park zoo safari

San Diego Safari Park vs Zoo: Which is Better?

Struggling with your choices while planning a trip to San Diego? Unmask the intricacies of San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park to help you make an informed decision.

Imagine this compelling match-up in the heart of sunny San Diego: the traditional zoo experience with a gargantuan assortment of creatures versus the expansive, wild safari adventure. This is the exhilarating showdown as we dive into San Diego Zoo vs Safari Park .

Whether you’re a fan of fascinating reptiles, vibrant parrots, or awe-inspiring lions, a unique wildlife encounter awaits you. Will you traverse rocky landscapes inhabited by creatures native to arid environments?

Or would you rather explore a haven bursting with wildlife from every corner of the globe? It’s a wild world out there, and it’s time to embark on your animal adventure. Ready to explore to your heart’s content? Keep reading!

What's in this article?

Exploring The Wild Twins: San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Package

Many visitors to San Diego grapple with the decision of which to visit: the renowned San Diego Zoo or its expansive cousin, the Safari Park. Stirring the dilemma further, each attraction offers its unique set of experiences, making the decision an even more exciting yet challenging task.

With Tripster’s all-inclusive package , there’s no need to decide between the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Safari Park. This exclusive package allows you to explore both wildlife reserves.

You’ll traverse the dense habitats at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park  and also get up close with the exotic species at the San Diego Zoo . So why wait? Both these renowned wildlife havens are only a click away!

Tackling the Wonders of San Diego Zoo

Location and Atmosphere:  Located in the verdant expanse of Balboa Park , north of downtown San Diego, the globally-renowned San Diego Zoo sprawls across an astounding 100 acres of captivating landscapes. This site makes it one of the largest and most comprehensive zoos in the world, rivaling even the most extensive wildlife parks.

The atmosphere at the San Diego Zoo is vibrant and alive yet relaxing. Nothing beats strolling under the vast canopy of trees, watching the animals frolic in their environments, and listening to the sounds of nature.

The zoo’s design and layout enhance its appeal. A meandering web of paths leads you through different habitats, each providing a unique close-up experience with various animal species.

Experiences and Animal Exhibits:  One standout feature of the zoo is the Skyfari Aerial Tram. This enchanting ride offers a magnificent bird’s eye view of the entire park, giving visitors a totally different perspective and an unforgettable encounter with the park’s diverse wildlife.

For the exhibits, the zoo gives just as much importance to educating visitors as it does to displaying exotic animals. Many exhibits offer behind-the-scenes experiences, guided tours, and interactive displays that aim to raise awareness about conservation and biodiversity, teaching everyone to take better care of our planet.

Fun Fact: The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance ensures the animal enclosures emulate the respective natural habitats of the species as close as possible. For instance, the Arctic habitat is home to polar bears and other cold-weather species. Their enclosures have been constructed to recreate the icy environments that these animals are accustomed to in the wild.

Diving into the Adventures of San Diego Safari Park

Location and Atmosphere:  Situated a mere 45 minutes Northeast of downtown San Diego, the San Diego Safari Park in Escondido spans over a massive 1,800 acres, almost thrice the size of the San Diego Zoo. With a spectacular view of the San Pasqual Valley, the Safari Park creates a feeling akin to tracking through the forests of Africa or the savannahs of Asia.

The atmosphere at San Diego Safari Park is incomparable. Unlike a typical zoo, you’re transported into the wilderness, the ambiance brimming with adventure and exploration. The opportunities for unparalleled wildlife viewing, mixed with the buzz of excitement from visitors of all ages, create an infectious and unforgettable atmosphere.

In terms of layout, San Diego Safari Park is designed meticulously to emulate natural habitats. Large, expansive enclosures mimic African savannahs, complete with flowing rivers, lagoons, and canopies, to accommodate the different species in their most native habitat. The animals have plenty of room to roam freely, simulating a real-life safari experience for visitors.

Experiences and Animal Exhibits: Speaking of animal enclosures, the Tiger Trail, home to Sumatran tigers, is a standout. The enclosure allows you to watch the endangered tigers up close, elegantly lounging in their grassy habitat or displaying their might as they swim with graceful power in the attached pool.

Diversity and education form the core of the exhibits at San Diego Safari Park. Apart from the Tiger Trail, the park boasts of ‘Lion Camp’, ‘Elephant Valley’, ‘Condor Ridge’ and much more. These exhibits are designed not only for observation but to educate visitors about the conservation efforts and the role of zoos in it.

To enhance the experience further, hop on to the Africa Tram. This popular 30-minute scenic journey provides a guided tour of the expansive African Outpost, where you can spot a plethora of animals like giraffes, rhinos, and gazelles in their natural setting.

Hotel Packages: From Overnight Escapades to Wildlife Sightseeing

Planning your trip to San Diego Zoo or Safari Park can sometimes feel like herding cats. You’ve got to worry about booking your ticket and finding the perfect accommodation adjacent to the park where you can relax after an adventurous day.

We get it—you want a stress-free vacation, not a nerve-wracking excursion. Allow us to ease your worries. Through Tripster, you can effortlessly book your tickets to the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park and simultaneously secure a comfortable hotel—tailored to your budget and preferences.

Embrace the convenience of booking your accommodation and adventure simultaneously, ensuring a seamless and more satisfying experience. Book your San Diego Zoo and Hotel Package or San Diego Safari Park and Hotel Package through Tripster today!

San Diego Safari Park vs Zoo FAQS

Can i do san diego zoo and safari park in the same day.

We strongly recommend allocating a minimum of four to six hours to truly absorb the wonders of both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park. This window allows ample time to appreciate the diverse animal exhibits as well as the distinctive features and experiences unique to each park.

How Far is San Diego Zoo From Safari?

You should note that the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is approximately 35 miles from the San Diego Zoo. Given the distance and usual traffic, it's advisable to allow for 45 minutes to 1 hour of travel time between these two wildlife havens.

What is The Best Time to Visit Safari Park?

Should you decide on a thrilling visit to the Safari Park, it's best to do so in the morning. Taking advantage of the earlier hours not only allows you to beat the heat but also increases the chances of catching a glimpse of the park's residents when they're most active.

San Diego Safari Park Vs Zoo: Plan Your Adventure to America’s Finest City Today!

When it comes to the San Diego Zoo vs San Diego Safari Park rivalry, it’s a contest more entertaining than a monkey’s tea party! Each offers a wild variety of experiences, sure to leave you as thrilled as a weasel in a hen house.

Remember, it’s not a question of which is ‘better’ but rather which suits your unique interests and desires. If you’re after the excitement of a traditional zoo with a top-notch variety, consider the San Diego Zoo!

But if you’re yearning for a faux safari experience where you can watch wildlife roam as freely as a bird, then the San Diego Safari Park is definitely your lion’s share! So why hold your horses? Make a beeline for your favorite, and let the great adventure begin!

Have Any Points to Add to Safari Park vs San Diego Zoo?

Which one would you choose between San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park? Tell us in the comments below!

Written by Archie Villaflores

Over the years, he has won numerous national contests for news and editorial writing, but he has recently discovered that his true passion...

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Jambo a safari adventure in san diego.

 Welcome to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where life-changing moments happen daily. Set out on safari and discover 1,800 acres of sprawling savannas teeming with wildlife as well as world-class botanical gardens—there’s no place like it on Earth. Encounter rhinos, giraffes, wildebeest, and large herds of wildlife roaming together. Journey through bamboo forests and come face-to-face with Sumatran tigers. Hop alongside kangaroos and dive underwater to meet the only two platypuses outside of Australia. And experience the awe-inspiring giants of Elephant valley. When you’re here, you’ll discover adventure is in every moment. And a moment can change a lifetime. 

Neighborhood: North Inland

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd Escondido, CA 92027-9614

Contact Info

(619) 718-3000 Toll-Free: (800) 407-9534

Please check our website for current hours.

More To Know:

• Located 30 miles north of downtown San Diego - and well worth the trip!
• The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is open 365 days a year
• Plan a full day & bring walking shoes, sunscreen and water for your adventures
• Safaris do fill up; book online ahead of time to ensure your spot
• Lovely facilities for catered weddings, parties and other group events!

Special Events:

• Marvel at eagles, owls and an Andean condor at Frequent Flyers
• Visit the World Gardens to see amazing and rare plants
• Autumn Festival On The Weekends From 10/5 -10/27
• Kids Free month with free admission for kids 11 and younger during October

More Information

• Destination Weddings
• Historic Landmark
• General Admission - Adult
• General Admission - Child
• Parking (RV)

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13 San Diego Zoo vs Safari Park Differences-Which is Best?

Which is better to visit, San Diego Zoo or Safari Park? I’ve compared more than a dozen factors for you including park size, ticket price, what’s included, animals, tours, and more to help you make up your mind.

Visit San Diego Zoo instead of Safari Park if you can’t see both. They’re each worth it. But the Zoo’s a better deal because parking’s free. You’ll see more animals in less time. It’s closer to downtown, has better food & weather. However, go to Safari Park if you want different, unique experiences.

If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated. Read my Advertising Disclosure for more info. Thanks! ~ Nancy

* Save with a secret promo code on each San Diego Zoo or Safari Park 1-Day Pass. Go any day. Go directly to the gate. Click  HERE  to get your code, instructions & discounted tickets by email. By clicking the link above you agree to receive an automated email message. Valid only at aRes Travel , San Diego’s local authorized ticket seller. Read my full privacy policy .

Table of Contents

• Which Is Bigger, San Diego Zoo or Safari Park?

Ticket Prices Are Equal…Almost

• Which One’s Worth It?
• Better Tours?
• Least Time to Visit?
• Closer to Downtown?
• More Animals?
• Easier Walking?
• Better Food?
• Best Weather?
• Better for Toddlers?
• Best for Babies & Infants?
• Where Will You Have the Most Unique Experience?

As a long-time member of San Diego Zoo Global (I remember when Safari Park was Wild Animal Park), and a certified animal nut I know that a quick summary is not going to convince you one way or the other. So I’ve gone into detail in this article about the major differences between both zoological parks. Because your time is precious and you deserve to have a wonderful time in San Diego.

Get $20 off! Buy 2-Visit Passes for San Diego Zoo & Safari Park. (Save $10 per park visit)

Safari Park’s Bigger

Safari Park is much larger than the San Diego Zoo. The raw land area figures are:

• Safari Park is 1800 acres
• Zoo size – approximately 100 acres

But don’t let the HUGE size of Safari Park make you think that it’s too much to see in one day.

You’d think that if it takes 3 to 4 hours to see the 100-acre Zoo, it should take a LOT longer to see the 1,800 acre Safari Park. Right? But the San Diego Zoo Global FAQ” says, “we recommend a minimum of three to four hours to see some of the Zoo and a minimum of four to six hours to experience a portion of the Safari Park.”

Why recommend such a short period of time to see Safari Park?

Because the area accessible to the walking public in Safari Park is only about 20% larger than the Zoo . I outlined the perimeter of the public areas for both the Zoo and the Safari Park on Google Maps. And then I let the Google Maps tool calculate the two areas.

• San Diego Zoo Walking Areas = 65.44 acres (2850575.23 ft²)
• Safari Park Walking Areas = 79.2 acres (3,451,313.63 ft²)

Safari Park is very large. Half of the land is set aside in perpetuity for habitat conservation for local wildlife and plants of the highly endangered Southern California Coastal Sage Scrub .  

And of the remaining 900 acres, only about 80 are open for the public to walk in. The other 780 acres are their famous large field exhibits that are only accessible via guided truck tours or the Africa Tram. Or they are closed to the public entirely.  Safari Park (San Diego Wild Animal Park) was established as a breeding and conservation facility and the land use reflects this. 

Ticket prices at the gate for both San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are equal. The major difference between the two is that parking is free at the Zoo. At Safari Park there’s a parking fee.

If you’re interested in finding authentic discounted tickets, passes, and coupons to either attraction, I’ve written two pages for you:

• 30 Best Ways to Save on San Diego Zoo Discount Tickets – with chart
• Top 30 San Diego Safari Park Discount Ticket Deals | 2023 – with chart

Here are the most recent ticket prices that you’ll pay at the gate:

• $71 for adults (age 12 or older)
• $61 Children (aged 3 to 11)
• Children under 3 are free

But you don’t have to pay the full gate price. Ares Travel , my favorite local San Diego authorized ticket seller sent me a discount coupon code to share with you.

Click HERE and I’ll immediately email the code and the links where to use it. This is a one-time-only email. You are NOT signing up for a million emails, or ransoming a Nigerian prince.

They’ve also got discounted package offers. One of them is the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park & SeaWorld San Diego Ticket Combo Deal . Buying this bundle gets you into all 3 of the major San Diego animal attractions and saves $35 per adult off the price if you’d booked them all separately.

San Diego Zoo’s More Worth Visiting

San Diego Zoo tickets are a better deal. There are a greater number of exhibits featuring animals and plants from all over the globe and there are more “rides” free with your admission. But Safari Park is well worth a visit also because it’s not the usual zoo experience. It feels more spacious. You wander through the animals’ habitats rather than observing them in cages. For more on why I feel that way visit my “ Is San Diego Safari Park Worth It? ” page.

What Do You Get With Your San Diego Zoo Ticket?

FREE PARKING . Parking is free at the San Diego Zoo. I suggest you get there early in the morning because otherwise, you might be parking rather far out in the free parking area. If for some reason you are arriving later (maybe the Summer Nighttime Zoo?), there’s overflow parking by the Navy hospital. A free shuttle will take you from that location to the Zoo and back to your car.

There is also valet parking available. On a busy day, it might be worth it.

GUIDED BUS TOUR

I highly recommend the guided zoo bus tour. It takes 25 to 35 minutes. It will give you a quick overview of the zoo. 

There are two situations where I wouldn’t recommend it. The first is if you have a very active toddler. They probably won’t want to sit still that long. 

The second is if you have a favorite animal that you want to photograph first thing in the morning. In that case, run over to the animal that you want to take pictures of and then return for the bus tour.

KANGAROO EXPRESS BUS

The Kangaroo Bus is a time and energy saver. It starts running at 10:30 AM. It goes in a loop through the middle and along the outer edge of the park closest to Hwy 163. The route goes from Urban Jungle down the steep Center Street hill where the bears are. Then from stop #2 by the snow leopards, it will take you up the steepest section of Park Way to stop #3. That’s at the edge of the Northern Frontier. Between stops  #3 and #4 by the meerkats, the terrain is flat. 

SKYFARI AERIAL TRAMWAY

This gondola ride takes you from nearby the Children’s Zoo across the canyon to Elephant Odyssey. It’s got great views of the Zoo, Balboa Park, and the Downtown San Diego skyline. It’s also a great way to rest and cool off.

KEEPER TALKS

These free-with-entry talks are given by the keepers and cover many species from polar bears and lemurs to giraffes. Unfortunately, their scheduling has been disrupted by the Zoo’s efforts to prevent COVID-spreading crowds. Check for the schedule at the Guest Services/Ticket & Tours booth near the Zoo entrance just across Front Street.

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

These presentations are an opportunity for you to see some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors. You never know what type of animal will appear. I’ve seen huge Eurasian owls, cheetahs with their dog companions, chatty parrots, and many others. 

These presentations take place in two spots. One location’s at the Front Street Stage which is on your left as you enter. The other is at the Rocks Box stage within the Africa Rocks exhibit which takes about 25-30 minutes to walk to from the entrance.

The San Diego Zoo is divided into eight “Zoo Zones.” They are designed to bring together both animal and plant species that live in specific types of climates and habitats throughout the world.

Outback – the stars of this zone are cute koalas. But there are also kookaburras, Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and other exotics from the land down under.

Asian Passage –  Don’t skip this just because the giant pandas went home to China in 2019. Go there to see the red pandas which are like upscale, fashionista raccoons. They were always a lot more active than the giant pandas and I never really understood why they didn’t get more attention. And then spend some quality time admiring the beauty of the Amur and snow leopards. They nap a lot as all cats do. But they’re so elegant, even when they’re asleep. 

Africa Rocks This exhibit really does. There’s so much to see here. I love the lemurs and their fossa predators. Plan to spend lots of time watching the penguins zoom around the local leopard sharks in the underwater viewing area of the aquarium in their Penguin Habitat at Cape Fynbos. The space is cool and shaded with plenty of benches. It’s very popular on hot days. And sometimes the penguins are curious enough to stop and watch the children. 

Lost Forest This area’s biggest stars are the troop of western lowland gorillas. But my favorites are the orangutans. When they’re relaxing and having a snack they look like orange-haired gurus contemplating the secrets of the universe. But there’s much more to see here; Malayan tigers, exotic okapi, the occasional spot-necked otter, and Allen’s swamp monkey playing tag.

Urban Jungle There seems to be very little rhyme or reason to the types of animals that you’ll find here. It’s home to a grab-bag of animals including the cheetah animal ambassadors and the endangered one-horned rhino. It’s also the location of the interactive “Animals in Action” paid experience where you’ll get a chance to interact with different types of critters, sometimes even rhinos. Click HERE for daily discounts on “Animals in Action”.

My favorite in this section is the Masai giraffe herd exhibit. This is one of the only giraffe exhibits that I’ve seen where you are standing very close to them — on the same level. As you tilt your head back, and back, you realize just how TALL these gentle giants are. You can also feed them for a very reasonable cost.

Northern Frontier The west Skyfari boarding point is here. It’s also home to the rulers of the tundra, polar bears. But they aren’t very regal, they’re clowns. They enjoy diving off rocks and surprising each other, batting around enrichment items, and eating junk food. Ok. Their “junk food” is carrots. But since the polar bears can’t digest them, it’s like us chewing sugar-free gum. The arctic foxes are adorable too.

Elephant Odyssey Take a trip back in time to California’s Pleistocene epoch 12,000 years ago through animals that exist today. Some died out here but thrived elsewhere. See how elephants, lions, jaguars, condors, secretary birds, condors, camels, and capybara are all connected by their ancestral roots here in San Diego. There are great opportunities for unique photos of your kids (or you) riding a 10-foot long ancient lion or about to be eaten by a huge predatory bird. 

Discovery Outpost – This is the most varied section of the zoo. Skyfari’s east boarding point is here. View entertaining and informative animal shows at the Wegeforth Bowl. You’ll find tiny jewel-like hummingbirds next door to 8-foot-long Komodo dragons. Many more reptiles can also be found here.

Until the Children’s Zoo and Wegeforth Bowl renovations are complete there are only limited presentations outside of the Bowl. 

The 4D Theater is a paid experience that many think is not worth the price. The presentation is SHORT, less than 15 minutes. The 3D screen’s small, so you’re likely to be way off to one side or the other. The 4th dimension is smell, temperature changes, and getting water squirted on you (worth it on hot days?). The seats don’t move, they vibrate. And the wait can be up to an hour on peak days. 

What’s Included With Safari Park Tickets?

To sum it up, your Safari Park admission ticket includes anything that doesn’t have “Safari” in its title. Any activity or experience that does is something that you will need to pay extra for (the exception is riding the Conservation Carousel which requires an additional $6 fee). That’s the short explanation. I’ve written EVERYTHING you need to know about it here at, “ What’s Included In San Diego Safari Park Admission Tickets? ”

Parking Costs Extra – Unlike at the Zoo, parking is $20 per vehicle; $30 for RV parking. Preferred parking is available on weekends and holidays for $48).

Save with a secret San Diego Safari Park promo code on each 1-Day Pass. Go any day. Go directly to the gate. Click HERE to buy. Enter the code at checkout. You will get your tickets by email .

*By clicking the link above you agree to receive an automated email message. Valid only at aRes Travel , San Diego’s local authorized ticket seller. Read my full privacy policy .

Here’s a list of exhibits and activities that are included with your Safari Park Admission ticket:

Animal exhibits.

One of the great things about San Diego Safari Park is the way that they’ve gone to great lengths to blur the boundaries between you, their animals, and the landscape beyond. Here are some of my favorites:

Lion Camp – I love watching the lions watching the antelope watching them from the large field enclosure next door. These lions aren’t the usually bored cats you see at most zoos. They’re either fully engaged in observing the potential ‘meals’ in the fields or they’re napping. And when they’re snoozing they are sometimes right up against the glass where you can take great selfies or compare the sizes of their paws to yours. 

Tiger Trai l – It’s lush and beautiful. It’s more like you’re in the cage rather than the kitties. If you’re lucky the tigers will be stalking YOU. I spend way too much time here. If you want to know why you should spend time there read my page on the “ 11 Coolest Reasons to See San Diego Safari Park Tiger Trail ”

Walkabout Australia – The platypuses are a San Diego Safari Park must-see! They’re the only ones on exhibit outside of Australia in the entire world. This exhibit requires a bit of patience and careful observation. They’re quick. And almost everyone is surprised by how they look and move.

They also have tree kangaroos. Heck, I didn’t even know that kangaroos lived in trees.

Bob and I were lucky enough to be there the day that the 2nd Matschie’s tree kangaroo born at Safari Park ventured out of Mom’s pouch.

Arona, her mother, welcomed her offspring Kidori into the world after a gestation period of 44 days. At birth, the joey was just about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in size, fitting snugly in Mom’s pouch. It took nine months for Kikori to venture out of her mother’s pouch.

These long-clawed, mahogany and cream-colored tree kangaroos weigh 25 pounds at the most. Their whorly, dense fur sheds water easily. And their superpower is that they can jump an amazing 60 feet to the ground without injury.

But wait, there’s more to Walkabout Australia. Wander into the Kangaroo Walk and you’ll be surrounded by a mob of ‘roos, wallabies, and cute baby joeys. There’s nothing that brings smiles to faces faster than a young bounder with a case of the “zoomies”. They’re ricocheting furry ping-pong balls. 

It may be possible to pet the wallabies and kangaroos . It depends upon whether the COVID restrictions have been lifted. Ask if it’s ok. And if it is don’t wander off the paths chasing them. You’ll never catch them anyway.  Be patient and let them come to you. And yes, they’re as soft and woolly as they look. For more information, check out my page on touching or holding the animals at San Diego Zoo and Safari Park . 

San Diego Safari Park Activities and Rides

AFRICA SAFARI TRAM

I love the Africa tram. I could ride it all day.  It takes you on a 25-30 minute ride through several of the large open area enclosures. These enclosures have multiple different species in them and they interact as they would in the wild. One of the things you will see is how all the animals look to the giraffes to be their lookout. Once the giraffes start running, everybody runs. And you then see this wave of animals flying over the hills and then they all just stop for no apparent reason. 

There are no predators in the large enclosed exhibit fields. But the herbivores can see, hear and smell the nearby lions and cheetahs. It keeps them on alert and surprisingly appears to help to increase the number of babies.

CHEETAH RUN

This used to be an event that was free with admission. But during COVID they switched the format to a paid tour. However, I highly recommend it as an add-on to your visit. Seeing these cool cats go from zero to almost 60 mph in three strides never gets old.

FREQUENT FLYERS BIRD SHOW

This free-flying bird show never fails to amaze me because the birds can fly away any time they choose. And they don’t. 

I like it because you get to see large birds in flight close enough overhead that if you stretched up your hands you’d touch them (specifically NOT ALLOWED by the way…) You’ll enjoy it. And the birds seem to be having as good a time as the audience. Spoiler Alert: The star of the show is not a bird. But you’ll love him anyway. 

TIGER KEEPER TALK

The Sumatran tigers get pampered with treats while showing off their impressive teeth, claws, size, and other adaptations. Keepers that know them best will clue you in on how they safely work with these big cats. If you’re lucky you’ll see a tiger standing at a full vertical stretch just a few feet away from you. Even though the Sumatran subspecies is one of the smallest of tigers, they’re unexpectedly intimidating when they’re on their hind legs going for a treat.

TRAINING TALK

This short training session for the longer Frequent Flyers Bird Show is well worth your time. It’s always a smaller, more intimate group than the bird show. You never know which birds will be brought out for training, so it’s never the same. I’ve seen everything from silently flying owls to scurrying guinea hens. Sit down and put your feet up. It’s a good break from walking. 

Safari Park Has Better Tours?

San Diego Safari Park has a larger variety and number of tours than the Zoo . They range from traditional relaxed guided walks to the adrenaline-pumping Flightline Safari zipline.  This makes it a better destination for those who may be bored with traditional zoos, like teenagers.

San Diego Zoo Tours – How Many, Prices, Descriptions

Guided zoo tours that require a fee in addition to the admission price are called “Upgraded Experiences” by San Diego Global.

San Diego Zoo Tours Price Range

• $55 and up per person.
• Prices are variable by season and days of the week. Zoo admission fee is separate and required for all tours.

How Many San Diego Zoo Tours Are There?

There are 6 different types of tours available at the Zoo. To find the best tour for you, check out my article HERE it has more in-depth descriptions and comparisons

San Diego Zoo Tour Descriptions

Inside Look Tour – ($89+) 90 minutes. There are 6 different Inside Look Tours focusing on different Zoo Zones and animals. Check HERE for daily discount deals for SanDiegoing readers from aRes Travel — San Diego’s local authorized ticket seller.

• Surprise Tour
• Polar Bears and Friends
• Giraffes and Friends
• Baboons and Friends
• Wild Canines and Friends
• Penguins and Friends

Animals In Action Experience – ($89+ per person) 1 HOUR. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at some animals that are not on exhibit to the general public. You’ll also have some feeding and training opportunities. Unfortunately, you’ll probably not be able to touch the animals .

Click HERE for daily tour discounts for SanDiegoing readers from aRes Travel.

Crazy About Cats – ($92+ per person) 90 minutes. See the zoo’s most amazing felines before they start their cat naps! You start this morning tour at 8:30 AM before the official Zoo opening. You may see a jaguar, lion, tiger, mountain lion, fishing cat, leopard, ocelot, or serval. No guarantees about which particular species you’ll see. Hey, they’re cats after all. But you will be able to meet one special wild cat up close!

Early Morning Cheetah Experience ($92+ per person) 90 minutes. See one of the cheetah animal ambassadors up close while they run and play with their trainers. This cart tour will also visit other African animal exhibits at the zoo as well as some off-exhibit areas. 

Discovery Cart Tour ($55+ per person) 1 HOUR. If you don’t have much time, but want to see the plants and animals at San Diego Zoo through the eyes of an insider, this is the tour for you. This 60-minute tour takes you through 70% of the park in a small covered cart. Ask as many questions as you’d like and stop for better views and photographs of your favorite animals.

Exclusive VIP Experience – Spend up to 5 hours ($675+ per person) in a customized tour that is built around your interests by zoo professionals. Explore off-exhibit areas. And if you wish you can have many animal interactions. Just tell them what you want.  And yes, a sit-down lunch is included. 

Safari Park Tours – How Many, Prices, Descriptions

Guided tours within San Diego Safari Park that are offered for extra payment in addition to your admission fee are called ‘Safaris’. 

How Many Types Of San Diego Safari Park Tours Are There?

There are 7 types of paid tours, called Safaris, available at San Diego Safari Park. Some have different options that allow you to concentrate on your favorite animals or habitats. Altogether there are more than 15 different tour variants. 

Price Range

• $55+ per person. Some Safaris are priced by the group.
• Prices vary by day of the week and season. Safari Park admission fee is separate and required for all tours.

SAN DIEGO SAFARI TOUR DESCRIPTIONS

I’m going to write a short description of each tour type here. But for more information on which of the many different options is best for you please read my article titled,  “ What’s the Best San Diego Safari Park Tour ?” It includes reviews of each tour plus a chart that compares them all by price, duration, and age limits.

Wildlife Safari Tours – (1 HOUR for $89+ or 90 minutes for $109+ per person). There are 3 different types of tours that take you into large African and Asian multi-species animal enclosures in an open-air covered truck.. There’s always a shade cover, plenty of seating, and almost too many great photo opportunities. You also may get a chance to feed giraffes. The different options are: Wildlife Safari (1 hour), Twilight Wildlife Safari (90 minutes), and Deluxe Wildlife Safari (90 minutes).

Click HERE for discounted tour deals for SanDiegoing readers from aRes Travel, San Diego’s local authorized ticket seller.

Sun-Up Cheetah Safari Tour – (2 HOURS for $99 per person). Get early entry into Safari Park to meet your experienced guide. See a cheetah run at top speed from a prime viewing location. Then go for brunch at the Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook .

Cart Safari Tours – (1 HOUR for $55+ per person) Asian or African Cart Safari with guide to carry you around the field enclosures. Animal feeding & photo opportunities. Carts carry only 9 people, good for special family outings and small groups that want to stay together. 

Behind The Scenes Safari – (90 minutes for $89+ per person) Get an insider’s view of Safari Park via cart and walking. Three different options: Elephants & Friends, Rhinos & Friends, and Canines and Conservation. 

Click HERE for daily tour deals for SanDiegoing readers from aRes Travel, San Diego’s local authorized ticket seller.

Roar & Snore Safari – ($149+ per person) Sleepover at Safari Park in a tent. Animal presentations, behind-the-scenes access, meals, campfire (s’mores!) & cash bar. I’d do this every weekend if I could.

Ultimate Safari – (5-HOURS tour is $675+ per person) Create a Safari Park tour customized to your interests and desired activities. You must book at least 3 days in advance. 

Flightline Safari (1 HOUR for $77+ per person) 2/3rds mile zipline ride includes orientation session and “fledgling” flight . 

Check HERE for daily tour discounts for SanDiegoing readers from aRes Travel.

Balloon Safari ($18+) Helium balloon ride rises 400 feet above the Park for wonderful views of the animal herds and the San Pasqual Valley.

If you love wolves you may want to take an hour detour to the California Wolf Center. There you can take tours that will give you close-up views of gray wolves and even the very endangered Mexican gray wolf. Check out my article HERE .

San Diego Zoo Takes Less Time to Visit

Exploring San Diego Zoo is quicker than Safari Park. But both could be all-day attractions. Here’s the minimum time you should allocate for each according to the San Diego Zoo Global FAQ page : 

• Zoo 3-4 hours
• Safari Park 4-6 hours

San Diego Zoo’s Closer to Downtown

The San Diego Zoo is much closer to downtown than Safari Park. It’s only 3 miles from the center of downtown San Diego.  

It will take you about 6 minutes by car from downtown to the zoo. It’s also public transit accessible. To ride the bus from downtown to the Zoo take the # 7 University & College line and get off at Park Blvd. & Zoo Place. Then walk about 4 minutes (0.2 miles) west to the Zoo entrance.

Safari Park is 35 miles north of downtown in Escondido. Travel time by car to San Diego Safari Park is 45 minutes each way. Public transportation takes almost 2 hours…one way. Taking a bus to Safari Park is just not practical for most people.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen the results of mistaking the two animal attractions. On several occasions, I’ve had to tell people trying to meet friends at the “zoo” that they’re more than 35 miles away from the San Diego Zoo because they’re at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Oops! 

San Diego Zoo Has More Animals

The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park has more individual animals, and more species and covers more earth habitats than the Safari Park . 

San Diego Zoo – The zoo has approximately 3,700 animals in its collection. They represent more than 660 different species & subspecies. It also has almost 700,000 specimens of rare and endangered plant species. Their collection comes from all over the globe

Safari Park – The northern San Diego county branch of the San Diego Zoo has about 2,600 individual animals and 300 species & subspecies. The plants number about 1.3 million. Both the animal and plant collections are focused on Asia and Africa at Safari Park. 

Source : San Diego Zoo Global FAQ : “ Tell me a bit about the San Diego Zoo ”,  “ Tell me a bit about the Safari Park ” and “ Plants of San Diego Zoo Global ”.

Safari Park Has Easier Walking

The Safari Park is less demanding physically . It has fewer steep hills for you to navigate than the San Diego Zoo does. The biggest elevation change at Safari Park is between the Lemur Walk and the Balloon Safari and Lion Camp. But don’t worry. There’s an elevator there to take you up and down if you don’t feel like getting your cardio by taking the stairs. 

San Diego Zoo has more hills. It’s built around a steep canyon. There are mechanical alternatives to trekking the elevation changes, they just take a bit more time. There’s an elevator, the Kangaroo Bus (and the Skyfari aerial gondola ride when renovations are complete) to help you get around. I usually don’t take them because I like the workout.

San Diego Zoo Has Better Food

San Diego Zoo has better food because of Albert’s Restaurant . You’ll enjoy a fine dining experience with daily chef’s specials, vegan & gluten-free choices & a full bar. This hidden gem has a lushly planted outdoor patio and a waterfall that makes it great for a special occasion. I wrote more on this page, “Where to find the best food at San Diego Zoo?” . 

The best food at Safari Park is at the Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook . It’s a sit-down full-service dining experience that’s a couple of giant steps above usual theme park fare. But the food’s still pre-prepared, so Albert’s at the Zoo comes out as a better restaurant. 

On the plus side, Watering Hole entrees are big enough for two to share. It’s got a full bar and an AMAZING view of one of the large field enclosures. You’ll feel like you’re sharing your table with rhinos, giraffes, and antelope. I’ve reviewed all of the eateries at Safari Park on this page titled, “ Where’s the Best Place to Eat at San Diego Safari Park? ”

San Diego Zoo Has Better Weather

The San Diego Zoo has milder weather year around. Safari Park has greater temperature extremes because it’s located almost 20 miles from the ocean’s temperature moderating influence. That location is more likely to be hotter in the summertime. You can see it in the monthly temperature comparison graph below that I created using data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

San Diego Zoo’s Better For Toddlers

San Diego Zoo’s better if you’ve got toddlers. Don’t get me wrong, you can have a great time at Safari Park with your little tyke. But the Zoo’s MUCH better because: 

• Wildlife Explorer’s Basecamp is a kid’s paradise. I wrote an article at the link.
• It’s smaller, there’s less ground to cover with tiny tot strides
• The exhibits are closer together
• Animals are a bit easier to see because the enclosures are smaller
• The Zoo’s within Balboa Park. If your tot gets tired of all the animals, you can distract them with a train ride or a splash in a fountain. 

For more details, I’ve covered all the pros & cons thoroughly on this page about “ San Diego Zoo vs Safari Park for Happier Toddlers (& You!) ”.

Safari Park’s Better for Babies & Infants

The Safari Park’s just a cheetah’s whisker better than the San Diego Zoo if you’re with a baby in a stroller . There are fewer steep hills to push a pram up. It’s more friendly for nursing moms because It’s a bit less crowded and there are many secluded benches where you can give your young one a quick snack. There is also a nursing station at Nairobi Village. 

Safari Park Is A More Unique Experience

Safari Park is “different”. It’s not the usual zoo . You hear that time and again on forums and review sites. And I agree. Granted, the San Diego Zoo is a great zoo and I love spending time there. But at Safari Park the animals are in more natural, expansive settings. And because of that, you feel freer also. It’s weird but true. 

Safari Park’s less a destination and more of a journey. You are more active and engaged at Safari Park than at the Zoo. You can wander through kangaroo enclosures and a petting zoo to have closer animal encounters. You can sit and have lunch while you watch tigers.

Check out my page on what’s best to see and do at San Diego Zoo Safari Park for more information on activities, like riding a zipline, getting high in a balloon, or feeding giraffes and rhinos on a Caravan Safari. Some of the things you can experience at San Diego Safari Park cannot be duplicated except by hopping a plane to Africa.

San Diego Safari Park is definitely a more unique experience.

Closing Thoughts

San Diego Zoo is better for many people than Safari Park . This was a hard post for me to write because I very much prefer the Escondido preserve. I’ve done my best to present this listing of the major differences fairly. I hope that this article helps you make up your mind about whether San Diego Zoo or Safari Park is better for you to visit.

Nancy Ulrich

I'm nuts...about animals, polymer clay, mixed media art & husband Bob. Happily planted in San Diego among good friends, family that I would have chosen if given the choice and optimism for a bountiful future for us all.

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Updated 1 month ago

Review Highlights

“ Throughout this 45 minute tram tour, we saw Giraffes , Rhinos, Donkeys, Antelopes, Buffalos and so much more. ” in 387 reviews

“ Also, the caravan safari takes you INTO their habitat and gets you closer than any other safari tour offered. ” in 65 reviews

“ My brother-in-law and his husband, who are both annual pass holders, got us discount tickets which was a big plus. ” in 64 reviews

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Location & Hours

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15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd

Escondido, CA 92027

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About the Business

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an expansive, non-profit wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. Its renowned botanical collection represents 3,500 species and 1.75 million specimens. Over half of the Park's 1,800 acres (730 hectares) have been set aside as protected native species habitat. It is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California. …

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Ask a question

Do I need to purchase the guided tour ranging from $60-$300 and also pay for admission to get in or do I just pay for the tour?

Hi! They have a 30 min tour that is FREE/included with admission. (They do not mention it anywhere). When you go to where the tram/bus tours are...the free one is there. If you want a longer or private tour, those are extra $$$. Hope that helps!

Is the park suitable for 1 1/2 year olds?

It definitely is! However for the safari tour, animals were kind of far away for our toddler to notice. SD Zoo might have closer exhibits.

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Overall rating

2716 reviews

We went to celebrate our TWELFTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!! It was a great, but short FOUR HOUR VISIT. Fortunately, they opened one hour early. Moreover, they gave us an extra 10%, OFF EVERYTHING!!! Including the Electric EV Scooter, which was only $43.00!!! We didn't see GORILLAS, or CONDORS. Unfortunately, they were behind the scenes, but everything was out. We throughly enjoyed the GUIDED TRAM. We had a great guide, VERY INFORMATIVE. On our way to the CONDORS, we enjoyed a PRETZEL with MELTED CHEESE!!! Although the Condors were not out, THE BILLY GOATS WERE. We ended the day with some VANILLA ICE CREAM, by the Congo River Valley.

See all photos from Bryan And G. for San Diego Zoo Safari Park

We had another visit today at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, thanks to GUIDE HILARY, On the Deluxe Wildlife Safari!!! It was a 90 Minute LONG TOUR, and well worth it!!! We can't say enough good things about GUIDE HILARY!!! She was so incredibly informative, and funny. She knew the history of the park and the breeding program. We were spent at the end of the tour at 1:15 PM. Since we were coming back with relatives in a month, WE DECIDED TO CALL IT QUITS AFTER IT. It was a day that we will never forget!!!

We spent six lovely hours at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, this CHRISTMAS WEEK. We arrived about 9:30 AM, right about the time that they opened. We parked at the top of the parking lot in the disabled parking lot. I should note that there are almost always plenty of spaces in that lot, WHICH WAS THE CASE TODAY!!! We get free parking with our membership. FYI Parking is priced at $20.00. Free for Wildlife Protector Premium Members, like us. When we left at 1:30 PM, the parking lot was getting close to half full. It can get pretty crowded around the holidays. We walked in, showing our NEW UPGRADED membership cards. After walking in, I rented my electric EV Scooter. For MEMBERS, it's about $54.00, AND TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! We started, AS ALWAYS, by purchasing a Diet Coke REFILL, and a COFFEE. TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT, we then went to the tigers and kangaroos, plus the condors. We were lucky enough to see tigers; they were all outside, the baby tigers were top on our list. As for the kangaroos, they were all spread out. After that, it was off to the gorillas. We arrived right after their feeding, so they were all a little inactive. We then headed to the AFRICA TRAM, but we went down the back route. Not that many people know about it, but the entrance is at the base of the elevators, OFF TO THE RIGHT. We stopped for a sandwich and two pretzels with cheese, and drinks, FIRST!!! When we got to the AFRICA TRAM, they put us in the line for disabled persons, WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO BOARD FIRST. It's about a thirty-minute ride. We had a great guide and DRIVER. WE HAD A SIXTY MINUTE WAIT THOUGH!!! We saw rhinoceroses and giraffes, AND ALL SORTS OF OTHER ANIMALS. We had wanted to book the DELUXE WILDLIFE SAFARI for the morning, but there were no seats available for us all week. When we got off, we went to the lions just like last time, HOPING TO SEE THE NEW MALE. This time, he was out; previously, he was just getting acquainted with the females. I PASSED ON THE HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE, even though it did not seem busy. We concluded with vanilla ice cream, 2 for $15.00. It was ANOTHER a lovely day!!!

