Safari West transports visitors into an exotic world reminiscent of Africa, right in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This unique wildlife preserve offers an unforgettable experience, bringing you up close and personal with animals whose origins span the entire African continent.
Since its inception in 1993, Safari West has stood as one of the foremost wildlife sanctuaries in the United States. Nestled amidst the enchanting woodlands and rolling hills of Sonoma County, this 400-acre haven promises an authentic African safari experience.
A Wilderness Awaits: Discover Remarkable Creatures
At Safari West, you can explore a sprawling 400-acre wilderness that teems with life. With over 900 animals from 90 diverse species freely roaming within some of the most extensive enclosures in the nation, the opportunities for discovery are boundless. Brace yourself for a truly unique and unforgettable experience that brings you up close and personal with remarkable creatures.
The selection of wildlife emphasizes species native to Africa, including giraffes, rhinoceros, cape buffalo, watusi cattle, antelope, cheetahs, zebras, hyenas, primates, and numerous species of birds.
A typical visit begins when you board a small vehicle to tour the park with informative guides. Given the sprawling layout and nature of the park, you never really know what will be around the next corner.
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
The adventure continues on foot with an exploration of the lower compound where you will embark on a journey through the aviary. On your guided walk, you will also take a closer look at smaller animals, spot cheetahs stretching their powerful legs, and watch playful primates enjoying their lush habitat.
Safari Adventure: A Detailed Experience
The Safari Adventure is a 3-hour riding and walking tour (2.5 hours riding). Once the tour is over, you can stay on the grounds and observe the animals in this area for as long as you want.
As required, visitors sign up online before arriving to select a tour time. You will be loaded onto viewing jeeps which fit 12 people and given the rules. These jeeps are fun, allowing you to feel very connected to the animals. Some animals even come right up to the jeep.
Every 20-30 minutes, the guide will pull over and allow people to reshuffle themselves so that each party would have the chance to ride up top. It certainly wasn’t long before you see your first large animal sighting! You might see two different types of giraffes side by side, the Masai and the Reticulated subspecies.
One of the last animals you might see on your 2-hour safari ride are the zebras. After the jeep tour, you'll be led by a tour guide on foot to the animal sanctuary area with an open-air aviary, a cheetah viewing area, and numerous other animals to observe.
Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas
Important Note: It’s important to note that while the animals can touch you, you can’t touch or pet any of them.
Here is a possible itinerary for your visit:
- Arrive and check-in at the registration office to pick up tour wristbands.
- Embark on a 2-hour guided safari ride in an open-air vehicle.
- Enjoy a 1-hour guided walking tour to see cheetahs, tortoises, monkeys, lemurs, and the aviary.
- Dine at Savannah Cafe, the on-site African safari-inspired restaurant.
Tip: Be sure to make your safari reservation at least a few weeks in advance in order to get the best tour times.
After the tour, you can stay and walk around this area for as long as you like. There is a picnic area near the flamingos where you can bring your food and eat, or reserve a meal ahead of time online at the Savannah Grill.
Note: No, Safari West does not allow guests to feed the animals while on the safari tours.
Read also: Techniques of African Jewellery
The 400-acre Safari West provides a wonderful experience that “promotes conservation and environmental education.” Many people won’t be able to travel to Africa in their lifetime, but this private wildlife preserve gives people an idea of what it’s like. You'll leave with a new appreciation of animals and feel good that the money you spent was going to a good cause.
Beyond a zoo, far more than any drive-through park, Safari West thrives as a preserve dedicated to conservation and home to graceful, majestic, and exotic creatures.
Address: 3115 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Safari West Wildlife Preserve
Luxury Accommodations: African Safari Camp Tents
First-class accommodations await the movers and shakers of your corporation. Although tents are provided as overnight shelter, they are like no other tents you’ve ever seen. The African Safari Camp Tents provide pillow-top mattresses, private bathrooms, polished hardwood floors, handmade African inspired furniture and décor, private deck with tables and chairs, and continental breakfast with each night’s stay.
Imported from Botswana and meticulously customized on-site, each of the thirty tents offers a private viewing deck, an en-suite bathroom, polished hardwood floors, and all the enchanting sounds of the Sonoma Serengeti at night!
You can choose to stay overnight in one of the luxury tents and/or have meals if you wanted more time there.
Tip: If you’re staying overnight and are a light sleeper, pack some earplugs just in case.
Here are some nearby hotels to consider:
- Vinarosa Resort (Santa Rosa, CA) - 13 minutes from Safari West - The ultimate luxury!
- Cambria Hotel Sonoma Wine Country, Rohnert Park - 25 minutes from Safari West
Events and Celebrations
Safari West is a great place for family celebrations! The Event staff will work with you to plan the ideal itinerary, tailored to your specific needs! Safari West is a peaceful oasis, free from the commotion of your everyday world, where grandparents, parents, and children can share beautiful natural experiences and truly enjoy their time together as a family.
Corporate Adventures
Safari West offers two meeting spaces for larger or smaller companies. Audio-visual equipment is available for your business presentations, and wireless Internet allows you to stay in touch with the office back home.
Dining at Savannah Cafe
Once the tour had come to an end, you can head for Savannah Cafe, the on-site African safari-inspired restaurant. Each person has the choice of ordering an assortment of foods including salad, barbecued chicken, pulled pork, fresh fruits, potato salad, mac and cheese, a dinner roll, assorted veggies, and baked beans. You can choose to get it all or omit any you don’t want.
Tip: Be sure to order lunch with your package to top off your safari experience.
Conservation Efforts
Safari West helps fund animal conservation projects which makes you feel good that the money for admission is going to a good cause because this experience does not come cheap.
The park engages in research, education, conservation, and breeding programs that, through exchanges with other zoos and parks, keep the gene pool healthy for the species that are involved in the program.
Each day, Safari West opens its gates to welcome visitors, inviting them to be part of the ongoing mission. The unwavering commitment to conservation, environmental education, stewardship, and individual responsibility resonates in numerous projects and programs.
Safari West Wildlife Foundation (SWWF/SW) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization created to support the objectives of Safari West. The mission is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats today while inspiring people to care for its future.
Tips for Your Visit
- Dress appropriately depending on the time of your tour.
- Sunscreen is absolutely necessary for sunny California destinations. Even if it’s overcast or cloudy, the UV index can be very high, so be sure to apply whenever you’re outdoors.
Road Scholar Programs
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. Walking up to one mile, some uneven gravel terrain with slight incline to and from tent cabins and meal areas. Flashlights provided at night.
A Memorable Connection
For over twenty years, Safari West has served as a sanctuary where people of all ages can connect with the marvels of the wild, face-to-face. Our mission is clear: to ignite wonder, nurture curiosity, and, above all, foster compassion. We aspire to inspire wildlife advocates who will champion the cause of protecting and preserving these magnificent yet often endangered beings.
