zoo african safari

Zoo African Safari

Top ways to experience 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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Zoo African Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• (6.53 km) La Cognee
• (15.09 km) Hotel Albert 1er
• (11.66 km) NH Toulouse Airport
• (15.48 km) Hôtel Héliot
• (13.05 km) Hôtel Mercure Toulouse Sud
• (1.18 km) Le Mont Fuji
• (1.16 km) Sadourny Café - Golf de Téoula
• (10.39 km) La Romanista
• (0.97 km) L'Atelier Club
• (1.37 km) Brasserie L'htag

Your Safari Awaits

Plan your breathtaking visit to The Wilds, located in beautiful southeastern Ohio. Advance reservations required.

Plan Your Stay at the Wildest Place Around

Discover one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in the world! Grab your camera and board our open-air safari vehicles for an exhilarating adventure through open-range landscapes. Watch Video

Choose Adventure for 2024!

A membership to The Wilds affords you free Open-Air Safari Tours, free parking, and discounts on our beautiful overnight options!

become a member of The Wilds

African Painted Dog

Persian Onager

Bactrian Camel

Bactrian Deer

Pére David's Deer

Learn at The Wilds

Explore wild spaces, learn about the natural world, and make lifelong friends.

Discovery Field Stations

Our youngest guests can have an adventure all-their-own before their tour of The Wilds begins!

Overnight Programs

Night hikes, campfires, and 'smores. Come spend a night out in The Wilds!

Scout Day Program

The Wilds offers customized adventures for Scouts! 

get a closer look

If visiting the Columbus Zoo isn’t enough, find out how you can become an important part of our growing family.

• You are here:

Top 10 Best African Safari Parks and Destinations of 2024

Anita is a data researcher and content manager at SafariBookings with a background in editing and translation.

Africa has some incredible places to go looking for animals, but which safari park do travelers rate the highest? After an exhaustive analysis of 2,494 reviews written by safari travelers and experts, we are pleased to announce that, for the fourth consecutive time, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park has won top spot in our list of the Top 10 Best African Safari Parks and Destinations of 2024.

Its overall rating of 4.87 out of 5 put this world-renowned wildlife park out in front of 199 other parks and reserves across East and southern Africa, as well as Ethiopia and Madagascar. Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve in South Africa continued its rise through the rankings this year, reaching second place, with Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park coming in third.

Top 10 African Safari Parks and Destinations

Top 11 to 50 african safari parks and destinations, how we created this list, interesting insights, demographics of the reviewers (all parks).

4.52 /5 Classic safaris, giraffe, cheetah, antelope species, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

4.51 /5 Boat and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), abundant elephant

4.50 /5 Classic dry-country safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), adjoins Buffalo Springs National Reserve

4.50 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

4.49 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present, chimpanzee refuge, stunning scenery

4.48 /5 Canoe, boat, walking and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

4.47 /5 Classic safaris, great abundance of all major safari animals including the Big Five

4.45 /5 Walking and classic safaris, Victoria Falls and small wildlife park, white rhino, elephant and giraffe, no big cats

4.44 /5 Walking, boat and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), healthy population of wild dog

4.43 /5 Boat safaris, sublime scenery, wonderful birding, rhino tracking

4.37 /5 Classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no buffalo), abundant wildlife during the Dry season

4.36 /5 Boat and classic safaris, waterfall, abundant wildlife, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

4.36 /5 Classic safaris, great elephant viewing, famous for its views of Mt Kilimanjaro

4.32 /5 Classic safaris, zebra migration in the Wet season, all big cats present

4.29 /5 Classic safaris, adjoins Tsavo West National Park, good for elephants and big cats

4.28 /5 Boat and classic safaris, abundant wildlife, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

4.27 /5 Walking, canoe and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino) and wild dog present

4.23 /5 Walking and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), lots of elephants in the Dry season

4.22 /5 Classic safaris, adjoins Tsavo East National Park, Big Five present, low wildlife density, varied scenery

4.17 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

4.15 /5 Exceptional granite landscapes, prehistoric rock art, limited wildlife includes rhino

4.12 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

4.05 /5 Big Five, lovely scenery, top birding, night drives and boat trips

4.05 /5 Classic safaris, black and white rhino, lion and leopard, no elephant, family-friendly

3.98 /5 Classic safaris, zebra migration in the Wet season, all big cats present

3.96 /5 Hiking, small antelope species and primates, birding hot spot

3.96 /5 Classic safaris, Big Five present

3.88 /5 Walking safaris, forest elephants and tree hotels

3.88 /5 Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present

3.87 /5 Cycling, walking and climbing, with mainly buffalo and antelope species

3.81 /5 Boat, walking and classic safaris, mainly antelope species, lion present but rare

3.79 /5 Classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no elephant), city skyscrapers as backdrop

3.72 /5 Classic, walking and canoe safaris, treetop walkway, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

3.70 /5 Classic safaris, hiking, mainly antelope species, buffalo, giraffe and Kilimanjaro colobus

3.65 /5 Walking and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

3.56 /5 Classic safaris, Cape mountain zebra, cheetah, lion, black rhino and antelope

3.45 /5 Classic safaris, Big Five present, but only elephant are regularly seen

3.44 /5 Classic safaris, Big Five present, famous for its rhino population

2.84 /5 Scenery, hiking, animals scarce, mainly antelope species, none of the Big Five

1.95 /5 Classic safaris, wildlife scarce except after summer rains, all big cats present

• We analyzed 2,494 park reviews on the SafariBookings.com website, which included 1,380 contributions by safari tourists from 107 countries, as well as 1,114 reviews written by our international team of safari experts.
• In total 200 parks from 15 countries, consisting of Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, were included in the study.
• Only parks recognized for classic wildlife-viewing safaris were considered. Parks mostly known for scenery or gorilla/chimp tracking (and not other wildlife) were not included.
• Parks with less than 10 reviews were excluded from the Top 50.
• Serengeti National Park in Tanzania was the clear winner with a 4.87 overall rating. This was the fourth time running that the Serengeti has come out on top, after placing first in 2015, 2018 and 2019. Driving the Serengeti’s popularity is the park’s spectacular wildlife (including the abundance of predators and the wildebeest migration), for which it was ranked highly by travelers and experts alike.
• South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve came in second with an overall rating of 4.71 out of 5. Ranked ninth in 2019, it jumped all the way to second place this year, roaring into the top three. Confirmation that Sabi Sands belongs in such elite company comes from the fact that both travelers and experts gave it 5 out of 5 for wildlife, and a higher overall ranking than they did in the previous survey.
• Coming in third was South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, rising from a respectable seventh last time around. It may receive fewer visitors than other, better-known parks, but it gets top marks from both travelers and safari experts.
• Tanzania had the highest number of entries in the Top 10, with three parks: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Ruaha National Park. Botswana was close behind with two and a half parks: Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (which Botswana shares with South Africa).
• Kenya may have only one entry, Masai Mara National Reserve, in the Top 10, but it had more parks and reserves in the Top 50 (12) than any other country. South Africa had the second most entries with 11, down from 14 in the last survey. Tanzania (eight), Botswana (six) and Uganda (four) were next. For the first time in 2024, Malawi had an entry in the Top 50 with Liwonde National Park at number 20.
• Birders have clearly taken a liking to Kenya’s Kakamega Forest National Reserve: both safari travelers and experts ranked Kakamega in first place for bird watching.
• One of the biggest surprises was Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Ranked second in 2019, it fell dramatically to 27th. But safari travelers have remained loyal to the park, giving it the maximum score of 5 out of 5 in the categories of wildlife, bush vibe and birding.
• Travelers aged between 20 and 35 decided that their favorite park was Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, followed closely by Tanzania’s Serengeti. For more mature age groups, the top ranking went to Namibia’s Etosha National Park (ages 35 to 50) and South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve (ages 50 to 65).
• Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park ranked highly for safari travelers who have been on more than one safari. And when it comes to wilderness, Botswana’s Okavango Delta deservedly came out on top in the bush vibe category for those who have been on five or more safaris.

