Safari West Sonoma Adventure Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Meet Giraffes in Sonoma County

Step into the heart of Sonoma County’s African Serengeti wildlife preserve. Climb aboard an open-air safari vehicle for an unforgettable adventure, spotting giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and cape buffalo in spacious habitats designed to mimic the wild.

Your journey continues with walkable areas where you can visit curious lemurs, explore the lush aviary with vibrant birdlife, and see our magnificent cheetahs in their dedicated habitat.

This family-friendly, immersive experience is guided by expert safari guides who share stories of the animals in our care and our vital conservation work. Perfect for animal lovers of all ages (guests must be 4 years or older), Safari West is a true escape into the wild—no passport required.

Every visit supports our mission of wildlife conservation, education, and the care of over 900 animals who call Safari West home.

For groups of 10 or more guests, please contact Safari West directly to book.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Minimum age is 4 years; all children must be accompanied by an adult

Please provide your contact information (i.e. 'on the road' contact number) at time booking

Guests are not permitted to take food out on the tour, but water bottles are welcome; during the summer months, the snack bar is open and guests may purchase sandwiches, chips, fruit, drinks and other items to eat during the tour break or afterward; you may also dine in the Savannah Cafe at your own expense (reservations can be made after booking)

Not recommended for pregnant women, as the tour includes a 2.5-hour drive over rugged terrain that may be uncomfortable

Hearing-impaired guests: While we do not provide interpreters, we welcome guests with hearing-related needs and encourage you to contact us in advance so our team can be prepared to support your experience.

Service animals: For safety reasons, service animals are not permitted on safari vehicles, but are allowed on the grounds. Please reach out before your visit so we can assist with planning.

Strollers: Strollers are welcome on our accessible lower grounds, but cannot be brought on safari vehicles.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time

Weather: Tours run rain or shine. Please dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes.

Toddlers & Infants: Children must be at least 4 years old to participate in the Classic Safari tour. If you're visiting with younger children, please contact us to learn more about family-friendly alternatives available at Safari West.

Our Guest Policy: Safari West is for Everyone: Just like the wildlife we care for, our guests reflect the rich diversity of the world around us—no matter your background, ability, or who you love. At Safari West, we strive to be a truly welcoming space for all. All families are welcome. Come as you are and experience the wild, together.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional guide

Transport by Jeep

Gratuities

Food and drinks (if you would like to eat at the on-site Savannah Cafe, please call Safari West to make a reservation after booking; the phone number will be on your voucher)

What To Expect

Safari West

In a region known for high-end wine and sophisticated food, Safari West offers one of the most family-friendly activities in wine country, so bring your kids along! When you arrive at the preserve, about a 20-minute drive north of downtown Santa Rosa, meet your safari guide and hop in your open-air Jeep to begin your wildlife tour of the ‘Sonoma Serengeti.’ For three hours, explore the 400-acre (162-hectare) preserve both in the Jeep and on foot, and travel over rugged dirt roads in search of exotic animals. During the tour, your guide will tell you all about the wildlife at the preserve, including endangered species such as the Cape buffalo, springbok, blue wildebeest and red lechwe (a type of antelope). Learn how Safari West works to promote conservation of these beautiful wild animals. On your drive, pass by herds of African animals including gazelles, zebras, oryx, antelopes and — everyone’s favorite — giraffes, who may just come right up to the Jeep to look you in the eye. Then, hop out of your vehicle with your guide to walk for roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Admire flamingos and other colorful birds in the open-air aviary, observe cheetahs up close, check out the residents of Lemur Island, and laugh at the antics of the monkeys. When your tour ends, take some time to browse the gift shop for souvenirs such as jewelry, T-shirts and African art. You can also have lunch or dinner at the on-site Savannah Cafe (own expense; see the Exclusions for more details). Please provide your contact information (i.e. 'on the road' contact number) at time booking.

Admission Included

Options

Classic Safari Tour

Reviews

4.65

99 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Excellent
cuauhtemocz707,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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
Wonderful experience!
Diana P,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful experience! Dano was a great guide, he has a deep knowledge of all the animals, he was very informative and congenial.
Take into account carry...
Celeste B,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Be aware to wear sunscreen and go well hydrated. The guide is quite friendly and explains everything excellently
It really is a place...
mariaG p,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
The truth is that it is a little small place, with few animals is nice, but I think the price they charge, it is not worth it, it makes me very expensive for the things and activities that are done in that place
Fun, affordable outdoor 3 hr African Safari animal tour in Santa Rosa
AMAN G,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Bought 2 tickets off the VIATOR app. It was $110x2 so $220. Expensive it lasted 3 hrs , parking is free and not far from the start of the safari. You check in at the lobby building and they give you wrist bands which you meet your tour guide next to a shaded tiny snack shop. They have small snacks and a microwave. I had a bagel dog which is not tasty at all so make sure you eat a good meal because you me gonna be in the large vehicle for 3 hrs. , 5 min bathroom break, port a potty on the ways. 30/40 minutes is walking not too far and slow walking. We came on a perfect weather weekday Thursday. It was awesome seeing all these birds and animals. Tour guide was Cyndy, she was spectacular we tipped her. TIP if you don't have any loose cash I hand you can go to entry building where you checked in and you use a credit card to tip your tour guide and the will write the amount and your names for them to see. This was wonderful to be able to show your appreciation to the safari guide. The 400 acreage was massive, and the wildlife seemed comfortable and not overwhelming crowded. My favorite animal was the ostrich and the baby rhinoceros Oz. Ostrich was great to see ultimate close up and pecking at our vehicle. They have glamping if you want it spend the night too. Another TIP, the winding road getting there has dead cell phone zones and our phones went to SOS status our carrier is ATT btw. Inside was no issues . Bathroom are decorated and motion sensors and very tidy. I would recommend this place if you're in a staycation in Santa Rosa. We had people from Minnesota and a family they came all the way from Columbia! Picture are encouraging and everyone has a chance to sit freely on top of the vehicle, there is not a bad seat in the vehicle as the seated rows are bleacher style like the movies. Really cool seeing giraffes up super close. I really enjoyed not too far from downtown , just not a whole lot of fast food I this side of town. Go to Windsor or downtown Santa Rosa we found a phenomenal Himalayan restaurant which won many awards and it didn't disappoint. Cyndy kept us alert and gave a lot of information about which I absorbed. 5/5 all the way ! Only just the snack shop needs better food-they have canned beer /wine if anyone was wondering.
Fun for adults too!
Joy R,
Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
This was a cool experience. Three adults, in a safari jeep, with top of the jeep seats (so cool!) with the chance to be up close with the animals. The giraffe Mango came so close, it killed my husband not to pet him (not allowed, obviously). Great way to spend the day in wine country (and yes... I was able to bring wine on board, just no glass). Fun way to spend the day.
Great place to visit
joyce w,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
My husband has been wanting me to go for 10 years. I missed his prior trip bc I was babysitting my youngest( at the time) grand daughter, it was everything he described
Fun times had by all at Safari West
Melz Niko,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Prepare for a long three...
Donita M,
Sep 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
Prepare for a long three hours, also check the weather, very hot for us and a lot of stopping and starting going through each enclosure took the most time of the experance, especially if you have small kids
safari yes!
Amy J,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We went on the earliest safari of the day. Our guide, Eric, made sure we got great views of all the animals, seeing even the shyer animals that are less often seen. He was very knowledgeable and seemed to really enjoy his job. He also made sure that everyone got a ride on top and navigated around the roads routes for the greatest experience. So many baby animals along the way. Nice walkabout tour after the jeep ride with lots of feathered and furry friends.