The Top 13 Questions People ask about Safari West
About Safari West
Safari West Animals
Tours and Other Wild Activities
Overnight Accommodations
Other Services and Amenities
Safari West Wildlife Foundation
How can we get involved?
The Top 13 Questions People ask about Safari West
What kind of place is Safari West?
Safari West is an adventure for the whole family! Our reservations only African Wildlife Preserve and Safari Tent Camp, home to over 400 exotic African mammals and birds from all over the world (many of which are endangered or extinct in the wild).
Is Safari West a non profit organization?
Safari West is a private facility . However, our foundation
(Safari West Wildlife Foundation) is a 501(c) (3) Tax ID. No. 91-1837240 nonprofit organization created to support the objectives of Safari West. The main goal of the Foundation is to secure and preserve the legacy of Safari West for future generations and beyond.
For more information on Safari West Wildlife Foundation, please send an e-mail to
swwf@safariwest.com or telephone (707) 758-8742
and ask for Susan Rolfe, Foundation Secretary.
We were just driving by...Can we drop in and walk around to look at the animals?
No, sorry - in order to visit Safari West, it is necessary to make reservations in advance.
How much does it cost to visit Safari West?
Tours: Adults and Teens $65; Children 3-12 $30; Infants 1-2 $10. Lodging: $230 Sunday through Thursdays; $245 Fridays, and; $255 Saturdays. We do offer seasonal and group specials. You can view current tour rates or lodging rates at Safari West on our website or ask our reservation clerks.
No. With the exception of a service animal, which is not a pet, please make other arrangements for care of your pet before coming to Safari West, as we do not allow pets on the property. This is for the safety of your pet as well as the safety of our animals. This extends to bringing your pet and leaving the animal in your vehicle while out on tour. Our staff will notify the office if they notice an animal in a vehicle in our parking lot.
Service Animals: We do allow the use of a service animal by a person with a disability. It is not required, however it would be helpful to know at the time of booking so we can accommodate you. Thank you for your understanding.
What kind of animals do you have at Safari West?
Safari West Wildlife Preserve is home to over eighty species of animals. We have cheetah, giraffe, lemurs, addax, cape buffalo, and zebra to name a few. We do not have elephants, lions, or tigers. You may
download a full species list here.
No. We cannot allow guests to touch our animals, as they are wild and can be very dangerous. This very firm rule is for your safety.
No, Safari West does not allow feeding of the animals by guests. The only exception is when you experience one of our special would be if you were on a special animal encounter tour under direct supervision of one of our knowledgeable guides.
What happens if it rains?
You will get wet…We put on rain gear and head out on tour! In the event of extreme weather it is possible that a tour may be canceled for safety reasons. Cancellation policies in the event of extreme weather are available from our reservations department.
What else is there to do?
A visit to Safari West is an opportunity to reconnect to nature by taking time out your busy schedule to relax and take part in the many activities we offer. In addition to our Classic Safari Truck tour, we offer an exciting variety of private animal encounters, educational animal presentations, Swedish pressure-point massage and good food, and good company. Overnight guests can arrange to go hiking with Nancy Lang on her morning walk around Watusi Lake.
Do I need a sleeping bag, is there a bathroom in the tent...what is a luxury tent?
If you have booked a reservation to stay in one of our safari tent cabins, or our cottage, expect that it will be like staying in any hotel. Linens, towels, and toiletries are provided in the tent cabins and the cottage. The tent cabins are equipped with comfortable beds…we call it “glamping”.
Will my cell phone work at Safari West?
The majority of cell phones and plans do not work at Safari West with the exception of a few hot spots (way up on the hill and sometimes down in the parking lot). Generally, only high end global satellite phones will work on Safari West property.
Can I drive up to my tent cabin and leave my car parked there?
We’re sorry. For safety reasons we do not allow guests to drive up to their tent cabins. Our staff will take you and your luggage up to your tent cabin at check-in and bring you and your luggage back to your vehicle at check-out in one of our Safari West vehicles. The only exception to this is for our handicapped accessible tent cabin which has a handicapped parking space right outside the tent cabin.
About Safari West
What is the purpose of Safari West?
The ongoing mission of Safari West is wildlife preservation through breeding, education, research and public interaction. Our non profit arm is Safari West Wildlife Foundation.