We spent four and a half lovely hours at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, this weekend. We arrived about 9:30 AM, about a half hour after they opened. We parked at the top of the parking lot in the disabled parking lot. I should note that there are plenty of spaces in that lot, WHICH ALMOST NEVER RUNS OUT!!! We walked in, showing our membership cards. After walking in, I rented my electric EV Scooter. For MEMBERS, it's about $54.00, AND TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! We started by purchasing a Diet Coke REFILL, and a COFFEE. After that, it was off to the gorillas. We arrived a few minutes after their feeding, so they were all relaxing. We then headed to the AFRICA TRAM, but we went down the back route. Not very many people know about it, but the entrance is at the base of the elevators, OFF TO THE RIGHT. When we got to the AFRICA TRAM, they put us in the line for disabled persons, WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO BOARD FIRST. It's about a thirty to forty minute ride. We had a great guide, DRIVER. When we got off, we went to the lions, HOPING TO SEE THE NEW MALE. However, he was not out; apparently, he was just getting acquainted with the females. I PASSED ON THE HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE, it seemed sort of busy. I've done it before and it is really fun!!! We then went to the tigers and kangaroos, plus the condors. We really didn't see any tigers, they were all inside; even though the baby tigers were top on our list. As for the kangaroos, they were all grouped together. Interestingly, there fourteen month old kangaroo still eating from their mother's teat. We concluded with vanilla ice cream, NEXT TO THE TALKING AND EATING TOUCANS. 2 for $15.00. It was a lovely day!!!

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Enjoy a Wild Journey at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Just east of Oceanside and Escondido and not far from the Carlsbad and Encinitas beaches , you will find the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Located in San Pasqual Valley, this Zoo Safari Park is one of the greatest San Diego Attractions welcoming over 2 million people annually. Here, you will discover many different options to see the wonders of this glorious park.

The Safari Park lets you feel like you’re on a real globetrotting safari, all without leaving San Diego. It’s one of the best attractions for animal lovers, right next to the San Diego Zoo itself, and is a great choice for families, as it’s always a hit with the kids!

What is Featured at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park?

The park features free-range exhibits for various feral animals, including numerous endangered species that originated from Asia, Europe, the plains of Africa, and more. Choose between several safari options to view different angles of the park.

Climb among the treetops to see cheetahs, and gorillas, or take a thrill ride on California's longest continuous zipline over the open fields full of rhinos!

Watch as these colossal mammals run around the looming hills, through the swooping vales of this replicated desert animal empire. Visit the beautiful open-exhibit Zoo Safari Park, a half-hour north of the historical San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park .

With over 1800 acres of land housing over 3,000 animals, there are many sights to see, and while venturing through this intriguing Zoo Safari Park.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Information Hub

Get a Great Deal on Tickets to the Safari Park

Website Prices for the Safari Park

A local tip that’s easy to overlook is that all tickets to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are cheaper when purchased in advance online compared to gate prices.

I highly suggest buying a ticket before you visit. Tickets do not require you to select a specific date, though all tickets must be used within one year of their purchase date.

The Day Pass includes admission to the Safari Park and a ride on the Africa Tram, plus any regularly-scheduled experiences on the day you visit. Here are the prices:

• 1-Day Pass, Adult: $72
• 1-Day Pass, Child: $62

Discounts are offered on Value Days, which are listed on the calendar online. Prices on these days are:

• 1-Day Value Day Pass, Adult: $68
• 1-Day Value Day Pass, Child: $58

For a 2-visit pass, choose between two visits to the Safari Park or two trips to the world-famous San Diego Zoo . Prices are as follows:

• 2-Visit Pass, Adult: $124
• 2-Visit Pass, Child: $114

Want to see it all? Pick up a 3-for-1 Pass, which grants you admission to three different San Diego animal parks for one day each. These are the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld San Diego . Pricing is:

• 3-for-1 Pass, Adult: $199
• 3-for-1 Pass, Child: $189

All prices are subject to change, so check the website for the most up-to-date information on pricing.

Keep reading for our tips on how to SAVE BIG on admission for the entire family to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and more.

The Best Way to Save on Admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Pre-purchase an All-Inclusive Go City San Diego pass and for just $119 per child and $129 per adult, you will have access to over 50 different attractions around the greater San Diego area, including the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, world-famous San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego !

With the Go City San Diego pass , you will not have to pay at the gate; simply scan your pass upon entry. Instead of paying for each attraction you can pay just for the pass once. That’s a huge savings per pass!

Pre-purchase your All-Inclusive Go City San Diego pass through our website to receive an extra discount on top of the already low prices. Just use the code GVSD5OFF to get an extra 5% the already discounted pass .

Learn About The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa

Like many Carlsbad hotels, The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa caters to families visiting LEGOLAND. As you'll learn on this tour with Todd, The Westin's 4-star luxury and beach access are also highlights.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is Full of Amazing Experiences

There is no other experience in the world than seeing these astounding animals up close and personal in their naturalistic habitats.

Whether you choose to go on a safari tour or tackle the Park on foot, there are several different exhibits to enjoy! Meander over to the Africa Tram that runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and take a free excursion through African grassland exhibits.

After you take a ride on the complimentary tram, you can stroll on over to the Gorilla Trail, where you'll feast your eyes on a family of beautiful gorillas. This exhibit also hosts an activity center on the left side where your kids can see how they compare to the size of an adult gorilla.

This local San Diego gem also offers impressive amenities in addition to the splendid exhibits of animals. Need a break? No problem! Stop for some delicious food at any of the 17 places available. There is everything from burgers to snack stands!

Next, visit the Animal Ambassador stage where you'll have a chance to pet a large cat, a camel, and several other amazing animals that call the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, home.

Visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is featured in our Unique Things to Do in San Diego !

Learn About How You Can Help the Conservation Efforts of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Global is a non-profit agency that collaborates with over 300 partners to protect wildlife from extinction. They work in over 52 countries to observe and study these wondrous animals in the field.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park works to provide naturalistic habitats for these endangered animals and help to increase the population by breeding them.

The Wild Animal Park site has ways to donate or adopt an animal now if you want to help with the conservation efforts and continue to save these magnificent animals.

Top Exhibits at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Explore the African Plains

Walk around this enormous enclosure that features animals such as:

This exhibit features over 300 acres, which is teeming with the wildlife of the African Plains. The arid-like climate creates an ideal enclosure for these fascinating animals.

Discover the Asian Savanna

The Asian Savanna is located just north of the African Plains exhibit. Full of one-horned rhinos, camels, and a wide array of other Savanna animals from Asia; this is an exhibit unlike any you've seen before.

You get to spectate as these animals gallivant through their vast free-roam enclosure. Many of the Asian Savanna animals are a threat of becoming endangered.

Venture to Elephant Valley

In 2003, the Safari Park rescued an elephant herd in Swaziland from a cull. Since then, the park has welcomed new elephants and has expanded to two large exhibit yards.

Stand on the Elephant viewing patio as you watch them enjoy a nice soak in the pond made just for them, aiming to please the spectators.

In 2024, work is underway on the Elephant Valley, revitalizing this section of the park and giving the elephants more space to roam and additional enrichment.

It will also include an overhead walkway where you’ll be able to look down at the elephants from above. The reconstruction project will reopen as the Denny Sanford Elephant Valley.

The new additions will allow for greater immersion and more interactivity between guests and the elephants while also shining a light on conservation efforts around the globe, making it a great educational experience for kids.

The project is planned for completion in 2025, though no exact date has been set. Expect construction in this section of the park throughout 2024.

Be Amazed at the Beautiful Condor Ridge

In 1982, only 22 California Condors existed in the wild. The California Condor Program has now grown this population to over 500!

Check out these endangered birds living at Condor Ridge soar through the air with their massive 10-foot wingspans!

Your Kids Will Love this San Diego Zoo Safari Park

At Wildlife Park, there are plenty of activities for your kids to enjoy. This is a family-friendly attraction that provides some areas that were created with your kids in mind.

The Conservation Carousel

For just $6, your child can take unlimited rides on the conservation carousel that features 60 rare and endangered animals to ride. Choose between a rhino, zebra, cheetah, and more!

This carousel is located right inside of the Safari Base Camp. This is a relaxing ride for the whole family to enjoy.

Unique Play Areas

Throughout the Park, there are several play areas to stop and let your children play freely at:

• Savanna Cool Zone near Lion Camp
• Village Playground over by Nairobi Village
• Tiger Trail Play Area at Tiger Trail
• Samburu Jungle Gym near African Woods

Educational Opportunities for All

The Safari Park has even more educational opportunities than the San Diego Zoo. Teach your child about animal conservation and take the time to read the information at each exhibit.

Tours at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Take a Journey on a Wildlife Safari

Enjoy a 1-hour tour of the African Savanna habitats with an expert guide on this caravan safari. This safari will give you a closer view of the newest babies of the exhibits, and you may even get to feed a giraffe or two!

