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Flying Flags Safari Tents - Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground

• United States    
• California (CA)    
• Buellton    
• Camping in Buellton    
• Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground

Sideways Inn

Pea Soup Andersen's Inn

Motel 6 Buellton - Solvang Area

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Hampton Inn & Suites Buellton/Santa Ynez Valley

Hotel Hygge

San marcos motel.

The Inn at Zaca Creek

Country Lane Motel

America's Tent Lodges - Buellton

If you want a great RV resort experience close to wine country, Solvang, restaurants and even a casino, you can’t beat Flying Flags. We have stayed here with family, friends, reunions and birthdays. Two pools, kid friendly and even cabins available if you don’t own an RV. Highly recommended.

• Sleep Quality
• Cleanliness

Dear Guest, We're genuinely grateful for your excellent review and knowing that your glamping getaway exceeded every expectation. Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground is an ideal place for visitors to relax and explore the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, so we love that your experience was a memorable one. Thank you for recommending us to future guests. We look forward to welcoming you back. Jim Colvin, General Manager

This place is always nothing short of amazing! The staff is always friendly and eager to help! this specific trip they added the feature of texting you upon arrival so you could interact with them during your stay for any questions of concerns that was really neat! Its always clean the food is good and the store they have is stocked with everything you would ever forget! Everyone drives super slow because they are kids riding the bikes 24/7 so it makes a less stressful trip knowing your kids are safe!

Dear Guest, Thank you for being our guest once more at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground and for celebrating your birthday with us. We believe our relaxed environment, unique accommodations, and outstanding service are what sets us apart from other properties. It’s encouraging to know we continue to exceed your expectations, and we truly appreciate your recognition of our efforts. We always enjoy welcoming a familiar face, and we look forward to many more return visits. Jim Colvin, General Manager

We've stayed at Fly Flags in the past for a online recommendation from a top 10 RV parks Google search. We prefer to be close to the beach but this park is always very clean and there is enogh to do within the park and a close proximity outside the park, its easy to forgive the lack of beach. We will be staying there again very soon.

Dear Guest, We're genuinely grateful for your excellent rating and knowing that your glamping getaway exceeded every expectation. Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground is an ideal place for visitors to relax and explore the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, so we love that your experience was a memorable one. On behalf of all of us, we would be thrilled to accommodate all of your future visits to Buellton! Jim Colvin, General Manager

Really appreciate stopping at this little gem on our drive from SoCal to NorCal. The tiny house was adorable, and the owners made an exception to allow me to have my 3 dogs. Meagan and booking helped me find the right set up for our family (2 adults, 3 dogs). The cottage was clean with plenty of room for a large dog bed. I appreciated that Fire and Feather was able to accommodate our dietary needs - vegan and gluten free - with a delicious pizza and salad. Brooke at check in was really friendly. The grounds are impeccably maintained. Guests were friendly. The pools and hot tubs and pool furniture are in great shape.

Dear Guest, Thanks for the terrific review and for letting us know that your experience was perfect! We are glad you liked our refreshing accommodations and the excellent service you received from our staff. We will surely share your compliments with our team. We appreciate you mentioning how much you enjoyed the food we serve at Feather & Fire. Thank you for choosing Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground. We look forward to being your home away from home and for you to enjoy even more of our delicious food! Jim Colvin, General Manager

Best “glamping” trip for a family of 5. Everything was clean. Everybody was nice and fast to respond with anything that I asked for. I will definitely be booking more trips to flying flags in the future

Hello Jason, We're genuinely grateful for your excellent review and knowing that your glamping getaway exceeded every expectation. Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground is an ideal place for visitors to relax and explore the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, so we love that your experience was a memorable one. On behalf of all of us, we would be thrilled to accommodate all of your future visits to Buellton! Jim Colvin, General Manager

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Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground

California, united states.

• Property Info
• Experiences
• air conditioning
• bar / lounge
• children's park / play area
• coffee maker
• community hot tub
• community pool
• community recreation area
• conference facilities
• fire pit / ring
• fitness center
• refrigerator
• splash pad for children
• local attractions & shopping
• winery / wine tasting
• Two on-site restaurants
• Kitchen/grill available
• Bring your own food.

Not included

Not offered by this property

Included in the Rates

Accommodation

Not required, but appreciated

Complimentary, 1 on-site

Cellular Signal

Wi-fi signal, minimum age for children, additional guests.

Additional guests over two people will cost $5 per person/per day, unless under six years of age (free).

Suggested items to bring with you

Personal items

Reservation and Cancellation Policy

All canceled reservations received 15 or more days prior to arrival are subject to a 10% cancellation penalty. Reservations canceled within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date are subject to a penalty equal to the cost of 1 nights stay.

Pets are welcome at this property. Two-pet maximum, 35 lbs. or smaller—a one-time nonrefundable pet cleaning fee of $50.00 will apply. An additional, refundable $100 damage deposit is collected.