Safari West is not a zoo or a theme park, nor are we a drive through park. We are an African Wildlife Preserve and African Tent Camp. Safari West Wildlife Preserve is a private facility whose primary focus is on conservation through education. We are privately owned and our only source of income is from our guests. We have a lot of mouths to feed with our five hundred animals. When you pay for tours, lodging, and other services at Safari West, you are helping to feed and care for the beautiful new animal friends you will meet during your stay here. With friends like you, we can continue our mission to teach and promote conservation now and in the future.
How long has Safari West been around?
Safari West was founded in 1989 as a private ranch for breeding and species propagation. In 1992, Safari West gained membership in the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, one of only six private facilities in North America to belong to that prestigious organization. We soon added children’s tours. In 1993 we opened our doors to tours for both adults and children.
How many people visit Safari West every year?
We host over sixty thousand persons annually – families, students and business travelers.
Safari West is the home of Nancy and Peter Lang, and they are the owners of Safari West. Peter handles the larger animals and Nancy is in charge of the aviaries.
Tell me about Peter Lang.
Safari West is the vision of Peter Lang. Peter was raised around exotic wildlife, thanks to his film and television director father Otto Lang, whose credits include “Daktari,” “Flipper” and “Sea Hunt,” among others. Peter is an accomplished wood sculptor and woodworker and has sculpted out of wood realistic replicas of skulls and horn structures of many of the African animal species found at Safari West. You can see one of Peter’s wooden Kudu skull sculptures in our Elephant Room. Peter also is a licensed contractor and operated his own urban tree lumber sawmill on the property and is responsible for much of the building and design of Safari West. When Peter is not on the ranch, he enjoys off-road auto racing (he participates in all the current circuits) and deep sea fishing with his many good friends. Like Safari West, Peter enjoys an exciting sense of adventure!
Nancy and Peter married in 1993. They met in Africa while on a Safari holiday. At the time she was the curator of the avian collection at the San Francisco Zoo. It was love at first sight...together they live at Safari West amongst the animals and wildlife they love. Nancy has a PhD in zoological biology and is a raptor specialist. She currently teaches a zoological biology class each semester at Santa Rosa Junior College.
Why did the Lang’s choose to locate Safari West in Napa/Sonoma Wine County?
The weather is ideal, the combination of grassland and forest are similar to Africa, the neighbors are friendly, there is plenty of water, plus it’s wine country and paradise! Indeed... a sip of chardonnay pairs marvelously with a spot of cheetah!
How can I work at Safari West?
We are always looking for friendly faces and team players at Safari West. If you are interested in employment with us, gather up your resume and visit our employment page on the website for information on how to apply.
What is the long term goal of Safari West?
Our long term goal for Safari West is to transform the preserve into a non profit wildlife and conservation and educational facility over seen by the Safari West Wildlife Foundation.
A visit to Safari West is an opportunity to reconnect to nature by taking time out your busy schedule to relax and take part in the many activities we offer. In addition to our Classic Safari Truck tour, we offer private truck tours, an exciting variety of private animal encounters, educational animal presentations, birthday party packages, school field trip tours, overnight lodging, special events, conference facilities, all-inclusive overnight packages, Swedish pressure-point massage, good food, and good company.
Safari West Animals
What kind of animals do you have?
Safari West Wildlife Preserve is home to over eighty species of animals. Our mammals are native to Africa and our birds are native to many different places around the world. You can view some of our animals in our photo galleries on our website. A full species list is also available on our website.
How many animals live at Safari West?
There are around 500 hundred individual animals at Safari West from within species that live here.
What is the feeding time for the animals at Safari West?
Our animals are fed twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon. Diets are AZA approved and species dependent. Some diets are tailored specifically for some individuals.
How much does it cost to feed all your animals?
It costs Safari West over $500 a day to care for all our animals. That includes food, supplies, veterinary care and staff training and enrichment activities. The well being of our animals are primary to Safari West.
Can we watch when the animals get fed?
Generally, if you are present when feeding time occurs you can watch the process. With some of our animals, for safety reasons for the keepers and the animals, we ask that you do not remain in the area when the keepers enter the enclosures. Our staff will let you know if this is the case.
