Safari Park entrance

SAFARI PARK

CONTACT:  
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance 
Public Relations 
619-685-3291
   
publicrelations@sdzwa.org   

 

 

SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK 
2023 FACT SHEET 

 

WHAT: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international nonprofit conservation organization that operates two world-class parks, the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and empowers people to connect with plants and animals, develop an appreciation for nature, and contribute to the safeguarding of wildlife everywhere by becoming Wildlife Allies. With a focus on global health and the interconnectedness of human, wildlife and habitat health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance aims to drive greater conservation outcomes, including improving biodiversity and developing strong ecosystems. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance collaborates, in partnership with hundreds of individuals and organizations in field projects worldwide, to innovate and implement full-spectrum conservation strategies. This synergy between work at home and in the field inspires and catalyzes conservation action on behalf of wildlife in unparalleled ways, and helps create a world where all life thrives. 

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, an 1,800-acre wildlife park, is home to more than 3,000 animals representing over 300 species. Located in Escondido, California, the Safari Park welcomes guests to see animals in herds of mixed species in expansive savanna habitats. The Safari Park is a vast accredited botanical garden featuring more than 1.3 million plants representing over 3,700 species. Guests are invited to take part in thrilling safari experiences and create lasting memories, while supporting San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts to save wildlife worldwide.   

LOCATION: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027  

NEWEST HABITAT: Walkabout Australia transports guests to the Land Down Under to discover Australia’s remarkable wildlife and come face to face with some of the most mysterious animals on Earth—including two platypuses. Located in the Nelson M. Millsberg Platypus Habitat, these platypuses are the only two in the world currently residing outside of Australia. In addition to witnessing these one-of-a-kind freshwater wonders, guests can explore Walkabout Australia’s grasslands with Western gray kangaroos, see tree kangaroos up close, and interact with Australian wildlife ambassadors. 

SAFARI EXPERIENCES*:
The Africa Tram is an exciting expedition that takes guests on a guided adventure 2.5 miles around one of the Safari Park’s expansive savanna habitats. This guided tour provides guests the opportunity to connect with towers of giraffes, crashes of rhinos and flocks of exotic birds on a closer level. The tram is an open-air, soft-wheeled vehicle inspired by the legendary safari trains of Africa. The Africa Tram is included in Safari Park admission.  

A Behind-the-Scenes Safari allows guests to venture deep into the Safari Park and get a closer look at their favorite wildlife, and meet the wildlife care specialists who care for them. During these small-group tours, a quiet electric safari cart takes guests to exclusive areas not accessible to the public, where a knowledgeable guide shares how we care for wildlife, design state-of-the-art habitats, and carry out conservation work in San Diego and around the globe. Behind-the-Scenes Safaris are subject to availability.  

A Wildlife Safari is a great way to see antelope, giraffes, rhinos and more from the comfort of a covered, open-air safari truck, and journey into our African savanna habitats with an expert guide. Get an up-close view of African wildlife, including some of our newest babies! Wildlife Safaris are subject to availability.  

A Cart Safari brings guests amazing views of wildlife—in our African savanna or Asian savanna habitats—from the comfort of our intimate safari carts. A knowledgeable guide will share information about our wildlife, and our conservation work locally and around the world. The relaxed pace allows for a more personalized look at the Safari Park, and includes stops to capture great photos. Cart Safaris are subject to availability.  

Flightline Safari, an exciting zip line adventure, allows guests to soar like a condor over the Safari Park. Riders enjoy instruction and a short fledgling flight before taking a safari vehicle to the top of a hill overlooking the San Pasqual Valley. From there, riders soar more than two-thirds of a mile over the Asian and African savanna habitats of exotic wildlife, including rhinos and antelope. Flightline Safaris are subject to availability.  

Enjoy unbelievable views shared only by the birds that soar over the Safari Park grounds! Modeled after the hot air balloon tours of the Serengeti, the Balloon Safari tethered helium balloon rises silently up to 400 feet. Adventurers spend 10 to 12 minutes in the sky over the Safari Park. The best time to fly is 9 a.m. to noon, and approximate hours of balloon operation are 9 a.m. to dusk.  

Roar & Snore Safari is an overnight tent-camping experience that overlooks the East Africa savanna habitat, the Safari Park’s largest, inhabited by giraffes, rhinos, antelope and more. Seasoned campers may enjoy a Classic or Vista tent, while those who prefer a more luxurious experience should check out our Premium Tents with queen-size beds and other amenities. Campers enjoy walking tours, meals and up-close wildlife encounters. In addition to All Ages Roar & Snore Safaris, Adults Only Roar & Snore Safaris are available for ages 21 and older. There are special themed nights for various holidays and events. The Supreme Roar & Snore includes upgraded adventure elements including a zip line flight, Night Vision Safari, VIP viewing of a wildlife ambassador and more. 

Sun Up Cheetah Safari gives visitors a chance to witness the fastest animals on land doing what they do best, all before the Safari Park opens. Safari guests take an early morning expedition with an experienced guide and enjoy the remarkable sights and sounds as a new day begins. The journey provides safari-goers with one of the only ways to see the Park’s bachelor gorillas. Once at our original Cheetah Run area, guests have a rare opportunity to see a wildlife ambassador cheetah run at top speed! Visitors then top off the experience with a morning tram ride. Sun Up Cheetah Safaris are subject to availability and participants must purchase their admission before arriving at the Safari Park.  

