The San Diego Zoo Safari Park sits in Escondido, in the inland part of North County, and it is run by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. We mention it briefly in our roundup of fun things to do in North County San Diego; this guide is for the day you decide to actually go. Prices, hours and special events change often, so we have left them out on purpose and point you to the official pages instead.
Getting there and parking
The park’s address is 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027. Its Plan Your Visit page gives directions by freeway: from the north, take SR-78 East to I-15 South; from the south, take SR-163 to I-15 North; from the east, take I-15 North. In each case the exit is Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27). The page also says public transit information is available by calling 511 or visiting gonctd.com.
Parking is paid and is not part of your ticket. The official page lists separate fees for general parking, oversized vehicles and preferred parking, says spaces are first come, first served, and notes there are no in-and-out privileges, so plan to leave the car for the day. Adult San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance members get complimentary parking by showing a valid membership card at the parking booth. Check the Plan Your Visit page for current fees before you go.
Tickets or membership
There are two broad ways in: buy a day ticket on the park’s Tickets page, or join as a member through the Wildlife Alliance’s membership page. A day ticket makes sense for a single trip. Because members receive free adult parking and the park has plenty to do across a full day, it is worth reading the membership details if you think you might return. The Plan Your Visit page also mentions a separate two-park pass that includes the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, which is a different destination from this one.
The Africa Tram
The Africa Tram is the park’s classic ride. According to the official page, it takes you around some of the savanna habitats in about 25 minutes, and it leaves from African Outpost. Tram tours begin 30 minutes after the park opens, and the last tram leaves an hour before closing. No reservation is required; it is first come, first served. The page says it is busiest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on peak attendance days (subject to availability), which is a useful hint: if you want shorter lines, ride early or later in the day.
Safaris that cost extra
Beyond general admission, the park sells a range of guided safaris, and the Safaris page prices them per person on top of admission. The ones listed there include:
- Wildlife Safari – a ride in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck into the savanna habitats with a guide, for ages 3 and up.
- Cart Safaris – a guided tour in a safari cart, open to all ages.
- Flightline Safari – an open-air truck ride around the savanna habitats before soaring over the Safari Park. It is offered daily, takes approximately 1.5 hours, and is for ages 8 and up, with height, weight and footwear requirements and a liability waiver listed on the booking page.
- Wildlife Trek – a walking tour through the park, open to all ages.
- Behind-the-Scenes Safari, Roar & Snore Safaris and the Ultimate Safari – longer or more exclusive experiences, including sleepovers.
The Activities page also lists the Conservation Carousel, Balloon Safari, botanical tours on the Africa Tram, and play areas for younger guests. Read each safari’s page before booking, since age, height and safety rules differ and the booking page shows whether admission must be added.
Food and what to bring
The Dining page lists a number of places to eat across the park, including Thorntree Terrace and Barking Deer at Safari Base Camp, Mombasa Cooker in Nairobi Village, and Mkutano House and Tu Grill in Elephant Valley. The page says vegetarian and gluten-free options are available at several of them, and that reservations are recommended at Mkutano House.
On packing, start with the tour you plan to book: the Wildlife Safari booking page says outside food and beverages, selfie sticks and tripods (except tripods used as monopods) are not permitted on that tour, and recommends drinking water in closed-lid containers. For the park as a whole, the guest code of conduct lists coolers larger than 12 by 12 inches and glass bottles or containers among the items that are not allowed. Policies can change, so check the park’s current rules on its Help Center or code of conduct page before you pack the car.
Accessibility and getting around
The park’s Plan Your Visit page warns that parts of the park have steep grades. It also lists a complimentary ADA shuttle for guests with mobility-related disabilities, special parking and restrooms, and an accessibility map showing ADA pathways and elevators. The Guests with Disabilities page adds that wheelchairs and motorized scooters can be rented first come, first served near the entrance at Safari Outfitters, and that guests who have difficulty standing in line at the Africa Tram can request an Easy Access Pass at the Tram Host podium. Strollers are allowed there, but bicycles, scooters and skateboards are not. The park also offers a mobile app with a map, day planner and daily schedules.
Staying nearby
Plan a full day here, and you may want a base nearby. If you would like one, The Sunset House is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom rental with views in Twin Oaks Valley, Vista, also inland in North County. Our guide to where to stay in North County San Diego compares the options, so you can decide whether inland or coastal suits your trip better.