User reviews: 1,380 Expert reviews: 1,114 Nationalities: 107

Percentage of Reviews by Country All user reviews. Move your cursor over a country to get the number.

Age and Gender (Percentage) All people who wrote user reviews. Move your cursor over the chart for more details.

Safari Experience Level (Percentage) All people who wrote user reviews. Move your cursor over the chart for more details.

Want To Visit Serengeti?

• Serengeti Safari Tours
• Serengeti Tour Operators

Have a Question About This Article?

About SafariBookings

SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. Easily compare offers from top-rated tour operators. Make decisions like a pro by using our 103,108 reviews and 223 destination guides. More About Us

Safaris by Type

• Luxury Safaris
• Budget Safaris
• Gorilla Trekking
• Chimp Trekking
• Family Safaris
• Private Safaris
• Group Safaris
• Photo Safaris
• Overland Tours
• Camping Safaris
• Fly-in Safaris
• Walking Safaris
• Birding Safaris
• Self-drive Safaris
• Canoe Safaris

Most Popular Blog Posts

• Best Time for African Safari
• Best Safari in South Africa
• Family Safari in South Africa
• African Safari Tips
• Game Reserves Near Cape Town
• What to Pack for a Safari
• Best African Safari Parks
• Top 5 Best African Honeymoon Safaris
• Top 5 Best Tanzania Family Safaris
• Best Places to See Cheetahs in Africa
• How Much Does an African Safari Cost?
• Best Places To Visit In Africa in 2024

Blog Categories

African safari tours.

5-Day Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and Masai Mara Luxury Tour

$1,496 to $2,444 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Amboseli NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Antonio Safaris

5.0 /5  –  34 Reviews

10-Day Holiday Safari with Gorillas, Chimps and Wildlife

$2,860 pp (USD)

Uganda: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Lodge

You Visit: Entebbe (Start) , Murchison Falls NP, Kibale NP (Chimps) , Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi NP (Gorillas) , Lake Mburo NP, Entebbe Airport (Entebbe) , Kampala (End)

Buyaga Safaris

4.9 /5  –  49 Reviews

8-Day Custom Safari (Big 5) & Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

$2,706 pp (USD)

Rwanda & Uganda: Private tour Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Entebbe (Start) , Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, Murchison Falls NP, Kibale NP (Chimps) , Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi NP (Gorillas) , Kigali Airport (End)

Home To Africa Tours and Travel

4.9 /5  –  278 Reviews

How To Spend 3 Days In Masai Mara, The Safari Park From The Lion King

This Kenyan national park is one of the best places in the world to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the wild.

When it comes to planning an African safari , TikTok can agree on one thing: Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya needs to be on your itinerary.

“The Land of the Big Cats” has a reputation as one of the best places on the continent to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the wild; it was one of the main filming locations of the live-action Lion King movie .

Masai Mara’s location in the Great Rift Valley gives it a leg up on wildlife diversity compared to other reserves. Its 580 miles of lush savannah is home to almost 90 different mammal species, and safari-goers have a good chance of spotting all of the African “Big Five” — lions, leopards, elephants, African buffalo, and the elusive black rhinos — as well as members of the slightly lesser-known (but equally ‘Gram-worthy) so-called “Ugly Five,” hyenas and warthogs included. If you visit in late summer, you might even see the Great Migration of over 2 million wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores crossing the Mara River from the neighboring Serengeti Desert.

This February, I spent 10 days visiting Kenya’s national parks and game reserves on an itinerary curated by EF Ultimate Break , a Gen Z and millennial tour company. After a week of bush glamping in sparsely vegetated and dusty parks throughout Kenya, Masai Mara was comparatively lush, and my safari Jeep was constantly stumbling upon families of elephants, giraffes, and lions.

If you’re heading to Kenya on safari soon or scrolling TikTok for future inspiration , here’s what’s worth doing at Masai Mara and how to spend three days at the reserve.

What To Do At Masai Mara

Day 1: hang out with baby elephants & meet the maasai tribe.

After a 20-plus-hour journey from Chicago, I stretched my legs at one of Nairobi’s most popular attractions. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Orphans Project houses baby elephants and rhinos who are currently unable to survive in the wild for whatever reason, and it’s just as cute as you’d expect. There was a collective “aw” as the tiniest baby black rhino stumbled out to meet the crowd, and we got introduced to all the baby elephants as they clumsily ran to the keepers for their bottles of milk.

The experience was more crowded and touristy than I expected, but I enjoyed learning the story behind each baby animal, seeing their personalities, and petting them. You’re also able to sponsor one of the baby elephants or rhinos until they’re ready to go back into the wild.

After hanging out with the animals, get into your safari Jeep to drive the five hours to Masai Mara. I stayed at PrideInn Mara Camp, which had glamping tents and cottages just steps from the park and Lake Talek, but there are plenty of accommodations around Masai Mara’s perimeter (including regular hotels like a JW Marriott Masai Mara if sleeping in a tent without air conditioning isn’t your vibe).

The best part of the PrideInn Mara Camp (and others in the area) is the presence of the Maasai tribe , which welcomed us with a traditional song and dance. There were also a number of warriors who worked in the hotel and who would walk us to and from our rooms if it was late at night.

Day 2: Take A Hot Air Balloon & A Drive

The park is huge, so soaring over the savannah to see the landscape and animals from above is an efficient and bucket list-worthy way to start off your safari experience.

We had to wake up at 4 a.m. to head over to the hot air balloon launch site, but I quickly stopped complaining about the early call time when we were in the balloon and the sun was rising over Masai Mara.

