---
title: San Diego Zoo Safari Park
slug: san-diego-zoo-safari-park-escondido
type: attraction
sub_type: zoos
source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/san-diego-zoo-safari-park-escondido
city: Escondido
state: CA
country: US
address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd
geo:
  lat: 33.09697
  lng: -116.9957
cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
extracted_at: 2026-06-16T21:02:04.976Z
price_from:
  amount: 78
  currency: USD
  unit: per_adult
availability: InStock
rating:
  value: 5
  count: 60
  scale: 5
ticket_options:
  - group: Other Options
    options:
      - name: 1-Day Pass
        price: 75.25
        regular_price: 78
        savings: 2.75
        ticket_types:
          - name: Adult (12+ yrs)
            min_age: 12
          - name: Child (3-11 yrs)
            min_age: 3
            max_age: 11
      - name: 2-Visit Pass
        price: 130
        ticket_types:
          - name: Adult (12+ yrs)
            min_age: 12
          - name: Child (3-11 yrs)
            min_age: 3
            max_age: 11
---
## Overview
See free-roaming wildlife across 1,800 acres at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, including unlimited Africa Tram rides through large, open habitats. Home to over 3,000 animals and more than 300 species, it offers a more natural, open-range viewing experience than a traditional zoo with access to new attractions like Elephant Valley.

## What's Included
- General admission to all exhibits and animal shows
- Unlimited Africa Tram rides, a 25-minute guided ride through the African Outpost

## What's Not Included
Optional experiences such as guided safari excursions, ziplining, and balloon rides are not included.

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:start -->
## Ticket Options

- **1-Day Pass** — $75.25 (regularly $78.00, save $2.75)
  The 1-Day Pass is valid for admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park any one operating day within one year from date of purchase. The pass includes the Africa Tram and all regularly scheduled experiences.
  - Adult (12+ yrs)
  - Child (3-11 yrs)
- **2-Visit Pass** — $130.00
  The 2-Visit Pass includes your choice of 1 visit to the San Diego Zoo and 1 visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park OR two visits to the same location. Both visits must occur within one year of the date of purchase.
  - Adult (12+ yrs)
  - Child (3-11 yrs)

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:end -->

## Good to Know
* Experience up-close animal encounters by riding the Africa Tram, included with park admission.
* Add-on activities (zip line, balloon rides) are available on-site.
* Plan to spend a full day; there is a lot to see and do.
* The park is about 35 miles northeast of the San Diego Zoo, with a 45 minutes to 1 hour drive.
* Expect to walk; wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress in layers due to variable climate.
* Bring sunscreen, a camera, and binoculars.
* Arrive early to beat crowds and catch animal activity.
* Stroller and wheelchair rentals are available for a nominal fee.
* The Africa Tram is busiest from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on peak attendance days.

## Cancellation Policy
**Free Changes & Cancellations** See details upon selection.

## FAQs

### Does the San Diego Safari Park have stroller rentals?
Yes. Single strollers are available for $16, and double strollers are available for $20. Rentals are offered near the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. You are welcome to bring your own stroller during your visit. Prices and availability are subject to change.

### Can you rent a wheelchair or ECV at Safari Park?
Yes. Manual wheelchairs are available for $16, and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) are available for $60. Rentals are offered near the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. You are also welcome to bring your own mobility device if preferred. Rental ECVs cannot be accommodated on the shuttles or the Africa Tram. Prices and availability are subject to change.

### Is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Safari Park features wheelchair-accessible pathways, restrooms, and many safari experiences. An ADA shuttle operates on a continuous loop between Safari Base Camp and Okavango Outpost to assist guests with limited mobility. Those who have difficulty waiting in line for the Africa Tram may request an Easy Access Pass at the Tram Host podium, which provides a return time based on current wait times. An ADA packet with details about accessibility services, habitats, and show access is available at Guest Services.

### Are lockers available at San Diego Safari Park?
Yes. At Safari Park, outdoor lockers are available for guest use. At the San Diego Zoo, self-service lockers are located near the Front Street area for small personal items. Lockers are intended for small items and do not replace luggage storage services.

### Can luggage or car seats be stored at the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park?
Yes. At the Safari Park, luggage storage is available for $15 for the first five items, plus $15 for each additional item, including car seats. Same-day storage only. At the San Diego Zoo, luggage storage is available for a fee: $10 for small items, $12 for medium items, and $15 for large items. Car seats may also be stored. Storage rates and availability are subject to change.

### How much is parking at San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
General parking for automobiles and motorcycles is $20 per vehicle per day. Oversized vehicle parking is $55 per day. Preferred parking starts at $45. Parking is first-come, first-served, and there are no in-and-out privileges. Rates and availability are subject to change.

### Can you leave and re-enter San Diego Zoo Safari Park on the same day?
Yes. Same-day re-entry is allowed with a hand stamp obtained before exiting. Keep the original ticket and return through the main entrance turnstiles. Keep your parking receipts to avoid having to pay twice for same-day parking.

### What is the best time to see animals at San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
There is no guaranteed best time, as animal activity varies throughout the day. Many animals are more active in the morning, especially during warmer weather. Habitats are designed to mirror natural environments, allowing animals space to rest or move out of view as needed. Daily changes or temporary habitat closures may occur, and a daily listing is available at the main entrance.

### Are pets allowed in the park?
No. Pets, comfort animals, and emotional support animals are not permitted. Due to the presence of rare and endangered wildlife, only trained service animals that meet ADA guidelines are allowed.

### Can I bring food into San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
Yes. Small, single-serving food items in non-glass containers are permitted. Large coolers, alcohol, glass containers, party trays, and decorations are not allowed.

### Are backpacks allowed inside the park?
Yes. Backpacks and small personal bags are permitted during the visit.

### What is the smoking policy at Safari Park?
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere inside the zoo or parking areas. Guests who leave the grounds to smoke may return the same day with a hand stamp and valid ticket.

### Can my child enter San Diego Zoo Safari Park without an adult?
Children 15 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult age 18 or older at all times during the visit.

### Are face coverings required for tours or safaris?
Some tour stops or indoor locations may require face coverings to help protect wildlife. When required, masks are typically provided at those locations.

## Reviews

> "Loved all the animals. Highly recommend, we had a lot of fun!"
> — Candy Wilson, April 2026

> "Sunset Safari Tram Ride. Go after noon time. Visit the cafeteria for delicious drinks/snacks."
> — Deja Denegal, December 2021

> "Caravan Ride worth the Money. I think the Park is Pricey. Park is small and disappointed."
> — Gilbert Yi, January 2020

> "Equal to the San Diego Zoo. Air balloon is not as scary as thought and gives a great view."
> — Denise Farmer, December 2019

> "Safari park is amazing. Go to the Australia section early in the day, the animals are active then. Talk with the volunteers, they have a lot of great information."
> — Amber Grider, August 2019

> "Fun day. Bring plenty of water, summer days get really hot out there."
> — yuvana lopez, August 2019

> "Disturbed. It's a lot of walking up hills. Wear tennis shoes."
> — Sheree C Cook, July 2019

> "Excellent Visit! Go as soon as park opens!"
> — Brian Platt, March 2019