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Book your tickets to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park – one of the world's most celebrated wildlife parks, spanning 1,800 acres of breathtaking natural habitat in Escondido, California, just 45 minutes from downtown San Diego. Get up close with over 3,500 rare and endangered animals, explore immersive habitats across Africa, Asia, and beyond, and experience the wild like never before.

Key Highlights

  • Explore 1,800 acres of natural-style habitats at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, home to 3,500+ animals.
  • Ride the Africa Tram for a guided safari through open savanna landscapes.
  • Visit Elephant Valley, featuring one of North America’s largest elephant herds.
  • See wildlife from across the world, including lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and more.
  • Walk through immersive zones like Walkabout Australia and spot rare animals like platypuses.
  • Enjoy unique experiences like ziplining, balloon rides, and seasonal events.

About San Diego Zoo Safari Park Ticket

Experience a one-of-a-kind wildlife adventure at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, a vast conservation sanctuary where animals roam across expansive, natural-style habitats. Beyond a traditional zoo, the park supports global conservation efforts, including groundbreaking research to protect endangered species like the white rhino. 

The highlight of the park is the Africa Tram, a 2.5-mile open-air safari that takes you through sweeping savanna landscapes with giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and more roaming freely. Don’t miss the impressive Denny Sanford Elephant Valley, home to one of North America’s largest elephant herds in an immersive environment. 

Explore unique areas like Walkabout Australia with free-roaming kangaroos and the rare Platypus House, along with interactive exhibits and family-friendly attractions. For added excitement, upgrade your visit with experiences like the Balloon Safari or guided wildlife safaris, making it a truly memorable full-day adventure. 

Inclusions

  • Entry to San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Access to Africa Tram
  • Access to Cheetah Run
  • All scheduled shows & exhibits
  • San Diego Zoo & Safari Park 2-visit pass (as per option selected)

Exclusions

  • Entry to the San Diego Zoo
  • Parking
  • Food & beverages

Insiders' Tips

Visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Take the Africa Tram early in the day for the best animal activity, and save walking trails and exhibits for later when it gets busier. Don’t forget to check feeding times and presentations for a more engaging visit.

Additional Information

Operating Hours
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Hours may vary depending on the season, weather, and special events, so it’s recommended to check the official schedule before your visit. 
Child Policy 
  • Children under 3 years old can enter free of charge.
  • Guests under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult (18+), with each adult allowed to supervise up to four children.
Entry Policy 
  • Present your valid mobile or printed ticket at the entrance for admission.
  • All guests are required to undergo security screening before entry; bags may be checked.
  • Re-entry may be allowed; keep your ticket or wristband for access.
What to Bring
  • Valid printed or mobile ticket
  • Government-issued photo ID (if required)
  • Comfortable clothing and walking shoes
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
  • Refillable water bottle
Restrictions
  • Outside food and beverages may be restricted inside the park.
  • Large bags, luggage, and oversized items may not be permitted.
  • Hazardous items such as weapons, fireworks, or laser devices are strictly prohibited.
Accessibility
  • This experience is wheelchair accessible.

Cancellation Policy

  • Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled once purchased

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Ticket Frequently Asked Questions

What does the San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket include?
The ticket includes entry to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, access to the Africa Tram, Cheetah Run, and all scheduled shows and exhibits.
Is the Africa Tram included in the ticket?
Yes, the Africa Tram safari experience is included and is one of the park’s main highlights.
Are there any additional experiences available?
Yes, you can upgrade your visit with experiences like the Balloon Safari or guided wildlife safaris (additional cost may apply).
Is parking included with the ticket?
No, parking is not included and may require an additional fee.
Can I visit San Diego Zoo with this ticket?
No, this ticket is for the Safari Park only unless you select a 2-visit pass option that includes both parks.
What are the operating hours?
The park typically operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but timings may vary depending on the season.
Is the park suitable for children?
Yes, the park is family-friendly, with interactive exhibits and large open habitats suitable for all ages.
Are tickets refundable or cancellable?
No, tickets are non-refundable and cannot be cancelled once purchased.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible, with accessible pathways and facilities available.
What should I bring for my visit?
It’s recommended to bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a water bottle, and your valid ticket for a smooth experience.

Ratings & Reviews

M
Michelle Reed
5
Travelled September 2026

The lions, elephants, cheetahs and gorillas were all wonderful. Can't recommend it enough.

P
Priya Park
4
Travelled September 2026

It's a world away from a standard zoo, and worth the trip. Some felt it was overpriced for how far the animals can be....

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O
Oliver Clarke
5
Travelled September 2026

The animals have so much room to roam, and are clearly happy and well cared for. Steep,...

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J
Justin Carter
4
Travelled September 2026

Everyone said feed the giraffes, and it was the highlight. Some of the animals are far away and hard to see without binoculars....

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J
Joshua Patel
5
Travelled September 2026

The conservation focus, from rhinos to condors, is genuinely inspiring. It's cleaner and less crowded than the main San Diego Zoo....

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T
Tiana Banks
4
Travelled September 2026

A magical day out for animal lovers. It's dear if you only do the included tram and walking....

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K
Kayla Morgan
5
Travelled September 2026

Getting up close to feed the giraffes was a magical experience. Most visitors spend a full day exploring the park....

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M
Ming Garcia
4
Travelled September 2026

The premium safaris, from the caravan to the zipline, take it to another level. There are cafes and shops dotted around the park....

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R
Rebecca Parker
4
Travelled September 2026

Knowing your ticket supports the park's conservation work makes it feel worthwhile....

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E
Emily Green
4
Travelled September 2026

The tram ride around the vast savanna was the best part, and different every time....

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S
Scott White
5
Travelled September 2026

Ride the free Africa Tram first thing, before the queues build. The animals are most active early in the day and later in the afternoon....

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S
Stephanie Adams
4
Travelled September 2026

The enclosures are huge and natural, giving the animals real space. The tram drops you at the bottom,...

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S
Stephanie Taylor
5
Travelled September 2026

Friends said do the Africa Tram first, and it was great advice. Elephant Valley lets you get up close to the elephant herd....

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K
Katherine Roberts
5
Travelled September 2026

It's a leader in conservation, especially its work saving the northern white rhino....

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J
Jason Reyes
5
Travelled September 2026

One of the best animal experiences we've had. There's a Roar & Snore overnight camping experience too....

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H
Hannah Murphy
4
Travelled September 2026

The open-range setting makes it feel like a real safari, not a zoo. Some of the animals are far away and hard to see without binoculars....

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G
George Brown
5
Travelled September 2026

Getting up close to feed the giraffes was a magical experience. You'll see rhinos, giraffes,...

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J
John Parker
5
Travelled September 2026

A magical day out for animal lovers. The Africa Tram is the perfect length for younger children....

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S
Stephanie Williams
5
Travelled September 2026

The animals have so much room to roam, and are clearly happy and well cared for. It's a top wildlife destination in Southern California....

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S
Steven Allen
4
Travelled September 2026

One of the best animal experiences we've had. A membership is popular with locals and includes free parking....

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park Ticket

USD 68.75

Insiders’ Tips

Visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Take the Africa Tram early in the day for the best animal activity, and save walking trails and exhibits for later when it gets busier. Don’t forget to check feeding times and presentations for a more engaging visit.

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