We got to take in bird's eye views of the Mara River (including a rare sighting of an adorable baby hippo that was splashing through it), check out a family of grazing giraffes from above, and get eye-level with the vultures in the trees. Afterward, we enjoyed an English-style brunch with unlimited mimosas in the middle of the bush, then headed back to the camp to nap it all off.

In the early afternoon, we headed on our second safari and stayed until twilight. After spending almost two weeks in Kenya, I realized it’s 100% worth doing two safari drives a day — one in the morning as the sun rises and one at dusk right before the predators are about to start hunting — to get the fullest picture of how the animals act in their natural habitat.

Depending on the time of day, you’ll also see different personalities from the lions. When I went in the morning, the lions weren’t the apex predators I’d anticipated. Instead, the pride was almost playful, with a young male lion with a dandelion mane nuzzling his father and the female lions, and cuddling with them in the sun. The only hint of their agility and quick reflexes were shown in how they quickly flipped from side to side and how alert they seemed at all times, with their heads suddenly popping above the grass when they’d been lazily napping in the sun just moments earlier.

Another day, as the sun went down, I saw a group of lionesses who’d been napping and were barely camouflaged in the long grass start to oh-so-casually make their move. They inched toward a grazing herd of wildebeests, their eyes locked on their next meal. I wouldn’t have experienced these different personalities if I hadn’t seen both in action.

Day 3: Go On A Morning Game Drive & Visit The Maasai Tribe

After going on a sunrise game drive, take an afternoon tour of the Maasai tribe’s village. Dressed in signature bright red robes, the warriors greeted us at the entrance of their village. They taught us some of their chants and performed a 10-minute celebratory song and dance that we were encouraged to take part in, which included mimicking the roaring of lions, shaking our shoulders, and competing to see who could jump the highest.

Then, they sectioned us off into groups to tour the family huts and learn about their pastoral lifestyle. Many of the Maasai people have gone into tourism and are employed by hotels and other hospitality businesses in the area, but they’re one of the few tribes where many members still practice their traditional way of life.

After the tour, we got to shop the tribe’s gorgeous beadwork, carved wooden products, and other souvenirs. I picked up a blue bracelet, a beaded choker, and some wooden coasters painted with safari animals to bring back home with me.

Ultimately, I came back to Chicago feeling relaxed, inspired, and fully ready to take advantage of my apartment’s air conditioning. I gained a deep appreciation for my proximity to wildlife during my bush glamping adventure (yes, even for the crickets and lizards in my tent).

Going on safari was life-changing for so many reasons. I was awestruck by seeing a 3-day-old hippo hanging out with his mom, and a pack of elephants racing across the savannah. I was surprised that the lions and giraffes seemed to barely take notice of our Jeep.

The safari also taught me a lesson in patience. Unlike in a zoo, you’re not able to control when or where you’ll see cheetahs, hippos, or prides of lions — which ends up making it so much more fulfilling when you do.

It’s not a question of if, but when, I’ll go back to Masai Mara on safari. And who knows — maybe this time I’ll spend more than a few days exploring Kenya’s most famous game reserve.

Pandas, red panda, and orangutans may not be visible today due to construction.

African Savanna

Explore the african savanna.

BEHIND THE SCENES     |    ANIMALS     |     GALLERY

It’s a new day on the African Savanna, one of Earth’s most iconic wild places. Here in this legendary landscape, all life is connected – with surprising connections to us here at home. Join the journey to a historic transformation of Zoo Atlanta!

BUY TICKETS

Elephant Wild Encounters return!

A new home for elephants

The new elephant environment more than triples the size of the elephants’ former habitat and is a dynamic living space featuring elements specifically designed for elephant well-being and enrichment..

African elephants Kelly and Tara moved to their new environment in June 2019. Zoo Atlanta welcomed Msholo, an adult male African elephant from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, in July 2019.

More Features of the Elephants’ new Habitat

Elements include Abana Pond , the largest of the complex’s three water features, a pond with 360-degree access and a gentle slope for ease of use by multiple elephants. Other elements include Chishimba Falls and Kalambo Falls, waterfalls named for falls in Africa, and a feeder enrichment activity wall .

The state-of-the-art indoor Zambezi Elephant Center also features elements incorporated with elephant well-being in mind, including sand under their feet. The guest experience at the Zambezi Elephant Center offers visitors an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the elephants’ care.

A new habitat for giraffes

A mixed-species habitat, adjacent to the elephant environment, will be shared by giraffes , zebras and ostriches . This new, flatter habitat provides the giraffe herd with more usable space than ever before and gives guests an opportunity to explore pathways at ground level, looking up to appreciate the true height of Earth’s tallest living mammals. 

New habitats for zebra, ostriches, warthogs and meerkats

The elephant and giraffe/zebra/ostrich/bontebok habitats are bordered by new habitats for meerkats and warthogs . Explore new environments for two of the species that make this ecosystem one of the planet’s best-known wild landscapes.

Meet Mumbles and Kiazi!

Mumbles and Kiaza the southern white rhinos can be seen in the redesigned rhino complex at the African Savanna. Male Mumbles arrived at Zoo Atlanta in 2020 and was joined by female Kiazi in 2022. The rhinos were recommended to pair by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) White Rhino Species Survival Plan® (SSP).

Meet Casper!

The newest member of the African Savanna, Casper the bontebok arrived in 2022. Look for him in the mixed-species habitat with the giraffes, zebra, and ostriches.  

More Ways to Explore

Be the animal, be the care specialist and be the conservationist.

All-new interactives allow you to explore these themes with up-close and hands-on opportunities. Visit the Zambezi Elephant Center and utilize technology to see how our animal care specialists provide the elephants with superior care. Finally, don’t miss the chance to get up close with an elephant – statue that is! Flap the elephant’s ears to cool off, see how you measure up to their great height, and more with this fantastic interactive and life-sized photo op .

A new commitment

Conservation south luangwa.

The messages of the African Savanna focus on the conservation connections between Atlanta and the wild savannas of Africa and the everyday actions we can all take to affect positive change for wildlife and wild places.

Learn more about Zoo Atlanta’s new partnership with Conservation South Luangwa as we commit to protecting African elephants and other species impacted by wildlife trafficking and human-wildlife conflict.

A Zoo Atlanta Membership pays for itself in 2 visits!

Getting to know mumbles.

If you’ve visited the Zoo in the past few months, you may have noticed one of the Zoo’s newest members,...

Gearing up for World Elephant Day

It’s almost August! So that means the Elephant Care Team is gearing up for World Elephant Day, which is on...

Browsing with the giraffes

Hey guys! Nadia here from the Hoofstock Team. While you’re browsing through Zoo Atlanta’s social media, I’m going to tell...

