23 Exciting Safaris in CALIFORNIA (Most Fun)

Welcome to California’s wild areas, where breathtaking vistas and fascinating wildlife coexist harmoniously. 

If you thought safaris could only be taken in the African plains, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. 

California offers a fantastic safari experience right here in the middle of the Golden State, all due to the variety of habitats and abundance of species. 

Now, Take a moment to picture yourself setting off on an exhilarating journey across rocky mountains, deep woods, and expansive deserts while coming face to face with gorgeous creatures that call this land home. 

Whether you enjoy the outdoors, are an avid wildlife photographer, or are just looking for a memorable break from your routine,

Get ready to get your senses enthralled with lifelong memories.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Zoos in California.

Safari in San Diego, California

1. Balloon Safari (Aerial Animal Views)

Take a hot air balloon safari to see San Diego’s stunning scenery and landscapes. 

You can see the creatures up close by flying above the park’s 1,800 acres. 

The balloon safari departs from the park’s North American Plains region and soars over the Australian Outback, the California Trail, and the African Plains. 

Your guide will point out Various animals and plants, which will also impart exciting facts about them. 

Balloon safaris are accessible in the morning and afternoon and last 10-12 minutes.

Additionally, checking the forecast before making plans is essential because balloon safaris depend on the weather. 

Entry is $69 for adults aged 12+ and $59 for children aged 3-11.

Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to experience the magic of a safari up close.

Address: San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027

2. Northern Frontier (Arctic Wildlife Habitat)

Northern Frontier of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a 1,000-acre habitat for species from the Arctic, sub-Arctic, and northern temperate regions. 

The Boreal Forest, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Arctic Tundra are its four zones with distinct traits and species.

In other words, visitors can see polar bears, grizzly bears, timber wolves, and other species in their native habitats. 

The interactive displays at The Northern Frontier include a climbing wall and a touch pool. 

Adult admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park costs $29.95, while kid admission is $22.95 per person.

Get ready to be captivated by the Northern Frontier’s wild splendor and unmatched natural beauty. 

It is also a fantastic place to discover the animals and spend time with them.

Address: 2929 Zoo Drive, San Diego, 921021, CA.

3. Nairobi Village (African Culture Display)

A replica of an African town can be found in this area of the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park. 

Here, you can learn about African culture, traditional crafts, and artifacts while viewing African creatures, from lions to elephants. 

Nairobi Village also has a few restaurants and shops to check out. 

It opens every day from 9 am to 5 pm all year.

Visitors can also eat a typical African meal and purchase antiques to take home as a memento of their journey. 

For $29.95 for adults and $22.95 for children, be ready to enter Nairobi Village for an immersive experience that will transport you to the heart of Africa. 

Remember to engage with Maasai warriors, visit interactive displays, and learn about the area’s rich history. 

Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, California  92027

4. Flightline Safari (Zipline Park Tour)

Flightline Safari is a zipline tour that takes you through the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and provides an exciting perspective of the park and surroundings.

This tour lasts around an hour and features ten zip lines and a suspension bridge. 

Visitors can also see various animals from the ziplines, including giraffes, zebras, and lions. 

Despite being open all year, the best course of action is to make reservations in advance, especially in the summer.

Every day from 9 am to 4 pm, it is available for $129 per person. 

As you soar into the air on the Flightline Safari, get ready for an incredible journey and enjoy the freedom, fun, and exhilaration of this unique safari experience. 

So, if you crave an extraordinary adventure, contact them soon.

Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027

5. Africa Tram (Habitat Tram Ride)

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has a tram trip called the Africa Tram.

It lasts for twenty-five minutes and makes multiple stops at various animal exhibitions. 

The tram tour includes stops in the Australian Outback, the Northern Frontier, the California Trail, and the African Plains. 

On the tram tour, visitors can observe various animals, such as giraffes, zebras, lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, and tigers. 

If you want to experience an incredible journey into the heart of San Diego’s safari, be aware that the Africa Tram operates daily from 9 am to 5 pm. 

With the Africa Tram, you may explore expansive environments, observe various African species, and learn about the protection of the creatures.

Get your harness on for a wild journey on the tram.

Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd. Escondido, California 92027

6. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (Global Wildlife Conservation)

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit dedicated to wildlife protection. 

It runs other wildlife conservation initiatives all over the world in addition to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 

Furthermore, because it is dedicated to conserving animals and wild areas, 

It seeks to safeguard endangered species, preserve habitats, and educate the public about conservation. 

