Wild Animal “Safaris” with Your Grandchildren

My friends Ingrid and Joel are world travelers and doting grandparents. They’re always sharing tidbits of their adventures and the latest sounded like fun for the whole family. They took their grandchildren on an “African Safari” and only had to drive an hour to get there!

This unique family program called “Roar and Snore,” takes place at San Diego Wild Animal Park located thirty miles north of San Diego in Escondido. You bring your sleeping bag, pillow, and camera, and camp in tents near the Wild Animal Park’s Kilima Point overlooking elephants, tigers, lions and buffaloes.

In June they took their 8-year old granddaughter to “Beastly Bedtime” for families with children ages 4 to 11. They had so much fun they returned a month later with their 11-year old grandson and granddaughter.

The overnight includes an “animal encounter” with a naturalist who brings out some exotic animals for a closer look and a cafeteria-style dinner overlooking the African savanna where giraffes, rhinos and elephants graze. After dinner, visitors walk to see the animals, and have a campfire with a snack before going to sleep in the large tents. After breakfast the next morning, there’s another walk and a chance to feed the giraffes.

If you’re not planning to be in southern California and want a Safari experience that’s closer, there’s Safari West located ten miles north of Santa Rosa. Founded in 1978 as a sanctuary for rare and endangered birds and mammals from all over the world, 400-acre Safari West resembles the Serengeti Plain and houses over 350 wild animals that include wildebeest, zebra, sable antelope, springbok, cheetahs and lemurs to name a few. The primary focus of the preserve is wildlife conservation and education. Two-hour tours take place in four-wheel-drive safari vehicles and are led by naturalists. Though not geared strictly for children, they also offer overnights in new tent cabins right on the grounds.

Check out their website for all the details.

If you’ve taken a fun adventure with your grandchildren, please share it with us.

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