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Safaris at San Diego Zoo Safari Park – prices, duration, timings

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a 1,800-acre wild animal enclosure in the San Pasqual Valley area of San Diego, California, near Escondido. 

More than two million locals and tourists visit San Diego Safari Park annually to get closer to wildlife and have animal encounters. 

At this Safari Park, visitors can choose from different safaris, each better than the other. 

This article shares everything you must know about the different kinds of safaris at the San Diego wildlife attraction. 

Top San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets

# Buy Safari Park Ticket # 2-day San Diego Zoo + San Diego Safari Park combo

Table of contents

What to expect at safari park, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, free safari at san diego safari park, best time for african tram safari, free safari or paid safaris, wildlife safari, night vision safari, twilight wildlife safari, cabana safari, sun up cheetah safari, cart safari africa, behind-the-scenes safari, flightline safari, roar and snore safari, ultimate safari, balloon safari, faqs about the safaris at san diego zoo safari park.

The Safari Park is known for its vast, open-air exhibits that aim to replicate the animals’ natural habitats.

The expansive enclosures give the animals ample space to roam and engage in more natural behaviors.

The park is home to a diverse collection of animals, focusing on species from Africa and Asia.

You can see herds of elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, antelopes, and various bird species.

The park is dedicated to wildlife conservation, and you can expect to see educational displays and signage emphasizing the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats.

There are shows and demonstrations featuring various animals throughout the day.

These presentations provide educational insights into different species’ behaviors, adaptations, and characteristics.

The park offers some interactive exhibits where visitors can get hands-on experiences or learn more about specific animal behavior and conservation aspects.

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Tickets for San Diego Zoo Safari Park are available online or at the attraction box office.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because the attraction sells a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Once you purchase San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets , they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.

On the day of your visit, proceed directly to the turnstiles; you do not have to stand in line at the ticket booth. Show the e-ticket on your smartphone and enter the park.

The African Tram Safari is free with the regular San Diego Safari Park ticket .

The 30-minute guided tour happens in an open-air tram so that the visitors can connect with the San Diego Safari Park’s animals on a closer level. 

The tram takes a 4 km (2.5 miles) long route through San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s field habitats, and you get to see herds of giraffes, flocks of exotic birds, crashes of rhinos, etc. 

African Tram Safaris start from the African Outpost at 10 am and continue 45 minutes before the park closes. 

The best time to line up for the African Tram Safaris is before 11 am or after 3 pm because there is no crowd. 

If you reach the African Outpost between 11 am and 3 pm, you may have to wait a while to board the tram.

Besides the Africa Tram, the San Diego Safari Park admission tickets include Cheetah Run, tours and attractions, shows, animal encounters & kids playgrounds.

The only experiences NOT included in the regular ticket are the paid safaris .

A visit to San Diego Safari Park is a costly undertaking. 

The Safari Park admission costs US$69 for all visitors 12 years and above and $59 for three to 11-year-old visitors. 

This is why many visitors wonder if the free Africa Tram Safari included in the ticket is enough. 

They also want to know if it makes sense to book one of the paid safaris.

We think the paid safari tours are nice to have. 

If money isn’t an issue, and you have time, go for them. 

Else, you won’t miss much by just purchasing the regular San Diego Safari ticket and going on the free safari.

Wildlife lovers opt for the 2-day San Diego Zoo + San Diego Safari Park combo , which allows them to visit both wildlife attractions one after the other. Or if they prefer, they can visit one attraction twice. 

Paid Safaris at San Diego Safari Park 

San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers 11 safaris, for which visitors must pay extra. 

These are over and above the numerous wildlife experiences that come with the regular Safari Park ticket . 

You can book these safaris once you reach the Safari Park or call 619-718-3000 in advance.

Even if you book an extra safari, you must purchase a regular entry ticket to the park.

We explain all the different San Diego Safari Park tours so that you can decide for yourself. 

During the Wildlife Safari, your group of up to six will board an open-air safari truck with an expert guide and explore the expansive savanna habitats.

This is a private tour, and you see many birds and mammals, including some babies. 

Age Restriction: 3 years and up Duration: 1 hour Cost: US$419 per group of up to six

During the Night Vision Safari, you spot rhinos, flamingos, giraffes, and more in the dark. 

Everybody gets a pair of night vision binoculars before they hop onto an open-air safari truck to experience the Safari Park’s multispecies habitats like never before. 

The Wildlife Safari at twilight is a great way to get a complete wildlife experience. 

Led by an expert guide, your private group will board a safari truck and roll into the African savanna habitats to get closer to African animals.

You finish the safari by stopping at one of Safari Park’s breathtaking viewpoints. 

You enjoy a glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage and a curated snack box even as you take in the sounds, smells, and views.

Age Restriction: 3 years and up Duration: 1 and a half hour Cost: US$589 per group

This safari is great for a family celebrating an occasion. 

You get a private cabana with stunning views of giraffe herds, iconic rhinos, and a large variety of African wildlife below. 

A dedicated host who handles all your needs, such as lunch, etc., will be available throughout the day.

Age Restriction: None Time:  Daily during park hours Duration: 1 hour Cost: US$250 per group of six

This San Diego Safari Park tour happens before the attraction opens for regular visitors. 

An experienced guide takes you on an early morning stroll through the Safari Park.

Besides strolling from the Park entrance to Shiley’s Cheetah Run and Kijamii Overlook, you also witness a cheetah run at top speed.

Since the ticket booths will be closed early in the morning, you must book this safari at least one day in advance. 

Age Restriction: None Time: 8.30 am, Saturday, Sunday, and select holidays Duration: 1 hour Cost: US$99 per person

Did you know that the San Diego Zoo houses more animals in a smaller space? Some visitors prefer to read our comparison of San Diego Safari Park and Zoo before booking their tickets.

You sit in a private safari cart and enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the park’s spacious African savanna habitats.

The expert guide shares stories about the plants and animals in the park.

Age Restriction: None Time:  Daily during park hours Duration: 1 hour Cost: US$318 per group of six

During the Behind-the-Scenes Safari tour, you embark on a 90-minute private adventure to see animals up close and listen to wildlife stories.

A guide escorts you around the park in a deluxe cart and shows you areas closed to the public. 

There are three types of Behind-the-Scenes Safari – 

Aussie Surprise: This is an early morning safari in the Walkabout Australia section of San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Visitors will see animals such as kangaroos, Platypus, wallabies, etc. 

Elephants and Friends: During this guided tour, you go behind the scenes at the Elephant Valley and learn what it takes to care for a herd of African elephants.

Rhinos and friends: During this safari, you will visit Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center, a 3.5-acre state-of-the-art facility that conserves white rhinos.

Age Restriction: None Time:  Daily during park hours Duration: 90 minutes to 2 hours Cost: US$522 per group of six

During the Flightline Safari at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, you will soar as high as 130 feet above the ground and take a bird’s-eye view of rhinos, giraffes, and other wildlife in the savanna habitats.

The tour includes:

• An orientation on the tour and safety equipment
• Brief interpretive tour
• ‘Preparator flight’ on a smaller zipline
• The trip by safari truck to the final launch platform
• The final zipline flight of two-thirds of a mile

Age Restriction: 8 years and up Time: Daily during park hours Duration: 1 hour, including training Cost: US$308 per group of four

This experience is an excellent sleepover adventure at the Safari Park.

All sleepovers include activities at the Roar and Snore camp, an after-hours wildlife exploration, dinner, an evening snack, and breakfast the following morning.

This wildlife experience can be booked as a family or group of adults. 

Age Restriction: None Duration: Overnight, 4:15 pm to 9:30 am Cost: US$149 per group of six

Aptly named the Ultimate Safari, this is perhaps the best safari at San Diego Safari Park.

This experience is customized for your needs and interests with the best habitat areas, animal interactions, and a sit-down lunch. 

This five hours long safari needs reservations (minimum 72 hours ahead) and is subject to availability. 

Age Restriction: 3 years and up Duration: 5 hours or 7 hours Cost: US$710+ per person

The Balloon Safari is modeled on the hot air balloon tours of the Serengeti.

The tethered helium balloon rises silently 400 feet, and you get to spend 10 to 12 minutes in the sky, gaining a bird’s eye view of the park.

Since animals are most active early in the morning, the best time to be up in the air is 9 am to noon.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Safaris at San Diego Zoo Safari Park:

The Safari Park strives to make its attractions accessible to all visitors. Wheelchair accessibility may vary by safari tour, so it’s recommended to inquire about specific accommodations.

Yes, photography is allowed during the safari tours. However, it’s essential to follow any guidelines provided by the park and be considerate of the animals and fellow visitors.

The park prioritizes visitor safety, and safari tours adhere to strict safety guidelines. Visitors are usually briefed on safety protocols before the tours, and trained guides accompany guests during the experiences.

Some safari experiences are included with a general admission ticket , while others may require an additional booking and fee.

Sources # tripadvisor.com # Wikipedia.org # Lajollamom.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

Popular attractions in San Diego

# San Diego Safari Park # San Diego Zoo # Legoland California # USS Midway Museum # SeaWorld San Diego # San Diego Harbor Cruise

Other zoos in California

# Los Angeles Zoo # San Francisco Zoo

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Check out all the things to do in San Diego

This article was researched & written by

Shobha Mahapatra

She loves traveling in groups - of friends and relatives. The destination doesn't matter much as long she has her fun group around. She loves to try the local cuisine and clothes and also builds friendships wherever she goes. Favorite Cities: Istanbul, Hanoi, Cape Town, Singapore

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

1 thought on “Safaris at San Diego Zoo Safari Park – prices, duration, timings”

YOu don’t say anywhere where the tours start from? How far from the entrance is the walk?

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tips and Fun Things to do

The San Diego Zoo in southern California had an idea for a new park. They wanted to create a wild animal park that allows the animals to roam free with plenty of room to run. The Zoo wanted to mimic their natural habitat as much as possible.

