Safari West is situated on a 400-acre preserve and features more than 800 individual animals. But it’s more than an accredited zoo; it’s also a glamping experience. Families can visit for the day and/or spend the night in a luxury glamping tent. See more about the lodging accommodations here. You can wander the property on your own to see some of the smaller animals in more of a zoo-like setting. Or book a guided safari tour in an open-air vehicle where you can see the larger animals.
Safari Tours
Families can book a guided safari tour in an open-air vehicle that takes visitors throughout the 400-acre preserve to see the larger animals like giraffe, rhino, zebra, buffalo, antelope and more. Expert guides explain all of the animal’s habits and where they come from along the two-hour, vehicle portion of tour. Then there is a 45-minute walking portion of the tour where families will be guided through the Aviary with its hundred different species of birds.
Aviary and Animals
Smaller animals like lemur, monkeys, flamingos and cheetah can be viewed in a more zoo-like atmosphere on your own and at no additional cost. The large Aviary is also home to a hundred different species of birds. A walk through the Aviary with a guide is included in the Safari Tour or you can view them on your own from outside.
Behind the Scenes
Private safari tours are available to book, as well as a few behind-the-scenes private tours that get you closer to the animals. Some of these tours include closer encounters with the rhinos and cheetah. You can also be a Keeper for the Day, where you can care for and feed some of the animals.
Hours
Scheduled tours run at select times five times a day.
Age or Height Restrictions
Children must be at least 4 years old to go on a safari tour and must be at least 45 inches tall to sit on the rooftop seat of the safari vehicle. Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Things to Know/Bring
The open-air vehicles are covered but the ride can get a bit bumpy at times. The tours do run rain or shine so be prepared if it rains and closed-toe shoes are recommended as much of the pathways on the preserve are mostly dirt or gravel. Bring water, sunscreen and a camera. Lunch, dinner or a wine tasting can also be added to these tours. No pets are permitted on the property not even if they are kept in your vehicle. It’s important to note that all of the animals at Safari West are wild animals and are never to be touched or fed.
Dining
There is an onsite cafe available for overnight guests only, as well as a snack shop for those seeking beverages or snacks.
Parking
Free parking is available.
