The Dubai Safari Park Seriously Got Us Thinking That We Were Really in Africa
In case we haven’t told you yet, we absolutely love Dubai as a family friendly destination! And what’s not to love? You have everything here from theme parks to some of the best zoos in the country!
But if you only had one time to visit one zoo in Dubai, make it Dubai Safari Park. If you’re wondering why, well, let’s just say that being in this park is as close as you can get to being in Africa.
Not convinced yet? We created this guide so all you have to do is have fun!
What is Dubai Safari Park?
Dubai Safari Park is 119-hectare wildlife sanctuary that offers the unique experience of seeing more than 3,000 animals from different parts of the world.
The park replaced the Dubai Zoo that closed down in 2018 on its 50th anniversary after receiving a lot of criticism about the living conditions of animals.
After two years, the park reopened in 2020 as Dubai Safari Park in its new location where it’s now home to 111 types of birds, 78 different mammal species and 50 kinds of reptiles.
But Dubai Safari Park isn’t just your typical zoo because it’s designed to give you the full safari experience.
The park is divided into five villages: Explorer Village, African Village, Arabian Desert Safari, Asian Village and Al Wadi. There’s also plenty of open spaces and activity areas where guests, especially kids, can explore and run around.
Dubai Safari Park is also created to be self-sustainable. Here, you have everything you need to enjoy the day from different restaurants to a souvenir shop in case you want to do some retail therapy.
But what really makes this park unique is that it’s mostly powered by solar energy as part of its goal to become one of the ten best zoos in the world.
Best Time to Go to Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Safari Park is closed from June until September during the summer time as Dubai’s weather can get too hot for the animals.
It’s open for the rest of the year, but the best time to visit is from November to March in the middle of winter.
During this time, the weather is cold enough for you to explore the park for an entire day.
Things to Know about Dubai Safari Park
We know you’re getting excited to explore Dubai Safari Park. But before that, here are some nifty tips and tricks that might come handy:
- Dubai Safari Park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM except for when it’s closed during the summer months.
- While walk-ins are welcome at the park, it’s best to book your tickets ahead, especially if you’re visiting during peak season.
You can choose from different types of tickets depending on your preferences. Kids under three and people of determination get free entry:
| Day Pass AED 55 for adults AED 25 for children | A 10-minute electric vehicle ride at the Arabian Desert Safari A walking tour of the African, Asian and Explorer Villages and Al Wadi Entry to live shows |
| Day Pass+ AED 75 for adults AED 45 for children | A 10-minute electric vehicle ride at the Arabian Desert Safari A transported tour of the African, Asian and Explorer Villages Unlimited train rides Reserved seats for live shows |
| Safari Journey AED 90 for adults AED 35 for children | A 10-minute electric vehicle ride at the Arabian Desert Safari A transported tour of the African, Asian and Explorer Villages A 35-minute guided bus tour Unlimited train rides Entry to live shows |
| Safari Journey+ AED 110 for adults AED 55 for children | A 10-minute electric vehicle ride at the Arabian Desert Safari A transported tour of the African, Asian and Explorer Villages A 35-minute guided bus tour Unlimited train rides Reserved seats to live shows |
| Family Pass AED 105 | All day access to 2 adults and 3 children Access to the five villages at the park A 10-minute Arabian Safari tour Unlimited use of the AC train shuttle service within the park Complimentary parking and feeding sessions to selected animals Access to educational workshops and live presentations |
- If you want a more special experience, you can book one of these Dubai Safari Park packages:
| King of Safari AED 2,500 for 10 guests | Chauffer-driven car and personal guide Priority access to all the park’s facilities and exhibits Reserved seating for bird shows |
| Dine in the Wild AED 2,000 for 10 guests | Breakfast with lions or giraffes |
| Behind the Scenes AED 1,450 for 10 guests | Meeting with animal caretakers Access to the behind the scenes action in the park |
| Jungle Capture AED 1,275 for 3 guests | Includes use of a private bus for touring the entire safari park for taking photographs |
- With more than 3,500 parking slots in the park, you won’t have problems with parking at any time of the day. The park also provides transport to and from the parking area.
- Make sure to dress comfortably, so you can move freely while exploring the park. However, it’s very important to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees or you won’t be allowed entry to the park.
How to Get Around Dubai Safari Park
Trains: There are no direct train lines to Dubai Safari Park. However, you can ride the train going to the Centerpoint Metro Station. From here, you can ride the RTA Bus No.10 to the park.