At the same time, they wanted to still give the guests ways to get up close to them. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is what they came up with.

This post has been sponsored by the San Diego Zoo . As always, my opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the site, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for the support. 

The Safari Park is a one-of-a-kind exhibit. It does an amazing job of immersing you in the diverse habitats you are visiting. From the trails to the landscaping, you are transformed into another world.

The only thing I’ve seen that came is Disney Worlds Animal Park. But there are some differences between this park and the San Diego Zoo .

San Diego Safari Park Tips

A lot of the tips I gave regarding the San Diego Zoo apply to the Safari Park too. But there are a few other things that make this park stand out.

Planning Your Day

Get there early, wear good walking shoes and make a plan for the animals you want to see first. For me, it was the Tiger Trail. This trail has ADA walking paths. It was one of the nicest trails I’ve seen.

Since we got there so early, we were able to see very active tigers enjoying their enclosures. They also had a secondary trail you can take that goes off the beaten path.

If you are up for the adventure, I recommend taking this loop for a unique experience.

Some of the other favorites are the gorillas, elephant odyssey, rhinos, and giraffes. The park spends a lot of time educating its visitors about the animals. Each has its own unique world.

As of Spring 2018, they are working on a new exhibit in this part of the zoo, the Walk About Australia. Because of this, some birds on California Condor Ridge have been relocated during the construction.

They should have it back open to the public this summer. Don’t let this detour you from visiting the Tigers. It was unforgettable.

How much walking is required?

This park didn’t feel as big as San Diego Zoo, but it was definitely comparable. We logged 4.7 miles of walking. If you have young kids, make sure to bring a stroller.

The biggest difference was the space between each animal enclosure. Because they have given the animals more space to roam, they filled in with additional landscaping and added enrichment opportunities for the younger guests.

Want to see a mix of animals from everywhere? Don’t forget to check out the San Diego Zoo. It’s a blast! Essential Tips For Visiting the San Diego Zoo Before Going Buy Tickets for the San Diego Zoo by Clicking here.

The food situation is the same. Pricing is at a premium, and the quality is mediocre. They have a wide variety of options including gluten-free and vegan options.

They also allow you to bring in your own food and snacks, which will save you a lot of money. I also recommend bringing in a water bottle or hydration backpack too just to keep the costs down.

My favorite backpack is the Rupumpack because of its extra storage space. I take it with me everywhere. The longest lines for food are right around 12-1 and right next to the tram tour.

If you walk a few food joints away, you’ll be able to walk right up.

Animal Encounters

One of my favorite parts of the zoo was getting to see an animal encounter. These encounters are more than just a Zoo Keeper talking about animals.

They come right out into the park and talk with the guests. These encounters are at various times of the day and can be found all over the park. Some of my favorites were the Nairobi Village, Lion Camp, and the Walkabout Australia.

The Africa Tram

The Safari Park’s Africa Tram is included with admission. This ride is incredibly popular. It gives you a 30 min highlight tour of the African plains. The busiest time is between 11-3.

You’ll be looking to wait for about 1hr in line during peak times. The wait goes down significantly if you go during the Cheetah Run show. The first train starts at 10 am, so I recommend getting on this one if you can.

The Cart Safari Tour

The cart safari tour is a great way to see the animals if you are traveling with younger kids. With a maximum capacity of 12 people, the tour was practically private.

They take you on a complete perimeter of the facility. The Asian plains tour gives takes you to the far end of the park.

Getting the opportunity to get up close and personal with the San Diego safari park animals was an experience I will never forget. Our guide gave us all kinds of information about the different species and their history with the park.

Visiting in springtime gave us a rare opportunity to see some of the babies, including a 2-day old Dik-Dik. Witnessing the baby’s unstable steps and a mama protective of her new baby was just like wanting a Discovery Channel Special.

The tour thought us so much about the park and its extensive steps to ensure survival and conservation efforts. Including their work to help endangered species.

Other Safari Tours to Take

The least expensive tour is the $15 balloon safari. Taking you up 400 feet above the prairie, to witness the animals from above. You’ll spend about 10-12 minutes high above the Serengeti.

There is a Wildlife Safari Caravan Tour for people six years and older. Everyone piles into the open-air safari truck, and you all get the opportunity to hand feed different animals.

The trip is anywhere from 2-3.5 hrs long depending on the trip you choose. You must be 13 years old. They also do a Twilight Wildlife Safari. Same thing but during the nighttime magic.

Love Flamingos? You gotta try the Mimosa Wildlife Safari. Start off with enjoying a drink next to the flamingos. THen board the open-air safari truck to see giraffes, antelope, and other African Savana wildlife.

With all the differnet Safari Tours, they have something for every age group. They are a must-see for any trip to the San Diego Safari Park.

My only criticism of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the add-ons. They sell express passes tickets to get in the front of the line at a few of the different features. And a few extra dollars to feed the birds.

It also seemed like in order to really see the Safari Animals; you need to pay the extra money for the safaris tours. These experiences are great and well worth the money.

We opted to spend the extra money on the Cart Safari Tour, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I recommend doing at least one while you are there.

The problem I had was that everywhere you turned it seemed like another amazing experience you can do for a fee. If you have small kids, make sure to prepare them for this.

Decide which add-ons you want to or get them involved in the planning. This way they aren’t begging to do all the cool attractions.

Getting the Best Deal on Tickets to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

I recommend skipping the line by purchasing your tickets online. There are a few different options for tickets. A standard one-day ticket or a two-day ticket is an incredible deal.

You can choose to get into either the Safari Park one day or the San Diego Zoo the next. Or spend both days at the Safari Park! Groupon also has some incredible deals you can check out too.

The other option is to get a Go City Card . This pass is a great deal. You can purchase a pass for the exact number of days you want to do attractions.

The pass includes admission to over 40 different attractions, museums, and a lot of California favorites, including both Zoo’s , SeaWorld , and the USS Midway .

If you plan in outright, you can save yourself a lot of money using this pass. But you may need a few days poolside to recover.

Get your tickets before you leave for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The lines can get long and you don’t want to miss out on anything. San Diego Zoo Safari Park Go City Card Bundle

Final Thoughts

We had a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It was something that I will never forget. The steps they have taken to improve the quality of life in the zoo and their conservation efforts are out of this world.

If you are trying to decide on which zoo to visit between the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, it would depend on what your interests are. If you’re looking for variety and value, the San Diego Zoo is where you want to go.

If you are looking for something a little different and have the money for some extra safari add-ins, go to the Safari Park!

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Minnesota native and Midwest travel expert Jennifer provides insider tips and budget-friendly trip ideas for families looking to explore the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Through her travel blog DayTripper28, she draws on first-hand experience to recommend the best hidden gems, outdoor adventures, road trips, and weekend getaways around Minnesota and the Midwest. With her passion for uncovering local flavors and culture along the backroads, Jennifer shares affordable itineraries for creating memorable experiences across the region.

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Ultimate Guide to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park

“Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a zoo in San Diego? I believe I'll build one”

Harry M. Wegeforth, 1915, Founder of San Diego Zoo.

San Diego is a short drive from Disneyland and boasts two world-famous animal parks.  The San Diego and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park share the same parent organization, San Diego Zoo Global, and are about 30 miles apart.  Below is a guide to both parks, including admission, animals, experiences, tours, dining, and shopping.

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In this planning guide:

Hours and Admission at the San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are open every day of the year, including all holidays. Our family visited on Thanksgiving one year and had a wonderful time. Click HERE for a link to the Zoo’s hours for a specific day and HERE for the Safari Park's hours.

A one-day pass to the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is $56 for adults and $46 for children ages 3 to 11. A one-day pass to the Zoo includes one visit to the San Diego Zoo, Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Express Bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram, and all regularly scheduled shows. Families can upgrade to admission that includes the 4-D Theater experience for $62 for adults and $52 for children. A one-day pass to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park includes Africa Tram, Cheetah Run, and all regularly scheduled shows.

Guests can also purchase multi-day and multi-park passes. A 2-visit pass includes one visit to the San Diego Zoo and one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, or a 2-day visit to each individual park. Adult prices are $89.60 and children ages 3 to 11 prices are $79.60.

Another option is the San Diego 3-for-1 Pass.  This pass allows guests to visit to the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and SeaWorld San Diego. The San Diego 3-for-1 Pass is valid for one visit per park.  Guests can enjoy three total visits by the same person on any and all days. The passes are valid for seven consecutive days from the first visit.

Check out our guide to the best discount ticket deals for the San Diego Zoo  here to save money on your visit.

   Discount San Diego Zoo Ticket Deals 2019: Get Cheap Tickets Here!

San Diego Zoo: Things to See and Do

The San Diego Zoo is located on 100 acres in historic Balboa Park and opened in 1916. This is on the largest zoos in the world, housing over 3,500 animals and more than 650 species and subspecies.  This Zoo has been a leader in the idea of open-air, cageless exhibits that recreate natural animal habitats.

Animal Areas to Explore

There are over 3,500 animals at the San Diego Zoo.  The best way to see the many animals is to navigate by the different areas and trails. The different areas include the Lost Forest, Northern Frontier, Panda Canyon, Asian Passage, Elephant Odyssey, Africa Rocks, Urban Jungle, Outback, and Discovery Outpost.

The Zoo also offers different walking trails as a way to see the animals. These trails include the Aviary Trail, Fern Canyon Trail, Hippo Trail, Monkey Trail, Orangutan Trail, Sun Bear Trail, Tiger Trail, and Africa Rocks. Below are the different areas and their animals and trails.

