Safari West
Experience an authentic African safari in California's wine country, with open-air tours and unique tented accommodations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Safari West
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience an authentic African safari in California's wine country, with open-air tours and unique tented accommodations.
"It's pretty wild to me that this place is just up the street from the regular hustle and bustle."
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for guided tours, especially the popular open-air vehicle rides, by booking online ahead of time.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the preserve, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Open-Air Safari Tour
Safari Preserve
Ride in a classic open-air vehicle through 400 acres, getting up close with giraffes, zebras, and more.
Baby Rhino Encounters
Safari Preserve
Witness adorable baby rhinos like Ozzy, born at the preserve, growing and interacting with their mothers.
Tented Accommodations
Safari West Preserve
Experience glamping in deluxe tents, offering a unique way to stay immersed in the sights and sounds of the wild.
+1Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Book Your Safari Adventure in Advance
Dress for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for guided tours, especially the popular open-air vehicle rides, by booking online ahead of time.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the preserve, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather can change, so dressing in layers ensures you're comfortable during your safari adventure.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Capture incredible moments with wildlife; you'll want to remember these close encounters!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Secure your spot for guided tours, especially the popular open-air vehicle rides, by booking online ahead of time.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the preserve, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather can change, so dressing in layers ensures you're comfortable during your safari adventure.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Capture incredible moments with wildlife; you'll want to remember these close encounters!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water to stay refreshed throughout your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Safari West is widely praised for its immersive safari experience, knowledgeable guides, and well-cared-for animals. Visitors rave about the close encounters with wildlife and the unique 'Sonoma Serengeti' atmosphere. Some find the price point high, and a few noted that the animals seemed more confined towards the end of the tour.
"Our family stayed over night. Had dinner that evening & took the safari tour the next day. Dinner was excellent, the property was immaculate, and we loved the tour. Our tour guide, Cindy, was knowledgeable & worked hard to make sure we were able to see all the animals. The animals appeared to be well cared for. Our 4- year-old granddaughter had a blast walking through the property & visiting all the animals. A special thanks to the staff for holding onto a piece of luggage that the airline lost & then delivered after we departed."
Jill Shepherd
"I first heard about this safari from a coworker and knew I had to check it out. I booked my tickets online in advance and arrived about 15 minutes before my 1:00–4:00 pm tour.
The experience began with a walking tour through the “zoo” area, where we saw a variety of African birds, a giant pigeon, cheetahs, and monkeys. After that, we boarded a large open-air truck/van for the safari ride. It was incredible being so close to the giraffes, ostriches, and many other animals.
The safari spans 400 acres, and even in the moments when we weren’t spotting wildlife, the scenery was absolutely beautiful. I’m so glad we came—it was such a memorable experience, and I’d definitely love to bring friends and family here in the future."
Lo
"We held our annual team outing at Safari West and it was so much fun! We had 3 private tour jeeps to accommodate our large party. Our tour guides were very knowledgeable about the park and all of the wildlife occupying the park. It was very clear to see and hear the passion they have for the animals, the care that they provide, and the team that they work with. After our tour, we immediately had lunch that was set up for us in the dining area. The food was very delicious and offered a variety of options. Thank you, Safari West for such an incredible time!"
Victoria Iboa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Safari West is located in Santa Rosa, California, about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive north of San Francisco. You can take Highway 101 North.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at Safari West.
Public transportation options to Safari West are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the preserve.
Safari West is located at 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, California. Follow Highway 101 North and take the appropriate exit towards Santa Rosa.
Safari West strives to be accessible. It's recommended to contact them directly to discuss specific accessibility needs for tours and facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour type and time of year. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and to book tickets in advance.
Yes, booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for guided tours, to ensure availability.
Safari West is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's always a good idea to verify their hours on their website before your visit.
Yes, Safari West offers various tours, including guided walking tours through aviaries and the popular open-air vehicle safari tours.
