Safari West Reviews

If you are looking for something very unique and memorable, you will love Safari West! I went with my daughter and she loved it, although I think I loved it more than her. Her favorite part was riding on the top level of the jeep. Mine was coming face to face with a giraffe!

The only thing is that I would probably try to time it better because the heat can be unbearable., especially if you are on the top level. They did provide umbrellas for those sitting there which helped a lot!

Our tour guide was very helpful and funny!! Thank you JD for the fun ride and all of the information. We learned a lot. Overall, it was a great activity! However, next time I would probably go when I am visiting San Francisco—not make a trip up north just for this.

This was our first visit and well worth the effort. Denice, our guide, was one of the best I have experienced. She had an abundance of knowledge of the animals, even their names, and the history of the ranch. The facility has an incredible array of animals and birds. The walk was great with up close visits of the many birds at the facility. Although no lions, there were two Cheeta's to view. With the many Gazelles, Antelope and Wildebeests at the facility I can understand the absence of lions. Our lunch was the best.
Ken Fowler, Novato, CA

It was great getting so close to these animals. The tour was good and most of the animals have fabulous large areas with many acres to roam around. Unfortunately there are some animals in cages, like in a zoo and I was not thrilled about that. They do good work helping endangered species survive and it looks like they take really good care of the animals

Amazing outing today at Safari West. Our guide, Richard Horgan, was excellent. I learned so much, I believe it was the most informative guided attraction I’ve ever been on. Up close with African animals in a safe and comfortable vehicle. Learned about the coloring of the different animals as well as how their names came about. Comfortable pace and personal approach, he answered all our questions with confidence. Recommend highly.

This was an excellent safari with Dano, explaining really a lot interesting things about all the animals and nature in the park. And most surprisingly, Dano obviously knows each animal by forename!! Thanks for this amazing experience.

Excellent tent accommodations
Food was excellent
Service was great
Very helpful staff
Highly recommended

Excellent you can’t go wrong you will enjoy every minute out there personal will give you a great welcome especially our tour well done we love it

This was a great grandmother/grandson trip! Agree with all the reviews about how much fun it is and that the behind the scenes tour really enhances the enjoyment.

We stayed two nights because we are from Texas and it is hard to get it done in one night coming from that far. But if you are local, one night is perfect.

The tents are very large and very comfortable with a large deck. In July, the weather was perfect during the day and the tents were very cold at night. This was not a concern because they provide far more blankets than you need. There is also a space heater which you don’t need (because of the blankets) but we used the second night simply to make it more comfortable to get out of bed in the morning. Do take heed of their suggestion to keep the bathroom door closed to keep it warmer. Beds are comfortable, perhaps on the soft side but we had no problems sleeping in them. Bathroom floor is tile and cold; tent floor is wood and comfortable.

It is very dusty outside, stated only for people sensitive to dust. Otherwise this is not bothersome, except perhaps bringing more clothes than you might usually for an overnight trip. Take your shower before the sun goes down!

Please note there is no cell service, at least not with verizon. The wifi is spotty and not usable in our tent on the hill. In the restaurant, wifi was available.

What made this so great for traveling with my 8 yr old grandson was how uncrowded and safe it felt. I could leave him a few hundred yards away with his buddy and walk back to the tent to grab something and feel he was perfectly safe. The place was booked to capacity and it did not feel crowded. The patios at the tent were perfect for sitting and having a drink and relaxing (do bring your own wine, although the safari west wine they sold was decent for a camp-branded bottle). It would be fun for couples too, is not overrun with kids. I didn’t see many teenagers and I suspect it would not entertain them quite as well
as kid under 10.

was expecting it to be amazing as per many 5 star reviews but found it mostly disappointing. animals off in the distance while guide talked about things we might see (which we didn't). I had hoped for closer view...this felt just like any other zoo visit. Much hype with disappointment in its wake. same goes for the dinner buffet after....very uninspiring. food ho hum and environment not like eating in the wild at all. all around disappointment.

Safari West is an animal park with African animals. Close and informative is the norm. Accomadations are excellent, Employees are cheeful and helpful. Children are welcome. Reservations are mandatory.

This is a review for the "Behind the Scenes" tour that my family and went on. We decided to do this instead of the jeep/ safari ride out into the park as it was much more interactive with the animals. It was FANTASTIC! My family and I had the best time and it was such a unique experience to feed the warthogs, giraffes, porcupines and birds with Megan (our Safari West guide). I HIGHLY recommend this for any one but especially as a family activity as it is one I will always remember! Just Amazing!

We had read about this attraction and felt it was right up our alley. We had made our reservation for the safari, dinner and spent the night in one of the cabins. Driving to it was beautiful,a narrow road with beautiful trees. Safari West itself looked like we would expect in Africa. We were able to walk around the grounds before our Safari tour time, they were beautiful and all the animal sounds added to the experience. Our tour was at 10 am, a perfect time weather wise. Our tour guide, Jackson, was terrific. Very knowledgeable and informative and gave us time to enjoy the animals while riding in the safari jeep. The jeep tour was aprox. 2 hrs. Most of the animals were beautiful and able to roam free. We got some beautiful pictures! There was also a 45 min walking tour of smaller animals and birds. Also with Jackson explaining as we walked. We were able to check into our cabin after the jeep ride, a new experience for us, but one we will have fond memories for years to come. It was a "tent", with a very comfortable king size bed, full bath facilities and a balcony overlooking the giraffes. Our dinner was called a South African braai, food was excellent. We were able to buy a bottle of wine and take back to our cabin to enjoy on the balcony. Our only regret was we failed to reserve lunch - but there is a snack bar which sold wonderful sandwiches. We would highly reccommed this attraction and it would be a great family adventure.

The tour guide was very knowledgeable. It was cool, cloudy, and rainy perfect for active animals and photography. Highly recommend.

Myself, my husband, and 2 kids (7 and 8) just came back from a wonderful "glamping" trip at Safari West. We stayed 2 nights in Oct in a king/ bunk tent (#10) which I think is considered the hillside.

I will list out the pros and cons and then you can read a more detailed review below!

PROS:
- Friendly staff
- Knowledgeable and patient tour guide
- Jeep offered to help bring bags to/from your room
- Cooler provided with ice and bottles of water
- Flashlights also provided
- Freedom to walk around the animal exhibits at any time
- Meal service (Bfast, lunch) handled well - good food
- Very clean!

CONS:
- Would have liked more light, hooks in the bathroom
- Space between bottom and top bunk seems very short, both my kids kept hitting their heads
- No signage explaining the different animal exhibits
- I felt the cheetah got the short end of the stick, stuck way in the back for the walking tour
- Can still hear street noise from the main road - trucks, cars, etc
- Lawnmowers running during walking part of tour
- Not enough time on the top of the truck

TIPS:
- Bring binoculars
- Bring small telescope 
- Bring slippers- floors are cold!
- For safari (if early morning or cool) bring your own blanket, hand warmers
- No cell service at your tent but there is wifi in the eating area and near the office
- They already mention this but leave your porch light on, close your windows and turn on the heater when you go out so it's warm when you get back!

Our original trip was scheduled for Labor Day weekend but due to the heat and poor air quality, we switched to Oct. They were very accommodating - no questions asked. When we arrived for check in there was already someone checking in the office (only 1 party at a time) so I waited outside. Kayla (?) was kind enough to come out and help me check in. She offered to drive us up to our tent in a Jeep Wrangler which my 7 yr old son was thrilled about! She even carried our bags to the door. She brought a bag of ice for the provided cooler outside and gave us flashlights.

ACCOMODATIONS:

We loved our tent! As noted above they provide you a cooler outside with bottles of water and will bring you more ice as needed. There is a seating area outside with a table, 4 chairs, and an umbrella. There were some trees blocking our view but we could make out some giraffes in the distance. It was like being in a giant treehouse. We wish we had brought binoculars! 

My kids were thrilled for the bunk beds. However, the space between the bottom and top bunks seems very short. Both my kids (who are not that tall and have bunks at home) kept hitting their heads. Each bed has a heated blanket and there is a space heater. This was sufficient to keep us warm through the night. The beds were comfy and lots of pillows! There is one fan in the main room. The bathroom is spacious but also vented to the outside so watch out for those chilly mornings! I could have wished for more light and more hooks in the bathroom. They do suggest earplugs but I didn't need them. The flamingos seem to be the loudest animals so I was glad we were up on the hill so it was more of a background noise than a constant disturbance. While you feel like you are in your own "safari bubble" I was disappointed that we could still hear all the traffic from the main road outside - trucks, cars, etc. I know there is not much they can do but it lessened the ambiance. 

As far as the best cabins, our guide said he liked 18, 19, and 20. I think 18 is probably the best! I would not like 1A, 2A, 2 or 3 as they are very close to the noisy flamingos. Also it is close to the common areas where all the trucks and people gather. 

GROUNDS:

We really enjoyed being able to walk all around the property on our own. Most people kept their distance and had masks on. We visited all the animals - flamingos, birds, monkeys, lemurs etc - multiple times throughout our trip. It was like a private zoo! I only wish they put up some signs at each exhibit to tell you what the animals are and some brief info. The grounds are well cared for and it is easy to navigate your way around the property. 

DINING:

For breakfast (which is included) you place your order the day before and pick a time to eat (30 min seating windows from 7:30 - 9). They have various drinks (fresh squeezed OJ), scrambled eggs, breads, cereals, fruit, yogurt and oatmeal. It is the same each day. When we went the next morning they gave us a card with our tent # and we picked our own table (spaced out each with its own space heater). Then they brought all the food. You can ask for extra of whatever you want. The oatmeal is homemade and so delicious on a cool morning!

We booked lunch after the safari which I think is a good idea as the closest places to eat are about 20 min away. It is a fixed price. They brought out a menu and you could pick and choose what you wanted. My husband and I chose everything. It is sort of like BBQ food - pulled pork, chicken, mac n cheese, beans, etc. The food was pretty good and I filled up on just one plate!   

SAFARI:

We booked the safari for 9am as I had read that the animals are most active early on. It was cool and overcast. Some of the vehicles had blankets but ours did not so I recommend bringing one of your own! Also I just happened to have hand warmers in my bag and those were helpful! They have a max of 8 per vehicle. Our family of 4 was placed with a family of 3 and a single. I'm not sure how they do the seating though as another vehicle went out with just 1 family of 4. There is plexiglass or clear plastic between each row and they are always wiping everything down. Our tour guide was Jeff and he was knowledgeable and friendly. We let the other family sit up top first with the understanding we'd switch halfway. Unfortunately the family up top had more time than we did. They were up top for about 1hr 15min and we got about 30 min. My kids were pretty sad about that. At least when we got up top, the sky had cleared and it was for the giraffe part so we got to see them cross right in front of us to get their food. I think a safari at 10 or 11 is ok, especially in the fall mos, as the sky may clear up and it appears they don't let the giraffes into the big area (that the trucks drive through) until 10:45 or so.

We really appreciated how Jeff turned the truck off and turned to face us to talk about the animals. It was a little tough to hear him at the top of the truck just bc he has to talk to the people below and the mask muffles it a bit. However he was very patient as we asked lots of questions (mostly my kids want to know the names of the animals!). One thing I learned is there are so many antelopes in Africa!! We also saw wildebeest, zebra, ostrich, water buffalo (?), rhinos and giraffes. The giraffes were my favorite - all different sizes but also different patterns!  After our truck ride, we had some time to use the bathrooms before starting the walking portion. They let you into the aviary and then we walked through the animals we had seen the day before. Unfortunately, they chose that time to bring out the ride-on lawnmowers right next to the aviary so the entire time all I could hear was lawnmowers. :-( I know they need to upkeep the grounds (and they do a good job) but perhaps they could have done it when the tours were over. We did learn though that the US gets the ugly gray pigeons while other areas have pigeons with beautiful iridescent blue and green feathers!!

COVID RESPONSE:

I thought Safari West did a good job of indicating the measures that they were taking in response to COVID. This was communicated online, on a flyer in the room, and signs around the grounds. The tent and public areas were clean. They removed any difficult to clean items from the room. Tables and vehicles were wiped down promptly. All the staff were wearing masks and there were many signs indicating to wear masks. When we had to pass a group, the guide would ask everyone to stand to the side. We were reminded on the safari ride to keep the masks on and over our nose to protect not just ourselves, but the animals.

When I had booked back in June, they were only doing tours with an overnight stay but it seems they have changed it. The area where you wait for trucks can get pretty crowded with day guests. Also I noticed a couple times that they seemed to be hosting group events on the Flamingo Terrace - anywhere from 20-50 people, all sharing tables and unmasked. I can't say I know what the rules for gatherings are in Sonoma County but I was surprised to see it. Also for breakfast one morning, a large group of seniors from multiple tents, were all sitting at the same table. Maybe they are in a pod together?? 

OVERALL:

Overall, we had a great time. I think one night is sufficient but it was nice to have two so as not to rush everything. My kids would have liked a 3rd night!! I think I had higher hopes for the safari ride but on the other hand, where else am I going to go on an African Safari in CA?? The "glamping" tent was a lot of fun and we loved the grounds. The staff was pleasant and I would not hesitate to return again or recommend to others! This was our one big vacation for the year and I think we made the most of it! For nearby adventures I'd recommend the Petrified Forest and dining in Calistoga.

We stayed over night in the glamping tents. We arrived afternoon and took a safari tour.
The tour was nice and took about 2hrs to complete, you were able to take snacks and alcohol that you could purchase from the onsite shop along on the tour.
Dinner onsite was great but remember to book as they only do dinner for bookings.
The tent was very cold over night but there was a heater inside and the blankets on the bed were great.
The birds are very noisy onsite but they seemed to be ok over night and didnt keep us awake.

This is an amazing African Adventure in Northern California.
You get to see and experience African animals up close such as Giraffe, Rhinos, Impala, Cheetahs, Zebras, Hyenas, Lemurs, Flamingos, Monkeys and many more.

To experienced the entire package of dinner, lodging and Safari. But you can take the Safari without the lodging or skip the dinner.

It was pricey but worth it. We also are happy to support such an effort to conservation and animal breeding and preservation.

The lodging is in a luxury tent cabin near the animals. This gives you full access to the walking portion of the park. It is especially interesting to see the animals at night (they provide flashlights) This way you can experience those animals that are nocturnal and be there when only other lodging guests are there.

The dinner is well done and reasonably priced. It consists of BBQ chicken and Beef Brisket, Mac and Cheese, salad, vegetables and desert. They also give you the chance at night to make S'mores over a fire place.

The 3 hour safari tour is excellent in specially modified jeep vehicles where everyone gets a chance to ride on top.

If you get the chance - take this most unique and wonderful adventure..its a lot cheaper than going to Africa!

We recently visited Safari West for their regular group safari. We needed to change our day and time last minute and the reservations staff was very accommodating. The driving tour itself was enjoyable, we saw a lot of animals and our guide was passionate about educating the group. Sitting on top of the vehicle was great and offered excellent views.
Things to improve on:
1. Automatic gates- Our poor guide with a cane had to get out and close multiple double gates on foot, we felt awful and wanted to help.
2. Larger enclosures- some of the animals seemed confined and stressed in very small areas, especially the birds and monkeys. You have hundreds of acres and could give them more space.
3, Vehicle safety- we felt a bit uneasy going on steep terrain in the old vehicles. Our guide also had a twitching disorder and we were worried that we were going to go off a cliff. Storage pouches on the safari vehicles (someone on our group lost a wallet) and seatbelts in all rows, not just the top, would also be helpful.
4. Guide help- our guide was clearly passionate and knowledgeable, but he clearly needed help to succeed with his job. Maybe set up a guide buddy system- send two guides out in a vehicle to help with gates and help guides who struggle to walk or have a disorder that could impair their driving.

I totally recommend this! It was a relaxing stroll in the Jeep and a unique experience to see the animals up close, most without any barriers between you and them. The tour guide was informative with a lot of random cool facts about the animals.

We choose the Royal Winos and Rhinos tour. While touring around, we saw zebra, ostriches, giraffes, rhinos, antelope, and many other animals. Our guide was very knowledgeable and informative. When we stopped for wine, there was really a full meal and we barely finished half of the cheese, meats, burgers, crab cakes, etc!
We finished up our visit with a behind the scenes and got to feed the giraffes, porcupines, and birds in the aviary, as well as a few other animals.
It was a highlight of our vacation and highly recommend!

My wife and I just returned from a visit to Safari West and it was so delightful that I am eager to share our experience with others. First, the property is expansive and exceptionally well maintained, clearly with the best interests of the animals paramount. There are hundreds of animals big & small in a natural setting and our guide, Lindsey, was one of the best-informed and interesting guides we have ever experienced. She was fabulous. We also stayed in one of the glamping tents overnight and it was a fun & unique experience (it can be loud with animals overnight so bring earwear, and I recommend bringing in a cooler of whatever you'd like to drink). The food is not fancy but it is delicious and the staff was energetic and amiable. Kids seemed to be having a wonderful time. I highly recommend the entire experience -- you will love it.

This was a wonderful experience. Our driver "Richard" is an excellent guide. His knowledge and personality made the trip. We expected to see more animals but they were not cooperative. Buffet lunch was great and all the staff were very pleasant. Thank you.

We were not sure what to expect here. I mean how many safari animals could they have really right? You will not see lions and elephants here, but their aviary is top notch. The obvious care of the enclosures and animals is evident and the animals were all happy, active and obviously loved. The information we received on the walking portion of the tour seemed to be a notch above other wild animal parks we had visited so we felt optimistic about the jeep portion of the tour. We were not disappointed! My boys sat uptop with their dad and from the very beginning as we entered the "savannah" gates they had great views and the giraffes especially were not shy about getting up close and personal. They loved it, and I learned so much more about these animals than I have EVER learned elsewhere. The staff was not in a hurry and took the time to answer all of our questions, and our group had some good ones. They never rushed or even said the words "ok we have to move on" during the tour and I think that this relaxed approach really added to the experience in a very spectacular way that I hope they never change. The gift shop was never pushed, and neither were the tips although our guide definitely deserved one ;)! If you are on the fence about whether this experience is worth the money or time, my vote is a big YES, you won't regret it. I would definitely go back again.

We had a great time at Safari West which is a lot like a giant zoo where you ride around in a truck and see various African mammals as well as birds from around the world. It is of course a much more unique experience than a zoo and comes with a tour guide. We went in the winter and it was chilly on the ride, so prepare accordingly. They gave us blankets to keep us warm.