Lost Forest

Guests will feel like there are in the rain forest when they enter the Lost Forest. The Lost Forest is in the northeast corner of the Zoo. Some animals in this area include hippos, tigers, okapi, otters, birds and primates.  The Lost Forest also features the Fern Garden, the Ginger Garden and the Tiger Trail, where guests can see tigers, tapirs, fishing cats, and milky storks. Guests can enjoy the serene Terrace Lagoon and take in the Zoo’s beautiful collection of bamboo, oriental pines, and flowering trees and shrubs. Guests will feel like they are in an African forest when they visit Scripps Aviary in Gorilla Tropics. The Lost Forest includes the Hippo Trail, Tiger Trail, Fern Canyon Trail, Orangutan Trail, Monkey Trail, and Aviary Trail.

Northern Frontier

The Northern Frontier transports guests to the Arctic. Guests can view beautiful polar bears, artic fox, mountain lions, zebras, and reindeer in the Northern Frontier.  Polar Bear Plunge boasts a 130,000 US gallon pool where guests can view these magnificent creatures. Marsh Aviary is also in this area where guests can view buffleheads, harlequin ducks, smews and long tailed ducks.

Panda Canyon

The San Diego Zoo is one of a few zoos in the United States that has giant pandas on display. The line to see these unique creatures is worth the wait. Panda Trek is popular with Zoo guests and features the Giant Panda Research Station. Guests can also see the adorable red pandas and takins.

Asian Passage

The Asian Passage is south of Panda Canyon and is a simulation of a tropical Asian rain forest. This scenic passage includes grizzly bears, snow leopards, and sun bears. This spectacular area also features the Sun Bear Forest, which resembles a southeast Asian rain forest, and the Hawaiian Native Plant Garden.  The Asian Passage also features the Sun Bear Trail.

Elephant Odyssey

The Elephant Odyssey is home to the African and Asian elephant habitat. This area includes the majestic elephants along with the Elephant Care Center and Fossil Portal. Guests can also see lions, jaguars, California condor, camels, and the Malayan tapir.

Africa Rocks

Africa Rocks highlights the biodiversity of Africa and features a variety of animals, including lemurs, meerkats, monkeys, African penguins, baboons, and serval cats (these guys are cute!).  We had the privilege of seeing a serval kitten during our last visit.

Urban Jungle

The Urban Jungle features animals such as giraffes, gazelles, kangaroos, rhinos, flamingos, camels, and cheetahs. Guests can also view some of the Zoo's animal ambassadors, such as cheetahs, leopards and porcupines.

The Outback will make guests feel like they are in Australia.  Guests can watch adorable koala bears, Tasmanian devils, and laughing kookaburra.  Guests can also enjoy the Australian Wonders garden which includes eucalyptus trees, Queensland lacebark trees, and other “botanical wonders from Down Under”.

Discovery Outpost

This area is located in the southwest corner of the Zoo and features the Reptile House along with the Reptile Walk. Guests can see Komodo dragons, anaconda, a variety of turtles, Chinese alligators, and Galápagos tortoises. Guests can enjoy the Hummingbird Aviary, Bromeliad Garden, Insect House, Children's Zoo, and the Discovery Playground.  The Reptile Mesa has all kinds of exotic-looking plants.  The Outpost also features the Variegated Garden where guests can enjoy a duck pond with unusual plants.

Attractions and Experiences

There are several attractions and experiences that are included in the admission price. These attractions include the guided bus tour, botanical tours, Kangaroo Bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram, shows, 4-D Theater, animal encounters, play areas, and the Balboa Park Miniature Train.

The guided bus tour runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This double-decker bus offers a 35-minute tour of most of the zoo.  This is a great way to start the day and helps give guests the lay of the land.  The Kangaroo Bus allows guests to hop on and off at four different stops throughout the Zoo. Guests just need to look for the yellow Kangaroo Bus banner and wait for the bus to arrive. The Kangaroo bus stops about every 15 minutes.  Click HERE for more information on the Kangaroo Bus.

Botanical Tours

Guests can use the Botanical Tour brochures to enjoy a self-guided tour of the San Diego Zoo's colorful gardens and plant collections at their leisure. Some of the gardens to check out include the Australian Outback, Elephant Odyssey Trees, Fern Canyon, and Monkey Trails. Guests can tour gardens that include Bamboo, Coral Tree, Cycad, Ficus, Orchid, and Palm.  Click HERE for more information on the botanical tours.

Skyfari Aerial Tram

The tram allows guests to take an airborne shortcut from one side of the zoo to the other. Adults and kids will enjoy beautiful views of the Zoo, its animal and plant collection, as well as the scenic Balboa Park. Children younger than 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. The tram cannot accommodate larger-sized or double strollers.  Click HERE for more information on the tram.

Live Animal Shows

Guests can watch two shows, Wild About Animals and Dr. Zoolittle and Friends Explore Australia. Wild About Animals shows 1 p.m. daily at Wegeforth Bowl. Guests can meet world-famous animal ambassadors and their trainers. The Dr. Zoolittle and Friends Explore Australia show plays at noon and 1 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at Koalafornia Boardwalk in the Australian Outback. This show features Zoo costumed characters and is fun for the entire family! Guests can learn more about these shows clicking HERE .

The 4-D theater is located in Northern Frontier and features a 4-D version of the popular animated film Rio, and its beloved characters, Blu and Jewel.  The movie is shown several times daily between 10:30 am 5 pm and costs $7. Click HERE for more information on the 4-D theater.

Animal Encounters

There are several animal encounter experiences, including the following shows:

• Animal Encounters: Front Street Stage – this 10-minute show is at 10:30 a.m. daily and features animal ambassadors
• Animal Encounters: Africa Rocks – runs daily at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. near Rocks Box and features animal ambassadors
• Tasmanian Devil Experience – runs at 12:15 p.m. daily at Australian Outback
• Reindeer Talk – plays at 12:30 p.m. daily at Northern Frontier
• Keeper Talk: Bamboos – shows at 12:30 p.m. daily at Africa Rocks
• Keeper Talk: Lemurs – runs 12:45 p.m. daily at Africa Rocks
• Keeper Talk: Horse, Burro, or Camel – shows 1:30 p.m. daily at Elephant Odyssey, near condors
• Keeper Talk: Giraffes – shows 3:30 p.m. daily at Urban Jungle

Click HERE for more information on the animal encounters.

There are three play areas for the little ones to enjoy. The Elephant Play Yard is located at Elephant Odyssey. Kids of all ages will enjoy a maze of elephant satellite tracking collars, a play fossil dig, and puzzles to solve. Koala Klimber is located at Australian Outback and features cute koala replicas and a photo opportunity! The Polar Bear Play Area is located in Northern Frontier and includes supersized illustrated storybooks and a polar bear den! Guests will have fun comparing their height to life-size polar bear statues. Click HERE to learn more about the play areas.

Dining at the San Diego Zoo

The Zoo offers a few different dining options, including restaurant dining, casual dining, quick bites, and dining events.

Restaurant dining includes Albert’s Restaurant located in Lost Forest in Treetops. Albert's is open from 11am to 3pm and offers full-service dining with a view of a beautiful waterfall.  Starters include truffle fries and Queso Fundido.  The menu features soup, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Some notable menu items include Flat Iron Steak Wedge Salad, Crispy Seafood Basket, Teriyaki-glazed Grilled Fish Sandwich, and White Miso-Shoyu Ramen. The children’s menu includes cheese pizza, baked grilled cheese, hot dog, and chicken strips.  Children’s meals are $9, sandwiches and entrees range from $17 to $22. The restaurant also features a full bar.  Click HERE for more information, menu, and to make reservations for Albert’s Restaurant.

There are several casual dining options .  The San Diego Zoo Sandwich Co., Front Street Café, Lagoon Terrace, and the Safari Kitchen, are all on Front Street. The Front Street offers tacos, burritos, and rolled tacos, as well as salads and burgers. Lagoon Terrace is just outside the San Diego Zoo Sandwich Company and sells pizza by the slice, meatball subs, specialty hot dogs, and wraps.  The Safari Kitchen sells gourmet burgers, grilled chicken sriracha sandwiches, and chicken strips. Guests should check out their tater twisters and loaded tater tots. All casual dining options offer vegetarian options and kid’s meals.

Sydney’s Grill is located in the Outback. Hua Mei Café is located between Asian Passage and Panda Canyon and features Asian cuisine. Sabertooth Grill at Elephant Odyssey includes salads, wraps, sandwiches, and hot entrees. Treetops Café is located in Lost Forest and features flatbread pizzas, Italian-style cuisine, wraps, and salads.

Quick bite options are throughout the park and include coffee, fast food and desserts.  The Lost Forest features Jungle Java, and Zoo Brew. Jungle Java sells coffee (including nitro), pastries, and popcorn. Zoo Brew offers mini doughnuts, popcorn, draft beer, and specialty coffee drinks.

Rocks Box in Africa Rocks sells hot dogs, nachos, locally brewed draft beer, and Icees.  The Panda Pagoda is in Panda Canyon and serves egg rolls, corn dogs, popcorn, craft beer, and snow cones.  Kettle Corn is located in Wegeforth Bowl in Discovery Outpost. This quick stop features kettle corn, caramel corn, churros, pretzels, locally brewed draft beer, Icees, and soft drinks. The Bridge Snack and Refreshments is located by Bashor Bridge in Elephant Odyssey. The Bridge serves pretzels, and popcorn along with locally brewed draft beer, Cadillac margaritas, Icees, snow cones, sand soft drinks.

Front Street features a few quick bite options, including Nestle Toll House Café by Chip and San Diego Craft Beer and Margaritas. The Ituri Hut is located in the Lost Forest and serves hot dogs, soft pretzels, churros, and Icees. Click HERE for more information on casual dining and quick bites.

Shopping at the San Diego Zoo

There are few shopping options in the Zoo. Front Street features the San Diego Zoo Kids Store, Zootique, Front Street Photos, and The Roar Store. The San Diego Zoo Kids Store sells plush animals as well as other toys, gifts, books, snacks, clothing, and hats. Zootique features international gifts from around the world, along with gourmet foods, fashion, hats, and jewelry. Guests can visit the Front Street Photos to pick up souvenir photos, magnets, and CDs. The Roar Store sells hats, sunglasses, and other items guests will need to start their day.

