems, outdoor adventures, road trips, and weekend getaways around Minnesota and the Midwest. With her passion for uncovering local flavors and culture along the backroads, Jennifer shares affordable itineraries for creating memorable experiences across the region.

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Top ways to experience San Diego Zoo Safari Park and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (5.99 mi) Rancho Bernardo Inn
• (9.65 mi) Sonesta ES Suites Carmel Mountain - San Diego
• (9.60 mi) Hampton Inn San Marcos
• (2.61 mi) Bandy Canyon Ranch
• (3.98 mi) Motel Mediteran
• (0.00 mi) The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook
• (6.01 mi) Veranda Restaurant
• (4.72 mi) EscoGelato
• (4.52 mi) Peterson's Donut Corner
• (5.47 mi) Vintana Wine + Dine
• (0.00 mi) San Diego Zoo

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Roar & Snore Safari

$160 & up*

*Per person, plus admission. Admission is separate and required.

• CALL TO BOOK 619-718-3000

At A Glance

Pack up your “trunk” for a sleepover adventure at the Safari Park! All sleepovers include camp activities, an after-hours look at the wild lives of wildlife, guided walks, s'mores around the campfire, dinner, an evening snack, and breakfast the following morning. Choose from several age-appropriate sleepover categories with their own themes.

• Tent Options

All Ages Roar & Snore

Spend the night at the Safari Park with your family! Campers of all ages are invited to experience a sleepover that has something for everyone !

Adults Only Roar & Snore

• Ages 21 & up

Join us for an adults-only adventure camping at the Safari Park! You’ll explore the Safari Park after dark, enjoy classic camp activities, and hear amazing stories about San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation work around the globe.

Girl Scouts Roar & Snore

• Ages 5 & up

Bring your troop to the Safari Park for a sleepover they will never forget! Designed especially for Girl Scouts ages five and older and their troop leaders or adult chaperones, this Roar & Snore sleepover offers a special Safari Park experience that you can only get at night.   All campers will receive a special Roar & Snore patch for participating. 

School & Youth Nights Roar & Snore

• Grades 3–12 with adults

Bring your students or youth groups to the Safari Park for a sleepover they will never forget! Designed especially for school and youth groups, this special Roar & Snore Safari offers a way to experience the Park in a whole new way that is perfect for your group’s next adventure.

TENT OPTIONS

Classic Tent

• 9 x 14-foot interior
• Sleeping pads
• Traditional vinyl-covered tent floor

Our traditional camping tent with vinyl-covered tent floor and sleeping pads for up to five campers.

* Maximum five person occupancy per tent. Single campers pay a minimum two-person price. Admission is separate and required.

• Cots (2 bunk cots and 2 single cots)
• Electrical outlets, fan, and heater

Our traditional camping tent—with cots and a view! Spend the night looking out over the African Plains, home to grazing giraffes, rhinos, antelope, and more. Suitable for up to six campers.

* Maximum six person occupancy per tent. Single campers pay a minimum two-person price. Admission is separate and required.

Premium Tent

• 12 x 16-foot interior
• Queen bed plus two cots
• Wood floors with area rug
• Bed linens and pillows

Our most luxurious “glamping” tent option, complete with a queen-size bed and two cots. Perfect for couples or families of four.

* Maximum four person occupancy per tent. Single campers pay a minimum two-person price. Admission is separate and required.

Enhance Your Roar & Snore Experience!

These special add-on Safaris require advance reservations and can be reserved when you call to schedule your Roar & Snore Safari. Our Reservation Sales team is ready to help you plan a perfect stay at the Safari Park.

Call 619-718-3000 for more information and reservations. Age and other restrictions may apply.  

Supreme Roar & Snore

• Must have a valid Roar & Snore ticket
• Includes Flightline Safari, Night Vision Safari, Exclusive Viewing of Wildlife Ambassador Encounters & Wildlife Safari
• Guests ages 8–15 must be accompanied by paid adult; maximum 3 children per adult

Upgrade to a Supreme Roar & Snore Safari package for a whole new level of adventure! You’ll begin your evening by soaring into camp on our 2/3-mile Flightline Safari zip line. At night, take a Night Vision Safari to view wildlife of Africa and Asia through night vision binoculars. After breakfast, you’ll enjoy reserved VIP viewing of wildlife ambassador encounters. Finally, conclude your overnight experience with a Wildlife Safari into expansive savanna habitats in the back of covered, open-air safari truck for an up-close view of an amazing variety of wildlife.