How Do I Get There?

Located in Buellton just off Highway 101, approximately 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara and 20 minutes south of Santa Maria.

From Northbound Highway 101 : Take exit 139, Santa Rosa Road, and take a left at end of exit ramp. Proceed over highway and take a right at the stop sign (Avenue of Flags). The resort is on the right. Alternatively, you can use exit 140 at Hwy 246. Take a left at end of ramp onto Hwy 246 and another left at Avenue of Flags. Resort is on the left.

From Southbound Highway 101 : Take Avenue of the Flags exit and continue south approximately one mile. The Park is on your left side. If you miss Avenue of the Flags, take exit 140 on Hwy 246 and turn right. Turn left at Avenue of the Flags. The Park is on your left-hand side.

Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground in Buellton, California, is a modern RV Resort! This is not your parents' RV park. Our meticulously maintained RV Park on California’s central coast is nationally recognized for its individuality, accommodations and activities. If you are looking for a unique camping experience, consider staying in one of our 10 vintage Airstreams, cottages or safari tents!

Glamping Types

• solo travelers
• wine country

Total Accommodations

Minimum night stay.

• 2 (Friday, Saturday), 3 Major Holidays

Rates Based On

Best time to visit.

Open: Year-Round

In-Season : June 10–September 10

Off-Season : September 11–June 9

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

• Accommodations

Airstreams and Vintage Trailers

These Airstreams have custom styles and individual themes with modern touches that include a wine refrigerator, iPad bar, flatscreen TVs, queen-size bed and bathroom with small shower. Each is furnished with a K-Cup coffee maker, microwave oven, BBQ grill and fire pit.

The Details

Directory Only Listing

This unique property is a Directory Listing-only on GLAMPING.COM and is not participating in our availability messaging or booking program at this time.

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• Reviews of Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground

Reviews of Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

180 Avenue of Flags, Buellton, 93427, United States of America

#3 of 9 hotels in Buellton

Review Score

Based on 650 hotel reviews

Score breakdown

Cleanliness

Value for money

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

Reviewed: April 20, 2024

• • Leisure trip
• • Travelers with friends
• • Brewhaus Cottage with Loft
• • Stayed 2 nights
• • Submitted from a mobile device

I like everything about this place

Come here a lot location is great easy to walk to Vega Winery The Hitching Post and AJ Spurs Industrial Eats Brickbarn winery 5 minute drive. Also love to use the BBQ and sit outside at the fire pit.

Stayed in April 2024

Reviewed: April 8, 2024

• • Tent
• • Stayed 1 night

It was a little cold in the tent but we enjoyed it all the same.

Super cute place! Beds comfy, everything was clean. Family oriented.

Reviewed: April 2, 2024

• • Couple
• • Tent with Pool View

everything was great, I didn't find anything wrong.

location and staff, very accommodating since it was raining that weekend and friends were also staying there, we were able to stay close to them.

Stayed in March 2024

Reviewed: March 30, 2024

• • Surf Cabins

We stayed in a surf cabin and loved it! Decor was lovely, bed was very comfortable and loved the hammock and front deck. Staff were friendly on reception!

Reviewed: March 18, 2024

• • Stayed 5 nights

The privacy

Stayed in December 2023

Reviewed: March 11, 2024

Spotless Friendly fabulous service

Stayed in February 2024

Reviewed: March 7, 2024

• • Solo traveler
• • Superior Vintage Trailer - Pet Friendly
• • Stayed 3 nights

The WiFi was not very good but they have troubleshooting instructions if you’d like to take the time to do that. I personally did not want to so I used my hotspot

I rented the airstream for a weekend getaway and it was absolutely perfect! The airstreams come with everything you need so you’ll only need to bring a little food if you’d like to bbq or cook up a meal. It’s quiet and gorgeous!

Reviewed: February 13, 2024

• • Family with young children
• • Cottage

No late checkout available.

Awesome accommodations and super clean! Staff was very friendly and responsive when we had a towel hook break in our bathroom.

Reviewed: January 14, 2024

• • Premium Cottage with Loft - Pet Friendly

It was raining when we arrived and did not have the chance to walk around.

We love the place, clean and cozy.

Reviewed: January 11, 2024

Some attention must be drawn on dust in the trailer. The TV, for instance, was not clean, and as I am allergic, I sniffed a lot. There is no stovetop (not even a cooktop) inside the trailer; so if you want to cook, you must use the barbecue grill or the stove outside the trailer. The restroom inside the trailer is really tight and you cannot properly take a shower because the water gets cold really quick. The staff warned us about this in the check-in and we followed their tips to shower in the public restrooms inside the campground.

The staff was really attentive and kind. We stayed for two nights in the vintage trailer, and overall it was comfortable. The atmosphere is quiet, safe, and respectful.

Stayed in January 2024

Reviewed: January 2, 2024

The property was very clean

Reviewed: December 30, 2023

The heater and aircon control is a bit confuse

Very nice staff and they are very helpful. The facilities are great! Pool is nice and the off leash dog park is great for our dog!

