Safari West: Africa Meets California Wine Country
Experience an African Safari Adventure with Wildlife Tours and Glamping in Sonoma County
Just an hour north of San Francisco, amid the vineyards and hills of Sonoma County, lies an unexpected wildlife sanctuary that brings the African savanna to California. Safari West transforms 400 acres in the Mayacamas Mountains into home for more than 900 animals from 90 species, creating an authentic safari experience without leaving the United States.
A Hollywood-Inspired Vision
The story of Safari West begins with Peter Lang, who grew up surrounded by exotic animals on Hollywood sets where his father, Otto Lang, produced television shows like Daktari and Sea Hunt. Those early experiences working with lions, chimpanzees, and other wildlife planted the seeds for what would become Northern California's premier wildlife preserve.
In the late 1980s, Peter purchased land in the foothills north of Santa Rosa and established a conservation breeding facility. When he met and fell in love with Dr. Nancy Lang, whose academic credentials include a Ph.D. from the University of Wales in Cardiff and expertise in biology, they transformed the property into the educational and conservation destination that operates today.
Dr. Nancy Lang leads Safari West's conservation and educational programs, earning respect throughout the zoological community for her dedication to wildlife preservation and environmental education.
Open-Air Safari Adventures
The centerpiece experience at Safari West is the guided safari tour through what staff call the Sonoma Serengeti. Open-air vehicles carry visitors through expansive habitats where zebras, wildebeest, rhinoceros, and other African species roam freely across the landscape.
Each tour follows the natural rhythms of the animals rather than a predetermined script, making every visit unique. Expert guides share insights into animal behavior and conservation while guests observe giraffes grazing, flamingos wading, and the occasional glimpse of cheetahs moving through their territory.
The tours demonstrate how these animals have adapted to their California environment while maintaining their natural behaviors and social structures.
Immersive Overnight Experiences
Safari West offers a one-of-a-kind glamping experience in Sonoma and Napa counties through 30 luxury safari tents imported from Botswana. These accommodations feature heavy-duty canvas construction with mesh windows that blur the line between indoor comfort and outdoor adventure.
Each tent includes luxurious bedding and en-suite bathrooms while allowing guests to fall asleep to the sounds of the preserve – birds calling, lemurs chattering, and flamingos vocalizing throughout the evening hours. The overnight experience provides opportunities to observe how wildlife activity changes from day to night in this unique California ecosystem.
Specialized Tours
Beyond standard safari tours, Safari West offers several specialized experiences. Behind-the-scenes tours allow visitors to work alongside animal caretakers, meeting and feeding species like porcupines, warthogs, and the preserve's towering giraffes. These experiences depend on animal schedules and moods, adding an element of unpredictability that mirrors real wildlife encounters.
Private safaris provide dedicated guides for groups seeking more personalized attention or specific interests in animal behavior and conservation science. Specialty tours blend wildlife viewing with Sonoma County's celebrated wine and beer scene, creating unique experiences that combine animal encounters with tastings of local beverages.
Seasonal events throughout the year add special themes to the safari experience, from holiday celebrations to the popular Valentine's Day adults-only tour focusing on animal courtship behaviors.
Dining in the Wild
The Savannah Café provides a dining experience inspired by South African braai traditions, adapted with Sonoma County influences. Located within the preserve, the restaurant allows guests to enjoy freshly grilled dishes while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wildlife sanctuary.
This braai approach to outdoor dining emphasizes the social and cultural aspects of sharing meals while connected to the natural environment.
Conservation and Education Mission
Safari West operates with a strong commitment to conservation education, aiming to inspire visitors to care about wildlife protection both locally and globally. The preserve features California native species alongside exotic animals, using these encounters to discuss conservation challenges in the Mayacamas Mountains as well as in African habitats.
The facility partners with the Safari West Wildlife Foundation, a nonprofit organization that extends educational programming throughout the Bay Area. Their Safari West Live program uses livestreaming technology to bring interactive safari experiences to children's hospitals and underserved schools, making wildlife education accessible regardless of location.
Annual donations support conservation organizations worldwide, from the Sahara Conservation Fund's work reintroducing species to North African deserts to the Marine Mammal Center's efforts protecting California coastal wildlife. Weekend speaker series throughout spring and summer bring representatives from these partner organizations to share their research and discoveries with Safari West guests.
Sustainable Practices
The preserve continuously updates its environmental practices, transitioning to biodegradable cleaning products, eliminating disposable dinnerware, and implementing water conservation measures. Recent improvements include redirecting gray water from the tent camp for landscape irrigation and expanding recycling programs throughout the property.
These sustainability efforts demonstrate the connection between conservation education and practical environmental stewardship.
Educational Programs
Safari West's Junior Keepers program offers teenagers ages 12-16 a comprehensive 10-month introduction to wildlife management and conservation. Participants develop expertise in animal care while learning to share their knowledge with others, building the next generation of conservation advocates.
The preserve also provides research internship opportunities for undergraduate students, supporting studies on topics ranging from animal social behaviors to reproductive patterns among various species.
Safari West sits at 3115 Porter Creek Road in Santa Rosa, welcoming visitors daily as part of its mission to promote conservation awareness and environmental education. For more information about tours, overnight stays, and educational programs, visit safariwest.com.
