San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Susan Helene Kramer
San Diego Zoo Safari Park,
sitting on 1,800 acres, is located near Escondido at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road,
and is the largest attraction in San
Diego County. It is 32 miles from the San Diego Zoo and takes up to an hour to
drive there from the Safari Park - depending on road conditions.
The park first opened in 1972
under the name San Diego Wild Animal Park - the current name went into effect
in 2010. About two million visitors enjoy the park each year. I have visited
twice - there is much to see and absorb, really too much for one day.
In the photo I snapped you’ll
see a giraffe where many of the herbivores roam freely in the 300 acre
enclosure.
For a smaller day trip I
recommend going to the San Diego Zoo, though if you have the time, the Safari
Park is worth the visit.
There is a tram to get around
to some of the exhibits, but do wear your walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen,
broad-brimmed hat and carry a water bottle. I learned
this from experience.
In addition to the animals,
you may enjoy the botanical garden, as I did. My favorite exhibits include the
aviary next to the park entrance, and the Africa tram ride. Someday I visualize
going on a photo safari in Africa, but in the meantime I’m glad we have the San
Diego Zoo Safari Park for a close up experience of being with the animals.
To drive
from San Diego, take RT. 15 N, and turn east on San Pasqual Valley Road to the
San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Parking is ten dollars per
vehicle. There is an additional charge for the Africa tram tour,
and the balloon ride over the open range exhibits. Entrance ticket packages
vary for adults and kids, and from one day to a year, from a low of $44 for an
adult over age 12 for one day, to a multiuse ticket in San Diego County
covering many attractions for $199 a year per person.
There is a web site to choose
and buy the ticket of your choice listed just below. Alternately you can wait
in line at the entrance kiosk at the park after you have paid your $10 daily
parking fee. Sit down style and fast-food concessions are available so you
won’t go hungry.
Links
San Diego
Zoo Safari Park tickets
For
driving directions all over North America - Rand
McNally Road Atlas
Article and photograph by
Susan Helene Kramer
Copyright 2012-2015 Susan Helene Kramer
Santa Barbara, California USA
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Published by Creations in Consciousness
email susan@susankramer.com
web site http://www.susankramer.com