Safari West Sonoma Adventure Tour
Overview
Available languages
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.
Options
Classic Safari Tour
Reviews
90 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
safari yes!
Amy J,
Aug 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00We 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.
Amazing Experience
Robbin B,
Jul 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was an amazing day! Megan was an awesome tour guide and a master at driving the jeep! She took us into the compounds where we were just a few feet away from giraffes, various varieties of elk and a huge variety of birds. I feel like I don't need an African safari now!
Coolest thing in the area
Carly M,
Jun 23, 2020
- Viator
5.00I just did the tour I didn’t stay over night which you can and it looks awesome! The tour was cool but our guide made it awesome. I missed his name but he had answers to all our questions.
Amazing
pnishi808,
Oct 12, 2019
- Viator
5.00Didn't know what to expect but it was an amazing experience. Very informative and got close to many animals. Highly recommend it.
Wonderful experience
Nomad524008,
Sep 18, 2019
- Viator
4.00The animals were great and the guide knowledgeable. Enjoyed the ride in the jeep and a walk-around afterward. Wish the displays had names about the animals and a little info on each one. If it was already there, I didn't see it. Wish some of the enclosures were a bit more true to their environment (even if staged) E.g. Some tall trees with the giraffes with feeding stations on them, and a bush for the leopard to hide under. Leopard seemed to have anxiety in the small space. Larger enclosures for some of the larger animals.....I was concerned some of them seemed very cramped. Very limited gift shop...I was really surprised about that. Very limited selection of food when the restaurant is not open. Park is very clean, restrooms clean, and lots of water available. Learned a lot about the animals, conservation, and breeding. Overall, it was a great way to spend 1/2 day and somewhat educational.
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