Zoo Atlanta welcomes southern white rhino

Zoo Atlanta received a 4,300-pound special delivery on May 20, 2020, with the arrival of the first southern white rhinoceros...

What a year!

Hi-ya everyone! Elephant Keeper Caleb again! It’s hard to believe that next month is my one-year anniversary as a part...

African Elephant

Plains zebra, southern white rhinoceros, african lion, common warthog, kori bustard, slender-tailed meerkat.

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

Get ready for an experience you’ll always remember!

Want to get up close and personal with your favorite wildlife, sit back and relax, or tackle a challenging adventure? Choose your safari!

Butterfly Jungle Safari

• $15 per person

Visit Butterfly Jungle in an all new way! Learn about the butterfly life cycle on your way into the Hidden Jungle aviary, then become immersed in the wonder of colorful, fluttering butterflies.

Wildlife Safari

• Ages 3 & up
• $92 & up per person

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

Behind-the-Scenes Safari

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

Cart Safaris

• $60 & up per person

Sit back in the comfort of a Safari cart, as you enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the Park’s spacious African or Asian savanna habitats, led by one of our knowledgeable guides. 

Sun Up Cheetah Safari

• $90 & up per person

Come join us at the Safari Park to see what happens before we open our gates to visitors, including watching a cheetah run at top speed!  

Ultimate Safari

• $710 & up per person

Enjoy a custom safari experience of a lifetime! The Ultimate Safari is your key to exclusive areas, wildlife interactions, and the very best in personalized service.

Roar & Snore Safaris

• $160 & up per person

Pack up your “trunk” for a sleepover adventure at the Safari Park! Choose from several age-appropriate sleepover categories with their own themes.  

Flightline Safari

• Ages 8 & up
• $81 & up per person

Soar as high as 130 feet above the ground, with a spectacular bird’s-eye view of rhinos, giraffes, and other wildlife in the savanna habitats below you.

Save the Chubby Unicorns

Gorilla Shadow

PREFERRED HOTELS

Come Travel with Us!

Travel with us to see Monarchs

Picture Your Special Day at the Park!

Georgia Safari Conservation Park

Where the Grasslands of Africa meet The Hills of Georgia

The experience of a lifetime.

Welcome to Georgia Safari Conservation Park, where the beauty of nature, amazing animal encounters, and luxurious lodging create an incredible safari adventure. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the wild and embark on a journey that brings you closer to exotic wildlife and illustrates the vital message of preserving our natural world.

Images are representative.

Plan Your Stay

For those wanting an unforgettable overnight adventure, we invite you to book a stay with us in one of our luxurious accommodations. You can choose between two distinct lodging experiences, a private suite inside our state-of-the-art giraffe & rhino barn or an escape to Africa in a fully furnished, private safari tent, carefully designed with African charm, modern amenities, and extraordinary views of our animals.

Note: All images are representative samples. Actual accommodations may differ in appearance.

Safari Tents

Escape to Africa in one of our luxurious safari tents nestled amidst the wild beauty of the park. These two-bedroom tents accommodate up to four guests and offer a seamless blend of African charm, modern comforts and exquisite views.

Honeymoon Hideaway

Welcome to the epitome of romance and luxury—a private honeymoon safari tent designed to transport you to a world of enchantment and serenity. An unparalleled experience for couples seeking an intimate and unforgettable getaway.

Giraffe Suite

Step into a world of unparalleled exclusivity in our private, one-bedroom suite nestled within our beautiful giraffe barn. Your private suite is a sanctuary of refined elegance, carefully designed to provide both comfort and a front-row seat to our giraffe.

Plan Your Adventure

Our fun and knowledgeable guides will lead you on an incredible animal adventure that mimics a true African game drive as we bring Africa to rural Georgia, including over 530 acres teeming with iconic African species. You will witness the majesty of wild, exotic animals, get up close to our giraffe and rhinos, and get to know our ambassador animals as you learn about the animal diversity that dwells in the wild.

Private VIP Tour

Enjoy a private tour with your own guide as you explore an expansive wildlife savanna comprised of the open plains and forests in a 530-acre park.

Safari Wild Encounters

Join us with friends, let us host a corporate retreat for you, or plan your next group event at the Georgia Safari Conservation Park. Whatever the needs of your group, you are sure to enjoy a memorable experience with us.

Guided Safari Tour

Boarding one of our custom safari vehicles, guests will take an immersive and interpretive guided tour of an expansive wildlife savanna comprised of the open plains and forests in a 530-acre park.

The Wild Is Better Up Close

"The Wild Is Better Up Close" is more than just an exciting tagline—it's a unique opportunity to foster a deeper connection with the natural world. Our animal encounters will offer a unique opportunity to witness the beauty, grace, and strength of these incredible creatures firsthand. By seeing these animals up close, we become inspired to protect their habitats, advocate for their well-being, and raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.

Go Wild With Us

Commitment To Conservation

At Georgia Safari Conservation Park, we are building a regional zoological culture dedicated to conserving threatened and endangered wildlife. We believe in the power of knowledge and strive to inspire our guests to become ambassadors for conservation. Through our interpretive programs, guided tours, and interactive experiences, we aim to foster a greater appreciation, understanding, and connection to the natural world. We strive to be leaders in sustainable tourism practices, implementing environmentally friendly measures throughout our operations. From renewable energy sources to waste management and water conservation initiatives, we are dedicated to minimizing our ecological footprint and promoting responsible tourism.

Zoo African Safari

Top ways to experience 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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Zoo African Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
• (6.53 km) La Cognee
• (15.09 km) Hotel Albert 1er
• (11.66 km) NH Toulouse Airport
• (15.48 km) Hôtel Héliot
• (13.05 km) Hôtel Mercure Toulouse Sud
• (1.18 km) Le Mont Fuji
• (1.16 km) Sadourny Café - Golf de Téoula
• (10.39 km) La Romanista
• (0.97 km) L'Atelier Club
• (1.37 km) Brasserie L'htag

• Memberships

African Adventure

The Dawn of a New Adventure

African Adventure is a 13-acre expansion featuring spectacular naturalistic exhibits for lions, African elephants, cheetahs, white rhinos, and more! Be transported to the African savannas while dining at the outdoor patio of Kopje Lodge or experience giraffe’s up-close at the Twiga terrace giraffe feeding station.

African Adventure provides opportunities for cultural discovery, interactive play spaces and engaging live interpretation for all ages. Thanks to Measure Z, this spectacular addition to Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers guests a wildlife experience that is unparalleled in zoos today!

Wheelchair Accessible

African Adventure Keeper Chats

White Rhino (Mahali Pool) 10:00 a.m.

African Elephant (Tembo Trail) 10:30 a.m.

Lion (Lion Habitat) 12:00 p.m.

