San Diego Zoo Safari Park Guide: 2024 Hours, Tours, Tips - La Jolla Mom
Who's ready for a safari adventure? With 1800 acres of land, 300 species, and more than 3,600 animals, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of the best things to do in San Diego for all ages. We're proud members and have a lot of tips to offer for your next visit.
In addition to viewing an enormous variety of Asian, African, and other animals, visitors can participate in safaris ranging from trams to zip lines that bring them even closer to the animals.
It's also important to note that the park, as part of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to playing an instrumental role in helping to bring over 120 species back from the edge of extinction. Every dollar that you spend in the park goes toward operational costs and conservation efforts.
In this guide, I'll tell you everything you'll need to know about visiting this special place, including an overview of the animals, what to bring, how to buy tickets, and much more.
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A Short History
Formerly the San Diego Wild Animal Park (also commonly referred to as Escondido Wild Animal Park), the park was opened in 1972 as a breeding facility with species conservation in mind for animals at the San Diego Zoo.
While the zoo has used more natural forms of containment like moats and sloped landscapes since opening in 1916, the Safari Park provides an even more open habitat for the animals where they have the space to live freely.
Over time, the park has changed and grown. They now have an extensive selection of enclosed exhibits in addition to the original free-range enclosures. Unique guest experiences range from safely feeding and interacting with animals to ziplining above them.
When to Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego weather is fairly even all year round. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is more inland, so it tends to get hotter and colder than areas nearer the coast.
It's a good idea to come early in the day during the summer. Most of the shows are in the morning, and that's usually when the animals are most active. Temperatures can reach the high 80s (and, on some days, well into the 90s).
The cooler months are a great time to visit since there are fewer people and a greater chance of rain. Don't let the chance of rain discourage you. Elephants and rhinos, in particular, love to roll around in the mud, for example. You'll want to wear layers even on sunny days as it is cold in the mornings.
Many animals give birth in the spring, so this may be a good time to see some adorable babies.
While the park is open for every holiday, the best time to go is definitely during a non-holiday weekday. You'll see fewer people than you'd see on the weekends.
Planning Your Day
While you could probably see many of the exhibits (and maybe squeeze in a shorter safari) in half a day, I'd plan to spend a full day here if you want to get the most out of your experience. There's a lot to see and do.
Before you go:
- Take a look at the map with your group before you go to prioritize what you'd like to see.
- Download the San Diego Zoo Safari Park app to your device for restaurants, things to do, a day planner (add your must-see animals), and a GPS-enabled version of the park map.
- Reserve a safari (more details about each below).
- Take a look at special dining events (some provide entry to the park an hour before it opens).
- If you plan to eat at The Watering Hole, the park's full-service restaurant and bar, reserve your table – recommended, not required.
- Get excited by watching the animal cams.
- Avoid the lines by buying San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets and tours in advance. You'll proceed straight to the turnstiles.
- Import your tickets/memberships to your digital wallet for an even smoother entry.
It's best to start your visit at the top of the park and work your way down since it gets hotter as the day goes on. Most of the shade is in the areas closest to the entrance.
The most important thing to note, especially during the summer, is that the animals will be most active when it's not hot. Try to visit attractions earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, avoiding right at midday.
For example, I would head to Walkabout Australia — where you walk into the kangaroo enclosure, and nothing separates them from you (highly recommend) — at opening or around 4 p.m.
Also, keep in mind that while it's less hilly than the San Diego Zoo, you'll still be doing quite a bit of walking if you want to see the whole park. These are big animals in big exhibits, so it takes longer to walk from one to the next.
Complimentary carts pick up and drop off visitors at designated locations. The only other free transportation is the tram that travels around the African Plains. You may also rent strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters.
What to Pack
Make sure you come prepared with:
- Sunscreen (any time of the year)
- A hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Snacks (you may bring food into the park, but no coolers)
- Lightweight binoculars (nice to have for spotting animals in the larger exhibits if you are not booking a Caravan Safari)
- Layers of clothing, as the morning can be cool and the afternoon can be quite warm
- Swimsuits or change of clothes for kids who want to run through the splash pads at the Savanna Cool Zone (water is turned off during fall and winter)
- Quarters come in handy for duck food, locker rentals, and telescopes for viewing animals in the larger enclosures
There are water fountains throughout the park, and any of the restaurants will refill a reusable bottle with filtered water.
The Wildlife Safari (Top Pick)
While there are quite a few optional safaris to book that can upgrade your day, the Wildlife Safari is one of the most popular paid activities at the park.