To participate in the Flightline Safari component, participants must be at least 8 years old; weigh between 60 and 300 pounds; meet the minimum height requirement of 48"; wear secure, close-toed shoes; and fit comfortably in the harness.

Offered on All Ages events, Adults Only events, and some Exclusive events. Space is limited. Please call 619-718-3000 for availability and pricing.

PLEASE NOTE: Supreme Roar & Snore guests will need to check in between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. for the Flightline portion of their Supreme experience.  

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Wildlife Safari

Travel in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck into our expansive savanna habitats, with an expert guide.  

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Please call us with questions or to make a reservation.

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The 10 Things To Do At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Diego. This Safari Park is located on the outskirts of San Diego near Escondido and is just a 25-minute drive from San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. San Diego Zoo Safari Park lets visitors experience African safari without visiting Africa.

Spread over 1,800 acres of land and housing 2700 animals and up to 4000 plant species, the San Diego Zoo Safari is a wildlife paradise. The park has many animal exhibits and enclosures, birds, and wildlife species from almost all over the world. The Safari park has a semi-arid environment and houses animals from Africa to Australia.

The Best Time to Visit San Diego Safari Park

The park is open to visitors throughout the year. A full-day visit to the Safari Park is sufficient to tour all the park's wonders. Weekends and holidays are crowded, so try visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds and travel the African tram and other amazing Safaris in the park. Remember that the animals are most active in cold and optimum temperatures.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park attracts 2 million visitors annually. The winters attract fewer tourists due to the cold weather, but it's the best time to explore the park without long queues. The summers are packed , and most animal shows occur in the morning. So, arrive early in the morning to view enthusiastic and active wildlife. 

10 Amazing things to Explore in San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park was a breeding ground for endangered animals. Over time, the park started offering wildlife tours, and later Safari tours, animal exhibits, and activities like camping, zip-lining, ballooning, and much more. Here are the top things to do at Zoo Safari Park in Balboa.

1. Take the Africa tram

The Africa Tram is a free Safari tour . Visitors do not have to pay for another ticket for the Africa Tram, and the entry ticket will suffice. Riding the Africa Tram is one of the best things to do at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This ride offers an exclusive tour of the savanna habitat where one can see African wildlife from close. 

The Africa Tram transports you to the African plains. Visitors can see African wildlife like rhinoceros, antelopes, cheetah, birds, and other animals. The tour guides are knowledgeable and brief visitors about various species, their adaptation, and facts about them. It takes 25 minutes to finish the Africa tram, which is one of the best attractions of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

2. Feed the Giraffes on Caravan Safari Tour

San Diego Zoo Safari Park has nine exciting safari tours with up to 20 variations. Each Safari tour offers a unique experience. However, the most popular of all is the Caravan Safari Tour. Visitors can view many animal enclosures and see animals like cape buffaloes, giraffes, rhinos, and elephants from near. Tourists can also feed giraffes and sometimes Rhinos with the tour guide's assistance. The tour guides talk about fascinating facts about the animals and share wildlife knowledge with visitors.

Caravan Safari Tour comes in four variations. Most of the Caravan Safaris are similar, with little difference in each variation. It is a paid safari, unlike the Africa Tram.

3. Camping with Roar and Snore Safari

Exploring the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an adventure with thrilling activities , unlike the Zoo in Balboa Park. The Roar and Snore are overnight Safari where visitors can do camping activities, set up their tents, and enjoy themselves together. This safari takes care of all your food and other needs. 

There are four variations of Roar and snore. For all ages, Roar and Snore, Adults only, Girl Scouts, and kids. Each variation has fun activities. The kids and girl scouts safari teaches kids about wildlife, while the adults-only is an adventure in the wilderness. 

4. Venture into Animal habitats with Wildlife Safari

The Wildlife Safari is the only safari that offers a sneak-peek into different wildlife habitats where visitors can see African Cheetahs, Asian Elephants, baby Rhinos, South American mammals, and many endangered species in one go. Visitors travel in an open truck and learn about wildlife and their conservation from tour guides. The Zoo in Balboa Park has more animals than San Diego Safari Park, but the wildlife diversity at Safari Park amazes its visitors. 

