We have been on numerous African safaris, and this one was every bit as good because of the information given at each animal sighting. We did not realize going in that this is a breeding sanctuary and that all fees, including parking go towards keeping this facility open. We were more than happy to pay what seemed like a big parking fee knowing it was going to good use. We went on two tram tours and each one provided a little bit more information and insight and a different view of each type of animal.
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patricksX2347EK
September 22, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great safari tour, nice experience
You can tell right at the entrance that something very great is coming your way. The facility was built with great attention to detail and is very spacious. The safari tour with the tram was incredible and our highlight. For us, it was a nicer and more relaxed experience than at the San Diego Zoo. Our junior liked it very much and we would visit the Safari Park again at any time.
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638natashad
September 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
I Came for the Pandas and Left Needing a Recovery Plan”
The San Diego Zoo was absolutely amazing—but let me tell you, this is not the Safari Park where you can casually follow a GPS-guided map and magically end up where you need to be. At the zoo, you need a plan, comfortable shoes, water, and possibly a personal assistant because it is huge!
My biggest advice: plan carefully if seeing the pandas is at the top of your list. The line was extremely long, and I quickly learned that the pandas are basically the celebrities of the zoo. Everyone wants a glimpse, and honestly, I understand why—they were adorable and completely worth the wait. Just do not make the mistake of waiting until the end of the day and thinking you will casually walk right in.
Even with all the walking, occasional confusion about where I was going, and the long panda line, I truly enjoyed the experience. The zoo is beautiful, the animals are incredible, and there is so much to see that you could easily spend the entire day there.
Come early, wear sneakers, make a game plan, and secure your panda viewing before the crowds do.
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Anne_J
September 7, 2026 · via Viator
This park had beautiful...
This park had beautiful grounds and animals. We really enjoyed the experience. Make sure you drink a lot during your stay.
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Lori_S
August 30, 2026 · via Viator
Great Zoo experience.
I’m not really a zoo person…. Not typically my thing.
Keeping that in mind, I enjoyed our day at the zoo very much.
If you really want to see the entire zoo, book a two day pass, way too much to see in one day!
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Cearra_J
August 11, 2026 · via Viator
8/10 need more food options
The people there were so patient with my girl when she was scared on the zip line enough to where she got on! Great experience
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Prince_B
August 2, 2026 · via Viator
Earlier the better
Make sure to arrive early if it’s a hot day! Some of the animals I was hoping to see had to be put away because of the heat. Still, we had an unforgettable time! 10/10 experience
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765basila
July 31, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Wildlife Safari Tour – Not Worth the Money
Wildlife Safari Tour – Not Worth the Money
We did the Wildlife Safari Tour at San Diego Safari Park and left disappointed. There was construction happening in/near the habitats, which scared off most of the animals — the rhinos and elephants didn’t show up at all. Since you’re not allowed to feed the animals here, the ones that were around stayed far from the vehicle, so viewing was tough even with binoculars.
Also worth knowing: the tour is billed as 60 minutes, but a good chunk of that is just the drive out to the habitat area. Real time actually observing animals felt closer to 30 minutes.
Compared to the San Diego Zoo, this felt like a much weaker value — the zoo’s exhibits are reliably visible since animals aren’t roaming vast open terrain that construction or mood can disrupt. I wouldn’t recommend this tour to others, especially at the price point.
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Lee_C
July 25, 2026 · via Viator
This is a fantastic...
This is a fantastic place! Lots of walking but well worth it! We can’t wait to bring our kids and grandkids !
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critics_critic
July 3, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A fun experience for everyone
Our clients always want to go to the Safari Park. There is always something to see and enjoy. Plan on spending about 4 hours and walking at least 5 miles. Tram ride is about 25 minutes and that is where you will see the Rhinos, and all kinds of herd animals plus giraffes. They also have lions, cheetahs, tigers, low land gorillas, kangaroos, and assorted other animals on property but not part of the tram ride.
We we enjoyed seeing some very happy elephants and assorted other creatures who seemed amused looking at the strangest animals of all “us”.
Everything you spend at park goes to a good cause but those in the know bring their own water (unless you want to pay $6.99 for a bottle of their water). If you have kids, pack a lunch and save yourself a lot of money.
Bring a hat and sp 90, and enjoy a taste of Africa without the airfare and hotel.
If you are planning mutiple yearly visits you might consider becoming a member.
