An Up Close And Personal Zoo Experience
by Jennifer | Jan 26, 2017
The San Diego Safari Park is so much more than your typical zoo experience. It is an 1800 acre wildlife reserve that serves home to more than 3500 animals. It is in the San Diego California area in the city of Escondido. In the park you will find a vast array of animal species, from around the globe. In addition to these wild and some endangered animals there are over 3500 plant species. Admission to the park covers all walking exhibits and a ride on the African tram that goes thru the outer perimeter of the African Outpost. If you yearn to get much closer to the animals you can choose to pay extra for packages that include a caravan safari, where you ride in a covered open air safari truck to drive thru two field enclosures. In these enclosures you will get a great view of some magnificent animals and even get a chance to feed a giraffe!
We opted for general admission since the twins were still kind of little to do the actual Safari. Our trip was amazing and we had so much fun. The best part is every dollar spent in the park goes to the conservation of the park’s animals. Even with the general admission you get so close to the animals you can almost hear them breathe! Our favorite exhibit was the Tull Family Tiger Trail, where we had the pleasure of watching Sumatran tigers show off their agility and playful side. Some other beauties we saw were gorillas, rhinos and elephants. The twins were so excited to watch these animals and practice all their newly learned animal sounds.
The park has many entertaining shows. As soon as we entered the park we were greeted by the Animal Ambassador Stage where various animals are featured on stage thru the day. We had the luck of seeing a warthog AKA Pumba from the Lion King. He performed serval tricks for us and even photo bombed some of our pictures. Some other great shows include the Cheetah Run (wow these animals are fast!), Tiger Keeper Talk and Bird Shows.
The Volunteer staff at the park were so nice and knowledge. They are very accessible as they walk around the park and are stationed at many of the exhibits to answer any questions and tell you some fun facts about the animals.
The park is very family friendly. And lots to do for kids and adults of all ages. In the warmer weather (spring/summer) be sure to bring a change of clothes for the little ones since I am sure they would want to play in the Savanna cool zone. The cool zone has animals that spout out water and palm trees that give off a cool mist. There is the Tiger Trail Play area where kids can climb and slide in a simulated logging camp. The Village Playground is an interactive play place designed to look like a African village. Kids will love to explore the Samburu Jungle Gym which is a safari themed play area. And once all the playing tires them out there is a shaded picnic area that is also homed in this play space! I told you there was lots to do at this Zoo Park. I can see why people can visit multiple times and not get to do everything!
If you are more of an adventure seeker you can view the park from a much higher spot. 400 feet in the air to be exact. The Balloon Safari is about 10 minutes long and you can get amazing views of the Safari Park from a hot air balloon. This is an extra fee.
On top of everything I featured here there is still so many more great things to see and do at the park. I highly encourage you to visit their website here and plan your trip. It will definitely be memorable family fun and something you will want to experience over and over with your friends and family.