Reviewed: December 12, 2023

There’s nothing to not like

Love it here try and come at least 2 to 3 times a year

Stayed in November 2023

Reviewed: December 11, 2023

Can not find anything to complain about.

Loved the cottage type room it definitely did not feel like a typical hotel stay it felt like home.

Reviewed: November 23, 2023

• • One-Bedroom Cottage

Only thing missing was comfortable chairs or small sofa. A table and 2 wooden chairs were provided in living area

Very cute and tastefully decorated cottage.

Reviewed: November 6, 2023

• • Group

You guys always run out of the roasted chicken :)

This was our 8th time staying and everything is always so wonderful. It was extra fun this time because of the Halloween celebrations.

Stayed in October 2023

Reviewed: October 29, 2023

Clean and convenient

Very spacious

Reviewed: October 23, 2023

I absolutely loved this property and cannot wait to return. The amenities available to all guests were great!

Stayed in August 2023

Reviewed: October 18, 2023

Stayed in September 2023

Reviewed: October 10, 2023

Villavicencio

The Tiki room, the pool area was great. The bathrooms were clean.

Reviewed: October 9, 2023

• • Tent (2 Adults)

The stove on our grill didn't work. Some of the walls of the Safari Tents were worn, torn and/or stained. Would like more lighting options at the front of the Safari Tents. None of these items would deter us from coming back.

Flying Flags is a great location for families! We came with a large party and had so much fun in the Safari Tents. We definitely could have stayed longer and would have had tons to do. Staff kept all amenities clean and tidy. Whenever we had an issue or questions, the staff was quick to resolve them.

Reviewed: September 19, 2023

• • Standard Cottage with Loft - Pet Friendly

Lighting outside. Porch light was out so was dark when you came in after dark.

The cabin was great. Full kitchen. Fully stocked.

Reviewed: August 28, 2023

It's expensive

The pool was great! The bathrooms were always clean and i love that there is shampoo/conditioner in the showers. Staff at registration was awesome! and i appreciate the coffee in there :)

What everyone in our party did not like was that for the amount of money per night, $365 for the Ranch Cabins, the living room couch was so uncomfortable and left each person that slept on it ( we had three cabins) was up all night and had sore backs from sleeping on the couch. The cabins were great but for the price and being new I felt they were not kept up( broken wooden blinds, baseboards that were scratched up and wood splitting, scuffed paint, dirty and disgusting chair cushions on the patio as well as by the fire pit and outdoor kitchen)

I loved the variety of different spaces available to suit the needs of all patrons. The live music and bbq Friday night was phenomenal!!The staff was amazing and great with communication before and throughout the entire stay!

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Want to camp, but don’t want to rough it? Try glamping

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Does cabin fever have you craving the outdoors, but you don’t want to rough it? We found seven fresh-air spots in California for “glamping,” a.k.a. glamorous camping. No flannel sleeping bags on airmattresses here. No, we’re talking safari-style canvas tents or yurts with king-size beds, soft linens and bathrooms, attached or nearby.

Proprietors say they’re deep cleaning and sanitizing tents and yurts between guest visits, and shared bathhouses are sanitized several times a day. New check-in and check-out procedures minimize contact by using plexiglass shields or phone apps. Face masks are required indoors and within six feet of others outdoors.

On the coast

Treebones Resort

The scenic Big Sur coast stretches below this couples-focused yurt village on nearly 11 acres. Two large, secluded cocoon-shaped luxury tents have private baths, king beds, gas fireplaces and private decks. Sixteen yurts include decks for sunset viewing, queen or king beds, and sinks with hot and cold water. Yurt guests share women’s and men’s bathhouses; shared bathrooms are cleaned seven times day.

Info: 71895 Highway 1, South Big Sur; (877) 424-4787, treebonesresort.com/yurts . Yurts from $320 a night, tents from $625. Grab-and-go breakfast included. Lunch and dinner in on-site restaurant and sushi bar; takeout available. Bring your own board games, binoculars, extra blankets, etc. Pool is open with social distancing.

Ventana Big Sur

The Ventana resort is 34 miles farther north along the scenic Big Sur coastline. Its 20-acre campground, tucked in a redwood canyon, has 15 safari-style tents with fire pits, picnic tables, electric lamps, sinks with hot and cold water, and covered decks with Adirondack chairs. Shared bathroom and shower facilities are cleaned hourly, as are public areas.

Info: 48123 Highway 1, Big Sur; (800) 628-6500, ventanabigsur.com/glamping . From $240 a night. Face masks required in public areas. Glampers are not permitted in resort areas, including pools and restaurants, to promote social distancing.

Costanoa, on scenic California 1 an hour south of San Francisco, has 75 glamping tents perched on green lawns or in a cypress grove. All have electric blankets; five have ocean views. Shared bathroom/shower facilities. Visitors can hike coastal trails, bike and kayak. Closed temporarily because of the Waddell and other fires; check website for updates.

