San Diego Zoo Safari Park is like no other place on earth. Travel 32 miles north of the San Diego Zoo, you'll find yourself in the middle of Africa, an expansive wildlife sanctuary where more than 3,000 rare and exotic animals representing more than 300 species roam several expansive habitats as large as 100 acres.
Step into an adventure like no other. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park immerses you in an active, hands-on safari experience where you see herds of rhinos, giraffes, antelope, zebras and more roam natural habitats in a vast reserve. Choose from a guided safari expeditions, or take the beautiful walking trails to see exotic animals.
Dubbed as the zoo of the future, the 1,800 acres (730 hectares) wildlife preserve mimics the natural habitats of African and Asian animals. Take a Journey into Africa tour for an exciting expedition to the large field exhibits, and enjoy stories of the animals from your safari guide. Explore walking trails that reveal unexpected sights of lions lounging in the grasslands, antelope and giraffes mixing and mingling, and rhinos wallowing in waterholes. Engage in close encounters with rare species and discover the exciting surprises of conservation in action at this leading-edge wildlife park.
At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, you can hand-feed a gentle giraffe in the heart of Africa or catch a glimpse of rhinos, elephants and zebras while enjoying an exciting guided safari train ride.
The Safari Park's Lion Camp features a 33,000-sq ft enclosure providing guests an opportunity to experience face-to-face encounter with lions.
Yes, San Diego Zoo Safari Park is open, but entry reservation is required.
Due to COVID-19, in order to keep our community safe during this time and in anticipation of high demand, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park has implemented a reservation system required for entry.
Follow this link for more information on San Diego Zoo Safari Park reservation entry system.
Watch this How-To video for step-by-step guide to making a San Diego Zoo Safari Park entry reservation.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located to the northeast in Escondido. Distance between the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 35 miles. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour travel time.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road,
Escondido, California 92027-7017
Due to mandatory health screening and social distancing protocols, San Diego Zoo Safari Park must space guests entering through the front gate. Wait time to enter the Safari Park can fluctuate and could be up to one hour, especially on weekends and holidays. Please plan accordingly.
Weekday average wait time to enter: 10–15 minutes.
Weekend and holiday average wait time to enter: 30–40 minutes.
Location: San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, California.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road,
Escondido, California 92027
Directions: Take the Rancho Parkway Exit off I-15 and follow signs to the Safari Park, 6 miles east.
Annual Visits: 1,500,000. The Safari Park is 20 times larger than the Zoo.
Phone: (760) 747-8702
Hours: The park is open at 9am. 365 days a year. Closing times vary by season. Call for more information.
Official Website: www.sdzsafaripark.org
Navigating the San Diego Zoo Safari Park has never been easier with the San Diego Zoo App. Download it below.
Follow the map to one of the preset walking paths or find directions to your favorite animal. The GPS-enabled app map will keep you on the right path.
As a guest of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, every dollar you spend enables the zoo to continue their conservation and research work. And by learning why it's important to save these animals and protect their habitats, you, too are helping to preserve the planet, now and for future generations.
