San Diego Zoo Safari Park embraces 1,800 acres about 5 mi. e. of I-15 via Rancho Pkwy. exit, following signs. The park is home to more than 2,600 animals, including elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, zebras and giraffes. Most of the 300 species roam freely over expanses of land that simulate their natural habitats. Condor Ridge is home to 13 rare North American species such as desert bighorn sheep and bald eagles; California condors can be viewed inside a six-story aviary. The park also contains more than 3,500 species of exotic plants.
The African Tram takes visitors through various habitats aboard an open-air tram. The African Outpost leads to a walking safari area where visitors will encounter okapis, gerenuk and warthogs and observe cheetahs standing on a seemingly barrier-free knoll. Shiley's Cheetah Run lets visitors observe a cheetah dash up to 70 miles per hour along a 330-foot-long track. Tiger Trail offers an up-close look at Sumatran tigers. Various other safari packages, behind-the-scenes tours, a zipline course and a ropes course also are available.
Note: Pets are not permitted.
Guided tours are available. Food is available. Time: Allow 2 hours minimum.