One of the most common questions I get about the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is whether the paid safari tours are worth the extra cost. Options include short cart tours to multi-hour VIP experiences, making it hard to tell what sets them apart or which one, if any, is right for your family.

As a longtime park member and travel advisor, I’ve been on most of these tours and have detailed feedback from clients and readers. While you absolutely don’t need to book one to have a fantastic day—especially with the excellent Africa Tram already included—paid safaris offer an enhanced level of immersion.

My guide breaks down which tours truly stand out, who gets the most out of them, and when the upgrade makes sense—whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering the park as a local.

First, Let’s Talk About the FREE Safari: The Africa Tram

Every Safari Park admission ticket includes the Africa Tram, and you should absolutely take advantage of it. This 25-minute guided tour loops around the expansive African Plains habitat, offering neat views of giraffes, rhinos, antelope, and other animals roaming freely in vast, mixed-species herds. The ride is shaded, comfortable, and narrated by a knowledgeable guide.

It’s also one of the best ways to get the lay of the land. The Safari Park is bigger and more spread out than the San Diego Zoo. The tram gives you a helpful overview of the park’s scale, especially if it’s your first visit. For families with young kids or anyone hoping to conserve energy, it’s a smart way to begin your day.

Frequent visitors (myself included) will tell you not to skip it. The experience offers the wide-open safari feel that most guests are hoping for without paying anything beyond the cost of admission. You’ll see animals from angles you can’t always access on foot, and the commentary adds context that deepens your appreciation of the exhibits.

So, Why Pay More? The Difference Between a Visit and an Experience

Paying for a safari upgrade isn’t about replacing the Africa Tram. It’s about taking your visit to the next level. It’s the difference between observing animals from a distance and feeling the rumble of an open-air truck as a rhino passes just feet away.

Our clients who book these tours tend to enthuse about them when we ask for trip recaps. Instead of sharing a large tram with dozens of others, you’re in a small group, guided by an expert who brings you deeper into the park’s expansive habitats, with closer access, more context, and fewer crowds.

I’ve grouped the safaris by the experience they offer to help you decide which, if any, is the right fit for your family. Remember, all prices mentioned are in addition to your park admission. (I have many tips for buying discounted San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets.)

Wildlife Safari: The Icon for a Classic, Up-Close Experience

This is by far the most popular paid tour at the Safari Park and with good reason. You’ll board a covered, open-air truck and drive into one of the savanna habitats for a closer view of animals like giraffes, rhinos, and antelope. The experience is guided, interactive, and much more intimate than the included Africa Tram. There are multiple versions of this tour:  

• The standard Wildlife Safari (ages 3+, 1 hour) is the most widely booked and usually what I recommend for first-timers. It delivers that core, up-close experience and is consistently called “100% worth it” by visitors. For many, the highlight is an unforgettable animal encounter, like petting a rhino as she opens her mouth “like a baby bird” for apple slices.  
• The Deluxe Wildlife Safari (ages 6+, 90 minutes) gives you more time in the field and often covers additional habitat zones, like both the East Africa and Asian savanna areas. I recently went on a Deluxe Safari and the time flew by. If your budget permits, the extra 30 minutes gives you more time, more information, and a better chance of seeing more animals.
• Wildlife Safari: Southwest to Savanna (ages 6+, 2 hours) is a newer tour that focuses on the park’s conservation mission.You’ll start in the Biodiversity Reserve, where park scientists work to study and protect native species. From there, you’ll head into one of the African savanna habitats for a more traditional safari-style experience—getting close to giraffes, rhinos, and more.
• There’s even a 21+ “Sips on Savanna” Safari, which blends animal encounters with seasonal cocktails, wine, or mimosas and small bites. It’s a fantastic option for an adults-only trip or a special date.  
• Price: Starts at $95 per person. We have a standard Wildlife Safari lower price on peak days.

Flightline Safari: The Adventure for Thrills and Unbeatable Views

This isn’t a tour… it’s an adventure! You’ll zipline 130 feet above the African Savanna, gliding over giraffes, rhinos, and other wildlife for a truly one-of-a-kind aerial view.

• The Verdict: Flightline Safari is fun for adrenaline lovers or repeat visitors looking to experience the park in a new way. It’s less about speed and more about perspective or really the chance to float quietly above the park and take in the habitats from above.
• Good to Know: The zipline has specific safety requirements. Participants must be at least 8 years old, be at least 48 inches (4 feet) tall, and weigh between 60 and 275 pounds.  
• Price: Starts at $120 per person. We have a lower price on peak days.

Behind-the-Scenes Safaris: The Insider’s Peek Behind the Curtain

These tours take you to the staff-only areas of the park to see how the keepers care for the animals. The themes vary, so it’s always a good idea to check the park’s calendar to see what’s available on your visit date.  

• What You Might Experience: Themes are often focused on specific animals or conservation stories. Popular options have included “Saving Giants” (elephants and rhinos), “Wild Cat Adventure,” “Walkabout Australia,” and “Passport Into the Wild,” which gives a global overview of conservation efforts. You’ll usually see off-exhibit areas and learn directly from wildlife care specialists about what it takes to care for animals.
• The Verdict: For the truly curious, this is a fantastic choice. We hear readers and clients say they enjoy this more than the traditional safari because of the incredible access. I’ve been behind the scenes over the years and it is interesting to see even the most minute details. I definitely think it’s a fit for families with kids who are interested in veterinary medicine or related fields.
• Price: Starts at $95 per person. We have a lower price on peak days.

Great Value Safaris: Two Wallet-Friendly Guided Tours

Cart Safari

The Cart Safari offers a 60-minute guided tour in a small vehicle, perfect for those who want a more personal experience than the tram without the higher price of the Wildlife Safari.  

• The Verdict: An excellent value option, the Cart Safari is frequently recommended for guests with mobility concerns who still want a guided tour without the higher cost of the Wildlife Safari. I also like this tour for families traveling with toddlers and babies. It’s quick and you see quite a bit.
• Price: Starts at $62 per person.

Wildlife Trek

The Wildlife Trek is a guided walking tour, offering expert insights for a very small add-on fee.  

• The Verdict: This is a fantastic, budget-friendly way to get more out of your visit by having an expert guide bring the park to life with stories and facts you’d otherwise miss.
• Price: Starts at $30 per person.

The Ultimate Memory: For a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Roar & Snore Safari

This is the legendary overnight sleepover at the park. You’ll stay in a tent overlooking the savanna, complete with after-hours tours and campfire activities.  

• What It’s Like: The experience is a packed evening and morning of exclusive activities. After checking in and settling into your tent, the itinerary often includes dinner, guided night hikes to see nocturnal animals, and a campfire with s’mores. You’ll wake up early to the sounds of lions roaring—a highlight for nearly everyone—followed by breakfast and morning animal encounters before the park opens to the public. There are different themes available, including “All Ages” nights, “Adults Only” (21+) events, and special programs for groups like Girl Scouts.  
• The Verdict: This is a true bucket-list item. The Roar & Snore is an institution, with visitors calling it “one of my life’s best experiences.” Waking up in your tent to the sound of lions roaring as the sun rises over the savanna is an absolutely unforgettable memory.  
• Price: Starts at $165 per person .

The Ultimate Safari

This is the park’s premier VIP experience: a private, fully customized tour for your group that can last up to five hours.  

• The Verdict: For a milestone celebration where the budget is flexible, this is the pinnacle of exclusivity. The staff is known for creating magic, going to extraordinary lengths to cater the toward toward your interests. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a meticulously crafted, once-in-a-lifetime day.  
• Price: Starts at $730 per person .

Know Before You Book: Important Safari Details

Before you purchase a safari, it’s important to be aware of the park’s rules and restrictions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

• Separate Admission Required: This is the most important thing to know. All paid safari tours require a separate park admission ticket for every person in your group. Use my promo code lajollamom if you need a 1-Day ticket.
• Age and Accompaniment Rules: Most tours have age minimums (e.g., 3+ for the standard Wildlife Safari, 6+ for the deluxe version, and 21+ for “Sips” tours). Children ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult, with a maximum of three children per adult.  
• Mobility and Accessibility: The park can accommodate guests with mobility needs. Wheelchair-accessible safari vehicles are available, but you must notify the park in advance that you need one.
• Weather and Wildlife: Tours run rain or shine. However, the park reserves the right to change routes or cancel tours for the health and safety of the animals or guests.  
• Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made fewer than three days in advance are typically non-refundable.

The Final Verdict: Should You Pay for a Safari?

Here’s a simple guide to help you make the final call.

Stick with the included Africa Tram if:

• You are on a tight budget.
• This is your first visit and you simply want to get a great overview of the park.
• You are happy seeing animals from a distance in a beautiful setting.
• You’re happy winging your visit.

You should consider paying for a safari if:

• Your goal is an unforgettable, up-close animal encounter.  
• You are celebrating a special occasion and want to create a core memory.  
• You are a repeat visitor looking for a new way to experience the park.
• You have mobility concerns.
• You are short on time (our clients book Cart Safari in these cases) or you have young kids that you don’t think will last a full day in the park.

No matter what you choose, I like to remind people that every dollar spent supports the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s global conservation efforts. On a safari, you’ll learn about and be impressed by what they do.