Prices for the Wildlife Safari start at $90 per person, perfect for all members of the family from kids to seniors.

Behind the Scenes Safari

Discover the hidden world of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Uncover the mysteries of your beloved wildlife and meet the dedicated wildlife care experts who nurture them. Embark on an exclusive journey with an expert guide, exploring restricted areas.

Select from a range of exciting encounters starting at $90 per person!

Roar & Snore Safari

If you're looking to spend the night at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, this one's for you! Embark on an extraordinary sleepover adventure at the Safari Park, starting at $155 per person!

Each sleepover package guarantees a memorable experience, featuring engaging camp activities, exclusive after-hours glimpses into the fascinating world of wildlife, guided walks, delightful campfire s'mores, delectable dinner, evening snacks, and a satisfying breakfast the following morning.

Choose from a variety of age-appropriate sleepover categories, each offering its own captivating theme and get ready to create lifelong memories!

Fly on a Flightline Safari

Flightline Safari is one of the world's longest continuous ziplines. This zipline extends over two-thirds of a mile over the Asian and African animal exhibits.

For $79 per person, you can experience the adrenaline-pumping action of flying 160 feet above this while animals, at over 50 miles an hour! But be careful, don't scream, or you'll cause the rhinos to stampede.

Do be aware that prices for the adventures above are subject to change so check before your visit directly with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for any price changes.

The Go City San Diego pass gives visitors the ability to save up to 55% on attraction admissions.

Combine our exclusive 5% discount to save even more and consider the All-Inclusive pass to maximize your savings. Plus the pass gives you the ability to skip the line when visiting select attractions.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

How to Get to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park & Parking

No matter the direction you are traveling from, you will end up on Ranchero Parkway. From there, you will see signs for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

To travel by public transportation , you will want to check in with the transit information service of San Diego since routes continuously change.

Parking Information

Parking costs are as follows:

• General parking (cars and motorcycles): $20 per vehicle
• RV parking: Starting at $38 per vehicle
• Preferred parking: Starting at $38 per vehicle

EV charging stations are available as well.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Time at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Safari Park Hours

The San Diego Safari Park is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer . In the fall / winter & spring the doors close anywhere from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

As always, the time of operation is subject to change. Please check with the park before heading out for your adventure!

Best times of year to visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Since Safari Park has a desert-like climate, the animals are active year-round! The typical offseason is during wintertime if you want to beat the crowds. Although, you do risk more rain, and other attractions shut down, such as the hot air balloon due to possible inclement weather.

However, if you're wondering about the best time of day, the morning is best! The weather is cooler, and you can beat the crowds.

Stay Nearby

To maximize your time in the park, and to see the animals when they’re at their most active with minimal crowds, come early. The best way to arrive bright and early is to stay at a hotel near the Safari Park.

Personally, I suggest booking a room at The Fin Hotel . Its family-friendly atmosphere is great for parents and children while its chic, boutique layout lends it a touch of luxury.

The Fin Hotel is just a few blocks away from the shore at Oceanside too, so you can easily hop over to the beach. And don’t forget to pick up an All-inclusive Go City San Diego pass for park admission plus discounts on beach gear like surfboard and kayak rentals to make your stay complete!

Bring Sunscreen and Hats

There isn't a lot of shade when you're out and about on safari's or walking between exhibits. Be sure to bring some sunscreen and a hat to stay protected from the sun.

Get the App!

The app is a lifesaver when you look for a way to plan your day at the San Diego Safari Park. The app features a map of the Park, so you know where you are at all times.

Also, the app has this notable feature where you can select the animals you want to see. From there, it will tell you which exhibits you need to go to, so you don't spend most of your day wandering around!

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Tours & Safaris

Enhance your visit at both parks upgrade with a tour and safari.

San Diego Zoo Tours

• BOOK A ZOO TOUR
• San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, California 92101
• 619-718-3000

Upgrade your visit to the Zoo with one of our exclusive tours. Enjoy an entertaining and educational adventure with one of our knowledgeable guides.

Safari Park Safaris

• CHOOSE YOUR SAFARI
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027-7017

Want to get up close and personal with your favorite African Plains animals? Enhance your experience; add a Safari and get ready for an adventure you’ll always remember! 

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The 10 Things To Do At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Diego. This Safari Park is located on the outskirts of San Diego near Escondido and is just a 25-minute drive from San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. San Diego Zoo Safari Park lets visitors experience African safari without visiting Africa.

Spread over 1,800 acres of land and housing 2700 animals and up to 4000 plant species, the San Diego Zoo Safari is a wildlife paradise. The park has many animal exhibits and enclosures, birds, and wildlife species from almost all over the world. The Safari park has a semi-arid environment and houses animals from Africa to Australia.

The Best Time to Visit San Diego Safari Park

The park is open to visitors throughout the year. A full-day visit to the Safari Park is sufficient to tour all the park's wonders. Weekends and holidays are crowded, so try visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds and travel the African tram and other amazing Safaris in the park. Remember that the animals are most active in cold and optimum temperatures.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park attracts 2 million visitors annually. The winters attract fewer tourists due to the cold weather, but it's the best time to explore the park without long queues. The summers are packed , and most animal shows occur in the morning. So, arrive early in the morning to view enthusiastic and active wildlife. 

10 Amazing things to Explore in San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park was a breeding ground for endangered animals. Over time, the park started offering wildlife tours, and later Safari tours, animal exhibits, and activities like camping, zip-lining, ballooning, and much more. Here are the top things to do at Zoo Safari Park in Balboa.

1. Take the Africa tram

The Africa Tram is a free Safari tour . Visitors do not have to pay for another ticket for the Africa Tram, and the entry ticket will suffice. Riding the Africa Tram is one of the best things to do at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This ride offers an exclusive tour of the savanna habitat where one can see African wildlife from close. 

The Africa Tram transports you to the African plains. Visitors can see African wildlife like rhinoceros, antelopes, cheetah, birds, and other animals. The tour guides are knowledgeable and brief visitors about various species, their adaptation, and facts about them. It takes 25 minutes to finish the Africa tram, which is one of the best attractions of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

2. Feed the Giraffes on Caravan Safari Tour

San Diego Zoo Safari Park has nine exciting safari tours with up to 20 variations. Each Safari tour offers a unique experience. However, the most popular of all is the Caravan Safari Tour. Visitors can view many animal enclosures and see animals like cape buffaloes, giraffes, rhinos, and elephants from near. Tourists can also feed giraffes and sometimes Rhinos with the tour guide's assistance. The tour guides talk about fascinating facts about the animals and share wildlife knowledge with visitors.

Caravan Safari Tour comes in four variations. Most of the Caravan Safaris are similar, with little difference in each variation. It is a paid safari, unlike the Africa Tram.

3. Camping with Roar and Snore Safari

Exploring the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an adventure with thrilling activities , unlike the Zoo in Balboa Park. The Roar and Snore are overnight Safari where visitors can do camping activities, set up their tents, and enjoy themselves together. This safari takes care of all your food and other needs. 

There are four variations of Roar and snore. For all ages, Roar and Snore, Adults only, Girl Scouts, and kids. Each variation has fun activities. The kids and girl scouts safari teaches kids about wildlife, while the adults-only is an adventure in the wilderness. 

4. Venture into Animal habitats with Wildlife Safari

The Wildlife Safari is the only safari that offers a sneak-peek into different wildlife habitats where visitors can see African Cheetahs, Asian Elephants, baby Rhinos, South American mammals, and many endangered species in one go. Visitors travel in an open truck and learn about wildlife and their conservation from tour guides. The Zoo in Balboa Park has more animals than San Diego Safari Park, but the wildlife diversity at Safari Park amazes its visitors. 

Wildlife Safari has four variations:

• Twilight Wildlife Safari at twilight offers incredible scenery. 
• The Deluxe Wildlife Safari for 90 minutes
• Mimosa Wildlife Safari has beautiful flamingos.
• The Southwest to Savanna Wildlife Safari is where visitors venture into 900 acres of the wildlife in the Safari Park.

5. Snap Pictures on Cart Safari

The Cart Safari lets visitors travel in a cart and tour the animal habitats. Tourists can step out of the coaches to click a few pictures and see animals from close. The guide offers insights about the wildlife, plants, and their conservation. Visitors can also ask questions about nature. 