I came in part to write this review about the customer service. I read a lot of reviews before our trip and the few negative reviews really seemed to be the result of customer service complaints. We, however, had excellent customer service so I wanted to be sure to note that. We called in advance to ask a few questions and got all the answers we needed. Then we showed up on the day of when one person couldn't make it and they refunded that person's ticket almost quite literally without blinking. I had already assumed it was a lost cause since we had failed to cancel in advance, so I almost didn't even ask, but when I did the first words out of their mouth was "sure, no problem". An alert from my credit card followed shortly thereafter saying that I'd received a credit for the full amount of the ticket. I don't think that's consistent with their policy so not sure everyone should expect that, but all I can say is our experience was wonderful all the way around.

My wife and our two adult children made our first visit to Safari West yesterday. I highly recommend this place. It is easy to find, just 6 miles outside of Santa Rosa or 8 miles from the Napa Valley. We had a Safari tent with a king bed and a bunk bed. The bunk beds must be custom-made as they are a double mattress, both top and bottom. The tent was cleans, the towels, linens, pillows and mattresses are equal to atop quality hotel. The tent is spacious as is the bathroom. The hot water was hot, plentiful and almost immediate. The tent is nicely furnished with African decor.It was about 95 degrees when we arrived but it cooled off in the evening and the tent was comfortable to sleep in with the use of the ceiling fan. We prepaid the dinner which was served outside under shade and umbrella cover. The inside dining rooms looked nice but can’t be used right now. Dinner included an appetizer plate with fresh fruit and cheese, Greek salad and an entree plate with Tri-tip, chicken, Mac and cheese, vegetables and a piece. Of sweet potato. Desert was an ice cream sundae. Beverages are extra but reasonably priced. I thought the dinner price was reasonable for the amount of food and the quality of the food was good. You pre-order your Continental breakfast which is included in your room rate.

Today we took the 9:00 Safari tour. Robert was the driver and tour guide. He has been working there for 15 years. The tour stops frequently so that Robert could tell about the animals. He was well versed in the subject and thoroughly explained each species. The tour is 2hours which passed quickly. It was neat to ride in an old Dodge Power Wagon. Their age and simplicity adds an certain feel that you are on Safari in Africa. A modern vehicle wouldn’t be the same. At the end of the vehicle tour, there is a break and then an optional walking tour .. we just got through the aviary when a thunderstorm hit. The staff did a good job of urging guests to take shelter. Unfortunately we weren’t able to complete the tour. Plan on tipping your guide.

The ground are immaculately clean. The hundreds of acres of oak woodlands are nicely maintained. There are no dead trees, long grasses, or forest debris. It looks as though they have done everything right to diminish the effects of a wildfire.

It is obviously not a cheap trip but I felt we got our money’s worth. I have paid more and got less in other places.

The Safari West tour includes a wide range of animals from all over the African continent, including many different antelopes, giraffes, zebras, and ostriches, all roaming freely. Also, in enclosures, a cheetah, serval, lemurs, and a great variety of birds, all healthy and well treated. Our guide Robert was knowledgeable about them all, and a competent counterpart to his counterparts on real African safaris.
Even the lunch was excellent. It was a really good day.

My husband & I with our 9 1/2 year old animal-lover granddaughter spent one night in Tent #2 (Antelope Valley Camp Double) at the incredible Safari West. From our initial telephone reservation contact person to departure the whole Sonoma Serengeti experience is top-notch. Friendly & informative "Luke" checked us in and drove us to our "glam' tent. We loved our tent experience with its African theme decor. The two queen size beds with electric blankets were quite comfy. Our deck had a small table on which we played a dice game in the evening, accompanied by the chatty guinea fowl in the trees above. Before dinner, we were able to stroll the grounds and view many of the birds and animals. All the staff who work with the animals and work on the grounds are friendly, knowledgeable, & are willing to answer any questions. The appetizers, BBQ dinner with several sides were delicious. Restaurant manager, Brian P., was enjoyable to chat with. Of course, our Safari jeep ride was the highlight of our stay because of our very knowledgeable, delightful, patient & very fun guide, Sam. His enthusiasm & love for the birds and mammals is contagious. We recommend the 10:00 a.m. Safari tour because most of the animals are active & being fed around that time. Overall wonderful experience & worth the expense.

First, I just want to say how much I love what Safari West is doing. We not only got up close to animals + birds we learn so much about our planet from our guide Robert. Our overnight stay was such a core memory for our kids and I. We really felt like we were transported to Africa without leaving the California and our dinner and breakfast was so delicious!

This was truly one of the best animal experiences we have ever had. The safari itself was amazing. We were so close riding next to the animals in the jeep. Even though it had 3 rows of seats and the top part, you feel like the animals are walking next to you. I highly recommend sitting on top. The view is amazing. They have giraffes, zebras, cape buffalo, antelope, and many more species. It's 2 hours of driving and 1 hour walking through the area where there are species not on the safari tour. Be sure to walk the area when fewer people are around, as the animals will behave more naturally. Especially around the cheetahs. They also have a place to get snacks or have lunch. This is truly a wonderful animal experience done right. It's much better than a zoo. I love what they are trying to do and would highly recommend it.

Our tour guide, John, taught us facts about different species' behavior and characteristics in a simple yet memorable way. The resident wildlife seemed to have ample space to roam and graze, neither freaked out by nor too attracted to the regular rotation of tour vehicles. We rode atop a renovated Korean War service truck, protected from the sun's hot rays by umbrellas provided by Safari West. I'm glad Safari West survived the devastating fires of 2017 with no casualties and hope it continues to recover from structural damage and maintain smooth and safe operations with the help of visitors' contributions. I consider the high price of the tour a donation to a worthy cause.

We had wanted to spend the night, but it didn’t workout for us. We did the Jeep tour. Fantastic tour guide! Great information & some fantastic animal views. This is perfect for families with kids! We went on the first tour, it does get pretty hot @ the top seating. Sunscreen, hats & water are a must!

If you live in or are visiting Northern California this is a must. This is NOT A ZOO! This is an African wild life park on 400 acres. Amazing. We took a safari Jeep tour of the property adults and kids loved it. Ended with a great lunch, will be back next year.

What an amazing 3 hour safari tour this was, I HIGHLY recommend this for families with children 6 or older and anyone who loves animals. There's so much to see and learn from here, it's an awesome experience! Our tour guide Owen made the tour extra special with his knowledge, kindness, patience, funny and awesome personality! Everyone there was super nice and helpful. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes as there's about 30 minutes of walking on the tour but it's so worth it. There's no cell phone service but that's apart of the experience, just unplug, relax and enjoy the views of the property. Owen made sure everyone was happy, had what they needed, got a chance to ride on the top and all questions were answered with enthusiasm. He was great, the tour was 5 stars, overall a cool place in Sonoma County to visit!

Jeff was our guide. After a great lunch, we went on a walking tour first, then our tour. Jeff answered all of our questions and provided us with interesting information about the animals and their behaviors. It was a great trip. He was so patient with our little ones. Thank you, Jeff, for a wonderful afternoon.

The facility and organization are great, as was our funny and knowledgeable guide, Skye. He knows all about the animals and the history of the refuge there. He was able to share facts in an engaging way and answer all questions. The only drawback I can name is that it is a fairly passive experience, what with all the riding around. I’m recommending that people go and see and learn, however, because it’s rather extraordinary to see these animals in this kind of an environment.

This place is the best. It’s expensive but worth it. Note that thanks to the 2017 fires there’s not much restaurant wise close by so buying the meal may be a good idea.

What an incredible place in the Bay Area. I loved everything about. Our guide Denno was amazing, we saw and learned so much.
The grounds are beautiful and well kept. You see the animals right next to the vehicle.
The walking tour and going into the aviary was very educational.
The food at lunch was plentiful and delicious.
I highly recommend visiting. It was a day trip for me, I definitely want to come back.

We were very lucky to have spent the night in one of the 30+ huts on site. Sleeping amongst the sounds of the animals is something everyone had to do.
The Safari itself is really fun. About an hour on foot exploring the aviaries, and smaller animals and then a couple hours on the truck roaming the 400+ acres.
The Cape Buffalo (picture) are so cool to see that close, and if you love giraffe they'll kiss you if you're nice.
We had a large group, little kids, teenagers, adults and seniors and everyone enjoyed our time on site. The hospitality staff are super helpful, the guides are very knowledgeable, and the animals are always ready for visitors.
So thankful this property wasn't damaged in the '17 fires, it's precious land with a mission to really care for these animals.

After the devastating fires, and seeing it on the drive up, we didn't know what to expect. When we arrived, the staff were superstars! Our tour guide was really knowledgeable and friendly and answered our young children's questions with patience. Hearing the story of the owner fighting the fires after emergency evacuation really put in perspective the love and care of this place. He risked his own life to save his animals while his own home burnt to the ground. All were saved! Please go visit Safari West for support and donations to this worthy cause.

Second time visiting this place. I would suggest leaving very early because the traffic in Napa/ Santa Rosa can be seriously ridiculous. Took us an hour to go 15 miles on a Saturday. Expensive, but if you can afford it , it’s worth it. You must make a reservation! Loved our tour guide, the first time. The second time, not so much. He made several political references which are uncalled for and unprofessional. People are there to learn about animals not hear views about climate change etc.

This is such a fun day outing.
Viewing the animals so close is exhilarating--- along with the informative and jocular guides makes for a wonderful safari experience. The night in the tent was sweet andthe animals sounds were loud, crazy and worth the night disruptions!

This is an unusual attraction that I'd never heard of until the fires (which missed it)...You and about 7-8 others tour the very spacious grounds in a safari truck guided by a naturalist who points out (if you can't see beyond the end of your nose) the rhinoceroses, giraffes, ostriches, wildebeests, various African antelopes, monkeys, zebras, cheetahs and (in the aviary) scarlet ibises, roseate spoonbills, etc. The animals are obviously well cared for, and, although this isn't a zoo, adult visitors will sometimes have a nagging concern about whether some of the animals (in smallish enclosures) really want to be here...Put that aside, bring the kids, and you'll have a great time. Pretty unique. Would give 5 stars otherwise.

This was our third visit to Safari Park. The first time? Five stars. Staying overnight was a huge blessing.

The second visit, a day trip with friends...awesome. Five stars.

Our third trip? Completely different. It began with our tour guide, Vernon. It was hot as blazes the day of our tour. As the other trucks at our allotted time were boarded (and into the shade of the vehicle!), our group was stalled, standing in 95 degree heat outside of our truck, listening to Vernon talk of his illustrious career with a time-share company. On and on. I had to speak up for our group and ask that we move in the shade or be allowed to start the tour. We were at pass-out stage.

We did see some amazing sights and the ride was fun, the day gorgeous.

All was well.

That is, until the end of the tour when at one the stops, Vernon jumped on his pulpit and trapped us with his vile political opinions, insulting the majority of us on the tour. He would not stop! Seriously, this lasted about ten minutes. We were an intelligent group, fully informed on global warming. I think that most people who choose to spend the money to go on a tour of this magnitude are onboard with protecting our planet. We don't need some guy to go a tad crazy on us ~ and bore (annoy) us to death with his personal political opinions,... when we could be seeing ANIMALS and beautiful scenery.

I think he was expecting us to applaud or something once he was finally finished. Nothing. We were all relieved.

Basically, he ruined the experience for us. The kids onboard? Bored!

We will return, but we will insure that we do not have Vernon.

We went there as something to do with the kids for my birthday. It was so much fun. Our guide Alex was amazing, very knowledgeable and great sense of humor. The animals did whatever they wanted as they are in their own enviroment. We got to see some cats get fed and a baby be licked by its mother after only being born shortly before we arrived. The zebras were just eating and letting the young zebra nurse very cool to see up close. I would highly recommend this for families that have children above 7 years old. It is 2 hours in the jeep that stops often to let you just quietly observe the animals and a walking tour of about an hour or so to some caged animals. We had a great experience and the animals all looked happy and well cared for. We did not stay overnight we only did the day trip but I think that the day trip is well worth the money.

Saw many animals and learned a lot. The tent cabins were fantastic and the food was delicious. I would go again.

This is a fun experience where you get up and close vies of the animals. Our guide, Robert, is knowledgeable and nice. He also makes sure that all who want to ride on the top of the Jeep get a chance to do so.

Visited Safari West in June 2021. This place is awesome! I booked the 10:00AM tour. The staff split the guests into small groups so it was nice. They didn't try to jam in as many people as possible during the tour.

The tour guide is knowledgeable in the animals and provided a lot of information. Myself and other people also asked questions about the animals as well, which our guide was able to answer. The tour trucks was able to get very close to the giraffes, sooo cute.

The nice thing about the tour is they don't try to rush through it. Plenty of time was spent at each stop.

Make sure you book early tours because the animals will go into shelter as it gets hot.

This place is incredible. Fantastic food like grass fed burgers at lunch and tri tip or chicken in the evening. The animals and ride through the hills on a double decker vehicle is amazing.

Great treat for kids and grandkids. No lions but just about every thing else. You’re guide and weather will be key to success. Our early morning trip on a very hot day, included many animals that would have been inside if we toured later in day. Take lots of water and sunscreen. Ask for umbrella if you ride on top. After vehicle trip they include about an hour walking tour through their arboretum with knowledgeable guide. Expensive but well worth three hours of lasting memories.

Had a wonderful tour with our guide Robert! Robert was very knowledgable about the animals! Got a close up view of many animals. Had a delicious sandwich at the snack bar!

I had this adventure on my list for awhile. Traveled to the area in April. The weather was pleasant and the hillsides green. Arrived early and waited for the tour at outdoor tables. Plenty of restrooms and edibles were available. Nice view of the birds. The walking tour lasted about 30 minutes. Jeep tour about 2 hours. Our guide Tad was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. Our expedition into the hills was fun and bouncy. Care was taken in seating for all. We were a group of 50 yr olds and 80 yr olds. The other group young couple and 3 children. It was fun for all ages. Explanation of the animals and their habitats was well done. Did not see animals in one area, but this was explained before that the animals do roam out of sight. Saw plenty of other animals.

Our tour guide was Robert and he took us on a 1 hr walk tour to see the caged animals he was very informative on each animal.
Then came the fun part of the whole tour the 2hr jeep ride !!!
We got to sit in the back row by ourselves which was comfy and roomy .
The riding tour was amazing we saw so many animals up close and personal.
It was cold but he provided us with blankets .
Just when you think you’re done with the tour another gate is open and another it just keeps going all over the property.When it was over we looked at each other and said that’s the best tour we have ever been on and we tipped well.
Please tip your guides it’s a lot of work on them for 3 hours !
Our last stop was the gift shop it had cute stuff at reasonable prices.
Book your safari tour today you will love it!!

After parking in their free lot, at 2pm we started our safari for our 3 hour tour. We had 12 people in our vehicle along with the very knowledgeable driver, Robert. Our trip driving around was over 2 hours, seeing many animals over the 100+ acre property. Mostly from Africa, this is about as natural as you will see these animals without going to Africa yourself. Many plant eating animals are in free roam areas. At the end of the vehicle tour, then we went on a walking tour to see some of the caged animals (seemed too small for the animals) and many fascinating birds. This time of year, they were busy building nests high above us in the trees. Highly recommend this trip. Take a jacket and take a good camera. We rotated to the top of the vehicle, where 3 of us could get the best views, although all seats were great.

Our first time here and we booked the 10:00 tour. We had Skye as our tour guide and he was awesome! He knew all about the animals, made us laugh and we had a great tour with him! If we could choose our tour guide the next time we visit, we’d choose him! We started our tour with a 45 minute guided walk to see the monkeys, lemurs, going into the bird aviary and more. Then we loaded onto the big Jeep ( you could sit on top if you wanted to and he had people switch during the tour, so everyone who wanted to got a chance) and took a 2hr tour of the preserve seeing all kinds of animals. It felt like you were in Africa without actually being there. After our tour, we walked around the preserve( where the public is allowed to) until we were ready to leave.

A little bit of Africa in the beautiful hills and meadows of Sonoma County CA.
Friendly guides take you on a safari jeep tour to experience many of the wild animals & birds of Africa. They have a very good restaurant/bar where you can have lunch before or after your tour & dinner if you stay at the overnight cabins

I wrote a review for this place in the hotel section apparently. I just want to reiterate how cool this place was. We had a great time on safari. It took about 3 hours but felt like less than an hour. We saw so many animals and the drive was fun. Our guide, Cyndi, was awesome!

I came to the Safari West to celebrate my husband's birthday. We did the tour in the morning, had lunch, stayed in a hillside tent, had dinner with a personalized cake, a bottle of Coppola cab waiting in the room for me, bough great pieces of jewelry in the gift ship and a great piece of amethyst. To finish it off with a wonderful, cool, peaceful nights sleep. The next morning a continental breakfast.

The staff was wonderful, they all wished my husband a happy birthday. The cake taste great, it had raspberry filling.

It was a great getaway that I can't wait to do again.

We came specifically for the Cheetah Conservation Fund dinner and fundraiser and stayed in one of the wonderful tent arrangements! Thoroughly enjoyed our Guided tour with Colby and spent quite a bit of time with the animals!

The minute you step on the grounds you know you are in for a treat. Beautiful roses everywhere. Check in was easy. Went for 10 a.m. safari. Tad was the best guide ever. He shared his knowledge and was fun too. Even with some rain, we continued and it did not damper our experience. If you get a chance to sit on the top of the vehicle, do it! Towards the very end of the walking portion of the tour, my 13 yr old daughter passed out in the aviary (due to dehydration/exhaustion), Wanda, the staff nurse, was very professional and attentive, along with the other staff. We told Tad to go ahead and finish up the tour, but he insisted on staying with us until my daughter was up and ready to be moved-they gave her a wheelchair. Lucas, the EMT, drove us up to the top of the hill (tent 22-best view, quiet) and was also very sweet and helpful. Other helpful staff-Joey in the gift store and Kimberly-another driver, among so many that helped us during the day when my daughter was not feeling well. The kitchen staff boxed up our lunches for us. The food was fantastic. We bought lunch and dinner (plus appetizers included!). The complimentary breakfast was perfect too. The tent bathroom stays pretty cool-so be prepared, beds are comfortable, nicely decorated and roomy for the four of us. Highly recommend staying over night for the full experience.

