Is an African Safari on your bucket list but it’s a little too far from making it a reality? You’ll be happy to know there are alternatives, such as the Roar & Snore Safari offered by San Diego Zoo Safari Park – the sister property to the San Diego Zoo.
Many zoos across North America are creating overnight experiences so families can experience the next best thing to an actual safari. Roar & Snore is one of the best, located just a half-hour drive north of downtown San Diego in Escondido
It’s a sleepover adventure in one of 46 comfy, safari-style tents that border an expansive grazing area for giraffes, rhinos, gazelles, antelopes, and other exotic animals.
Balloon Safaris and a Jungle Ropes Safari for kids 7 and up to test their balance and jungle skills on rope bridges, tightropes, and more.
While visiting this expansive park, book a Flightline Safari—strapped securely into a zip-line, you’ll soar as high as 130 feet above the rhinos, giraffes, and other animals below. You can even record the entire experience with a helmet cam to relive your experience at home.
All Roar & Snore Safaris include a ride on the Africa Tram and your choice of walking tours, from laid-back to active. Look for special themes throughout the year, like seasonal kid-favorite Creepy Camp during Halloween (meet spooky, creepy critters and get special treats), or romantic, adults-only Valentine’s Day overnights featuring a candlelit dinner and wine.
All overnights include special activities, an after-hours opportunity to look at resident animals, a campfire program, dinner, snacks, and a park souvenir. And when you wake up in the early morning? Enjoy an open-air breakfast with views of grazing animals to photograph and observe, long before the park’s doors are open to visitors.
The Roar & Snore experience is divided into 4 categories, one for all ages, one for adults only, and two are designed for groups — Girl Scouts and School Nights, the latter of which allows teachers to bring student groups. For ticket pricing, visit the San Diego Safari Park website.
Photos: San Diego Safari Park