San Diego Safari Park - time to see?

[Zbugz]

I am wondering if anyone can give me a general idea of how much time I should allow to see the attractions that are included in the basic ticket at San Diego Zoo Safari Park? In other words, is it a two hour, half-day, or whole-day park without the add-ons?

I have been on numerous "safaris" elsewhere and really am only planning to go to the SD Safari Park because it is included in my Go Card. I am saving most of my vacation budget for DLR.

TIA!

 

[sonnyjane]

Most definitely at least half a day. It's a very big park that involves a lot of walking.

 

[Zbugz]

Thanks, Sonnyjane, that is helpful!

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

The only reason it took us more than three hours is because the map was a bit confusing and it took us a while to find everything. The tram safari is about a half hour, we hit that right when it opened so we had no wait. Then there is an African trail where the main highlights are gorillas and lions.

There is an Asian trail that had a few tigers, but it seemed like most of the exhibits over there were being redone (we went a few days ago).

There is a condor trail that has some eagles and condors, then there is a bat house.

Besides that there is a carousel and some other little rides for kids.

I would try to be out by mealtime, the food there was more expensive than DL counter service.

 

[Zbugz]

Good to know, thanks, OhioStateBuckeye. I have two teens and have been to dozens of zoos across the country, so I think a lot of it will be BTDT for us, but I do want to give it a fair shake.

 

[rtfelt]

Keep in mind that the Wild Animal Park, as we call it, is much further inland and is MUCH hotter in the summer than what you would expect at SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, or DLR.

 

[Zbugz]

Keep in mind that the Wild Animal Park, as we call it, is much further inland and is MUCH hotter in the summer than what you would expect at SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, or DLR.

Thanks for the tip. We plan to be there in October, so hopefully it will be at least 10° cooler than summer.

 

[rtfelt]

Keep in mind that our summers are really July through September. September is the hottest month of the year. Depending on when in October you go, it still may be quite hot--for CA. It will be better than August. We've been there in August, and I said, "never again". February's a great month for it