My husband and I spent the night at Safari West and did the tour. I greatly enjoyed seeing the lemurs and caracal. The cabin was fairly nice; lots of room, a heater, and electric blankets to keep us warm. The bathroom was a good size, but the open top made it too cold for me to be willing to take on a shower. ( The heater is in the main room.). Lunch and breakfast were pretty good; dinner was just okay. All my reservation info was in my Smartphone, which made finding out what time my lunch reservation was rather a challenge. ( Very limited WiFi.) Definitely take ear plugs! The flamingos and guinea hens are quite loud!

If you love gazing at wild animals and learning fun facts like you would on NatGeo, Safari West is the place to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures! You would never know that there is an entire wild animal preserve nestled in the heart of wine country!
Our guide, Paulette, was outstanding. She made sure we got to see the animals up close & she is to be commended on her engaging & insightful talk & real care & concern for the animals & also wanted to be sure that we all had a great time.
A lot of fun riding in the 1951 Dodge Power Wagon. Not a bad seat in the truck. We were also provided nice warm blankets as it was a bit chilly in the morning.
Visit Safari West to see the animals, in this huge setting, that you cannot see anywhere else unless you visit Africa. Many different species of birds, antelope, giraffes, rhinoceros, gazelles, cheetahs, lemurs, zebras, impalas, baboons, and more are found here as well, including many endangered species, some of which are being bred in captivity, to help regenerate the population.
Do book it with lunch for a really great price. We enjoyed a delicious lunch & even got some chocolate chip cookies for dessert!

This was a great tour with tour guide Alex! The animals are coming right up to the Jeep and it was made even more remarkable by the extensive knowledge of our guide Alex! Due to COVID the tour is limited to 8 people. Our Jeep had 7. Masks are required at all times as well even outside. The tour was over 2.5 hrs and included a walking portion and the Jeep tour with a quick break in between. If you can please stay at the park overnight in an amazing glamping style tent! You won’t regret it!!!the pics look orange due to the fires in CA although they are not in this area.

Best day ever together. This was our first major trip as a new family. We all had a great time. Would like to do it again and stay overnight. We'll see.

At first I did not know what to expect! This park is amazing! We took a family tour of the park, riding in an old Dodge safari wagon (so fun), the tour guide (Tad) stopped many times along the way and let us observe the wildlife while he told us interesting facts! This took approx. 2 hours, then there is an area where you can walk and observe monkeys, birds, cheetahs, etc. and the guide is there to explain all the interesting facts and answer questions! I learned so much! The park is well run and the employees are all very friendly and knowledgeable! You can tell the animals are well taken care of which is what I love! It is pricey but so worth it!

We had the BEST time at this remarkable place! From the cheery and knowledgeable staff to the beautiful accommodations and great meals- it was nothing but a treat! We did the private experience because our child is 18 months and she LOVED being able to feed the animals and I loved getting to nerd out and learn more about the animals from our wonderful guide Sarah. We spent the night in one of the tents and were blown away by how clean and well cared for the room was. My husband and I joked that we literally had the best night of sleep as the beds and bedding were super comfy- and the cool Sonoma air was just what we needed. We had a few staff members go above and beyond and felt like everyone on site was happy to be there. We will absolutely be back!

A shop owner in Calistoga recommended this tour. We had not heard about it and were surprised to find a piece of Africa in Napa Valley.
Do book it with lunch - for a really great price we enjoyed a great lunch - even got some chocolate chip cookies for dessert :D

The jeeps strongly reminded us of the "Antichrist" in the film "Gods must be crazy" and were so fun to ride in and also on top! Our young guide (forgot his name) was great, making sure we got to see these amazing animals up close and explaining a lot about their habits and backgrounds.
The only point of critique I might have is that some of the animals on the walking tour seem in very small enclosures.

This was an excellent visit up close and personal with the animals. Our guide was Jessica and she was outstanding. We were close to giraffes and many other animals. Went in secured areas for some animals and enjoyed seeing the animals so closely and with a guide who knew so much about the animals and the safari park

Our club had their Installation dinner in the Elephant room for our annual Installation dinner. It is hard to please everyone in a large group. We had 45 that night and everyone was so impressed and enjoyed Safari West immensely! Seeing such beautiful animals was a treat.. .the food is absolutely delicious and plenty of it...reasonably priced....these chefs put out 5 star quality food! Our members wish that they could eat there on a regular basis but our understanding is that it is for tours only? We also loved roasting marshmallows and making s'mores in the huge fire pit outside the ambience is amazing all over the grounds...first time there at night we loved all of the garden lights. What we really loved was the staff....everyone is so kind and helpful...kudos to all of the employees at Safari West ...you all provided such excellence and pleasure.....we had a delightful time. Thank you Safari West we look forward to coming again!

We planed this trip for a long time. The trip around the grounds on foot was fun. They need a bigger space for the small cats though. It was fun to go out into the hills and see the animals in a more natural setting.

Awesome Safari adventure in California! Lots of amazing animals and great knowledgable guide! The jeep tour is a great way to get up close to wild african animals in their natural enviornment! Saw giraffes, zebras, rinos, ostrich, just to name a few...
The morning tours can be a bit chilly with the fog lingering-bring a sweatshirt. The ride is bumpy-on unpaved roads, but seats are cushioned. Would recomend taking a turn on the top seats, however climbing up can be difficult! Guided walking tour is also included. Lunch is extra, but was very good with chicken, pulled pork, salads, fruit, mac & cheese, beans, cookie. Advance reservations are required for all activities on site-No walk-ins! I thought this safari experience was well worth the price-compared to actually going to Africa, and you're supporting the animals. Highly recomended!!!

A fun time for me, my sister, neice and nephew. Our guide was very knowledgable about the facility, its history, and all the animals that lived there. The kids loved the opportunity to get up close with the animals. Much better than the experience at a zoo.

Great animal safari and the kids really enjoyed it (and so did we). They took all the necessary precautions due to Covid and we felt very safe. No more than 8 people per vehicle and we were all spaced out from one another. It starts with a 45 minute walking tour, the highlight of which is that you step into the aviary and can see birds just a foot away beside you! We all loved that. On the drive, you can see zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and more. We didn't eat lunch there and note that there aren't a ton of food options close by (the closest would be Calistoga or downtown Santa Rose, about 15 minutes away).

Want an adventure without traveling out of the U.S.? The tour was fantastic - seeing animals up close and with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. I was in complete awe and learned so much. Staying overnight in a Safari tent was great - it was realistic while being comfortable and offering conveniences. I consider myself to be a snob when it comes to food and restaurants so came prepared to survive the food. What a pleasant surprise to find both dinner and breakfast were delicious and offered many options. The weather was perfect - comfortable but not hot. Visit the gift store and find a most unique gift - a Kudu Poo Necklace!

The tour in a Jeep is awesome, but the overnight stay is icing on a cake! I went with my family of young kids. With the overnight stay, you get to hear the animals at night!

Awesome! Grandkids were speechless- staff did an incredible job maintaining the overall experience despite the recent fires!

Highly recommend Safari West. I took my 10 and 12 year old for a Safari and they were skeptical that there could be wild animals in California. Our guide was very knowledgeable and it is clear the owners and staff take caring for their animals very seriously. We saw giraffes, rhinos, zebras, ostriches and many more different types of animals you will only see in the wild in Africa.

They have a nice gift shop too.

What a wonderful experience. Our guide, Sky had us laughing from the start. He was informative in a very entertaining way. The kids had a blast teasing him through out the tour. So much so that I think they would have preferred to go home with him instead of their parents. The animals are absolutely beautiful. It is obvious that they are deeply loved. Staying over night is a must! Such a fun experience. We can't wait to make more memories next time.

What a wonderful experience we had here! It was one of the first rains of the year but business went on as usual. We had the best guide ever, Cindy, and everything was smooth. I especially enjoyed the education we were given by our guide. As a retired teacher I learned many, many things about our world from her. Can’t wait to return and do it again without the wet stuff.

Fun filled place to stay… enjoyed all the animals particularly Lemur Island ( ongoing entertainment) and the “ safari “ with out outstanding witty and informative guide Richard. Stayed 2 nights.

If you ever get a chance to visit Safari West, I would recommend doing the whole experience. We took the tour, stayed the night, had two wonderful meals and the Best Part was the Rhino Encounter!!!! Erica was great and I got to meet "Wally" When in the area check this place out!!

What a jewel of an experience - fun for families and also business groups. Staff is knowledgeable and makes it fun and entertaining for all ages. The food is wonderful - we all had such a good time! Looking forward to our next visit there.

We arrived mid-afternoon and were greeted by a friendly, courteous and professional front office staff. After checking into our unique and comfotable luxury safari tent, one of about 30 on property (each of which is set apart from the others, but all of which are within eyeshot and earshot of the animals), we joined our 2:00 pm tour of the property.

Our tour guide, Richard, was accommodating, experienced and entertaining. The tour (both the 45-minute walking portion and the over 2-hour riding portion in an old but customized war surplus jeep), was fantastic! We even saw some fascinating real world activity when one of the scores of guinea fowl roaming on the property flew into the cheetah den. While the ensuing cheetah/guinea fowl action (won by the cheetah) was not for all, we thought it was a rare and unique glimpse into a wildlife window not often expereinced by suburban dwellers. The cheetah/hyena interactions after the cheetah's conquest (they are in adjoining pens separated by a see-through fence) also was fascinating to watch.

Aided by the good fortune of an incredibly clear and sunny afternoon, the driving tour was memorable. The time we spent sitting in the seat located above the cab was amazing - what views!

After the driving tour, we enjoyed a delicious dinner and drinks served by another courteous staff team. The rubbed chicken served in the buffet was unlike any we had ever had - it was delicious! After dinner and dessert (S'mores and brownies with ice cream), armed with flashlights provided by the staff, we roamed around the walking areas of the property and viewed numerous animals and birds during the night. We saw a lot of green eyes peering back at us from a distance when the animals were flashed briefly with the light.

Depending on your perspective, the non-stop mixture of sounds from the frogs, birds and animals on site during the night was either a symphony or a cacophony. If the former, you will be in for a treat. If the latter, bring earplugs!

Our morning walk around the propery before breakfast, with tasty and piping hot coffee in hand, was enjoyable, especially our time chatting with one of the keepers who was feeding the porcupines. The continental breakfast, which included homemade peanut butter, honey, lavendar-pear jam, and blackberry jam, was tasty and hit the spot.

Our chekout at 11:00 am was efficient. (We were driven to and from our tent before and after our stay in the staff's jeep - very convenient.)

Thank you, Safari West Team, for a fabulous experience - well done!

We were ENCHANTED by the experience - from the time we checked in to the time we checked out.. You will be driven to your tent with your luggage and there you will find an ice chest, water, ice, glasses and a needed flash light

This was such a nice visit. My hubby and I had a great time. We loved touring around to all the exhibits and the workers were so nice. Also, the meal was delicious. Thanks Safari West!

Loved Safari West. We had an exceptional tour guide. He was entertaing, funny, engaging and very professional. We had the most memorable day. As an added treat make reservations for lunch. The food was wonderful.

Have been here several times and always wonderful. You should definitely stay over in one of the glamping tents. Great safari ride and fun and delicious diner too!

I would’ve given this a 3 star review if I was just basing it off our tour guide but the entire facility shouldn’t suffer over my lack of enthusiasm for one of their employees! My best friend and I have been guides ourselves in a high profile zoo so our expectations are pretty high and thus were very much disappointed in the lack of information shared by our guide John about the facility’s animals and it’s conservation efforts. The two hour Jeep tour ran late because of his less than exciting long stories being shared and thus made me cranky because it made us late to our very delicious lunch! However, we enjoyed the walking tour and were happy to see that the diverse collection of animals in the establishment had superb animal welfare! This definitely is a wild place to visit while looking for something different to do in wine country, just wish I would’ve had some wine for that Jeep tour is all!

Amazing tour for my company, the buffet lunch was great and had delicious options for my vegetarian staff too! My 6 year old son left his wallet in the gift center, they found it and even put an adorable sticker in it with a kind note when we went back to pick it up a day later. Amazing staff, kind, knowledgeable, and they all made our entire time at Safari West amazing. Thank you!

we didn't know, but you need reservations. fortunately, the ticket office checked and found us 4 spots. we were not disappointed.

Our visit to Safari West was truly spectacular. And one we’ll never forget. We enjoyed a safari ride through the grounds and saw many animals roaming the hillsides. Overnight accommodations were very nice and food served during mealtimes was very good and plentiful. You will hear animal sounds all night long if you spend the night. We spent our second day with many of the animal keepers feeding, training, and enriching the lives of the animals. I was amazed by how many of the animal keepers are young adults with such passion for the animals they are responsible for. They feed, care for and love the animals several times a day. They count every animal species every day. We saw many babies on our visit, even a zebra born that very morning and was only hours old when we saw it. The ostriches were very entertaining. They would walk down the road in front of the truck and then just sit down in the middle of the road. When the feed truck would stop they would come up to us and eat out of the buckets of food we were distributing. The highlight of our visit was my wife being able to train, feed and even pet a giraffe. Many times I was overcome with emotion realizing how precious and important the lives of the animals are. Our only regret was that the three white rhinoceros were in their shelters when we fed them and they didn’t come out. If you care even a little about animal conservation or nature conservation you must go and experience Safari West. I highly recommended either of the keeper of the day tours.
BTW every animal has a much better life here than in the wild. Guarantee they will not be eaten by a predator nor killed by a poacher. Keep up the good work.

Often times when in Sonoma we would drive past Safari West and basically keep driving. WHAT A MISTAKE! At the behest of our daughter while we were visiting her we decided to book a tour and it was well worth the price. The facility is a first rate breeding and endangered species rescue facility with a friendly and exceptionally knowledgeable staff. Our guide, Robert has 14 years experience and it shows. Not only did it basically exude a true passion and knowledge for and of the animals but was a master at defusing what could have been a very unpleasant incident with a difficult young guest and his distraught parent.

All in all, Safari West was undoubtedly the best three and a half hours that we spent in a long time. By the way, the also serve a sit down very well prepared cookout as well as Glamping facilities

The safari was just as incredible the 2nd time around. Seeing the zebras, spotting the baby rhino and especially the giraffes wanting to greet us was a highlight for us. Our guide, Justin was the best! He was engaging, very knowledgeable and his animal themed jokes kept the group entertained. The walking tour was just as amazing. Walking through the aviary and seeing beautiful birds, watching the monkeys play, seeing an active caracal which we got to hear hiss, and spotting a cute fennec fox taking a nap with its cute ears. We had such a fun experience and Safari West is highly recommended! We will be back again soon.

We spent one night in 2 tents, 4 adults, 2 kids.
The 6/4 year olds will hopefully remember the experience a very long time.
I recommend spending the night if you can & do the tour the following morning.

My friend and I went to several safaris but this one, wow the best!!! The guide was very knowledgeable about the animals and the place was very clean and well maintain. What I love about it was that we got to be so close to the animal, all the animals were majestic , we did not stay for dinner but next time we will bring friends and stay for dinner. It’s better than San Diego safari. It’s a must visit activity , highly recommend !!

The guided tour started with about a 45 min walk through. Then we hopped on the Jeep and drove the enclosures where the animals roamed free. As you can see from the photos the giraffes particulao came very close.

Amazing place been 4 times now over the years.
Tours are part walking and part visiting in old 1948 open army 1/2 ton trucks
Stay the night glamping in one of the tents like those in safari in Africa. I can attest having been
Recommend! Reserve early as it fills up

My husband and I visited Safari West in March after being there in Oct when the Napa and Sonoma Fires began and quickly spread very close to the preserve. We are from Cincinnati and were so happy to return and see Napa and Sonoma once again thriving. Also very relieved none of the animals perished in the fires even though it was quite close. We enjoyed our tour quite a bit w Jane and Jeff. Jeff did our walking tour where we saw lots of birds in the aviary, beautiful cheetahs, lemurs and porcupines. Jane then took us away on our Jeep portion of the tour and she was so full of knowledge. Quite an asset to Safari West. It was a very interesting tour learning about hoofed animals that are endangered and you usually do not hear a lot about or see in zoos. Our day was wonderful fun and an educational experience. Be sure to take a camera, sunglasses and if riding on top of the jeep, a hat.

I accidentally found this place searching things to do for kids in napa, this place is amazing for the kids. We stayed in a tent inside the park very nice accommodations,
food was surprisingly good ( I was very skeptical it was typical buffet but it wasn't)
and the safari trip was great. Certainly it's not Africa but it's the next best thing without
traveling 75+ hours round trip and spending $15,000 plus dollars. Highly
recommend this place it exceeded all my expectations.

One tip the tents don't have AC so I imagine it would get pretty hot during the height of summer weather.

We thought the tours were nicely planned. We went on a walking tour first in which we received a lot of information on the birds and animals along the way. Next we did the jeep tour and our guide was very knowledgeable. It was over 2 hours and well worth it. We went with a group, spent the night and ate dinner and breakfast. Loved it all.

The Wonder in the woods was a great Valentine’s Day surprise for my wife. 30 minutes up the hill from Napa wine country. This was a great trip. We added on the lunch as well. Great guides with a wonderful Safari setting!

My family had so much fun at Safari West. Our tour guide was beyond awesome. We had lunch on site and the food was good. I don’t like beans very much but the way they cooked their beans were actually very good. Wish there were more choices for food.

We love coming for the 4 PM safari tour and staying for dinner afterward. Sometimes there is a talk on some kind of animal or a conservation topic after dinner and we sign up for those, too. Once we saw an ocelot and learned why they do not make good house pets. We stayed overnight in a very fancy tent and that was fun, too.

Safari West is a great family experience and not what I expected. We did the two hour ride, plus an hour walking tour. Our guid for the three hours was very knowledgeable and patient with the kids.

Do take water with you on the ride, which you can buy in the gift shop. Don’t expect a quick tour, enjoy the time doing something other than wine tasting around the area.

After the tour you can continue to walk around and see the animals.

I have lived in Santa Rosa for 45 years and never visited Safari West until Father's Day 3 days ago. I was absolutely amazed how great the experience is. From start to finish the animals were incredibly fascinating and beautiful. Cheetah, cape buffalo, African antelope, flamingo, ostrich, rhino, zebra, and yes, the fabulous giraffes coming right up to our vehicle! The staff were very helpful and friendly. Our guide, Erin, was highly educated on every specie and went out of her way to please.
After the motor tour and walking tour we had a visit to the really good gift shop and then a great bbq dinner. We had a great time and I want to thank Safari West for giving me the best Father's Day in years.
Do not miss this adventure!

