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    Safari West

    4.5 (1.1k reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

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    Anita T.

    We had the best time at Safari West and I believe it's an experience an animal lover of any age would enjoy.

    Shalan D.

    Went on a weekday (Friday) the ticket is a little bit less on the weekday. We booked a 10 am tour and a 1:00 pm lunch buffet. The tour started with a 30 min walking tour. The enclosed walk through of the birds sanctuary was amazing!! My daughters favorite part because she wants to study birds. We then rode the safari truck and Jeff was amazing educating us on the whole tour. You were aloud to bring your bag, snacks and water on the truck. If you wanted to sit up top everyone who wanted to got a chance to during the tour and change seating at stop in the tour. The animals are all well taken care of there are areas of shade for all animals. There was lots of up close encounters with the animals. Great tour! Recommend and go! We booked the 1:00pm lunch. It was BBQ chicken, option of pork, salad, fruit, potatoe salad, asparagus, Mac and cheese, beans, and a roll. You can pick what you want your plate or jus what interest you. They provide water, but if you want drink it's extra. All was good! It's worth the reservation. We did go back and see the birds again and then went to the gift shop for a souvenir. Lots available. If you have never been to Safari West I'd recommend at least going once. It s fun and educational experience!

    Valentine's Day Lunch Safari - Adults Only
    Theodore U.

    Valentine's Day - Adult Only - Love Tour!!! Highly recommend this fun event for animal-loving couples. My wife and I love visiting the different zoo's any time we get to travel. While Santa Rose doesn't have an official zoo, the Safari West is an acceptable alternative. The normal cost per person is about $110 to $120 depending on when you go. For the special Valentine's Day event that we attended, the cost was $175 per person. This event included lunch for both of us with a coupon for a free alcoholic drink. There was also free tea, coffee and hot chocolate. The appetizers were oysters, which I did not try. Lunch was a delicious steak and shrimp. Not steakhouse quality, but still well-cooked and tasty. After lunch there is a 30 minute presentation talking about animal sex and mating habits. Our host was Denise and she was great. She mentioned she was a teacher at the local Jr. college and she had a funny, ADULT, and educational presentation. After that it was off to the safari. You will board a pretty cool jeep that has 3 rows of seats on the truck and 1 row up on top of the truck. Normally they will seat 4 people per row. But on the Valentine's event they specifically book people so that there are only 2 love birds in each row, so you can cuddle up and enjoy your safari. The Safari is 2 parts...45 minute walking tour at basecamp and then 2 hours out in the jeep in the enclosures. So worth it!!!! Valentine's Day 2026 was a cold one. Thankfully, they have blankets on the truck for those who want one. You will see Giraffes, Rhinos, Zebra, Cape Buffalo and various types of antelopes. Denise (our presentation host) was also our Safari Guide. 5 Stars for her! Overall, this is a great experience that is a must-try. Less than a 30 minute drive from anywhere in Santa Rosa.

    Lemur
    Sophia H.

    Safari West is such a special experience and absolutely worth the visit. The tour starts with about a 30-minute walking portion, where you get up close with the birds, cheetahs, and lemurs, which was incredible and felt very personal and interactive. After that, you spend the remaining two hours driving through the preserve, seeing a wide variety of animals in a beautiful, open setting. The guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the animals, which made the whole experience even better. Everything felt well organized and thoughtfully paced. If you have kids, they will love this--there's so much to see and it really keeps their attention the entire time. It's educational without feeling like a lesson. Also worth mentioning: the gift shop is super cute, with lots of fun souvenirs and unique items to remember the day. Overall, a fantastic experience for families, animal lovers, or anyone looking for something memorable to do in the Santa Rosa area.

    Stunning view from the top of the jeep.
    Cynthia A.

    What a great outing for family, a day date, or anyone really. It was a 3-hour excursion that exceeded expectations. Our tour guide Eric was greatt! He was also very patient with all the questions. We enjoyed every part of this experience. Eric is extremely knowledgable and shared so much information. Yes, the tour is educational. I just left and already want to go in this tour again. The snack bar had sandwiches, drinks and snacks. There were picnic tables. There are restrooms that are kept clean. I recommend using the restroom prior to the tour because the tour is long and there are no restrooms. Thanks Safari West for a great day!

    Charles E.

    This was our second trip to the park. Its amazing! The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The park is very large and the animals have large enclosures. The price is a little high but its 3+ hours between the ride and the walking tour. There is a snack gift shop on sight. My wife and I will be going back, again.

    Rhino mud bath
    Annabelle R.