Wildlife Safari has four variations:

• Twilight Wildlife Safari at twilight offers incredible scenery. 
• The Deluxe Wildlife Safari for 90 minutes
• Mimosa Wildlife Safari has beautiful flamingos.
• The Southwest to Savanna Wildlife Safari is where visitors venture into 900 acres of the wildlife in the Safari Park.

5. Snap Pictures on Cart Safari

The Cart Safari lets visitors travel in a cart and tour the animal habitats. Tourists can step out of the coaches to click a few pictures and see animals from close. The guide offers insights about the wildlife, plants, and their conservation. Visitors can also ask questions about nature. 

There are three variations of Cart Safari to explore different habitats. 

• Cart Safari Africa for Savannah Habitat and African wildlife
• Cart Safari Asia Asian habitats
• Deluxe Cart Safari for a personalized Cart Safari tour 

6. Traverse the Australian Wildlife with Walkabout Australia

Walkabout Australia in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park lets you explore diverse Australian wildlife species on foot. Kangaroos are hopping around, marsupials with their babies, and various birds along with many other animals. Walkabout Australia is a part of the behind-the-scenes safari. Hence visitors can talk to wildlife specialists and learn stories and facts about the unique species on their 90-minute walk. Tourists can also tour other behind-the-scenes safaris to learn about diverse wildlife. 

7. Witness the running Cheetahs in the Early Morning

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has a new Safari addition with Sun up Cheetah Safari. Visitors tour the park at 8 a.m. and witness the active and enthusiastic cheetahs running around. This morning's adventure is a walking Safari. Tourists can also watch other animals actively in the morning while doing their activities. The tour guide explains various wildlife Cheetah Stories and about all the species found on the way during this unique safari. Remember to buy an entrance and Cheetah Safari ticket in advance as ticket booths are usually closed at 8 a.m. 

8. Tour the Safari Park from the sky

Experience the ultimate thrill with Flightline Safari and view the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with an incredible view from the sky. Flightline Safari is like no other Safaris at the Zoo in Balboa Park or Safari Park. Flightline Safari is the best place for zip-lining; visitors are trained before letting go high up in the air. The support staff briefs about the safety equipment and other tips before launching visitors on the zip lines. 

This is an exciting experience, as an aerial tour of the Safari Park. There are two variations in Flightline Safari.

• Flightline Safari for a Zip lining tour of up to 1 hour
• Deluxe Flightline Safari includes a Safari truck tour around the Savannah Habitat along with Zip lining. 

9. Fly around the Safari Park on Balloon Safari 

The Balloon Safari offers some of the most unbelievable views of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and its wildlife. Visitors can tour on the hot air balloon and experience the thrill. The Balloon safari starts at 9 a.m and is available till dusk. However, sometimes this Safari is closed due to inclement weather. It is one of the top things to do at the Safari Zoo near Balboa Park.

10. Carousel and the Kids Village 

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has unique activities for kids. The Conservation Carousel is the kid's favorite because of its various ride elements that depict animals. The Safari Park also has a Kids Village designed like a traditional African village for kids to play and learn. Kids can participate in Safaris and other activities and even talk to Robert the Zebra , a digital Zebra who speaks witty lines to entertain kids. 

Things to Carry while Visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

• Don't forget your masks. Everyone above the age of 2 must wear one.
• Sunscreen to protect your skin in the hot weather
• Carry a map of the Safari Park to not miss out on anything
• Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues
• Carry a bag with light snacks and soft drinks

To Conclude

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a unique Safari zoo near Balboa Park with diverse wildlife. There are tons of activities and numerous safaris for the visitors. Sometimes it can be overwhelming but do not worry, plan your visit and the actions you want to do in advance to explore the Safari Park thoroughly. Ultimately, all there is to do is watch the wildlife and experience the thrill. Learn more about Zoo parks and Safaris at leisure.com .

Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.

Learn more about leisure plans

1888-509-1184.

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park

If you’ve ever wanted to see the animals of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia, you don’t need to jump on a plane. You can head out into the wilderness right here in San Diego when you visit the amazing San Diego Zoo Safari Park ! The free-range enclosures house more than 2,600 animals representing more than 300 species.