Cheetah (Cheetah Habitat) 12:30 p.m.

Kopje Lodge

Enjoy a variety of delicious gourmet entrees at an outdoor seating area with a breathtaking view of the African Savanna.

Start your morning visit off at Kudu Café or grab a snack and go. Located behind the Kopje Lodge, serving coffee, beverages, pastries, snacks, and ice cream.

Presented by Valley Children’s Healthcare

Twiga Terrace

Welcome to Twiga Terrace, our elevated giraffe feeding station! Get eye to eye with our seven gentle giants while their long tongues grab lettuce right out of your hands! Giraffe feeding is $5 per person for members and $6 per person for non-members.

Not ready to feed giraffes? The top of Twiga Terrace offers a tree-top view of the savannas and Kopje Lodge. Gaze at the grazing white rhinos, wildebeest, ostriches and more from a unique perspective, or rest on the wooden benches in the center of the platform underneath the hand-carved giraffe corbels that adorn the underside of the awning.

Behind-the-Scenes

Make your visit one to remember forever. Behind-the-Scenes experiences take guests one step closer to the animals at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, giving guests a special, unforgettable experience.

Check out some of our Behind-the-Scenes featuring animals from African Adventure: Trunk Time , Tall Tails , and Wild About Warthogs .

African Adventure Trail Tiles

Show your support for Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s African Adventure exhibit by purchasing a trail tile.

Species in this Exhibit

Masai Giraffe

Pink-backed pelicans, slender horned gazelle, blue wildebeest, common ostrich, african lion, african elephant, southern white rhinoceros, reticulated giraffe.

Skip to our site navigation ; Skip to the main content

• Plan Your Visit
• Our Animals
• Membership Benefits
• Support our Mission
• Conservation at the Zoo
• Zoo Stories

African Journey

Travel down the Safari Trail and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the African continent.

Learn More About African Journey

Animals in african journey.

Cape Porcupine

Red-billed Hornbill

Amur Leopard

Colobus Monkey

African Grey Parrot

Radiated Tortoise

The Radiated Tortosises are found in the African Journey

Wattled Crane

Wattled crane is found in the African Journey

White Stork

White storks are found in the African Journey

Great White Pelican

White Pelicans are found in the African Journey

Buff-crested Bustard

Verreaux’s Eagle Owl

Verroux's eagle owl is found in the African Journey

Plains Zebra

Reticulated Giraffe

The Giraffes are found in the African Journey

White-bearded Wildebeest

Swamp Monkey

Attractions.

Safari Trail Talk a walk down the Safari Trail and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the African continent. Accessible for all, the Safari Trail will lead you past the African Veldt, where you may just spy wildebeest, a zebra or two, and an ostrich roaming the grassy savannah. Hop into one of our two Safari Jeeps for a photo and be transported to what it might be like to roam the African plains on safari. Wander through the kopje rocks, modeled after the ancient rock formations found throughout the Serengeti plains in Africa. Here you will discover spotted hyenas, white storks, bat-eared foxes, and much more. You may even hear a mighty roar from the African lions!

African Village Step into the African Village where you will hear the sounds of the African grey parrots and watch the ring-tailed lemurs leap from branch to branch. Snap a photo in the canvas tents and imagine how it would feel to spend a night under the stars on an African safari. See if you can spot the Amur leopard, who is an expert at camouflaging, amongst the trees and brush! Climb our 14-foot platform to come face-to-face with the reticulated giraffe before making your way to the Zebra Research Station.

African Veldt ­ As you leave giraffe platform, be sure to stop at the African Veldt lookout! The African Veldt was one of the first mixed species exhibits on an open pasture, and today you can spot a variety of animals including the white-bearded wildebeest, plain’s zebras, ostrich, and vultures.

Zebra Research Station Before you leave African Journey and venture on to the next part of the Zoo, be sure to swing by the Zebra Research Station, where you can use the Savannah Viewers to get an even closer look at the zebras, and other animals, who roam across the African Veldt, including the ostrich. Did you know that ostriches lay the largest eggs in the world, weighing 3.1 pounds? Although not exactly true to size, stop for a fun photo at the ostrich eggs after passing through the Zebra Research Station!

Sky Safari Take to the sky as you glide 38 feet into the air to get a sneak peek at some of the animals who call African Journey home! See if you can spot the zebras, wildebeest, and ostrich on the African Veldt or the lions in the kopjes. Purchase tickets here.

If you have special needs, we are happy to accommodate you. Please speak to the attendant before boarding your ride.

For your safety on the Sky Safari, please observe these rules:

• Must be age 2 or older
• Maximum 3 people and 350 pounds per chair
• Guests must be a minimum of 36″ tall
• Anyone under 50″ must ride with adult
• Only one rider under 50″ tall per chair
• All riders much be able to sit up without assistances and have full upper body control

Feed the Animals

Giraffe Platform Take part in a unique animal experience where guests can feed any of the five reticulated giraffes up at Giraffe Platform. Giraffes can eat up to 75 pounds of food each day, and the giraffes at the Zoo love to visit guests at the Platform to see what tasty greens they might find. Guests can purchase one piece of lettuce for $2 or five pieces of lettuce for $6 if they would like to take part in this feeding experience. Purchase your feeding experience here.

Sitatunga Feeding NEW THIS 2024 SEASON, guests are now able to take part in a sitatunga feeding! This feeding experience will allow guests to interact with this unique aquatic antelope species in new ways here at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Purchase your feeding experience here.

Feed the Humans

Market Oasis Stop and rest your feet at Market Oasis, where you can enjoy a quick snack like soft pretzels or popcorn. Sitting just across the way from Nature Play, have an ICEE to cool down while children are welcome to run around and explore the Nature Play area!

Restrooms Restrooms in African Journey are located just outside the entrance to the Sky Safari ride and at the Market Oasis, across from the ring-tailed lemur exhibit. All restrooms at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo are handicap accessible.

Rest Areas Rest areas are located throughout African Journey to allow guests a spot to take a moment in the shade before heading off down Safari Trail. Rest areas include:

• Rest Area by Swamp Monkey Exhibit
• Mother’s Alcove by Great White Pelicans Exhibit
• Market Oasis
• Zebra Research Station
• Grassy Area for Service Dog Use by Zebra Research Station
• Quiet Area by Wattled Crane Exhibit

Sensory Areas

Quiet Areas The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a KultureCity certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. All Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo staff are trained to help guests with sensory needs enjoy their Zoo visit, and KultureCity Sensory Bags can be checked out at the Guest Services building. African Journey also has various quiet areas, identified on the map and in-person with signs, that allow guests a break from all the exciting activities throughout the Zoo. Quiet areas include:

Headphone Zones African Journey has designated headphone zones, identified in-person with signs, to let guests know when it may be a good time to wear headphones. Headphone zones include:

• African Tunnel
• Nature Play
• Giraffe Platform

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas of african journey are wheelchair accessible.