No. Safari West does not allow feeding of the animals by guests. The only exception would be if you were on a special animal encounter tour under direct supervision of one of our knowledgeable guides. In this case, you would be feeding only our approved diet to the animals which we would provide. All other feeding of the animals is prohibited at Safari West, even picking up a leaf off the ground and feeding it to a giraffe is not allowed. While at Safari West, as one who cares about the well being of animals, the example you set will cue other guests around you. If they see you feed a leaf from a distance, they might believe that feeding the animals is alright and proceed to feed the giraffe a candy bar or other inappropriate food type. Yes…this has happened! And, the giraffe became very ill. Lucky for everyone, the giraffe eventually recovered!
What happens to the animals when it rains?
Most animals like the rain. We do provide shelter for all of our animals and they can move in and out of the shelters at will within their enclosures. If you come to visit Safari West and it rains, be assured, you will still see animals.
Are the animals warm enough in the winter?
Yes they are. We provide heated environments for those of our animal species that require a little more heat in the cold months. In general, most of our animals thrive in our Northern California Mediterranean-type climate, rain or shine.
Do the animals have enough to do? Are they content?
When you visit Safari West you will notice that the majority of our animals have very large enclosures. In the larger enclosures, the natural environment around the animals provides their enrichment by mimicking the large open or wooded habitats the species would live in within their native environment. In the smaller enclosures in the lower area of the preserve, we provide enrichment in the form of environmental features and in some cases, handler interactive specialized activities.
No. It is not permissible to pet the animals at Safari West. The animals at Safari West are wild animals. They are not pets and they have not been raised as pets. This very firm rule is for your safety. The only exception to this rule is the African Pygmy goats which we occasionally have on exhibit. As with all animal experiences at Safari West, you must be in the company of one of our guides to pet the goats.
Tours and Other Wild Activities
What happens on a Safari West Classic Safari Tour?
You will spend an unforgettable morning or afternoon on safari with your knowledgeable guide and your fellow safari adventurers in an open air jeep style vehicle tracking and learning about exotic and endangered wildlife including African Cape Buffalo, Springbok, Eland, Damara Zebra, Scimitar Horned Oryx, Addax, Red Lechwe, and Blue Wildebeest. If you’re lucky, you could look a giraffe in the eye! The tour either ends or begins with a walk on the lower premises of Safari West where your guide will introduce you to African cheetahs, lemurs, and giant porcupines, among others.
If we are just driving by, can we stop in and hop on the next safari tour?
Our tour packages are by reservation only. Reservations must be made in advance by contacting our reservations department. Occasionally there are last minute cancellations which may open up seating on our tours. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and check in at our front office for more information.
What time is the best tour to take?
All of our tours are great! Rain or shine, morning or afternoon, you will see up to eighty-seven species of animals and up to four hundred individual animals on your tour. Our guides are very knowledgeable and dedicated to the Safari West mission of conservation through education.
What happens when it rains?
We put on rain gear and head out on tour! In the event of extreme weather it is possible that a tour may be canceled for safety reasons. Cancellation policies in the event of extreme weather are available from our reservations department.
Do you have tours accessible to handicapped persons?
Yes. Safari West will take anyone who is capable of riding in our vehicles on a tour to enjoy our beautiful surroundings and learn about our wonderful animals. Family members or friends can assist you in getting on and off the vehicle if needed. Our guides will keep you comfortable on your tour. If you have a wheelchair, it is safe to leave it at the boarding area. It will be brought to you either by your family member or friend or one of our staff upon your return from the tour. Areas covered by the walking portion of tour are accessible by wheelchair. Some areas may require minor assistance to maneuver.
Do you have seat belts on the tour trucks?
There are seat belts on our trucks for the top seating bench only. The rest of the seats on the trucks (with the exception of the passenger cab seat in some trucks) do not have seat belts at this time.
I’m pregnant...is it safe for me to go on the truck tour?
Our Classic Safari truck tour can be quite bumpy at times. The portion of the tour on the truck is approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours long. There are no restroom facilities available during this portion of the tour. In the event of extreme hot or cold weather, you may be uncomfortable. We cannot advise you as to whether or not it is safe for you to go on the tour when you are pregnant. Your decision is ultimately your own. Please seek the advice of your doctor before engaging in any activity that may put you or your unborn baby at risk during pregnancy.