Info: 2001 Rossi Road, Pescadero; (877) 262-7848, costanoa.com/stay/tent-bungalows . From $96 a night. Guests are required to wear masks in public buildings. Two restaurants on-site for takeout; guests can picnic on the lawn. Spa and hot tub are closed; all activities and events canceled.

Flying Flags RV Resort

Flying Flags has nine safari tents sleeping two to four people in king, queen or bunk beds. Tents have a mini-fridge, barbecue grill, sofa or chairs and a private patio with views of the hills. Shared bathroom and shower facilities.

AutoCamp, 20 miles southwest of Yosemite National Park, has 15 luxury tents with king beds, organic linens and handmade textiles from Chile. Each has electricity, a mini-fridge, fan, heater, sofa and a small private deck with fire pit and grill. Shared bathrooms are in the clubhouse, where guests can buy food; food also can be purchased online and delivered to your tent.

Wine country

The zebras, giraffes and lemurs are from Africa, and the safari tents are too. Wildebeest and rhinoceros wander outside, which means guests can listen to the sounds of the savanna at night. Thirty tents have private bathrooms, one king or two double beds, handmade furniture and hardwood floors. Each veranda overlooks a small lake or rolling hills.

Info: 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa; (800) 616-2695, safariwest.com/plan-your-visit/spend-the-night . From $250 a night. Continental breakfast included. Savannah Cafe serves dinner with arranged seating under outdoor arbors.

Wildhaven Sonoma

Tube the Russian River or wander along its banks while staying in this 6-acre “glamp.” Twenty new safari-style tents opened June 1 beside the river and have one queen bed or two double beds, fans, space heaters, electricity, a small table and chairs, and a front deck.

Info: 2411 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg; (707) 283-7773, wildhavensonoma.com . From $129 a night. Masks required in shared indoor space. Restrooms and showers cleaned and sanitized multiple times daily. Outdoor communal kitchen with two appropriately spaced barbecues.

More to Read

After five years of closure, ‘glamping’ back again in Yosemite National Park

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March 18, 2024

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Safari West

Review Highlights

“ The giraffes are beautiful, enjoyed hanging out there for a bit learning about them and how graceful they are. ” in 300 reviews

“ Kimberly even went as far as getting the kids who were sitting on top an umbrella from another tour guide . ” in 238 reviews

“ We also scored the convertible (no canvas top) jeep which was nice since it was a cool day, with nice sunshine. ” in 206 reviews

Show more review highlights

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

3115 Porter Creek Rd

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

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Amenities and More

2 More Attributes

About the Business

Business owner information

Aphrodite C.

A unique destination for the curious and wild at heart. Safari West - The Spirit of Africa in the heart of the wine country. Explore the Sonoma Serengeti on an African wildlife safari, or relax in a luxury tent with a giraffe as your neighbor. With our deluxe African tented camp and onsite dining at the Savannah Grill, we have everything you need for an inspiring holiday, whether visiting for the day or overnight. You'll discover the most unique photo opportunities in the world, short of flying to Africa. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Do the rooms have AC for the hot summer months? Want to book a stay but a bit worried it would be uncomfortable.

Are there less animals to see and learn about during the winter months?

No, our animals are active throughout the year. In case of inclement weather, some animals, like the giraffes, may choose to stay in their shelter. If this occurs during a tour, our guides will often extend the tour to include a visit to the giraffe… more

Recommended Reviews

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• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

1026 reviews

Wow, what a great experience, took my two sons for just the safari portion. Kimberly, was our guide and I'm sorry if I spelt your name wrong. She was knowledgeable and kind. Could really tell she loved her job and the animals that she works with. It was a gorgeous day and seemed as all the animals were out and about, I actually think I may have enjoyed it more than the boys. Next on my bucket list is to stay the night, this is truly an experience everyone should try!

The absolute BEST experience with so many core memories made. If you're able, I highly encourage you to stay the night. The "tents" were so comfy, warm, and had all the amenities you could need. There's no need to cook, as you can purchase meals at their onsite restaurant. (Btw, they are incredibly thoughtful about food allergies... they called out everything in the buffet to avoid, and even substituted a dessert for my son, who has an egg allergy). The grounds are beautiful, as you're surrounded by amazing wildlife everywhere! The tour itself was fantastic. Cindy was lovely, funny, and so knowledgeable. You do a 2.5 hour tour in their 90acre lot, and then do a walk through their aviary and other animals after. They will allow the passengers to switch spots, so everyone has a chance to ride on top of the car. All in all, phenomenal experience. I don't know why It's taken me so long to do it! Would recommend and do it again!

