Safari West Sonoma Adventure Tour

4.6 (128 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation Skip the line

out of 5

128 reviews

4.6

Giraffe — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Safari Ride among Zebra — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 9 people
People per booking: 1–9
Guide: English
Operated by: Safari West

Ages: Children (4–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–61 years) · Seniors (62–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional guide
Included: Transport by Jeep

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: 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)

Itinerary

Safari West

Admission included

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

From San Francisco (North on HWY 101)
- Take the River Road exit. The approach to the exit is also marked Calistoga/Mark West Springs Rd.
- Exit freeway and turn RIGHT. You will be on Mark West Springs Road heading East toward Calistoga.
- Note: We are seven miles from HWY 101
- Mark West Springs Road turns into PORTER CREEK ROAD at the Lodge.
- Continue - for approx. another 1.25 miles to Franz Valley Road.
- At Franz Valley Road, turn LEFT directly into our entrance.
- Note: Entrance is on Franz Valley Road (not Porter Creek).
From Sacramento (West on I-80)
- Take U.S. 80 West to the HWY 12 Napa exit.
- Cross the valley and turn RIGHT on HWY 29 for Napa and Calistoga.
- At Rutherford, HWY 128 joins HWY 29.
- Remain on HWY 128, going past, not through, Calistoga, 1 mile.
- Turn LEFT on Petrified Forest Road, toward Santa Rosa. Go 4.5 miles
- Turn RIGHT on Porter Creek Rd. Go 3 miles.
- At Franz Valley Road turn RIGHT directly into our entrance. Do not take Franz Valley School Road.
- Note: Entrance is on Franz Valley Road (not Porter Creek).Tired of getting stuck in traffic? Now you can now fly directly into Santa Rosa on Horizon Air. The Sonoma County Airport is a mere 10 minutes away from Safari West!

End point

From San Francisco (North on HWY 101)
- Take the River Road exit. The approach to the exit is also marked Calistoga/Mark West Springs Rd.
- Exit freeway and turn RIGHT. You will be on Mark West Springs Road heading East toward Calistoga.
- Note: We are seven miles from HWY 101
- Mark West Springs Road turns into PORTER CREEK ROAD at the Lodge.
- Continue - for approx. another 1.25 miles to Franz Valley Road.
- At Franz Valley Road, turn LEFT directly into our entrance.
- Note: Entrance is on Franz Valley Road (not Porter Creek).
From Sacramento (West on I-80)
- Take U.S. 80 West to the HWY 12 Napa exit.
- Cross the valley and turn RIGHT on HWY 29 for Napa and Calistoga.
- At Rutherford, HWY 128 joins HWY 29.
- Remain on HWY 128, going past, not through, Calistoga, 1 mile.
- Turn LEFT on Petrified Forest Road, toward Santa Rosa. Go 4.5 miles
- Turn RIGHT on Porter Creek Rd. Go 3 miles.
- At Franz Valley Road turn RIGHT directly into our entrance. Do not take Franz Valley School Road.
- Note: Entrance is on Franz Valley Road (not Porter Creek).Tired of getting stuck in traffic? Now you can now fly directly into Santa Rosa on Horizon Air. The Sonoma County Airport is a mere 10 minutes away from Safari West!

Using your ticket

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.

If you would like to eat at the on-site Savannah Cafe, please call Safari West to make a reservation at (707) 579-2551 or +1 (800) 616-2695.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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.