As a result, it is a great site to learn about conservation, with its various educational activities, including displays, seminars, and workshops.

To discover new animals worldwide, take a safari tour around the zoo’s vast grounds. 

With iconic pandas and extraordinary animals among its highlights, the zoo offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy wildlife and support conservation efforts.

You would always want to have a second time.

 Address: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Also see our article on Kayaking in California.

Safari in Los Angeles, California

1. Infinite Safari Adventures (Diverse California Safaris)

A tour firm called Infinite Safari Adventures provides a selection of safaris in and near Los Angeles. 

Their most popular safari is called the African Adventure, and it features a two-hour drive through the Simi Hills, where you may witness African wildlife like lions, zebras, etc.

Visitors are allowed to feed and pet a handful of the animals. 

The California Adventure takes visitors on a scenic drive through some of California’s most beautiful locations. 

However, Infinite Safari Adventures, on the other hand, is an incredible choice for individuals who wish to witness various animals in their natural habitat. 

With the company’s skilled and enthusiastic tour guides, learning about animals will be made fun for you. 

Prepare to take in more of nature’s splendor and create unforgettable memories.

Address: 11271 Ventura Blvd #127, Studio City, CA 91604

2. Elephants of Asia (Asian Elephant Sanctuary)

Elephants of Asia, a non-profit organization, offers a variety of programs for tourists, including guided tours, educational workshops, and volunteer opportunities.

Additionally, it provides a home for retired and saved elephants. 

As a result, this place is home to a herd of Asian elephants, and visitors on tour can learn more about the elephants’ history, biology, care, and protection. 

This exciting tour includes the opportunity to feed, bathe, paint, and pet the elephants and a Q&A session with the sanctuary’s employees. 

In other words, Elephants of Asia is an excellent resource for learning about these beautiful animals and advocating for their conservation and well-being. 

Here is an opportunity to learn about the intriguing lives of these gentle giants through up-close experiences and various educational exhibitions. 

Address: 8573311, District of Freedom, Los Angeles, CA 90027

3. Los Angeles Zoo (Griffith Park Menagerie)

The Los Angeles Zoo is located in Griffith Park, near Los Angeles. 

It houses almost 1,200 animals of different species.

Various educational programs, workshops, and exhibits are available at the zoo.

As a result, it’s an excellent alternative for those who want to view and learn about a wide range of animals in a more traditional zoo atmosphere. 

The zoo is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different continent. 

Additionally, there are various educational exhibits there, including a petting zoo, a butterfly pavilion, and a rainforest exhibition. 

All year long, the zoo offers free admission to children under two. 

Children under two are admitted free to the zoo all year.

Every activity at the Loa Angeles Zoo promises a lot of fun for its visitors.

 Address: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Also see our article on Fun things to do in California.

Safari in San Francisco, California

1. Guided Safaris Inc. (Varied San Francisco Safaris)

Guided Safaris Inc. is an excellent opportunity to visit some of San Francisco’s most well-known attractions while learning about the local animals. 

Pick one that suits your interests and budget from the range of safaris the company offers.

Children and elders are also eligible for discounts. 

Guided Safaris Inc. offers a variety of safaris in San Francisco, including African safaris, Asian safaris, Golden Gate Park safaris, Muir Woods safaris, and Sausalito safaris. 

All of the safaris offered by Guided Safaris Inc. are guided by professional guides who can answer your questions, address your concerns and help you make the most of your experience. 

With the meals, housing, and transportation, this safari has no shortage of fun and excitement from the moment you step in till you leave.

 Address: 1 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA 94104

2. South American Tropical Forest (Amazon Jungle Encounter)

The South American Tropical Forest is a tourist attraction in the San Francisco Bay Area that allows tourists to experience the sights and sounds of the Amazon jungle.

More than a thousand creatures are housed in the facility, including monkeys, snakes, jaguars, and birds. 

Visitors can therefore discover more about these creatures, take part in feedings and interactions, and take guided forest walks. 

It is usually open all year, 

Although summer is the busiest season, the facility offers a range of educational programs for both children and adults. 

Trust the immersive atmosphere and intriguing exhibits to transport you to the heart of the Amazon jungle, providing a fantastic safari experience. 

The South American Tropical Forest safari is an experience that can be both fun and eventful for its visitors.

Address: Zoo Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132

3. Pet Camp Cat Safari (Feline Fun Exploration)

Visit Pet Camp Cat Safari in San Francisco to see wild cats up close and in all their elegance and beauty.

At Pet Camp Cat Safari, cats can access a large indoor and outdoor environment without being confined. 

