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 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. All Behind-the-Scenes Safaris 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.
Elephants and Friends
- Ages 3 and up
- Offered daily
- Elephant Valley
- 90 minutes
- Visit exclusive areas
- 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. All Behind-the-Scenes 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.
Go on safari behind the scenes at Elephant Valley! On this guided tour, you will learn about the amazing ways we care for our animals and how what we do here can help their wild counterparts. You will enjoy viewing Elephant Valley from a private viewing area while discovering what it takes to care for our one-of-a-kind African elephant herd.
Rhinos and Friends
- Ages 3 and up
- Offered daily
- Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center
- 90 minutes
- Visit exclusive areas
- 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. All Behind-the-Scenes 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.
Go behind the scenes at the Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center—a 3.5-acre state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the conservation of white rhinos, with a focus on assisted reproductive techniques highlighting our fight to end extinction. In addition, you’ll journey around the Safari Park’s unique multispecies field habitats. Up to 60 minutes of walking or standing is required.
Canines in Conservation
- Ages 3 & up
- Saturdays & Sundays; select additional dates
- 90 minutes
- Visit exclusive areas
- 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. All Behind-the-Scenes 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.
Ignite your passion for wildlife on a quest to learn more about how one of humankind’s favorite companions is a partner to species in the wild. You'll meet passionate wildlife care specialists, some of our amazing canine ambassadors, and remarkable wildlife. The wildlife care team and your tour guide will share stories about how highly trained dogs provide aid to wildlife and communities globally. This journey will take you on foot and by tour vehicle to various destinations around the Safari Park as you learn about our conservation work and partners throughout the world.
For the safety of our animals, all guests will be required to wear a facial mask for a portion of this tour. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will provide a mask for each guest.
Twilight Behind-the-Scenes Safari: Kenya Days
- Ages 3 & up
- $109 & up per person
- August 13, 14, or 15
- 2 hours
- 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. Selfie Sticks are not permitted on this tour and must be stowed away.
Join us to celebrate Kenya Days (August 13–15) with this special two-hour tour highlighting San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s work in northern Kenya, where we collaborate with conservation innovators to protect wildlife, including African elephants. Enjoy a unique view of the Safari Park’s elephant herd and meet one of their wildlife care specialists, who will share stories of their adventures and our work with partners at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya to save orphaned elephant calves.
Before your journey ends, a special stop at one of the Safari Park’s breathtaking viewpoints awaits. Enjoy an assortment of snacks and a welcome drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) while taking in the sights and sounds of African wildlife.
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RESERVATIONS
Let us answer your questions and create your day at the Safari Park!