Let’s plan your own safari! Like tigers? Then Tiger Trail is where you’ll want to cruise first. If nothing makes you smile more than a little monkey business. Then head over to the Jungle Ropes Safari, where you’ll get to climb like a monkey on a challenging rope course adventure. Take the Africa Tram, an exciting expedition and relaxing adventure . The ride path takes you around some of the field exhibits. It gives you a chance to connect with the animals on a closer level. Enjoy your Safari-It’s all here, out in the “wilderness.”

Enjoy unbelievable views shared only by the birds that soar over the Safari Park’s grounds! Modeled after the hot air balloon tours of the Serengeti, the Balloon Safari can hold up to 30 passengers as the tethered helium balloon rises silently 400 feet. The Balloon Safari is 10 to 12 minutes long. Prices are subject to change; please inquire when at the Park.

The Safari Park is an expansive wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. Its renowned botanical collection represents 3,500 species and 1.75 million specimens. Over half of the Park’s 1,800 acres (730 hectares) have been set aside as protected native species habitat . It is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California.

NEW Walkabout Australia

Butterfly Jungle 

In this much-anticipated annual celebration, you can walk through a greenhouse filled with thousands of butterflies of all colors and sizes. Wear bright colors, and you may find the winged wonders perching on you! Enjoy taking amazing photos and “putting a face to a name” using the butterfly identification guides provided. Don’t let this magical moment flutter by without you! Every Spring March through May.

Butterfly Jungle Activities

• Priority Viewing Tickets -Priority butterfly viewing is available for an additional fee.
• Treats for Butterflies -Stay very still as you hold a special, approved treat, and get an up-close and personal view of the butterfly eating out of your hand!
• Butterfly Jungle and Friends Behind-the-Scenes Safari – During this unique two-hour walking tour, our knowledgeable guides will introduce you to the inhabitants of Butterfly Jungle—without the wait! You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes visit with Rodrigues fruit bats and their keeper, exclusive access to Lorikeet Landing, where you will have the opportunity to feed our friendly lorikeets, and an up-close meeting with some of our ambassador animals and their trainers.

Contact San Diego Zoo Safari Park

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Five things you must do at san diego zoo safari park in escondido.

Visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park? Here are our tips for five things you must do at San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California!

We had the opportunity to visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It is the perfect place to visit with loved ones, and about an hour and fifteen minute drive from central Orange County. It’s the perfect day trip and the park offers so much to do for kids and adults.

We found that there was not enough time to do everything in one day at the Safari Park, so we have a list of five things you must try that will make your visit memorable. We also found out the park has an annual pass, which we highly recommend due to all the fun we had as a family.

Guide to San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido

Africa tram.

The Africa Tram was our favorite part of of the park because you feel so close to the animals, and you get to see them roaming around in a natural habitat.

The kids thought the experience was so awesome being so close to the animals.

They were a bit nervous also, but the great part is that most of the animals are far away from the tram and there are safety barriers put in place between the tram and the open land. Their favorite part of the experience was seeing the giraffes and the zebras.

Conservation Carousel

The carousel is located very close to the front of the park, so you can’t miss it. The kids loved it because they were able to use it multiple times a day.

The cost to ride the carousel is $6 and includes unlimited rides. The kids loved it because they were able to sit together the first time in the ride, and then were able to ride separately. There is also a bench on the ride for people with disabilities.

Balloon Safari

The balloon safari is better geared towards older kids, and adults. Our kids didn’t want to ride this attraction because they were too scared.

It looks fun because you get to see the entire park from a higher altitude, but again this is better suited for those not scared of heights.

The cost to get on the hot air balloon is $20. We are planning another trip in the future with adults only, and want to try this attraction with them.

Petting Kraal

The kids loved the petting kraal because they were able to pet the furry goats and then wash their hands nearby, it’s suitable for all ages.

They also have lockers nearby in case you need to store your belongings. Do note that they don’t allow food inside the petting area.

Dining at Mawazo Kitchen

After riding the tram, we were so hungry, so we found a restaurant not too far from the tram that offered unique items and also had kid friendly options.

We tried Mawazo kitchen and we loved it!