The space has climbing trees, scratching posts, and toys for the cats’ amusement. 

Additionally, they offer many other services for cats, including grooming, training, and daycare. 

The Pet Camp, Cat Safari crew, is informed and skilled in cats, and they are committed to providing the most excellent care for their animal guests. 

It is open seven days a week and offers a variety of boarding choices. 

So you can choose the ideal one to help you learn about cats while still having fun. 

Get familiar with many furry friends at the camp.

Address: 3233 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94115

4. San Francisco Zoo (Diverse Animal Exhibits)

The San Francisco Zoo has more than 2,000 species, including lions, tigers, bears, elephants, and giraffes. 

Visitors can enjoy guided zoo tours, engage in animal feedings and interactions, and discover more about the animals. 

Numerous exhibits are available in the San Francisco Zoo, including California Coast, Asian Forest, and African Plains. 

Because it offers a range of educational activities, including animal interactions, presentations, and tours, it has been a popular tourist site for years. 

As a result, the San Francisco Zoo is a well-known destination where visitors may explore varied habitats while learning about conservation. 

Meet exciting animals worldwide while participating in interactive displays, observing animal feedings, and learning about conservation efforts.

Embrace the scenic views, let the exciting moment take over, and create lasting, beautiful memories.

Address: Sloat Blvd & Upper Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132

Also see our article on Outdoor activities in California.

Safari in Fresno, California

1. African Spur Thighed Tortoise (Giant Tortoise Encounter)

The African Spur Thighed turtle is a giant turtle that can reach 2 feet long and weigh 100 pounds. 

Tortoises are a group of herbivorous animals renowned for their long lifespans, intellect, and curiosity. 

The African Spur Thighed Tortoise Safari offers a one-of-a-kind chance to get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. 

Learn about the biology, history, and current state of conservation of the tortoises by taking part in this tour at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. 

Although the trip is brief, it is filled with fun, knowledge, and the opportunity to hold a tortoise.

Don’t miss the chance to discover their habitat, learn about their specific behaviors, and watch as they move sluggishly but deliberately through their surroundings. 

You will definitely love it here.

Address: Fresno, CA 93728

2. Fresno Chaffee Zoo (Global Animal Collection)

California’s Fresno is home to the 29-acre Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

The zoo’s facility is home to more than 1,000 species from all over the globe and features several exhibits, such as the African Plains, Asian Forest, and California Trail. 

You may have an exciting safari journey at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and get up close and personal with various international animals, including fun primates and majestic big cats. 

And you can also enjoy educational talks and witness fascinating animal feedings.

Every part of your visit will reflect the zoo’s dedication to conservation and animal care. 

In other words, it is an excellent place to learn about animals and appreciate the natural environment.

Additionally, it is a lot of fun, and visitors will undoubtedly enjoy themselves.

Address: 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728

3. Giraffe Feeding (Interactive Giraffe Experience)

Giraffe feeding is a common zoo pastime, including at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. 

Visitors can participate in giraffe feeding by purchasing a bucket of food and feeding them through the fence. 

In other words, people of all ages will undoubtedly find the giraffe feeding experience entertaining and enlightening.

Up close and personal encounters with these gentle giants are possible during the Fresno Giraffe Feeding event. 

As you hand-feed these gorgeous animals their favorite treats, you can interact with them, giving a sense of satisfaction and joy.

Discover their unique adaptations, behaviors, and conservation efforts to safeguard their habitat.

Giraffe Feeding is an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and make lifelong memories. 

Escape for some wild adventures, catch sight of beautiful nature, and create memories you would love.

Address: 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728

4. Nndeeafrika (Private African Safaris)

Nndeeafrika is a safari company that provides a range of African safaris, such as game drives, walking safaris, and hot air balloon safaris.  

In its simplest form, Nndeeafrika is a private wildlife reserve that provides a range of safari experiences and is home to several African creatures, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. 

If you’re looking for a dependable and reasonable alternative for your safari lifestyle, Nndeeafrika is an excellent organization to book a safari with.

You can explore colorful displays and learn about the wonders of Nndeeafrika thanks to its staff of knowledgeable guides who will ensure that you have a safe and pleasurable safari. 

Also, you can see several African animals in realistic habitats, such as giant elephants and dainty antelopes, which are delightful to watch.

Address: 7516 N Monte Ave, Fresno, CA 93711

Also see our article on Date ideas in California.

Safari in Oakland, California

1. Paramount Safaris (Open-Air Wildlife Tours)

One of the distinctive and thrilling methods to see animals from around the world is through Paramount Safaris.

