Dubai Safari is an expansive open zoo and nature reserve located in Al Warqa 5, Dubai. It offers visitors a chance to observe wild animals in expansive open habitats instead of enclosed exhibits. Spread across 119 hectares, Dubai Safari showcases a diverse variety of wildlife from around the world along with botanical gardens and educational experiences.
Dubai Safari provides a mix of wild animal exhibits, a botanical garden, an educational center, and entertainment options across different zones:
African Village Zone
This zone features animals from the African savanna grasslands like zebras, giraffes, ostriches, impalas, white rhinos, meerkats, lemurs and more roaming freely around temples and African-style architecture. Visitors can observe the animals up close from elevated boardwalks and bridges.
Asian Zone
The Asian zone houses animals like tigers, lions, wolves, spiders and reptiles in large open habitats modeled after tropical Asian forests. It also features an educational discovery center for learning about wildlife conservation.
Safari Village Zone
This zone features a petting zoo with domestic animals like ponies, donkeys and goats that kids can feed and interact with. It also has camel rides, a children’s play area, retail shops and dining options.
Botanical Garden
The botanical garden has diverse exotic plants from around the world, including medicinal herbs, cacti and orchids. Visitors can wander through landscaped gardens and nurseries.
Night Safari
Special night time safaris feature nocturnal animal viewing areas to observe animals at night under spotlights. Animals include big cats, bears, hippos, deer, foxes and more roaming large open habitats.
Entertainment
Entertainment options include adventure courses, zip lines, giant mazes, trampolines, rock climbing, bike rentals and live educational shows about animals. There are also safari lodges and camping options.
What Animals Are Featured?
Dubai Safari features over 2,500 animals from around 100 wildlife species. Some key animal species featured in each zone include:
African Savanna Zone
- White Rhinos
- Giraffes
- Ostriches
- Antelopes like Impalas, Springboks, Kudu
- Zebras
- Lemurs
- Meerkats
Asian Zone
- Bengal Tigers
- Asiatic Lions
- Indian Wolves
- Crocodiles
- Giant Spiders like Tarantulas
- Snakes like Pythons and Cobras
Arabian Desert Zone
- Arabian Oryx
- Gazelles
- Falcons
- Salukis
Nocturnal Zone
- Brown Bears
- Asiatic Black Bears
- Wildcats
- Hyenas
- Servals
- Bat-eared Foxes
Domestic Farm Animals Zone
- Ponies
- Donkeys
- Goats
- Llamas
- Chickens
- Ducks
Educational Experiences
Dubai Safari offers fun interactive experiences to foster learning about wildlife among visitors, especially children. Some key educational features include:
Discovery Centre
The state-of-the-art Discovery Centre features interactive displays about wildlife from around the world. Kids can learn through digital games, animal puzzles, quizzes and exploration exhibits.
Live Shows & Feedings
Daily scheduled live shows at the Safari Theatre feature animal handlers showcasing birds, reptiles and other exotic wildlife. Kids can learn about the animals and ask questions to handlers. Live feedings let visitors observe keepers feeding various carnivores.
Keeper Talks
Daily keeper talks provide a chance to interact with zookeepers and learn about jobs involved in caring for different wildlife as well as efforts towards conservation.
Veterinary Labs
Visitors can look through glass windows into working veterinary facilities used for caring for animals. Zoo veterinarians also give regular educational talks.
Conservation Programs
Special programs educate visitors about threats to wildlife globally and efforts they can support to protect endangered species. These showcase field conservation initiatives by Dubai Safari supporting wild populations.
Family-Friendly Entertainment
Along with animal encounters, Dubai Safari offers many family-friendly entertainment options across various zones:
Amusement Park Rides
Thrilling rollercoaster rides, a jungle train, carousels and bouncing air jumpers are available at the Safari Village zone. These provide entertainment alongside petting farm animals.
Mazes & Adventure Courses
The Asian Zone features towering rope courses and net crossings for climbing challenges. Giant hedge mazes spanning over 2,000 square feet also offer fun adventures.
Ziplines
Visitors can zoom through the air on thrilling ziplines crisscrossing over habitats, with panoramic views of wildlife roaming below. Heights range from 10 to 45 feet high across 1,200 feet long lines.
Trampolines & Wall Climbing
The Safari Village has expansive trampoline arenas and bouncy castles for visitors. It also features indoor and outdoor rock climbing walls suited for kids and adults with different skill levels.
Water Rides & Pools
The African Village zone has a large wave pool, winding water slides and splash areas. These interactive water play zones provide families water fun alongside free-roaming African animals.
Camping & Lodging
Visitors can book private lodges or camp overnight inside Dubai Safari itself for a truly immersive wildlife experience. These overlook animal habitats, with views through floor-to-ceiling windows or outdoor decks.
Planning a Visit
Here are some key tips for visitors planning a trip to Dubai Safari:
- Purchase tickets online in advance as the park has daily visitor caps. Book any lodging/camping stays well ahead of time.
- Optimal times to visit are early mornings or evenings when many animals are most active, especially for the Night Safari.
- Wear cool, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Bring hats/sunglasses as some zones have minimal shade.
- Carry water bottles, snacks and spare clothes for kids. Strollers are permitted. Some paths are stroller/wheelchair accessible.
- Download the Dubai Safari app for schedules, exhibits maps and planning day-by-day itineraries for your trip. Offline GPS maps help navigation.
- Capture photographs/selfies only in designated areas to not disturb wildlife. Follow all visitor code of conduct rules for an ethical, rewarding experience.
Key Takeaways
- Dubai Safari is an expansive next-generation zoo with diverse wildlife species from around the world showcased in open habitats instead of cages and cages.
- It offers educational conservation experiences through a discovery center, shows and up-close special wildlife encounters led by zookeepers and veterinarians.
- Along with wildlife encounters, Dubai Safari offers thrill rides, giant adventure play areas, trampolines and camping opportunities for families within habitats after dark.
- Advance online booking for entry tickets and any lodging stays is highly recommended due to daily visitor caps. Early morning or late afternoon hours are ideal visit times.
Conclusion
Dubai Safari’s innovative open concept makes it the region’s leading zoological experience for visitors to observe incredible wildlife. Its habitats with elevated trails winding through recreated natural environments provides an ethical model for animal welfare and conservation. Educational messages are woven throughout exhibits and programming. Thrilling attractions, play zones and overnight stays make it an adventure-packed destination, especially welcoming families with kids. As the Middle East’s first open concept safari-themed zoo spanning over 100 hectares, Dubai Safari offers a memorable world-class wildlife tourism experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is unique about Dubai Safari compared to regular zoos?
A: Dubai Safari features open expansive habitats up to 400m long for animals to roam freely instead of small enclosures. Visitors can observe natural animal behaviors on landscaped trails winding through the habitats.
Q: How big is Dubai Safari park?
A: Dubai Safari spans 119 hectares (294 acres) located in Al Warqa 5 in Dubai, making it much more expansive compared to most zoos globally.
Q: What is Dubai Safari Night Safari timing?
A: The Night Safari experience is open from 6:30 pm to 12 am daily, offering visitors a chance to observe nocturnal animals under spotlights.
Q: Can we feed animals at Dubai Safari?
A: Feeding of animals is restricted for safety reasons, except at designated petting zoo areas under staff supervision where kids can feed ponies, goats and farm animals.
Q: Is Dubai Safari open all year round?
A: Yes, Dubai Safari remains open year-round from 9 am to 6 pm, extending till midnight for the Night Safari experience.
Q: How long does it take to cover the entire Dubai Safari?
A: Most visitors spend 4-6 hours to properly explore all major exhibits at Dubai Safari. An entire day is ideal to also partake in shows, feeds and educational encounters.
Q: How much does Dubai Safari cost?
A: Entry tickets start from AED 50 per person. Additional costs apply for special encounters, ziplines, lodges, food etc. Discounted packages are available. Entry is free for kids under 3 and seniors over 65.
Q: Can we bring outside food to Dubai Safari?
A: Yes, visitors are permitted to carry personal food and drinks into Dubai Safari, with designated dining areas to enjoy personal meals. No alcohol is allowed.
Q: Are strollers allowed at Dubai Safari?
A: Yes, strollers are permitted across most trails. Safari Village zone offers free stroller rentals on a first-come basis with an ID deposit.
Q: Is Dubai Safari mobility/disability friendly?
A: Yes, dedicated wheelchair/disabled access features include paved pathways, elevators, accessible restrooms and lower-height exhibit viewing areas. Rental wheelchairs, motorized scooters are available.
Q: Are pets allowed at Dubai Safari?
No, personal pets or animals are prohibited for safety reasons, except registered guide dogs which are permitted. Kennels are not available on premises.
Q: Is there an on-site hotel at Dubai Safari itself?
A: Yes, luxury safari-themed guest lodges ranging from deluxe to premium suites are available on site for overnight stays with views into animal habitats.
Q: Are ATMs available inside Dubai Safari?
A: Multiple ATMs from leading banks are available across Dubai Safari for easy access to cash withdrawals and transactions within the premises.
Q: Can we re-enter Dubai Safari on the same ticket?
A: No, Dubai Safari tickets are valid for a single same-day entry only. Re-entry is not permitted after exiting the main gates with the same ticket.
Q: Is Dubai Safari part of Dubailand?
A: No, Dubai Safari has separate managed ownership from Dubailand properties located further south. But bundled deals covering both attractions are offered by some tour operators.
Q: Does Dubai Safari offer animal adoptions?
A: Yes, Dubai Safari has symbolic animal adoption packages starting Dh850 yearly where you can support care for an animal like a tiger, giraffe etc.
Q: Are cafes and restaurants available inside?
A: Multiple dining outlets offer global cuisines inside Safari Village and African/Asian zones. These range from casual food courts to family restaurants to a fine dining lodge restaurant.
Q: Are rides included with Dubai Safari entry tickets?
A: Amusement park rides like the Jungle Train Safari, ziplines, mazes etc. have separate individual pricing and not included with general admission tickets. Bundled deals include some rides.
Q: Can I volunteer at Dubai Safari?
A: Yes, Dubai Safari encourages volunteering through animal care internships and corporate group programs. These support keepers, veterinary and conservation research efforts at the facility.
Q: Are Dubai Safari tickets refundable?
A: Tickets booked directly can be changed to future dated or refunded up to 48 hours prior. Third-party reseller platform tickets have no refunds or changes.
Q: What is best time of year to visit Dubai Safari?
A: Peak visitor seasons are between November-February with milder weather. Summers can be very hot. Spring and Autumn also have moderate weather conducive for outdoor safari experiences.
Q: Are lockers available to store bags at Dubai Safari?
A: Yes, a storage locker rental facility is available at the Safari Visitor Center to securely store bags and personal items for the day for a nominal fee.
