San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an 1800 acre zoo in San Diego that is home to many wild and endangered animals. The Safari Park isn’t like your typical zoo, many of the animals are in a free-range environment together, not separated. This park is so popular that more than 2 million people visit it annually.
When are they open? Open every day from 9AM to 6PM, Reservations are required for entry.
How much? Tickets are $62 for Adults, and $52 for Children (3-11), children under 3 are free. All visitors over 3 need a ticket and a reservation. The ticket includes the African Tram and the Cheetah Run. There is an extra cost for Animal Safari which can range from $60- 700 dollars depending on the experience. Many of the safaris are priced per truck and each truck holds up to 6 people. They request that the 6 people be in the same household.
Logistics: Safari Park is located about 45 minutes away from downtown San Diego. Parking is available for a fee, $15 per vehicle; $20 for RV parking. Food and alcohol are available for purchase around the park. COVID: Masks are required for all guests over the age of 2 years old. Social distancing is encouraged to all guests to maintain a 6-foot distance. There is no exit and re-entry into the park at this time. Hand sanitizing and handwashing stations are located around the park. Before entering the parking lot each car will be required to do a Health Screening asking if you have had any COVID-related symptoms.
What to see?
Asian Savanna and African Plains: The largest exhibit that features an open range enclosure where all the animals roam around freely such as rhinos, zebras, water buffalo, etc. This is also where most of the Safaris are done.
Tiger Trail: See the Sumatra tigers roam around
Nairobi Village and Gorilla Forest: See the smaller animals such as the flamingos, antelopes, hogs, cranes as well as the gorilla habitat! Best time to see the gorilla is when it's their lunchtime.
Lion Camp: See the park’s six African lions through a viewing window. Many of the lions are sleeping during the day but some do wake up and walk past the window.
Condor Ridge: The highest point of the park, the condor ridge displays the California Condors
African Woods and African Outpost: In this exhibit, visitors go down a trail that replicates the African habitat. Lots of the smaller animals here too.
Walkabout Australia: one of our favorites, you can walk into the exhibit and be up and close to many of Australia’s favorite animals like ducks and kangaroos. Many of the kangaroos are sleep during the day so you’ll just see them lounging most of the time.
What to Expect and Tips
Budget about half a day at the park, especially if you have younger kids. Older kids you can probably budget the entire day since there are so many things to see.
Buy your tickets in Advance as well as any extra excursion that you would want to experience. The extra excursions may sell out
The best time to visit is spring, you might see baby animals. Also, the Summertime gets really hot so many of the animals are hiding during the day.
Arrive early to the Park, especially in the summer because it can get hot. Arriving early can also get you a closer parking spot, right now trams are not available.
Dress comfortably, there is a lot of walking in this park. Bring a hat, sunscreen, extra pair of clothes, and good walking shoes.
Bring lots of water and snacks to the park, outside food is allowed and food is also available for purchase.
There are plenty of picnic tables are available around the park to eat
The Safari Park has strollers available for rent. The daily charge for a single stroller is $14 and a double stroller is $18. We brought a lightweight stroller our Pockit GB
Navigating through the park, we suggest going up the hill towards the Condors, it’s the biggest and longest hill of the park. Then after seeing those attractions, you can walk down the hill towards basecamp for some rest.
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