If you have tweens, you know what I mean — they’re hard to please and whine too much. The tour is just the right amount of time - you walk for 45 minutes and see cheetahs porcupines, birds, and monkeys and then get to ride in a Jeep for about 90 minutes. Guides are really knowledgeable, and encourage questions. They must feed the animals on the side of the paths b/c you really see a lot, up close and personal. Ask about the founder and how he saved the place during the fires. Definitely a great place to spend the afternoon. We didn’t do the meal or stay there - not sure that would be worth the price. But the tour definitely is.

I can't tell you how highly I recommend you taking your family on this tour! We ate lunch at their buffet, then set out on the tour. EXCELLENT is the best way to wrap this up, don't miss it. We would have liked to stay overnight in one of their tents, however, understood that with the recent fires that was not obtainable.

We took the 2 p.m., 3 hour Safari tour. It was a lovely trip and worth the cost for us. The animals were beautiful and it was fun to ride around amongst the beautiful green rolling hills. We booked on a Friday in the winter, so although plenty of people and full, I could see how the summer months could be stifling and feel overcrowded. We went after days of rain, so the hills were green, the creeks flowing, and the animals excited to be out in the sun with the new spring growth. Thinking it was a midweek, and less crowded, the process of splitting people into groups for the tours, seemed to take longer than it should have. We were told to check in at 1:45 & we didn't get into our tour to close to 2:30. Maybe during the busier times, they have more employees and it goes a bit faster.
We also booked the buffet lunch before the tour. The lunch was tasty enough for the price, and you get plenty of food. For vegetarians, there wasn't a lot of extra choices. However, there was plentiful green salad & asparagus with mushrooms. My husband said the asparagus was too salty. The potato salad was full of mayonnaise, and they put sugar and pineapple in the ranch beans. If you're a meet eater, there was plenty of BBQ chicken and pulled pork, with little white rolls that you could make sandwiches out of. The tea, coffee, and hot chocolate was included. The plus about eating lunch there is you get more time to look out at the animals, which is really what you're paying for. Again, all of the outside tables were full, so busier times you would have to eat inside.
The cost for booking on line, tour and lunch came to $274.27. Somewhat pricey for an afternoon. The bonus is, you can walk around as much as you want for that price. So we got there early and viewed all of the animals that were caged. Pretty much what you will get to see if you spend the night. Although, I'm sure the sunrises and sunsets looking out at the animals is beautiful. They put the giraffes in the barn at night, so you won't be looking out at them. Santa Rosa is close enough that you could find more cost effective lodging if you're worried about the expense. If money is not a concern, I'd be into spending the night. More time watching animals is always a good thing.

Safari West was amazing experience. Definitely recommend bringing your kids or do a romantic trip with your love and stay in one of their glamping tents.

I planned a trip to Safari West for my son's 12th birthday in October. However, the fires that ravaged the Sonoma County, understandably, caused our trip to be postponed. Even with the devastation that the area, and undoubtable the staff as well, were going through, Safari West Staff reached out to me in advance of my scheduled trip to offer me a full refund or a rescheduled trip. I rescheduled, as we still wanted to make the visit and wanted to continue to support the business when it when they were back up and running.

I would read the updates posted on their website and on their Facebook page, updating caring people on the status of the animals in their care. Ultimately, we were just hoping that they would all remain safe. It was truly miraculous that the park, due to good fortune and the owner who helped put out spot fires on the property, that they had no loss of life.

Our visit was on a crisp Saturday afternoon, November 25, 2017. We were greeted by our tour guide and driver, Alex, and our giant, yellow, tour truck. The tour and Alex did not disappoint. He was knowledgeable and funny and kept all the guests engaged and entertained. The tour lasted around 2 1/2 hours and took us across the sprawling property. The beginning of a guided on-foot tour included a large aviary that we got to enter and walk about. We were followed by one of the residents the whole way, a type of crane I think.

We later jumped into the aforementioned giant, yellow, tour truck. My favorite part was the section when we came up to the zebras. They were so sweet and had such playful personalities. We also got the opportunity to get up very close to the "puppy dogs" of Safari West, a herd of Watusi cattle. Their large horns are, at first, intimidating, but with their docile nature, it was just impressive and beautiful to see them so up close. I had to neglect my inner 10-year old's urge to reach out and pet all of the animals we came into contact with.

This place may disappoint some who are looking to get so close to every animal that they too feel like they can reach out and touch them. Such expectations are just unreasonable. Also, this place is not a zoo or an actual African Safari. Spoiler alert, you are not going to see African animals wild in nature. I do not expect to pull alongside the rhinos and have them openly grazing beside our truck. That probably wouldn’t be the safest, prudent choice so I appreciate the park separating them. What I was happy to see was a well

I have been wanting to see Safari West for several years and just a few days ago, I finally got to see it! I was not disappointed! It was everything I had hoped it would be! We stayed in a cabin which was roomy with a King Size Bed. The bed was very comfortable with an electric blanket. We used it as the room was cold but they have a portable heater so being cold was a choice. 😁 The bathroom is nice with all that you need. The view from the cabin was great and each cabin has a balcony. It is expensive to stay in the cabins but if you add up the cabin with our tour, dinner and breakfast, you will realize the price is good. Our tour guide, Brady, was so much fun and his humor made the tour very enjoyable. We got to ride on top of the Jeep for half the tour then had to switch with the people riding down below. Only fair but phooey. lol. Loved seeing all the animals. Please read about Safari West and the fire in the fall. It is quite a story and you will see how close the fire came to destroying this place. If you choose to stay in a cabin, be aware it could get noisy with the birds and animals. I have no problem with this as it is all a part of the fun staying there! I am looking forward to a return visit. I hope you will put Safari West on your bucket list!

We were in the general area to see family, and wanted to do something unique for NYE, and stumbled upon this. It was really fun to stay on site in the tents. The glamping is quite beautiful, and we enjoyed hearing the animals all night, and feeling part of it. Be aware that that is ultimately a zoo, and not a safari experience with wildlife, but it's still a lot of fun, educational, and you get to see and experience interesting animals up close.

Arrived at park without reservation due to not realizing we needed one. Upon approaching the girl at the front desk we were greeted with rudeness. Trying to allow time to see if the attitude would change, I asked if my family could get in later and was given more snark with a price sheet as if insinuating in silence “are you sure you can afford this?”. As another person approached, we were again rudely asked to MOVE aside. It was like torture trying to get out of her another opportunity for us to visit the park. We ultimately decided to leave. Our departing comment from staff was to firmly insist we don’t take it upon ourselves to wander around the park ourselves. SERIOUSLY?!?! Who would do that? For future reference to management, if they bother to read this, I would suggest training the staff to ask in this situation for any other future openings with even a hint of politeness would be helpful.

I felt like we were on a safari in the African plains. Lots of animals to see and knowledgeable guides to tell us all about them. We had lunch with our admission. The food was very good.

The tour guide can make or break a tour. We were lucky to have Cyndy who was full of knowledge and fun. Visiting after Labor Day meant fewer crowds and the two of us were fortunate to to get a private tour. It was fun and we learned a lot along the 2 hour drive. It was exciting getting up close to the giraffes and zebras.
The next time we go, we'll spend a night in their glamping tent.

Had a day tour in Safari West last July 2021 with family. All ages will enjoy the tour (total of 3 hours, which includes a walking tour). Ours was led by Richard who was very engaging with each guest in the group - very knowledgeable, spontaneous, and a great tour driver! We were comfortably seated with twelve guests in the jeep - this was pre-Delta covid surge. Everyone had a turn on top of the jeep and we were offered the use of an umbrella while we were on the jeep rooftop (didn't feel the need to use it; we took the 10AM tour). It was great to have fun and at the same time learn about the animals that we saw. Might be considered pricey by some, but worth it in my opinion.

It was very expensive ( $90/adult, 45 for children, Plus a $ 13 charge for booking online!!!, plus a "suggested" tip of 20% for our driver.
There are mostly antelope for viewing from the vehicle, and most of the area was dirt, with no grass. So the reason most of the animals were resting at 1:00 pm is because they are all fed by the gamekeepers, with large bins full of food still there.
No lions, elephants, etc.
Highlights were the giraffes, ostriches, zebras which were OK to get our truck close to, and the large aviary, behind netting.
Our advice is to not book the 1 pm trip, because the animals will be resting in the shade.
The snack bar was not manned when we arrived and it took a game warden to get the attendant back.

WEll done throughout in creating a safari experience. Excellent very knowledgeable guide for our safari tour. Loved all the animals. Learned far more than expected. Service overall was friendly and very accommodating. We were there on a er hot day and the misting machines outdoors, along with fans kept us comfortable. All details have been considered and planned for. Accommodations were comfortable, authentically safari-like and food was great! Highly recommend!

The safari ride through the grounds was amazing. The number of different animals we saw was much more than expected. The drive was great and knowledgeable. We were supposed to go to Africa on safari but health issues prevented it. This was a great substitution. Highly recommended for all ages.

Safari west offers three hour jeep tours through their 200 acres of forest. Animals like rhinos, giraffes, water buffalo, porcupine, monkeys, fox, zillions of birds and many more things are easy to see and very close to you. The tour guide is very knowledgeable and you learn so much. You can also go glamping there for the night. It’s an incredible place to visit.

It was great fun and enjoyable specially for kids and family to spend 3/4 hours with some animals. We were twelve with five kids from three families, the Guide was a jolly senior knowledgeable person who illustrated the history and background of the animals their nature behavior. He answered all the questions asked. We all went nearer to Girrafe with longest neck Zebra we closely seen Rhino. It was amazing experience and great fun for all of us specially for kids .

Fun safari with great guides. Wonderful to see animals able to roam, especially the giraffes and zebras. The jeep was comfortable, and be sure to sit on top, which has the best view. I Ubered there, but note that there is no cell service at Safari West entrance, and you might be overcharged once the Uber driver leaves and gets to a place with cell service. But, you will be refunded if you email Uber regarding any overcharge. If you have a car, there is plenty of parking.

We had a terrific tour guide, Ann, who was so much fun and gave us so much insight to the animals' behavior as we were watching them. The staff clearly care very much for their animals, and the whole experience was amazing and educational, and super fun as well. The kids loved it (and the adults did too).

My husband decided to surprise me with a trip away for my birthday. He told me nothing about what we were going to do so I just went along for the ride. To my pleasant surprise, we drove up to Safari West and had a one night stay in one of their tent cabins. He had been to the park several years ago before we met and we both mentioned that it would be fine to try it out someday. I am glad we did.

First let me say that it is important to keep in perspective your expectations about the hotel accommodations. It is clear that this experience was not the Four Seasons but if you go in having realistic expectations, you will have a good time.

After we checked in at the front desk, the staff drove us to our cabin. We were up in one of the higher cabins facing the pond (less noise that the cabins near the registration building). The room came with a king size bed, two sitting chairs, a table and four chairs on the deck overlooking the pond, and a full bathroom including a shower, toilet and sink. While the doors to the outside were made of wood (there are no locks on the doors), the walls and ceiling were a part of the tent. Since the rooms get cold at night, they offer a room space heater and electric blankets.

An added bonus was that my husband purchased the "romance package" that included a couples massage in your room (nice) along with dinner and breakfast (both of which were very good). The next morning we took the 2.5 hour tour of the property and was able to see a lot of animals (be sure to go on the tour in morning when all the animals are awake).

Again, while this is not a 5 star resort, we had a great time and would recommend others to try it out. Just be sure to bring your earplugs if you are a light sleeper...the animals can be pretty loud throughout the night. :)

We took our young grandson with us and we rode in a jeep and visited all around the grounds with animals you would not normally see except for in the zoo. Most of these animals roll around in areas just for them. We were extremely happy that this place was Untouched by the fires in the area they did everything they could to make sure it was saved! If you are in the area this may be something you'd like to do with your children or grandchildren or nieces or nephews or yourselves!

Wonderful place, our guide Leslie was friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great time. It was interesting and well maintained.

We have been to Safari West about a dozen times with different friends and family. We love the dinner buffet they have and the special events for locales and Earth Day ( our sons birthday) Every trip is unique and different and the staff is amazing. If you love animals, this is a must.

Took the jeep tour with adult family and thoroughly enjoyed it. Intend to return sometime for the glamping. Appreciated the conservation and educational mission of the Foundation.

We’ve actually stayed here in one of the Safari tents when our kids were in elementary school. It was a blast! The dinner is delicious and the tents are so comfortable. It feels like what I imagine a luxury stay on a safari would feel like. Listening to the animals wake you in the morning is special. Such a unique experience that I would highly recommend!

Aviary had the most unusual selection of birds. It was amazing! Brought my teen daughters and nephew and they all loved the bumpy jeep ride and getting up close with the giraffe, zebra and ostrich. Our tour guide, Jeff, was extremely knowledgeable and could answer all of our questions about the animals. The rhinos were impressive too. In all, a wonderful day trip to get out of the SIP blues. Highly recommend!

We came up to Safari West for the weekend, doing a tour of the park on Saturday afternoon, and staying overnight in one of their "tents". I came in with fairly low expectations, it turned out to be one of the best weekends we've had.

First the tour. You are taken through the animal enclosures on a large, specially adapted jeep. Make sure you get a turn "on top" - four seats on the roof, mounted above the driver's position. The view is spectacular. The park is enormous, meaning the animals have plenty of room to roam. The scenery is also beautiful, set in the hills above Santa Rosa. Out guide was excellent - knowledgable, friendly and helpful throughout. He took us to see all the animals, and was able to tell us entertaining and moving stories about individual animals as well as lots about the species and their behaviors. The tour is about 3 hours long - 45 minutes walking around "base camp", then 2+ hours on the jeep. Make sure you take a *lot* of water with you - its really hot out there.

We then stayed overnight in a tent. This really was an experience - it's not a tent, its a house, that has canvas walls. They sit on substantial wooden platforms, and have real beds, a proper shower, a real toilet etc. It's basically a full cottage, but you still feel like you're in a tent. This is super glamping. We had dinner booked, and it was excellent - sitting outside round a huge firepit, which they grilled our meat on. Excellent wine and beer selection at reasonable prices, and really good salad with the meal

I can't recommend Safari West enough. Everyone was super friendly, our daughters (9) really enjoyed themselves, playing with lots of other kids, and absolutely riveted by the tour. We're already planning our next trip there.

We decided to give this gift of love to our entire family for Christmas. The grandkids were so patient waiting for this adventure to start. Or as our youngest granddaughter would say, our Ferrari!

I can’t put into words how much fun and how exciting it was to watch their faces while we were on the tour and especially spending the night in such beautiful tents. Our guide, SKY, was absolutely fantastic. We could not stop laughing. His knowledge was wonderful but the way he delivered it made our experience that much more fun. I definitely recommend this experience to anybody. Personally I think spending the night is the only way to go!

If your in the area take the time to visit Safari West, Tour trucks and guides make for an exciting experience. Our guide had plenty of interesting stories that made the time fly by. Visit and help a number of endangered species being reintroduced into their habitat.

I had a business trip in Santa Rosa and decided to bring my family along. We were going to stay at a hotel but for almost the same price, we discovered Safari West. It was the perfect place to leave my family while I attended to business. They really enjoyed the safari and all the animals. The barbecue was excellent and the tents where we stayed was more like a luxury hotel room with a shower, hot water, electricity and heat. Just be aware that there is no Wi-Fi and the only cell service that works there is AT&T. I would definitely come back here.

For my mom’s 60th birthday we did “Zookeeper for a Day”. The day started with filling grain buckets and loading hay. Next we were off to feed the warthogs, rhinos, giraffe, kudu, ostrich and other African hoof stock. We were climbing in and out of their feed truck with hay/grain and having the time of our lives the WHOLE time. Next we had a delicious lunch and were off to feed the cheetahs, birds, monkeys and small animals. The day ended with a grand finale of getting to wade over to lemur island (in boots) and hand feed them. WHAT A DAY! We had the best time. Every keeper we got to spend time with was wonderful and kept track of our time so we never needed to look at a clock. After the day was done we were taken to our tent overlooking the giraffes. Dinner and the tent stay was included in the price ($1000 total). We made the best memories and had one of the most incredible days here. It was a real treat and very special that every keeper was excited that we were having such a nice time. We LOVED it!!

We stayed overnight in one of the tent cabins, ate dinner and breakfast, and went on the jeep safari the next day and the whole family had a blast. We were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the accommodations and food and the kids loved the seats on top of the Jeep. April was a good time of year to visit - rainy season should be done and not super hot yet.

I am from Sonoma County so it was a short drive but felt like I was far away. We stayed overnight and the tent was great. (Even though it was warm during the day it did get pretty cool during the night so next time would know to prepare for that.)
LOVED waking up to the sounds of wild animals on the big property. The meals were great, it is extremely kid/family friendly of course and the service was very good as well. We all loved the tour we did and had a great guide. There were so many animals and to be able to get up close to them was amazing. The people there are extremely helpful and if you stay a bit far from the main area they will give you rides if you request it. If you are there in the evening have a walk around as during the day, especially if it's hot, animals might be sleeping or in the shade. I look forward to returning again!

We had a great time again at Safari West. They have a lot more animals at the front of their zoo- lemurs, birds and big cats. I enjoyed walking around prior to our safari and after. Our guide on Safari was exceptional. He could talk about any animal.
My only real negative comment is that we sat too long at each stop on safari.
They had a lot of animals but we were not able to get close to the giraffe like before which was disappointing. There was an issue with the animals so I think this isn't perminant. Overall I'd go back annually to support this zoo. We had dinner there and they were very gracious to us as it was late. We could sit and watch the lemurs which was wonderful. The grounds are beautiful also. It's a great place to go for the day or to spend the night as they have tent cabins.

I took a family of animal lovers to this nice location in Santa Rosa. It survived the ravages of the wildfires earlier in the year. It is a mixture of smaller cages with a variety of smaller animals, birds and monkeys with open fields of larger animals such as giraffe, ostrich, zebra and elephants and you can get up close and personal with most of them inside your tour jeep. The guides are very knowledgeable and clearly closely involved with the 'vision' here. The animals all look healthy and as far as one can tell happy! My wife and daughter are not supporters of 'caged' animals but they were very pleased with the ways the animals are looked after here and Safari West is playing a part in the conservation and breeding of some of these wonderful animals. This is a fine place both to visit and support - highly recommended.

