San Diego Safari Park

Embark on a wild adventure at San Diego Safari Park, where exotic animals roam free and safari dreams come true. From heart-pounding ziplines to serene tram rides, this park offers an unforgettable escape into nature. 

Why Visit San Diego Safari Park?

The San Diego Safari Park should be at the very top of your travel itinerary when you're in Southern California. This is an 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary with an unforgettable, immersive experience where you get to be closer to nature when compared to most other zoos. You can experience Africa or Asia without ever leaving California as they freely roam in large open field enclosures which imitate their native habitat. A highlight of the park is the Africa Tram which is a guided safari trip through wide open savannahs with free roaming animals. Visitors can hand-feed a giraffe, learn animal care behind the scenes with animal keepers or go on a zip-line adventure! What makes the park so special is its dedication to wildlife conservation. The san Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance manages the park and participates in breeding, endangered species breeding, such as the Sumatran tiger and California condor, while also supporting conservation programs around the world.  The Safari Park offers a full day of life-changing experiences, whether you're a nature photographer, family with kids or just an animal lover!

What to Expect at San Diego Safari Park

1. Safari Adventures:

• Africa Tram Safari: A free, guided tour through the African Plains, where you can spot giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes.
• Behind-the-Scenes Safaris: Paid experiences like the Cart Safari or Roar & Snore Safari (overnight camping) offer closer encounters with animals.
• Flightline Safari: Soar above the park on a zipline for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife below.

1. Animal Encounters:

• Walkthrough exhibits like Tiger Trail, Walkabout Australia, and Gorilla Forest let you observe animals up close.
• Don’t miss the Cheetah Run, where you can witness the world’s fastest land animal in action.

1. Conservation Efforts:

• The park is a leader in wildlife conservation, with breeding programs for endangered species like the California Condor and African Elephants.

1. Family-Friendly Activities:

• Play areas, petting zoos, and interactive exhibits make it a hit with kids.

Tips for the Best Experience

1. Exclusive activities like the Caravan Safari or Flightline Zipline fill up fast. To secure your spot, it's best to book them online ahead of your visit.
2. Pack a camera and binoculars for clicking photos, especially close-up shots for personal enjoyment.
3. Arrive early to avoid the crowd and heat especially for popular spots like the Africa Tram.
4. Follow and stick to park loops to avoid backtracking.
5. Download the official app of the zoo for a GPS enabled map tracking the schedule of the park.

How to Get There

1. By Bus: Board the San Diego Metro Transit bus from Broadway & 5th Avenue to reach the Escondido Transit Center.
2. By Car: Drive north on I-15, take Exit 27 at Via Rancho Parkway, turn right, and follow the signs leading to the Safari Park.

What Every Traveler Should Know

1. Entrance fee: $72
2. Opening hours: 9am to 5pm
3. Average duration to explore: 4-6 hours.