Buses: If you’re taking the bus, go to the Rashidiya Bus Station and ride the F10 bus that stops directly at Dubai Safari Park.
Taxis: If you choose to take the taxi going to Dubai Safari Park, prepare at least AED 50 if you’re coming from Downtown Dubai.
Car service: Since there’s plenty of parking at the park, you can rent a self-drive or chauffeured car service.
What Weather to Expect in Dubai Safari Park
Winter: Winter in Dubai runs from December to March. Although the city doesn’t experience heavy rainfall or snow, this is the best time of year to visit Dubai Safari Park since the weather is cool enough for exploring the outdoors.
Summer: Summers in Dubai are extremely hot, which is why Dubai Safari Park is closed to the public from June to September to protect both the guests and the animals from the extreme heat.
Transition period: In between the two seasons, Dubai goes through a transition period from April to May and October to November.
What to Do in Dubai Safari Park
Get Exploring at the Explorer Village
Explorer Village is the heart and soul of Dubai Safari Park and the closest that you can get to a real African safari experience while in Dubai.
Here, you’re not just going around in a typical zoo, but you’re getting the full close encounter with some of the safari’s most majestic animals.
Riding a special 4WD vehicle, we never would’ve thought that we’ll see white rhinos, zebras, giraffes, baboons and African lions up close.
But that doesn’t end there because Explorer Village also had the first drive-through Nile crocodile exhibit in the world and the only drive-through hippo and tiger exhibits in the UAE.
Your journey doesn’t end in Africa though because you also get to enjoy the Asian jungle with cheetahs, mountain goats and the largest elephant herd in the UAE.
This one-hour journey will surely give you one of the best experiences in your life, especially your little ones.
Make sure to see the birds show at the Bird Theater every 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM and giraffe feeding every 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM.
Go On an Adventure at the Arabian Desert Safari
You don’t need to venture out into the desert to see the mighty Arabian oryx and Arabian wolf because you get to see them up close on the Arabian Desert Safari experience.
This guided tour marks the beginning of your journey into the park and it allows you to see the most popular animal species in the Arabian Peninsula in all their glory.
Aside from the oryx and wolf, you also get to see the Scimitar-horned oryx, Arabian gazelle and addax.
Be In Awe at the Wonders of African Village
If Explorer Village wasn’t enough to give you a taste of Africa, head to the African Village where you’ll find some of the safari’s most exotic mammals and reptiles.
This part of the Dubai Safari park even has baobab trees, the same ones that you’ll find in a real African Savannah. How fun is that?
As you walk around the village, you get to see lemur monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees, different snakes, pygmy hippos, elephants and of course, the majestic African white lion.
African Village is also home to the largest aviary exhibit in the UAE with hundreds of bird species that fly freely in their spaces. Don’t forget to try lemur feeding daily at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM!
See the Moon Bear Up Close at the Asian Village
Dubai Safari Park’s Asian Village celebrates the animals of the continent, especially the orangutans from Indonesia and the mighty Asian black bear also known as the moon bear.
The village is also home to the Asian Village Theater, the largest in the entire park that can accommodate up to 600 guests at a time.
Here, you can catch one of the five different shows showcasing the different kinds of animals in the village.
Get a Breather at Wadi
Hopping from one village to the other can get quite tiring. So, make sure that you take a breather underneath a canopy of trees and grab a bite at Wadi.
With the name that means “the valley,” Wadi is a wide space by the riverbank where you can pick a spot to enjoy a family picnic or enjoy a meal at one of the two restaurants in this section of the park.
You can also grab some snacks at the different kiosks in the area and enjoy them under the trees for a more authentic experience.
Wadi is also connected to all the villages in the park, so you can get back to exploring right after.
Meet Some Feathered Friends at The Grand Aviary
If you or your kids love birds, you can’t miss a stop at The Grand Aviary. This massive area at the Dubai Safari Park is home to almost every bird species that you can think of.
It’s almost impossible to find these flocks of birds together in one place anywhere, so make sure to take lots of photos.
Here, you can find the American white pelican, red-billed toucan, canary and the Australian cockatiel.
Let the Little Ones Explore at the Kids Farm
One of the best things about visiting Dubai Safari Park with your kids is that you can give them the opportunity to experience life at the farm.
Kids Farm is designed to let the little ones enjoy farm living by interacting with domestic animals like sheeps, cows, ponies, donkeys, chickens and tortoises as well as different kinds of birds.
Here, the little ones can feed some of the animals, get up close with them and learn about their habitat, so they can appreciate these creatures better.