How many people go out on tour each day?
Tour capacity is an average of 270 people per day during peak season not including private and group safaris.
What age range is appropriate for the tours?
Safari West places no limit on age for our tours. We want anyone who is capable of visiting us to experience the adventure and beauty of a Safari West tour. We generally recommend children be at least three years of age to get the best possible enjoyment of our 2 ½ to 3 hour tour, although some parents do choose to bring children under three. We do not recommend bringing infants on the truck tour. As a parent, the decision is ultimately yours.
Can my child under three years of age ride on the seat next to me?
As there are no seat belts on our trucks at this time, we ask that you keep children under three on your lap and hold on to them. The ride can get a little bumpy at times.
Can I take food on the tour?
It is not allowed to take food out on the Classic Safari tour. You may eat food or snacks at our café tables or on the lawn by our café either before the tour, during the break, or after the tour. If you didn’t bring your own snacks, during the summer months our snack bar is open where you can purchase sandwiches, chips, fruit, drinks, and other items.
What about the exotic birds?
As part of the walking tour, your guide will also take you to visit our walk-through aviary where many beautiful birds from around the world surround the very footpath you will walk on including the brilliantly colored Scarlet Ibis and the unusual African Spoonbill. Watch the birds building nests or tending their young during the breeding season.
Can I book a private safari truck tour?
Yes, you can. We offer very exclusive, private wine and cheese safaris. A sip of chardonnay pairs marvelously with a spot of cheetah. You and your special guest or guests get one of our very knowledgeable tour guides all to yourself for three hours. Bring your questions or just relax and enjoy the view! We also offer a variety of other private and special safari experiences.
Is it possible to arrange a special wildlife photography tour at Safari West?
Private photo safaris also may be arranged based upon availability. Please contact our reservations department for more information.
Do you have special animal encounters?
Guests at Safari West have the opportunity to enjoy very special Private Animal Encounters such as Behind the Scenes tours, Fast Cat Alley (a special behind the scenes interactive encounter exclusively with our cheetahs), Cheetah Photo, Cheetah Presentations, Animal Presentations, plus Keeper of the Day. These activities are by advanced reservation only and must be made through our Private Animal Encounters Department.
Overnight Accommodations
What type of lodging is available at Safari West?
The Safari West tent camp adventure, of course! This is the only accommodation of its kind in North America. Safari West’s Tent Camp Adventure treats our guests to a luxury African tent camp experience in the heart of California’s Napa/Sonoma Wine country.
What is it like to stay in a safari tent cabin?
This is an African Tent camp...it works differently than your normal hotel. The heavy lined canvas with thick plastic windows that form the walls is imported from Africa and the furniture is crafted almost entirely on site from local wood. We expect questions and to make your stay with us more enjoyable, we have a few tips to keep in mind.
Click here.
Do I need to bring camping gear, food, or linens to stay at Safari West?
If you have booked a reservation to stay in one of our safari tent cabins, or our cottage, expect that it will be like staying in any hotel. Linens, towels, and toiletries are provided in the tent cabins and the cottage. The tent cabins are equipped with comfortable beds…we call it “glamping”. Coolers are provided on the decks of the tent cabins and you are welcome to bring your own food to put in them for a late night snack. However, we do have a restaurant on site. Continental breakfast is included with an overnight stay. If you wish to have lunch and/or dinner with us, please be sure to make reservations.
Do you have tent cabins that are handicapped accessible?
Yes we do. There are two handicapped accessible tent cabins with handicapped seating and rails in the showers and bathrooms, ramps to the deck and entryway, and one has parking next to the cabin. Additionally, our cottage is handicapped accessible with a handicapped parking space.
Is there a phone in the tent?
There are no phones in the tent cabins, nor in the cottage at Safari West. If you need to make a phone call while visiting us, guests may use the phones available at the front desk in our office.
Is there internet access at Safari West?
Yes. We offer wireless internet access to our overnight guests (available in our café). Ask how to access at the office.
Is there a television in the tent?
There is no television in the tent. When you come to Safari West, the idea is to get away from it all and experience the next best thing to being in Africa. Additionally, the tents are not sound proof and having a television on until late into the night would disturb your fellow guests. There are outlets in the tents and you can bring your laptop or a portable DVD player to watch movies if you like. We do ask that you keep the volume down or use headphones in order to be a good neighbor.