The Ultimate Safari is the key to off-view areas, wildlife interaction and the very best in personalized service. As a VIP, guests will receive a customized tour curated by the Safari Park’s team of professionals, and spend up to seven hours exploring with a private tour guide. Each Ultimate Safari is tailored to guests’ individual interests and includes a meal. Ultimate Safaris require advance reservations (minimum 72 hours) and are subject to availability.  *Wildlife experiences are subject to change, based on the animals’ health and safety needs. Admission is separate and required.  

YOUTH FAVORITES:  Young explorers will love the Park’s play areas, including the Conservation Carousel* and the Petting Kraal. Youngsters can climb and explore the safari-themed Mawazo Woods Discovery Area, splash around at the Savanna Cool Zone, or participate in interactive play at the Village Playground—designed to emulate an African village. They can also check out the Tiger Trail Play Area, which features a simulated logging camp with play elements such as a rope climb and a log-walk bridge. *Additional fees required for Conservation Carousel rides. 

HORTICULTURE HIGHLIGHT: Botanical enthusiasts can enjoy the Safari Park’s World Gardens,  with thousands of plants representing geographical areas from around the globe. Featured gardens include the Baja Garden and Old World Succulent Garden, Epiphyllum Trail, Bonsai Pavilion and California Nativescapes Garden. 

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES*: Spring Safari Featuring Butterfly Jungle  
March 18–May 14, 2023 

This spring, guests are invited to celebrate in full color, with an escape into nature. With the arrival of spring comes the emergence of butterflies. As part of Spring Safari, the Safari Park will feature an optional premium Butterfly Jungle Safari experience. In addition to extraordinary encounters with wildlife, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park will be filled with springtime treats and festivities around every corner.  

Kids Free 
Oct. 1–31, 2023 

Throughout the entire month of October, youths 11 and younger receive free admission. Kids Free is designed to give youths an opportunity to visit the Safari Park, and learn about the Earth’s wildlife—and the conservation efforts underway to save them.  

Autumn Festival 
Weekends in October 2023 

During Autumn Festival, Safari Park guests are invited to celebrate the fall season with live music, entertainment and fun educational experiences. At the Safari Park’s many restaurants, guests can enjoy delectable tastes of autumn.  

Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration 
Oct. 9, 2023 

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, part of the Kumeyaay Nation, is hosting the Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration at the Safari Park. This special event will include a blessing ceremony, an Indigenous artisan's exhibition, a guided hiking adventures, conservation science presentations and Kumeyaay storytelling, among other immersive cultural elements. 

Wild Holidays  
Select dates Nov. 24–Dec. 31, 2023 

Seasonal decorations, incredible light displays, holiday entertainment and a festive atmosphere will greet visitors at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, as the Park spreads its own version of holiday cheer.  *Certain dates not included, and times may vary. Please visit sdzsafariparki.org for full details.  

NOTABLE DINING: The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook is a full-service restaurant and bar. The restaurant is located above the Safari Park’s East Africa savanna habitat, where guests can watch rhinos, giraffes and other wildlife roam.  

HOURS*: Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours seasonally.  *Hours subject to change.  

ADMISSION*: 1-Day Pass Any Day (includes one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Africa Tram, and all regularly scheduled experiences) 

1-Day Pass Value Days (includes one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Africa Tram, and all regularly scheduled experiences) 

*Prices and ticket packages are subject to change and availability. 1-Day Pass Value Days tickets valid on any Value Day (see calendar) within one year from date of purchase. For pricing and more information, please visit our tickets webpage

MEMBERSHIP: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s large membership base is vital in helping the nonprofit organization make a difference for wildlife around the globe, and help build a world where all life can thrive. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance offers a variety of membership options and benefits based on a person’s level of choice, and ensures that everyone can become Wildlife Allies. 

EVENTS: The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offer beautiful outdoor and indoor spaces with sweeping vistas, and lush, wooded areas that provide exceptional settings for any event—from birthday parties and high school proms to weddings and anniversaries. By scheduling an event—large or small—at one of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s two conservation parks, guests are not only selecting a unique and memorable venue; at the same time, they are contributing directly to support conservation efforts protecting wildlife around the world. For more information, visit https://events.sandiegozoo.org.  

PARKING:  For pricing and information, visit https://sdzsafaripark.org/plan-your-visit

PHONE: 619-231-1515 

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BOILERPLATE: About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance 
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and working toward a world where all life thrives. The Alliance empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supports cutting-edge conservation and brings the stories of their work back to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park—giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The work of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance extends from San Diego to eco-regional conservation “hubs” across the globe, where their expertise and assets—including the renowned Wildlife Biodiversity Bank—are able to effectively align with hundreds of regional partners to improve outcomes for wildlife in more coordinated efforts. By leveraging these skills in wildlife care and conservation science, and through collaboration with hundreds of partners, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has reintroduced more than 44 endangered species to native habitats. Each year, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s work reaches over 1 billion people in 150 countries via news media, social media, their websites, educational resources and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming, which is in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. Success is made possible by the support of members, donors and guests to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, who are Wildlife Allies committed to ensuring all life thrives.  

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All visual assets provided by SDZWA are intended solely for use by journalistic news media agencies only. For commercial usage, please submit a request to SDZWA's Licensing Department.

Link includes:

  • Video depicting wildlife and the facilities of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Credit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance 
  • Photos of the wildlife at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (animals and plants). Credit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance