San Diego Safari Park for me was the best zoo I have ever been to, it’s the closest you will ever get to actually experiencing the animals in their natural environment.
When in San Diego you have to visit the Safari Park & Zoo. Don’t try to do them both in one day though, unless your really short of time as they both have so much to see and are 35 miles apart. This place is massive and you’ll easily spend all day here. The stand out part without a doubt is the Africa tram safari ride. This was an amazing experience and it’s when you do this you realise just how big the place really is. Seeing the Giraffe, Rhino, Antelope and more mingling all together is an amazing sight and certainly the closest you’ll get to seeing the animals in their wild natural habitat.
While we were waiting for the elevator down by African woods we were shocked as the doors opened to be greeted face to face with a Cheetah, It was being taken for its daily a walk with its dog friend. Something I learned from the Zoo, dogs help to keep the skittish Cheetah calm. We were told to keep as still as possible, especially when the Cheetah had walked by and had its back to us as if we made any sudden movements it would likely freak and could even attack. It was still a cool sight and one I wont forget.
It was a shame the balloon ride was closed while we were there as I imagine the view would have been spectacular and the 360 from the top would of been epic 😤
The 1,800-acre Safari Park is home to more than 2,600 animals representing more than 300 species.
- Date opened, 1972.
- The park has the world’s largest veterinary hospital
Prices
Includes Africa Tram, Cheetah Run, and all regularly scheduled shows.
- Adult $54. Ages 12+.
- Child $44, Ages 3-11.
2-Visit Pass
Includes: One visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and one visit to the San Diego Zoo -or- Two visits to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park -or- Two visits to the San Diego Zoo .
- Adult $86.40. Ages 12+.
- Child $76.40, Ages 3-11.
Parking fees:
- $15 per vehicle;
- $20 for RV parking.
- Buy tickets online and purchase the multi park, so you can also get into the Zoo and you can also add SeaWorld as a 3rd park to save even more if you were here long enough. It gives you a week from first use to go to them all.
- Military discounts are valid every day of the year, including ALL holidays! Visit as often as you wish!
- Seniors age 65 and older receive a 10% discount.
- Students age 12 and older receive a 10% discount
- Each year, from October 1–31, in honour of our Zoo’s founding, children ages 11 and younger are granted free entrance to the Zoo and Safari Park when accompanied during their visit by an adult.
Opening Hours
- 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
There is loads to see and do here, I would of liked more time to see it all more thoroughly if I could have. The Africa tram was the highlight for me and a must do. Check out the map.
There are restaurants and stalls scattered throughout the park.
The Safari Park is at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027-7017.
- Car, the easiest way to get here, but there are parking fees: $15 per vehicle; $20 for RV parking.
- Opening hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Recommend a minimum visit time of at least three to four hours.
- Buy tickets online and purchase the multi park, so you can also get into the Zoo and you can also add Seaworld as a 3rd park to save even more if you were here long enough. It gives you a week from first use to go to them all.
- Military discounts are valid every day of the year, including ALL holidays! Visit as often as you wish!
- Seniors age 65 and older receive a 10% discount.
- Students age 12 and older receive a 10% discount
- Each year, from October 1–31, in honour of our Zoo’s founding, children ages 11 and younger are granted free entrance to the Zoo and Safari Park when accompanied during their visit by an adult.
- Park map here.
- ATMs are located at the front entrance (just before the entrance turnstiles), at the Ranger Base, and on the elevator deck.
- Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not permitted anywhere on Zoo or Safari Park grounds or parking lots.
- Guests who are on grounds at the Zoo or Safari Park and wish to leave and return the same day at no charge during open hours may have their hand stamped at the Exit Gate turnstiles. Be sure to keep your ticket!
- Distance between the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 35 miles. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour travel time.
- Find out more at sdzsafaripark.org
- Get $5 credit for your first Uber ride here.
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