Dubai Safari Park: Animals, Tickets, and Opening Hours

Let’s figure out whether it’s worth your money and how to get the most out of your one-day visit. Just a half-hour drive from the glittering skyscrapers of Downtown, the urban landscape gives way to the scenery of the African savanna. Instead of the roar of supercars, you’ll hear the lion’s growl; instead of glass towers, a herd of giraffes at the watering hole. Welcome to Dubai Safari Park—a place where the traditional zoo concept with cramped cages has been decisively left in the past. On a vast 119-hectare site, they’ve created a true conservation ark for 3,000 animals, where their well-being isn’t just empty talk but the top priority.

This article is your detailed guide to the park. We’ll help you choose the right ticket type, plan the optimal route to see the highlights, and avoid common mistakes, saving you time and money.

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Dubai Safari Park or Al Ain Zoo: which one should you choose?

Before we dive into the details, let’s answer a frequent question from travelers deciding between the two main zoological parks in the UAE. This will help you immediately understand which one better matches your expectations.

• In spirit and atmosphere: Dubai Safari Park is more like an amusement park of the wild world, where everything is built around dynamism and a “wow” factor. Al Ain Zoo, on the other hand, is an oasis of tranquility, almost like a botanical garden with animals, inviting long, meditative walks.
• By main impression: People go to Dubai for adventure—a thrilling bus safari where animals are within arm's reach. In Al Ain, they go for the opportunity to leisurely observe animal life in vast enclosures lush with greenery.
• Who it suits: Looking for adrenaline and vibrant photos for Instagram, traveling with teenagers who need some action? Dubai is your choice. Want to spend a calm and more budget-friendly day outdoors with young children? Head to Al Ain.

Immersing in Wildlife: exploring the Park's villages

The entire park is divided into themed "villages," each recreating the unique ecosystem of a particular continent. This allows visitors not just to look at animals, but truly immerse themselves in their natural habitat.

African Village

As soon as you step inside, it's as if you've been transported to another continent. The air feels drier, and the space seems limitless. Right here, in a landscape expertly mimicking the savanna, you can see Africa's true giants: there, a herd of elephants leisurely drinks water, while a bit further away, giraffes stride like living skyscrapers, and from behind a rock comes the lazy yet menacing roar of a lion pride.

• Don't miss: The white rhino. When you see this prehistoric giant weighing several tons from just a few meters away, you truly realize how power and fragility can coexist in a single creature.

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Asian Village

From the scorching savanna, you'll be transported to the mysterious and humid jungles of Asia. Here, you'll encounter some of the planet's most beautiful and dangerous predators—the Amur tigers—as well as the incredibly intelligent orangutans and prehistoric Komodo dragons.

• The "star" of the village: The Amur tiger. Watching this rare predator's silent gait and mesmerizing gaze is a unique experience that will be remembered for a long time.

Arabian Village

This zone introduces you to the amazing and resilient wildlife of the Arabian Peninsula. You'll see animals perfectly adapted to desert life—from swift gazelles to the famous Arabian oryx.

• The "star" of the village: The Arabian oryx. Take a closer look: behind its elegant appearance lies an incredible story. This species is living proof of the miracle of conservation, as just a few decades ago it was completely wiped out in the wild and literally brought back from extinction thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts.

Explorer Village

This is the heart of the entire park and the starting point for the main adventure. It's from here that the famous safari tour begins. The concept of this area is an open space where animals from different continents move freely across a vast territory.

• The "star" of the village: The cheetah. During the safari tour, you'll have the chance to see the fastest land animal in the world in an environment where it can showcase its incredible speed.

Main adventures: what you can't miss

In addition to strolling through the villages, the park offers several key activities that create those unforgettable experiences.

