Dubai Safari Park Guide: Review, Tickets, Timings, Attractions & More

Dubai Safari Park is a large open wildlife sanctuary and theme park located in Al Warqa’a, Dubai. Spanning 119 hectares of land, it is home to over 2,500 animals from all over the world across many unique habitats and enclosures designed to mimic their natural environments.

Visiting Dubai Safari Park is a must for both tourists and UAE residents alike. As the region’s only drive-through safari park and largest outside Africa, it offers a rare opportunity to observe exotic wildlife up-close that can’t be found anywhere else in the Emirates.

From witnessing the majestic lions and tigers to encountering curious giraffes and gorillas, it makes for an unforgettable and educational family day out.

Dubai Safari Park first opened its doors in December 2017 after many years of planning and development. It aims to promote wildlife conservation while providing a world-class visitor experience.

The park is divided into three main zones – the Safari Village, Safari Drive, and Sanaa Village. The Safari Village contains adventure playgrounds, petting zoos, botanical gardens, and other family-friendly attractions.

The 3.6 km Safari Drive allows visitors to slowly drive their vehicles through large open enclosures housing herbivore species like antelopes, zebras, giraffes, and more.

As one of the top things to do in Dubai, the safari park is a great way for tourists to experience a taste of Africa without leaving the UAE. The unique drive-through concept allows for intimate wildlife sightings that can’t be found in most zoos around the world.

For UAE residents, especially families with children, Dubai Safari Park offers an unparalleled educational and recreational experience right in their own backyard. Kids can learn about wildlife conservation efforts while getting up-close exposure to exotic species. It also provides a nice change of pace from the bustling city and a chance to connect with nature.

Reviews and Feedback

Reading reviews from past visitors is crucial before planning a visit to Dubai Safari Park. Reviews provide first-hand accounts of experiences at the park, highlighting key attractions, facilities, crowds, and more. By analyzing reviews across various sources, visitors can set proper expectations and make informed decisions.

Some of the best places to find Dubai Safari Park reviews include:

Travel websites like TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, etc.
Dubai-focused blogs and review sites
Google Maps and other map/search platforms
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Travel vlogs and video reviews on YouTube

Evaluating and Interpreting Reviews

When reading Dubai Safari Park reviews, keep the following in mind:

Consider the source and context of the review
Look for recurring themes and details across reviews
Balance positive and negative feedback
Focus on recent reviews for updated experiences
Use reviews to set realistic expectations before visiting

By analyzing reviews effectively, visitors can determine if Dubai Safari Park matches their interests and travel style. Reviews also provide travel tips to save time and money during your visit.

Tickets and Pricing

Dubai Safari Park offers a variety of ticket options to suit different budgets and interests. Here is an overview of what’s available:

General Admission Tickets

General admission tickets provide access to all exhibits and attractions within the park. Ticket prices vary based on age:

Adults (ages 13+): AED 170
Children (ages 3-12): AED 85
Infants (under 3): Free

General admission tickets are valid for one day. You can purchase them on the Dubai Safari Park website, at the onsite ticket office, or from various authorized resellers.

VIP/Fast Pass Tickets

For an additional fee, VIP tickets provide the following upgrades and perks:

Priority access to attractions with shorter wait times
Access to exclusive VIP areas and lounge
Free food vouchers and merchandise discounts

VIP tickets cost AED 350 for adults and AED 250 for children. They can be added onto a general admission ticket during the online checkout process.

Annual Passes

For frequent visitors, annual passes provide unlimited admission for one year. Pricing options are:

Individual Annual Pass: AED 495
Family Annual Pass (2 adults, 2 children): AED 1,850

Annual passes include 10% discounts on food, merchandise, and behind-the-scenes animal encounters.

Discounts and Promotions

Here are some ways to save on Dubai Safari Park tickets:

Purchase tickets online in advance for a 10-15% discount
Look for special deals on Groupon, Cobone, etc.
Visit on your birthday for free admission
Check the website for seasonal offers and holiday specials

Following Dubai Safari Park on social media is a great way to learn about upcoming ticket sales and promotions.

Hours of Operation and Accessibility

Dubai Safari Park is open year-round, with hours that vary depending on the season. During the hot summer months, the park opens earlier in the morning and closes earlier in the evening to avoid the midday heat. In the cooler winter season, hours are extended to allow visitors to enjoy pleasant daytime and evening temperatures.

Hours by Season

Summer (June to August) – 9 AM to 7 PM
Fall & Spring (September to May) – 9 AM to 8 PM
Winter (December to February) – 9 AM to 9 PM

It’s recommended to check the official Dubai Safari Park website for up-to-date hours before planning your visit. The park may have special holiday hours or adjustments made for private events.

Accessibility Options

Dubai Safari Park aims to provide an enjoyable and accessible experience for all visitors. The park has paved pathways suitable for wheelchairs and strollers throughout the grounds. For those with hearing or visual impairments, some shows and exhibits have special accommodations like sign language interpreters or audio guides.

Visitors can inquire about accessibility options at the information desk to receive assistance during their visit. This includes access to handicapped parking, restrooms, and shuttle transports between distant attractions.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your day, avoid peak times between 11 AM – 4 PM when crowds and wait times peak. Mornings and evenings tend to be less crowded. Check the show schedules online and plan to see the most popular shows first before lines get long.

Allow at least 6 hours to see the top exhibits at a relaxed pace. Or plan 2 full days if you want to fully immerse yourself and see every corner of this vast park.

Must-See Attractions at Dubai Safari Park

Dubai Safari Park is home to a wide many unique and exciting attractions that should not be missed. From getting up close with exotic animals to thrilling rides, there is something for visitors of all ages and interests.

Animal Encounters

One of the main highlights at Dubai Safari Park is the opportunity to see and even interact with incredible animals from around the world. Popular attractions include:

Lion Territory – Observe majestic lions in a large natural habitat.
Gorilla Forest – Meet a family of Western Lowland gorillas.
Petting Zoo – Feed and pet domesticated animals like sheep, goats, and ponies.

Thrilling Rides

In addition to animal exhibits, Dubai Safari Park offers some heart-pumping rides:

Serengeti Safari Rollercoaster – Race through the African landscape on this fast-paced ride.
Congo River Rapids – Whitewater rafting fun that winds through jungle scenery.
Rhino Rally – An exciting jeep tour that encounters animatronic wildlife.

Prioritizing Your Visit

With so much to see and do, planning ahead is key. Those most interested in animals should allot time for the many unique exhibits and encounters. Thrill-seekers will want to experience the park’s rides multiple times. I recommend focusing your morning on rides when lines are shorter and then spending the afternoon observing animals and shows when it’s hotter out.

Conclusion

After exploring all that Dubai Safari Park has to offer, it’s clear this unique destination provides an incredible wildlife experience right in the heart of the city. From getting up-close with exotic animals to riding thrilling safari rides, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Based on the detailed information provided in this guide, I highly recommend putting Dubai Safari Park at the top of your Dubai itinerary. Purchase tickets in advance to secure discounts, plan your visit during less busy times, and use the tips outlined to maximize your day there.