Do I have to leave my tent in the middle of the night to use the restroom?
Absolutely not! All of our tent cabins have fully equipped bathrooms as a second room. The bathrooms have tiled floors with roomy hot showers, flushing toilets (just like in a house), and sinks with hot and cold running water.
Do the animals wander around outside the tents at night?
No and…yes… The animals are nearby and roaming around. However, they remain within their enclosures 24 hours per day for your safety. You will hear lots of jungle sounds during the night and you might spot wildebeests on the hill from your window, but you won’t find any of our animals unescorted on your deck or under your tent cabin at any time… We can’t guarantee it, but, you may wake in the morning to see a giraffe peering at you with their big brown eyes from across the road…on the other side of the fence of course!
Can the animals get into my tent at night?
No, the Safari West animals cannot. As a wildlife preserve, we take the safety of our guests and our animal care very seriously. Our dedicated staff works diligently to keep fencing secure at all times. There is however, local wildlife and we cannot guarantee that a raccoon or other local wildlife will not sit on your deck in the middle of the night.
What are your rates for spending the night?
Our rates are seasonal. You can view current rates for lodging at Safari West on our website and call our guest services to inquire about specials.
Do you really have a two night minimum stay?
There is a two night minimum stay on Fridays and Saturdays during the height of our season, May through October. During the off-peak season, we do not have a two night minimum stay. There are exceptions, ask the Reservation clerk at the time of booking.
What does "selected days only" mean?
Certain offerings at Safari West are discounted on selected days throughout the year. Please call our reservations department at (707) 579-2551 or 1 (800) 616-2695 or check our website regularly for dates.
Do you offer any specials?
During the winter season we do offer special rates for tours and on selected days for lodging. We also have Full Moon Madness specials on selected dates. In November and December, be sure to visit us during our Open House Sundays where day guests receive a little taste of the Safari West adventure for a very special price.
Other Services and Amenities
Does Safari West have a restaurant facility?
Yes, we do! Join your fellow adventurers and enjoy classic safari style fare hot off the grill. On those beautiful California days enjoy our spacious outdoor seating while watching giraffes and lemurs play. If it’s cold outside, cozy up in our indoor dining room and enjoy the beautiful artwork. Our restaurant is a little different than the normal sit down and order from the menu type of restaurant. If you want to dine with us, we have to know in advance so our chefs will cook up enough food for all! Please contact our reservations department to reserve your seat.
Does Safari West offer massage?
Yes! Guests can be pampered in the serenity of their own luxury tents with a pressure point therapy Swedish massage.
Do you have a swimming pool?
There is a private swimming pool on Safari West property which for insurance and safety reasons is not open to Safari West guests. The pool belongs to the Langs, the owners of Safari West.
Can we go hiking on the property?
Yes, you can! Overnight guests can arrange to go hiking with Nancy Lang on her morning walk around Watusi Lake. Hikes with Nancy are not guaranteed on a daily basis. Please inquire when you make your reservation.
No. We are sorry, but we do not allow pets at Safari West. This is for the safety of your pet as well as the safety of our animals. This extends to bringing your pet and leaving the animal in your vehicle while out on tour. Our staff will notify the office if they notice an animal in a vehicle in our parking lot. If you are out on tour, your tour truck will be forced to come back so that you can remove your pet from the premises, inconveniencing not only yourself but the other guests on the tour. Please make other arrangements for care for your pet before coming to Safari West. Thank you for your understanding.
I saw a dog running around at Safari West, how come I can’t bring my dog?
There are currently three dogs which live full time at Safari West. They are working ranch dogs and they help our staff with their daily chores. The dogs are named Bob, Eddie, and Molly and they belong to the owners of Safari West who live on the property. We do not allow you to bring your dog for the safety of your dog as well as for the safety of our animals. For example, even a small dog running and barking at the fence line can spook a giraffe which could easily make the giraffe run right into the fence, injuring itself and possibly your dog, and our guests. Thank you for your understanding.
How do I find out about special events at Safari West?
If you are looking for upcoming events, sign up to stay in the Safari West loop and/or regularly check our Upcoming Events section of our website.
