San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Home to more than 3,600 animals representing over 300 species, San Diego Zoo Safari Park lets you to get up close and personal with animals from around the world. Hop on the safari tram, observe animals in their natural habitats and get insights to the conservation work in the park. You can also experience nature uniquely through the zip line adventure or board a tethered hot air balloon which soars over the park. Buy your discounted one-day pass in advance or get a multi-day pass that includes entry to their sister park, the San Diego Zoo. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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See what travellers are saying
- KKQ_TooUnited States14 contributionsSafari Park FunThe San Diego Safari Park and San Diego Zoo are two jewels in our county! If you go to the Safari Park, plan to spend time watching gorillas play, tigers lolling about, and listening to lions roar! Bring your camera - there are lots of photo ops! Just be aware that it gets really warm in the summer!Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten October 3, 2023
- Christy T7 contributionsAlways fun at the ZooAs a member of the zoo we pop over as much as we can sometimes for a few hours sometimes all day. Every trip is fun! It’s good exercise to walk around and fun to see the animals and get a treat from the ice cream stand. The animals are always in different states of alertness so it’s fun to see them on any given day.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 9, 2023
- Jackie WLake Ozark, Missouri531 contributionsAmazing placeWhat an amazing place! We had been told that the safari is better than the zoo so decided to visit it. We were so impressed! They have so many animals that we were able to see. You can even do a walk through where the kangaroos are. Included in the admission is the African tram where you see many animals out in wide open spaces. One of my favorites were the giraffes. The landscaping is amazing! All the volunteers were so friendly and knowledgable. We spent 5 hours there and enjoyed every minute.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 12, 2023
- Andrew T1 contributionSan Diego safari zooThe San Diego Safari Zoo offers a captivating wildlife experience, blending conservation and education seamlessly. With vast, naturalistic habitats, it provides a home to a diverse array of species. The knowledgeable staff enhances the visit, sharing insightful information about the animals. From thrilling safari tours to interactive exhibits, every aspect is thoughtfully designed, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts of all ages!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 14, 2023
- B C2 contributionsNice park but a wasp problemBeautiful park but the swarms of wasps around most trash cans, picnic tables and eateries was a real problem. They need to set up wasp traps or visitors may get stung. My wife is allergic to wasp stings so we had to be extra careful.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 21, 2023
- JDavisLas Cruces, New Mexico66 contributionsGreat San Diego Safari Park visitIf you want to see a variety of animals, the zoo in Balboa Park is the best I have ever been to. But for a more natural environment, the Safari Park is excellent. We had a great time seeing animals roaming the very large enclosures. We took the free tram tour and an extra cost Wildlife Safari Truck tour. The truck tour was amazing, taking us very close to the animals. We’re happy that we paid extra to get premium parking right outside the gate.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 26, 2023
- Tracy P3 contributionsA Must See - Lovely ParkThis park is set up for the animals. It’s laid out so the animals are free to roam in their habitats. Jungle feel, lots of nature to walk around in. The tram ride through the safari was good. Go early to avoid lines. We did the balloon ride too. Fantastic views. I will go back again!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 28, 2023
- Virginia O10 contributionsExceptional experience!Top notch! They are really trying to preserve nature. You can get up close to most of the animals. We did the deluxe safari but would probably only do the safari next time. Got very close to the giraffes. The baby giraffe is like 3 months old. Will definitely go back. Need more than a day to go through.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten November 4, 2023
- Tanya F4 contributionsGoodI love the Safari park but, not enough animal interaction with a lot of construction. They told me that they were heading more towards education. Some people have an attachment to a animal by touching them. On another note The lady on the tram ride was very informative and went out of her way to make sure I got the information about a certain gazelle. The Nile Lechwe. Very interesting I wish I could remember her nameVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 7, 2023
- mikefK5810NA6 contributionsAmazing day out with my teensMy kids and I just spent a fantastic day at the Safari Park. The staff is so friendly and helpful and the park is beautiful and clean. We went on a safari and the driver and the guide were wonderful and informative. The food was great and there were plenty of places to rest in between walking. It was a marvelous day and my kids just really enjoyed it. We saw a wide range of animals up closeVisited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten November 7, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4,786 reviews
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6258549
4 contributions
Feb 2020
terrible park to go, once you pay the admission to the park you'll have to pay more for the attractions or otherwise you're not going to be able to see them. Lets start, to park your car, they charge you $15.00, then you either walk for 15 minutes uphill or wait for the tram for 20 minutes. Once you're inside the park, you need to go to the tram ride, waiting time will be minimum 1 hour unless you want to pay$65.00 per person to have a "private tour". The tour tram takes only 20 minutes to see rhinos, giraffes and some deer. Next, you want to see the tigers, well, that's a problem, the cheetah run is about to start and they keep the tigers behind doors because they can see the cheetah running. So you have to go to the cheetah show, unless you pay extra, you'll be 100 yards away from the "run" or get there 1 hour before the show. Most of the animals are NOT at their habitat, always hiding. Zip line will be extra money, everything in this park is at additional cost, even a drink is $6.00. Do yourself a favor and go to Seaworld or Belmont park , much less money and your kids will thank you forever. BTW, if you want your money back after the visit, don't keep wasting your time with their customer service guy "Felix", he's worthless. Get your credit card ready!!!!!!
