SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK
SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK
2026 FACT SHEET
WHAT: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two leading wildlife parks: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance integrates wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions. With a focus on the interconnectedness of the health of wildlife, people, and the ecosystems we share, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance aims to drive conservation outcomes benefiting both people and the planet. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance partners with hundreds of communities and organizations worldwide to address conservation challenges using innovative strategies. The Alliance synergizes skills honed at the Zoo and Safari Park with experience in the field to inspire and catalyze conservation action on behalf of wildlife, working toward 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 293 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 arboretum and 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.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is proud to be an AZA-accredited institution, a prestigious designation awarded by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This accreditation recognizes the park's commitment to the highest standards of wildlife care, conservation, education, and research.
LOCATION: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027
NOTABLE HABITAT: The all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley is the largest and most transformative project in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s 109-year history. The habitat is meticulously designed to foster empathy, understanding and a lasting appreciation for elephants while igniting a desire to protect them and their native habitat. Opening on March 5, 2026, Elephant Valley includes Mkutano House, a two-story restaurant featuring three distinct dining destinations — Mkutano, Ona Lounge and Tu Grill — inspired by the rich and varied culinary traditions across Africa's many regions. Elephant Valley is included with Safari Park admission.
SAFARI EXPERIENCES*:
The Africa Tram is an exciting expedition that takes guests on a 2.5-mile guided adventure around the expansive habitats of The Savanna. The tram is an open-air, soft-wheeled vehicle inspired by the legendary safari trains of Africa. The Africa Tram is included with admission.
- The Botanical Tram is a gorgeous expedition offered every Saturday and Sunday at noon. This complimentary tour follows the same route as the Africa Tram and highlights the Safari Park’s contribution to plant conservation. The Botanical Tram is included with admission, but reservations are required; guests are welcome to pick up complimentary tickets from any ticketing booth at the Safari Park.
A Behind-the-Scenes Safari allows guests to venture deep into the Safari Park and get a closer look at their favorite wildlife. During these small-group tours, guests venture to exclusive areas not accessible to the public, where a knowledgeable guide shares how we care for wildlife and carry out conservation work in San Diego and around the globe.
- On a Wildlife Safari, guests will travel in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck with an expert guide as they venture into expansive habitats of The Savanna to get an up-close view of a variety of birds and mammals.
A Cart Safari brings guests amazing views of wildlife in The Savanna from the comfort of our intimate safari carts. A knowledgeable guide will share information about the wildlife and our conservation work locally and around the world. The relaxed pace allows for a more personalized look at the Safari Park.
- Enjoy unbelievable views shared only by the birds that soar over the Safari Park. Modeled after 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 camping experience that overlooks the largest habitat of The Savanna. Seasoned campers may enjoy a Classic or Vista tent, while those who prefer a more luxurious experience should check out our Premium tents. Campers enjoy walking tours, meals and up-close wildlife encounters.
Walk through the Safari Park to see a variety of wildlife with the Wildlife Trek. A knowledgeable guide will share insights into the lives of wildlife and the care they receive. Along the way, guests will learn about some of our conservation projects with our allies around the world.
On a Flightline Safari, travel on an open-air safari truck with an expert guide and venture through one of our sprawling savannas for views of giraffes, rhinos, and countless other species. Then, experience breathtaking views of the Safari Park and the surrounding San Pasqual Valley as you "fly" over wildlife across the expansive plains below!
- The Ultimate Safari is the key to off-view areas 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).
*Safari experiences are subject to change and availability. Admission is separate and required. See sdzsafaripark.org/safaris for more information.
YOUTH FAVORITES*: Young explorers will love the Safari Park’s play areas, including the Conservation Carousel. Youngsters can climb and explore the safari-themed Mawazo Woods Discovery Area (ages 5-12), splash around at the Savanna Cool Zone, or participate in interactive play at the Village Playground. They can also check out the Camp Play Area, which features a simulated logging camp with play elements such as a rope climb and a log walk bridge.
*Additional fee 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, Old World Succulent Garden, Epiphyllum Trail, and California Nativescapes Garden.
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES*:
Seniors Free
Feb. 1-28, 2026
During the month of February, guests ages 65 and older receive free admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Seniors Free gives seniors the opportunity to see conservation from a whole new perspective while journeying to different worlds at the Safari Park.Butterfly Jungle
March 21-April 12, 2026
In addition to extraordinary encounters with wildlife, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park comes alive each spring with Butterfly Jungle. Once a year, this aviary transforms into a world of color. As hundreds of butterflies fly around guests and explore the colorful foliage and flowers in their habitat, guests are able to capture amazing photos and experience wonder while discovering the important role butterflies play in nature.Kids Free
Oct. 1-31, 2026
Throughout the entire month of October, children ages 11 and younger receive free admission. Kids Free is designed to give young wildlife allies an opportunity to visit the Safari Park and learn about Earth’s wildlife and the conservation efforts underway to save them.Autumn Festival
Saturdays and Sundays in Oct. 2026
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.Wild Holidays
Select dates from Nov. 27, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027
Seasonal decorations, incredible light displays, holiday entertainment and a festive atmosphere will greet guests as the Safari Park spreads its own version of holiday cheer.
*Subject to change. Certain dates not included, and times may vary. Visit sdzsafaripark.org for full details.
Wildlife Awareness Days
Throughout year on select dates
On select dates throughout the year, the Safari Park invites guests to learn about different species and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s global conservation efforts to protect them. Species may include zebra, platypus, elephant, echidna and more.
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.
- Enjoy craft cocktails, delectable entrees at Oasis on the Rocks.
- Mombasa Cooker is the home of family favorites, including hand-dipped chicken tenders, burgers and more.
- Mawazo Terrace features classic favorites, Baja flavors and a stunning dining terrace.
- Okavango Outpost is the home of pizza and pasta, the perfect meal after your journey – especially when finished off with a towering waffle cone.
- Thorntree Terrace features American favorites in the heart of the Safari Park with sizzling cheesesteak sandwiches, burgers, and more.
HOURS*: Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with modified seasonal hours.
**Hours subject to change.
ADMISSION*:
1-Day Pass (includes one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Africa Tram and all regularly scheduled experiences)
2-Visit Pass (includes one visit to the San Diego Zoo and one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park or two visits to the San Diego Zoo or two visits to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Two total visits by the same person on any and all days.)
***Prices and ticket packages are subject to change and availability. For pricing and information, visit sdzsafaripark.org/tickets.
MEMBERSHIP: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s large membership base is vital in helping our nonprofit organization make a difference for wildlife around the globe and build a world where all life thrives. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance offers a variety of memberships with options and benefits based on the level of choice, ensuring everyone can become Wildlife Allies.
EVENTS: The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers 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, but also contributing directly to support conservation efforts protecting wildlife around the world. Learn more at events.sandiegozoo.org.
PARKING: For pricing and information, see sdzsafaripark.org/plan-your-visit.
PHONE: 619-231-1515
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter/X
YouTube
TikTok
Twitch
Pinterest
Giphy
CONTACT:
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Public Relations
619-685-3291
publicrelations@sdzwa.org
sdzwa.org
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships and groundbreaking efforts at the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, both leading zoological institutions and accredited botanical gardens. Through wildlife care expertise, cutting-edge science and continued collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. The Alliance reaches over 1 billion people annually through its two conservation parks and media channels in 170 countries, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television, available in children’s hospitals across 14 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.
###