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Apr 9, 2024

Hi Valerie, Thank you so much for sharing your incredible adventure with us! Your detailed account paints such a vibrant picture of the magic of Safari West. I'm truly touched by your recommendation of staying overnight; it is an enchanting experience. Your description of the cozy tents and thoughtful dining arrangements speaks volumes about the care and attention to detail at Safari West. Also, it warms our hearts to hear how our chefs were able to accommodate your son's food allergy with such thoughtfulness. Exploring the expansive 90-acre lot with Cindy as your guide sounds like it was filled with laughter and discovery. Her warmth and expertise must have made the experience even more special. I'll be sure to share this with Cindy! Your recommendation means the world to us! We're honored to have made such a positive impact on your visit. We'd be thrilled to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments at Safari West.

Had an AMAZING experience today! Our safari guide Zoey was simply beyond. Zoey first led us through each exhibit on the foot-walking tour, stopping in front of each aviary and habitat for the birds, cheetahs, fennec fox, lemurs, hyenas, and primates to tell us about the animals. There were a few very young children in our tour party, that weren't with our group - I was impressed with how well Zoey handled them, to keep them and the animals safe. After the walking tour, we boarded the safari truck (ours was called Rosie The Riveter). Zoey drove us through the entire preserve, stopping to admire all the animals and tell us about each one. We saw zebras, cape buffalo, and so many different kinds of antelope! We learned that white fur, often indicates a desert animal, as white fur refracts sunlight and helps keep the animal cool. Zoey had just an incredible knowledge of all the animals! It was just beyond what you would expect from a tour guide, so incredibly educated and invested. Zoey taught us about the 3 different purposes of antlers/horns: Display, defense, and thermoregulation. Early on, I thought we were approaching the red river hog pen. I got excited because I love the red river hogs! But instead, they were warthogs. I loved the warthogs too! But I guess Zoey knew that I wanted to see the red river hogs so much (I did!) that at the end of our Rosie the Riveter tour, she brought us by the red river hog pen so we could see them from a safe distance. I am already wanting to return for the overnight tent trip 20/10, would come again! Zoey FTW!!

See all photos from Niketa R. for Safari West

Mar 28, 2024

Hi there - Things can get pretty wild around here, and I must admit, I'm fashionably late to the party! Nonetheless, I couldn't let your fantastic review go unnoticed. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! Zoey is indeed an exceptional guide, and we are delighted to hear that she went above and beyond to ensure that you and your group had a memorable and informative tour. It's wonderful to hear that Zoey's extensive knowledge and dedication to the animals made your experience even more enjoyable. We can't wait to welcome you back! P.S. the pictures are great!!!!

Where do I start? Safari West is a great experience. We first walk into a large aviary. Beautiful birds. Large flock of flamingos in a different section. Playful lemurs. Robert our tour guide drove the custom safari vehicle, we sat at the top seat and what a great view from there. A little challenging getting up there. Robert would make stops and gave us expert information on the animals, great time for photos. He is passionate about his duties. He also had to move an very large ostrich blocking a gate for vehicles to drive through, ostrich was not having it but eventually moved. Later he said there is a 'bonanza' up the hill meaning lots of animals together. He stated he has not seen this in years. See my pix. We get very close to animals, some maybe 5 feet away. A giraffe approached us curios why we were on his road. Zebras staring at us like we were their entertainment. We pre-paid for lunch and I was impressed on the quality of the food. Melon, caesar salad, grilled asparagus, mac and cheese real cheese, fancy bean dish, shredded pork, chicken breast with wing attached fancy. The grounds are very clean and the animals look well cared for and happy. A short story can be written on how magnificent this place is. You should come u leave feeling happy. This was worth every penny.

See all photos from Chef Will G. for Safari West

Firstly, I want to extend my sincerest apologies for the delayed response. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! It's fantastic to hear that Robert provided you with an unforgettable safari tour, sharing expert information about the animals and ensuring you had plenty of opportunities for great photos. We're lucky to have passionate guides like Robert on our team! Come back soon!

Ok, I didn't know what to expect. We went during mid-January, so it was COLD and wet, but thankfully, there was no rain on this particular day. It was wonderful to see some exotic animals that you don't have far to travel to and see. It was worth it!

See all photos from Lloyd C. for Safari West

Thank you for sharing your experience with us, and our apologies for the delayed response! We're thrilled to hear that you braved the cold and wet weather to visit us in mid-January. Despite the conditions, we're delighted that you were able to enjoy a rain-free day during your visit. It's always a pleasure to provide our guests with the opportunity to see exotic animals up close without having to travel far. We're glad that you found it worthwhile and that you had a positive experience with us. Thank you for your feedback, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Safari West for more adventures in the future, rain or shine!

This has been a long awaited review ! I went here for my Birthday and the experience was like no other ! I had so much fun learning about all the animals and seeing all the babies . As an animal lover each and every one of them fascinated me . And the staff was beyond amazing 5/5 experience. The love and care for the animals can be seen clearly .