It's the only standard safari where you get to visit multiple animal enclosures and interact with them up close. Unusual animals such as Cape buffalo, wildebeest, and East African crowned cranes can be seen in detail without the aid of binoculars.
You'll take a safari truck through one or more of the savanna habitats to see Asian and African animals. The best part: you'll have the chance to feed the giraffes and rhinos (if they are willing)!
There are five versions of the safari to choose from. The Wildlife Safari is for visitors ages 3 and up. The Deluxe Wildlife Safari, the Moonlight Wildlife Safari, and the Wildlife Safari: Southwest to Savanna are for guests ages 6 and up. Children 15 and younger must be accompanied by paid adults, with a maximum of 3 kids under 15 per paid adult. The Wine Wildlife Safari is for visitors ages 21 and up.
Note: Outside food, beverages, and selfie sticks are not allowed on any of the wildlife safaris. Touching and feeding the animals is no longer an option.
Wildlife Safari Adventure
This is the most basic version of the safari, but still very fun and highly recommended. You'll be accompanied by an expert guide who will answer all your questions. Ages 3 and up. Time: 1 hour.
moonlight Wildlife Safari
This safari takes place at sunset, so you can take advantage of the cooler temperatures and see more animal activity as night falls.
It includes an expert guide on an open-air truck, where you'll peer at wildlife in the dark using expert night vision devices. Expect to spot giraffes, gazelles, and rhinos as they go about their nightly lives. Ages 6 and up. Time: 1 hour.
Deluxe Wildlife Safari
If you want to spend the most time possible among the animals, go with this version. You'll get close-up views of rhinos, giraffes, and other animals in the Africa and/or Asia regions.
This is a great choice for amateur animal photographers. Plus, you'll learn how work at the Safari Park helps conserve wildlife worldwide. Ages 6 and up. Time: 90 minutes.
Wildlife Safari: Southwest to Savanna
This safari goes deep into the park and focuses on wildlife and their ecosystems from the American Southwest and the African Savanna.
It includes time in the park's 900-acre Biodiversity Reserve. You'll learn about coastal and savanna conservation efforts. The tour ends in the African savanna habitat. Ages 6 and up. Time: 2 hours
Wine Wildlife Safari / sips on the savanna
This adult-only safari is available only on most Saturdays and Sundays through September 2024. It starts with a meet-and-greet over wine served in souvenir aluminum glasses.
You'll take a safari truck into the African savanna for up-close views of the animals, followed by a stop where you'll enjoy more wine, savory snacks, and epic views of the African wildlife. Ages 21 and up. Time: 2 hours.
Behind-The-Scenes Safaris
There are eight versions of this safari. As the name suggests, these safaris give you an insider's look into the animal exhibit of your choice, including elephants, kangaroos, rhinos, tigers, lions, and platypuses.
You'll explore keeper-only areas to learn more about the animals and what it's like to care for them. All behind-the-scenes safaris are subject to availability. All Behind The Scenes safaris are for ages 3 and up.
discover Africa
This safari is a one and a half hour experience where visitors trek with a guide through the African Forest exhibit to learn about African's most iconic animals.
Also, find out how experts care for these animals and how the work at the Safari Park supports the African Forest. Plan for walking over uneven terrain. Ages 3 and up. Time: 90 minutes.
Walkabout Australia
This behind-the-scenes safari is a walking tour viewing Australian wildlife with an expert guide. You'll see various fascinating birds and a range of lovable marsupials.
Your guide will share interesting stories and what it takes to care for the wildlife here. Ages 3 and up. Time: 90 minutes.
Wildlife in Action
This safari takes you to various points across the park by cart and on foot to explore a global cross-section of wildlife. A primary focus is how domestic dogs are used to help save animals in the wild. Ages 3 and up. Time: 90 minutes.
Saving Giants
Saving Giants explores the inner workings of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Elephant Valley. You'll travel by Safari Cart and by foot with an expert guide who will explain how the Safari Park's Wildlife Alliance helps save rhinos and elephants worldwide.
Plan for walking over uneven terrain. Ages 3 and up. Time: 90 minutes.
Deluxe Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Mission Wildlife Rescue
This safari takes you into Frozen Zoo (a rare opportunity), Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center, and Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center.
You'll see first-hand what's being done to bring animals back from extinction in the Frozen Zoo. You'll also learn what's being done to save the northern white rhino. Ages 8 and up. Time: 2 hours.
If you have kids interested in veterinary science, book this.
Other San Diego Zoo Safari Park Safaris
If you're looking for something a little different from the Wildlife Safari, there are still plenty of other worthwhile options. The safaris, minus the Africa Tram, do cost extra in addition to your entrance ticket, but they're a fantastic opportunity to experience the park in a way you wouldn't otherwise.
It's a good idea to book in advance since they all fill up quickly, and tickets can be cheaper online than at the park.
Africa Tram (Free)
The Africa Tram is the only safari included with your entrance ticket. If you are not booking a Wildlife Safari, plan time for Africa Tram. Departing from the African Outpost, the tram travels 2.5 miles around African Plains and gives you a look at the animals that reside in the field enclosures, such as white rhinoceroses, giraffes, Cape buffalo, Roosevelt's gazelles, African crowned cranes, and more.
You can ride the tram as many times as you'd like. The first tram leaves from African Outpost at 9:15 a.m. This first-come, first-served free experience doesn't require reservations.
The lines can get very long on busy days, with the highest demand being 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Time: 25 minutes; open to all ages.
Balloon Safari
This safari gives you a bird' s-eye view of the park and surrounding countryside of Escondido. Hop into a tethered helium balloon that takes you 400 feet in the air and captures some unbelievable views.
Prices vary, and reservations aren't available online, so ask when you arrive at the park. The best time to ride for views is between 9 a.m. and noon. Time: 10-12 minutes; open to all ages.
Cart Safari
There are three Cart Safari options: Cart Safari Africa takes you through the African savanna habitat. Cart Safari Asia explores the Asian savanna. And Deluxe Cart Safari lets you experience both.
Besides saving you time walking among the exhibits, this is a more personalized experience — it's up to you what you want to learn as you're led by a tour guide who is there to answer every question you could have.
There are plenty of stops for photos, too. This is an excellent safari for anyone with very young children or even babies, as children younger than 2 are allowed to join as long as they remain on their parents' laps.
Time: 90 minutes for the Deluxe Cart Safari and 1 hour for each of the other two.
Sun Up Cheetah Safari
The Sun Up Cheetah Safari begins at 8:30 a.m. before the Safari Park even opens. You'll climb aboard a Caravan truck and head out to the original Cheetah Run location, where you'll see the fastest land animal on earth in action.
After the Cheetah Run, it's back on the Caravan truck to follow the same path as the African Tram, but with an expert giving you behind-the-scenes information. All ages. Time: 1 hour, including the Cheetah Run.
This safari is only available before the park opens on Saturdays and select holidays. Have Safari Park tickets in hand before the safari since the ticket booths will be closed when you arrive.
Flightline Safari
If you couldn't tell from the name, the 2/3-mile-long Flightline Safari is an excellent choice for any thrill-seekers. You can fly over the park via a secure zip line that will give you a fantastic view of the park from up to 130 feet in the air.
You'll fly like a condor over rare and endangered species, including the Arabian oryx, greater one-horned rhino, Pere' David's deer, and Przewalski's wild horse.
If you're inexperienced, don't worry. The able staff will not only give you a thorough orientation before your ride, but you'll also have the chance to do a practice run on a mini-zipline first to get your bearings. You can even record your journey with a camera on your helmet for an extra fee.
Make sure to wear closed-toed shoes and refrain from any alcohol before this safari, or else you won't be allowed to join.
The Flightline Safari is only open to ages 8 and up, and there's a maximum of 3 children between the ages of 8–15 for every paid adult. All guests must be 48″ and over. The minimum weight is 60 pounds, so ensure your child meets that in addition to the age requirements. You will also be required to sign a liability waiver. Children ages 16–17 can ride the zipline on their own if they have a legal adult over the age of 18 sign the liability waiver for them at check-in. Time: 1 Hour, including training.
The Deluxe version of this safari includes a tour of the savanna habitats by Safari truck before taking the same thrilling zipline safari. Ages 8 and over. Time: 90 minutes.
Roar and Snore Safari
This safari gives you the unique opportunity to sleep over inside the park! There are four different options, and the activities will depend on which one you choose.
However, they all include after-hours access to the animals in the park, guided tours, dinner/breakfast/snacks, and of course, a campfire, not to mention a unique wake-up roar from the lions.
All-Ages Roar and Snore
This is the best choice for families, especially those with young children. You'll ride around the park on the Africa Tram and personalize your experience with one of several guided walks.
Adults-Only Roar and Snore
For ages 21 and up, this safari includes hikes that might be a little much for young ones, along with some topics suitable for older age groups. You'll also get more personal encounters with the animal ambassadors.
Girl Scouts Roar and Snore
For ages 5 and up, this Safari focuses on educating your troop about the park's animals through guided walks, activities, and crafts, in addition to the standard Roar and Snore Amenities.
School & Youth Nights Roar and Snore
This safari for children is a field trip kids won't soon forget. Your class will get a hands-on lesson about animals and current preservation efforts in the wild. It's an excellent way for children to have a ton of fun while continuing to learn outside the classroom. Grades 3 through 12.