If you want to host or book an event at Safari West, please contact our Events Department. We do weddings, corporate retreats, wine tastings, group and association events, and we even do birthday party packages for both children and adults!
Do you allow service animals?
Service Animals: We do allow the use of a service animal by a person with a disability. It is not required, however it would be helpful to know at the time of booking so we can accommodate you. Thank you.
Safari West Wildlife Foundation
What is the Safari West Wildlife Foundation?
Safari West Wildlife Foundation (SWWF) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization created to support the objectives of Safari West. The main goal of the Foundation is to secure and preserve the legacy of Safari West for future and subsequent generations.
For more information on Safari West Wildlife Foundation, please send an e-mail to
swwf@safariwest.com or telephone (707) 758-8742
and ask for Susan Rolfe, Foundation Secretary.
Is your organization a 501(c)?
Safari West is a private facility. The Safari West Wildlife Foundation is a 501(c) - Tax ID No. 91-1837240.
How does the Foundation support Safari West?
With the assistance of the Foundation, Safari West has become a vital center for education and research in the Greater Bay Area. Students from all over Northern California call Safari West their Serengeti-like home, utilizing its resources for education, internships, and wildlife research.
Describe the Foundation's mission and the year it was incorporated.
Safari West Wildlife Foundation (SWWF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was incorporated in 1997 (originally under the name Friends of Safari West).
The Safari West Wildlife Foundation is a research and educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of wildlife.
The foundation helps the community develop a deeper appreciation for the natural environment and conservation through tours, seminars, workshops, wildlife camps for children, and various other efforts.
Our Safari West Discover Africa program offers a priceless learning experience to children who might never otherwise have this opportunity. We find that even a simple and fun activity such as counting a zebra’s stripes leaves a lasting "conservation imprint" on young developing minds.
How can I make a donation to Safari West Wildlife Foundation?
You can support Safari West Wildlife Foundation either through a donation or by attending one of our fun fund raising events throughout the year! Donations to SWWF help us provide scholarships for school field trip opportunities; support the costs of teacher Safari to Science workshops and advance endangered species education and research.
How can I make a gift to the Foundation?
Through the Safari West Wildlife Foundation, Safari West has two monetary donation types and a “Gifts in Kind” donation type available. In addition to helping to provide scholarships for our Discover Africa program and support the costs of teacher Safari to Science workshops, these donations will help us to reach our long-term goal of becoming a full-fledged non-profit educational facility and wildlife preserve.
May I give an individual gift?
Yes, thank you. “Individual Giving/Tribute Giving” – As an individual this is a beautiful way to express your heart either by giving on behalf of yourself or a loved one, or in thanks to another.
Do you want Corporate/Sponsor Donors?
Yes, we welcome your support. “Corporate Sponsor/Donor” – Corporate partnerships at Safari West represent an effective way for companies to support conservation while gaining high-profile visibility to the Park's audience of nearly 60 thousand visitors each year. Becoming a wildlife partner provides a unique marketing environment where good corporate citizenship and good business intersect.
Discover Africa is an educational field trip program at Safari West which is sponsored by the Safari West Wildlife Foundation. Discover Africa subsidizes the cost of one classroom Safari West field trip per month to schools that would otherwise be unable to afford this vital enrichment program. Safari West Wildlife Foundation is especially committed to giving at-risk students in our local counties and the greater Bay Area an opportunity to participate in this program.
How can we get involved?
How can we become a friend of Safari West?
There are many ways to become part of the Safari West family from volunteering to animal adoptions to Safari West Wildlife Foundation donations to attending one or more of our special events.
How can I volunteer at Safari West?
We love volunteers and so do our animals! If you have a wild nature and want to get involved, please visit our employment page where you will find a link to contact our volunteer coordinator at the bottom of the page.
How do I adopt an animal at Safari West?
There is something for everyone with five club levels available for animal adoption at Safari West ranging in donation value from $50 to $1000. Any individual, organization, business, or club can adopt an animal. School classes are especially encouraged to become wild parents. Of course your wild child remains the property of Safari West where it stays so the animal care staff is able to give it the best possible care. In some cases you will be adopting a species and not a single animal. Also it may take more than one parent to provide for the care of some animals.
All proceeds benefit our Safari West Wildlife Foundation. You may
click here to download an adoption application.