A comfortable open-air vehicle transports visitors through a beautiful, natural habitat where they can get up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, and many more species. 

With expert guides and dedication to conservation, 

Paramount Safaris provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and make priceless memories.

They also provide a range of packages, from affordable choices to rich experiences, and they operate from 9 am to 5:30 pm, charging $25 for adults and $20 for kids.

Also, the guides are excellent at engaging kids and keeping them entertained, and the open-air trucks make it simple for kids to see the animals – a bunch of fun.

Address: 1111 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607

2. California Trail at Oakland Zoo (California Habitat Showcase)

The 10-acre California Trail exhibit at Oakland Zoo takes visitors on a tour of the state’s various habitats.

Visitors can observe bears, wolves, coyotes, deer, and other species along the journey and wildlife from California’s mountains, deserts, and woods through the Gondola. 

Additionally, the exhibit offers engaging displays and educational activities that educate visitors about the beautiful and wild animals of California. 

Suppose you want to learn about California’s natural history. In that case, this is a terrific place to start with its interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the various creatures and plants in the state. 

Entry is available every day from 11 am to 5 pm.

The California Trail is a must-visit location, thanks to its exciting displays, informative presentations, and interactive activities.

Address: 9777 Golf Links Road Oakland, CA 94605

Also see our article on Hidden Gems in California.

Safari in Anaheim, California

1. Oak Canyon Nature Center (Nature Center Exploration)

The Oak Canyon Wildlife Center, located near Anaheim, California, is a 58-acre wildlife park. 

This park features a native plant nursery, a live animal exhibit, a butterfly garden, and a variety of native flora and other interesting facilities. 

In addition, the nature center provides various educational programs for both children and adults.

They also provide a range of guided tours, such as a tram trip, a nature walk, and a trek for birdwatching.

The nature center is a terrific place to learn about the natural history of Southern California, and admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids aged 3 to 12, and free for kids under 3.

In other words, people can escape the busy city to explore the tranquil pathways and rediscover the outdoor beauty.

Address:  6700 E Walnut Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92802

2. Best Safaris (Africa-Themed Safaris)

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey with Anaheim’s Best Safaris to Africa.

Here, you can explore the grand views of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro,

Enjoy game drives through Amboseli National Park. 

You can also go through the Rift Valley lakes of Elmentaita and Nakuru, which offer many wildlife and birdlife.

The best safaris allow you to enjoy the thrill of discovering breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife.

Their knowledgeable guide will guarantee that you enjoy an engaging and educational experience. 

Make sure to participate in the Best Safaris to make lasting memories and learn about the wildness of California’s hidden gems.

Also, remember to explore the Masai Mara grassland, Kenya’s famous game reserve and a place of wildlife yearly migration.

Unveil the world of boundless possibilities away from home.

Address: 2700 E Imperial Hwy suite n, Brea, CA 92821

Also see our article on Hiking Trails in California.

Safari in Palm Desert, California

1. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (Diverse Zoo Experience)

Palm Desert, California, has a 1,000-acre zoo and botanical garden called The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. 

More than 3,500 species of animals and plants, including those from North America, South America, Africa, and Australia’s deserts, call it home. 

The zoo has many exhibits, such as a petting zoo, a walk-through aviary, and a desert canyon. 

A tram tour of the zoo is another option for visitors participating in educational activities.

The zoo is further separated into four themed distinct regions: the Australian Outback, the Sonoran Desert, the California Desert, and the African Plains. 

Although it is always open, the hours change periodically, and admission is $34.95 for adults, $24.19 for ages 3 to 17, and free for kids under 3.

Get ready for exclusive fun.

Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260

2. African Village (Private African Safari)

African Village, located in Palm Desert, California, is a privately owned safari park.

More than 100 animals, including over 20 African species, call this beautiful place home. 

The African Plains and the African Savannah are the park’s two sections. 

Lions, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and other wildlife can be found in the African Plains area. 

Cheetahs, leopards, and rhinos can be found in the African Savannah region.

African Village opens for $34.95 for adults, $24.19 for ages 3-17, and free for kids under 3.

Enter the captivating African Village in Palm Desert to experience the region’s rich cultural history thoroughly.

African Village gives you an opportunity to learn more about the diverse cultures of Africa.

Take a trip to Africa for an exciting experience without leaving California.

Address: Indian Wells, CA 92210

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best zoos, Alpaca Farms, and hiking trails in California.

Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the best Safari in Florida and Illinois.