The sun is shining warmly on your face, birds are chirping, and the calls of wildlife echo in the distance. It’s a brand-new day and you’re ready for an adventure like no other. Ahead of you stands the recently opened Safari Excursions, a welcoming lodge nestled within lush foliage, just waiting to transport you to worlds you’ve only dreamed of visiting. At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, your adventure begins before you even step foot on a safari truck.

From the moment you approach, Safari Excursions engages your imagination. It’s not just a check-in spot and a place to gather for your safari—it’s a hub of connection and community. You'll make your way down the grand pathway, past the national park-inspired welcome sign and regal giraffe sculptures, until you’re greeted by a Safari Park team member at the registration stand. The lodge ahead gleams with character, its exposed wood beams reminiscent of a classic Kenyan safari camp. Inside, relax before your excursion with plenty of comfortable couches, cozy chairs, and even wooden stools with distinctive tusk marks left by the Safari Park’s African elephant herd. The atmosphere feels alive, inviting you to share stories or simply soak in the excitement as your adventure draws closer. 

Take a moment to look around the lodge as you unwind. The thoughtful design doesn’t stop at comfort—it’s steeped in purpose. The design and décor tell the story of the Safari Park since its founding in 1972, with our commitment to a world where all life thrives woven into every detail. In the entryway, a map introduces you to our eight Conservation Hubs. Travel posters line the walls, each one representing destinations and species from these Conservation Hubs that you can connect with at the Safari Park. Vibrant imagery of platypuses, Sumatran tigers, and African elephants transports you to riverscapes, forests, and savannas, reminding you how interconnected we all are with the natural world. 

Above each of the posters, you may notice archways with unique patterns. These patterns are actually images of complete chromosome sets, known as karyotypes, of living cell lines preserved in our Wildlife Biodiversity Bank’s Frozen Zoo®. This collection of living materials is crucial for advancements in wildlife health, care, conservation, and so much more. The artwork celebrates the cutting-edge conservation breakthroughs the Frozen Zoo has made possible and the limitless potential it has for the future. The Conservation Hub map is accented by a platypus karyotype arch; a macaw variant is above the Australian Forest and Amazonia posters; and over the Southwest and Asia posters is the karyotype of a Sumatran tiger. 

Two of the chromosomal karyotypes aren’t quite like the others. Over the African Forest and Savanna poster you’ll find the depiction of one incredible African elephant—Swazi, the matriarch of the Safari Park’s elephant herd. Elephants rely on strong, dynamic yet ever-changing relationships for survival. Swazi, despite her smaller size, is a dominant force whose leadership helps her entire herd thrive. As you get ready to board, don’t miss the special archway leading to the loading area. Here, you’ll find the only karyotype represented that is not from an animal. It honors the remarkable legacy of Dr. Kurt Benirschke, the visionary founder of the Frozen Zoo, who laid the groundwork for saving and protecting wildlife for generations to come. Dr. Benirschke’s lasting impact reminds us that what we do matters—and when we set out to experience the world and connect with wildlife, we can all make a difference. 

Creating Safari Excursions went beyond the thoughtful décor. We also want all guests, however they best navigate the world, to move and interact with ease. Universal accessibility and inclusion were a guiding principle in its design, and the space is fully ADA compliant, ensuring every guest can explore comfortably—and fully focus on the joys of the experience.  

And what experiences lie ahead! There are endless expeditions to embark on from Safari Excursions. Get an up-close view of wildlife across sprawling savannas from an open-air safari truck on a variety of Wildlife Safaris; discover more about your favorite wildlife from the experts who care for them during our Behind-the-Scenes Safaris; and enjoy the comforts of our Cart Safaris as you travel around the world without ever leaving the Safari Park. 

At Safari Excursions, every moment is designed to engage you with the incredible tapestry of life on Earth—a connection that’s vital for inspiring action to protect and preserve our planet’s future. These experiences are more than safaris; they’re opportunities to build lifelong memories and a deeper love for wildlife. We can’t wait for you to embark on adventures that fill you with curiosity, inspiration, and hope for the future. One question remains: where do you want to go? Join us, we’ll take you there.

As an ally for wildlife, you’re helping create a world where all life thrives. Dive into our eight Conservation Hubs to learn more about our conservation efforts across the globe.