What to expect at this year’s Riyadh Safari…
The zone’s capacity has been increased by 40 per cent to allow 2,500 to 3,000 people in the park…
Embark on your next outdoor adventure at Riyadh Safari, located 80 kilometres west of the capital. The safari zone is back for a second time as part of Riyadh Season.
One of 14 zones in the season, Riyadh Safari is a unique destination that boasts rare, endangered animals, including giraffes, ostriches, pigmy hippos, bengal and white tigers, a golden tiger – one of 34 remaining in the world – African lions, Asian elephants and Arabian oryxes.
Oh, and ligers. No, that’s not a spelling mistake. A liger is an actual thing – it’s a hybrid offspring of a male lion and a female tiger.
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Here are just a few other highlights on offer at Riyadh Safari.
Come walk on the wild side
Visitors can begin your safari experience with an open-air tour of the animal conservation area.
Observe wild animals at close quarters but from a safe enclosure behind the partition of the safari Unimogs – a specially designed desert terrain vehicle, the first of their kind in the region.
For a more exclusive tour, you can’t beat roaming the wildlife preserve in a private jeep. It makes for a more intimate tour with your family and friends. The private jeep tour can accommodate up to four guests, and you get plenty of one-on-one time with all the wild and exotic animals.
There’s also an aviary with more than 250 rare birds and a petting zoo, which has family-friendly animals such as llamas, goats, chickens – and even lion and jaguar cubs under the close supervision of their trainer.
Enhance your adventure
To keep the fun going all day long, check out the exciting water games and carnival games. But, of course, don’t miss the daily shows and theatre performances, too.
Our favourite area? The 13-meter tree tower, where visitors can take selfies or view the entire park using the telescopes provided.
If you and your crew are feeling famished after spending the whole day at Riyadh Safari, just take your pick from the 24 cafes and restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating. Whatever you fancy, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes – from a quick snack to a mouth-watering meal.
A great day out
With the cool, brisk temperatures approaching, a trip to Riyadh Safari is a perfect day to spend time outdoors and set off into the wild.
We recommend spending at least six to eight hours at the safari.
According to the Wildlife Parks director, Abdulrouf Ghurab, the zone’s capacity has been increased by 40 per cent to allow 2,500 to 3,000 people in the park.
What’s more, there are plans to extend Riyadh Safari long after the Riyadh Season is over. But, that’s another story for another day, so watch this space.
In the meantime, are you ready for a wild time?
Riyadh Safari, Nofa Wildlife Park, Exit 857, Riyadh Makkah Highway, Khubayb Al Reem, daily 10am to 9pm. Safari tours close at 5pm. Ticket price starts from SAR55. Riyadhseason.sa
Images: @Riyadhseason