We found out about Safari West in Santa Rosa and booked a night in one of their family tents and the safari tour. They're chock full of factoids about animals and we thought it would be wonderful for them to see some of these animals live and in a setting other than a zoo. Our kids, ages 7 (turning 8), 5, and 4, have been watching the Wild Kratts and National Geographic online for a few months and love it. Instead of a birthday party for our 8 year old son, we decided to spend the weekend away for an experience with the 3 kids this year. Plan to be there for about four hours if you are having lunch. bring a bottle or two of water or a bottle you can refill from their delicious well water. Make a reservation for this too as it is popular. We had chicken and pulled pork with salads, and grilled asparagus. Also, stay for lunch/dinner pre or post safari. Bring cameras and binoculars there is lots to see and many photographic opportunities. They have lots of jeeps, but fill-up quickly. The staff is friendly and seem to have the animals best interest at heart. The animals are very well cared for, have lots of room to roam, and seem to be healthy, happy and breeding often. My earlier doubts were cleared away immediately. Our guide (Adrian) was excellent, and was able to answer all kinds of questions. Your guide provides you with information about the animals and the park along with some jokes that range from corny to really corny. After that, you board a safari jeep and head out into the grounds for a 2-hour ride that is part safari and part roller coaster (hang on). The admission includes time to roam around the main area, followed by a 45-minute walking tour of the aviary, lemur, monkey and other areas. I am glad I went along with the rest of my group. It seemed like a lot to pay and seeing animals penned up or in cages usually doesn't thrill me. Safari West is a must visit, and I will certainly go back again when in the area. Please be sure to dress in layers to maximize your comfort since the conditions may change over the course of your visit. This is a must do! You will not regret your visit here. So charming! There is a great gift shop as well to grab something besides the pictures you will undoubtedly amass to remember your trip. The lady rhino is theorized to be expecting a baby rhino and while we were there the ground was thick with muddy puddles and she peeked out at us from her enclosure coyly hinting that she wanted to come out and greet us but it was too cold and wet to step outside. It is pretty spectacular how something so massive and rugged can come across as delicate and huggable. The giraffes were one of the reasons I wanted to go initially but they were overshadowed by the white rhinos, in my opinion. The bird enclosure is lots of fun with the cutest little elk that are posing like disney drawings come to life and the friendly giant silly feathered ones that are super friendly and follow you around the enclosure as unofficial secondary guides to keep you moving. I love the diversity of animals present on the property, the wide open spaces for the animals to roam within and the great tour guides. I have been here twice and was completely excited and happy to be a part of the experience both times. This is a unique attraction that is part animal preserve part safari and ALL fabulous.
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