Behind-the-Scenes Safari

Come explore and enjoy the Safari Park on this 3.5-hour tour that includes some of the Safari Park’s most iconic experiences. Visit staff-only areas to learn about how we care for wildlife, such as platypuses and tigers, and then hop into a Safari truck and tour the savanna, surrounded by rhinos, giraffes and so much more!

What you'll do:
•    See some of the Safari Park’s most notable species, and experience the iconic Wildlife Safari.
•    Peek into some of the wildlife care areas, and learn what it takes to look after the diverse wildlife that call the Safari Park home.
•    Hear stories about the Safari Park’s past, present, and future, while you travel in your tour cart with a personal guide.
•    Enjoy a snack, and relax with views of the savanna.
•    And more!    

This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit.

Trek through the Safari Park to see some of our youngest residents! This two-hour experience will take you around some of the large savanna habitats and to behind-the-scenes areas to meet some of our animal families. You will learn how we care for our amazing wildlife, and hear their conservation stories.

This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit.

Go on safari behind the scenes at the Safari Park’s Walkabout Australia! On this guided tour, you will meet a variety of beautiful birds and amazing marsupials. As you explore Walkabout Australia by foot, listen to the many stories your guide will share about unique Australian wildlife, and what it takes to care for them.

What you'll do:
•    See some of Australia’s most exotic species, including platypuses and cassowaries.
•    Peek into some wildlife care areas, and learn what it takes to look after these unique Australian animals.
•    Enjoy a stroll through Walkabout Australia with your personal guide.
•    And more!

This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit.

Discover some of the most iconic species in the world! Your guide will share the wonder of Africa, as you visit some amazing African animals. While learning about the challenges facing wildlife, you will also hear stories of hope and the amazing conservation work being done by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and our partners.

What you'll do:
•    See some of the Safari Park’s most iconic African species.
•    Peek into wildlife care areas, and learn what it takes to look after the diverse wildlife that call the Safari Park home.
•    Hear stories about the Safari Park’s current conservation projects in Africa, while you travel in your tour cart with a personal guide.
•    Have an up-close visit with unique African animals. 

This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit.

Come meet with passionate wildlife care specialists and amazing wildlife ambassadors to discover how they help other wildlife around the globe. Did you know that dogs were trained to assist in locating koalas during wildfires in Australia? Hear some of the amazing stories our wildlife have to tell. This 90-minute journey will take you on foot and by cart to various destinations around the Safari Park. 

This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit.

Discover what it takes to save giants! This 90-minute journey will take you by Safari Cart to behind-the-scenes areas, where you will hear firsthand conservation stories about how San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is saving elephants and rhinos around the world. Our story begins right here at the Safari Park, with our 50-year history of caring for and saving these giants. You will join the story as you get a closer look!

This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit.

Go behind the scenes to learn about the science of saving the northern white rhino, while also gaining insights on the high level of care we provide to rhinos and other wildlife at the Safari Park. This remarkable safari will take guests on a rare tour of the Frozen Zoo®, a critical component of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Wildlife Biodiversity Banking efforts. Safari participants will also visit the Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center.

This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit.

Board a cart, and embark on a unique Deluxe Behind-the-Scenes Safari to discover wildlife that are more active after dark! Your guide will share remarkable insights into the lives of nocturnal wildlife, and you’ll find out how San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is making a difference in conservation of these species in their native habitats. Meet a wildlife ambassador and a wildlife care specialist, find out how different wildlife species adapt to the dark, and learn about amazing nighttime behaviors. Wildlife you might encounter on this safari include platypuses, tigers, flamingos, and more.

Note: This tour takes place after sunset, and in the dark. Walkways will be lighted, and you will explore on uneven pathways throughout the Safari Park and in behind-the-scenes areas. Not all wildlife may be in view on a given day; viewing animals in behind-the-scenes areas is not guaranteed.