    We booked the afternoon excursion on Sunday, the latest time in summer, 4-7pm. Found easy parking in the parking lot, checked in for our tour inside the gift shop, explored the outdoor animal exhibits and habitats on site which consisted of monkeys, lemurs, cheetahs, porcupines, flamingos, and a unique collection of bird species including the helmeted guineafowl. Grabbed some refreshments from Delilah's snack bar, and were on our way for our tour. Our tour guide, Kimberly, was awesome. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and brought the personality, allowing us to have an educational and enjoyable experience. She explained how it's baby season in August, so we were lucky to see some baby animals on this day, such as a baby wildebeest, a baby antelope, a baby addax and its unicorn mom with one antler, and the most adorable baby rhino just a month old, running around and playing with his mom while the older male rhino took a mud bath. We even got to hold an ostrich egg and learn about the "happy accident" hybrid kudu we got up close and personal with. The Safari West tours and lodging options are certainly pricey, but the experience is unique, and they seem to put a lot of effort into offering flexibility and comfort for guests here, as well as care for the animals. We had a memorable time.

    Steph C.

    Wonderful knowledgeable staff that gave us a three hour tour of the grounds and fun facts about the animals. I love the animals felt safe when the caravan drove close to them, which means they are acclimated and well taken care of. We learned that it takes a village to care for the animals and there are two vets on site. We also opted for the buffet which was a nice touch to end the tour. Recommend if you sit on top of the caravan to get a blanket (which they provide) in the fall months as it can get wet.

    Flamingos.
    Elizabeth S.

    Transported to a Safari Landscape - where nature and the wild meets the serenity of Sonoma County. The safari landscape felt like an immersive journey into the heart nature and wildlife. We were lucky to see all the animals out and about, making it a truly immersive experience. From graceful giraffes and majestic rhinos to vibrant flamingos, gemsbok gazelles, clever hyenas, and elegant ibises, we felt so lucky to witness it all. Kimberly, our tour guide, was informative, attentive, and so professional--her knowledge of the local ecosystems, animal behavior, and the natural environments made the experience even more enriching. After our safari adventure, we relaxed and savored a wonderful, inviting meal at the Savannah Café and enjoyed the soothing sounds of Sonoma County's Serengeti. Thank you to Julia for outstanding service.

    Sunil R.

    Such a cool experience! Safari West feels like a little slice of Africa tucked into wine country. The guided tour takes you up close to giraffes, rhinos, and tons of other animals, and the guides are super knowledgeable and fun. Everything is well cared for and the whole place feels clean and organized. Great for families, couples, or anyone looking for a unique day trip -- you can even stay overnight in their glamping tents for the full experience.

    Ostrich that kept following our vehicle
    Aman S.

    Bought 2 tickets off the VIATOR app. It was $110x2 so $220. Expensive it lasted 3 hrs , parking is free and not far from the start of the safari. You check in at the lobby building and they give you wrist bands which you meet your tour guide next to a shaded tiny snack shop. They have small snacks and a microwave. I had a bagel dog which is not tasty at all so make sure you eat a good meal because you me gonna be in the large vehicle for 3 hrs. , 5 min bathroom break, port a potty on the ways. 30/40 minutes is walking not too far and slow walking. We came on a perfect weather weekday Thursday. It was awesome seeing all these birds and animals. Tour guide was Cyndy, she was spectacular we tipped her. TIP if you don't have any loose cash I hand you can go to entry building where you checked in and you use a credit card to tip your tour guide and the will write the amount and your names for them to see. This was wonderful to be able to show your appreciation to the safari guide. The 400 acreage was massive, and the wildlife seemed comfortable and not overwhelming crowded. My favorite animal was the ostrich and the baby rhinoceros Oz. Ostrich was great to see ultimate close up and pecking at our vehicle. They have glamping if you want it spend the night too. Another TIP, the winding road getting there has dead cell phone zones and our phones went to SOS status our carrier is ATT btw. Inside was no issues . Bathroom are decorated and motion sensors and very tidy. I would recommend this place if you're in a staycation in Santa Rosa. We had people from Minnesota and a family they came all the way from Columbia! Picture are encouraging and everyone has a chance to sit freely on top of the vehicle, there is not a bad seat in the vehicle as the seated rows are bleacher style like the movies. Really cool seeing giraffes up super close. I really enjoyed not too far from downtown , just not a whole lot of fast food I this side of town. Go to Windsor or downtown Santa Rosa we found a phenomenal Himalayan restaurant which won many awards and it didn't disappoint. Cyndy kept us alert and gave a lot of information about which I absorbed. 5/5 all the way ! Only just the snack shop needs better food-they have canned beer /wine if anyone was wondering.

    They are gorgeous!

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    Page 1 of 29

    Ask the Community - Safari West

    I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old grandsons as well as a 10 month old. Will the 2 year old be engaged ? How long is the tour?

    Hi Christie, Our Classic Safari is about 3 hours long and is a wonderful, immersive experience, but we do have a minimum age of 4.… Read more

    Do the rooms have AC for the hot summer months? Want to book a stay but a bit worried it would be uncomfortable.

    Are there less animals to see and learn about during the winter months?

    No, our animals are active throughout the year. In case of inclement weather, some animals, like the giraffes, may choose to stay in their shelter. If this occurs during a tour, our guides will often extend the tour to include a visit to the giraffe… Read more

    Are there times of day that are best for seeing certain animals?

    Not sure. I only went there once. My tour started at 2pm in a hot summer day. We still saw lot of animals. (They may not be running around, but we could still see them, under the shade or wherever they were).… Read more

    Are the vehicles difficult for an older person to get in?

