San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Experience an African safari in Southern California! Explore vast habitats with over 300 species of animals roaming freely.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience an African safari in Southern California! Explore vast habitats with over 300 species of animals roaming freely.
"The Safari Park is a refreshing extension of the San Diego Zoo experience, with a strong focus on African wildlife and open-range habitats."
🎯 Africa Tram First!
Ride the free Africa Tram early to avoid long lines. It's a great way to see many animals without much walking.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 1,800 acres. Prioritize comfort for a full day of exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Africa Tram Safari
African Outpost
A 25-minute narrated tram ride through expansive habitats, offering close-up views of giraffes, rhinos, and more.
Cheetah Run
Near the entrance
Witness the incredible speed of cheetahs as they sprint in a controlled environment. Check daily schedules.
Tiger Trail
Asian Savanna
Marvel at the majestic tigers in their spacious, naturalistic habitat. A truly awe-inspiring sight.
Flightline Safari
Various locations
An exhilarating zipline adventure offering a bird's-eye view of the park's animal enclosures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Plan for a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Africa Tram First!
Ride the free Africa Tram early to avoid long lines. It's a great way to see many animals without much walking.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 1,800 acres. Prioritize comfort for a full day of exploration.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring your own water bottles or purchase them. Refill stations are available. Essential for a sunny day.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your phone or camera! For the Flightline Safari, a $10 lanyard is required to secure your phone.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Africa Tram First!
Ride the free Africa Tram early to avoid long lines. It's a great way to see many animals without much walking.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 1,800 acres. Prioritize comfort for a full day of exploration.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring your own water bottles or purchase them. Refill stations are available. Essential for a sunny day.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your phone or camera! For the Flightline Safari, a $10 lanyard is required to secure your phone.
📅 Check Daily Schedules
Animal feeding times and special presentations like the Cheetah Run vary daily. Plan your day around these.
💰 Look for Discounts
Consider Costco, AAA, or Groupon for discounted tickets. Memberships can be cost-effective for frequent visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for its vast, beautifully maintained grounds and the immersive, naturalistic habitats that allow animals to roam freely. The Africa Tram Safari is a highlight, offering unique viewing opportunities. While the park is expansive and requires significant walking, most find it an unforgettable experience worth dedicating a full day to. Some visitors note that certain popular attractions, like the Cheetah Run, may not be daily events.
"San Diego Safari Park is an unforgettable experience and absolutely worth visiting! The park is massive, with incredibly spacious and beautifully maintained grounds — it’s truly impossible to see everything in just one day. Every part of the park feels open and natural, offering animals plenty of room to roam freely. One of the absolute highlights for me was the hot air balloon ride — soaring above the entire park and taking in breathtaking views was magical and gave a whole new perspective on the animals and layout. It’s not every day you get to float above giraffes and rhinos! The staff were friendly and informative, and the whole park is very clean and well-organized. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and plan ahead — there’s a lot of walking and so much to see. This place is perfect for families, couples, or even solo travelers. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the San Diego area. You’ll want to come back again and again!"
H K
"Delightful experience here with wife and family. We did some of the hands on experience which included close ups with the koala and also feeding another animal (zebra and also the one in our photo). While we are not zoologist, the animals did seem relatively comfortable and their enclosure decently large. We loved how clean the facilities were and readily available restrooms for those post meal needs.
Walking around the whole place def takes a few hours and we love the themed atmosphere as well. Would def recommend people come here and also to the zoo. Both are world leaders in zoo keeping and a great place to see animals you may not see elsewhere."
Andy
"Just as enjoyable as the main zoo if not even better! Do not miss the free Africa tram through the large safari area; expect a bit of a line. Easily an entire day (5+ hours) of exhibits to visit. You can even walk up close to kangaroos! So worth it; get a membership and see both the main zoo and this. both are unique experiences."
Eric T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in Escondido, about a 35-minute drive north of downtown San Diego. You can drive and park (parking fee applies) or use ride-sharing services. Public transportation options are limited but available.
No, parking is not free. There is a parking fee, which can be around $20. Arriving earlier in the day can mean a shorter walk from your car to the entrance.
No, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a separate location from the San Diego Zoo, situated in Escondido. They are about a 30-40 minute drive apart. +1
Operating hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official San Diego Zoo Safari Park website for the most up-to-date hours of operation for your planned visit date.
While possible, public transport can be time-consuming. Bus routes do serve the Escondido area, but it's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing for convenience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets online through the official website for the best experience. Discounted tickets may be available through third-party vendors like Costco or AAA.
