Even though Dubai is mostly well-known for its architectural and engineering achievements, many tourists are also interested in discovering its flora and fauna. The best place to do so is the Dubai Safari Park, and today, we will share everything you need to know before you visit.
What is Dubai Safari Park?
The name of Dubai Safari Park is rather self-explanatory. It is located in the eastern part of the city and occupies around 120 hectares or almost 1.2 square kilometers.
The park is home to over 3,000 animals not only from the United Arab Emirates, but also from other parts of the world.
There are four main locations for safari trips in the park, and there are dozens of other activities you can indulge in on its territory. Starting with guided tours and ending with educational shows, the park offers great activities for visitors of any age.
Dubai Safari Park was initially opened in 2017, and it has become an instant hit among both guests of the emirate and its residents. Some of the main reasons for its popularity are its eco-friendliness and the caring approach to keeping animals.
Planning a Visit to the Dubai Safari Park
Even though you can always just venture out to the Dubai Safari Park, it is always better to plan the trip in advance. In this section, we will discuss the main things you should consider before visiting.
How to Get There?
The Dubai Safari Park is situated around 25 kilometers away from the city center, and there are many ways you could get there.
First of all, you always have the option of using public transport, as there are buses riding from all around the city that will easily get you to the location. Alternatively, you can order an Uber or a regular cab to get directly to the park’s entrance.
But much as with most other attractions in Dubai, the best way to get there is by driving there on your own, no matter whether you have your own vehicle or rent a car. As you would expect, the Dubai Safari Park is equipped with a spacious parking lot, where you can leave the vehicle for a couple of hours or for an entire day you spend at the park.
The ride to this attraction is rather straightforward, and will usually take you from 20 to 30 minutes, depending which part of the city you start from.
What to Do in the Park?
The park offers a wide range of activities for guests of all ages. Of course, the main reason most people come here are safari trips, and there are many options to choose from here. The park has four separate zones you could explore, and various safari options offer different combinations of these themed areas.
Another popular activity in the park is interactions with animals. In different areas, you will be able to feed goats, birds, or even giraffes. Additionally, the staff members host multiple shows every day, which might include feeding showcases, educational lectures, and other events. You can find an event calendar on the official website of the park to plan your trip accordingly.
Speaking of educational experiences, you can also take a guided tour around the park. The main difference compared to regular safari rides is that the guide will be sharing interesting information about different animals that inhabit the park.
Other activities offered at the park include cultural exhibits, walking tours, festivals, interactive displays, and even virtual tours.
How Much Does It Cost?
The entrance to the Dubai Safari Park is ticketed, and you will need to pay AED 55 for adults and AED 25 for children older than three. You can either purchase tickets on the spot or book them online in advance to avoid waiting in the queue.
It should be noted that the standard ticket only includes a short 10-minute Arabian Desert safari, a walking tour, and access to live shows.
An advanced ticket called Day Pass Plus will get you transported tours to three of the four main areas of the park and unlimited train rides in addition to the benefits of the regular ticket. Day Pass Plus costs AED 75 for adults and AED 45 for children.
There is also a Safari Journey package that includes a guided bus tour around the entire territory of the park, and it costs AED 90 and AED 35 for adults and kids respectively.
Some other additional activities on the park’s territory also come with additional fees. This includes experiences like animal feeding, extra tours, VR sessions, and the so-called reptile encounter. Access to most live shows is included in the ticket.
Unlike attractions such as the Dubai Mall or the Dubai Autodrome, the safari park offers free parking to all its visitors, making it even more beneficial to come here on your own vehicle.