Best Safari Park, San Diego California

Originally opened in 1972 as the San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park, the name was recently changed to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which distinguishes it from the San Diego Zoo and better defines what the park is all about.

Operated by the San Diego Zoological Society, it is located at -
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
Escondido, CA 92027-7017
Phone: 619-718-3000 or 800-407-9534.
Parking costs: $6.00 per vehicle for Members; 9:00 for non-members; $11.00 per RV for Members and $14.00 for non members.
The Park is opened every day of the year, including all holidays, from 9am, until 5pm or 6pm - depending on the season.

Admission to the Park is $37.00 per adult and $27.00 children 3-11 years, and the
admission prices include many activities, shows and exhibits, but some of the Special Tours, Activities and Special Expeditions, have an additional charge. All the information about costs can be found on the website - http://www.sdzsafaripark.org

Specials available

A 1-day complimentary Pass is available fo U.S and Foreign Military Personnel, who must show a valid active military identification card. In October, Children 11 years and under get a 1-day free pass to the Park when accompanied by an adult.

The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park is one of the largest tourist attractions in southern California, it is visited by, approx 2 million people yearly, has an area of 1800 acres, houses 3000 animals of over 400 species, and has 3500 species of unique plants.

The Park is southern California's quarantine center for zoo animals, imported into the United States thru San Diego, and has the worlds largest Vetenirary hospital.

The Park is also noted for its Botanical Gardens which are their own attraction.

The Park houses a large array of wild and endangered animals, including species from Asia, Africa, North & South America and Australia. There are also, free-range enclosures, housing - cheetahs, lions, antelopes, giraffes, elephants, zebras, rhinos and bonobos..

One of its most notably features, is the "Journey into Africa Tram" tour which explores the extensive African Exhibits. This tour starter operating in 2007, when the original Monorail was discontinued, due to the high cost of maintenance. The new, " Journey into Africa" brings visitors eye to eye with wilflife, from different parts of Africa, but unlike the Monorail, there is an additional cost.

The Savanna Safari, is a premium tour option, a journey to see the incredible animals, in their natural habitat, taken in the comfort of a safari cart.
a. Savanna Safari Asia visits some of that continents endangered species - such as rhinos and Przewalski horses.
b. Savanna Safari Africa journies to the, oft-exhibited, mountain habitat where there are rhinos, wildebeest and giraffes.
The tours are 50 minutes and cost 35.00 per person, plus the park admission. Children under 3 years are free but must sit in the lap of an adult. They are available daily and take a minimum .of 10 guests.

Some of the major exhibits in the park are -

1. Condor Ridge, displays north American endangered desert wildlife. The featured species are the California Condors, as the park was a major force in the recovery effort of these birds, and is the only place they can be seen in captivity. Along with the condors are; Desert Big Horn Sheep, Aplomado Falcons, hick-billed Parrots, Prairie dogs, Ferrets, magpies and desert Tortoise.

2. The Heart of Africa Exhibit replicates habitats in Africa with scrub animals, giant Eland, Warthogs, Cheetahs, Vultures, just a few of the African animals, that can be seen here. It also showcases the Plains animals, a central lagoon with flamingos, waterfowls and a island with Colobus monkeys.

3. The Lion Camp presents a close encounter, albeit it is thru a thick glass window between you and the lions, and is designed to bring visitors into the world of the lions. The Lion Camp tells the lion's story, has rocks and boulders, where they can climb and lounge; a grassy area, where they can stalk, pounce and wrestle with each other; and keeps them safely behind large glass panels.

4. A more close encounter with the animals, can be had in the, on site nursery, where visitors can watch baby animals being hand fed, or at the petting karal and Gorilla Habitat Houses.

Many of the special tours require an additional cost, but is worth the extra charge -

1. Fly over the Park on a 3,700-foot Zipline that goes over the animals of east Asia and central Africa. Before taking this exhilarating, wind-in-your-face thrill, guests must first try out the easier, 470-foot line, thst goes thru the forest near Lorikeet Landing. For ages 10 years and older.

2. The Rolling Safari, is a new way for the adventurous to see the Park: on an off-road Segway X2. This wildly unique tour goes off the beaten path taking visitorsm up close, to many of the Asian and African animals.

3. An elevated walking path - called the Elephant Overlook - takes visitors alongside the exhibit area, to see what the pachyderms are up to. Elephants can also be seen, next to Tembo Stadium at the Elephant Viewing Patio.

4. One of the ultimate, things to do in the park, is the Sleepover program. It includes camp activities, a after-hour look at the wild life, guided walks, and the unique opportunity to experience the park at night. The Fee is between 29.00 and 209.00 per personm and does not include admission to the wild animal park or parking.

There are Adult Only Sleepovers, Family night sleepovers, Junior sleepovers, and Girl Scout Sleepovers. Those planning to spent a night in the Park, can call 619-718-3000 or 800-407-9534, Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm for help with making the right choice and placement of their tents.

With so many ways to enjoy the San Diego Safari Park, it is not only a day trip for children and adults, but spending a few days in the area, with the opportunity to visit the Park over a period of days, is a nice vacation getaway.