All of African Journey, including the restrooms in Market Oasis, is wheelchair accessible.

What areas of African Journey are stroller accessible?

All of African Journey is stroller accessible.

Can I bring outside food and beverage to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo?

Guests are allowed to bring outside food and beverages to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. In African Journey, there are picnic tables at Market Oasis and the Zebra Research Station where guests can sit down to eat.

Where is the first-aid room?

The First-aid Room is in the Central Zoo near the Guest Services building. However, there are first-aid kits located throughout African Journey, and all Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo employees are first-aid trained and can assist guests with first-aid needs.

Where can I nurse my child?

Nursing spaces are available at the Mother’s Alcove in African Journey, located just past the Great White Pelicans exhibit, as well as in the Guest Services building at the Zoo’s main entrance.

Are there opportunities to meet a Zoo Keeper?

There are daily opportunities to meet some of the Zoo Keepers who work at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. The 2024 Keeper Chat schedule is coming soon!

Rides & Transportation

Ride All Day and Save

Gold Value Rides Wristband: unlimited rides on KCZoo Railroad, African Tram, and Endangered Species Carousel

Platinum Value Rides Wristband: unlimited rides on KCZoo Railroad, African Tram, African Sky Safari, Kenyan Cruise, and Endangered Species Carousel

African Sky Safari

Ride high above the African Plains on the African Sky Safari. Your toes will dangle just above zebras, ostriches, giraffes and rhinos, and you will land near one of the best chimpanzee exhibits in the world. The journey crosses approximately 1,500 feet at 40 feet above ground and lasts about seven minutes. Please note that the operation of the African Sky Safari is weather permitting.

Kenyan Cruise

Our relaxing boat ride offers a scenic cruise while enjoying the breathtaking views of the African Plains. Children age two and under are free with a paying adult.

ScooterPals

Your visit to the Zoo just got a little WILDER! ScooterPals are fuzzy and fun electric scooters that will make your Zoo adventure even more memorable. Stop by the stroller barn near the entrance of the Zoo and find your adorable animal ride!

African Tram

The tram runs daily from the train/tram station near the front entrance to Elephant Expedition and African Market and back. You can see flamingos and elephants from the tram. Children age two and under are free with a paying adult. Last tram to Africa is 1 hour prior to the Zoo closing. Last tram from Africa is 30 minutes after the Zoo is closed.

KC Zoo Railroad

While aboard, you can see the sights. You might even spot a few animals, like kangaroos and camels, right along the railroad tracks. The train runs daily, weather permitting. Children age two and under are free with a paying adult.

Endangered Species Carousel

Our Endangered Species Carousel is one of the most beloved rides at the Zoo. Choose your favorite animal, take a spin and enjoy! Children age two and under are free with a paying adult. Children under 42″ tall must ride with an adult. All participating parties with a rider under 42" tall must have a paid ticket. Head to World Gate Train and Tram station to purchase or redeem your online ticket.

Animals Around the Globe

10 Best African Countries for Safari

Posted: December 19, 2023 | Last updated: December 19, 2023

#1 Botswana

Recommended Tours:

Thus, poachers are seen as enemies of the people. As a result, Botswana has come into view as Africa's most sought-after ecotourism destination. Starting from the Chobe National Park to the Moremi Nature Reserve, you'll be able to witness numerous gems all around the country.

Back in 2014, Botswana widely banned the hunting of wild animals and implemented strict laws which are still in practice. The country resumes its zero-tolerance for poaching and their very own environmental minister, Tshekedi Khama, has even launched a shoot-to-kill policy for poachers.

Botswana, with its wildlife conservation and natural parks, is a haven for nature lovers. It is currently in the top 5, as its approach to the protection and conservation of wildlife is worth the praise. As a country, it is very forward-thinking, some may even call it aggressively forward-thinking when it comes to its preservation and anti-poaching laws.

Its fertile land provides a safe and comforting home to around 200 mammal species. This includes elephants, hippos, monkeys and so much more. Along with 650 bird species and 5,500 plants. Even though the country is still underdeveloped and most of the population live in rural households, its national parks, and sight-seeing destinations are on the top 10 of our lists.

Even though many would face some difficulties in locating Malawi on a map, given how tiny it is, the country is home to the world-renowned Lake Malawi National Park. This is practically one-third of the country and is the most biodiverse lake in the world.

Most of the land in Namibia is occupied by the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. Along with that, the country also has 12 national parks and many other areas which are protected. So, if you go there for a safari, you'll have many rich areas to see and explore.

When it comes to countries with the least amount of population, Namibia is one of them. Which proves to be a good thing for nature. This is because most of the land in Namibia is still unspoiled by human filth or any sort of development, giving nature a chance to breathe.

In the country's Volcanoes National Park, you'll find 10 habituated gorilla families. Groups of 8 trekkers can visit them for one hour per day. But that's enough to get the best African safari experience. And as a nature lover, you'll enjoy the experience to the max.

If you've been around for some time, you'll be familiar with Rwanda's mountain gorillas. They were famously broadcasted and their fight for survival was shown on  National Geographic . This was all thanks to the late  Dian Fossey  back in the 1970s who advocated for the rights of these mountain gorillas throughout her life.

Considering the tragic history surrounding the mass genocide of the people of Rwanda back in 1994, it's truly a blessing what the country has achieved in the past 25 years. There have been countless investments in infrastructure. This has resulted in the country being a very fast-growing destination for ecotourism.

#6 South Africa

But given all the advantages, it's safe to conclude that South Africa also suffers from over-tourism. I mean, if you have so many great attractions, people will flock towards it. Chances are that you'll find yourself in the middle of dozens of unruly visitors who are not too keen on obeying the rules. This occurs mostly during the peak seasons.

Annually, the country has one million visitors. Its biggest attraction is the Kruger National Park with its enrichment in biodiversity. Visitors there also have the liberty to self-drive, thus, getting a first-person private but superb experience. 

For some time now, South Africa has been climbing the charts to become one of the most popular destinations for African safaris. Given its location, South Africa is a very convenient and cheap destination for people from the United States. Besides that, the country also boasts a well-developed infrastructure which makes it perfect for luxury travelers as well.

#7 Tanzania

One of the most popular locations would be the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The country is also a haven for 1100 different bird species. It's no wonder that Tanzania gets this much rep. Especially when the country boasts so many wonders.

We talked about Kenya being the top destination for Safari. Now Tanzania here takes second place in being the continent's most popular safari destination. And why shouldn't it? The country has 16 national parks and an extraordinary amount of wealth and wildlife wonders for the people to witness.

