Are the safaris at San Diego Zoo worth it?

The San Diego Safari Park is an experience I think will be “worth it” to many Southern California visitors, but not everyone. It does require a time investment if you're coming from Los Angeles or Orange County, and between the drive and attraction itself, you're looking at nearly a full day in the San Diego area.



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Comparing the Animals & Exhibits. Which has more animals -- San Diego Safari Park vs Zoo: To sum it up succinctly, the San Diego Zoo has more animals both in quantity and variety. The San Diego Zoo has animals from all over the world, including Australia, Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, and more.

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Other disadvantages of safari parks include habituation, which can cause wildlife to lose their natural instincts, and animals can even risk contracting human disease if people are able to pet, touch, and take selfies with them.

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Distance between the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 35 miles. Please allow 45 minutes to 1 hour travel time.

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Walk through the Safari Park to see a variety of wildlife in this exciting walking tour! Your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the behavior of our wildlife and the excellent care they receive. Along the way, you will learn about some of our conservation projects with our allies around the world.

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The San Diego Zoo is 100 acres in size. It is well known for its lush, naturalistic habitats and unique animal encounters and is home to more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals representing approximately 660 species and subspecies and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 plants.

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San Diego Zoo tickets and San Diego Safari Park tickets cost $67 for an adult and $55 for a child at either park at the gate (as of 2022). Children under two are free. However, there are discounts available if you purchase a ticket in advance. No reservations are necessary and the ticket is good for a year.

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Visitors enter at Safari Base Camp which includes restaurants, shops, and the Children's Discovery Station. From there, you can tour Gorilla Forest, Nairobi Village, Elephant Valley, Condor Ridge, Asian Savanna, African Plains, The Grove, Lion Camp, and African Woods.

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It depends on how much you want to see. If you must see everything, plan on all day (6-7 hours). If you center on covering maybe 65%, you can probably do it in 5 hours. If you are hot on certain attractions, maybe only 3 hours.

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The winter months make great times to visit the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. We love the comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds. December through March also marks the official whale-watching season.

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The San Diego Zoo is a leader in conservation research and species preservation, and their beautiful open-air, cageless exhibits are the perfect way to appreciate wild creatures up close. I recommend that you spend a whole day exploring the zoo, but it is possible to enjoy a half-day here.

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Each day, our Keepers assess the weather conditions and how our animals may be impacted, which means in inclement weather, some animals may not be visible on Safari for their own safety. Depending on the severity of the weather, other animals may need to be kept inside.

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Controversy. There has been controversy about Safari World for its treatment of animals. Their operation came under international scrutiny when their treatment of animals, particularly orangutans and elephants, and keeping lion and tiger cubs in cramped cages.

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The San Diego Zoo has a lot of walking and hills. Be prepared for climbing or plan to use some of the park transportation options.

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SeaWorld is a top-rated, all-age attraction and a must-see for any visit to San Diego. Have unforgettable fun that sparks a passion for wild animals and wild places. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Explore different ways to experience this place.

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