Behind-the-Scenes Safari
At A Glance
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park? Get a special sneak peek into the secret lives of your favorite wildlife and meet the wildlife care specialists who care for them, while exploring otherwise off-limits areas with a knowledgeable guide. Choose from a variety of experiences below!
Ages 3 and up. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age.
Some walking required during tour. Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away.
This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, please call 619-718-3000 to book your experience so we can immediately verify the availability of a wheelchair-accessible cart.
Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Elite Adventure
- Ages 3 & up
- $425 & up, per person
- Offered on select weekend dates
- 3.5 hours
- View Age/Safety Restrictions
Ages 3 and up. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age.
The check-in location for the Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Elite Adventure is at the Wildlife Safari check-in by Park Base.
Strollers and child car seats are not permitted on cart. Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away.
Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $50 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $100 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable.
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, please call 619-718-3000 to book your experience so we can immediately verify the availability of a wheelchair-accessible cart.
Deluxe Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Passport into the Wild
- Ages 3 and up
- $117 & up, per person
- Offered daily
- Noon, 2 hours
- View Age/Safety Restrictions
Ages 3 and older. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult, per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age.
Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $15 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable.
Strollers and child car seats are not permitted on the cart. For the health and safety of wildlife, service animals are not permitted on this tour.Please call 619-718-3000 prior to your visit to inquire about accommodations, including wheelchair access.
Take this exciting two-hour journey through the Safari Park and discover amazing and unique wildlife from across the globe—no plane tickets required! You’ll journey across the Park to observe wildlife and explore exclusive behind-the-scenes areas to gain remarkable insights about different species. Find out how our collaborative global conservation efforts are making a difference around the world—and what you can do to help secure the future for wildlife.
This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, please call 619-718-3000 to book your experience so we can immediately verify the availability of a wheelchair-accessible cart..
Deluxe Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Born to Be Wild
- Ages 3 & up
- $117 & up, per person
- Offered daily
- 2 hours
- Visit exclusive areas
- View Age/Safety Restrictions
Ages 3 and up. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age.
Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $15 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable.
Some walking required during tour. Tours board in African Outpost beyond Signpost #13, between the cheetah habitat and Okavango Outpost. Look for the red Behind-the-Scenes (jeep) icon on the lower right of your Safari Park map.
Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away. Service animals are not permitted on this tour due to the sensitive nature of these animals and the restricted access of this habitat and buildings.
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 Safari begins April, 2024.
This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, please call 619-718-3000 to book your experience so we can immediately verify the availability of a wheelchair-accessible cart.
Deluxe Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Mission Wildlife Rescue!
- Ages 8 & up
- $117 & up, per person
- Selected dates
- 2 hours
- Visit exclusive areas
- View Age/Safety Restrictions
Ages 8 and up. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age.
Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $15 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable.
Tours board in African Outpost beyond Signpost #13, between the Cheetah habitat and Okavango Outpost. Look for the red Behind-the-Scenes (jeep) icon on the lower right of your Safari Park map.
Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away. Service animals are not permitted on this tour due to the sensitive nature of these animals and the restricted access of this habitat and buildings.
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 species like the northern white rhino and Przewalski’s horse, while also gaining insights on the high level of care we provide to all our wildlife at the Safari Park. This remarkable safari will take you 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 and the Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center. Offered select days.
This tour requires walking over uneven terrain. If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, please call 619-718-3000 to book your experience so we can immediately verify the availability of a wheelchair-accessible cart.
Walkabout Australia
- Ages 3 & up
- $92 & up, per person
- Offered daily
- 90 minutes
- View Safety/Age Restrictions
Ages 3 and up. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age.
Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $15 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable.
Some walking required during tour. Tours board in African Outpost beyond Signpost #13, between the cheetah habitat and Okavango Outpost. Look for the red Behind-the-Scenes (jeep) icon on the lower right of your Safari Park map.
Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away.
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, please call 619-718-3000 to book your experience so we can immediately verify the availability of a wheelchair-accessible cart.
Discover Africa
- Ages 3 & up
- $92 & up, per person
- Offered daily
- View Age/Safety Restrictions
Ages 3 and up. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age.
Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $15 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable.
Some walking required during tour. Tours board in African Outpost beyond Signpost #13, between the cheetah habitat and Okavango Outpost. Look for the red Behind-the-Scenes (jeep) icon on the lower right of your Safari Park map.
Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away. Service animals are not permitted on this tour due to the sensitive nature of these animals and the restricted access of this habitat and buildings.
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, please call 619-718-3000 to book your experience so we can immediately verify the availability of a wheelchair-accessible cart.
Wildlife in Action
- Ages 3 & up
- $92 & up, per person
- Saturdays & Sundays; select additional dates
- 90 minutes
- View Safety/Age Restrictions
Ages 3 and up. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age.
Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $15 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable.
Some walking required during tour. Tours board in African Outpost beyond Signpost #13, between the cheetah habitat and Okavango Outpost. Look for the red Behind-the-Scenes (jeep) icon on the lower right of your Safari Park map.
Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away.
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, please call 619-718-3000 to book your experience so we can immediately verify the availability of a wheelchair-accessible cart.
Saving Giants
- Ages 3 & up
- $92 & up, per person
- Offered daily
- 90 minutes
- View Safety/Age Restrictions
Ages 3 and up. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Limit of 2 children per adult per group. All tour participants require a ticket, regardless of age. Some walking required during tour. Tours board in African Outpost beyond Signpost #13, between the cheetah habitat and Okavango Outpost. Look for the red Behind-the-Scenes (jeep) icon on the lower right of your Safari Park map. Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away.
Change/Cancellation: Reservations may be changed up to 5 days before the program and will be subject to a $15 Administrative Change Fee. Less than 5 days, changes not permitted. Cancellations received 5 days before scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Less than 5 days, payment is non-refundable.
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, please call 619-718-3000 to book your experience so we can immediately verify the availability of a wheelchair-accessible cart.
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RESERVATIONS
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