City: Santa Rosa, CA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (707) 579-2551, (800) 616-2695

Address: 3115 Porter Creek Road

Description: This is a little different from those drive-through safari parks where tourists outnumber perplexed animals by about 100 to 1. Safari West is a private preserve and working ranch dedicated to conservation and propagation of endangered species—the 400 acres of Safari West are home to 400 exotic mammals and birds. You can gaze at herds of zebra or watch a giraffe crane its mammoth neck to eat out of your hand.Guests spend an unparalleled two-and-a-half hours on a unique educational trek through the rolling hills of the preserve. Accompanied by a naturalist, groups get the rarest of opportunities to photograph herds of antelope, eland, gazelle, zebra, and many more types of animals. Because the critters live in vast acreage, they are comfortable with vehicles and can be seen up close. (One group was even treated to the birth of an antelope.) Wear comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen and a hat. Oh, and the proprietors can customize tours if you have a particular interest in, say, springboks. Cost of a basic tour is $65 for adults, $30 for children three to nine, and $10 for toddlers. Safari West also includes overnight accommodations. The South African–made “tents” feature hardwood floors, bathrooms, and king-size beds. Visits are by appointment only. Leave your pets at home.