The adults in the party had the Quesabirria tacos meal and the chicken tenders meal, and the kids each had a cheese quesadilla meal. We all loved the food, it was delicious.

There are also plenty of tables at Mawazo Kitchen and we had no problem finding a place to sit.

A few more tips

There will be a lot of walking, so make sure you bring water, comfortable shoes and a stroller for young children.

The park is stroller friendly, and we did see many strollers throughout the park, as well as electric mobility chairs for older visitors.

There are also plenty of benches throughout the park to take rest breaks, and we found we were able to rest our feet while riding the 30-minute tram, and also while the kids rode the carousel.

Although we didn’t visit the playgrounds, that is also another way to get some rest while the kids play. Also, if you get there early you can avoid long lines and crowds.

There are also several places throughout the park where the kids can look through a telescope, and it only costs 25 cents so make sure you take quarters with you if possible.

The park also sells the cutest merchandise, and we loved the gorilla collection and the plush monkeys.

We didn’t get a chance to do everything, because the kids got tired after a few hours, so make sure you plan ahead and choose the attractions that you think the family will love.

Visit sdzsafaripark.org/tickets for tickets to the park!

We had a wonderful time attending the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and it made such a memorable visit for our family. We can’t wait to return!

If you like theSan Diego Zoo Safari Park, you might also like the San Diego Zoo! Here are our best tips for visiting the San Diego Zoo for the first time.

Originally published on January 23, 2023. Last Updated on January 23, 2023 by Pattie Cordova

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wildlife Safari Tour

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

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

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

Wildlife Safari

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

Twilight Wildlife Safari

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

Deluxe Safari

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

Combine A Truck Safari with a Zipline Experience

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

Wildlife Safari Tips

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

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

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

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

RESTRICTIONS

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

CANCELLATIONS

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

Sun-Up Cheetah Safari Tour

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

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

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

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

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

Cart Safari Tour

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

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

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

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

Flightline safari.

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

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

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

Deluxe Flightline Safari

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

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

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

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

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

Behind the Scenes Safari Tour

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

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

There are three Behind the Scenes Safari Tour s:

Elephants & Friends

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

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

Rhinos & Friends

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

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

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

Roar & Snore Safari Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are 3 different tent options:

Classic tent.

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

Premium Tent

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

There are 5 different Roar & Snore Safari options:

All-Ages Roar and Snore

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

Adults-Only Roar and Snore

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

Girl Scouts Roar and Snore

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

School Nights Roar and Snore

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

Supreme Roar and Snore

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

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

Ultimate Safari Tour

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

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

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

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

Price: Varies depending upon day and seasonality

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

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

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

Balloon Safari

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

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

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

Ages restrictions:   All ages. 

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

Africa Tram Tour

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

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

Duration: 25 – 30 minutes.

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

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

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

7 Tips for Better Safari Tours

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts

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

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

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

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

Nancy Ulrich

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

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5 Things to do at San Diego Safari Park

San Diego is one of my favorite cities in the US. It’s famous for its warm weather climate, wonderful beaches, and, of course, the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The city averages more than 344 days a year that are hotter than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great vacation destination any time of the year.

Having previously visited San Diego and loved the zoo we did not have the opportunity to visit the Safari since it was quite far out and difficult to get to. Since we had a car and the opportunity we decided to skip the zoo this time and discover the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. With the help of Hotels.com here’s 5 things to do at San Diego Safari Park.

Getting There

San Diego Safari Park is located in the beautiful San Pasqual Valley. Take the Via Rancho Parkway exit off I-15 and follow the signs.

They have a large car park that was $10 to park and entry was, of course, included on our Southern California City Pass that we bought earlier.

Where to Stay in San Diego

If you’re a first-time visitor looking at seeing all the top tourist attractions you’ll want to stay in downtown San Diego . Hotels.com has many options for you to check out. If the beaches are your thing then consider a stay in Pacific Beach or Mission Beach. Perhaps you want a luxury beach stay, then head to La Jolla.

We stayed in the city since it offers excellent family resorts all near attractions like SeaWorld, Balboa Park, and San Diego Zoo. The Gaslamp Quarter would have to be my favorite part of the city to visit. Followed by Old Town.

What is the San Diego Safari Park?

