Safari West in Santa Rosa Offers California’s Only Safari Sleepover
We woke up in Sonoma County, but it felt like we were somewhere far away. Somewhere wilder. Somewhere quieter.
Safari West sits on 400 acres just outside Santa Rosa and gives you something you do not expect to find in Wine Country. It is a full safari experience, but local. No long flights. No layovers. Just the wild, right here.
Watch Video Below
Arrival
As soon as we arrived, we were picked up in a Jeep with no doors and taken to our tent. The kids were already hyped and the rugged ride made it feel like we had landed somewhere far from home, even though we were still in Sonoma County. The sense of adventure started right away.
Glamping
They call it a tent, but this was glamping at its finest. There were bunk beds for the kids, a clean and stylish bathroom, and a peaceful deck that overlooked the landscape. It gave us just enough of the wild while keeping it comfortable.
Feeding the Animals
One of the biggest highlights was feeding the animals. My kids could not get enough of it. We visited the aviary and hand-fed some carnivorous birds, which felt like something out of a movie. There were also pigs, porcupines, and even giraffes that the kids got to feed themselves.
Dinner by the Fire
Dinner was served buffet-style in their open-air dining space. The tri-tip was cooked right there in the Braai, a South African-style grill that adds a wood-fired flavor unlike anything else. The meat was smoky and tender, and the house-made barbecue sauce took it over the top. They also served South African wines, local cider, and cocktails.
S’mores and the Elephant Room
As the sun went down, they invited us to roast marshmallows over the Braai. The kids loved it. Afterward, we headed to the Elephant Room where they played a safari-themed movie. Fittingly, it was The Lion King. It was a perfect way to wind down after an unforgettable day.
Second Day
We had only explored 12 of the 400 acres on the first day. After breakfast, we packed our things and got ready for the safari tour. But before we climbed back into the Jeep, we got a behind-the-scenes look at the work being done by the Safari West Wildlife Foundation.
Safari West Wildlife Foundation
Safari West has a nonprofit foundation called the Safari West Wildlife Foundation with three major programs:
-
Safari West Live — They livestream safaris into pediatric hospitals across the country.
-
Discover Africa — A program that brings kids from Title I schools into the wild for a day of real animal interaction.
-
Junior Keepers — Teens volunteer every weekend to care for the animals and learn about conservation.
These programs are quietly making a massive impact. And they’re looking for sponsors.
The Safari
We rode on top of the safari truck, which gave us a full view of the land and the animals. We saw everything from zebras to ostriches to antelope.
What stuck with me most, though, was learning about the conservation work happening here. Some of these species have fewer than 200 animals left in the wild. Without places like Safari West, they might already be gone. This trip gave us more than just memories. It gave us perspective.
You Might Also Like
Everything You Need to Know About Hiking to Alamere Falls
North Bay’s Top Crab Sandwiches You Have to Try
Sonoma County Ghost Town Wingo, California
Battle of the Brews Delivers Big Flavors and Bigger Impact in Sonoma County