A day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park lets you see some of the world’s most magnificent—and endangered—animals at close range and in expansive naturalized enclosures. The sister property of the San Diego Zoo first opened in 1972 and covers 1,800 acres in Escondido, 35 miles from the original zoo.
What to See at Safari Park
The Safari Park is divided into 12 areas, including the African Plains, Asian Savanna, and Lion Camp. The whole park is walkable, and offers unique detours such as the Kangaroo Walk, where the roos hop freely through the Walkabout Australia area, or the amazing Tiger Trail, which lets you get remarkable underwater views of swimming Sumatran tigers, plus up-close vantage points from forested pathways and glass viewing walls.
You don’t always have to walk, either: You can take the Africa Tram through the savannah-style habitats within the park; the first-come, first-served ride lasts about 25 minutes.
Check the website for dining options and other zoo activities such as the daily wildlife presentations in Benbough Amphitheater, free botanical garden tours during weekends, or the kid-friendly play areas and Conservation Carousel. Come during spring for the Butterfly Jungle event, when you can stand amidst 10,000 butterflies flitting and floating inside a tropical greenhouse. The season also brings blooming gardens, baby animal sightings, and milder weather—perfect for exploring the park’s expansive savanna habitats.
Special Safari Park Experiences
To get an even closer view of the park's animals, book a one- to two-hour guided safari excursion, an admission add-on where you ride in a safari vehicle, with stops for photos, while an expert guide narrates your trip. Choose from options such as the Cart Safari, the Wildlife Safari (riding in a covered safari truck), and even the Craft Beer Safari, which starts with a selection of local brews.
To see it all from a different perspective, take the tethered, 10- to 12-minute Balloon Safari that goes up to 400 feet in the air, offering big views of the park and surrounding region.
Stay Overnight at the Safari Park
For a truly immersive experience, book a Roar & Snore Safari that lets you spend the night in large tents (some with beds and electricity) at a campground inside the zoo that overlooks the African Plains exhibit. Offered in both all-ages and adults-only options, the overnight stay includes an after-hours look at resident animals, a campfire program, and dinner.
And when you wake up in the early morning? Enjoy an open-air breakfast with views of grazing animals to photograph and observe, long before the park’s doors are open to visitors.
Plan Your Trip
The park’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year. Download the San Diego Zoo app to plan your trip and to better enjoy it once you’re there.
The Safari Park is just one don’t-miss experience in San Diego County. Consider seeing the giant pandas at the original San Diego Zoo then keep exploring more family-friendly vacation ideas around San Diego. Check out tips on local horseback riding, whale watching, and tide pools.