All regular tours were sold out, so we opted for the early morning behind the scenes. About an hour of feeding porcupines, giraffes, and warthogs and birds. Our tour guide Jeff was knowledgeable and friendly. After the tour we were able to walk around the grounds to see birds, lemurs, monkeys and the grasslands area. Such a great morning and we would gladly go back.

We visited Safari West shortly after the wine country fire and were relieved to find that the preserve was unharmed although the flames came right up to the fence of the rhino paddock.

This is a beautiful place that I wanted to truly love in every respect, but sadly while we were going through the walking tour which turned out to be our favorite part because of the amazing aviary, there was a loud lawnmower going the entire time on the grass right next to us. We couldn’t hear Kendra talk much of the time. In such a beautiful place it seems so wrong to have a lawnmower going right next to the visitors. Better scheduling needs to happen here since it was after 9 o’clock in the morning. Kendra explained the hotel tents needed to be later so as not to wake up anyone but this area it’s not that large to take care of it at six in the morning or after hours. After the safari Kendra took us back into the aviary which was delightful! She really knows her birds and was very knowledgeable during the entire tour.
We are so happy we reserved lunch after our tour. It was outstanding and worth every penny and the best part was that it was almost all gluten-free! Kudos for such kindness towards those with severe allergies.

Our family of 4 went on a Safari West tour. We had a wonderful time. The moment you step in the check in area, you feel like you are in an authentic Safari in Africa. The sounds of the monkeys and birds, the big Jeep, the tour guides, and so much more. Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. She did an amazing job of stopping and explaining about the animals. We were able to see giraffes, rhinos, zebras, goats, birds and more. The giraffe sanctuary is the best one. The animals come really close to the Jeep. Our girls loved riding on the top of the Jeep, too. The animals looked happy and well-kept. The tour takes 3 hours. I would suggest taking some water or hot drinks around with you. Enjoy, we certainly did.

What a fun experience! Upon arrival, we were met with a jeep that transported us and all of our road trip gear to our tent for the night. This is Glamping done right! We were given flashlights so we could wander the trails around our site any time of the night to explore animal night time activity. We were also given earplugs in case the animals were a bit excited to have us as guests (we didn't use them). We had our picnic dinner on our deck and did not experience any bugs!! The animals we had access to (you have to buy the Safari separately) were enough to keep us occupied. Ducks (or geese) chasing the flamingos, a mama bird teaching her fledglings to fly, hyenas, monkeys, cheetas, giraffes, among other entertaining animals. Filling breakfast in the morning and the jeep to take us back to our car. Tents were well spaced so we never heard anyone nearby. Such a great experience, I am recommending it to anyone and everyone.

We went to Safari West for an early morning peek behind the scenes and got to feed the porcupines, warthogs, birds and best of all trip into the giraffe barn! Made a very special birthday present. Thanks Robert for a great morning seeing and feeding the animals here. Will be back!

A bumpy jeep ride, but up close to so many animals. Excellent docent/driver - very knowledgeable. Don't miss this experience when you are in the area.

We had so much fun with our kids ages 6 and 8, and highly recommend this place for families or even adults on their own. We stayed 3 nights in a tent cabin, which was maybe 1 night too long (would recommend 2 nights for your first visit so you don't have to rush, but even 1 night would be plenty of time), but found things to occupy ourselves. My kids loved walking through the zoo habitats and we spent a lot of time observing the animals.

The overnight: Tent was clean and had all the amenities we needed. Room got COLD at night but lots of blankets helped. Space heater turned on randomly through the night--even when the dial was set to "off"--didn't see an automatic setting... (Do I not know how to operate a space heater??) Electric blankets also turned off randomly in the night--even when they were set to 10 hours... Maybe we just got some glitchy equipment. But it wasn't a huge deal. Front door to tent doesn't lock, which wasn't a big deal either, but maybe don't bring valuables if you will worry about them.

The safari tour: Was awesome! Our guide, Kyra, was personable and really informative. She got excited about some of the animals--apparently they don't run much, but we saw quite a few on the move--which was exciting for us, and she was great at talking to kids. First tour of the day, 9am, was just right, as it wasn't too hot and most of the animals were pretty active.

The restaurant: Delicious food at very reasonable prices. I liked the fixed menu--you pick which items you want, or you can have them all. Food was good quality and nicely prepared. Overnight stays come with continental breakfast which was just fine.

Some caveats: This isn't Safari West's fault at all, but we witnessed some bad behavior from the guests that was pretty appalling. Our first night, the people in the tent next to us stayed up on their balcony talking loudly and laughing until one o'clock in the morning. Kept my kids awake and I could hear them even with earplugs. Have some courtesy, people! Also witnessed children chasing geese, trying to hit them with hats (while the parents were standing right there), and children climbing over a fence to stick their hands through the lemur cages (while the parents were standing right there)!! Maybe it bothered me more than it bothers the employees, but it was still distressing to see such flagrant violations of the rules.

Suggestions for the management: Apparently there was supposed to be some kind of welcome guide in our tent, with guidelines (and maybe instructions for the space heater?), but we did not have one. Maybe it was removed due to Covid? Would have been really helpful. Enforced quiet hours among the tent cabins would be great. Also, more signage throughout the property about not touching animals etc. may eliminate some of the afore-mentioned behavioral problems of clueless guests. (Or maybe not.)

Overall: Come visit!!

Enjoyed the private tour of small animals that were brought in after a lunch buffet. Very knowable staff.

The staff was great in general but Kendra was the most amazing guide we’ve ever had. She has so many facts in her head it’s incredibly impressive. The property is amazing. Highly recommend staying one night in a tent.

super fun... took our 6 and 7 years old boys.. Was cool seeing all the animals by the cool jeep..Price is steep but worth it. go in am less hot..

I wanted to surprise my wife for her birthday because she loves animals and wanted to start the morning with something other than drinking wine. We drove an hour from Napa but it was well worth the drive! Safari West was really fun and the guides and the experience was great! We were not able to spend the night in one of the rooms but will differently go back and experiences that along with suggesting this gem to friends and family!

My wife and I brought her cousin from the UK and his partner to Safari West for a tour yesterday, wow what a visit!
For those who have never been (this is a return visit for us, our second in about 10 + years), Safari West is an incredible facility on 400+ acres in Northeast Santa Rosa.
There is a bit of a walking tour for the first hour, followed by a 2 hour driving tour that covers the vast area. There are so many maginificent packs of animals there, it’s unreal and I’m sure I’ll forget a few here!
Many different species of birds, antelope, giraffes, rhinoceros, gazelles, cheetahs, lemurs, zebras, impalas, baboons, and more are found here as well, including many endangered species, some of which are being bred in captivity, to help regenerate the population.
Cyndy our guide, was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout on our safari, and very responsive to all of our questions as well!
There are options to stay overnight at the facility as well, and a cafe that serves lunch and dinner.
It’s all here, at Safari West in Santa Rosa! Come out and see this gem!

Went as a large group and we had a fantastic time. We were lucky enough to see a baby giraffe born, what a treat!! The owner is delightful.

Wonderful experience! Dano was a great guide, he has a deep knowledge of all the animals, he was very informative and congenial.

My friend and went on a "California" Safari where you ride on an open truck that takes 10 passengers to see the animals. We saw the giraffs up close, most of them unpenned and walking close to the truck. There were antelopes, bongo, cheetas, watusi cattle, ostrich, many beautiful colored Ibis, many birds, ducks, even a whistling duck, many varieties of flamingos to name a few. The truck ride is approximately 1.5 hours and a walking tour is about a half an hour. The setting resembled an African serengeti. The have a snack bar where you can get cold drinks and something to eat. They also have a restaurant and cabins if you wish to stay overnight. We had a great time.

They have a different price for children, teens, adults and seniors. Children must be a certain height to sit on top of the truck and it only seats four. If more than four wants to ride there, they rotate the people. Toddlers and infants cannot go on this ride. Minimum age for children is 4 to ride on the truck. You can arrange for a private tour and on the private tour you can take children under the age of 4.

I presume if you stay overnight you can watch sunset or sunrise.

We took afternoon safari tour and it was so much fun. All the animals and birds were so beautiful which made every penny worth.

Would love to go again!

We spent a great day here! Expensive but worth it. The lunch was reasonable, excellent and worth it for a rest and extra chance to enjoy the grounds.

My Fiancé and I were so excited to hear that their weren’t any animals hurt in the recent fires... We had a great time here and were ecstatic that we visited this place in the “slow season.” Their weren’t any overwhelming crowds and we still saw all the animals... We also were able to ride on the top of the suv.

Lastly, we enjoyed a great guide/experience by Alex.

Safari West was a wonderful adventure. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the experience elevated! Thank you

Wow! Who would have ever known we could have such a safari experience in California! We totally enjoyed our ride through the terrain as well as all we learned from Kimberly, our drive/guide! Lots to learn about the animals and they even have lodging options. We didn’t stay there but those we met who did loved it! It seems they take good care of the animals and put a lot of thought into the habitats for each species!

We were truly underwhelmed by our visit to Safari West. The experience fell short of expectations in several ways. The walking tour, which was the more engaging part, included only a handful of species—some monkeys, birds, a fox, and a couple of others. The much-hyped safari drive lasted nearly two hours but consisted mostly of driving through areas with trees and very few animals in sight.

During the drive, we saw a few antelope, zebras, Lammas, rhinos, buffalos, and giraffes—but all from a significant distance. There was no meaningful interaction or immersive animal experience. It felt more like driving past a farm than being on a real safari.

Compared to a typical zoo, Safari West offered far fewer animal species at nearly five times the price. Overall, the visit was a disappointment. It didn’t justify the cost or the time spent, and unfortunately, I would not recommend it. It’s certainly not comparable to an African safari, nor even to a well-organized local zoo.

I got $200 voucher from my sister in law so I decided to take the tour. I went there with my friend and it was our first time to visit safari west. We took afternoon tour and enjoyed lunch at the cafe. I didn’t expect that the food was so good especially the chicken. The tour took quite long time so makes sure you go to the restroom before you go for the tour. We saw a lot of animals Zebras, flamingos, cheetahs and more.

We took our 8 year old grandson there. Talked with Heather on the phone prior to booking and she was very knowledgeable and helpful.

It is slightly over an hour from the Bay Area, Most highways have car pool lanes.

The staff was very helpful at check-in. The cafe had fresh coffee and breakfast and snacks. Bathrooms were clean and plenty.

Our guide/driver was Jeff. He took us on a walking tour for nearly an hour. There were seven kids of 5-11 year olds in our group and Jeff did an excellent job of educating them.

We then spent about two hours on the safari jeep. Kids loved riding on top, but as only eight can go at a time, Jeff organized a switch halfway so that six kids plus an adult each time were on top.

Overall, highly recommended!

This has been on my bucket list and Santa made it happen this year. Gina was our tour guide and she was fantastic! A true immersion experience with animals so much closer than anywhere else, and free to roam. Started off in a fun truck with great views all
Around, finished in foot for an easy hike. My favorite part was seeing Ozzy the new baby rhino!! We got lucky with beautiful weather. We also opted for the lunch after which was pretty good. I’ll be back again in the summer and a picnic.

We took two of our Granddaughters to Safari West and had a wonderful time. We have spend a lot of time in Africa so this was a way of giving Maya and Macey a snapshot of what Africa is like. The tents are similar to the ones we had in Botswana. Our Safari guide, Brady, was very knowledgeable. The food at the barbeque was great.

Our business treated 16 employees to a "Safari experience" including dinner. Everyone was in awe. Wonderful job they are doing with animals. Guides are very knowledgeable,

Visiting Safari West was a wonderful experience, even for a middle-aged couple with no children. The animals looked so healthy and content in their spacious surroundings and our safari guide, Denise, had in-depth knowledge of just about every animal and bird. She was able to answer all the questions from everyone on our tour (a group of 3 different parties including 7 adults and 3 children).
A few reviews posted express disappointment in the safari. I think that is for 2 reasons:
1) Inaccurate expectations. Safari West is not an adventure park or entertainment facility. It is a wildlife preserve dedicated to breeding and conserving rare and endangered species while educating the public. You will not see lions, tigers or elephants but you will see beautiful flamingos, giraffes, an amazing variety of antelope as well as zebras and ostriches. Your guide will explain the origins of each species and the conservancy's efforts to breed and improve genetic diversity. Read through the material on their website carefully for a good understanding of the experience.
2) Weather. The safari experience is entirely outdoors in the foothills east of Santa Rosa. It can be cold & rainy in winter and very hot in summer. The animals may be less active or more inclined to take shelter on really cold/hot days. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Best bits of our tour: the baby rhinoceros, ostriches deciding to block the road at a gate, a cape buffalo bull walking towards our jeep, and a walk through the amazing aviary!
We also paid extra for the BBQ lunch, which was delicious! I recommend this because other then the snack shop, there are no dining options close by and we were hungry after our 3 hour tour. Reservations required for lunch or dinner.

For my birthday I gathered my closest and most animal friendly family and friends to explore this hidden gem and we were not disappointed! The immaculately kept ground is home to more than 100 animal species... I do not remember them all but I had my Chrissy from Three's Company moment hanging out by the Greater African Flamingo's. Our tour guide was from Australia and his accent certainly added a layer of authenticity to the experience. In addition to being a native Australian, he loved his job and it showed in every moment and was expressed in every word. Next time I go, I will stay in one of the luxurious tents that overlooks the giraffes and zebras... I can't wait to have breakfast on the wild side.

I went to Safari West today with my two 20-something daughters and we had a great time. We weren’t sure what to expect for approx. $300 for the three of us, but the experience was worth the cost. First we had a very informative walking tour of the aviary and small mammal section. What a great collection! Then we took the Jeep for a wonderful 2-hour tour of the larger animals, including the wonderful giraffes. The guides are very knowledgeable and patient and obviously love the animals and their work. Riding on top of the Jeep for half the tour was such great fun—don’t miss this! We will come back another time with the rest of the family. Nice gift shop, too. Everyone we met that worked there was kind and utterly helpful. Good work, Safari West!

We went for a Safari, dinner, stayed the night in one of their tents, and then had breakfast. A wonderful experience all around. The Safari was excellent. Our tour guides were awesome and the experience was relaxed and unrushed they didn't seem to be in a hurry or on a time clock. Being that close to the animals was amazing, and the tour guides were very knowledgeable and cared about the animals. The overnight in the tent imported from Botswana was one of a kind and not to be missed. The tent was clean and beautiful on the inside and out. No random bugs or other critters. The beds were comfortable and cozy. It was noisy but amazing to hear all of the animals. Truly felt like you were on a real safari. Dinner was excellent as was breakfast. They didn't skimp on food and it showed. Everything was delicious and high quality. A wonderful experience I'd recommend to anyone!

Great day--ask for Jeff--he is a great guide! My favorite was the giraffe and rhino. My 80 year old mom loved it as well!

This was a fun jeep tour through the beautiful California countryside in safari spirit! Close up views of animals, not through the fences! You ride right through next to them! Great photo opportunities! Our guide was VERY knowledgeable and A LOT of fun!

We booked the Safari for a bachelorette party surprise for our friend who is a biologist! We thought it would be a great surprise and it was. I thought the guides were very knowledgable and passionate about their jobs. I have been on several safari's in Africa and learned more at Safari West! That being said, I think that the safari cars are a cool concept but they are incredibly slow & hard for the guides to start. The tour also felt long - 3.5 hours. I thought we would be driving a little more and less stops. I think they could do the same tour in 2 or 2.5 hours and have it be just as enjoyable. That is the reason why I'm giving 4 instead of 5 stars. The highlight was definitely driving through the giraffe encounter - if you can ask to be sat on the top of the car for this I'd highly recommend that!

This animal park is worth a trip--the staff is very friendly and enthusiastic. The safari tour is fun because the staff makes it so. The animals are very visible.

Nice stay at Safari West.

My daughter, two grand girls (6 and 4) and I just spend one night at Safari West. It is an easy drive from Petaluma. My daughter got as a cabaña with 2 beds. The whole set up was very nice: comfortable beds, nice bathroom, and an outside seating area to see the day pass by.

We arrive early afternoon and took possession of our room. After that, we went for a walk to see the animals in their habitats. They have quite the variety! Dinner reservations at 7 pm. I had a very good night sleep and woke up early. I went for a walk to hear the animal sounds as they wake up. After breakfast, we met with our tour guide-jeep driver. His name is Robert. He decided to take us for a walk first so we could see the animals in the cages before the day got too hot so they were still active (very smart!). After that, we climbed on the jeep and off we went. Robert is very knowledgeable and had good stories about the animals. I can’t thank him enough for all his help.

At some point, my oldest granddaughter had the chance to ride on the very top seat on the truck, so we switched seats with other passengers. It is quite the view from up there! We finished the ride, thanked Robert for all his help and left the facility.

If you are ever in the Bay Area, come and visit Safari West. It is just 2 hours north from San Francisco.

My sister, brother-in-law, 25 yr old daughter and me spent almost $500. to see a handful of animals & listen to a guide talk down to us. There weren't any kids in our group, but he acted as if none of us had seen a wild animal before. It was a big disappointment for all of us.

This was by far an experience that I am so pleased we decided to do.
We surprised our three girls (one who recently celebrated turning 12, the other 8 and our youngest is 6) They had a blast. Brought grandma along too; and she was thrilled to be a part of our Safari trip.
We stayed the night and Glamped it up.

Chose their Dinner BBQ. It was filling. Dining area was the perfect ambiance. Food was good…continental breakfast was a nice layout and a nice surprise, as I didn’t realize that breakfast was included in our overnight stay.

Sleeping quarters were relaxing and clean.
However, be prepared for a noisy nights sleep. Animals don’t sleep at night. But it really was part of the whole experience. I didn’t mind it. Husband couldn’t sleep. Kids did stay up a bit later than usual due to animal calls, but again part of the experience.

I think if they had a pool I would stay here for a week!
Animals look happy. Can’t get enough of those lemurs. Land and views were pretty.
It’s obvious the people who work with the animals (2legged included) really enjoy what they do. They are committed to the animals and educating people about them.

I’m looking forward to going back again.