Sydney’s Shoppe is located in the Outback and sells a variety of gifts from the Land Down Under. Guests can purchase exclusive koala and friends-themed gifts and souvenirs.  Guests can shop at the Panda Shop in the Asian Passage for all things Panda. The Arctic Trader in Northern Frontier sells polar bear gifts and souvenirs.  Tusker’s Trunk is located in the Elephant Odyssey offers elephant gifts.

The Lost Forest features the Zoo Brew and Ituri Forest Outpost for shopping. The Zoo Brew sells quick food bites as well as primate souvenirs. The Ituri Forest Outpost sells African-themed items. Click HERE for more information on shopping at the San Diego Zoo.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park was known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park until 2010.  The Safari Park sits on 1,800 acres in San Pasqual Valley area of San Diego, California, near Escondido.  This park is a park is in a semi-arid environment and hosts over 2,600 animals representing more than 300 species, as well as 3,500 plant species.

Animals at the Safari Park

The Safari Park has several zones where guests can view many different animals.  These zones include African Woods, African Outpost, Elephant Valley, Nairobi Village, Gorilla Forest, Asian Savannah, African Plains, Condor Ridge, Lion Camp, and Tiger Trail.

African Woods and African Outpost

African Woods features animals such as the Egyptian Vulture, Gerenuk, Okapi, and Secretary Bird. Guests can view the majestic Cheetah in the African Outpost.  Other notable animals include flamingos, hornbills, and warthogs.

Elephant Valley

Guests can watch these giant creatures in their large pond at the Elephant Viewing Patio, located at the south end of Elephant Valley. Guests may catch sight of baby elephants splashing in mud holes!

Nairobi Village and Gorilla Forest

The Nairobi Village houses a wide variety of animals such as the dik, duiker, pelicans, red river hogs, fruit bats, and the shoebill.  Guests can visit the nursery where baby animals are hand-reared as well as a petting corral.  The Gorilla Forest includes butterflies, lemurs, pink pigeons, and of course gorillas. This forest also includes the Hidden Jungle, a tropical rain forest with colorful tropical birds and beautiful plants.

Asian Savannah and African Plains

These two areas comprise the Safari Park’s largest exhibits and cover over 300 acres. The Asian Savannah features camels, rhinos, oryx, and wild cattle.  The African Plans features animals such as antelope, rhinos, giraffe, ostrich, vultures, and zebras.

Condor Ridge

This area houses endangered North American desert wildlife.  Guests can view some majestic birds including bald eagles, the California Condor and the adorable burrowing owls.  Guests can also see bighorn sheet.   The Safari Park is one of the only places in the world where the public can see the California Condor in captivity.

The Lion Camp allows guests the privilege of watching these beautiful big cats and their natural behaviors.  Lions can be spotting romping, exploring, eating, or resting.  Guests may even catch sight of an African lions relaxing in an acacia tree!

Tiger Trail

The Tiger Trail opened a few years ago and is definitely worth checking out. Guests can view the majestic Sumatran tigers in three separate yards with glass viewing windows.

Walkabout Australia

This area includes Australians animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, and platypuses.  Guests should check out the Matschie's tree-kangaroo exhibit to watch these playful creatures.

The World Gardens areas hosts a few different gardens where guests can enjoy beautiful greenery. Safari Park's Bonsai Pavilion showcases many of these interesting miniature plants in a tranquil surrounding.  Guests can visit the Old World Succulent Garden and the Baja Garden to see cacti, elephant trees, boojums, and euphorbia.  The Grove is another area with gardens. Guests can visit the Herb Garden and enjoy over 30 varieties of herbs including fragrant cedar, rose, apple, lime, nutmeg, and peppermint.

Guest Experiences at the Safari Park

The Safari Park offers a few exciting experiences for guests, including the Africa Tram, animal encounters, balloon safari, play areas, and the Conservation Carousel

Africa Tram

I highly recommend the Africa Tram! Our family rode this a couple of times throughout the day.  This tram is located in the African Outpost and is a 25-minute tour of the field exhibits. Guests will enjoy an informative tour of a diverse collection of animals. Tours start at 10am and continue throughout the day.

The Safari Park offers several animal encounters, including Tiger Keeper Talk, Animal Ambassador Stage, Nairobi Station, Petting Kraal, Lorikeet Landing, and Lemur Walk. Click HERE for more information and times on the animal encounters.

Balloon Safari

Guests can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Safari Park from the Balloon Safari. These tethered rides are modeled after the hot air balloon tours of the Serengeti and rise 400 feet. The rides last 10 to 12 minutes.  Prices are around $20 per person and are subject to change.

Play Areas and Conservation Carousel

The Safari Park offers play areas throughout, including Village Playground, Savanna Cool Zone, Samburu Jungle Gym, and Tiger Trail Play Area. Click HERE for more information on play areas. Kids and kids at heart will enjoy this colorful carousel that features 60 different animals, including a giraffe, rhino, zebra, cheetah, and more!  The cost is $6 for unlimited rides.  The carousel is open from 10am to closing.

Tours at the Safari Park

The Safari Park offers several tour options, including Behind-the-Scenes Safari, Cart Safaris, Cheetah Safari, Jungle Ropes Safari, Caravan Safaris, and Flightline Safari.

Behind-the-Scenes Safaris

Guests can choose some several safari tours, including Butterflies and Friends, Elephants and Friends, Roos and Mates, Tiger and Friends, Cheetah and Friends, Rhino Rescue Center, and Veterinary Medical Center.  Tours range start from $89 and up.  Click HERE for more information on Behind-the-Scenes Safaris.

Cart Safaris

The Safari Park also offers two Choose Your Cart Safaris, including Cart Safari Africa and Cart Safari Asia. These tours cost $54 and up.  Click HERE for more information on Cart Safaris.

Cheetah Safari

Shiley's Cheetah Run is definitely worth checking out!  Guests can watch this magnificent cat race at on a straight 330-foot-long track and reach maximum speed of about 70 miles per hour. Our family thoroughly enjoyed this free event.  Guests can reserve trackside seating for this experience.  Click HERE for more information.

Jungle Ropes Safari

The Jungle Ropes Safari takes guests on a 90-minute adventure where they climb, balance, swing, and walk through the trees using a Smart Belay system. The thrills in this safari include rope bridges, aerial tightropes, swinging log steps, and moving platforms. Click HERE for more information.

Caravan Safaris

Guests can choose from several choose-your-own caravan safaris that include Caravan Safari Adventure, Caravan Safari Twilight, Caravan Safari Deluxe, and Caravan Safari Kids. Prices on these Caravan Safaris range start at $125 per person.  Learn more about these tours by clicking HERE .

Flightline Safari

The Flightline Safari is a zipline experience that allows guests to soar as high as 130 feet above the ground.  The 2/3 mile track flies guests over the Safari’s vast animal exhibits. Prices start at $79 per person. Click HERE for more information.

Dining at the Safari Park

The Safari Park offers several different dining options. Walkabout Australia includes The Sheared Sheep which serves salads, wraps, and snacks. The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook is a restaurant and bar that features sandwiches and salads and a view of giraffes and rhinos.

Safari Base Camp hosts the Barking Deer Pizza and Beer, Thorntree Terrace that serves Asian cuisine, and Safari Coffee Outpost.  Nairobi Village has a few dining options, including Bamburi Boat Bar, Mombasa Cooker that serves barbeque favorites, Kibo Cones & Snacks, and Oasis Deli.

The Okavango Outpost is located in in the African Outpost and serves sandwiches, paninis, and salads with a beautiful view of the African Plains. Samburu Terrace in the African Woods offers delicious “South of the Border” entrées.  Lion Camp Slush & Snacks offers a build-your-own slush drink along with hot dogs and churros. The Rift Sand Bar, located in the Grove, offers refreshing drinks and snacks with a scenic view of the African Plains and Lion Camp. Click HERE for more information on dining options.

Shopping at the Safari Park

The Safari Park offers a few shopping options. Safari Outfitters is by the entrance/exit and offers candy, snacks, apparel, hats, sundries, and souvenirs. Guests can purchase their wild safari pictures at Safari Photos.  The Plant Trader sells garden décor and drought-tolerant plants. The Bazaar offers a large selection of authentic African artifacts, jewelry, books, and home décor, as well as T-shirts, hats, toys, snacks, and souvenirs.

Nairobi Village has two stores, the Village Market and Rift Gifts. The Village Market offers face painting.  The market also sells candy, snacks, toys, hats, souvenirs, and personalized gifts. The Macan Market is located on the Tiger Trail and sells all things tiger. Click HERE for more information on shopping options.

Plan Your Southern California Vacation!

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About Monique Smalling

Monique and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento, California with their two daughters, Sydney (14) and Reagan (13). Sydney's first trip to Disneyland was at one year old, and the family has been hooked ever since. The family has been annual pass holders for several years and visit the Happiest Place on Earth every couple of months. Each visit includes 3 to 4 days in the parks before heading to the beach. Monique and her daughters consider themselves huge Disney fans, and love sharing their knowledge and tips on the parks.

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A Travelers Guide to the San Diego Zoo: Safari Park

San Diego Zoo: Safari Park

Encounter animals from around the world, running and reveling in life, at the San Diego Zoo: Safari Park! This park started with a vision by Dr. Charles Schroeder in 1968 and, since then, has become the amazing wildlife paradise it is today.

Note that the Safari Park is not to be confused with the San Diego Zoo that’s located near the heart of downtown SD! The Safari Park is a far larger lot of land far away from the bustle of downtown. It’s home to a very different set of unique animals and is located near Escondido, which is to the northeast of La Jolla. Whether you go to the SD zoo or Safari Park, don’t miss these fabulous San Diego discount vacation packages here for amazing savings on both parks.