Safari journey tour by bus

Forget everything you've seen before. This is where the real reason thousands of people come to the park begins. You board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus with huge windows and embark on a 35-minute journey into the very heart of Explorer Village. And this isn't just any ride—it's a complete immersion. Here a herd of zebras crosses the road right in front of you, there a curious giraffe peers in through the window, and over there, in the shade of a baobab tree, a family of cheetahs rests. No cages or barriers—just you and wildlife within arm's reach.

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Exciting live shows

Let's get one thing straight: forget about circuses with trained animals. These shows are more like an exciting interactive zoology lesson. You'll see birds of prey swoop down on their prey right above your head and marvel at the intelligence of predators solving complex puzzles. It's a smart, ethical, and truly impressive spectacle that will appeal to both adults and children alike.

Kids farm

The perfect spot for the youngest travelers. In this interactive area, children can not only see but also interact with friendly farm animals: pet them, hand-feed them, and learn a lot about how to care for them.

Exclusive experience for special memories

For those who want even more excitement and a closer connection with the wild, the park offers several additional paid services.

• Giraffe feeding: An incredibly touching and photogenic moment that will delight both children and adults. Estimated cost: from 30 AED.
• Backstage tour: A unique opportunity to peek behind the scenes of the park, see how veterinarians and keepers care for the animals, and learn the secrets of their work. Estimated cost: from 1,500 AED per group.
• VIP safari: A premium experience for a small group. You’ll be accompanied by a personal guide, comfortable transportation, and an exclusive itinerary through the park’s most fascinating spots. Estimated cost: from 2,500 AED per group.

Note: The cost of additional services may vary. We recommend checking current prices on the park’s official website.

Planning your visit: all practical information

To ensure your day at the park goes perfectly, we’ve gathered all the important details in one place.

What types of tickets are available and how much do they cost?

The park offers several types of tickets, but there are two main ones:

• Standard (Safari Park Entrance): Grants admission to the park, access to all villages (African, Asian, Arabian), live shows, and the Children’s Farm. The bus safari tour is not included in this ticket. Estimated price: adult — from 75 AED, child — from 45 AED.
• Safari Journey: Includes absolutely everything available in the standard ticket, plus the main 35-minute safari tour through the “Explorer Village.” Estimated price: adult — from 117 AED.

Prices and conditions are subject to change, so we strongly recommend checking the latest information and purchasing tickets on the official Dubai Safari Park website before your visit.

Opening hours and best time to visit

During the season, the park is open daily, approximately from 09:00 to 17:00.

Tip: The best time to visit is weekday mornings. At this time, there are fewer people, it's not yet too hot, and the animals are more active. Plan to spend at least 4-5 hours in the park to see everything without rushing.

Food, drinks, and park rules

There are several restaurants within the park (such as La Marquise Café and Oasis Restaurant) and numerous kiosks offering snacks and drinks. The average lunch bill is 70-120 AED per person.

Dress code and rules: Modest and comfortable clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended, along with comfortable footwear for long walks. Flash photography of animals is strictly prohibited. Please maintain silence and do not attempt to feed the park's inhabitants.

Amenities and accessibility for all

The park is well-equipped for a comfortable visit: there are medical stations, mother-and-child rooms, prayer rooms, and free Wi-Fi available on site. You can rent strollers and electric scooters. It's important to note that Dubai Safari Park is fully accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, making it one of the most inclusive attractions in Dubai.

So, is Dubai Safari Park worth visiting? Quick takeaways

Dubai Safari Park is the perfect choice for families with children aged 7 to 15, as well as for any travelers who are tired of beaches and shopping malls and want a vibrant, educational experience lasting an entire day. The park might not be suitable for those who prefer traditional zoos with static exhibits or for those with less than 4 hours of free time.

So, if you decide to visit, keep in mind: Dubai Safari Park isn't a place for half-measures. Don't skimp on the Safari Journey ticket, because this 35-minute tour through the savanna is truly the heart of the entire park. It's a chance to give yourself and your kids a memory you can't buy in any shopping mall—a genuine, heartfelt delight from encountering the real world of wildlife right in the middle of a futuristic metropolis.