When you think about Africa’s vast savannas, what comes to mind? Perhaps rolling grasslands scattered with shrubs and trees, teeming with giraffes, rhinos, and antelope. Maybe you think of watering holes where lions and Cape buffalo drink from the edges, or the pastoralist communities that live alongside these remarkable species.
You might also imagine the world’s largest land animal: African elephants. They’re a keystone species throughout the savanna, shaping their environment through their movements, diet, and behaviors.
These dynamic ecosystems and their rich biodiversity inspired the most transformative project in our organization’s century-long history. Soon, you’ll be able to step into the heart of the savanna right here at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Opening in early 2026, Denny Sanford Elephant Valley will connect you to elephants and their iconic landscapes like never before.
Mark your calendars for Elephant Valley's opening in early 2026.
Walk Among Giants
In this unique place, you’ll walk with elephants on common ground. Every detail has been crafted to create an immersive journey that celebrates elephants as ecosystem engineers and architects of a rich social structure. As you wander the pathways, you’ll understand what it truly feels like to move with the herd as their graceful footsteps and gentle presence accompany you along the way.
You’ll observe that, like most ecosystems, the savanna changes with the seasons. Every element of Elephant Valley reflects the year-round variations of the sights, sounds, and smells of these grasslands. The elephants will follow their natural curiosity to engage with the intriguing world around them as they forage for food, navigate to find new resources such as water, and interact with one other.
Our horticulture teams curated and cultivated over 350 individual plants for Elephant Valley, including vulnerable kokerboom trees that have been growing at the Safari Park since it opened half a century ago.
Look carefully and you’ll also notice stunning arrays of plant life with their own unique stories, as our expert horticulturists and arborists have woven the Safari Park’s long history of plant care into Elephant Valley. These teams curated and cultivated over 350 individual plants native to the savanna. African thorn trees—a favorite elephant food source—line walkways. Some of the plants, including vulnerable kokerbooms and endangered Nubian dragon trees, have actually been growing at the Safari Park since it opened over 50 years ago. Others, like vulnerable Mulanje and Gorongo cycads, were rescued from illegal trafficking and found sanctuary at this special place.
Elephant Valley reflects the seasonal sights, sounds, and smells of Africa's vast grasslands.
The Heart of Conservation
Elephant Valley is more than a one-of-a-kind experience for guests and elephants alike. It also bridges the vital work happening in San Diego with collaborative, community-led conservation initiatives through our Savanna Conservation Hub. Unfortunately, despite their massive size and iconic status, African savanna elephants are endangered. They face threats from extreme weather, habitat loss, poaching, and challenges related to human-wildlife coexistence. Our work caring for elephants here helps protect and care for elephants in native habitats. Together with our partners, we’re securing a brighter future for these symbols of the savanna and the communities they coexist with.
You might even get a front row seat as the herd wades, swims, and plays in the watering hole near Mkutano House.
This spirit of connection and community is evident at Mkutano House. You won’t need a plane ticket across the globe to be transported to an authentic safari lodge. Mkutano House’s name comes from the Swahili word meaning "gathering with purpose"—and that's exactly what happens here, amid design elements handcrafted by our partners in Kenya. You’ll be able to reflect, recharge, and recount your day in the company of other wildlife allies while enjoying a refreshing sundowner cocktail or a satisfying bite to eat.
You might even get a front row seat as the herd wades, swims, and plays in the watering hole next to this relaxation destination. Their natural bonding behaviors are an unforgettable and life-changing sight. It’s the perfect place to observe Swazi, the herd’s matriarch, interacting with her daughter Qinisa, or the youngsters of the group taking a dip together. Nearby, Mkutano Park will serve as an educational oasis where future generations of conservationists will learn from experts about the awe-inspiring wildlife of the African savanna, and how they can help protect these species.
Prepare for an adventure that changes how you see elephants forever and inspires you to become a part of their story.
One Step at a Time
Elephant Valley is the beginning of a new chapter in wildlife conservation. This transformative project represents more than a decade of planning, innovation, and dedication to creating something extraordinary for elephants—and for allies like you that are saving, protecting, and caring for them. It also illustrates the interconnectedness of people, wildlife, and the planet we all share.
Here, you’ll walk side by side with the world’s largest land animals, becoming immersed in their world. Prepare for an adventure that changes how you see elephants forever and inspires you to become a part of their story. With every step, you’ll make lifelong memories and safeguard the future for these endangered icons.
Mark your calendars for early 2026!
Explore more about how you’re making a difference for elephants and other African wildlife through our Savanna Conservation Hub.
