Safari West Sonoma: Giraffes, Zebras & Open-Air Jeep Tour

Giraffes walk right up to your Jeep in the middle of wine country.

Safari West is a three-hour guided wildlife tour through a 400-acre preserve near Santa Rosa where you ride an open-air Jeep past herds of African animals, then walk through habitats to see cheetahs, lemurs and birds up close. The preserve sits about 20 minutes north of downtown Santa Rosa and welcomes children from age 4. Every ticket supports the care of over 900 animals and Safari West's conservation work.

Step-by-step itinerary

Safari West wildlife preserve tour

• Arrive at Safari West preserve
• Meet safari guide
• Board open-air Jeep
• Explore preserve by Jeep
• Spot giraffes, zebras, and more
• Walk with guide for 30-45 minutes
• Visit aviary and see flamingos
• Observe cheetahs and lemurs
• Browse gift shop
• Optional lunch or dinner at Savannah Cafe

The Experience

Three hours means two parts: a 2.5-hour drive over rugged dirt roads in an open-air Jeep, then roughly 30 to 45 minutes on foot. Your guide steers you past herds of gazelles, zebras, oryx and antelopes across the 400-acre preserve—and giraffes often approach the vehicle close enough to look you in the eye. The Jeep is where you cover ground; the walking section is where you step out to see cheetahs in their dedicated habitat, watch flamingos and other birds in an open-air aviary, and visit the residents of Lemur Island.

The preserve is designed to mimic wild African habitats, and your guide shares stories about the animals in their care and the conservation work Safari West does with endangered species like Cape buffalo, springbok, blue wildebeest and red lechwe. This is a family activity—kids from 4 and up can go, and the on-site Savannah Cafe serves lunch or dinner at your own expense if you want to eat after the tour. A snack bar also opens during summer months. Arrive 15 minutes early, bring water bottles if you like, and wear comfortable shoes for the walking sections; tours run rain or shine.

The gift shop has jewelry, T-shirts and African art to take home. No passport needed—this is a true escape into the wild without leaving Sonoma County.

What’s included

• Professional safari guide.
• open-air Jeep transport for the full three hours.
• access to walking trails through habitats with cheetahs, lemurs, birds and flamingos.
• entry to the 400-acre preserve.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Safari West

Is this one for you?Book this if you're comfortable with open-air Jeep travel over rough terrain and moderate walking—the guide navigates while you focus on spotting wildlife across multiple habitats.

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Top questions

How far is Safari West from Santa Rosa?

Safari West is about a 20-minute drive north of downtown Santa Rosa, so it fits easily into a wine country day without a long commute.

What animals will I see on the safari tour?

The Jeep route passes giraffes, zebras, gazelles, oryx, antelopes, wildebeest and springbok. On the walking section, you see cheetahs up close, flamingos and other birds in the aviary, and lemurs on Lemur Island.

Can I bring my young children?

Children must be at least 4 years old to join the Classic Safari tour, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. If you have younger children, contact Safari West to ask about family-friendly alternatives available at the preserve.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a professional guide and transport by open-air Jeep for the full three hours. Food and drinks are not included, though you can purchase items at the snack bar during summer or dine at the Savannah Cafe afterward at your own expense.

Do I need to bring anything or dress a certain way?

Wear comfortable shoes for the walking sections and dress for the weather—tours run rain or shine. Water bottles are welcome on the tour. Strollers can be used on the accessible lower grounds but cannot go on the safari vehicles.

What if I have mobility concerns or health conditions?

The tour includes a 2.5-hour drive over rugged terrain and walking sections, so it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health. The preserve is wheelchair accessible on its lower grounds. Contact Safari West in advance if you have specific needs so the team can support your visit.