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The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, formerly known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park, is a zoo without enclosures where animals are allowed to roam and people can watch from a distance. The reason it is now called Safari Park is because visitors can customize their visit with various kinds of safari experiences. There are Africa Tram Safari's, Rolling Safari's, Flightline Safari's, Behind the Scene Safari's, well, you get the picture.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is large. Here is a nifty interactive map to help you get a condor's eye view of the entire property.

Africa Tram Safari at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a great way to experience the far-reaching open exhibit areas up close and personal. In the past, a monorail tour gave an extended 45 minute safari experience providing a very special look at the animals roaming free on the Wild Animal Park's property. This Africa Tram journey is shorter, at 25 minutes in length, and it is more limited in scope. Still, it is a must-do at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

A word of caution: the tour guides are on a tight schedule and don't allow for many stops along the way. If you plan to take photos, you'll need to act quickly and snap away. We believe that the Africa Tram Safari is a great opportunity for photography and the Wild Animal Park would serve the visitors better give more time for photographs.

The Africa Tram Safari is included in the price of admission but specialty safari's like the Rolling Safari cost extra. Please refer to the Safari Page for more information.

Rolling Tour-Segway

Rolling Safari- The Rolling Safari is basically a Segway tour. You can get a completely different experience (and walk less!) as you check out the Asian and African animals. The tour guide will give you a lesson on how to use the Segway and you'll be led by tour guides throughout the park. You'll see what the walking visitors will see and more! The tour runs two-hour tours through the Park. Anyone over 13 years old can ride the Segway, but there is weight requirement: each rider must weigh between 100-250 lbs. Teens 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult. Safety is important, so dress properly - no loose shoes, wear sunscreen and sunglasses. Restrictions apply. 1.800.407.9534

If you are coming in the Spring, don't miss the Safari Park's best annual events - the Butterflies and Orchids festival. This amazing festival usually runs in the early Spring every year and brings people, butterflies and orchids together in one place. Interacting with thousands of exotic butterflies in a walk-through tropical aviary is a unique experience that cannot be described in words. It is a sensory experience that should not be missed.

WHAT'S NEW AT SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK FOR 2011

Cheetah Run Safari - No, you won't be literally running with the cheetahs, since that would be foolish and extremely dangerous. Last we checked, even the fastest human being could not outrun the venerable and speedy cheetah. Somehow, this experience allows patrons to see cheetahs in action. Unfortunately, there is no slow-motion replay available.

GENERAL INFORMATION

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Admission - Ticket prices aren't cheap. Current ticket prices.

DISCOUNTS ON TICKETS AND PACKAGES - Go San Diego Card

Park Hours: - The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is open daily but times vary according to the season.

Map & Directions - The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California. For general information, call 760-747-8702.

Coming from the North: From Interstate 5 (Orange County, Los Angeles), take the State Route 78 East exit at Oceanside, proceed east to Interstate 15 South, exit at Via Rancho Parkway and follow the signs to the Park. From Interstate 15 (Riverside), exit at Via Rancho Parkway and follow the signs east to the Park.

Coming from the South: From State Route 163 (downtown San Diego, Mission Valley) proceed to Interstate 15 North to the Via Rancho Parkway exit. Go east and follow signs to the Park. From Interstate 5 or 805 (Mexico), proceed to State Route 163, then to Interstate 15 North, and then exit at Via Rancho Parkway. Follow signs east.

From the East: From Interstate 8 (Imperial County, Arizona) take Interstate 15 North to the Via Rancho Parkway exit. Follow the signs east to the Park.

Disabled Access - The San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes guests with disabilities. A special information packet is available at all ticket windows. They also provide free admission to the assistant of the visually impaired and kennel accommodations are available for service animals. Wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stroller, Motorized Wheelchairs, & Locker Rentals - Strollers, lockers, and motorized wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis near the entrance. Prices: strollers, $10; double strollers, $15; wheelchairs, $10; electric scooters $35 (please note that membership number or state identification card number is required).

SPECIAL SLIDESHOW OF OUR SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK 'PHOTO SAFARI'

BONUS TIP!!!

If you want to make your San Diego Zoo Safari Park expedition into a real day trip, be sure to stop by Niki de St. Phalle's Queen Califia's Magical Circle in Escondido. The beautiful sculpture garden is located right off the I-15 off of the Via Rancho Parkway exit. The unique collection of "Niki's" is situated within the City of Escondido's Kit Carson Park in the Iris Sankey Arboretum. Niki de St. Phalle (born France, 1930-2002) made San Diego her home in the 1980's until her untimely death in 2002.

Queen Califia's Magical Circle is the ONLY American sculpture garden and the last major international project created by Niki de Saint Phalle. Her work is a favorite of children and adults because of its use of imagination, color, material, whimsy, and large size. San Diego is one of the lucky cities in the U.S. that has so many Niki's in public places, including the Sun God at UCSD, and Poet/Muse & Nikigator in Balboa Park, among many others.

Admission to the Magical Circle is free and hours are from 9am-sunset daily. If you have the time, be sure to check out this unique garden on your way to the Wild Animal Park. Here are the Directions.