The Safari Park environment is a contrast to the usual zoo enclosures. Here, animals roam on large tracts of land, 1,800 acres of land to be exact. Because of its size, make sure you take at least one whole day to explore! Open every day of the year, including holidays, you can visit your favorite animals any time, no matter the season.

What Type of Animals & Plants to Expect

There’s a wide variety of creatures here to meet. Some of the top favorites include the African rhinos, camels, cheetahs, coati, lemurs, lions, millipedes, hissing cockroaches, bald eagle, Przewalski’s horses, red river hogs, dik diks, elephants, gorillas and zebras. The experience of seeing these animals is extremely authentic because the animals are put together to encourage interaction. See giraffes mingle with ostriches and deer run with antelope!

If seeing all these majestic creatures wasn’t already enough, also look forward to the globally-encompassing gardens you’ll be exploring. Visit unique plant life exhibits like the beautiful Bonsai Pavillion and Old World Succulent Garden.

Add On Safaris

It’s important to know that your initial ticket may seem quite inexpensive. This is because what you’re paying for is just admission to get in, the animal shows and a basic tram tour. This ride is of an open square mile at the center of the park, giving you the most general tour of park.

To get more in-depth knowledge and close ups of other animals and exhibits, you’ll want to check out the add-on safaris, which do cost extra. Some of these tours are:

– Cart Safari (goes through African Plains or Asian Savannah) – Cheetah Safari (meet these spotted speedsters up close) – Jungle Ropes Safari (climb a ropes-filled obstacle course) – Flightline Safari (zip line through some of the most popular exhibits) – Roar & Snore Safari (camping out in the park itself)

Additional Experiences

As mentioned before, you have animal encounters and shows included in the price of ticket admission. The purpose of these experiences? To have park trainers and keepers introduce you to animals up close and provide you a truly in-depth look at what makes them unique! Some of these animal encounters include:

– Tiger Keeper Talk (Everyday at 11:45 am) – Bird Training Talk (Everyday at 10:30 am) – Petting Kraal the goat (Everyday from 10 am — 4:45 pm) – Lemur Walk (Everyday from 9 am to close) – Elephant Keeper Talk (Everyday at 1:30 pm) – Frequent Flyers Bird Show (Everyday at noon and 2:30 pm)

How to Prepare (Attire, Food and More)

You’ve picked your date. You’ve mulled over which tours to add on. Now for the nitty gritty details…what to wear and what to pack!

Since you’ll be walking a long ways, supportive walking shoes are critical. Your feet will be giving you a big thank you by the day’s end!

Food-wise, you’re more than welcome to bring your own grub into the park. For those with families where buying food for 4 gets expensive fast, packing a picnic lunch is a great option. And hey, if you’re not in the mood to haul a cooler…there’s plenty of great food throughout the park. And don’t worry too much about dietary needs at these restaurants; most of the options like Thorntree Terrace, Samburu Terrace and Mombasa Cooker all have vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Good to Know

You can often find great deals on San Diego Zoo tickets or Safari Park tickets and packages through discount sites like LivingSocial and Groupon. Better yet, you’ve visited our zoo discounts page ! When looking to book your trip;, look on these sites first to make sure you’re getting the best savings possible!

In Conclusion

A day at the Safari Park is one well-spent, especially for families with kids. Everyone will come out feeling enriched, and, after your day of hiking, dinner will have never tasted so good!

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• Go Wild in San Diego

Go Wild in San Diego: 8 Awesome Animal Encounters

For a roaring good time on vacation, nothing beats San Diego. The beachside city is famous the world over for its San Diego Zoo , Safari Park and splash-tastic SeaWorld San Diego , but tucked away in San Diego’s bucolic backcountry visitors can find several other exciting and unique close encounters of the animal kind.

The following are eight unforgettable, must-visit places to see amazing wildlife in San Diego. A few are bucket list-worthy and adrenaline-pumping, some are downright adorable, and all are family-friendly, sure to thrill visitors of all ages.

• At Wild Wonders in San Diego’s North County town of Bonsall, visitors can tame their curiosity for wildlife by getting up close and personal with 150 animal ambassadors including parrots, desert tortoises, an alligator, wallaby, foxes, groundhogs, bobcats, monkeys and a Siberian lynx. Tour groups are led by their own personal guide, a professional biologist and animal trainer. In addition to providing guests a dynamic animal adventure, Wild Wonders’ goal is to foster a desire to preserve and learn about wildlife and the important role they play on the planet.
• Located in nearby Valley Center, Nurtured by Nature offers three-hour guided tours for guests to touch, feed, and interact with several exotic animals, including armadillos, a kangaroo, sloth and porcupine, as well as swim and play with adorable Asian small clawed otters in a heated pool. Proceeds from the otter swim encounters go toward caring for the animals and funding free programs for children visiting from organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• Visitors can flutter over to the Butterfly Farms in Vista to experience the magic of butterflies in a 2,000 square-foot vivarium, the largest native butterfly free house in Southern California. Guests of all ages can meander among several different butterfly species, including Cloudless Sulfur, Cabbage Whites, Painted Ladies, Gulf Fritillaries, Anise Swallowtails and their most popular butterfly, the Monarch.
• Adventure takes wing at Sky Falconry in the picturesque mountain setting of Alpine, where guests can experience flying trained birds of prey to their glove and learn about raptor biology, conservation and the art of falconry, one of the world’s oldest hunting traditions. Guests can also play field games with the raptors, as well as take stunning photos with them.
• Be among the first to discover the magical menagerie at the new Children’s Nature Retreat in Alpine, a 20-acre ranch-style sanctuary for more than 80 domesticated animals from around the world including zebra, camels, Nigerian goats, mules, miniature horses, alpacas, Scottish Galloway mini cows and more. The retreat is designed to help children develop a sense of wonder for nature and animals through unstructured exploration and learning.
• The first camel dairy in the United Stated, the unusual Oasis Camel Dairy in the pastoral town of Ramona features monthly Open Farm Tours where visitors can enjoy camel rides, petting the camels, fun photo opportunities, an animal show, petting zoo and shopping at the dairy store, selling camel milk lotions, soaps, chocolate and more. Perfect for families, the dairy also offers leisurely private guided tours for small groups.
• Located near the rural town of Descanso, Lions, Tigers & Bears , a non-profit rescue facility that provides a safe haven for abandoned and unwanted big cats and exotic animals, features three lions, two tigers, 10 black and grizzly bears, a mountain lion, leopard and bobcats. This unique animal preserve allows animals to live out their lives in a safe and caring environment while also educating the public about some of nature’s most magnificent wildlife. Tour reservations are required.
• The California Wolf Center , located south of the historic mountain town of Julian , is a non-profit wildlife education center dedicated to increasing public awareness and understanding of the history, biology and behavior of the gray wolf which once roamed North America in countless numbers. The center offers thrilling public tours to view several packs of gray wolves, including a pack of North American gray wolves, as well as packs of highly-endangered Mexican gray wolves. Tour reservations are required. 
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• Activities for Kids

Ultimate Guide to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

group parenting, in which individuals other than the parents act in a parental role. The Safari Park is home to 14 elephants—four adults and 10 youngsters. The new calves and their herd may be seen at the Safari Park’s elephant habitat and on the Safari Park’s Elephant Cam, at sdzsafaripark.org/elephant-cam.

Traveling to Africa to go on a safari with the fam may not be in the cards, but a trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a must––and the next best thing. This truly amazing Park is as dedicated to wildlife conservancy as it is to creating an atmosphere through which kids will learn about and enjoy animals. Nothing compares to the wow-factor of seeing animals up close in their natural habitats in this locale. Read on for our guide to having a fantastic, totally wild visit to this local gem and for exciting details about two of the Park’s newest additions!

photo: Christina Simmons

Ready for cuteness overload? You’re in for two tons of fun because the San Diego Zoo Safari Park recently welcomed two elephant calves to their family. Zuli (male) and Mkhaya (female) are busy playing together with friendly sparring, climbing and head-butting that you’ll want to rush to witness firsthand. In addition to their mamas, these sweet pachyderms are being raised by their aunties, as elephants employ group parenting to care for their young. (Smart!) Go check these awesome animals out at the Safari Park’s elephant habitat or spy them on the Safari Park’s elephant cam here .

Additionally, read on for our super informative guide to navigating the rest of the Safari Park.

Tiger Trail There’s so much to see and do at the Safari Park! Make sure you grab a map at the Park entrance to help you navigate your way to all of the animals and to see the day’s schedule of entertainment, talks, tours and attractions. You can also plan your day before you go online here . We started our visit with a trip through the awe-inspiring Tiger Trail where we watched tigers play and splash in the water and strut straight up to the expansive viewing windows for a humbling and exciting eye to eye encounter.

When you first enter the Tiger Trail, there’s a little nook off to the right where you climb down netted rope to access a small viewing window. Kids will love feeling like they’re climbing through the jungle to happen upon a tiger like we did, as seen in the above photo!

After you stroll through the serene Tiger Trail and see the tigers in action, before you exit the Tiger Trail, kids will relish the chance to play in the Camp Play Area, climbing on logs and ropes.

Good to know : Kids will also love climbing and exploring at the Samburu Jungle gym located in the African Woods section of the Park.

Petting Kraal Be sure to take your kiddos to the Petting Kraal to touch and brush the goats. Just make sure you don’t have any food on you before you go in––the goats will eat anything! For a list of all the animal encounters available at the Park click here . We love the Lemur Walk and Lorikeet Landing, where you can come face to face with lemurs and lorikeets!

Africa Tram You definitely want to plan on riding the Africa Tram which runs from 10 a.m.-5:15 p.m. This glorious excursion through the African field exhibits is included with Park admission and allows you to observe animals in their expansive, naturalistic habitats.

The view from the open-air Africa Tram gives kids a thrilling perspective of animals ranging from giraffes to African rhinos. An in-the-know guide narrates the tram ride with both fun and educational facts about animals and what the Safari Park is doing to help critically endangered species.

Insider’s Tip : Shiley’s Cheetah Run is located near the Africa Tram and you can see for yourself how fast cheetahs run at 3:30 p.m.

Giraffes strike an elegant pose as the Africa Tram goes by. You can see the giraffes from the tram or from the African Plains’ Kijamii Overlook. For a special experience, feed the giraffes during a Caravan Safari.

Good news : The Safari Park has had over 100 births of the Uganda giraffe in their African Plains habitat, which greatly helps with the conservation efforts of this endangered giraffe subspecies.

Lion Camp After your tram ride, head to see the nearby lion and lionesses in all their splendor. They’ll most likely be lounging under the Acacia tree since the regal felines can sleep up to 21 hours a day. Don’t miss the large glass panels that let you peer into the habitat with the hopes of coming face to face with the lions.

Gorilla Forest Meander down the Gorilla Trail through the Gorilla Forest where you’ll behold a band of beautiful gorillas. After, don’t miss the gorilla activity center off to the left of the habitat. Kids can see how they measure up to an adult gorilla, watch a video on how the Park cares for the gentle giants and listen to sounds gorillas make.

Top tip:  Posted signs encourage passerby to “shhhh” be quiet because the gorillas don’t like loud noises. This may be a good exhibit to take your kids through after they’ve let off steam elsewhere so they can be quiet around the gorillas.

Elephant Valley Don’t miss seeing the exquisite herd of African elephants in the Park’s two large exhibit yards. You may see elephants eating a snack, taking a dip in their pond, or watch the young elephants playing in a mud hole. There’s an Elephant Viewing Patio next to Tembo Stadium, but there are plenty of additional vantage points to get a close look at these amazing creatures.

So Many Ways to Enjoy Being a Kid The Safari Park has incorporated endless opportunities for kids to interact with the environment into the Park’s design. Plan on making time for your curious kiddos to slither into a tortoise shell, perch atop animal statues, pose in between bat ears and more. Your kids will find an engaging moment at every turn, which enlightens them on an animal’s special features or lifestyle, or just gives them the chance to be a kid and have fun. They’ll have a blast exploring their way through the Park.

Membership There are countless animals to see and habitats to experience and we’ve just scratched the surface with this guide. If your kids love the Safari Park (and they will) consider getting a membership/annual pass so you are sure to experience all of the Park’s offerings throughout the year. The pass provides unlimited admission for a full year to BOTH the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, so it’s certainly worth it!

Savanna Cool Zone Nothing beats a water play area on a hot day. Stop by the Savanna Cool Zone (open seasonally) to let your kids splash about and cool off. There are tables with umbrellas nearby, which make for the perfect place to eat a picnic lunch too. Pack their bathing suit and a small towel if they plan on going all-in.

photo: San Diego Zoo Safari Park/Christina Simmons

Coming This Summer: Walkabout Australia The Safari Park’s newest addition is opening on May 25th. Walkabout Australia transports people to the land Down Under by inviting Park visitors to mingle with kangaroos and wallabies and have close encounters with wombats and kookaburras by walking a backcountry road dotted with eucalyptus trees and red bottlebrush blooms. The habitat also highlights water conservation due to drought issues brought about by climate change. The stream running through the Walkabout’s grassland area pools into a pond and demonstrates the connection between vital water sources and how animals and people depend on water for life. Learn more about Walkabout Australia here .

Dining Options There are so many places to dine at the Safari Park . As mentioned, you can bring your own food and have a picnic at any of the several tables located throughout the Park, or you can eat a meal at a restaurant or grab drinks and snacks at several stands. For menus and restaurant descriptions click here . From sophisticated salads, specialty cocktails and craft beers to pizza, nachos and sandwiches, there’s something to please every appetite and taste from little ones to moms and dads at the Park.

TIPS ON ENJOYING YOUR VISIT

• Arrive early, at Park opening if possible. Temps are cooler and you’ll see more animals out and about.
• Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes and bring a stroller for younger kids who won’t be able to walk the Park all day. Strollers are also available for rent at the Park.
• Bring a swimsuit/towel for kids who want to make a big splash in the Savanna Cool Zone.
• Bring snacks, water and a picnic lunch if you don’t plan on buying lunch at the Park. There are plenty of tables where you can eat food you brought from home.
• Wear sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
• Make sure your camera or phone are fully charged to capture lots of great photos!

In addition to walking the Park on your own, there are also a plethora of Safari tours, experiences and animal encounters led by guides. Visit the Park website and click on Safari Tours to choose your Safari or click  Experiences to see all of the amazing opportunities like a Balloon Safari.

The Safari Park is open every day of the year, including holidays. Click here for hours and directions.

Click here to buy your tickets.

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd. Escondido, Ca 92027 760-747-8702 Online:  sdzsafaripark.org

What’s your favorite animal to visit at the Safari Park? Share in the comments.

––Beth Shea

All images by Beth Shea unless otherwise noted.

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Your Insider’s Guide to The San Diego Zoo

Go Wild! The Most Amazing Animal Encounters in San Diego!

Dreams Take Flight at the Wondrous Butterfly Jungle

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What’s Included in Your San Diego Safari Park Admission?

What do San Diego Safari Park tickets include? Here’s a free vs paid tours & attractions chart. Plus the one word you’ll need to instantly know which is which. And that makes decisions so much easier.

San Diego Safari Park admission tickets include  Africa Tram, keeper talks & attractions, entertainment, animal encounters & kids playgrounds . But any activity with “Safari” in its name requires payment in addition to the cost of admission. Parking is not included.   It costs $20 minimum.

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 .

Continue reading if you’re curious about whether you can have a great time with just what’s included with admission. I’ve provided descriptions of all the activities, animal encounters, shows, and Safaris at San Diego Zoo Safari Park for you to help you make up your mind.

What San Diego Safari Park Exhibit Areas  Are Included With Admission

First, parking is not free at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. But most of the rest of the park can be explored freely with your entry fee. When you look at the Safari Park map there are 14 different sections at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. All but two of them are accessible to you with your admission.

The 2 different areas that you are not able to navigate on your own are Africa Plains and Asian Savanna. I marked them with a yellow outline on the map above. You cannot enter these large field exhibits unless you are with Safari Park personnel. You can get inside via paid Safari experiences or via the free Africa Tram. However, many of the animals in both of these areas are visible from other areas in the park.

Highlights of San Diego Safari Park That Are Free With Entry Ticket

The following tours and attractions are some of the highlights at Safari Park. You can ride and experience them as many times as you like. They are:

Africa Tram

Do not miss riding the Africa Tram , it’s included at no extra charge with your admission. It’s also one of the must-see attractions at Safari Park. I’ve been able to ride the Tram hundreds of times (no exaggeration). And every time I notice something new. 

Sometimes its been a new baby giraffe or rhino! At other times it’s two antelope sparring with their horns. Or herds of every type of animal running in the same direction like shoppers at a Black Friday sale. Just because one giraffe became spooked by a blowing leaf.

It’s best to ride Africa Tram either early in the day or late. The animals are most active when it is cool. Ride as many times as you’d like while you’re at San Diego Safari Park.

Hidden Jungle

Hidden Jungle is a tropical rain forest aviary that’s included in your San Diego Safari Park admission ticket . It’s located in the Gorilla Forest area. This climate-controlled environment is populated by colorful birds, delicate plants and towering trees. It can be a bit humid during the summer and early fall. Visit the birds either early or late in the day during those seasons.

This is also where the Butterfly Jungle event takes place every spring . Thousands of colorful butterflies flutter by in search of nectar from the blooming jungle flowers. They often land on you. Which makes the experience special for kids and adults alike. 

At the end of the Butterfly Jungle event, the birds eat any caterpillars that have hatched. This ensures that the colorful non-native butterflies do not invade the fertile farms of the San Pasqual Valley.

The Gorilla Forest is also free with your admission . It’s home to the Safari Park’s troop of Western lowland Gorillas. 

These (relatively) peaceful, family-oriented, plant-eaters are a favorite with kids. Their exhibit includes gorilla hand and footprints (which kids love to measure against their own). There is a life-sized drawing that guests can use to compare their arm lengths to that of an adult male gorilla. And recordings of the noises made by the gorillas when they’re communicating with each other.

Kangaroo Walk

Kangaroo Walk is free with your San Diego Safari Park entry also . Mingle with kangaroos, wallabies, and waterfowl in this Australian savanna grassland environment inside Walkabout Australia. See the ‘roos with their baby joeys go bounding by.

There are a few wallabies that come on the marked paths for some gentle petting and stroking. Because of COVID, this is now discouraged. But sometimes the critters insist. Don’t worry. Wallabies feel like they look, soft and woolly! 

Do you want to know about other animals that you are allowed to touch at either San Diego Zoo or Safari Park? Then check out my article, “ Can You Hold Animals at the San Diego Zoo? “

Nairobi Station

You don’t need to pay extra to walk through Nairobi Station . You can get close-up views of some of San Diego Safari Park’s smaller animals. Depending upon the animal you may even get to touch them. Just make sure to ask their keepers first. 

Nairobi Station is also the home of the Animal Care Center . Animal babies that need to be hand-raised because their mothers cannot care for them are brought to this nursery. It can get very crowded (with people) here if this facility is hosting young lions or cheetahs. 

While you’re here, take a look at the sandcat. WARNING : If you love felines, their round faces will make your heart melt into a puddle on the floor. Even those who don’t particularly like cats have been known to succumb to their megatonne-weight cuteness.

Petting Kraal

Petting and brushing the goats in the Petting Kraal will not cost you any extra in addition to your admission fee. This is the closest thing to a classic “children’s petting zoo” at either the Safari Park or the San Diego Zoo. The pygmy, Nubian, and Boer goats are just the right size to interact with human kids. 

Be sure to close and secure any purses or backpacks. The goats are intensely curious and will nibble on almost anything. 

Playgrounds

There are 5 play areas for kids. And as far as I’m concerned that deserves its own category.

Camp Play Area

You and your kids are free to enter Camp Play Area with your park admission . It’s located in Tiger Trail (click the link for my full article). This playground is built to resemble a logging camp in the Sumatran rain forest. There are logs to climb, rope ladders and statues of tigers and their cubs to play on. And of course there are real tigers to look at right around the corner.

Jameson Research Island

This seasonal water play area won’t cost you or your kids any extra cash . It’s located on the African Loop trail within the Safari Park’s African Outpost area. It is usually open during the hot days of summer. It provides cooling splashes on the walk between the flamingos and colobus monkeys. 

Samburu Jungle Gym

  You’ll love that your kids can climb and explore here because it comes free with the Safari Park admission . This playground is located in the African Woods area. It’s close to the bird show amphitheatre and the Lemur Walk.

Your little monkeys will enjoy a shaded play area with a jeep, rhino and a lion to ‘ride’ and tree trunks to crawl through. You’ll be happy because you’ll be keeping an eye on them from shaded Samburu Terrace . Sip a cool craft beer or soda while you’re unwinding. 

Savanna Cool Zone

This seasonal water playground is open to everyone with entry to Safari Park . It’s located near Lion Camp and Shiley’s Cheetah Run track. It’s a godsend for parents who are waiting in the hot sun for Cheetah Run to start. Send the kiddos to cool off in the fountains. And if you get soaked trying to retrieve them that’s not so bad.

Village Playground

V illage Playground is also free with admission to San Diego Safari Park.   It’s located in the Nairobi Village area between the Petting Kraal and the Rodrigues fruit bat exhibit. It’s a good place for those kids who get a bit intimidated by the goats next door. 

Entertainment 

The San Diego Safari Park does a good job of disguising conservation education as entertainment. You’ll find that these 4 activities provide a fun way to learn about endangered species and how you can help save them and their habitat.

Training Talk

Entry to this 15-minute bird training session is free with your admission . It’s only 15 minutes long, but it is fascinating to watch the positive reinforcement training process. Makes you think that if the Safari Park can teach their feathered charges to do all sorts of amazing things, that you have a chance with your (sometimes) bird-brained babies. Hope!

Robert the Zebra

If Robert the Zebra was located in Las Vegas you would be paying big bucks to see him. But since he’s at San Diego Safari Park you get to see his snarky shtick free with your entry ticket.

Robert’s an interactive digital puppet that’s visible on a big screen in Nairobi Station. He tells jokes, talks with children and adults about what it’s like to be a zebra, and asks visitors questions about their experiences at Safari Park. Listen carefully, some of the kids’ answers to his queries are priceless!

Tiger Keeper Talk

Tiger Keeper Talks are another experience that is included with admission to San Diego Safari Park . Each morning the keepers interact with one of the tigers. For a bit of meat or a scratch behind an ear, the giant cat cooperates to display some of its amazing adaptations to life in the wild. 

The highlight for me is when the tiger is asked to stretch full-length upright against the protective mesh barrier so that the keeper can inspect the belly. A tiger on its hind legs is HUGE. And a little scary. 

Frequent Flyers

I would pay extra to see this bird show, but I’m glad that Frequent Flyers is free with any Safari Park admission . It’s a free-flying show, which means that any of them are free to fly off into the Escondido sky. But they don’t.

The level of training shown by the birds is impressive. It features vultures, secretary birds, hawks and 3 adorable guinea hens. But the cute star of the show isn’t a bird at all. I’m not going to tell you what it is. Just go see Frequent Flyers and have some fun. 

Cheetah Run

Unfortunately, Cheetah Run was put on hold during the COVID-19 restrictions and has not been brought back yet. But if it is brought back, it is a MUST SEE.

Sun Up Cheetah SAFARI is an early morning paid experience where you get taken in a Safari truck for an exclusive look at the park and see a cheetah run at top speed. Check it out HERE .

Bring your camera because you’ll have the best place to watch the cat run. And your guide and the trainer will arrange for you to be photographed with the cheetah.

Here are some of the best Cheetah Run viewing locations if you aren’t in the paid Safari:  

• On the bridge across from the Savanna Cool Zone. The kids can play in the water while you wait
• Below the Balloon Safari, along the walk to the Africa Tram close to the bridge. The sun will be at your back. And during the summertime that’s a blessing.
• On the other side of Shiley’s Cheetah along the path to Lion Camp. Again, close to the bridge. There are some shady spots here by the trees.

Animal Encounters

Animal ambassador stage.

The Animal Ambassador Stage presentations are free with your admission . They are your chance to view some species that may not be on exhibit. The stage is located in Safari Base Camp close to the park entrance. The Ambassadors come out from the park’s opening to noon. And then again starting at 4:00pm to when the park closes. 

The more spectacular Animal Ambassadors are usually brought out closer to noon. At that time you’re more likely to see their BIG python “Julius Squeezer”, high-jumping servals & caracals , and sometimes even cheetahs. 

Near Benbough Amphitheater (Animal Encounter)

We’ve seen a lot of cheetahs at this free presentation which takes place in Gorilla Forest. It only lasts 15 minutes, but it’s a more informal, intimate setting so you get a more up-close view. If you’re reluctant to ask your questions in large crowds, this may be the perfect place for you to get some answers. 

Lawn at Okavango Outpost (Animal Encounter)

The animal activity on the Lawn at Okavango Outpost is another, more informal free edu-tainment experience. It only lasts 15 minutes, sometimes a bit longer depending upon the animal. But it’s a wonderful photo opportunity. It’s usually uncrowded. Bob has gotten some great photos of leaping caracals here.

8 Types of Safari – Premium Paid Experiences

Here are the eight types of premium “Safari” tours/experiences offered at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Most of them have several different options. That means that there are more than 30 different types of Safaris to try at the Escondido wild animal park. 

It can get confusing.

I’m going to give you just the basic outlines below. If you’re interested in reserving one of the safaris check out my guide to choosing the best San Diego Safari Park tour for you and your family. The summary chart on that page includes prices, age limits, and trip durations which will help make your decision easier.

Balloon Safari

Fly 400 feet above the park and the picturesque San Pasqual Valley. Best to ride this between opening and noon because it can be grounded because of the strong afternoon winds. Check my balloon safari review for prices & more details. 

Behind the Scenes Safari

Tour areas that are off-limits to most park guests. Get an insider’s view of the park while exploring the nighttime ‘bedrooms’ of various animals like platypuses, elephants, tigers, rhinos, kangaroos & cheetahs, feed okapis and see the veterinary center. You can find more information including prices in my Behind the Scenes Safari review.

Caravan Safari

Take a shaded truck with a knowledgeable guide into the park’s huge Asian and African field exhibits. See herds of antelope and other animals up close. Taking stunning animal photos is EASY. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to point your camera first. The best part is that you frequently have opportunities to feed giraffes and rhinos. Best. Selfies. Ever. For more info including prices read my Caravan Safari review . 

Cart Safari

View herds of giraffes, rhinos, antelope from the comfort of a 9 passenger cart. Your driver will fill you in on the park history, weird animal facts and answer your questions about animal care and conservation. It’s a more relaxed ride than the Caravan Safari. There are great animal photo opportunities, especially when your driver offers enrichment items or treats to some of the wildlife. Find out more about the two types and prices in my Cart Safari review .

Sun Up Cheetah Safari

Get the best views of a cheetah running. Have a close encounter with another African Animal Ambassador beforehand. Then have a meet & greet with the spotted sprinter after. Take home great photos of you with a cheetah and wonderful memories. Discover more details including price in my Cheetah Safari review .

Flightline Safari

If you or your kids are adrenaline junkies, this is the safari for you! Soar over the park’s open wildlife fields like a condor. It’s an exhilarating ride over beautiful scenery and animals. Training and practice provided. Find out about prices and more in my Flightline Safari review .

Roar & Snore Safari

My personal favorite. Spend the night at Safari Park. You sleep in tents overlooking the Africa Plains exhibit. The location’s sandwiched between Elephant Valley and Lion Camp. You fall asleep to the low muttering (and sometimes trumpeting) of elephants and rise to roaring lions. Good food. Great keeper talks. And s’mores around a campfire. I’ve put more details about prices and what to expect in my Roar & Snore Safari review .

Ultimate Safari

Customize your Safari Park experience. Go behind the scenes. Meet animal ambassadors up close. Do it all with your own personal guide. And yes, they feed you too. Find out all about prices and what you can do in my Ultimate Safari review .

Closing Thoughts

I hope that you now have a better idea of what types of tours, attractions, encounters and entertainment that you get with your entry ticket. You can have a wonderful time and fill a whole day (or more) with just the activities that you get with your San Diego Safari Park admission ticket.

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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Conservation Carousel

Our colorful Conservation Carousel features 60 ride elements to choose from, many depicting rare and endangered wildlife.

Africa Tram

The Africa Tram is an exciting expedition, with safari tour vehicles and our diverse wildlife creating a relaxing adventure.

Balloon Safari

Enjoy unbelievable views shared only by the birds that soar over the Safari Park!

JOURNEY INTO THE WILD

Learn about amazing wildlife—from the Amazon and right here in our own backyard, in the Southwest of the United States—and find out what everyone can do to help wildlife.

Discover a variety of fun places for younger guests to play and explore.

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Exclusive VIP Experience

$710 & up*.

Prices vary by season and days of the week. Please call to check prices by date. Admission is separate and required, and may be added at checkout.

At a Glance

Advance reservations required: Call 619-718-3000.

• $710 & up per person
• 5-hour Exclusive VIP Experience offered daily; 7-hour Exclusive VIP Experience available on selected dates.
• Morning start time recommended; 7-hour experience start time must be between 8:30 and 10 a.m.

Ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Some selected tours may have additional safety restrictions. 

Must be booked in advance (minimum 72 hours).

