SAFARI PARK

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:    
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Public Relations
619-685-3291 

SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK
2022 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 3,600 animals representing over 300 species. Located in Escondido, California, the Safari Park welcomes more than 1.5 million guests each year 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 kangaroos and wallabies, see Australian waterfowl, view tree kangaroos and cassowaries up close, and interact with Australian animal 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, gazelles, 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 animals, 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 habitat or Asian savanna habitat—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 animals, including rhinos and antelope. Flightline Safaris are subject to availability.

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, a campfire program, meals and up-close wildlife encounters. Adults Only (for ages 21+) Roar & Snore Safaris are available from February through December, and All Ages Roar & Snore Safaris are available February through November. 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 cheetah running at top speed, and more.

Sun Up Cheetah Safari gives visitors a chance to witness the fastest animals on land and in air doing what they do best, all before the Safari Park opens. Safari guests take an early morning stroll with an experienced guide and enjoy the remarkable sights and sounds as a new day begins. An experienced guide will introduce wildlife as they journey to Shiley’s Cheetah Run. Once there, guests have a rare opportunity to see a wildlife ambassador cheetah run at top speed! 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 individual interests and includes a meal. Ultimate Safaris require advance reservations (minimum 72 hours) and 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. Prices vary depending on peak times and days. *Animal 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 Mawazo Jungle Gym, the Conservation Carousel* and the Petting Kraal. Savanna Cool Zone is a water play area, the Village Playground is an interactive play area designed as an African village and the Tiger Trail Play Area 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  HIGHLIGHTS:         
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:                     
Safari Park 50th Anniversary
May 10, 2022–Jan. 1, 2023
Did you know that 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park? During those five decades, the Safari Park has played a huge role in the conservation of species ranging from condors and hornbills to rhinos and elephants. Its 1,800 acres offer the perfect setting to connect with nature and wildlife—and to rediscover your sense of wonder. From world-class habitats like Tull Family Tiger Trail and Walkabout Australia to the Africa Tram that takes you right into expansive, multispecies savanna habitats, there is no other place like the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Come celebrate with us as we enter our second half-century, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Kenya Days
Aug. 12–14, 2022
During this unique three-day event, the public is invited to celebrate the people, wildlife and landscapes of Kenya. Guests will have the opportunity to take part in special tours that showcase the remarkable wildlife in our care, while discussing San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s many conservation initiatives in Kenya and highlighting the many partners who work to save wildlife and wild spaces.

Kids Free
Oct. 1–31, 2022
Throughout the entire month of October, children 11 and younger receive free admission. Kids Free is designed to give children an opportunity to visit the Safari Park, and learn about the Earth’s wildlife and the conservation efforts underway to save them.

Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration
Oct. 10, 2022
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 artisans exhibition, a 2.3-mile guided walk, conservation science presentations and Kumeyaay storytelling, among other immersive cultural elements.

Autumn Festival
Weekends in October 2022
During Autumn Festival, Safari Park guests are invited to celebrate the fall season with live country music entertainment and fun educational experiences with Safari Parker. At the Safari Park’s many restaurants, guests can enjoy delectable tastes of autumn.

Wild Holidays
Nov. 25, 2022–Jan. 1, 2023
Seasonal decorations 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 offering fusion cuisine. The restaurant is located above the Safari Park’s East Africa savanna habitat and allows guests to watch rhinos, giraffes and other wildlife roam.

The Sheared Sheep, located at Walkabout Australia, offers snacks inspired by the Land Down Under, as well as specialty cocktail drinks and craft beer. 

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, Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram and all regularly scheduled experiences)

1-Day Pass Value Days (includes one visit to the San Diego Zoo, Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram and all regularly scheduled experiences)

*Prices shown are for online ticket purchases made in advance. 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 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 individual and household membership options and benefits based on a person’s level of choice, and ensures that everyone can become wildlife allies.

PARKING:                          
Parking fee is $15 per vehicle; $20 for RV. Preferred parking is available on select weekends and holidays, weather and attendance permitting; it is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are no in and out privileges. The preferred parking fee is per vehicle, and is an additional $18 ($15 + $18 = $33 total to park in preferred parking).

PHONE:                               
760-747-8702

SOCIAL MEDIA:           
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Giphy
         
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 the 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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