Supreme Roar and Snore
Upgrade your overnight adventure with this option. Your adventure begins with a Flightline Safari over the savanna habitats, followed by a Night Vision Safari, where you'll observe wildlife through night vision binoculars. Morning brings breakfast and a VIP wildlife ambassador encounter.
Your adventure ends with a Wildlife Safari into the savanna in the back of a Safari truck. This activity is available for All Ages and Adults Only. Roar and Snores.
The VIP Experience: Ultimate Safari
As the name indicates, this is by far the most inclusive and full-access safari. It's super personalized. You can craft your own experience depending on what you want to do at the park.
Want personalized service at its best with your own tour guide? Wish you had even more behind-the-scenes access to the animal exhibits? This is the safari for you.
You can choose between a 5-hour or 7-hour experience tailored to you. Both versions include a sit-down lunch. At the time of this writing, the cost is $710 per person.
Age minimums will depend on which activities you decide to include in your experience. Minimum 72-hour advanced reservations are required. Ultimate Safaris are subject to availability.
Top Animal Interactions
Aside from the upgraded safari experiences, you can interact with animals at these popular exhibits. You can visit daily shows to see them in action, but there are also plenty of chances to interact with the animals too.
Walkabout Australia
Animal encounter: Wallabies and kangaroos
Walkabout Australia is one of the most up-close-and-personal exhibits. You can walk along a path without barriers between you and the wallabies and kangaroos sprinting around.
The kangaroos are let out into the enclosure shortly after the park opens, and they are full of energy. Plan to be in their enclosure during this time.
You'll also see the platypus exhibit here. Yes, San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the only facility with platypuses outside of Australia! Since they are nocturnal, the exhibit is dark, but you can see them splashing around (forget about taking photos unless one climbs out of the water and stays put).
Other exhibits here include cassowaries and a lovely bonsai garden.
Butterfly Jungle (Seasonal)
Animal encounter: Butterflies
Multiple species of butterflies are highlighted during the seasonal Butterfly Jungle event each spring (March–May). Guests can walk through the blooming aviary (home also to birds, lush greenery, and flowers), and, as you can see, the butterflies land on you.
Petting Kraal (Temporarily closed)
Animal encounter: Goats
This is the only exhibit where you can actively go up to the animals to pet and groom them. The Petting Kraal, filled with adorable goats, is an excellent stop for young children or anyone who wants unlimited animal time.
Just make sure not to bring in your maps or papers. The cheeky goats are known for tricking visitors into letting their guards down and then making a quick snack out of their belongings.
Located in Nairobi Village, the Petting Kraal opens at 10:00 a.m.
Nairobi Station
Animal encounter: Various small animals
At various times of the day, you can stop by Nairobi Station in Nairobi Village (near the Petting Kraal) to see if there is a keeper with a small animal for you to interact with and learn about.
Lagoon Loop
Animal encounter: Ducks
Be prepared for the kids to ask for a lot of duck food here. The ducks seem to never lose their appetites.
Shows
Animal presentations
This a great activity for anyone who wants to learn as much as possible about the many different kinds of animals that reside in the park. You'll have the chance to see and learn about animals from the popular exhibits, like cheetahs and alligators, and lesser-known species like the serval. Keepers are there to answer any questions you might have and give you fun facts about these fascinating "animal ambassadors."
Times: Upon arrival at the Zoo Safari Park, check the day's scheduled shows. Presenting events are currently taking place at Africa Rocks, the Rady Ambassador Presentation Area, and the Wegeforth Bowl Amphitheater.
Can't-Miss Animal Exhibits
What makes this park so unique is, first and foremost, its massive collection of exotic animals. From perennial favorites like elephants to species you haven't even heard of before, there are what seem like endless exhibits to visit.
Gorillas
You have to see these big, friendly giants. Their habitat includes both an open area and some caves where they can seek relief from the heat, so they might be a little hard to spot at first. If you're quiet enough, they'll come out so you can see them. If you're lucky, you may see keepers drop a giant bag of food down into their area by the keepers.
You can also visit the Gorilla activity center next door, where you can learn more about this popular and endangered animal.
Elephants
What zoo would be complete without elephants? This is a particularly special exhibit, too; it's home to a baby elephant, Zuli, who was born on International Elephant Day.
The Safari Park has an impressive six acres of habitat for these magnificent animals to live and roam. Watch as the eight elephants take a dip or play in the mud. You can also check out the action from above on the Elephant Viewing Patio.
