wild weekend savanna

August 10–11, 2024

Wild Weekend: Savanna

Some of the planet’s most iconic—and endangered—wildlife roam Africa’s savannas. Herds of elephants and rhinos, towers of giraffes, elusive leopards, and countless other species are all at home in these dynamic grassland ecosystems. Covering nearly half of the vast continent, savannas are the vital foundation for complex food webs and great migrations. They’re also integral to the pastoralist livelihoods of local people who share these plains. 

Join us to celebrate World Elephant Day and Wild Weekend: Savanna on Saturday, August 10, and Sunday, August 11, at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Roam on over to discover how we’re saving, protecting, and caring for incredible wildlife across this iconic landscape through our Savanna Conservation Hub. With interactive activities, informative talks, and more, there’s fun for the whole herd.

Ask a Wildlife Care Specialist

Ask a Wildlife Care Specialist

  • 10 a.m. and Noon
  • Various Locations

How different are African hooded vultures from the California condors found right here in the Southwest? What gives secretary birds their unique feather pattern? Meet with wildlife care specialists to find out the answers to these questions and how your support helps secure the future for species like these.

  • Secretary Bird: 10 a.m., African Outpost
  • Hooded Vulture: Noon, African Woods
live music

Savanna Storytelling and Live Music

  • 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
  • Village Playground

Experience the heartbeat of the savanna through authentic storytelling and live music.

Wildlife Tales

Wildlife Tales

  • 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
  • Village Playground

Gather around for tales about the savanna’s fascinating wildlife and those who live alongside them in Kenya. Become inspired by stories of collaboration, floppy ears, long necks, and so much more.  

Savanna Spotlight

Savanna Spotlight

  • 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Nairobi Walkway

We work side by side with local people in community-led conservation efforts across these grasslands. Join us to dig in to our collaborative work through various clues as you try to determine “who was here” in a vast landscape shared by people and wildlife.

elephants

Together for Wildlife

  • 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Nairobi Walkway

We’re working to save, protect, and care for wildlife through our Savanna Conservation Hub, and our efforts begin at the Safari Park. Discover how the work here impacts wildlife in Africa and how allies like you make a difference.

herd of giraffes

Pledges for Conservation

  • 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Nairobi Walkway

Leave your mark by adding a color to a collaborative art piece as you pledge to support wildlife conservation through everyday actions.

Wildwatch Kenya

Wildwatch Kenya

  • 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Nairobi Walkway

What can you spot? Use your skills to help field experts review digital trail camera photos as we identify wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, warthogs, and gazelles

Paper Bead Making

Paper Bead Making

  • 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Nairobi Walkway

Immerse yourself in the rich customs and cultures of the people who live alongside wildlife, including the Samburu communities we partner with in Northern Kenya. You’ll even create your own keepsake out of recycled paper beads to take home.

person standing behind a table full of plant materials

Chat with a Horticulturalist

  • Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  • Nairobi Walkway

The savanna is home to large expanses of grasses interrupted by scattered shrubs and trees that can withstand dramatic shifts in weather between the wet and dry seasons. Nurture your knowledge of plant life with a Safari Park horticulturalist.

Explore the Savannas on Africa Tram

Africa Tram

  • 9:15 a.m.–6 p.m.

On this exciting expedition, you’ll be transported to our sprawling savannas and come face-to-face with diverse wildlife. Africa Tram is included in your admission and a must-do!

Wildlife Safari

Wildlife Safari

  • Reservations required

You’ll encounter herds of giraffes, rhinos, wildebeest, and countless other iconic species with this experience. In true safari fashion, you’ll travel in the back of a covered, open-air truck with an expert guide who’ll bring you up close to your favorite wildlife. Reserve your spot today for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Wildlife Adoptions

Wildlife Adoptions

Your symbolic adoption of a giraffe, African elephant, rhino, or lion helps save, protect, and care for wildlife around the globe.

savanna hub icon illustration

Conservation Begins with You

Your continued support helps save wildlife worldwide, from here in the Southwest to Africa’s grasslands and through lush rainforests across the globe. Become a hero for wildlife and support our Savanna Conservation Hub with a monthly gift today.

SDZWA adventures botswana elephant
SDZWA Adventures

Come Travel with Us!

Hotel with pool
Creature Comforts

PREFERRED HOTELS

Shopzoo holiday collection
Wild Wonderland

Add some spots and stripes to your holidays

Groom and bride embracing as a giraffe looks on in the distance.
Wild Weddings

Picture Your Special Day at the Park!