Goat feeding at the Kids Farm happens daily at 11:30 AM to 11:45 AM and 4:15 PM to 4:30 PM. You can also try birds feeding at 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM and 3:45 PM to 4:15 PM.
Where to Stay Near Dubai Safari Park
Ibis Styles Dragon Mart Dubai
Address: Ibis Styles Dragon mart – Al Awir Road – Hatta Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 563 0000
Pricing: $$$
Ibis Styles Dragon Mart is a chic modern hotel near Dubai Safari Park, Dragon Mart and International City.
The hotel is designed to mimic the Arabian desert and each room is fully fitted with everything you need for a relaxing holiday.
Ibis Styles is especially ag reat option if you’re traveling with kids since it has a dedicated Kids’ Corner to keep your little ones entertained while you get some downtime.
Melia Desert Palm
Address: Al Awir Road – Warisan – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 323 8888
Pricing: $$$
Melia Desert Palm is a unique hotel located right in the heart of an expansive 64-hectare polo estate.
Here, you’ll feel like royalty with the hotel’s five-star service, exquisite interiors and of course, the view of horses and polo players playing one of the UAE’s most beloved sports.
You can choose from suits or villas with your own private pool and fitted with beautiful art and decor to really give you that luxurious experience.
Vida Creek Beach Hotel
Address: Ras Al Khor – Dubai Creek Harbour – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 542 8888
Pricing: $$$
Vida Creek Beach Hotel is nestled in the stunning Dubai Creek Harbour that gives you access to a man made crystal lagoon for the ultimate holiday experience.
Located just a few minutes away from Dubai Safari Park, this hotel is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the park. Lounge by the lagoon, relax in your suite or dine at one of the hotel’s restaurants.
Where to Eat in Dubai Safari Park
Oregano
Address: African Village – Dubai Safari Park – Al Warqa 5 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 333 9779
Pricing: $$
From the name itself, Oregano is a restaurant that serves food packed with flavor while giving you the most beautiful views of deers grazing as you enjoy your meal.
Located at the African Village, the restaurant offers a casual yet cozy ambiance that’s perfect for some relaxation after all that walking around the park.
Oregano is known for its classic Italian fare, especially from the Liguria region. We love their ravioli fritti, pan-seared barramundi, chicken parmigiana and four-cheese tortellini.
Bait Al Qadeem
Address: AL Wadi Opposite Chimpanzee Station – Dubai Safari Park – Al Warqa 5 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 56 511 1676
Pricing: $$
Craving for a good Arabic meal? You can’t miss a stop at Bait Al Qadeem, one of the top restaurants in Dubai Safari Park located opposite the Chimpanzee Station.
The name meaning “old house,” this restaurant serves authentic Arabic dishes that remind you of those homecooked meals in a cozy atmosphere with little tidbits of history here and there.
La Venezia
Address: Dubai Safari Park – Al Warqa 5 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 55 271 4555
Pricing: $$$
La Venezia combines Italian and international cuisines to bring you a diverse menu that fits every taste and preference.
Located at the glass building of the park, this restaurant is a favorite among those who crave classic comfort food with pizzas and pastas dominating the menu.
Local House Safari Restaurant
Address: Dubai Safari Park – Al Warqa 5 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 54 471 1100
Pricing: $$
Local House near the Explorer Village is a go-to for those who love a good Mediterranean meal.
Here, you get to enjoy dishes made with recipes that’ve been handed down from generation to generation in a beautiful space where you get panoramic views of the park as you dine.
Where to Shop in Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Safari Park Souvenir Shop
Address: Dubai Safari Park – Al Warqa 5 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
A memorable experience like visiting the Dubai Safari Park needs to be commemorated, and you have lots of souvenirs to take home from the park’s Souvenir Shop!
Here, you can find everything from stuffed animals to clothes and trinkets that will remind you of your trip to one of the best parks in the country.
Apps to Download When Visiting Dubai Safari Park
Visit Dubai: This is the official tourism app of Dubai where you can plan your trip by getting information about the different tourist attractions in the city including Dubai Safari Park
Uber: The most convenient app to use when booking a car service to take you to and from Dubai Safari Park
Careem: Dubai’s local alternative to Uber offering the same car hailing service to take you around the city
S’hail: The go-to app if you like to commute your way around Dubai since it has all the information you need about the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, Dubai Bus and Dubai Water Taxi including fares and trip schedules
RTA Dubai Drive: This is a very useful app if you choose to rent a self-drive car while in Dubai since it contains a detailed map of the city including traffic information and even parking suggestions near your destination