Navigating the culinary landscape of the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park requires a strategy. As a longtime member, I’ve learned that knowing where to find a great meal, a quick snack, or a relaxing drink is just as important as planning which animals to see. Unlike a traditional zoo, the restaurants and snack stands are spread out across vast distances, so a little planning goes a long way.

This guide will walk you through every dining option, from the spectacular full-service restaurant overlooking the savanna to the best spots for a quick bite or a craft beer. I’m never in food photo mode when I’m there so I will fill these in with more visuals over my next few visits.

Pre-Visit Playbook: Dining Logistics & Strategy

Before you even step foot in the park, a few key decisions can shape your day and your budget.

Safari Park Food Policy: Can You Bring Your Own Food?

Yes, you can! The Safari Park has a generous food policy that allows guests to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. ^{This is a fantastic way to manage costs and cater to picky eaters or specific dietary needs.}  

However, there are a few important rules to follow ^:  

• No large coolers: Small, soft-sided coolers (no larger than 12″x12″) are permitted.  
• No glass containers or alcohol: These items are strictly prohibited for the safety of the animals and guests.  
• No outside food on special safaris: If you book an upgraded experience like the Wildlife Safari, you cannot bring your own food or beverages on the tour truck.  

Use the Safari Park App to Check Hours & Menus

I highly recommend downloading the official San Diego Zoo Safari Park app before your visit. It has a GPS-enabled map that will show you the dining locations nearest to you, their operating hours, and often their current menus. I use this at both parks.

How Much Does Safari Park Food Cost?

Food prices are what you would expect for a major attraction. I think you can plan on spending roughly:

• Counter-service meals: $15–$20
• Kids’ meals: $10–$12
• Full-service dining at The Watering Hole: $17–$20+ for entrees (plus gratuity)

To save money, the best strategy is to pack your own lunch and then splurge on a few special park treats. Also, remember to bring a reusable water bottle, as any restaurant or food kiosk will refill it with ice and water for free.  

Dietary Needs and Allergies

The park does a good job of offering vegetarian and gluten-free options at its larger restaurants. ^{You can ask staff at any location for an ingredient list. For those with serious allergies or complex dietary needs, your safest options are to either bring your own food or dine at The Watering Hole, where the full-service kitchen can better accommodate specific requests.}  

See also: My insider tips for visiting San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The Premier Dining Experience: The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook

The Watering Hole is the Safari Park’s only full-service, sit-down restaurant, and it is an absolute must-do if you have the time.

It offers what is arguably the best dining view in any theme park in the country: a sweeping, panoramic vista of the African Plains savanna. You can relax with a craft beer or a cocktail while watching giraffes and rhinos roam just a few hundred yards away.  

What to Order

The menu features tasty sandwiches, fresh salads, and shareable appetizers.  

• Rhino-Sized Pretzel — This enormous pretzel served with beer cheese and mustard is perfect for sharing and a guest favorite.  
• Kilima Burgers — A solid choice, with options including a classic cheeseburger, a turkey burger, and a plant-based burger.  
• Wedge Salad — A classic wedge salad with bacon, roasted tomatoes, and blue cheese crumbles.  
• Margarita or Beer Flights — A great way to sample different local craft beers or African-inspired margaritas.  

Best Casual Dining at the Safari Park

For a quicker but still satisfying meal, the park has several counter-service restaurants, each with a different theme and menu. Lately, this is where we’ve been spending a lot of our time.

Barking Deer BBQ & Beer: Best for a Hearty Meal

Located in Safari Base Camp near the park entrance, this is the spot for smoked meats and local beer. Their tri-tip sandwich is a standout, smoked daily until they sell out. ^{It’s a great option for a filling lunch early in your day.}  

Thorntree Terrace: Most Variety Near the Entrance

Also in Safari Base Camp, Thorntree Terrace offers the widest variety of food options, including breakfast items in the morning, burgers, fish and chips, and fresh salads. ^{It’s a reliable choice with plenty of seating.}  

Mombasa Cooker: Classic Park Fare in Nairobi Village

If you have kids with you, Mombasa Cooker is a safe bet. Located on the water in the heart of Nairobi Village, it serves classic theme park fare like hand-battered chicken. There are a handful of salads, too.

Okavango Outpost: Best Stop After the Africa Tram

Situated right at the exit of the Africa Tram, this is the perfect place to refuel after your tour of the savanna. They offer comforting pasta dishes, sandwiches, and salads. Don’t miss the churro sundae for dessert.  

Mawazo Kitchen: Best for Baja-Inspired Flavors

Conveniently located between the Benbough Amphitheater and the Mawazo Playground, this spot serves South of the Border-themed entrees like tacos and salads. ^{It’s a great place to eat while the kids burn off some energy at the playground.}  

Best Snacks & Treats

Sometimes you just need a quick snack to keep your energy up. These are my go-to spots.

Macan Market: A Snack with a Tiger View

Located on the Tiger Trail, this is one of the most scenic snack spots in the park. You can relax in the beautiful Sambutan Longhouse with a drink or light snack and watch the Sumatran tigers roam their habitat.  It can get busy here though.

Tucker Truck: Unique Bites in Australia

For something a little different, head to Walkabout Australia. The Tucker Truck, parked between the platypus habitat and the Bonsai Pavilion, serves up tasty french fry cones and other snacks.  

Kibo Cones & Snacks / Kalahari Cupboard: For Ice Cream & Churros

When you need a classic sweet treat, these two spots in Nairobi Village are your destination. They serve soft-serve ice cream, churro sundaes, pretzels, and ICEEs.  

Where to Find Beer, Wine & Cocktails

The Safari Park offers a great selection of local craft beer, wine, and specialty cocktails for adults looking to relax.

• The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook: The best spot for a full bar experience with the best view.  
• Oasis on the Rocks: Located in Nairobi Village, this is a dedicated bar featuring specialty cocktails and draft beer.  
• The Sheared Sheep: Enjoy Australian-inspired snacks with cocktails or a craft beer in Walkabout Australia.  
• Most Casual Restaurants: Nearly all of the counter-service locations, including Barking Deer BBQ, Thorntree Terrace, and Mombasa Cooker, serve a selection of draft and craft beers.  

Where to Find Coffee

For that essential morning or afternoon caffeine boost, there is one main destination.

Safari Coffee Outpost

Located in Safari Base Camp near the entrance, this is the park’s primary coffee spot. They serve espresso drinks, nitro coffee, and snacks like doughnuts, making it the perfect first stop of your day.  

Your Safari Park Dining Strategy

To sum it up, here is my recommended approach to dining at the Safari Park:

• Decide: BYO or Buy? Bringing your own lunch is the best way to save money and time. You can eat at any of the picnic tables or restaurant seating areas.
• Download the App. Use the official park app on the day of your visit to check which locations are open and to find the closest option when hunger strikes.  
• Book The Watering Hole Early. If you want the full-service experience with that incredible view, make your reservation online a few days in advance.  

What Restaurants Are Near the Safari Park?

The Safari Park is located in the San Pasqual Valley in Escondido, about 35 miles from downtown San Diego. Unlike the Zoo in Balboa Park, there are no restaurants within walking distance.

If you’re looking for a meal before or after your visit, you will need to drive to nearby areas in Escondido or Rancho Bernardo. I like stopping at Orfila Winery if you have the time or energy. The back patio is beautiful and the wine is local.