    The person will need assistance. They do have step stools to help folks get in. I'm recovering from a broken ankle and am now using a cane. I sat in the seat behind the driver as I felt this was the easiest to get into.

    Do the safari tours end promptly? Is there a place where we can enjoy some snacks, hang around or picnic after the tour if we do a 9 am tour?

    There is a snack bar and seating area. The tours run relatively on schedule, but there is "wiggle room" so to speak, since animals can be unpredictable.

    Can your vehicles accommodate people who are disabled?

    Yes. We have a paratransit vehicle. Please call 707-566-3617 and ask for Tina.

    Are autistic people welcomed here?

    If you call the front desk and advise if there are things that would help the visit go well they will problem solve. Like the jeep is loud, would ear muffs for noise reduction help?

    Can I bring my small dog?

    I doubt it, the safari truck is an open ride, the dog can easily wiggle free & hop off, they will not be able to retrieve it. Should call them to check

    Does it get much colder in the safari area or is it fairly similar to the general Santa Rosa areA? We are taking a tour this Wednesday, in the afternoon. Do we need to dress warm?

    Very similar to the Santa Rosa area .. Afternoon is usually warm till sun goes down. Enjoy and have fun !

    I am trying to book some tickets and have a physical gift card I'd like to use. However when I put the number on the website it doesn't work. I'd like to book before things fill up. How can I use the physical card to purchase tickets online?

    Please call and talk directly to our reservations agents. 707-566-3667.

    Is the safari area affected by the fires at all? We are looking to book for next week.

    Currently the air quality is very good.

    What happens if everyone wants to sit at the top level of the vehicle? Thanks

    You would need to take turns!

    How many guests are included in the price for a private tour?

    Hi there. Without social distancing, 10 to 12 guests. With social distancing in place, 8 to 10 guests.

    1) Which tents are on Antelope Alley? 2) What is the cost of dinner for adults and kids (ages 4 and…

    Hi I was in #7 direct view of the Giraffes etc Adults dinner $35 each kids $30 each

    If I stay the night is the safari ride included for the price of the stay?

    You do receive a discount on your tour when spending the night, but you must book your safari tour separately. A reservation agent would be happy to help. Please phone 707 566-3667.

    Would this be good for a baby and a 3 year old? I can't find pricing for them on the website.

    Hi Kristin! Thanks for the question. Due to the length of the safaris we have a four-and-up age limit on the classic Safari tours. Three hours on a slow moving vehicle can be challenging for many babies and toddlers. That said, we recognize that you… Read more

    So I just read a review from someone who got kicked off the tour for taking off their mask to drink a slushy. Are we not allowed to drink? I have a reservation on Sunday and it's going to be about 90 degrees. I'm sure I will need to drink water.

    Hi Ari, Sorry for the late reply and I hope you had a good time on Sunday. As Ted said (and for the benefit of other readers), yes beverages are more than welcome while on… Read more

    How do they maintain social distancing in the safari trucks? Their website mentions 'clear partitions between rows'. Can anyone tell us more? We have a group of 5 and we are wondering if multiple parties would be in the same truck?

    Hi Arjan, Thanks for the question. There is a sheet of plexiglass separating the driver from the guests. Furthermore, there are sheets of clear vinyl that separate each row… Read more

    Is the tour included in the overnight price?

    No but a discount will be applied plus a complimentary breakfast.

    View All 49 Questions

    Review Highlights - Safari West

    You also get to see the lemurs, giraffes, flamingos, and other animals anytime without having to be on the tour.

    Mentioned in 323 reviews

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    Sonoma TrainTown Railroad

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    Cute little place to stop at with a toddler…read more There is a nice little train ride (different cost from other rides there, more expensive) that is actually decently long, and it even stops for you to get out and explore a mini train town and see some alpacas and goats. They have little gumball type machines that you can buy feed to feed the animals for 25 cents. TrainTown has a few other rides as well, including a toddler-friendly roller coaster! There's also a boat ride that spins and goes from side to side, a carousel, a merry go round, a ferris wheel, and others. Parking was easy to find even though the lot isn't huge. This was surprising to us as we went on a clear Saturday in February.

    We have taken our train obsessed 4 year old to Traintown many times over the last 2 years. It makes…read morefor a nice day trip from the bay area combined with a nice lunch or dinner in Sonoma - hop monk and red grape close by are great! I like this place because they do not have an entry ticket and you can pay per ride. The train ride is fun and you see waterfalls, real and fake animals, bridges etc. Take some quarters as they are handy if your kid wants to feed the animals (the train driver has change as well) Some rides are scarier than they look, so make sure you check before sending your kid. They have kids running the rides and they do a good job - sometimes there aren't enough operators and you have to wait. There isn't a lot of food options there so take snacks if you need them!

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    Golden Gate Bridge inside the amusement park
    Golden Gate Bridge inside the amusement park
    Sonoma TrainTown Railroad
    Kids' airplane ride.

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    Kids' airplane ride.

    Safari West - zoos - Updated June 2026

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