7-hour tour includes participation in the (semi-private) Animals in Action experience, which is restricted to ages 5 and up.

Tour runs rain or shine. 

Wildlife experiences may be subject to change due to weather, or animal care/safety needs.

Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 7 days before the program and will be subject to a $100 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 7 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 7 days before scheduled program are subject to a $100 Cancellation Fee. Less than 7 days, payment is non-refundable. 



The ultimate way to experience the San Diego Zoo! Our team of professionals will customize your visit to suit your needs and interests. Looking for a journey to some of the most exclusive areas of the most famous zoo in the world? The Exclusive VIP Experience is your key to habitat areas, animal interactions, and the very best in personalized service. Spend up to five hours exploring the Zoo with your own personal tour guide. Each Exclusive VIP Experience is tailored to your interests, and includes a sit-down lunch.

This very popular tour requires advance reservations (minimum 72 hours) and is subject to availability. Call 619-718-3000 to reserve your Exclusive VIP Experience. If you prefer to be contacted, please complete this form . Exclusive VIP Experience tours are priced per person. Admission is separate and required.

Please note: Animal habitat areas are subject to change based on the health and welfare of the animals.

Customizable:  The tour experience of a lifetime! All Exclusive VIP Experiences are customized to your specifications. Great for birthdays and other special occasions. Ask us how we can help plan your special day!

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Critter Encounters encourages people to get up close and personal with animals

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Andrea Burgan, founder of Critter Encounters Animal Sanctuary, takes in animals of all sorts on her 5-acre property in Ramona.

From reptiles whose owners couldn’t take care of them anymore, to hawks and owls that can’t fly, even a baby possum she took in after its mother was hit by a car.

While providing a safe home for these rescued animals, Burgan offers opportunities for the public to engage with them through private tours of the sanctuary or booking her for events.

“We focus on humane education, the connection between humans and animals and the environment,” she said. “We talk about sustainability, endangered species and how important these are in the ecosystem.”

Running her own animal sanctuary is living the dream, said Burgan, who began acquiring animals through rescue or adoption. She educates guests about the animals while encouraging them to touch or hold some of the animals — something they probably wouldn’t get to do otherwise.

Educating the public about animals is nothing new for Burgan, who worked at the San Diego Safari Park for 14 years. During her time there she was a back-up keeper and worked in the education department.

Animal training, husbandry and behavior were part of her job, but mainly Burgan would run behind-the-scenes tours and off-site programs.

“There were about 35 animals that I was responsible for and took care of every day as a back-up keeper, then I took them out and did programs,” she said. “All my training got me ready for this.”

Critter Encounters, a nonprofit organization, started offering private tours about a year and a half ago, Burgan said. The cost is a donation of $175 per person and includes a chance to meet all the animals in the sanctuary while holding or touching many of them.

Burgan used to live in Carmel Mountain Ranch in a smaller house and backyard. At the time, about six years ago, she was taking in smaller reptiles and chinchillas, but realized she needed to expand.

Her current property off state Route 78 is approved for agriculture and animals, which was the draw for her. Burgan is permitted through the U.S. and California Department of Fish and Wildlife to have restricted species, but the condition is that someone must live on the grounds to take care of the endangered animals.

Rescued animals can present their own special challenges, like Pebbles, the adult female uromastyx, a spiny tailed lizard native to Africa and Asia who turned out to be pregnant when Burgan took her in.

“She laid seven eggs,” Burgan said. “So I had to get the incubator. You have to check their temperature and humidity every day for two and a half months. I’m not a reptile breeder so that was all new to me.”

All seven survived and Burgan was able to find homes for five of them among her friends and colleagues in the animal world. She kept the other two, naming them Thing 1 and Thing 2.

The garage at the sanctuary is climate controlled and houses the reptiles and chinchillas, which Burgan insists guests touch and hold.

“One of my biggest passions is to try to help people face their fears,” she said, while holding Savannah the ball python.

Fear is most often based in misunderstanding or misinformation, she said, so through her programs Burgan works to create a safe space for people to conquer fears of animals such as snakes, raccoons and opposums.

She does this by using friendly, non-venomous animals and letting people work up to touching the animal they had feared.

“Nine times out of 10, if there’s a person who’s deadly afraid, terrified, I get them to touch by the end of my program,” she said.

The chinchillas are the stars of the show and, according to Burgan, the softest animals. On a recent weekday, Rufus the chinchilla decided to demonstrate how his species can clean themselves without getting wet.

“Watch, watch, watch,” Burgan whispered, as Rufus climbed into a trough of ash. “He might do a somersault.”

And Rufus did just that, rolling around a few times in the ash, giving himself a sort of bath.

Chinchillas live at 17,000 feet elevation among the volcanoes in the Andes Mountains, Burgan explained. The environment is considered high desert with very little water, but extremely cold with strong winds.

“That’s why they have such a thick coat,” she said. “They can’t get wet because if water got into their skin under all that fur it wouldn’t reach air to dry.”

Since chinchillas are legal to own as pets, Burgan always makes sure to add in the element of pet care education to promote responsible pet ownership.

Allowing people to touch the animals she’s showing is a huge part of the education and what separates Burgan from many other companies, she said.

“That’s where the ‘wow, ah-ha’ moment is,” she said. “I can tell you this is the softest animal in the whole world, but you’re not going to get it until you touch it.”

Burgan travels every day for work, taking her animals to educational events at schools, shows for Ramona’s Hawk Watch or Kahoots and private parties and gatherings.

Tracy Yeager, a second grade teacher at Stone Ranch Elementary in Poway, said she’s known Burgan for over 25 years. Her class was one of the first for Burgan’s animal shows.

Field trips were becoming more and more expensive, Yeager said, and even the San Diego Safari Park doesn’t offer the same hands-on approach Burgan does.

“She came with just a couple animals and the kids loved her,” Yeager said. “She’s just so knowledgeable, and the kids were really getting the chance to see, touch, feel and get their questions answered.”

The programs put on for the second-graders align with what they’re learning about in class, Yeager said, like animal habitats. A couple weeks ago, Burgan visited Yeager’s second grade class. Bartholomew the barn owl and a chinchilla were the highlights.

“I always bring her in January because that’s when we’re doing our animal habitat (unit),” she said. “So the kids had just learned about desert, tundra, grasslands or forest. So she tries to bring animals from those areas.”

Burgan asks the students what they’re learning, Yeager said, and gets all the kids involved.

Over the last eight years Burgan’s visit to the school is something everyone looks forward to, Yeager said, and every year is different.

“It’s so neat to see how her passion has ignited her animal sanctuary now,” she said. “To see her from the beginning to what she has now is incredible, and she’s just an incredible person too.”

The raptors and owls live in the backyard of Burgan’s sanctuary, along with several more reptiles, two juliana pigs, a couple of fennec foxes, goats, a raccoon and the two opposums.

“Hi baby! Awww!” is how Burgan greets almost every animal at the sanctuary. Each creature comes with its own backstory on how it ended up with Burgan, which she knows by heart, and they all appear comfortable as she holds them and explains what makes them special.

Caring for the animals at her sanctuary takes several hours at multiple times throughout the day, Burgan said, since she has diurnal and nocturnal animals. She starts work in the morning around 7 a.m. and usually feeds the nocturnal animals around midnight or 1 a.m., she said.

Burgan has two part-time staff members who help her with taking care of the animals and running programs, but is always looking for volunteers. Many have expressed interest, but no one has shown up yet, she said.

“I would love help,” she said. “It would just be a matter of working with schedules and making sure I’m here.”

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Noah Harrel is a staff writer for the Union Tribune Community Press. He primarily covers Ramona, Poway, Rancho Bernardo and 4S Ranch.

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‘Coiled up in ready position': Mountain biker encounters rattlesnake in San Diego

Despite making efforts to stop, manuel altamirano says he rolled his front tire over the reptile and crashed, by danielle smith • published april 20, 2024 • updated on april 24, 2024 at 6:59 pm.

A bike ride at the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve in San Diego earlier this month took a frightening turn when a mountain biker collided with a rattlesnake.

Manuel Altamirano was biking on the preserve around 6:30 p.m. on April 10 when he saw the snake.

"It all happened so fast," Altamirano said in an Instagram post , adding that this was not his first encounter with venomous snakes. "Usually they are stretched out and if you can't avoid them, you can hop over them."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manny (@shutternspokes)

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This time, though, Altamirano says the snake was "coiled up in ready position," making it challenging for the biker to avoid or jump over the reptile. Despite making efforts to stop, he says he rolled his front tire over the snake and crashed.

"I was already bailing off the rear at this point," Altamirano said.

The snake stayed in its position, coiled next to the bike lying on the ground. That's when Altamirano, along with his friends, started recording. The snake faced the bike before unraveling and slithering into the nearby brush.

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"Thankfully he turned out to be very chill about it all and it doesn't look like he got hurt," Altamirano said.

Altamirano shared the shocking video on his Instagram, @shutternspokes, garnering more than 4,200 likes.

Bites, treatment, dog safety and more. What to know about rattlesnakes in Southern California

What to do if you encounter a rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes are most active during the spring and summer. While encounters are rare, most happen at dawn, dusk and night since the snakes want to avoid overheating, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife .

The reptiles tend to avoid humans but they will bite if a snake feels threatened. Most occur between April and October, while both are more active outdoors, the DFW said.

To avoid being bitten, stay alert and on well-used trails. Wear boots and loose-fitting long pants and never sandals or flip-flops, especially in grassy areas. Check rocks or stumps before sitting down.

When you go hiking, be sure to let others know where you are going when you plan to return.

Getting bit by a rattlesnake is rare, but if it happens, you must act quickly, the DFW says.

• Remove any watches, rings or shoes that could restrict swelling. Do not apply a tourniquet.
• Do not use ice, cut the wound with a knife or razor or suck out the venom.
• Go to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible.

For more information about rattlesnake encounters in Southern California, click here .

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