• Safari West offers a unique African wildlife experience in Santa Rosa, near Sonoma, California.
  • The wildlife preserve is located in the heart of Napa Valley wine country and is owned by Peter and Nancy Lang.

About the Langs:

  • Nancy Lang holds a Ph.D. in zoological biology and specializes in birds of prey, especially raptors. Under her direction, Safari West has successfully bred African bird species.
  • Peter Lang is a lifelong wildlife enthusiast and builder who designed many of the structures and furniture at Safari West. The couple met during a safari in Africa and fell in love at first sight.
  • They both share a dream of conserving wildlife and educating others about preserving the animal kingdom.
  • They opened Safari West in 1993, and it now spans over 400 acres with approximately 900 animals across 90 species.

Safari West’s Location and Wildlife:

  • The Napa Valley's Mediterranean climate is ideal for African wildlife, with a landscape that blends grasslands and forests similar to sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Safari West’s environment includes abundant water to support its animals.
  • The Langs refer to their wildlife haven as 'The Sonoma Savannah', with a vision for its future that extends beyond their lifetime.

Safari West Wildlife Foundation:

  • The Safari West Wildlife Foundation is a non-profit organization created to care for the animals in the future as the Langs age.
  • The foundation focuses on the long-term preservation and sustainability of Safari West.

Safari West’s Attractions:

  • A safari park designed to resemble a savannah, home to African-style wildlife.
  • An open-air aviary.
  • Special preserves for primates and large cats.

Visiting Safari West:

  • Reservations are required to visit Safari West, whether for a three-hour safari drive or an overnight stay in authentic African tents.

Animals at Safari West

Animals at Safari West

© Safari West

  • Aviary Experience: The aviary at Safari West is a vibrant tapestry of sound and color, where visitors can delve into a world of exotic birds, including:
    • The scarlet ibis, a resplendent red bird.
    • Cattle egrets, who feed on insects from the backs of grazing mammals.
    • The multicolored Lady Amherst Pheasant.
    • Three species of hornbills.
    • The iridescent Nicobar Pigeon.
    • Oddly-beaked African spoonbills.
  • Safari Park: In the safari park, the intricate mosaic of wildlife beckons visitors to discover a kaleidoscopic array of animals:
    • Flamingos in shades of pink, white, and cream.
    • Rainbow lorikeets, cranes, and black-necked swans.
    • The majestic ostrich, a perennial favorite.
  • Animals of the Safari Park: The park houses hundreds of animals, many of them ungulates (hoofed mammals), including:
    • Zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and white rhinos.
    • Other notable residents include eland, oryx, Watusi cattle, gazelles, kudu, and impalas.
  • Primate and Wild Cats: The primate zone is home to:
    • Two types of lemurs, colobus monkeys, De Brazza’s monkey, and the Patas monkey.
    • The wild cat enclosure shelters cheetahs, caracals, and servals.
  • Cheetah: The cheetah, with its sleek form and captivating spotted fur, is one of the park’s most enigmatic residents:
    • The fastest land animal, reaching speeds of up to 85 miles per hour.
    • Unlike other big cats, cheetahs do not roar, due to a fixed hyoid bone in their throat.
    • In the wild, cheetahs predominantly inhabit the verdant grasslands of Namibia, but their future is uncertain due to habitat loss.
  • Giraffes: Safari West is home to two species of giraffes: Reticulated and Masai Giraffes:
    • Masai giraffes are taller, with irregular dark brown spots resembling oak leaves.
    • Reticulated giraffes feature smooth, polygonal patterns.
    • Giraffes are the tallest land animals, and even infants are taller than most humans.
    • They sleep only two hours a day and do everything, including eating and giving birth, standing up.

Safari Adventures

Safari Adventures

© Safari West

  • Standard Safari Adventures:
    • Three-hour tour of the savannah.
    • Two-thirds of the time is spent driving through the wildlife preserve.
    • Remaining time is spent in the aviary and at the big cat and primate enclosures.
    • Children under four are not allowed on the safari drive, but are welcome in the walking part of the tour.
  • Nerdy Safaris:
    • Designed for those with a background in biological or zoological science, or strong interest in these areas.
    • Led by trained biologists who provide technical insights about animals.
    • Topics covered include bio-geography, evolutionary theory, and the future of animal species due to natural and artificial changes in the environment.
  • Private Safaris:
    • The Ultimate Private Safari: Allows guests to choose which animals to focus on and where to spend their time. Popular among photographers for optimal lighting conditions.
    • Brews and Buffalo Safari: Includes a game drive and beer sampling from Sonoma County, along with savory snacks. The guide has knowledge of both beer brewing and animal life.
    • Winos and Rhinos Safari: A game drive followed by a picnic with South African wines, local artisan cheeses, and breads on a hilltop. Includes a tasting at the nearby Francis Ford Coppola winery.
    • Cheetahs and Chardonnay: A chance to get up close to the cheetahs and their handlers, while enjoying local and South African wines and an African ranch barbecue.
    • Serengeti Twilight Private Safari and Dinner: Enjoy an elegant dinner overlooking the safari grounds, watching wildebeest wander. Dinner includes African barbecue food, local beers, wines, and South African vintages, served on white linen cloths.

Overnight Stays

Overnight Stays

© Safari West

  • Overnight Stay at Safari West:
    • Combines the adventure of a safari drive with the luxury of South African safari tents.
    • Tents are imported from Ladysmith, South Africa, and are built on high wooden platforms.
    • Each tent features plush beds, a hot shower, polished oak floors, and hand-hewn furniture.
    • The tents have wide decks for wildlife viewing.
    • Guests are far enough from the animals for safety, but close enough to observe wildlife activities.
    • At night, guests can hear the sounds of the African wild, including grunting, movement, and the calls of flamingos and Sarus Cranes.
    • Continental breakfast is available for overnight guests in the morning.
  • Special Bonus for Overnight Guests:
    • Massage services available in the privacy of your tent.
    • Registered Massage Therapist offers Swedish pressure-point massages (with advance arrangement).

Dining

Dining

© Safari West

  • The Savannah Grill:
    • Best place in California for authentic South African barbecue cuisine.
    • Open for lunch and dinner.
    • Indoor seating available among authentic African handicrafts.
    • Outdoor seating on the veranda with custom-made wooden tables, a fire pit, and vine-covered arbors.
  • Menu Items Include:
    • Barbecue pulled pork shoulder.
    • House rubbed smoked chicken.
    • Fresh fruit and delicious salads.
    • Fresh strawberry shortcake for dessert.
  • Address: 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, Phone: 707-579-2551

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