Some of its natural attractions include housing the highest mountain range in Africa. It also has the world's largest free-standing volcano and the second-largest freshwater lake. With its 30 national parks and other wildlife reserves, Uganda boasts many more sanctuaries which are worth the visit. Especially if you're a lover of nature and wildlife.

Often called "The Pearl of Africa", Uganda is certainly a great pick for an African safari. Its reputation as being one of the best ecotourism destinations comes from the country's natural attractions and wildlife.

Out of its 20 national parks, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to many wildlife animals such as African elephants, Angolan giraffes, Cape buffalo, etc. Other than that, there are many private ownerships of National parks, notably the Kasanka National Park which is near the basin of Lake Bangweulu. It's a safe place where visitors can see 400 different avian species.

Zambia may be a bit far down the list of popular destinations for your African safari, but many consider it to be a destination for diversified and immersive safari experiences, and making a notable feature on our 10 Best African Countries for Safari guide. The country is steadily focusing on conservation as their president has shown a keen interest and is working on building the nation's economy as well as the infrastructure.

More for You

Ketanji Brown Jackson's New Warning to Supreme Court

17 'Titanic' Characters With Their Real-Life Counterparts

Illinois woman hits Target with class action lawsuit for collecting biometric data without her consent

Here’s How Long You Should Walk Every Day to Keep Your Heart Healthy

50 of the most memorable TV lines ever written

Panned M. Night Shyamalan Sequel Becomes Netflix Hit Five Years Later

I Did a 25 Day Water Fast. I Lost 20lbs and My Skin Cleared Up

California officials sue Huntington Beach over voter ID law passed at polls

The girl who can’t smile: How a rare disorder became a young woman's ‘greatest gift’

I moved from California to Tennessee for my husband's job. We can finally save money, but it's been a major culture shock.

Kate Martin attends WNBA draft to support Caitlin Clark, gets drafted by Las Vegas in second round

'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' Trailer: Michael Keaton & Winona Ryder Meet Again, Jenna Ortega Joins Ghastly Family | THR News Video

I Lost 100lbs by Following 4 Rules

13 Polite Habits Flight Attendants Actually Dislike—and What to Do Instead

HGTV Fans Say 'Rock the Block' Is Getting "Hard to Watch" After the Bedroom Renovation

First major wildfire of 2024 raging near popular tourist destination

20 animated films that viewers found super scary

35 Things About "American Schools" That Are Completely Normal To Americans And Incredibly Weird To Non-Americans

Groundhog Day Was Painstakingly Planned, Except For One Improvised Scene

I Walked 20k Steps a Day for a Month. The Results Transformed Me

San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes okapi calf to the herd

The as-yet-unnamed calf will be able to be viewed by safari park visitors daily starting in april in the safari park's african woods area, by eric s. page • published april 8, 2024 • updated on april 9, 2024 at 4:25 pm.

The number of okapis at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park increased by one recently with the birth of a male calf of the unique species nicknamed the "forest giraffe," it was announced Monday.

The as-yet-unnamed calf, which was born on Feb. 18, will be able to be viewed by safari park visitors daily starting in April in the safari park's African Woods area.

The calf was the first born to Mahameli (“Meli,” mother) and Mpangi (Mm-pong-ee, father). Zookeepers say the young buck nurses several times a day and "likes to run circles around his mom and even playfully kick her once in a while," the safari park said in a news release sent out on Monday. "He also started taste-testing the [vegetation in his habitat], following Meli’s lead."

The safari park and zoo now share a total of eight okapi between them: There are four males (Nanoki, Mpangi, Upepo and the calf) and one female (Mahameli) up at the safari park, while the zoo has Zuri & Toby, both males, and a single female (Subira). 

Get San Diego local news, weather forecasts, sports and lifestyle stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC San Diego newsletters.

A reclusive species rarely seen in the wild, Okapi are native to central Africa and were discovered by Europeans in 1901. Although often confused with a zebra due to the black and white striped patterns on its front and hind legs, the okapi is actually the closest living relative to the giraffe.

Various causes, including habitat destructing and hunting, threaten the wild okapi in its native Central Africa, but, fortunately, "one-fifth of the okapi habitat within Africa’s Ituri Forest was designated as a wildlife reserve [in 1992,]" the news release also stated. "And since okapis are an 'umbrella species,' by aiding in their conservation, we also contribute to the protection of other wildlife that coexist in their African habitat."

This article tagged under:

Zoo African Safari

Top ways to experience 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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

ZOO AFRICAN SAFARI: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sat 09:30 - 19:30
• (6.53 km) La Cognee
• (15.09 km) Hotel Albert 1er
• (11.66 km) NH Toulouse Airport
• (15.48 km) Hôtel Héliot
• (13.05 km) Hôtel Mercure Toulouse Sud
• (1.18 km) Le Mont Fuji
• (1.16 km) Sadourny Café - Golf de Téoula
• (10.39 km) La Romanista
• (0.97 km) L'Atelier Club
• (1.37 km) Brasserie L'htag

THE 10 BEST Moscow Zoos & Aquariums

Zoos & aquariums in moscow.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• District Central (TsAO)
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District North-Eastern (SVAO)
• Garden Ring
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Moskvarium

2. Moscow Zoo

3. Oceanarium RIO

4. Crocus Oceanarium

6. The Tallest Cylindrical Aquarium in the World

7. Gorodskaya Ferma Na VDNKH

8. Husky Park Sokolniki

9. Exotarium

10. Sea Aquarium Oceanarium

11. Touching Zoo Bely Kenguru

12. Contact Zoo Baby Animals as Toys

13. Touching Zoo Lesnoye Posolstvo

14. Touching Zoo Rebyatam O Zveryatakh

15. Planeta Obez'yan

16. Tropicarium

17. Touching Zoo Bebeka

18. Alpaca Park

19. Butterflarium

20. Tropical Butterfly Garden

21. aquarium complex.

22. Touching Zoo Zveryushki Kak Igrushki

23. Touching Zoo A Pogladit Mozhno?

24. felinarium, 25. zveryushki touching zoo.

26. Touching Zoo

27. Trogai Glad Kormi

28. poglad yenota.

29. Lesnoye Posolstvo

30. strana yenotiya zoodom, what travelers are saying.

• Crocus Oceanarium
• The Tallest Cylindrical Aquarium in the World
• Oceanarium RIO
• Husky Park Sokolniki

Today's Paper | April 16, 2024

Lone zoo elephant still awaits reunion with sisters in karachi’s safari park.

KARACHI: Elephant Madhubala continues to live in solitary confinement at the Karachi zoo despite several official promises made over the last year for her reunion with her sisters housed at the Safari Park.

Sources said the poor elephant was left alone following the tragic death of her longtime partner, Noor Jehan, in April last year. Since then, they said, plans were announced several times for her relocation but none could be materialised, mainly due to lack of interest on part of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), which is running the facilities for captive animals in the city.