I'm really impressed with the entire operation of Safari West! The tours were orderly, informative, relaxing, and fun. The facilities like waiting areas, snack bar, restrooms were super nice and clean. The tour is 2-hours plus a 1 hour walking tour. The truck is covered and is quite comfortable (but expect that it will be bumpy at times). Riding on the top is really fun too. The animals of course are a lovely to see. The tour guide is knowledgeable and this goes at a slower pace to go more into detail about the animals. The walking tour portion is quite nice too with a range of animals and birds. The nice way to end the tour with a lunch. Lunch is an additional price and reservations, but I highly recommend it. The food is good and is a good price considering it is a buffet. I liked that Safari West literally had no lines since it's all reservation. We went with two adults plus two kids age 6 and 9. It was great for their age. However, I'd say anyone would enjoy this. It's not just for kids.

One note, you are on a shared two hour ride (of about 12 people total including your group), so be kind and courteous to others. Be open to sharing your row, or perhaps putting your backpack by your feet instead of on the seat etc. Definitely offer to have others sit at the top for their turn.

Reminder - There's no stopping on the bus tour, so use the restroom before!

This was a thrilling experience. No mopey zoo at all. Safari West is a top notch animal research facility. You can feel how much they care about providing a superb quality of life for the animals in their care. You get to travel in a refurbished jeep (definitely take a turn on the top deck) and get up close views of animals roaming freely. The guides are knowledgeable and the spirit uplifting. It's worth having a meal there, not so much that the food is all that great (and it's not bad) but just because it helps to soak in the noises, sights and wonder of all this exotic wildlife. Truly a testament to the beauty of Nature.

We came because we were curious and we are glad we did. The tour was fun and informative. We had the meal package and the food was better than expected. Good for couples and families.

So, the first part of the tour was awesome. The animals had plenty of space and appeared well taken care of and contented. Riding in the Jeep was great, and our tour guide Matt was informative and had a true connection with the animals.
The second part of the tour was heartbreaking. Animals in cages with not enough space. No better than any other zoo. They also breed the animals, so many of these beautiful creatures will never know like outside captivity. There are 2 rhinos who have been together their whole lives, but if they don’t produce babies soon, they will be separated so they can try to get better results with a different male. No consideration given to the fact that they are a bonded pair.
So, a sanctuary no. A money maker yes.
I left feeling despondent over the poor cheetahs in their too small enclosure, and the other poor creatures who will never know like outside of their cage.

One of the most fun and interesting places we have ever stayed. The accommodations in the tent were way above expectations--a real "glamping" experience. There was a lot of room, the bathroom was large, and the bed was comfortable. It got chilly at night but the room heater they provided kept it toasty as did the extra blankets and electric blanket. We signed up for the BBQ dinner and the food was excellent. My husband especially relished the brownie sundae for dessert. You forget just how many stars there are when you star-gaze from the deck at your tent. We were prepared for animal noise during the night but except for a few times it was exceptionally quiet and peaceful. The jeep tour of the property only added to the adventure. The guides were a wealth of knowledge about the property and the animals. Lots of baby animals to see. We were in Tent 18 overlooking the antelope area and made for great sights. This is a place made for adults and children alike.

Loved our overnight stay in a safari tent. Read the reviews and skipped the dinner and brought our own food and wine to enjoy on the lovely deck. Had no trouble sleeping whatsoever and thought it was delightful. Great free breakfast too.
We also enjoyed walking around the property and the enclosures. Lots of fabulous birds if that is your thing. We took the safari tour the next day and was, well, underwhelmed. It was nice. We saw a lot of animals. Our guide was over the top ingratiating, which detracted some. Quite honestly, for the money, I would have skipped it and spent the morning enjoying our tent and surrounding area.
I would also consider going back for just that purpose

I stayed overnight for 2 nights with my adult goddaughter, went on 2 tours, and ate at the Savannah Cafe.

Tents:
- The authentic canvas tents are spacious (we stayed in #18) with their own decks
- Fully equipped bathroom with shower stall (no bathtubs for those of you who like them).
- We had very cool weather and the provided heater, electric blankets, and ceiling fan were perfect for temperature control. The bathroom does get cold so keep the door closed.
- They provide a cooler.
- Several electrical outlets.
- Very soft and comfortable beds.
- Bring slippers - floor gets cold!
- If you are a light sleeper, bring ear plugs and a sleeping mask - the animals definitely make noise.
- No mobile phone coverage (except AT&T) or internet/WiFi in the tents. Must go down to the Savannah Cafe area to get WifI and a mobile signal.
- No locks on the tents so if you are concerned about that when you're away from your tent, leave those items in your car.

Tours:
- We did the private Fast Cat Alley tour and it was just the 2 of us with the staff member. Sarah is the lead handler for Sahara the cheetah and was very knowledgeable and friendly. It was a great experience to be so close to the cheetahs and see a bit of the behind the scenes. If you are a big cat lover, this is worth it.
- We also did the Classic Safari tour with Alex. They make sure that they stop and switch out who gets to sit on the top. Alex was also very knowledgeable, engaging, and humorous. The tour is about 2.5 hours and you get to go in the back acreage and see many more animals and be in their same space.

Meals:
- Complimentary breakfast for overnight guests (scrambled eggs, oatmeal, fruit, bread/pastries, coffee, juice).
- Dinner is by reservation only with an appetizer buffet and a braii (barbecue) buffet (2 meat options, rice, veggies, etc.), and dessert. All very good.

Summary:
This was a fun and unique experience with glamping and being up close with beautiful animals in a way that you don't get in a traditional zoo. It's also in a great location with easy access to Napa and Sonoma and would be great for a day trip if you are staying in wine country.

it is a great place to take the family. Really cool animals to see and experience. I would highy recommend this place for a day trip or an overnight stay

We had been told this was a must see and finally were passing by with the time to visit. I didn't do any research and didn't know reservations were needed, but we were lucky to be only an hour from the next tour AND there was two available spots! Like it was meant to be.
It is expensive, but well worth it.
My beloved late aunt Rita was the one who told us we should visit, and she said try to get the best tor guide you can. We got the best tour guide they have! No disrespect to any of the other drivers,. but we got THE BEST guide! I think her name was Janice. She was AWESOME!

We had an amazing visit to Safari West and our guide, Syndey (I hope I have spelt that correctly) was truly awesome. Very helpful and passionate and made sure we had a personalised experience based on the animals behaviour and the interests of an all adult, international group. She is to be commended on her engaging and insightful talk and real care and concern that we all had a great time.

If you have the opportunity to visit Safari West to see the animals, up close and personal in this huge setting, you must.

This is worth the trip and the price. I believe you can visit over and over and have a different experience every time. You can tell the animals are well cared for and the staff is extremely knowledgeable.I think we're going here again very soon.

The tour lasted about 3 hrs with 45 minutes of walking tour where we saw monkeys, cheetah!, and so many types of birds. The rest of the tour was even more fun riding on the open air jeep and rolling through the hills. It was great to see animals living in their natural habitat and roaming around instead of being trapped in small enclosures. The guide is really helpful and stops every now and then to explain the animals. Overall, it was a nice close-up view of animals and a refreshing experience indeed. The tour is fun even with rain since the jeep has a roof.

I had a giraffe put its head in my lap!! Can't promise that to everyone, but even had that not happened, the "expedition" was a great adventure. A Jeep-type ride past pastures of wild animals, some close, some at a distance. I did it solo, but families would love it!!

I was asked by my manager to arrange a fun teambuilding event non-work related. Everyone's taste was so different, some people did not drink/bowl/golf/etc.. this was the ideal venue for the variety of folks we had. We ended up having two trucks taking us around and had a blast. We also did the dinner afterwards, which was very tasty and suited everyone's food restrictions - phew!

On a personal note, I took my teen daughter and her friends for the ride, and they had a wonderful time. Highly recommended!

I was expecting a knock-off zoo and found it was much more. The staff is about 150 employees and all that I met were knowledgeable and friendly. The place is huge and you really need to take the jeep ride to see all the animals. The driver explains what you see and it lasts for a few hours. There are many types of animals but I missed lions and elephants (therefore 4 stars rather than 5). My grandson and I went as part of an inter-generational trip sponsored by Road Scholar. The food was great, the tent cabins are as nice as any hotel room - "glamping" at its best. Highly recommended.

I took my daughter for her birthday and we had a great time. The walking tour was nice, the ride on the Jeep was really fun! It felt like an African safari close to home. Our guide was very knowledgable on the animals and the area, keeping us entertained on the drive through the park. We will visit again.

Overall terrific and recommend it! We did the Safari ride and stayed the night as a special treat for a birthday in our family, and we have older teenagers. They have an impressively smooth and accommodating operation on all levels, including the special needs of our group. It was really hot and they had misters going in the wait area and water spray bottles for people to use on the jeep ride, which was an adventure in and of itself. The tent/ patio was terrific and they had a cooler with water and bags of ice. They provided rides to the tents if needed from the main area. The s'mores and movie night was a happy surprise, as was the ability to walk around a part of the park after-hours - which was cool because the cheetah and hyena didn't come out until it cooled off. We opted to have dinner off-site. There is sound activity at night, which some people will get into and others find it hard to sleep - but that is well-advertised on their part! The continental breakfast was a nice addition. Hanging out on the deck playing cards, star watching, or having coffee was nice as well. The shower in the tent was dark because of the light configuration, so we just propped up a flashlight we brought to add some light. The only reason it is a 4 vs. 5 star is that it was pricey but as a special treat for our family, we had a great time! That said re the price, of the three parties in our group on the jeep, we were the only first time visitors. Very nice overall.

We found Safari West a great getaway during the statewide shutdown. The three hour tour started off with a walk through the area where small animals and birds are kept in fairly large enclosures. This lasted about 40 minutes or so. After a short break we boarded the jeep for about an hour and a half tour through the massive preserve. Many animals can be seen including rhinoceros. I think your experience will vary depending on the weather and time of day, but expect to see some animals such as zebra up close. The tour groups are currently limited to eight people due to covid-19. (If you want a tour group limited to your own party, you will need to have eight people.)

We elected to stay for dinner after the tour. It was served outside with tables well spaced. The food was fine. The dinner was a bit expensive, however it was worth it for the convenience of eating right after the tour (especially with most restaurants being closed or with limited outdoor seating.) If you choose to have dinner there, be sure to make a reservation in advance.

After dinner we were able to walk around the area where the tour started and got to see some of the more elusive animals up close since they were a little more active as it was late in the day.

Had an absolute blast! The people were friendly, the animals were out and our guide was very knowledgeable. We also bought lunch tickets and it was surprisingly excellent. Highly recommend.

As a wedding officiant, I get to visit many special places. About a year ago, I got to officiate a private wedding (very unusual) midst the jungle animals and birds. The employees are all friendly and helpful. It is a marvelous experience to take the team and you feel like you are in Africa. Some day I hope to go back and camp overnight. Much like "glamping".

We had heard about Safari West from some friends and we decided to check it out. We booked the overnight tent, safari tour and dinner. We arrived and Mackenzie was great. She drove us to our tent, which was at the back of the area, above a small lake. The tent cabin was very nice. Looked like a large hotel room with canvas wall, nice deck overlooking the lake with table and chairs, attached bathroom (make sure to bring a hair dryer). Ice chest on porch and they give you ice. Night in the cabin was very warm with the heater on and electric blanket with dual controls. But if you go the bathroom in the middle of the night beware the bathroom is very cold, you might want to bring some warm night clothes.
The dinner was not very good. Ribs and chicken dry.
The safari tour was very good. We had Richard as our driver and he was very knowledgeable and just made the trip fun. Animals and birds seem to be very happy in their environments. We have been to a lot of zoos and animal habitats and this place was set up very well for the tour and for the animals

ASK FOR ROBERT AS YOUR GUIDE!!...He was amazing. My aunt and I came to California to visit a friend and she introduced us to this wonderful place. Everyone was so friendly and so accommodating. The glamping was fantastic...everyone in our party slept great. Robert was an amazing guide; so knowledgeable and friendly- he just enhanced our experience that much more. A must if you are in the Santa Rosa area.

Next time we are in the area we will definitely go back. Our guide Alex was terrific, very knowledgeable, funny and passionate about what he does. The 3 hours went by in a blink and would have stayed longer if we did not already have plans

Absolutely worth the cost. The animals are well taken care of and you experience seeing them in a natural habitat, happily roaming within their area. You get to see a huge array of cool animals up close, including the open-jeep tour portion through a big part of their land and the walking portion, all led by friendly, knowledgeable staff. A truly unique, educational and fun experience!

We went to Safari West during my son's winter break from school. He's 5. I thought maybe he was a little too young for it, but the first week back to school, they started learning the letter "G," and wouldn't you know it, he had all the facts about the giraffe - "it's the tallest animal in the world." "He has the longest neck." And so one. When he was done with the giraffe, he went on to talk about the fox, the flamingo, the zebra, the rhino, and all the other animals there. So it made an impact, more than the zoo, and we have a zoo membership.

The family and I did the Safari trip in April and it was awesome. Kids love it, we saw many animals up close with a pretty knowledgeable guide. I would like to see maybe a few more cats, but the proximity we had to the zebras, buffaloes, giraffes and antelopes were second to none. I would recommend this trip for kids/families and any animal enthusiast.

First off, I LOVE animals, so much that it annoys my hubby. So I booked the safari for our family and he kind of rolled his eyes. But it’s hard to say which one of us enjoyed the safari more! First off, because of the wildfires we arrived 10 min late (I called and advised ahead of time) but they were totally understanding and we were taken to catch up with our group. Our guide was fabulous, passionate about environment issues and animal welfare, and so knowledgeable... also in love with his animals, which was great to see. The first part of the tour is a walking one, then into the vintage trucks- man what fun! You are able to take turns sitting on top, it was 38 degrees so we had umbrellas passed up for shade. We were eye to eye with giraffes! Unbelievable! There are 17 types of the 70+ breeds of antelope, white rhinos, Cape buffalo, wildebeests.. I cannot say enough. I originally balked at the price for the 4 of us, but after this experience I’m planning to go back, spend the night and do a behind the scenes experience. This is a must see and well worth it to go out of your way for (which we did- it was 3 hours off our route and I wouldn’t hesitate to do again) water is available at the beginning and end of the tour(free) and there are misters there as well to cool down with.

Safari West is a magical place. Closest I may get to Africa. The animals are exotic and well cared for. We spent two nights “camping” well glamping was more like it. I highly recommend it.

Tour guide Nate was awesome. We learned so much about the animals. Tour was excellent. Lunch well worth the money.

We took our daughter and 10-year-old grandson to celebrate his birthday and the end of fourth grade. While pricey, at the end we ALL agreed it exceeded our expectations! Many lasting memories were made from this trip, and we have beautiful photos.
We spent one night in a spacious tent imported from Botswana. We glammed! Was very nice and beautifully decorated with genuine artifacts. Two queen beds were amazingly comfortable. Staying overnight was the way to go because upon check in you may wander the grounds and begin to “get the lay of the land.” Roasting s’mores at the fire pit was much appreciated by grandson. After dinner, we explored, returned to our tent and played board games on the private open deck. Tent 2 is right across from the flamingos! They were making themselves known until about 11:30 pm. Watching them, listening to the numerous birds, and the roaming giraffes from our tent is something we will always remember!
Next morning, after breakfast, we prepared for the 3-hour Safari ride on an open multi level Jeep. Just when we thought things couldn’t be better…Our guide Jeff Stucker, former 4th grade teacher was full of fascinating info., encouraged questions, was happy to take family photos, and was the best! To see giraffes in the wide open fields AND close up, to see Otto the 9-month old baby rhinoceros with his mom (they are an endangered species), zebras, ostriches, wildebeest, etc. was something none of had experienced. It is important to note Safari West is NOT a zoo, it is a 400 acre wildlife preserve.
Grounds are tended to, but somewhat wild in places. Was not too difficult to pretend we had been transported to Africa for a day and a half!
Small herds, grazing in when Jeep entered higher enclosures gazelles,

We had the best time at Safari West!
I was guest at our granddaughter’s birthday celebration so I wasn’t involved in the reservation process. We had 7 adults and 5 kids - ages 5-10. The adults loved the experience every bit as much as the kids. The animals are roaming, when possible, and the Safari trucks travel among them. Our guide emphasized conservation throughout the 3 hr journey. If you’re in the area it truly is a must visit.

My wife and I visited Safari West while we were staying in the Sea Ranch area on the coast. It was a pretty short drive for us. We did the standard 1pm Safari tour in the truck (sat on the bottom out of the sun), and we did the 4pm Behind the Scenes Tour right after. Both were perfect choices for us!

This is a special place. Staff are very friendly and the animals are so cool. We did the tour and stayed in a tent. I would suggest a lower level tent. We stayed hillside #31. It was a very steep walk and you can’t drive your car up so pack lightly. The flamingos sound like honking geese all night and the traffic from the highway is loud in the mornings. They do warn you of this but definitely suggest some ear plugs. Sitting on the deck was so peaceful! This was our first glamping experience and loved the tent. It’s set up really nicely and the heated blankets are a nice amenity. We drove to Santa Rosa for dinner but feel Calistoga would have been a closer option. There is no WiFi or cell service unless you are near the restaurant FYI. The fennec fox was our favorite! So adorable!

We didn't stay overnight, just did the 3-hour Jeep safari at 4 pm. Our guide was originally from New Zealand and spends a lot of time in Africa and South America, with NGOs that help big cats, so he was very knowledgeable - and very personable.
We saw lots of different animals, from giraffes to rhinos to antelope and gazelles. The best part was the fact that, since these aren't predators, we were allowed to be on the same side of the fences as the animals, up close. Some came right up to the side of the Jeep. After the two-hour ride, we spent some time on a leisurely guided walk through the aviary where they had beautiful birds from all over the world. All in all, a great way to spend a few hours.

Great tour on truck and walking. Overnight cabin was comfortable and deck was nice. Dinner and cocktails were very well done. And breakfast was very good. Great tri for my grandsons 5th birthday.

We booked a Safari tour, dinner and stayed one night. Would 100% recommend doing the safari. I enjoyed staying in the tents. However, they are up a hill and some tents are quite the walk. The walk up to the tends could use hand rails. They do offer help getting your luggage up and back to the car. Dinner was yummy and they accommodated my dietary allergies.

