San Diego Zoo Safari Park
If you’ve ever wanted to see the animals of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia, you don’t need to jump on a plane. You can head out into the wilderness right here in San Diego when you visit the amazing San Diego Zoo Safari Park! The free-range enclosures house more than 2,600 animals representing more than 300 species.
Let’s plan your own safari! Like tigers? Then Tiger Trail is where you’ll want to cruise first. If nothing makes you smile more than a little monkey business. Then head over to the Jungle Ropes Safari, where you’ll get to climb like a monkey on a challenging rope course adventure. Take the Africa Tram, an exciting expedition and relaxing adventure. The ride path takes you around some of the field exhibits. It gives you a chance to connect with the animals on a closer level. Enjoy your Safari-It’s all here, out in the “wilderness.”
Enjoy unbelievable views shared only by the birds that soar over the Safari Park’s grounds! Modeled after the hot air balloon tours of the Serengeti, the Balloon Safari can hold up to 30 passengers as the tethered helium balloon rises silently 400 feet. The Balloon Safari is 10 to 12 minutes long. Prices are subject to change; please inquire when at the Park.
The Safari Park is an expansive wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. Its renowned botanical collection represents 3,500 species and 1.75 million specimens. Over half of the Park’s 1,800 acres (730 hectares) have been set aside as protected native species habitat. It is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California.
NEW Walkabout Australia
Envision yourself following a backcountry road shaded by eucalyptus trees, with brilliant red bottlebrush blooms waving to you in the breeze. Follow the path of the roo as you are transported Down Under to walk among kangaroos and wallabies, wonder at cassowaries and more—this is San Diego Zoo Safari Park Walkabout Australia!
Butterfly Jungle
In this much-anticipated annual celebration, you can walk through a greenhouse filled with thousands of butterflies of all colors and sizes. Wear bright colors, and you may find the winged wonders perching on you! Enjoy taking amazing photos and “putting a face to a name” using the butterfly identification guides provided. Don’t let this magical moment flutter by without you! Every Spring March through May.
Butterfly Jungle Activities
- Priority Viewing Tickets-Priority butterfly viewing is available for an additional fee.
- Treats for Butterflies-Stay very still as you hold a special, approved treat, and get an up-close and personal view of the butterfly eating out of your hand!
- Butterfly Jungle and Friends Behind-the-Scenes Safari– During this unique two-hour walking tour, our knowledgeable guides will introduce you to the inhabitants of Butterfly Jungle—without the wait! You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes visit with Rodrigues fruit bats and their keeper, exclusive access to Lorikeet Landing, where you will have the opportunity to feed our friendly lorikeets, and an up-close meeting with some of our ambassador animals and their trainers.