While it's possible, purchasing tickets online in advance is strongly advised to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment, as tours can sell out.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Safari West is home to over 90 species of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, zebras, cheetahs, wildebeest, cape buffalo, and various African birds.
The guided safari tours typically last around 3 hours, offering an immersive experience with the animals.
Yes, Safari West is a fantastic experience for families and children. Many visitors highlight how much kids enjoy seeing the animals up close.
The experience often begins with a walking tour through aviaries and other areas before boarding the safari vehicle.
Safari West emphasizes that animals are not enclosed in cages but roam freely in large, open spaces designed to mimic their natural habitats.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Safari West offers dining options, including a buffet dinner for overnight guests and lunch services.
The dining experience often includes delicious buffet dinners and other meal options. Some visitors have praised the food quality.
It's advisable to contact Safari West directly to inquire about specific dietary options available at their dining facilities.
Information on bringing outside food and drinks is not widely available. It's best to check Safari West's policies or plan to dine at their facilities.
Yes, overnight stays at Safari West often include complimentary breakfast, and some packages may include dinner as well.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The open-air tours offer fantastic opportunities to photograph animals in natural settings. Keep your camera ready during the walking tours too.
Drone usage is typically restricted at wildlife preserves to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to confirm Safari West's specific policy.
While generally encouraged, be mindful of flash photography, especially with sensitive animals, and always follow your guide's instructions.
A telephoto lens is great for capturing animals from a distance, but a standard zoom lens is versatile for various shots.
Absolutely! The open-air vehicles provide excellent vantage points for photography. Just be sure to secure your belongings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The preserve's design, with animals roaming freely, sparks curiosity and wonder. Many parents note that their children had a blast and were fully engaged throughout the visit. Consider booking a guided safari tour for an educational and exciting experience. The staff are known for their passion and ability to make the tour fun for all ages. If you're looking for an overnight adventure, the tented accommodations offer a unique way for families to experience the 'Sonoma Serengeti' after hours.
💑 Couples and Adults
Imagine enjoying a gourmet dinner and then stargazing from your tent, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. The guided safari tours are also highly recommended for adults, providing an insightful and thrilling experience that's far from ordinary. For a truly special occasion, consider booking a private safari tour or an overnight stay. The 'Sonoma Serengeti' ambiance provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable getaway, offering a chance to reconnect with nature and each other.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Consider visiting with a group to potentially share costs or look for special promotions. While the experience is priced for its unique offerings, the memories made are often considered well worth the investment for many visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Safari West Experience: More Than Just Animals
+1 The experience begins with a guided walk through aviaries and other areas, allowing for close-up views of various animals before embarking on the main safari tour. This immersive approach aims to educate visitors about conservation efforts and the importance of preserving these species. The highlight for many is the open-air safari tour, where guests board specially designed vehicles to traverse the 400-acre preserve.
Unlike traditional zoos, the animals here roam in expansive, naturalistic enclosures, providing a more authentic safari feel. Guides are knowledgeable and passionate, sharing insights into the animals' behaviors and the preserve's conservation work. For those seeking an even more immersive experience, Safari West offers tented accommodations.
+1 These upscale glamping tents allow visitors to sleep amidst the sounds of the wild, with some even offering views of animals like giraffes right outside. This unique lodging, combined with excellent dining options, makes Safari West a destination for a memorable getaway. Conservation and Animal Welfare at Safari West
+1 The preserve actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species, such as the Southern White Rhino, with the birth of calves like Ozzy being a testament to their success. The design of the preserve itself prioritizes the animals' well-being. Instead of traditional cages, Safari West utilizes large, naturalistic enclosures that allow animals to roam freely and exhibit natural behaviors.
This approach not only benefits the animals but also provides visitors with a more authentic and engaging safari experience, allowing them to observe wildlife in a setting that closely mimics their natural habitat. Visitors frequently comment on how well-cared-for the animals appear, noting their healthy condition and active engagement within their environments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit