Africa Tram
Included safari past open-range field habitats.
Escondido · open-range park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Quick answer
The Safari Park is the open-range half of the San Diego Zoo, 35 miles north in Escondido's San Pasqual Valley. Plan a full day, ride the included Africa Tram early while animals are still near the road, and expect paid parking and real inland heat from June through September.
Last updated
Safari Park at a glance
- Drive time
- 45-60 minutes from downtown San Diego
- Time needed
- 5-7 hours including the tram and walking loops
- Parking
- Paid on-site lot
- Best time
- Right at opening, and cooler months for animal activity
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027 · Escondido / San Pasqual Valley · San Diego Zoo Safari Park official site
Tickets
- The Africa Tram safari is included with admission — no separate booking needed.
- Paid upgrades (Caravan Safari, Cheetah Run experiences, flightline) sell out and must be booked ahead.
- A 2-Visit Pass covering the Zoo and Safari Park usually beats two separate single tickets.
- Zoo memberships include the Safari Park, which is what makes them worthwhile for local families.
- Parking is charged separately from admission, so budget for it.
Hours & parking
Hours
The park generally opens at 9am and closes in the late afternoon, later during summer and seasonal events. Confirm your date on the official hours page, and note that tram operations end before park close.
Parking
One large paid lot at the entrance. Arriving in the first half hour puts you close to the gate and gets you on the tram before the lines build. There is no free alternative nearby, so include it in the cost of the day.
What to see and do at Safari Park
Tiger Trail
Shaded elevated boardwalk with strong viewing windows.
Walkabout Australia
Walk-through kangaroo habitat, popular with young kids.
Condor Ridge
Native species overlook with valley views.
Caravan Safari
Paid truck safari that gets you inside the field enclosures.
Seasonal nights
Summer evenings extend hours and change tram availability.
How to spend your visit
- 9:00 AM
Africa Tram first
Animals are closest to the tram route in the first cool hours.
- 10:00 AM
Walkabout Australia and Nairobi Village
Flat loops near the entrance before the heat.
- 11:30 AM
Booked safari or Cheetah Run
Paid experiences run on fixed times — plan the rest of the day around yours.
- 1:00 PM
Lunch in shade
Eat at the village rather than carrying food up the hill.
- 2:00 PM
Tiger Trail and gorillas
Shaded canyon paths, best in the afternoon.
- 4:00 PM
Second tram lap or exit
Late trams are quieter and the light is better for photos.
Getting there
Driving
I-15 north to Via Rancho Parkway, then east on San Pasqual Valley Road. A car is effectively required.
Rideshare
Possible but expensive both directions, and pickups can be slow at closing.
Pair it with
Escondido, Julian or a North County wine stop on the way back.
Heat planning
Inland valley temperatures run 10-20 degrees above the coast in summer; go early.
What's nearby
Everything about Safari Park in one place
Tickets, parking, food and hotels nearby, comparisons and every guide we publish about San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Hours, tips & planning
How to actually spend your visit.
Hotels nearby
Closest places to stay.
Compare it
How it stacks up against the alternatives.
Our reviews
Places here we've visited and scored.
Related guides
Other pages that cover this place.
Safari Park questions
How far is the Safari Park from San Diego?+
About 35 miles north in Escondido, which is 45 to 60 minutes of driving from downtown depending on traffic.
Is the Africa Tram included with Safari Park admission?+
Yes. The Africa Tram safari is included. Caravan and other close-up safaris cost extra and should be booked in advance.
Is the Safari Park better than the San Diego Zoo?+
It is better for open-range habitats, tram safaris and photography. The Zoo is better for species variety in a compact area. Most first-time visitors with one day choose the Zoo.
How hot does the Safari Park get?+
It sits in an inland valley that runs well above coastal temperatures in summer. Go at opening, bring water and plan indoor or shaded stops midday.
How long should you spend at the Safari Park?+
Five to seven hours covers the tram, the walking loops and one paid experience.
Official sources
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