Safari West

Safari West Review

An unexpected bit of wilderness in the Wine Country, this African wildlife preserve covers 400 acres on the outskirts of Santa Rosa. A visit begins with a stroll around enclosures housing lemurs, cheetahs, giraffes, and many varieties of rare birds, like the brightly colored scarlet ibis. Next, climb onto open-air vehicles that spend about two hours combing the expansive property, where more than 80 species—including African Cape buffalo, gazelles, wildebeests, and zebras—make their homes on the hillsides. All the while you're accompanied by guides who inform you about the animals, their behavior, and the threats they face in the wild. If you'd like to extend your stay, lodging in well-equipped tent cabins is available.