Last week I had the fortunate opportunity to re-visit Safari West in Sonoma County. This was my second visit in less than a year and my guide Adrian Boyer provided a tour with views of animals I had not seen at the preserve before. Namely, all the new babies. As spring has arrived, it has brought a whole host of new animals. We saw many young Zebras, Cape buffalo, Waterbuck, Eland, Giraffe, Blue wildebeest, and many other small animals. 
If you have never been to Safari West, you have missed out on a real treat. It’s almost like a true African Safari, but it doesn’t cost $6,000.00 and its right here in our backyard. Safari West is located just seven miles east of Highway 101 at 3115 Porter Creek Rd., Santa Rosa California. Coming south from the San Francisco area, exit Hwy 101 at Calistoga/Mark West Springs Rd. Head east and Safari West is seven miles on the left.
They have over 400 animals on 400 acres in the wine country. Safari West is one of only six private facilities in all of North America to gain membership in the prestigious American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Safari West is not a zoo, and is not a drive-thru park. It’s a true wildlife preserve that is dedicated to conservation programs and saving endangered species. The greatest part about it though is you can interact with the animals close up. I mean close up. Have you ever had your head licked by a giraffe? You won’t find that in a zoo. Safari West has many highly trained employees that care for the animals. Included are the knowledgeable tour guides who become your direct contact with the animals. The guides load everyone up in an open air jeep type vehicle that has been specifically modified for safaris. Some people will sit on padded bench seats behind the driver and some can sit on the “top shelf” above the driver. Either place is a great view. The tour typically lasts 2 ½ to 3 hours. While on the tour, you must remain safely inside the vehicle, but the tour also includes a walking portion where you will get to see many of the smaller animals, including the Cheetahs. Yes, I said Cheetahs. In addition to the tours, if you wish, you can also camp in their tent cabins. What an experience! You get to hear all the sounds of Africa at night and not have to travel 10,000 miles. Tent camping at Safari West is a great way to get the full experience of an African safari. As with all tours, camping, and dining at Safari West, reservations are required (no, they don’t serve Cape buffalo in the restaurant). To make your reservation you can visit their web site at http://www.safariwest.com/ or call them at 800-616-2695.
As I said before, all the guides are highly trained and provide a great experience. However, I highly recommend guide Adrian Bowyer. Adrian has worked with Safari West for over 7 years and provides a very entertaining and knowledgeable tour. He is an accomplished photographer who is currently putting together a book called “A Field Guide to Safari West Mammals”. This book should be published soon and will be a very valuable resource. When you get home and see your pictures, you will want to send them to all your friends, but I guarantee you will not remember what the names of most of the animals are, because you’ve probably never seen them before your visit to Safari West. I know I have returned home and viewed my pictures only to have to send Adrian an email and picture and ask “what’s this”? Who better to give you a tour than the one who has written a book about it? By the way, just for fun, ask Adrian if he has sang in any operas lately.
Happy trails, and be sure to visit Safari West soon. It’s an experience you will want to do more than once. Remember, make reservations.