Yes, general admission tickets grant access to the park. However, there are also special tours and experiences like the Flightline Safari or Wine Safari that require separate booking and additional fees. +2
Yes, the Africa Tram Safari is included with your general admission ticket. No reservation or extra ticket is needed, but it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes, discounts are often available through sources like Costco, AAA, or Groupon. Checking these options before your visit can lead to significant savings.
If you plan to visit both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park multiple times a year, a membership can be a great investment. It often provides unlimited access to both parks.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Highlights include giraffes, rhinos, elephants on the Africa Tram, majestic tigers, and various primates. The park boasts over 300 species, so there's always something new to discover. +2
Most visitors find it takes at least 5-6 hours to explore the park at a relaxed pace. If you have children or a larger group, plan for a full day to avoid rushing.
Absolutely! Options include the Flightline Safari (ziplining), the Cheetah Run (daily, check schedule), and unique experiences like the Roar & Snore sleepovers or specialized safaris like the Wine Safari. 
Yes, it's a fantastic family-friendly destination. The Africa Tram is great for kids, and there are many open spaces for them to explore.
The Zoo features more traditional enclosures and a wider variety of animals in a more compact space. The Safari Park emphasizes large, open habitats simulating natural environments, with a focus on African and Asian wildlife. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several dining options and snack stands throughout the park, offering a variety of choices to refuel during your visit.
Generally, outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted, but it's always a good idea to check the park's specific policy on their website before your visit.
You can find typical park fare like burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Some locations may offer more specialized options.
While specific menus can change, most parks offer some vegetarian options. It's advisable to check the park's dining guide or ask staff upon arrival for the most current offerings.
As with most attractions, food prices can be on the higher side. Packing some snacks or a picnic can help manage costs.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere with animals! The Africa Tram offers great panoramic shots. The Tiger Trail and elephant exhibits are also popular. Look for elevated viewpoints for unique perspectives. +1
Yes, you can bring professional camera equipment. However, be mindful of park rules regarding tripods or large lenses that might obstruct other visitors.
The open habitats can make it challenging, but patience is key. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide better lighting and more active animals. +1
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
Drones are typically not allowed within the park for the safety of the animals and visitors. Always check the park's official policy regarding aerial photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park's open spaces and diverse exhibits keep young minds engaged. Consider bringing snacks and drinks to manage energy levels, and plan for plenty of breaks. The Roar & Snore overnight program is also a unique family adventure if you're looking for an extended experience. 💰 Budget Travelers
couples
The park's expansive grounds provide plenty of opportunities for leisurely strolls and quiet moments observing wildlife. Consider visiting during the late afternoon for beautiful golden hour lighting, perfect for photos. day-trippers
+1 Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a full day of exploration, as it's difficult to see everything in just a few hours. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Navigating the park requires a good amount of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential. Key areas include the African Savanna, where you can see giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes from the Africa Tram, and the Asian Savanna, home to tigers and other Asian species. Don't miss the Cheetah Run for a thrilling display of speed, or the chance to get up close with kangaroos and wallabies. The park also offers various special tours and experiences, allowing for more immersive encounters with the animals, though these often come with an additional cost.
+2Visitors often highlight the spaciousness and naturalistic design of the enclosures as a major draw. The park's commitment to animal welfare is evident in the well-maintained grounds and the visible comfort of the animals. Whether you're a family with young children, a couple on a day trip, or a solo traveler, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers an unforgettable adventure that brings you closer to the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Unique Experiences and Tours
This free experience is a fantastic way to cover a lot of ground and spot wildlife without extensive walking. For the adventurous, the Flightline Safari offers an exhilarating zipline ride over the park, giving you a bird's-eye view of the animal enclosures. For those seeking more intimate encounters, consider specialized tours. The Cheetah Run is a daily event where you can witness these incredible animals reach top speeds – be sure to check the schedule as it can vary.
Other unique options include the Wine Safari or Craft Beer Tour, combining local beverages with wildlife viewing for an adult-focused experience. For an overnight adventure, the Roar & Snore program allows you to camp in the park and wake up to the sounds of the wild. Conservation and Animal Welfare
The park actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species and works to protect wildlife in their natural habitats around the globe. Recent updates include the arrival of new gorillas, Mizani, Mokonzi, and Njemba, who join the bachelor troop, and the introduction of silverback gorilla Paul Donn to guide the troop.
+1 These efforts highlight the park's dedication to ensuring the survival of these magnificent creatures and educating the public about the importance of conservation. Visitors can feel good knowing their admission contributes to these crucial efforts.
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