If you want to see something cool, check in with the staff when you arrive to find out what time feeding is planned for. With the elephants in one yard, the keepers put their meal in another and open the gates. The result is that you can watch all of the elephants make a run for their lunch.
Tigers
It's incredibly rare to see a Sumatran tiger out in the wild, especially now with the rise in poaching that has put them on the endangered species list.
Like most animals, it's best to see them early in the morning or later in the evening so that they'll be more active. However, if you walk down the stairs to a little dip right next to the exhibit, you'll sometimes see one of the tigers up close, who likes to hang out there for most of the day.
The exhibit also has a small playground for kids and a simple cafe.
See also: Meet the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Sumatran Tigers
Platypuses
Only at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park can you see platypuses in action outside of Australia. A male named Birrarungand and a female named Eve live in a state-of-the-art facility that allows them to be active during the day for prime viewing, even though they are nocturnal animals.
This means that the exhibit is a bit dark, but you can catch glimpses of them scurrying around. They're here as ambassadors for freshwater habitats that are being affected by pollution and climate change.
Docents are often on hand to explain how unique these egg-laying mammals are. You can also watch a live stream of the platypus on the Safari Park's Platypus Cam.
Other Fun Activities for Kids
Most of the more kid-friendly exhibits are located in Nairobi Village but look out for the below.
Conservation Carousel
The Conservation Carousel, just inside the park's entrance, lets you choose from 60 endangered species to "ride." It's a lot of fun and always a big hit with young kids. For $6, you get unlimited rides from 10 a.m. to closing.
Play Areas
There are play areas all over the park with different jungle themes. They're a good place to take a break while younger visitors burn off some extra energy.
There are also splash pads throughout the park that operate in the spring and summer, so it's a good idea to bring swimsuits or a change of clothes for the kids.
Animal Cams
Didn't get to see one of the exhibits you were excited about, or didn't get enough? Check out one of the park's many online animal cameras.
You can watch popular exhibits like the condors, elephants, tigers, and now giraffes by visiting the parks live cameras.
Robert the Zebra
Robert the Zebra is a funny cartoon virtual reality zebra that you can interact with in Nairobi Village. A real human powers Robert, so rest assured that your conversation is real (and often witty). So, if he's live, do stop by and ask him whatever you want. I really love this.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Dining
There are plenty of places to eat in the park. They are small casual restaurants or kiosks, but some have covered seating.
Some of them have gluten-free or vegetarian options, and pretty much all locations offer different kinds of beer, wine, and other drinks. (It is not uncommon to see guests walking around the park with a local craft beer or margarita in hand.)
For something substantial:
- The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook (top pick) offers fantastic views of the animals wandering the African Plains, along with sandwiches, salads, and a full bar. It's technically open-air since there are no walls, just the overhead cover. Make reservations.
- Okavango Outpost is also located in the African Plains but has a more extensive menu, including new additions (like artisan salads and grilled paninis) to some of the basic favorites (like the chicken strips). There's both indoor and outdoor seating.
- The Sheared Sheep is located in Walkabout Australia. It's best for simple wraps and sandwiches, but you can grab a signature grilled sausage if that's what you're craving. There's plenty of indoor seating, and it can fit a good amount of people.
- Mombasa Cooker, in Nairobi Village, offers everything from pasta and burgers to its signature hand-battered chicken tenders and entree salads. It also offers vegetarian, gluten-free, and kids' meals. It's a good stop for groups and families with young children. There is overhead cover and a soothing nearby waterfall.
- Mawazo Kitchen in the African Woods serves fast and fresh Mexican options like Baja-inspired tacos and asadas, along with burgers, kid's meals, and gluten-free/vegetarian options. It has covered outdoor seating and is located near Mawazo Jungle Gym.
- Thorntree Terrace is located in the Safari Base Camp and is the only restaurant that offers breakfast foods in addition to an Asian-inspired daytime menu. Covered outdoor seating.
- Barking Deer Beer and Pizza is located in the Safari Base Camp and offers Neapolitan-style hand-tossed pizzas cooked in a brick oven. You'll also find specialty sandwiches and salads, plus craft/draft beers.
For small bites and snacks on the go:
- If you're getting to the park early in the morning, you can get a much-needed caffeine boost with a specialty coffee at the Safari Coffee Outpost (which will be one of the only food outlets open early). Don't forget to grab some warm mini-donuts.
- The Oasis Deli offers a good selection of soups, sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks, not to mention freshly made fudge.
- Get your sugar fix by grabbing some soft-serve at Kibo Cones and Snacks or a DIY slushie at Lion Camp Slush and Snacks. They have churros, too.
- Bamburi Boat Bar is a fun...
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