See all photos from Hanh T. for Safari West

The tour with Jacqueline was AMAZING! We had heard she was the absolute best and we were not disappointed. All the guides are so knowledgeable and so happy. We learned so much about every species we encountered and she was an endless well of fun facts. She was so deeply kind to all the kids in our group while also really enjoying her time with the adult groups. She made my son feel amazing on his birthday and the excitement of the giraffes, the baby rhino, the wildebeests- it was just so magical. She is also great at driving stick shift- all the jeeps are so rugged and well maintained. It's a true experience.

Pros: - What a fun glamping experience! Great to go with little kids since you have a full shower, beds, running water + bathroom... Yet the tents are thin so you can hear all the wild life around you - Our guide was the best and took us to variety parts to see animals with fun tidbits. Very neat experience to be on the top of the truck and got close with Giraffes, Rhinos, and an ostrich even came up to our truck! - All day coffee, fruits, and snacks in the restaurant that's open to guest staying over. Buffet breakfast, lunch, and Dinner (with smores at night) was delicious! Cons: - Pricey especially its a glorified zoo - Not for everyone since some would probably not want to do a 2 hour tour then stay over night or vice versa Overall, Fun experience and would recommend to families or elderly to be able to do unique way of seeing animals.

See all photos from Jerry Y. for Safari West

3 1/2 stars. Visited with a tour group, which included a one plate buffet. Food was good. Took a tram tour that was approx. 1 hour. Tour guide spent more time getting in and out to secure gates. Didn't go very far and saw very few animals. Delighted to see the baby rhino though. Walking guided tour was a lot more interesting. Tour guide was very knowledgeable, and we saw animals I never even knew existed. You are not allowed to walk around on your own. Gift shop had interesting things. I was told I could take the 3 hour jeep tour which would be more interesting but, I looked up the pricing, and, umm, I'll pass. Beautiful ground and area.

We had a perfect time here on a crisp fall day, just after Thanksgiving, to celebrate our little guy's birthday with his Grandparents. Here are the highlights: ***The Safari: The Safari is about 3 hours with the first 2 hours on a Jeep driving around up close with the animals and then 1 hour on foot. See my review on Bearizona where I thought I was impressed with something. This puts that to shame. The animals are in the enclosures with you and you could literally reach out and touch them (but don't)! ***The Guides: Our guide was amazing. She knew so much about all of the animals, and she was only too happy to answer the barrage of questions our vehicle was throwing out! ***The Accommodations: We didn't stay here, but I really want to. It looks awesome. What a great and different way to experience this place. We are definitely going to do this. ***Ride the top: Make sure to tell your guide that you want to ride on top. It's a totally different perspective up there and it cannot be missed. Keep in mind that younger and older party members will have to climb up there...it's not hard but could be challenging for more seasoned bones. For example, my Dad did fine but my Mom would not have been able to get up there. Some tips for when you go. 1) This place is popular and there is an obvious reason why. If you want to go, you need to get reservations and these seem to fill up pretty quickly, so when you want to go, get on it early! 2) If it's cold, make sure to dress warm. It gets cold on the vehicle, especially if you're up top. 3) They have a cute little store that has cold and hot drinks plus snacks etc. It was cold when we went so it was nice to grab a hot coffee/hot chocolate to bring with us when we started the walking portion.

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Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Yale, NYU; Columbia cancels in-person classes

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Yemen's Houthis said on Saturday their missiles hit the Andromeda Star oil tanker in the Red Sea, as they continue attacking commercial ships in the area in a show of support for Palestinians fighting Israel in the Gaza war.

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Middle East crisis — explained

The conflict between Israel and Palestinians — and other groups in the Middle East — goes back decades. These stories provide context for current developments and the history that led up to them.

Columbia to continue talks with student protesters after deadline to clear out passes

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Hundreds of people rallied on the University of Minnesota campus on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, to protest Israel's war with Hamas. Earlier in the day, nine antiwar protesters were arrested as police took down an encampment organizers said was set up to show solidarity with the people of Gaza. Mark Vancleave/AP hide caption

Hundreds of people rallied on the University of Minnesota campus on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, to protest Israel's war with Hamas. Earlier in the day, nine antiwar protesters were arrested as police took down an encampment organizers said was set up to show solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Columbia University officials said early Wednesday they will continue to negotiate with student pro-Palestinian protesters after setting a midnight deadline for them to disperse.

Columbia President Minouche Shafik said in setting the deadline that the university had been in talks with demonstrators but would have to "consider alternative options" for clearing the encampments protesters had set up.

But a Columbia spokesperson said in a statement to NPR later that the university was making progress with representatives of the student encampments and "In light of this constructive dialogue, the university will continue conversations for the next 48 hours.

The pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have rocked New York-area schools in recent days — and the ensuing arrests of participants — have spread from coast to coast.

Students have launched protests and encampments at more than a dozen schools across the country, from Massachusetts to Michigan to California. They are calling for an end both to the Israel-Hamas war and their universities' investment in companies that profit from it or, more broadly, do business with Israel.

