Santa Rosa , United States

Classic Safari Adventure at Safari West

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(7 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover the wild side of Sonoma County on an exhilarating 3-hour safari at Safari West. Climb aboard a custom safari vehicle and embark on a journey through 400-acre preserve, where you'll encounter giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and more. Explore lush aviaries and meet playful lemurs while your expert guide shares conservation stories that inspire action. Ideal for families with children aged 4 and up, this classic safari offers an unforgettable experience while supporting wildlife preservation efforts.

- 3-hour guided safari adventure through Safari West
- Encounter over 800 animals across 90 species
- Perfect for families; children must be 4+ years old
- Reservations required; arrive 15 minutes early for your tour

Available options

Classic Safari Adventure at Safari West

What's included

Guided Safari

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Discover the Sonoma Serengeti—an immersive safari adventure for the whole family.

At Safari West, you’ll climb aboard an open-air safari vehicle and explore a 400-acre wildlife preserve where giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and cape buffalo roam across wide open spaces. Led by experienced safari guides, your journey brings you up close to incredible animals and offers fascinating insight into their behaviors and conservation stories. You’ll also get a glimpse of our southern white rhinos, relaxing in their own dedicated habitat.

After the safari drive, continue your adventure on foot. Visit our open-air aviary filled with vibrant birds, stop by the primate enclosures to meet curious lemurs, and don’t miss the cheetahs resting under the trees.

Whether you’re a lifelong animal lover or exploring wildlife with your kids for the first time, Safari West is a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience—wild, unforgettable, and rooted in a deep love for conservation.

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.6

7 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Minimum age is 4 years; all children must be accompanied by an adult

Please provide your contact information (i.e. 'on the road' contact number) at time booking

Guests are not permitted to take food out on the tour, but water bottles are welcome; during the summer months, the snack bar is open and guests may purchase sandwiches, chips, fruit, drinks and other items to eat during the tour break or afterward; you may also dine in the Savannah Cafe at your own expense (reservations can be made after booking)

Not recommended for pregnant women, as the tour includes a 2.5-hour drive over rugged terrain that may be uncomfortable

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time

Service Animals In accordance with ADA guidelines, Safari West permits service animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. However, due to the nature of the experience—close proximity to free-roaming wildlife and sensitive species—there may be areas where service animals cannot go for safety reasons. If you plan to visit with a service animal, please contact us in advance so we can discuss accommodations and restrictions to help ensure the best possible experience.

Rain or Shine Safari West tours operate rain or shine, so please come prepared for the weather. We recommend dressing in layers and wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. The experience is primarily outdoors, and weather can vary throughout the day.

Stroller and Age Accessibility Strollers are welcome on Safari West’s lower walking grounds, including the aviary, gift shop, café, and guest areas. However, strollers cannot be accommodated on the safari vehicles. To ensure guest safety and comfort, children must be at least 4 years old to participate in the classic safari vehicle tour. This policy is strictly enforced.

Photography Bring your camera or phone — Safari West offers incredible photo opportunities around every corner. From giraffes striding across golden hills to zebras grazing in the grasslands, you’ll capture unforgettable moments without needing a passport to Africa.

Wild Manners At Safari West, we share our preserve with hundreds of incredible animals—and their safety and well-being is our top priority. All guests are expected to respect our wildlife and follow the safety guidelines provided by our guides and animal care team. Please help us protect this unique environment by practicing thoughtful, responsible behavior during your visit.

Our Mission Your visit supports Safari West’s mission—advancing wildlife conservation, education, and the care of over 900 animals. Every tour helps protect species and inspire future stewards of the natural world.

ADA Accessibility Safari West offers limited accessibility accommodations, including one paratransit safari vehicle. This specialized vehicle is available by advance reservation only and must be booked directly through Safari West by phone. Please note: Much of our walking grounds—including the aviary, gift shop, café, and restrooms—are wheelchair accessible. However, the standard safari vehicle tour is not wheelchair accessible by default. We encourage guests with mobility needs to contact us in advance so we can help determine the best possible experience.

Safari West is for Everyone Just like the wildlife we care for, our guests reflect the rich diversity of the world around us—no matter your background, ability, or who you love. At Safari West, we strive to be a truly welcoming space for all. All families are welcome. Come as you are and experience the wild, together.