Information gathered from sources indicated that there was no possibility for the pachyderm finding immediate relief from her solitary confinement and getting united with her sisters as construction for expansion and improvement of the elephant area at the Safari Park had not begun yet.

Last year, the 18-year-old African elephant underwent treatment for life-threatening blood parasitic infections that had earlier affected Noor Jehan. Both elephants had undergone surgeries for their damaged and infected tusks in 2022.

Madhubala lives in solitary confinement in Karachi Zoo following death of longtime companion Noor Jehan in April 2023

Replying to concerns about Madhubala’s health, senior zoo official Abida Raees said that she was healthy and fit for relocation and that the zoo administration was in constant contact with experts representing the Four Paws (FP), an international non-profit organisation assisting the local authorities on elephant care for the past several years.

“FP experts completed Madhubala’s crate training in December last year and they would decide the time for her relocation. There is no delay on our part,” Ms Raees said, adding that the zoo staff was following experts’ instructions.

Relocation pending since 2021

It might be recalled that the relocation of a pair of zoo elephants to the Safari Park was first recommended in December 2021 by FP in its report submitted to the Sindh High Court. The court was approached by the Pakistan Animal Welfare Society (Paws) activists concerned over animals’ plight.

The experts made the recommendation on the ground that the Safari Park was closer to the species’ appropriate environment and housed two more elephants of the same family — Sonia and Malika. The four female elephants were captured from the wild in Tanzania and brought to Karachi in 2009. Two of them were housed in the zoo and the other two at the Safari Park.

Their reunion, experts believed, would have a great positive impact on their physical and psychological well-being.

Sources regretted that KMC running the facilities for captive animals in the city didn’t pay heed to the experts’ advice on elephants’ relocation. The suggestion, however, gathered steam last year when Noor Jehan, the other zoo elephant, met a painful death.

The 17-year-old ailing African elephant had initially undergone emergency treatment for health complications but later ‘fell’ in her pond. She passed away on April 22, 2023 leaving her longtime partner Madhubala, alone.

‘Efforts on for relocation’

Asked about the reasons for delay in Madhubala’s relocation to the Safari Park, Katharina Braun representing FP International’s department for public relations explained in an email that the plan was very much a priority of the organisation and its teams were working tirelessly at the moment to make it happen as soon as possible.

“However, many factors contribute to the actual relocation: All agreements and needed papers need to be ready and signed — some of which were only signed recently in 2024. The agreement with KMC was finalised in February 2024,” she stated.

Moreover, she pointed out, all required and recommended improvement of the keeping conditions at the Safari Park must be finished before Madhubala could be relocated.

“The recent elections in Pakistan also had to be considered, as we are always respecting locally relevant events that might impact our schedule and timings,” she said.

About the progress achieved so far, Ms Braun stated that Dr Amir Khalil and his team recently met engineers and architects in Karachi to finalise the design and structural drawings for the improvement of Safari Park.

“The plans include increasing the land for the elephants to 5.2 acres. There will be a bigger pool and mud bath and enrichment for all three elephants. There will also be an elephant-proof fence and safety measures will be taken to make sure both the Mahouts and elephants are protected and their contact will be protected as well,” she added.

Ms Braun hoped that construction on the project would start after Eid.

“The project is definitely not on hold – ever since the agreement with KMC was signed. However, preparations with metal work and other elements of the design for the construction and the actual construction work would take some time. Once construction begins, we estimate that it [the required improvements at the park] will take one to two months to complete.”

It might be mentioned here that FP is solely responsible for infrastructure development/upgradation of the elephant area at the Safari Park under its agreement with the KMC.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2024

Ailing Karachi Zoo elephant Noor Jehan passes away

Solitary confinement at Karachi zoo takes toll on elephant Madhubala

Pain, malnutrition, apathy make Karachi zoo animals’ life miserable

One Homes to launch second development at Cedar Hills: $35 million investment

سہیل احمد کے الزامات اور تنقید پر آفتاب اقبال کا ردعمل سامنے آگیا

مریم نواز 500 سے 800 روپے والا لان کا جوڑا پہنتی ہیں، عظمیٰ بخاری کا دعویٰ

پی ٹی آئی کی طرح بی جے پی بھی انتخابی مہم میں اے آئی استعمال کررہی ہے

“Iranian Leadership For Decades Has Called For Israel’s Destruction”

What Is The Link Between Israeli Attack And Hezbollah?

Why Has The West Termed Iran’s Attack As ‘Unprovoked’ And ‘Unprecedented’?

Iran-Israel War: How Does It Impact The Stock Market?

Does Iran Have A Right To Self Defence Against Israel?

Why Did Iran Attack Israel?

Explained: Is How Hong Kong’s Article 23 Suppressing Dissent?

Israel-Iran: What Might Be Next?

Dear visitor, the comments section is undergoing an overhaul and will return soon.

Latest Stories

Army brass vows to fail ‘malicious propaganda campaign’ aiming to demoralise military, drive wedge with nation

Heavy storms soak Gulf as Oman death toll rises to 18

Saudi FM says Pakistan visit to deliver ‘significant benefits’ in upcoming months

4 dead, 19 missing after boat capsizes in occupied Kashmir

IHC disposes of Bushra Bibi’s plea seeking transfer to Adiala jail

Pakistan to request for 3-year IMF programme, says finance minister

10 years on, do Sarwat Gilani and Fahad Mirza still get jealous?

Pakistanis can finally watch Saba Qamar and Naumaan Ijaaz’s Mrs & Mr Shameem

‘From Gaza With Love’: Jerusalem-born singer Saint Levant rouses Coachella

Most popular.

Man accused of killing Indian spy critically injured in Lahore gun attack

Up to Rs8.50 hike in fuel prices likely

Cartoon: 13 April, 2024

Govt asked to allow import of used cars, SUVs

Israel on alert as Iran warns against responding to attack amid global calls for restraint

UK court denies YouTuber’s request to stay defamation proceedings

US to ‘steer clear’ if Israel responds to Iran’s onslaught

New players eye Pakistan’s growing hybrid, electric vehicles market

New Zealand team arrives in Pakistan ahead of T20 series

Editorial: Pakistan’s desperation for a new IMF deal is reflective of the perilous state of its economy

Change his name if BJP wins

View from the margins: How a Mumbai realtor is helping NRC-scared Muslims in India rectify their documents

Editorial: Pakistan has once again been caught off-guard by devastating impact of intense rain

How has Pakistan’s media landscape changed?

Concessions, debt & reforms

Early exits

Finnish recipe

Governance & competent states

Tough talks

Caught unawares

Going off track, iran’s counterstrike, opposition alliance, on the margins, unexpected strawberry crop spins burkina faso’s ‘red gold’.