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrownEyedGirl11
Alberta, Canada42 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
This was amazing!! A key thing is though the safari park and the zoo are not the same. The Safari Park is outside of town (about a 40min drive) but WELL WORTH IT. We had a tour booked first thing in the morning that that took our group into the grounds (acres upon acres of safari landscapes). We got to see all the animals up close and feed giraffes and rhinos and of course get pictures with the giraffes. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable! The tour took about 3 hours and then we walked around the grounds to see the other animals and had lunch at the watering hole (overlooking the landscape - go for the view!). You can easily spend a whole day here. There are planned activities too throughout the day. However, just remember that it’s 40 minutes outside of town and not attached (geographically) to the zoo. And pay for the truck ride tour within the grounds!!!! Was the highlight of everyone’s trip!
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
This was my first time in almost 25 years. I had a good time, but I was a little disappointed that there were no shows and many of the exhibits including the lions, the bats, the butterflies, the balloon ride, and some of the kids play areas, etc. were closed, which seems strange on a Holiday weekend in the middle of summer. Most of the open attractions cost additional fees.
The sit down restaurant at the Overlook would not take any walk-ins at 1:30 pm even though the place was half empty. They said they couldn't take any more people since they were closing at 4 pm. But the app said they were going to be open till park closing. The Mexican food kiosk we eventually settled on had a long wait for the food and, despite the high cost, it was cold and not very tasty.
However we still managed to have a good time seeing the animals and the volunteers who manned the animal exhibits were all very friendly and knowledgeable and would answer all of our questions especially Susan at the gorilla exhibit.
The sit down restaurant at the Overlook would not take any walk-ins at 1:30 pm even though the place was half empty. They said they couldn't take any more people since they were closing at 4 pm. But the app said they were going to be open till park closing. The Mexican food kiosk we eventually settled on had a long wait for the food and, despite the high cost, it was cold and not very tasty.
However we still managed to have a good time seeing the animals and the volunteers who manned the animal exhibits were all very friendly and knowledgeable and would answer all of our questions especially Susan at the gorilla exhibit.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CNPhair
Nashville, TN99 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Overall, this park is great and very well laid out. I would go as an add on day to a San Diego Zoo trip - but not in place of. The main zoo is definitely more bang for your buck. My only issue - and it’s a big one - is with the add on safari. I read lots of reviews, including some San Diego travel blogs, that strongly recommend adding on the safaris if you could afford it. The one I saw recommended most was the twilight safari. So, we decided to splurge on the twilight safari…with 5 people in our family, this was not cheap ($129/person). And I can say without a doubt, it was not worth it! We drove through an enclosure with rhinoceroses, giraffe and several buffalo. We didn’t go anywhere else in the park. We didn’t get to feed the animals. The overall tour lasted only 45 minutes and then it was 30 minutes of a break…you got a peanut snack and a glass of wine or beer. But we just sat there with the snack and didn’t see any animals during that time. It was not the 1.5 hour safari advertised. Even my 3 year old was underwhelmed.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula
17 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Most of the zoo is beautiful, however it's a lot of walking to see it! Our group was 2 healthy adults and a 10 year old and it was too much walking to see it all. We heard many families with young children yelling/coaxing kids. The biggest disappointment/surprise was the extra cost for many things, such as the zip line ($85 for one line!) And various special safaris at $90+. The admission to the zoo plus the parking fee was high enough without the large added cost for many things. We will not be going there again.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Naveen
Raleigh, NC235 contributions
Feb 2020
Pretty good place to visit if you are nature lover. We have visited both safari park & zoo in san diego and both are worth spending time as they have a little different habitat. Safari have a bus ride which takes you into a different experience of riding you through different habitats and showing different animals. Zoo does have free bus ride but its like a zoo bus ride rather than safari ride. Safari does have special exhibits where you can hold little birds and other animals. If I have one day to spend, I would take safari as its little different than regular zoo.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elissa
Los Angeles, CA595 contributions
Jan 2020
The Safari Park is fabulous and San Diego Zoo Global does a wonderful job with conservation efforts. Their exhibits are spacious and very informative and anyone who works there is friendly! It can be pricey for families but you have to understand the upkeep this property requires... Worth every penny!
