A Day at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

We generally prefer giving Experience over Material as gifts.  For my youngest son's birthday this year, we got memberships to the San Diego Zoological Society.  This means we can go, for a full year, to both the San Diego Zoo AND the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, née, Wild Animal Park.  On January 2nd, 2017, we made the first of many trips to come to the Safari Park, along with my parents.  Here's my review.

Aaron and Tyler

The Safari Park is about a 90 minute drive from our house.  It's not in San Diego Proper but in North San Diego County in the city of Escondido.  The drive down the 15 freeway is stunningly beautiful.  The park is generally open 9 to 5 because animals sleep at night.  Parking is included with our membership but $12 for daytime visitors.  I recommend purchasing a membership if you might go more than once.  Alyssa and I have a Keeper's Club membership, which I recommend as it includes parking and 10% off food and merchandise.  Tyler has a Koala Club membership, which is only $52 for the year.

Getting inside is relatively easy and you are free to bring snacks, lunches, beverages, etc.  Next time we go, we're going to pack a lunch and take it up to a vantage point I am going to tell you about in a bit.

Once inside, people tend to rush down to the Africa Tram so they can get on it first and avoid the lines.  I am going to recommend not doing that.  I am a big fan of doing the park in a clockwise rotation.  The reasons why will become apparent.

Upon entering, you want to veer left towards the Safari Walk.  Your first stop will be the Tiger Trail because the tigers are most active in the cooler, morning hours.  They are beautiful creatures and the "land" is well themed.  I dare to say that the Safari Park has Disney level decor.  Once you've had enough of the tigers, continue up to Condor Ridge which offers beautiful views of the Asian Savanna.  On your way back down, veer right to the World Gardens and prepare for some hiking.  Beautiful gardens offer little animal life but it's a beautiful hike with some great vistas.  This is where I would eat my picnic lunch.  You can see, virtually, the entire park and since people don't come here for the plants, this corner of the park is often deserted.

You'll hike back down and pass the Tiger Trails on your way back to the hub.  Once there, head through Nairobi Village, which is the most zoo-like area of the park.  There's a petting zoo, bats, snakes, and a nursery.  It's a well-themed area for the kids and young at heart to enjoy.  There are many dining options here as well.  Resist the urge to veer right towards the lagoon at this time.  I want you to head left to Elephant Valley.  These creatures are at home in their wide open areas and you could watch them all day.  Once you get your fill, head through the Grove, which is a campground you can stay at with one of the overpriced Roar and Snore programs.*  The Grove offers some of the most beautiful views of the African Plains.

At the bottom, you'll head through the underwhelming Lion Camp before arriving at the African Tram.  The line moves pretty quick BUT it drives me absolutely insane that you're forced to pose for a photo that will run you $22+ to purchase.  I would love to see them offer a bypass line that doesn't require the photo.  Now, the tram is included in your admission price.  It is the ONLY Safari included in your admission price.*  The African Tram takes you through the African Plains on a 30 minute, educational tour.  It is a fun ride but can be very crowded in the mid-day hours on peak days.  The guides are hit and miss though most of mine have been fun.  The ride offers you the opportunity to get close to animals not view-able from anywhere else in the park.  You can also opt to take an extra charge safari through the area that allows closer interaction.*  If you have the money, go for it.

Once you get off the tram, exit left to continue the clockwise experience.  You're entering the African Outpost.  I recommend the food at Okavango Outpost as they make great sandwiches and soup.  Enjoy the meal at the outdoor patio before heading across the way to the Cheetahs.  Now begins a trek through the African Outpost along the water's edge before entering the African Woods.  Once through, take the elevator up and have a cocktail overlooking the park.  Head over to the underwhelming, but required viewing of the Lemur Walk before walking the exciting Gorilla Forest.  You can spend a lot of time here watching them.  Once you're satisfied, head to the Lagoon Loop and turn right!  This gives you a pit stop at the Hidden Jungle and Lorikeet Landing.  Avoid buying them food this late in the day because they're mostly full.  Continue around the lagoon until you are back at the entrance plaza.

Some basic tips:

1.  There are 7.5 miles of trails here.  Wear comfortable shoes.

2.  Purchase the $11.99 soda bottle that comes with free refills all day and $.99 refills on return visits.  A single soda is over $5 so you can see why this is of value.

3.  Do the park in a clockwise manner to avoid crowds and make the most use of your energy.

4.  Purchase a membership to make the most use of your support dollars.

5.  Talk to the employees.  They are genuinely happy to educate you on the animals and conservation without being preachy.

I hope you find as much pleasure attending the Safari Park as my family did.  If you are heading North to get home, I highly recommend a stop for dinner at Filippi's Pizza Grotto in Temecula.  The service is always on par and if you're there Sunday through Thursday, you absolutely must order the "Feast for Two" which is $20.95 and easily feeds 5 people.

*I have never paid for any of the "Extra" safaris because they seem very overpriced considering the cost of admission, but more power to you if you can afford it.  If I ever win the Lotto, I would absolutely consider them.