The checkin for the safari ride was a bit disorganized so I was a little worried that the safari would not meet our expectations. We've done the safari experience at the San Diego Safari Park and loved it. Safari West was just as much fun but different. Safari West's safari ride takes you into the wooded hills of the park which feels more natural and intimate. There's also a lot fewer guests and the safari vehicles are spaced farther apart. We all felt that we really lucked out with our guide, John, who answered all our numerous questions and provided just a fun and fact-filled safari for us. Thanks, John! We'll be back!

We booked a Safari tour, dinner and stayed one night. Would 100% recommend doing the safari. I enjoyed staying in the tents. However, they are up a hill and some tents are quite the walk. The walk up to the tends could use hand rails. They do offer help getting your luggage up and back to the car. Dinner was yummy and they accommodated my dietary allergies.

We took the 2 p.m., 3 hour Safari tour. It was a lovely trip and worth the cost for us. The animals were beautiful and it was fun to ride around amongst the beautiful green rolling hills. We booked on a Friday in the winter, so although plenty of people and full, I could see how the summer months could be stifling and feel overcrowded. We went after days of rain, so the hills were green, the creeks flowing, and the animals excited to be out in the sun with the new spring growth. Thinking it was a midweek, and less crowded, the process of splitting people into groups for the tours, seemed to take longer than it should have. We were told to check in at 1:45 & we didn't get into our tour to close to 2:30. Maybe during the busier times, they have more employees and it goes a bit faster. We also booked the buffet lunch before the tour. The lunch was tasty enough for the price, and you get plenty of food. For vegetarians, there wasn't a lot of extra choices. However, there was plentiful green salad & asparagus with mushrooms. My husband said the asparagus was too salty. The potato salad was full of mayonnaise, and they put sugar and pineapple in the ranch beans. If you're a meet eater, there was plenty of BBQ chicken and pulled pork, with little white rolls that you could make sandwiches out of. The tea, coffee, and hot chocolate was included. The plus about eating lunch there is you get more time to look out at the animals, which is really what you're paying for. Again, all of the outside tables were full, so busier times you would have to eat inside. The cost for booking on line, tour and lunch came to $274.27. Somewhat pricey for an afternoon. The bonus is, you can walk around as much as you want for that price. So we got there early and viewed all of the animals that were caged. Pretty much what you will get to see if you spend the night. Although, I'm sure the sunrises and sunsets looking out at the animals is beautiful. They put the giraffes in the barn at night, so you won't be looking out at them. Santa Rosa is close enough that you could find more cost effective lodging if you're worried about the expense. If money is not a concern, I'd be into spending the night. More time watching animals is always a good thing.

Our tour guide was Robert and he took us on a 1 hr walk tour to see the caged animals he was very informative on each animal. Then came the fun part of the whole tour the 2hr jeep ride !!! We got to sit in the back row by ourselves which was comfy and roomy . The riding tour was amazing we saw so many animals up close and personal. It was cold but he provided us with blankets . Just when you think you’re done with the tour another gate is open and another it just keeps going all over the property.When it was over we looked at each other and said that’s the best tour we have ever been on and we tipped well. Please tip your guides it’s a lot of work on them for 3 hours ! Our last stop was the gift shop it had cute stuff at reasonable prices. Book your safari tour today you will love it!!

This was our first visit and well worth the effort. Denice, our guide, was one of the best I have experienced. She had an abundance of knowledge of the animals, even their names, and the history of the ranch. The facility has an incredible array of animals and birds. The walk was great with up close visits of the many birds at the facility. Although no lions, there were two Cheeta's to view. With the many Gazelles, Antelope and Wildebeests at the facility I can understand the absence of lions. Our lunch was the best. Ken Fowler, Novato, CA

The tour guide can make or break a tour. We were lucky to have Cyndy who was full of knowledge and fun. Visiting after Labor Day meant fewer crowds and the two of us were fortunate to to get a private tour. It was fun and we learned a lot along the 2 hour drive. It was exciting getting up close to the giraffes and zebras. The next time we go, we'll spend a night in their glamping tent.