Deep in the heart of Sonoma County, California is a little piece of the African savanna. With over 700 hundred individual animals representing over 80 different species on 400 acres of land, Safari West is a unique daytime excursion just north of Santa Rosa.
About Safari West
Safari West was established by Peter and Nancy Lang in 1989 as an African Wildlife Preserve and African Tent Camp. It was one of only six such facilities to belong to the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. The mission of Safari West is "wildlife preservation through breeding, education, research and public interaction." Safari West began tours for the public in 1993.
Safari West is home to over 80 species of African wildlife, including giraffes, rhinos, antelopes, zebras, cape buffalo, Watusi cattle and more. There are more than 700 individual animals at Safari West. One of the newest is a baby zebra, only six weeks old.
There are two ways to experience the animals (all the tours cover these options.) There is an aviary, with many varieties of birds, and several African monkeys. The cheetahs are also located in the aviary. The aviary tour is a walking tour, which takes between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on how fast your group goes. The monkeys, cheetahs and several other animals are separated by enclosures, but the birds walk freely in the aviary. Some birds will even greet guests with a friendly peck!
Safari Adventures
One of the biggest highlights of Safari West is the Safari Adventure, a two-hour driving trip in an open-aired jeep. A knowledgeable tour guide leads each tour, driving the jeep, telling tales and answering questions. Each tour guide can identify every species, and even most of the individual animals!
Approximately fifteen people can fit on each jeep. There are even four seats on top of the jeep to get a bird's eye view of the animals...or, more accurately, a giraffe's eye view!
Other Adventures
Once you return from your safari, you can visit the gift shop, where you can purchase clothes and jewelry, toys, and authentic African art.
Some other options for adventures include an overnight stay in a tent overlooking the giraffe enclosure. You can also purchase a luxurious Swedish massage in your tent! This package also includes breakfast, and lunch and dinner can also be purchased.
One fun option is the "Wine on the Wildside" tour, which includes a wine tasting before the safari adventure.
For more information, visit http://www.safariwest.com/.
Mallory Giunchigliani - I am a graduate student in Hawaii, studying Communications (emphasis in film and media) and Organizational Change (business mixed a bit of ...
