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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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San Diego Zoo Safari Park
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By Matthew
Martz |
A real
African safari might be closer than southern California
residents expect, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly
the Wild Animal Park) is the place.
The Safari Park is 1800-plus acres of exotic animals and
botanical gardens galore, carved out of the hills and
canyons of the picturesque San Pasqual Valley just outside
Escondido, California.
There is no other safari park or zoo in the country that
is as advanced in endangered research and development
as the San Diego Zoo, and the Safari Park is an extension
of that commitment to all the animals that inhabit at
the park. There are even a few species only found here
that are nearly extinct in other parts of the world
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In comparison, the San Diego Zoo is intimate while this
place is expansive. The park is embedded in a secluded
inland valley where lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos, hippos
and gazelles roam freely with each other in something
much closer to their natural environment than you'll find
at any zoo.
Like with any great expedition, you will need a good map,
and you can grab a park guide upon your arrival. You’ll
want to keep this handy as it loaded with information
on services, shows, shopping and dining. |
Then it’s off to the Journey into
Africa Tour (included with admission). Guests will board
at Simba Station for a 30-minute, two-and-a-half-mile
trek that brings venturers eye-to-eye with the animals
that occupy the park's five, naturally landscaped habitats.
For those that want to get as close as
possible to the parks population, a Caravan Safari is
available for an extra fee. If you are photographer, whether
amateur or pro, you cannot ask for a better setting.
As you embark on your flatbed truck safari, at first it
may appear like something out of Jurassic Park as you
enter through the gates, which close behind you while
being prompted by the guide’s security measures.
However, you won’t find any T-Rexes or Brontos stomping
around. The ride is a bit bumpy, but the open-air is great,
along with the amazing animals in their free-to-roam exhibits.
If you’re felling adventurous and sense the need
to wander this wondrous animal kingdom, there are a couple
of marked footpaths that one can navigate.
The first is the Heart of Africa interpretive walk. Your
passage begins as you wind your way through lush landscapes
bringing you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best,
including an opportunity to hand-feed the Baringo giraffes
at the end of your journey.
The second is the nearly two-mile Kilimanjaro Safari Walk
that weaves travelers through the park's mountainous East
Africa section taking explorers over a 70-foot suspension
bridge on their way to an observation deck that offers
a remarkable 360-degreee view of the park. There are lots
of elevation changes and rather narrow paths in some areas
and even with a map one could get lost while looking for
a particular exhibit. So stay on the walkway.
Another cool experience is the Rolling Safari Tour where
guests quietly spin past packs of unusual wildlife on
an on an off-road Segway X2 - a two-wheeled electric personal
transporter. A tour guide leads the way, stopping at several
scenic spots to take photos and listen to tales of the
beasts that dwell in the park’s care.
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Thrill seekers will find the Flightline
Safari an absolute exhilarating experience as they glide
60 feet above the ground on a zipline that covers two-thirds
of a mile and lets visitors travel at speeds between 31
and 56 mph over the Asian Plains and East Africa exhibits.
For the little ones, there is the Petting Kraal, where kids
can pet and feed goats, deer and other small animals such
as the pack of amusing resident meerkats. For the kids of
all ages, there is also the Savanna Cool Zone, an oasis
of palm trees and misters where you can cool off after a
hot day of viewing wildlife.
Finally, there are
a variety of behind-the-scenes adventures for your choosing,
including the Roar and Snooze Safari. An awesome overnight
campout in comfy canvass tents that includes an after-hours
look at the animals, with guided walks and a campfire under
the stars.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park
is open every day of the year, including all holidays. Call
ahead for specific seasonal hours. The Park is at 15500
San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027-7017.
Distance between the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park is
35 miles. |
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San
Diego Zoo the largest and most visited
zoo in So Cal. Tickets and vacation packages. |
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