Meeting point

Check in at the gift shop, a clear signage will guide you upon arrival, including where to park. Arrive 15–20 minutes before your tour time. Head to the welcome desk inside to confirm your reservation and direct you to the safari loading area to ensure you’re marked present for your tour.

Important notes

About Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa, nestled in California's Sonoma County, is the heart of the Wine Country. Known for its lush vineyards, historic charm, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes, it offers a blend of urban amenities and rural tranquility. The city is a gateway to world-class wineries, redwood forests, and the rugged Pacific coastline.

Top Attractions

Sonoma County Wine Country

Santa Rosa is the gateway to Sonoma County's renowned wine country. With over 400 wineries, the region offers a diverse range of tasting experiences, from boutique family-owned vineyards to large, well-known estates.

Nature/Cultural Half day to full day Free to $50 per tasting

Charles M. Schulz Museum

Dedicated to the life and work of Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip, this museum offers a fascinating look at the history of the beloved characters and the impact of the comic on popular culture.

Museum 1-2 hours $15 for adults, $10 for children (6-17), free for children under 6

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

This stunning redwood forest offers a peaceful escape into nature. With towering ancient trees and scenic trails, it's a perfect spot for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

Nature Half day Free

Bodega Bay

Located about 30 minutes from Santa Rosa, Bodega Bay offers stunning coastal views, beaches, and a charming small-town atmosphere. It's a great spot for whale watching, birding, and enjoying fresh seafood.

Beach/Nature Half day to full day Free to $10 for parking

Howarth Park

A beautiful park located in Santa Rosa, offering a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. The park is home to a lake, playgrounds, and a small zoo.

Nature/Park 1-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Wine Country Salad

A fresh salad featuring local greens, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and a variety of fruits, often paired with a local vinaigrette.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without cheese

Cioppino

A seafood stew made with a variety of local seafood, such as crab, shrimp, and clams, in a tomato-based sauce.

Dinner Contains shellfish, gluten-free if prepared without bread

Artisan Bread

Freshly baked bread made with local ingredients, often served with butter, jam, or cheese.

Breakfast/Snack Contains gluten, vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Biking in Howarth Park Wine tasting in Sonoma County Picnicking in Howarth Park Shopping in Santa Rosa Plaza Visiting the Charles M. Schulz Museum Exploring the Santa Rosa Farmers Market Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

September to October

This is the harvest season, perfect for wine tasting and enjoying the outdoors. The weather is warm and sunny, ideal for exploring the region's vineyards and parks.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-8 (Pacific Standard Time, PST) or GMT-7 (Pacific Daylight Time, PDT) during daylight saving time.

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Santa Rosa is generally a safe city, but visitors should take the usual precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in crowded areas, so it's important to be vigilant and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid isolated areas, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport • 10 km from city center
Oakland International Airport • 100 km from city center

By train

Santa Rosa Station

By bus

Santa Rosa Transit Mall

Getting around

Public transport

Sonoma County Transit operates a network of buses that serve Santa Rosa and the surrounding areas. The system is convenient and affordable for getting around the city and connecting to nearby attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Santa Rosa Ravenswood South Santa Rosa

Day trips

Bodega Bay

30 km from Santa Rosa • Half day to full day

Bodega Bay offers stunning coastal views, beaches, and a charming small-town atmosphere. It's a great spot for whale watching, birding, and enjoying fresh seafood.

Healdsburg

25 km from Santa Rosa • Half day to full day

Healdsburg is a charming town in the heart of Sonoma County's wine country. Known for its boutique wineries, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants, it's a popular destination for food and wine lovers.

Petaluma

20 km from Santa Rosa • Half day to full day

Petaluma is a historic town known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, antique shops, and local museums. It's a great destination for history buffs and those interested in exploring the region's past.

Festivals

Santa Rosa Plaza Jazz Festival • October Sonoma County Fair • July Wine Country Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit local wineries for unique tasting experiences and to learn about the region's wine-making traditions
Explore the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve for a peaceful escape into nature
Stroll through downtown Santa Rosa to discover local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions
Attend local festivals and events to experience the region's vibrant arts and culture scene
Try local specialties, such as wine country salads, cioppino, and artisan bread