It's the latest wave of protests to sweep college campuses since the Oct. 7 attack Hamas-led attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and roughly 240 others taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities, who say more than 130 remain captive in Gaza. Israel's ensuing military response in Gaza has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, some two-thirds of them women and children, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

Columbia University shifts classes to remote-only after a wave of protests on campus

College-age Americans are more likely to sympathize with Palestinians than Israelis, according to recent polling by the Pew Research Center .

And the Israel-Hamas war has become a major flashpoint at institutions of higher education, many of which are now grappling with how to balance free speech protections with student safety at a moment of rising antisemitism and Islamophobia .

Police break up protests from New York to California

NYPD officers face pro-Palestinian protesters on Monday night after clearing an encampment on NYU's campus. Alex Kent/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

NYPD officers face pro-Palestinian protesters on Monday night after clearing an encampment on NYU's campus.

On Monday, police arrested nearly 50 protesters at Yale University while Columbia, which has seen rising tensions since more than 100 demonstrators were arrested last week, shifted classes online — a move it has since extended through the end of the semester. (Classes end on April 29 and finals end on May 10, according to the school's academic calendar .)

New York police on Monday cleared an encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters outside New York University's Gould Plaza, taking an unspecified number of them into custody after they refused to leave.

Concerns over antisemitism rise as Jews begin observing Passover

An NYU faculty group tweeted that the school had authorized police to "arrest its own students, faculty, staff and anyone who dares to stand in solidarity with Palestine."

NYU spokesperson John Beckman said in a statement that after some 50 demonstrators assembled that morning, the university closed the plaza to prevent additional people from joining.

He said more protesters — "many of whom we believe were not affiliated with NYU" — breached the barriers in the afternoon, changing the dynamic with their "disorderly, disruptive, and antagonizing behavior," and noted reports of "intimidating chants and several antisemitic incidents."

"Given the foregoing and the safety issues raised by the breach, we asked for assistance from the NYPD," he added. "The police urged those on the plaza to leave peacefully, but ultimately made a number of arrests."

Columbia cancels in-person classes after some students say they don't feel safe

Negotiations continue at columbia.

The Columbia spokesperson said the school had reached agreement with protest representatives that they would remove a "significant" number of the tents they had set up on the campus' West Lawn and that those in the encampment would comply with fire department safety requirements.

They agreed to ensure that those not affiliated with the university would leave the encampment and only Columbia students would participate in the protests and that they had agreed to prohibit harassing and discriminatory language, the spokesperson said.

Shafik said in her statement late Tuesday that "We are working to identify protestors who violated our policies against discrimination and harassment, and they will be put through appropriate disciplinary processes."

'A dangerous and volatile situation'

Across the country at California State Polytechnic University, a group of students waving Palestinian flags and signs occupied Siemens Hall, an academic and administrative building on the Humboldt campus.

They barricaded the front entrance with chairs, desks, trash cans and other pieces of furniture, according to reports from ABC affiliate KRCR and an image posted to social media by the organization National Students for Justice in Palestine.

Barricades at the Cal Poly Humboldt occupation, where riot police have recently arrived on the scene pic.twitter.com/FHT0WLnH72 — National Students for Justice in Palestine (@NationalSJP) April 23, 2024

Around 8:30 p.m. local time, school officials urged people to stay away from the building, calling it "a dangerous and volatile situation." They said they were concerned about the safety of the protesters barricaded inside and called on them to heed law enforcement's directive to leave peacefully.

Several hours later, they said campus will remain closed through Wednesday for the safety of the community.

"Buildings are locked down and key cards will not work," they said, adding that "In-person classes and activities are transitioning to remote where possible."

Solidarity encampments emerge at over a dozen schools

Pro-Palestinian students protest at a tent encampment in front of Sproul Hall on the UC Berkeley campus on Monday. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

Pro-Palestinian students protest at a tent encampment in front of Sproul Hall on the UC Berkeley campus on Monday.

Pro-Palestinian students at colleges in multiple states are now launching movements of their own, many as a direct response to the recent events at Columbia.

Students at Northwestern University, Ohio State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Temple University, Princeton University, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and others held walkouts and rallies in support of Columbia students last week after their arrest.

And others have followed suit this week.

A Pro-Palestinian student group at the University of Minnesota tweeted that they were joining with Columbia students by setting up an encampment on their own campus lawn at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, in solidarity "with the people of Palestine and with students standing up for Palestine across the country."

Students at the University of Pittsburgh also set up tents on Tuesday morning outside its central Cathedral of Learning, which they said in a news release was done in solidarity with students at a list of other schools.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators shut down airport highways and bridges in major cities

Some 300 students staged a "solidarity walkout" at Stanford University on Monday to show support for Palestinians in Gaza and their pro-Palestinian peers at other colleges, according to the Stanford Daily .

Students have also put up encampments at several Boston-area schools , including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Emerson College and Tufts University. Harvard University has closed Harvard Yard to the public through Friday, in apparent anticipation of potential protests.