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ecollazo
Topeka, KS11 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
The zoo-Safari Park itself was amazing, everyone was very friendly and eager to help. They have numerically sequenced stations and at each station they have ambassadors ready to assist. We used them many times as we traversed the park. We actually paid extra for the Wildlife Safari at a rate of $95 per person. We were disappointed in what this entailed. There were about 10 guests in the back of a safari truck and a guide. They took us in an enclosed area where the truck went around an area about the size of a running track (1/4 mile). Most of the time, the driver would drive a few yards then stop, during which time the guide would talk about the animals and answer questions. Within this small area there were only two or three species - giraffes, Willoughby some birds and perhaps one other species that I may not recall. In our (my family and I) opinion it was not worth the extra expenditure. There is an African Trolly that is included in the price of admission which was actually much better. It encompasses approximately2.5 miles and the driver does a great job discussing the animals and zoo. The trolly actually encompasses the 1/4 mile Wildlife Safari track in its travel in that area of the zoo. I’d recommend the zoo, would not recommend the additional Safari.
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James S
New Orleans, LA2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
So ima be honest, I did the zoo one day and the safari the next. If I had to choose the best it would be the safari. But only go to the safari if you are going to do at least 1 extra safari that you pay for. Way worth it. The tram was working again and the line was long but you could pay $20 per person and skip the line and walk straight to being next in line which was way worth it than waiting over an hour. I also did the hot air balloon thing which was $20 each as well.also Worth it for the money. By the time I finished all those 3 things it was 3pm and I got there at 11am. Have some kind of plan as to what you’re going to do cause it’s a lot of walking. My only negative comment is the app. It just isn’t great in planning your trip. Or following along on the map. But that is me being picky. If I come back to San Diego I am going to do the safari again over the zoo and do a different safari experience.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bonnielizzette
Marina del Rey, CA20 contributions
Mar 2021
The San Diego Zoo is a quick trip from LA and a great place to just let the kids run around and look at animals. It was not very crowded and everyone was wearing masks. It is hard to social distance in some places (at some of the more popular attractions). We had a stroller wagon for the kids which was a lifesaver when they got tired. The bus tour is suspended due to COVID, but it's usually one of my favorite attractions. I look forward to doing that again when it's safe!
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
what is the parking fee at the Zoo? I have a handicap placard ?
Written September 25, 2024
The San Diego Zoo has free parking. There is marked handicapped parking. On some weekends and holidays, parking can become challenging.
Written September 27, 2024
what is the parking fee at the San Diego Zoo?
Written September 25, 2024
Free parking at the San Diego Zoo. The San Diego Safari Park charges $20 per car. $38 for RV's and preferred parking.
Written September 27, 2024
You cannot drive your car through it. There is a shuttle that takes you through part of it which is included with admission. It’s not as good as the actual Wildlife Safari Deluxe which you ride in one of their Safari trucks but it’s still nice.
Written September 5, 2024
can we buy the tickets for the truck that takes you down to whee the giaffess are
Written July 23, 2024
YES! You can purchase safari tours (and there are many different ones you can choose from-- we took the "babies" tour which was really great. I will go back and do the others later in the year) on the app or online.
Written July 27, 2024
Planning a trip in June. What tier of ticket can I purchase to hold and pet the animals? The sloths are sooo cute!
Written May 11, 2024
We are planning on visiting San Diego Zoo in June is there a discount for seniors? Also what about Electric wheelchairs for handicap
Written March 30, 2024
I don’t know about the San Diego Zoo but the Safari Park (which is a different place) had motorized chair rentals. I asked someone that was driving one and they said it was $60 per day but worth it.
Written May 11, 2024
Which additional tour should we choose? We are thinking of doing the sun up cheetah experience but might choose an additional one. We want a 1-2 hour tour on the safari truck, not carts. There are so many options.
Written January 15, 2024
It really depends on what animals you want to see. The giraffes and rhinos are in the huge outdoor enclosure. If you want to see them closer, I would recommend the truck safari (though you sometimes don’t see the rhinos on it, depending on the route they take). The behind the scenes Saving Giants splits your time with elephants and rhinos. The elephant area is under construction currently, so it’s hard to see them without the tour (there’s only one small viewing area for everyone to see them). The animal ambassador tour is fun - you usually will see 2-3 animal ambassadors. We’ve seen a wallaby, kangaroo, armadillo, parrot, and a porcupine (two tours). If you’re more interested in lions, they have a newer tour that takes you to them. The cart and truck tours are offered every day. The others vary by day - make sure to check to see their availability (plug in the date to buy a ticket for a tour) to help whittle down your options before making the final choice.
Written January 16, 2024
They should be able to, yeah. But the park is pretty removed from the city, as the previous answer points out, so it will be an expensive ride.
Written May 3, 2023
What services do they provide for the handicapped? My husband can’t walk the park.
Written April 18, 2023
DG
San Diego, California
Oh, I am disabled too. I always rent the electric scooter for about $55.00. It is absolutely the only way of doing it. It can take you everywhere!!!
Be sure to do the tram and the hot air balloon too.
The tram is included with admission
The balloon is $20
There are truck rides with the animals but they are about $100
Written May 4, 2023
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