I am not sure if it was rose-colored memories of our time at San Diego Zoo, however, given the choice again I would choose the zoo. The Safari Park is very cool, however, the Zoo is unquestionably remarkable.

There are several different Safari ticket options and we decided to go with the cheapest Africa Tram Safari (included in our City Pass) at $62 per adult, $52 per child 3 – 11. It’s an open-air expedition around the Africa field exhibits, replicating an open African Safari. Of course you do not get very close to the animals and the queue for this tram was fairly long. I hear we were there on a good day.

I’ve heard the other Safaris are so much better where you can actually be up close to the animals, but they are almost double the price so if you never plan on going to Africa it might be worth the money, but we will be saving our pennies for the real thing.

However, given you have never been on safari before it can be an exciting journey seeing the herds of rhinos, giraffes, and zebras.

Check out super cheap discounted tickets here.

5 Things To Do At San Diego Safari Park

The Safari is really doing some amazing conservation with the animals, especially the Black Rhino we saw that is only 1 of 8 left in the world! We also loved the added touch of the car in the lion cage. They have made the roof reinforced so that the massive weight doesn’t cave in.

Watch the Cheetah Run

My favourite part of the day would have to be the Cheetah run where we had prime seats to watch the expeditious journey of this beautiful creature. But don’t miss it, because it’s over in seconds.

The cheetah runs a straight 330-foot-long track going from 0 to 70 miles per hour in just 4 seconds.

Have a play on the Playgrounds

Located around the park are different playgrounds, which we found was a huge saving grace. Mia fell asleep at one stage and we planted ourselves in the sun on the grass while Caius spent hours playing on animals. Later Mia found an even better playground, very natural with plenty of holes to crawl through and hide.

There are 4 playgrounds scattered throughout – The Village Playground, the Savanna Cool Zone, Tiger Trail play area, and the Mawazo Jungle Gym.

Listen to the Keeper Talks

Located around the park are multiple keeper talks, and even a Bird Show at Benbough Amphitheater. You can hear about the Sumatran tigers at the Sambutan Longhouse in Tiger Trail. Or the interactive program that gives you an opportunity to have face-to-face contact with the Safari Park’s animal ambassadors, such as a cheetah, alligator, serval, or other rare and exotic wildlife. Or my absolute favorite take a Lemur Walk!

Petting Zoo

There is a petting kraal in Nairobi Village where you can touch and brush the goats!

Birthday Carousel

During our discovery of all the things to do at San Deigo Safari Park, a friendly staff member told me that Mia got a free ride on the carousel since it was her birthday. So before we left we made a quick detour for her free ride. The colorful Conservation Carousel features 60 ride elements to choose from, many depicting rare and endangered wildlife. She was also beaming as she left with a brand new Happy Birthday badge.

Food Options

There was not much food choice so we had to satisfy ourselves with hot dogs and pretzels, not at all filling or nutritious. So bring your own, or arrive after lunch.

Random Thoughts on USA Target

Driving home the kids and I spotted a Target. We needed some warm clothes after half our jackets and jeans went missing between Anaheim & San Diego and decided to make a stop.

Target America is not like Target Australia. First of all the carts get to go up the escalators, how cool is that!

Second, they have a grocery section. We got a shopping trolley full of groceries for $70! Easily this would have been a $150-$200 back home in Perth. The food was so cheap and there was so much variety, I may have gone overboard with our food purchases.

With the car piled high, we drove home to cook up some dinner in our fabulous apartment kitchen and finalized plans for the rest of our week in San Diego.

Do you have a favorite?

We liked the Safari Park, but we love the zoo. How about you? Which one is your favorite? Which one would you choose to go to, given the choice? Leave us a comment!

COVID TRAVEL TIP

2021 hasn’t been the easiest year to travel in and safety is at the top of everyone’s list. If you are comfortable with traveling, please travel responsibly and within the rules of each destination you visit, being aware that those rules change frequently and may be different from your home country.

If you are traveling in 2021, can I recommend:

• Wear a  face mask  in countries that require you to do so. 
• Bring  hand sanitizer  and wash your hands on a regular basis.
• Check  official websites  before your trip for the latest updates on policies, closures, and status of local businesses.
• Book a hotel with free cancellation in case you need to change your plans at the last minute.
• Choose travel insurance that covers you for COVID .

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