San Diego Zoo vs. San Diego Safari

[itsatype]

We're a family group of about 30 people, both adults and children of all ages, trying to decide whether to do San Diego Zoo or Safari, since there'll be time for just one.
While I get the obvious difference in that the Safari is animals in a more nature setting, which of the two is more likely be enjoyed? Also, does the Safari have enough entertainment to last all day? And which of the 2 has more shows?

Any input is welcome!

 

[WJD2011]

I have been to both the SD Zoo and SD Safari. They are completely different experiences. There are much more activities that would appeal to a wider audience at the SD Zoo. You see the animals in the SD Safari in a more natural environment and could even venture out in a jeep (for an extra fee) to get up close with many of the animals. I recall hand feeding rhinos apples in the jeep. One of them even get a little fresh and bit my wife on the behind (she was okay except for the embarassment of everyone laughing when she got startled by the rhino).

 

[It'sKim]

We did both as well on a fairly recent trip. The safari park was neat for seeing all the animals in a more natural environment. The little tours through it were cool and something we had never experienced before. Our family enjoyed our day there. However, if I had to choose between the 2 again, hands down the zoo would win. We have been to a few different zoos, and they don't even compare to the San Diego zoo. It was really great. I think there would be a lot more to do for that many people at the zoo. I think it also takes up a lot more of the day.

 

[skiingfast]

Either would be a fine choice.

I find the Zoo to be quick because it's near downtown. The Safari Park takes longer because it's on the border of the city. Of course this depends on where you are coming from.

 

[sonnyjane]

If you can only visit one, I'd definitely do the zoo. The zoo has many more animals, and much more variety of animals. The Safari Park is primarily African animals, whereas the zoo has all the African headliners (lions, elephants, giraffes) but also koalas, polar bears, sea lions in the sea lion show, orangutans, kangaroos - basically all the animals you think of at zoos that are not available at the Safari Park. Also, I agree with a previous poster that while the Safari Park takes a few hours to see everything, you can spend a full day at the zoo and still not cover all the ground, so with a large group, the zoo just offers a lot more. Also, parking at the zoo is free whereas at the Safari Park it is $10 per vehicle.

I'll liken the Safari Park to California Adventure, and the zoo to Disneyland. If you only have ONE day, go to the original. If you have more than one day, that's when I recommend going to the Safari Park on the second day to see something a little different, but with only one day, you can't go wrong with the zoo.