At the University of Michigan, student groups erected some two dozen tents in the middle of campus on Monday. Michigan Public reports that some 100 people gathered for a rally that afternoon, chanting "Disclose! Divest! We will not stop, we will not rest!" as police looked on.

Students at the University of California, Berkeley also set up a " Gaza Solidarity Encampment " on Monday. Organizers told ABC7 that they want school leaders to end what they're calling their "silence" over the situation in Gaza and to provide better protection for Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students.

Questions loom about protections for students and speech

Protestors occupy an encampment on the grounds of Columbia University in New York City on Monday. David Dee Delgado/Getty Images hide caption

Protestors occupy an encampment on the grounds of Columbia University in New York City on Monday.

The recent turmoil has raised even more questions about the responsibility of universities when it comes to balancing student safety with freedom of expression.

Some pro-Palestinian activists have publicly said they are protesting Israel, not Jews, and noted that their ranks include many Jewish students. At Columbia and Yale, some came together for Passover seders mid-protest .

Debbie Becher, a sociology professor at Barnard College (which is part of Columbia), told Morning Edition Tuesday that campus feels relatively safe and peaceful, unlike the portrayals of it on social media. She described the pro-Palestinian encampment as a "place of sharing and community building."

"Students have watched movies there, they hold teach-ins, they study, they eat together," she said.

But the demonstrations have left other Jewish students feeling unsafe, particularly due to reports of antisemitic rhetoric and harassment on several campuses.

The Anti-Defamation League has tracked several instances of protesters expressing support for Hamas and the Oct. 7 attack. A protester at Columbia, for example, held up a sign reading "Al-Qasam's next targets" with an arrow pointing towards nearby pro-Israel counter-protesters (referring to Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas).

The war in Gaza is a big story on campus. These student reporters aren't shying away

It says students at various schools have also waved signs glorifying figures associated with U.S.-designated terror groups, used pro-Intifada slogans and called for destroying Zionism and either hounding or getting rid of Zionists altogether.

Tensions reached such a boiling point at Columbia that a university-affiliated rabbi urged Jewish students over the weekend to return home for their own safety.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams spoke out against antisemitic incidents and hate speech at Columbia in a statement that referenced specific incidents, including a woman yelling "We are Hamas" and student groups chanting "We don't want no Zionists here."

The White House also released a statement on Sunday condemning the "calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students," saying they have "have absolutely no place on any college campus, or anywhere in the United States of America."

NYPD officers detain a person as pro-Palestinian protesters gather outside of Columbia University on Thursday. Kena Bentacur/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

NYPD officers detain a person as pro-Palestinian protesters gather outside of Columbia University on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Shafik is facing criticism for her response to the protests at Columbia.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is leading New York Republicans' charge to get her to resign, a seeming repeat of the situation in December, when the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania resigned after widely panned Congressional testimony.

Shafik testified before Congress about the school's response to antisemitism last Wednesday, the day students set up the encampment. In her testimony, Shafik told lawmakers that antisemitism "is not tolerated and it is not acceptable."

The next day, she called in the NYPD to break up the demonstration, which she said violated university policies and posed a "clear and present danger" to its functioning.

Lawmakers grill the presidents of Harvard, MIT and Penn over antisemitism on campus

Her decision has been widely criticized by groups including the university's own Knight First Amendment Institute and the American Association of University Professors . Its Columbia and Barnard chapter plans to submit a "resolution of censure" against her and other administration officials, the Columbia Spectator reported Tuesday.

"President Shafik's violation of the fundamental requirements of academic freedom and shared governance, and her unprecedented assault on students' rights, warrants unequivocal and emphatic condemnation," it reads.

In a Monday note to the Columbia community , Shafik said administrators, deans and faculty were working to resolve the situation, including by discussing with protesters what actions the community can take to "peacefully complete the term and return to respectful engagement with each other."

She added that she is aware of the debate around "whether or not we should use the police on campus" and happy to participate in those discussions.

"But I do know that better adherence to our rules and effective enforcement mechanisms would obviate the need for relying on anyone else to keep our community safe," she said. "We should be able to do this ourselves."

Becher, the Barnard professor, said "the actual crisis here is the university leadership's failure to stand up to right-wing actors."

"Our president has, over the past six months and at Congress last week, abandoned our institutions of academic freedom, freedom of expression and turned our campus into a police state," she added. "And now other campuses around the country are following suit."

In a Monday statement , the civil liberties group Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) called on universities to protect peaceful protest but "ensure the swift arrest" of anyone engaging in violence on campus. But it acknowledged the extra challenges posed by this "extraordinarily difficult" moment.

"Tensions are high and nerves are raw," it said. "The charity and grace necessary for productive dialogue are in vanishingly short supply, and it can be difficult to separate protected expression from its opposite. Amidst this intense pressure, our nation's institutions of higher education must lead the way."

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