African animals are super cool: they’re exotic, huge in statue, and they come in all sorts of
different patterns. My only complaint visiting zoos to see these animals is that I’m far away.
Now don’t get me wrong: safety comes first. I’m not one of those crazy parents who would put
myself or my child in harm’s way to get the million-dollar photo of a potentially-dangerous
animal. I would, however, like to have an experience where we can get in just a tad closer and
see the animals up close. Safely, of course.
For those living or visiting the San Francisco Bay Area, one venue that allows for an up close and
personal African animal adventure is Safari West in Santa Rosa, California. This blog is for busy
moms looking for a weekend adventure to a venue with animals. Adults and children alike will
love this place!

Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure

Safari West encompasses 400 acres and offers a unique opportunity to explore the wild.
Whether you're an animal lover or simply looking for a fun and educational experience, Safari
West is a guaranteed fun day out.
One of the highlights of visiting Safari West is an adventure tour in one of the park’s rovers.
This is a double-deck vehicle, similar to what is seen on the Nature Shows when people go on a
proper African Safari. The tour in the rover generally takes around two hours to complete. For
safety reasons, there is a minimum age requirement of four years old to ride on the rover.
Because most children gravitate to the upper deck, please be aware that children must meet a
specific height requirement to ride on this part of the rover. We all know how kids are with
news of disappointment (major tears and temper tantrums), so it’s always advisable to be
prepared and coach children prior to visiting the park.
While traveling in the open-air vehicles, you and your family will have a truly immersive
experience, getting up close to tons of African creatures. Some animals you will expect to see
during your visit are giraffes, wildebeest, cape buffalo, zebras, rhinos, cheetahs, lemurs, and
exotic birds.
The guides make the tour super fun and educational. They discuss conservation and the
importance of wildlife, while providing fun facts about the animals you see. They are also open
to taking questions and are super knowledgeable.
I can’t stress enough how amazing it is to drive right into an area with zebras and cape buffalo.
Other than the physical structure of the rover itself, nothing is separating you from most of the
animals. No fences, no restrictions. But, no need to worry: The animals know best and elect to stay a safe distance from the vehicle. You MUST stay in the rover at all times. This is not an
adventure where you touch or feed the animals. Pets – like your family dog - are also not
allowed.
The landscape of Sonoma County is stunning, and your children will enjoy spotting different
animals in a close resemblance of their natural habitat.

Overnight Stays

Safari West offers overnight stays. This is another adventure you can add to your visit.
Overnights are booked out, so if this is something you are interested in, you may want to plan
in advance.
Safari West offers tent-cabin accommodations, which really gives the charm of sleeping in the
African Savannah. You and your children can fall asleep to the sounds of the animals in the
park and wake up to the sun streaming in your bedroom. The cost of the overnight adventure
includes breakfast.
When contemplating this option, please be mindful that some children may be fearful of
spending the night in a wildlife park. Before plunking down the cash for this part of the
adventure, you will want to speak with your children and make sure they are comfortable with
doing this. As all parents have experienced at one time or another, not all grand plans end as a
success with children. When kids get scared and panic, plans can change quickly.

Cost

Please see the Safari West website for the most up-to-date entry fees and hours of operation.
Book in advance is recommended.
The cost of entry isn’t cheap. The safari adventure will cost adults and teenagers over $100 per
person, and the entry for children is currently around $45 per child. If you are planning to visit
with a large brood, this can really tap into your summer budget. That isn’t meant to be
discouraging. It’s definitely worth the visit and is absolutely worth the cost.

My Extra Insights

This park has 400 acres to explore, but because it is best explored from the rovers, peak times can get crowded. Sonoma county can also get quite hot. I would definitely pre-plan your visit for
cooler and off-peak times. Bring water, sunscreen, and hats.
It is also advised to bring some cash to tip your tour guide. Tips are never mandatory, but it is
always a kind gesture for an employee who dedicates their time to making your visit a
memorable one.

Definitely use your visit to Safari West as a method to teach your children about conservation
and the importance of wildlife preservation.

Drive-Through Zoos Near You

Safari West isn’t the only wildlife park in the USA. There are multiple drive-through zoos in
various states. Also, don’t forget the opportunity to encounter wildlife in our National Parks.
Yellowstone and Glacier National Park allow for much wildlife viewing from the safety of your
vehicle. Granted, these will not be safari animals, but will include incredible animals native to
North America, such as bison and mountain goats. The Everglades in Florida have airboat
adventures to view alligators, ospreys, and manatees. The Great Smoky Mountains offer
opportunities to visit animals through a forest safari. Even Alaska offers outdoor adventure
drives to have a chance to see caribou, moose, and eagles.
No matter where you go and whatever dollar amount you spend, your children will be
guaranteed fun and adventure.

Written by MomsTribute Inc. Author Laura D