We stayed for an overnight on 12/31 in one of the "tents". The accomodations were awesome. I was worried we would be cold - not at all there was space heater and the tent was plenty warm. The tents are really beatifully decorated and the beds were awesome. Super comfortable. It was my best nights sleep in California. My kids are 14 and 12 and I was worried maybe a californian safari was too young for them - Heck no! Who doesn't love animals, tents and jeeps. I highly recommend. It was wonderful.
This is a fabulous reserve and a top feature of the bay area that no one really knows about. check it out!
This is a totally unique and unexpected experience. If you love wildlife and enjoy seeing exotic animals, don't miss this opportunity.
My husband, our adult daughter and I took this tour and love it.We live nearby and I have been on this tour twice and am ready to go again since I love to take photos.It makes one feel that one is on a Safari in a jeep viewing the many beautiful animals roaming free, on a very large property which is of course fenced in.We had a wonderful time and I can highly recommend it.James, Anna and Arlette Cummings.
A safari, in Northern California - who would have thought? The safari was so much fun and Robert was an awesome tour guide. The tour starts with a 40 minute walk-through of their "zoo" section - which houses lemurs, birds, hyenas, porcupines, monkeys, and even a cheetah. Then you board the safari jeep and head onto the 400 acre property for about 2 hours where you will see all sorts of animals. The jeep makes many stops along the way for a good view of the animals and some great photo opportunities. The jeep also has seats on top, with space for 4 adults, and everyone gets a chance to ride up top if they want to (they rotate the seats so everyone gets at least 30 minutes up top). There are restrooms and a snack bar by the zoo section of the park. And if you need a bathroom break during the 2 hour safari drive, the tour guides will make a "tree stop" and are happy to direct you to a tree with good privacy. Of course only the men in our tour group took advantage of the tree stops, but it made me feel better knowing that it was an option if necessary. You are allowed to stay on the property once your jeep tour is done, and I wound up spending another hour walking back through the zoo section. It was fun to walk through with the group, but walking though by myself allowed for better photo opportunities at a more leisurely pace. So, you may want to allow a little more time in your schedule, either afterwards if you have a morning tour or beforehand if you have an afternoon tour. HIghly recommend this tour and felt it was reasonably priced for everything you get to see.
First, it is expensive. Secondly, it was well worth it. Consisted of a one hour tour of birds, cats, etc. that can't be left outside and are housed in their sanctuary. Followed by a rugged 3 hour tour in a Safari jeep viewing their exotic and endangered species that are roaming free. Caveat: the jeeps are very old and subject to sporadic breakdowns, luckily we had no problems. We went in January when it was 60 degrees and very comfortable. I don't know how comfortable it would be during the middle of the summer.
Great place to "Safari" in Sonoma County. Many animals to see and learn about. Safari vehicles are great fun. Make sure to schedule in advance.
This was not the place for adults!! The ride in this 1958 truck was HORRIBLE!! 3 hours of pure hell! Stop the truck on an incline so you aren't even comfortable when stopped! They really could put extra seat padding!! YES they have animals but nothing unusual, everything they have you can see at any zoo! At least visiting a zoo you can have a safe pleasurable walk. I would not come back even with my grandson!! WAY TO EXPENSIVE AND WAY TO LONG OF A RIDE! NOTHING FOR HANDICAP!! ?????
The animals here are viewed by roaming the grounds on a truck bed (hold on tight). It is so unique to the area but doesn't come cheap. Food was good at lunch and overnight accommodations are available but don't come cheap. When we went there was an age limit for children....definitely should be over 8 or so. Be sure to check on this. Guides were excellent. Go on a cool day as riding in the truck with others you are exposed to full sun which can get pretty hot in the afternoon.
What a chance in a lifetime! It's a true safari family expierance. The rooms were clean and staff available at any time. A must do!