Safari West. We climb aboard an open air, canvas covered jeep. There are three rows of seats behind the driver and one top side. Since everyone wants to ride on top, the driver wisely decides to rotate the group. On our turn we realize that although the view is better the ride is bumpier!
The vehicle first drives alongside a fenced area where giraffes are roaming free. To my surprise the guide opens the gate and we enter the enclosure. The guide stops the jeep to tell us about the animals when suddenly several of them start to run! It is amazing to see how fast they go and a little frightening. They run parallel to us but what if they came towards us? Would they stop? Could they? We are assured that we are not in any danger. The animals are young, playful males, romping around. Wow!
Nearly a thousand animals, 90 species, live on the 400 acre preserve. During our three hour excursion we see many of them: lemurs, wildebeest, impala, buffalo and rhinoceros. I‘m thrilled to see baby zebras being cared for by their moms.
We could observe food being dropped off for the animals. The dominant animals eat first and the others stand aside waiting for their turn.
After disembarking, we have a short break and then our guide takes us on a stroll through an aviary where we see cranes and ibis. Some of the birds walk along side us. Next we see monkeys, cheetahs and flamingos.

Recently spent the night at Safari West with our granddaughters, what a fantastic vacation! From the time you arrive to the time you leave, you are treated fantastic by excellent staff and beautiful surroundings. I can’t get over how much work the owners and staff have put into this place. So nice to not have a tv going or the cell phone ringing for 2 days. The granddaughters had a great time just “being there”.
We stayed in one of the tents, the beds were extremely comfortable. Had the bbq dinner there one night which was delicious. Then the Safari! Our guide Richard was excellent. He truly has a passion for this place.
I highly recommend bringing your children or grandchildren here.

We all had an outstanding time. The tour was awesome, dinner divine and our stay incredible. The staff service was impeccable! My entire family ages 24-83 had a fabulous time! It was great way to start the week!

I have several friends now booking their trips!

Great family experience for our older children (ages 19 and 17). It is not a zoo " visit", instead SW made the attempt to replicate (as must as possible) the habit and an open and safari-like environment. Our guide was amazing and knowledgeable about animal conservation and shared his experience in Africa and Australia. BTW he is the "Aussie" on staff. REMINDER DON'T FORGET TO TIP THE GUIDES who make the experience fun and memorable.

My sister, neice & I enjoyed the Safari with the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable tour guide by the name of Jenna who also had a great sense of humor! The food was fantastic along with great coffee & freshly squeezed orange juice. We spent the night in one of the glamping tents sleeping on the most comfortable beds.

Spent the night in one of the tents. There were three gal pals. I had the upper bunk. A challenge to get up/down. Thankfully an electric heater and blankets. The night was chilly. Wear your flannels if the weather is cool. Bring earplugs in noise bothers you. Wonderful dinner (extra cost) and comp breakfast was yummy.

We were impressed with our guide Denise’s knowledge of the animals, was able to answer all questions. This was like a real mini African Safari (which I have actually experienced)…a nice variety of animals. The organization is so mindful of environmental impact, the health of the animals and future of the species. The three hour tour went by in a flash. Loved seeing the baby rhino.

My sisters and I spent two nights at Safari West. I arrived a little before the rest of the group and was impressed with what a tranquil space it is for watching and reflection. With the rest of the group, we embarked on a behind the scenes tour, which I highly recommend. Feeding the the animals, and especially the birds in the aviary, was great fun. We dined at Savannah restaurant that evening, also enjoyable. The next morning we took the jeep safari tour, which was also a highlight. We had the rest of the afternoon to explore the surrounding area but could also have been happy staying and watching the baby lemur. We had the family tent, a king bed and two bunks, plenty of sleeping space and a fun experience. If you are able to arrive early, one night would be enough to enjoy the property.

Well-organized ride through park, with options to sit below or on top of vehicle. Friendly and helpful staff. Walking areas easy to access, although most of the animal enclosures do not list the animals they contain,

We had been on safari before so decided to take out-of-town family on safari. When we saw they were serving Thanksgiving dinner that seemed an easy and convenient option for our large group. We were all surprised at how good the food was as well. We didn't miss cooking (or cleaning) ourselves! The safari is always fun- our group had a jeep to ourselves and took turns riding on top. A very special day!

Our guide was great and very knowledgeable, but when I asked him if he thought the caged cats had enough space he hesitated. He said the staff has raised issues with the owner, but they haven't come up with a good solution. I can think of one very easy solution, but that would mean the owner couldn't rake in the cash. If he removed the over night sleep camp that would mean more room. Honestly all of the animals other than the zebras did not have enough space. I was looking forward to going to an animal preserve and instead went to a sad zoo disguised as a preserve. As we were on tour the owner actually drove by us on a golf cart and went over to the rhino area. Once he was there he let two girls that were with him take selfies with the rhino. This place is not about preservation it's about money. From what I can make out this place did not have many visitors until it brought in predators. These predators are now kept in small cages. The guide stated that this is the best way to teach people about these animals. I would rather watch the animal planet and have these animals in the wild where they belong. Side note- In the fires of October 2017 they were ready to let these animals die in the fire and were so "blessed" that they didn't. They still don't have a backup plan on what to do if another fire threatened them.

Enjoyed a 3-night stay in a great tent cabin. Took my 10-year-old granddaughter and she loved the place. 3 nights is probably a bit much. Can do the whole place in one day with a sleepover. But the safari jeep tour is the highlight and she liked sitting on the top of the jeep. The place is well-kept, and the staff is helpful and friendly. Would encourage families to visit. The kids will remember it forever. And if you can, spend the night. In the evening the animal sounds are amazing and it's also a great wake-up call. Don't expect too much in the food department.

What a wonderful place! Lots of animals and amazing birds. Nathan was a super guide. The Jeep ride was a fun family experience.

Beautiful place, fun trip. Guides were friendly. The tour was timed just right. Food was good. Go early as you can walk around before and after tour

Loved our tour!!! Our guide John was very knowledgeable about the animals and flora. The ride on the top of the safari wagon was the best. Baby rhino and zebra were adorable.

interesting collection of African animals. Giraffes are really fun. the tour is well run and informative.

This is the most hospitable place we have ever visited. All of the staff from Tiffany at check in to Nate the photographer to Donna our excellent, knowledgeable guide were great The tent cabins are very comfortable, the tour is outstanding, and the food and wine at dinner were very reasonable. We were celebrating our 50th anniversary with our three children and five grandchildren and were extremely satisfied.

I’m so encouraged when business does the right thing. We were evacuated from the Santa Rosa area last night due to the wild fires (we were in the area visiting) and we had to cancel all our plans to visit Safari West today. I had pre paid and asked that they credit me by email. In fact, I got a prompt reply sympathizing with our inconvenience and got a full refund. Kudos to Safari West for being an honest and gracious business. We will be back! And to those of you who haven’t been, it’s awesome. Who knew giraffes have purple tongues?!

Tour guides were awesome, and seeing all the animals up close was a treat. The really take great care of these animals and the zoo is well maintained. The baby giraffe was so cute. I definitely recommend this, but it does run a bit longer than it needs to as they wait at each stop to watch the animals for a bit.

My wife and I traveled to San Francisco just to visit Safari West. We were not disappointed. We LOVE giraffes, and having giraffes stick their heads into our tour jeep was exciting and amazing. But I am getting ahead of myself. We opted for the safari tour and the lunch that followed. The safari tour was excellent. We traveled around acres and acres of land in a tour jeep and saw so many animals up close and personal. Two types of giraffes that were curious enough about us to stick their heads in our jeeps to get a closer look at us! Many types of animals (mostly a huge variety of antelope). We also saw two huge rhinos. The tour lasted about 2 hours. There was also a walking component to the tour that included birds, reptiles, land animals, etc. but the jeep tour was amazing. I would recommend skipping the lunch. It is over-priced for what you get.

I really really wanted to give this place a 5 star review, but couldn't. We stayed overnight, did dinner, and participated on the safari tour for our anniversary. What an awful experience! :( If it was $100-$200, I'd give 3 stars, but for the price of $500+, it definitely wasn't worth the value.

First, in the winter, it was 32 degrees. The "luxurious" glamping tents were freezing cold. The pipes in the bathroom froze because it was so cold. They provide a small space heater and electric blankets which we used, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to heat the large space. Even with the heaters, blankets, and dressed in full down winter jackets and beanies, it was a pretty uncomfortable stay for that much money.

Dinner was also hosted outside. The food was decent, but far from a $100 meal. Think upscale cafeteria style food. Dessert was ice cream in 32 degree weather, which probably wasn't the preferred choice.

We were most excited by the safari tour. They do have a great collection of wildlife animals, but it was sad for us to see them in small enclosures. There are some spaces that are wide open, but for the popular animals rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs, there were living in small pen areas. We were expecting it to feel more like a reserve than a zoo. We learned on our tour they are actually designated as a zoo, which became more of a turn off on our stay. Additionally, other guests that did the overnight were disappointed with their stay with little sleep, so it was overall a pretty grumpy crew.

We are normally pretty relaxed when it comes to travel/activities. We even were recommended by family friends. However, for our anniversary celebration, we were hoping for a great experience. The staff is friendly, and we don't fault them at all.
Unfortunately, I think it's a management issue. Wouldn't recommend and won't be coming back. It felt like we were take advantage of, which was a bummer. :(

Our family of three (one daughter, 14) spent one night at Safari West and loved it! We waited until the last minute to get reservations, and somehow it all worked out perfectly. There was one tent left online, but all of the tours were full. The woman on the phone was really kind and helpful, she was able to get us a Behind the Scenes tour and squeeze us in the last seats for Thanksgiving.

When we arrived we were driven up to Tent 18, the best possible location. Directly out your window (literally, feet away) there are antelope, gazelles, bongo, addax, and even a couple of storks that hung out all day (there were also two ostriches next to the bathroom). Your window and deck look out across the property, perfect unobstructed view of the giraffe (and all of the other wildlife in the open area), as well as the flamingos and other birds. At first I was a little reluctant about the price of Behind the Scenes (it is only an hour vs. the jeep tour that is three hours) but it was absolutely amazing and well worth the extra money. Rose was our guide, we fed porcupines, warthogs (my personal favorite), birds in the aviary, and giraffes. Rose was smart and interesting and also taught us about the lemur, hyenas, hornbills, and other animals. Even though it was only an hour it never felt rushed and it was something we will never forget. We had dinner there, it was good (no complaints), and slept well in our tent (it was cold, but the heater and a couple of extra layers made it comfortable). The heater drowns out some of the night bird noise, although a helicopter flew over and it set off an incredibly loud (and hilarious) reaction from a number of animals.

Breakfast was nothing special, but we spent a couple of hours just walking around (there was nobody else there, not sure people realize that they can walk back to these areas) and saw the monkeys, the cats (cheetah, serval, caracal), the porcupines, and the world's smallest fox and antelope. There were also more amazing birds, including the trumpeter hornbill (which we could hear from our tent).

It was nice to avoid cooking and stress for the holiday, the food was good, but prob. not worth the money. That being said, we felt that any money spent there was going to the preservation of this property and the animals, and that was money well spent.

This was a perfect getaway; exciting and relaxing, beautiful and informative, and such a unique experience. The employees are wonderful, the property is amazing, and the tents make it feel like an adventure (electricity, running water, we had phone and internet service, so more hotel vs. camping). Hoping to do this again in the spring when the days are longer and warmer so we can enjoy the deck/balcony.

A two hours drive from the Bay Area and we entered an absolutely amazing world: these wondrous animals with superior adaptations to survival challenges, extraordinarily genuinely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff, astonishing natural beauty in big and small, and an important conservation effort behind it all.

The experience for us humans is over the top - all ages and backgrounds, just open your heart and minds to the wonders of nature (that many of us tend to in theory separate ourselves from) - there will be many astonishing moments. The aviary is like a magical garden - it's almost like a fairytale come alive.

It left me with a deep feeling of gratitude for what these people are doing to counteract the damage that others humans, in many ways all of us, are doing to our so-called 'natural world' (all is of course nature, including the dead, dirty, unfriendly urban areas we have created).

Know that your money will be going to well-cared for animals, an important mission.

I hope everyone who even considers going, will go. Bring your children, if a little bioempathy can be fed or possibly awakened it can mean a lot for the future of us all, and that bioempathy-nurturing can continue in our own backyards.

This is in short an amazing place doing an amazing job, and these fellow living beings are very awe-inspiring.

I took my husband here as his Christmas Present. It was absolutely Wonderful! We began with a one hour walking tour of animals that were not out in the open range. Then the next 2 hours was a safari type ride of the safari west property with sections of different animals, such as giraffes, zebras, rhinos, etc... Our guide Leslie was fabulous and so knowledgeable. She gave us turns sitting on top of the jeep so all could have a Birdseye view. After our 3 hour tour we enjoyed a very tasty lunch with 3 types of salads, grilled veggies, beans, macaroni and cheese, chicken, pulled pork and rolls. I would recommend this tour to anyone. They do a fabulous job of taking care of the animals here, we were so impressed! This should be a tour you mark off your bucket list.

Although this place is a little pricey we still had a good time. The tent cabins were nice and comfortable. All the animals are inside cages, with lots of variety from monkeys, cats to birds and rhinos. The staff was super pleasant and fun. The food left a lot to be desired. The checkout process was minorly painful. Overall, glad we did it but not something that we will do often due to the cost.

Best money we spent! Our 5 year old loved the 2 hour tour and the driver was excellent! The animals were interesting and well taken care of...would have loved more giraffes and an elephant would have been nice too!

It was a cool experience, mostly antelope and the like. If you are in Santa Rosa already and want to support wildlife conservation than I would go. If you are looking for a genuine safari experience with big cats, not so much. Fun once but probably not more than once.

The Glamping concept was amazing! Sleeping in a canvas tent with a clean, full bathroom was so much fun! Everyone at the resort was very polite and courteous. Our safari guide "Skye" was cool and easy to listen to. The girl in the cafe was very sweet and friendly. There were 5 of us in a tent but my daughter and I will definitely return next Spring.

Firstly THE ONLY COOL THING ABOUT SAFARI WEST are the tours to see the 1000+ said captive animals. I would NOT recommend dining at their cafe as the back of house crew is seemingly very messy. I have visited safari west I have watched the cook in the kitchen work with no mask for over an hour and eat the food with bare hands to later fail to wash his hands before serving food. The food provided there is sub par at best and the only thing keeping the cafe open is the servers. The food is not great by any means and maybe its because the cook's lack of care in being sanitary. It churns my stomach to think that they would allow people so unsanitary to continue working there, they must really be that desperate to keep employees. This is my first and probably only business review as i have never been somewhere with such a grimy guest experience.

We did it all !

Behind the Scenes (Feeding Tour)
Dinner
Stayed in the cabins
Breakfast
Safari Tour

The staff is amazing (knowledgeable, friendly, good with kids, cant say enough!)
The food is shockingly good - they even cater towards people with
special diets (gluten free mac and cheese for the kids that tastes good!)
Tent cabins are very comfortable with large bathrooms
Safari tours are enjoyable for all ages (We had Richard as our guide and he did an amazing job - we were shocked our kids actually listened)
Animals well taken care of - which was a huge concern of the wife
Not a cheap family adventure but well worth the money $$

My wife booked this side trip, and I thought it was going to be a hokey kids thing. It was far from that! Jackson, our tour guide, was fantastic. The animals were plentiful and amazing. We were inches away from rhino’s, zebra, cheetah, gazelle, giraffes, ostrich, and many many more. This place takes great care in the care of the zoo and it’s animals. We had lunch as well which was also very nice. Would definitely recommend for the whole family!!

The enclosures are huge and the animals are healthy and well cared for. It was a surprise to learn that the parks main priority is the breed endangered and extinct, in the wild, animals. The way they work with other parks, throughout the world, to maintain a mixed gene pool and release animals back into the wild is very encouraging.

My honey and I stayed overnight, went on a tour, and ate at the Savannah Cafe.
Our first night we had a couples massage right un our room which was most wonderful.

Tents:
- The authentic canvas tents are spacious (we stayed in #20) with their own decks
- Fully equipped bathroom with shower stall (no bathtubs for those of you who like them).
- We had very cool weather and the provided heater, electric blankets, and ceiling fan were perfect for temperature control. The bathroom does get cold so keep the door closed.
- They provide a cooler.
- Several electrical outlets.
- Very soft and comfortable beds.
- Bring slippers - floor gets cold!
- If you are a light sleeper, bring ear plugs and a sleeping mask - the animals definitely make noise.
- No mobile phone coverage (except AT&T) or internet/WiFi in the tents. Must go down to the Savannah Cafe area to get WifI and a mobile signal.
- No locks on the tents so if you are concerned about that when you're away from your tent, leave those items in your car.

Tours:

- We did the Classic Safari tour with Vernon. They make sure that they stop and switch out who gets to sit on the top. Vernon was also very knowledgeable, engaging, and humorous. The tour is about 3 hours and you get to go in the back acreage and see many more animals and be in their same space.

Meals:
- Complimentary breakfast for overnight guests (scrambled eggs, oatmeal, fruit, bread/pastries, coffee, juice).
- Dinner is by reservation only with an appetizer buffet and a braii (barbecue) buffet (2 meat options, rice, veggies, etc.), and dessert. All very good.

Summary:
This was a fun and unique experience with glamping and being up close with beautiful animals in a way that you don't get in a traditional zoo. It's also in a great location with easy access to Napa and Sonoma and would be great for a day trip if you are staying in wine country.

From the moment you enter the park, it felt magical. The large safari jeeps were parked and ready for the adventure ahead. The ride for the next 2 hours or so was a real rollercoaster thrill. A great guide named Zach talked us through every step along the way. Educational, adventurous and lots of fun. We also spent the night at their famous glamping safari tents. What a luxury! Great overall experience.

We were in CA for spring break with our kids and booked the safari for our last day. Wouldn't you know - it was monsooning on us! Sine we don't get to CA often, we decided to do the safari in the rain and it was a GREAT decision. All the animals were out, the crowds were light and we had lots of attention from our tour guide. The Property is Huge, lots of animals being lovingly cared for, and the staff was very family focused. Despite the weather, it was our kids' favorite day in CA!

Having been on an actual African safari, I was pleasantly surprised at the number of animals at Safari West. The tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. The animals looked healthy and had plenty of room to roam. We also spent the night and the lodging was amazing. Highly recommend for families visiting the area.

Such an adventure.. Jeep ride I s a must even If you do get to see exotic animals on the ride just cruising the property is a blast..

What a great concept with the tents, tours and food. Our kids and grandkids had a grand time touring Safari West. Our guides were engaging. Best was the questions our grandkids asked and how much they knew about the animals. This is a great overnight stay.