There are three variations of Cart Safari to explore different habitats. 

• Cart Safari Africa for Savannah Habitat and African wildlife
• Cart Safari Asia Asian habitats
• Deluxe Cart Safari for a personalized Cart Safari tour 

6. Traverse the Australian Wildlife with Walkabout Australia

Walkabout Australia in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park lets you explore diverse Australian wildlife species on foot. Kangaroos are hopping around, marsupials with their babies, and various birds along with many other animals. Walkabout Australia is a part of the behind-the-scenes safari. Hence visitors can talk to wildlife specialists and learn stories and facts about the unique species on their 90-minute walk. Tourists can also tour other behind-the-scenes safaris to learn about diverse wildlife. 

7. Witness the running Cheetahs in the Early Morning

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has a new Safari addition with Sun up Cheetah Safari. Visitors tour the park at 8 a.m. and witness the active and enthusiastic cheetahs running around. This morning's adventure is a walking Safari. Tourists can also watch other animals actively in the morning while doing their activities. The tour guide explains various wildlife Cheetah Stories and about all the species found on the way during this unique safari. Remember to buy an entrance and Cheetah Safari ticket in advance as ticket booths are usually closed at 8 a.m. 

8. Tour the Safari Park from the sky

Experience the ultimate thrill with Flightline Safari and view the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with an incredible view from the sky. Flightline Safari is like no other Safaris at the Zoo in Balboa Park or Safari Park. Flightline Safari is the best place for zip-lining; visitors are trained before letting go high up in the air. The support staff briefs about the safety equipment and other tips before launching visitors on the zip lines. 

This is an exciting experience, as an aerial tour of the Safari Park. There are two variations in Flightline Safari.

• Flightline Safari for a Zip lining tour of up to 1 hour
• Deluxe Flightline Safari includes a Safari truck tour around the Savannah Habitat along with Zip lining. 

9. Fly around the Safari Park on Balloon Safari 

The Balloon Safari offers some of the most unbelievable views of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and its wildlife. Visitors can tour on the hot air balloon and experience the thrill. The Balloon safari starts at 9 a.m and is available till dusk. However, sometimes this Safari is closed due to inclement weather. It is one of the top things to do at the Safari Zoo near Balboa Park.

10. Carousel and the Kids Village 

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has unique activities for kids. The Conservation Carousel is the kid's favorite because of its various ride elements that depict animals. The Safari Park also has a Kids Village designed like a traditional African village for kids to play and learn. Kids can participate in Safaris and other activities and even talk to Robert the Zebra , a digital Zebra who speaks witty lines to entertain kids. 

Things to Carry while Visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

• Don't forget your masks. Everyone above the age of 2 must wear one.
• Sunscreen to protect your skin in the hot weather
• Carry a map of the Safari Park to not miss out on anything
• Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues
• Carry a bag with light snacks and soft drinks

To Conclude

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a unique Safari zoo near Balboa Park with diverse wildlife. There are tons of activities and numerous safaris for the visitors. Sometimes it can be overwhelming but do not worry, plan your visit and the actions you want to do in advance to explore the Safari Park thoroughly. Ultimately, all there is to do is watch the wildlife and experience the thrill. Learn more about Zoo parks and Safaris at leisure.com .

Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.

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Wolves attack woman who went jogging in French safari zoo

(CNN) — A woman staying at a French safari zoo was attacked by several wolves on Sunday after she entered a part of the zoo usually accessible only by car.

“Luckily the medical staff intervened very quickly and we were able to save this person,” the zoo’s CEO Christelle Bercheny told a press conference.

The attack took place at about 9.30 a.m. at the Thoiry zoological park in Yvelines, approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) west of Paris, French affiliate TF1 said.

After staying the night at the park, the woman, 37, went out jogging and accidentally entered the safari zone, TF1 reported, adding the area was a seven-hectare space where animals, wolves and bears roam freely.

TF1 said it was while she was running that the wolves “pounced” on her, adding that she sustained “serious” injuries and was bitten on the neck, calf and back.

The woman was treated at the nearest hospital and her condition has now “stabilized” TF1 reported.

The zoo has launched an investigation.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2024 by Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

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Dining at the Safari Park

Dining category.

The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook

• Location: Kijamii Overlook
• Make Reservations

Enjoy an incredible view of the African Plains, and watch rhinos and giraffes as you dine on tasty sandwiches and fresh salads—or relax with a refreshing beverage from the full-service bar.

An 18% gratuity charge to be added to checks for parties of 7 or more.

The Sheared Sheep

• Location: Walkabout Australia

Come hang out with a nearby tree kangaroo and a cassowary, and enjoy a salad, a wrap, or one of our Australian-inspired snacks—along with specialty cocktails or a refreshing draft/craft beer.

Barking Deer Pizza and Beer

• Location: Safari Base Camp

Stop in for delicious Neapolitan-style gourmet pizza, cooked to perfection in our brick oven, or enjoy a fresh salad, and wash down your meal with a refreshing draft/craft beer or soft drink.  

Thorntree Terrace

Enjoy a delicious meal beside our beautiful thorn tree. You’ll find breakfast items like bagels and cinnamon rolls, along with sandwiches, burgers with fries, salads, fish and chips, Kid’s Meals, and refreshing beverages—including a variety of soft drinks and draft/craft beer. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

Mombasa Cooker

• Location: Nairobi Village

Dine outdoors on the water in an African-themed village, surrounded by waterfowl and other wildlife. Enjoy hand-battered chicken tenders plates, burgers with fries, salads, Kid’s Meals, and a variety of beverage options, including draft/craft beer and soft drinks. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

Oasis on the Rocks

Located in the heart of Nairobi Village, Oasis on the Rocks features specialty cocktails, and draft/craft beer, and soft drinks.

Okavango Outpost

• Location: African Outpost

After exploring the savanna on Africa Tram, visit Okavango Outpost for a delicious meal. We offer comforting pasta, satisfying sandwiches, and vibrant salads. Complete the experience with our delectable churro sundae for dessert.

Mawazo Kitchen

• Location: African Woods

Dine with a view as you enjoy delicious South of the Border-themed entrees, burgers, chicken tenders, fries, salads, Kid’s Meals, and refreshing beverages, including soft drinks and draft/craft beer. This outdoor dining facility is conveniently located between Benbough Amphitheater and Mawazo Playground. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

Kibo Cones & Snacks

Looking for something sweet in the heart of Nairobi Village? Enjoy our soft-serve ice cream, ICEEs, and floats! We offer a variety of snacks, including pretzels, churros, and hot dogs.

Safari Coffee Outpost

Start your day off with a selection of specialty coffee drinks, warm mini doughnuts, snacks, and cold drinks, as you browse among the unique items at our adjacent Plant Trader gift shop.  

Macan Market

• Location: Tiger Trail

Relax at our beautiful Sambutan Longhouse, and select from a light luncheon menu that includes snacks, draft/craft beer, and soft drinks, while you watch tigers watching you!

Lion Camp Slush & Snacks

• Location: Lion Camp

Watch the Safari Park’s hot-air balloon rise above the savanna, as you cool off with a build-your-own slush, paired perfectly with your favorite snacks—from churros to hot dogs—or enjoy a refreshing soft drink or draft/craft beer.

Rift Sand Bar

• Location: The Grove

Relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the African Plains from the top of the elevator deck, along with a refreshing snack, some popcorn, a pretzel, a soft drink, or draft/craft beer.

Tucker Truck

Located in Walkabout Australia between the platypus habitat and the Bonsai Pavilion, Tucker Truck serves up tasty french fry cones, snacks, and cold drinks.

Raptor's Nest

Hang out and enjoy the beautiful view of our Flightline Safari landing area and our Roar & Snore camp area. At Raptor’s Nest, you’ll find snacks, soft drinks, draft/craft beer, wine, and specialty cocktails.

Kalahari Cupboard

Before you stop by the Petting Kraal, visit Kalahari Cupboard for an Arctic Blast with blended soft-serve ice cream, or an ICEE and snacks, and enjoy a view of the waterfall near the wooden bridge.

Congo Kitchen

Conveniently located near a triangle of gift shops, just steps from Nairobi Village, Congo Kitchen offers nachos, popcorn, snacks, cold drinks, and draft/craft beer.

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