A group of 4 friends met here & took the 4 hour tour. The guide was friendly & very informative. We sat on the bench in n the roof of the Jeep at first which was a great view & the traded with another group about half way through. We saw a LOT of animals: giraffes, antelopes, rhinos, zebras, cheetah, foxes, porcupines, warthog, ostrich, a rainbow of birds, monkeys, giant tortoise, plus more. The last hour or so was a walking tour into the atrium. We all had a wonderful time. Even the gift shop was worth seeing! I’d go again!

I was amazed at the knowledge of our guide. Great tour and I'm looking at summer camp for grandkids.

I did not know what to expect at Safari West since I had really never heard of it until my Father-In-Law booked a trip for myself, husband, and his daughter, her husband and their 3 kids.

What an experience! And who knew Santa Rosa housed such a cool spot. We stayed from Friday to Sunday in one of the large tents overlooking the park and pond. It was like you were "Glamping" and I loved hearing the animals as we went to sleep. I think I enjoyed the kids reactions the most to everything as they were amazed by all of the animals. Such a great place to take your kiddos!

A couple other highlights: the food is pretty good and they have smores every night around the fire :) There are little birds running around which is pretty cool too. I highly recommend going on the full tour of the park. You get close and personal with the animals which is really cool!

A great place to bring children who love animals. The food is great and the tent cabins are amazing. I saw more animals here than I saw in Africa...much cheaper. Be sure to take the Jeep tour, it's worth it!!

Safari West is a beautiful, friendly and welcoming venue. All the staff is knowledgeable and the mission of conservation is well served. Cannot say enough good things about this place. Many types of animals from giraffes, cape buffalo, antelope, and many more. Skye is an outstanding guide and knows much about the park.

This was a fun filled day. Our tour guide was the best. She was so knowledgeable on all the animals and took her time explaining and showing us them and also the plants. It was such a great experience. I will visit this place every time I am near it.

We enjoyed our visit and safari even more than I anticipated. The guides were so knowledgeable and professional. The Jeep ride through the property was exciting and educational. Alex, our guide, made the time fly by!

We took the 4pm tour which was a good time to be there for the animals. The giraffes were so friendly! Part of the tour is walking and then a two hour Jeep ride. Highly recommended!!!

This was really fun. Had to take turns on riding on the top as it only seats 4 people. Very knowledgeable guides.

This was our second time here. Amazing venue, as close as I’ll ever get to a Safari in South Africa.
Stayed overnight in a tent ....they call it “Glamping” took our twin grandchildren, they absolute loved the whole experience.
You are allowed to walk the grounds, then arrange for the actual Safari. It takes you up thru the entire complex in a Safari Jeep, and you are able to see many different animals. They have the largest amount of giraffes in the U.S....wonderful adventure for all ages!
Our guide was quite knowledgeable and pleasant.
Wonderful experience!

My family loves visiting Safari West!! A visit from the Ostriches and Giraffes while riding threw there domain is incredible.

My friend and I were on a girls weekend getaway in the Napa Valley area and decided to book a safari tour with Safari West. Our tour guide Vernon was one of the most well versed tour guides I have ever had. His passion for conservation and the wildlife made our day so special. We did the 1:00 tour and made lunch reservations at the savannah cafe at noon. I highly recommend adding this to your tour as the food was outstanding and you can only enjoy this if you have a tour booked already. The animals were stunning and our tree top view from the time of the safari Jeep made for an excellent ride!!

Loved this visit. My first impression - surprised at cleanliness and orderliness of the place, especially with the recent fires, which burned to the edge of the property, and did take home of owner, and others. Richard, our guide, was most accommodating and informative. The tour starts with a pleasant walk about to see magnificent birds and small mammals - then a short break before a longish drive around the property. I loved this place - it isn't like a zoo, nor exactly like an African safari, but animals, all born on site I believe, are well kept and seem quite happy and also left in their wild state to the degree possible. I would definitely return. I took my 4 1/2 year old grand daughter and she loved it as well. Minimum age is 4. Wear closed toe shoes and dress in layers in the winter.

The tent accommodation at Safari West is outstanding. Highly recommend if you are gong to Safari, pay the extra and stay the night to enjoy the sounds of nature.

Wonderful Adventure!

My son ( 7 years old) and I have gone two years in a row. We live in the bay area and I am a solo mom, so this is a perfect trip for us. This year my mom came and she said it was one of the most awesome experiences.

Lodging

The "tents" are quite luxurious in my opinion. Sure, no AC or TV but thats not what you are there for. The tents are very spacious, have many gorgeous details and the beds are so comfortable. You can look out and see the animals from many tents and you cannot beat the ambiance. My son was 6 and 7 on the trips and enjoyed brining some dolls and art supplies for the evening. When you stay overnight you get to wander the grounds and see many of the animals.

The Animals!

The animals all look so happy and content. One year we splurged for the behind the Scenes and it was 100% worth it! My son got to feed several animals and it was core memory material. I also enjoyed feeding the giraffes : )

There is a large variety of animals and all the employees are very knowledgeable and kind.

The Tour
The jeep tour is so amazing. You get up close like you would on an African safari. You can take turns riding on the top for added adventure. Of course my son loved that part.

Over exceeded our expectations. Well organized, great tour, dinner and lodging.! Everyone there was excited to share their knowledge and make us comfortable.

My husband and I went to Safari West on Halloween day and we thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Jenna was our guide and she was wonderful. Very knowledgeable about the animals and so interesting and funny too. We’ve been all over the world and seen many zoos and animal sanctuaries (not yet to Africa though) but we learned more on her 3 hour tour and loved watching the animals at each section where she located them. We live in the Bay Area and I’ve been telling everyone about it, especially since we’re so close will definitely be back. Thanks for a great day!

It is definitely worth the drive to Santa Rosa to see all of the new born by animals and their parents. Our very informative guide Chris kept pointing them out where they were blending in with their surroundings as we were touring.

The kids and grandkids all celebrated my husband's 80th birthday. We rented three cabins in all and stayed overnight. Waking up with all the African animals was enchanting with their individual ways of saying "good morning." The dinner meal was incredible -- one of the best barbecues I have had. The ride on the trucks was fun. The quantity and variety of animals was more than I expected it to be. The cabins were excellent and a good imitation of the real thing on the Serengeti.

We went on the tour and had a fun time. If you want you can ride on top of the truck. This tour is fun and you will learn a lot. Good for all ages and the meal after the tour is an excellent enhancement.

I was wondering if this place will even be open considering the devastating fire that engulfed the area in October 2017. Luckily, they survived (thanks to the owner staying back and using garden hoses to fight back flames to save the animals) even though you can see many of the properties on the drive to this location being razed to the ground. The Safari itself is well maintained - both the animals and the vegetation. The guides are both passionate and knowledgeable. The open jeep lets you experience the animals in the wild. If you get a chance ride on the top of the jeep. It lasts about four hours and they even have a restaurant on site.

Amazing place to visit. I was hesistant at first on whether it is another zoo-like place or plain tourist trap. Sure, the price to stay and the tours aren't cheap, but you get what you paid for. Food provided on site was top notch (especially when you consider the cost). Great conservation work done. I definitely was wowed bytheir safari tour. It's amazing to see animals roam around in their own element and has definitely made me want to save up and visit even more animals in African safaris!

We had a wonderful day at safari west. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The animals were amazing to see as well as the beautiful property. You can tell how much everyone cares for these animals. Worth the time and the money.

We did a 3 night program at Safari West through Road Scholar with our 11 year old granddaughter. It was everything we hoped it would be! The staff is outstanding, always ready to help. The “tent” was the nicest I’ve ever stayed in with very comfortable beds. All the meals were exceptional with good options for our somewhat picky granddaughter. The safari tour was certainly a highlight. We all learned so much about African animals. My only complaint is the rooster that started crowing way too early. It was a much better experience than any zoo I have visited. My wife and I did a day safari in Uganda but this was better (and a lot closer).

We really enjoyed our safari and were surprised at how many different types of animals are there. Our tour guide (Ann), was adorable and obviously loves the animals and her job very much! Also appreciated that we were able to rotate seats and have a chance to sit on top of the Jeep!

I took my 26 year old daughter for a birthday present. We were there on a rainy Sunday morning in March. The driver told us it was good though because many of the animals are out more because when it is sunny they sometimes like to be under the trees in the shade. Our driver was Robert (I hear there are 2 Roberts. This one was the one with the gray beard and ponytail) and he was excellent. He knew all the details about each animal and made the ride fun. He stopped at each animal sighting and let us take upclose looks and photos. He was never rushed. He never asked for a tip or suggested one either. We did give him one though because he was so good. I didn't quite know what to expect from a safari in Santa Rosa, but it is done really well. The owners have done a great job and it was much better than I had expected. The animals have plenty of room to run around and it doesn't feel like an enclosed zoo. I would highly recommend it to any age. Thanks Robert for a great Safari ride.

We had a great guide (Kendra), who was friendly and informativ@ but overall we didn't feel like we saw that many animals. It's not worth the price.

Family visit on the safari! Nice to see animals not all caged up, they are out free. Giraffes came up to the jeep, very cool! Will have to go back and spend the night in one of the tents.

We have gone many times with both friends and spent the night and then with our grandchildren. The kids were 4 and 7 on our first visit and then 9 and 6 on our second.Both times were a delightful and educational experience for all of us.

We had a wonderful time at Safari West, during a crisp March Sunday night in a spacious tent cabin, including two queen beds and a bathroom (bathroom is not heated)! They have a Sunday night campfire for the guests at 8pm. We enjoyed the wonderful breakfast provided by the resort Monday, had time to walk around before checking out, and then enjoyed a 2.5+ hour trip with John, our Safari West Guide (a separate ticket purchase, available for one day visits too)! He had so much information to share about the African creatures in Santa Rosa, CA. Thank God that they weren't burned out by the Fall 2017 fires!
It's a bit of a splurge to spend the night, but well worth it! They provide floor heaters and heated blankets for comfortable night time sleeping. Breakfast was more than a typical continental breakfast! Reservations are required for both the daily tour or sleep over, be sure to book early!

This was a great experiences with kids. They don't rush you. You actually park and let the animals come around. We had a superior guide. They rotate you on the jeep. Everyone has a chance to be on top.

The landover ride was rough like a real safari - pot holes and all! Our guide, Richard, was outstanding. He worked for SW for 13 years and was there the night of the fires. He had a lot of background of SW and the animals. He brought us upclose to too many animals to list and answered any questions we had. I would recommend this tour to anyone.

We went to Safari West during the SIP. They were very accomodating by limiting our jeep to the 6 people in our party. Our driver, Richard, was excellent. He had so many facts and was very engaging with our two granddaughters! He loved giving all of us information and seeing just how much we knew. We were suprisingly knowledgeable!

We did not have the opportunity to visit the gift shop or the restaurant due to the SIP. restrictions.

Safari West offers day tours and also overnight experiences. I have done both. You see many animals in a natural setting instead of cages like a zoo. Very knowledgeable staff and very friendly.

As a South African living in the States I often find myself missing home and our wildlife. I was skeptical that they'd be as good as everyone said - We South Africans can be biased! Let me just say this place is amazing, not only do they have a huge variety of African animals, the animals roam in huge enclosures (so big you need a jeep to get around) and more so the animals are at "home" unlike in a zoo. This was the closest I have ever gotten to Africa on USA soil!

Incredible experience and highly recommended for anyone who has a safari on their bucket list but can't afford the flights just yet!

We heard about this attraction from a friend in Lake Tahoe. This place is incredible. The animals are in their natural habitat. Sky was a great guide that made the trip more fun. We rode in a safari truck that was open so you have a great view. We then took a walking trip to see the smaller animals. It was a hot day but with the truck moving helped plus they recommended bringing water. They have nice concession stands to get food and drink. Very enjoyable trip.

We booked this safari last minute and it completely exceeded our expectations. The tour guide was excellent and very knowledgable. There were so many animals we didn't dream we'd see there. There's seats on the top of the buggy and the tour guide ensures everyone who wants to sit there gets their turn. We travelled as a couple and had the best day!

I loved this place. You actually feel like your on the Savanna. We stayed in one of the tents for 2 days, when on a private tour which they gave us a wine,cheese and fruit basket to have any where we wanted. We choose to eat and drink near the Zebras. Food at the Cantina was good and so was the Africia wine.

Having lived in the area for many years, I had never been here. Friends came from out of town and we thought this would be a great place to go. It was the best choice and we had a wonderful time.

Eight of us visited Safari West during the holidays. From grandparents to kids to grandkids, everyone had a great time.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered everyone's questions. Riding around in the special 'safari vehicle' was fun, especially sitting up top for excellent views.

The checkin for the safari ride was a bit disorganized so I was a little worried that the safari would not meet our expectations. We've done the safari experience at the San Diego Safari Park and loved it. Safari West was just as much fun but different. Safari West's safari ride takes you into the wooded hills of the park which feels more natural and intimate. There's also a lot fewer guests and the safari vehicles are spaced farther apart. We all felt that we really lucked out with our guide, John, who answered all our numerous questions and provided just a fun and fact-filled safari for us. Thanks, John! We'll be back!

You saw so many animals on the tour. Our guide stopped and explained everything along the way. Can't wait to come back

Our visit to Safari West was outstanding. The property covers over 400 acres in the rolling hills above Santa Rosa (Sonoma County), where we were treated to tour in the safety of an open truck (see photo above) to see many wild animals that are roaming free. There are also several large enclosures of rare and some endangered birds and primates. The property is clean and well maintained. Our guide "Sponge" was knowledgable about all of the animals and birds, and was also quite entertaining. We took our son, his wife, and our 11 year old grandson. We all learned so much! Caveat: This is a popular place and advance reservations for a tour or optional lunch/dinner are required. Bring your camera!

On a recent visit my companion and I enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch. The food was plentiful and the staff were warm and friendly. After lunch we thoroughly enjoyed a 3 hour tour. The first step was an easy walking tour with a close up look at various birds and animals. Next we met our Guide who drove us out among the animals in the gorgeous park. It was a cold drizzley day yet we were kept warm with blankets. Our Guide was knowledgeable about all the beautiful animals. He had a great sense of humor and all passengers laughed throughout the tour. The time flew by. This is an experience enjoyed by all age groups. So much fun!

Safari West is a wonderful adventure and if you love animals this is a must see. We having been coming back each year. Things change and there is always something different and new to learn. The staff are wonderful and so dedicated. Don't forget to try the cafe, they do an awesome job on the food and service.
This is a fantastic place to bring family and friends.

A great place to visit with family or friends. The staff is amazing and the tour is one of the best that I have been on. I've been to zoo's but this experience far exceeds visiting a zoo. It's privately owned and operated and is an amazing place in how their employees play such an important role in the preservation and care of these animal.

Many packages to pick from as well as the overnight package in one of the tent homes. The perfect place for kids to learn about endangered species and the work that goes into preserving these amazing animals.

2 months ago, I e-mailed a specific person listed on the website, asking to book a private encounter at Safari West. She never contacted me back, not one reply. I also called, and was met with “well she’s only here a few days a week.” Disappointed in the non existent customer service, especially when I was looking to spend hundreds of dollars on private excursions.

Fambam and I did the one night stay and Safari. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. We went during a bad time it was during a heat wave (100+). We stayed in a king bed tent with double sized bunk beds. Bathroom was very spacious. There was on one small ceiling fan which didn’t help to much. If you go during the cold months each bed has heating blankets.

We did Dinner reservations it was good but I don’t think it was worth the price maybe if it was buffet like some reviews were saying. It was a sit down dinner and you get a fruit plate for the table each person get a salad, one entree plate which had 2 ribs, chicken and macaroni cheese with a side of potatoes. End with a dessert. You also get to order what you want for breakfast the next day since breakfast was included.

We had a great time with our safari guide Richard. He was very knowledgeable friendly and funny. Highly recommended!!! If you get him give him a great tip he deserves it

Safari west was an excellent way to get a glimpse of the Serengeti without traveling to Africa. 5 year old and 6 yr old were in awe of all the wonderful animals as they got a very up-close and personal view of them while listening to animal trivia and merrily sharing their own knowledge with friendly and accommodative staff.

We stayed one night and the cabins were excellently appointed for a night in the wilderness with warm blankets, space heater, water bottles and a private bathroom. Complimentary breakfast was well stocked until the close and staff were super friendly and helpful.

Cafe lady was extremely nice and gave us complimentary sandwiches and juices when she found out that we had lost our keys.

I titled this review after Tiger King, but it is NOT because of personnel drama. Safari West could be renamed Tiger King West in that the animals seem miserable, pacing back and forth in over-filled enclosures. The facility may have acres, but so many animals are crammed into very small cages so it is basically a drive-thru zoo and NOTHING like an African safari at all. There is no mention of conservation or a breeding program so it is appears to be for profit only - hence the Tiger King reference.

Tent - pricey and not worth it. I reserved a room and said that my cousin was also booking a room; they placed us as far from each other as possible. They were not at full occupancy. Even though a two-bed tent could accommodate four people, you pay extra if you have a 3rd or 4th person who might be a child. Given the price of the room, I expected better - for example: there could have been a citronella candle or insect repellant coil around the table and chairs on the deck because there were so many bugs attracted to the lamp at night.

Up Close and Personal tour - pay $275 to feed five animals in one hour: warthogs, porcupines, bird, giraffes, and hyenas. The guide said that they were busted for feeding the warthogs sweet potatoes because they got fat. Obviously they are not feeding them a balanced diet! On this tour, the hyenas are fed two hard boiled eggs and they have to be thrown over a 10-12 ft fence. What kid could land that??? The one hour for a few minutes with each animal was a waste of money.

Safari drive - It was just sad to see the animals in this condition. Flamingoes are crammed into a small pond, the birds in the aviary can't fly within the confinement, caracal kept pacing back and forth, the cheetah was walking in circles within it's cage, the red ruffed lemurs are also in such a small cage. The whole thing was so sad.

Personnel - The people working here seemed to be seasonal and not really certain of what to do. They were nice but not necessarily service-oriented. The waitress at the buffet dinner just wanted us to hurry up and finish so she could set up for the 7pm sitting. The place was not sold out so they could have set other tables rather than rush us out.

I would NOT RECOMMEND going here at all.

We were unsure what to expect and were blown away at how well executed the tour was! Our guide was well informed and passionate about the animals and the park.

Absolutely loved the safari! Really had no idea what to expect, but WOW!! What a fun filled afternoon!! I would highly recommend this adventure for families, friends., corporate events (rewards, that's what ours was!) The guides were fantastic. Really know their stuff. Animals are amazing. The weather was beautiful. The grounds are so well kept. I could go on and on.