Safari Parks of Europe: six safari parks in Germany, Spain, Denmark, Italy, the United Kingdom, and France, where animals live in the wild.
Discover the mysterious savannah and go on an African safari – this cherished dream can fully become a reality. You won’t need to cross seas and continents for this — just visit European safari parks where animals live in their natural habitats.
Here is a selection of safari parks that are easy to reach to see wild animals. Plan your visit by purchasing tickets online on the website of your chosen park, and book accommodation nearby. By the way, this is a great idea for children’s holidays or your child’s birthday.
Germany – Serengeti-park
One of the largest safari parks in Europe is located in Germany. Serengeti-park – over 1500 animals are concentrated here, living on 200 hectares without cages or bars. In Africa, you would need to search hard for them, but here you can watch them at arm’s length. It’s best to come to Serengeti-park for a whole day. Even better for two days—so you can see everything, as the park’s area is huge.
Within Serengeti-park you will find: a safari park “Animal World“, “Monkey World” – where you can watch the feeding of great apes, and a themed water park. There is also a large amusement area, all included in the ticket price. The safari area is divided into 16 sectors, each with its own inhabitants. Here, living just as they would in the wild, are giraffes, elephants, lions and tigers, rhinos, herds of zebras and antelopes, and many other animals. Africa is most broadly represented—East, West, South, Central, and two lion zones. Kenya is represented with a separate area, and others by continent.
Visiting conditions:
- The highlight of the park – you can drive your own car through its territory. You are allowed to touch and interact with the animals. Exception: in the “predator” zone, you cannot open the car windows.
- For tourists without a car, there are safari buses for an additional fee.
- The pedestrian area can be toured with a mini-train.
- Park open: from late March to November inclusive, July–August from 10:00 to 18:00, September–October from 10:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, and until 17:00 on weekends
- Ticket prices: on the park’s website: serengeti-park.de
- Location: 52°44’44″N,9°37’0″E The park is located not far from the town of Hodenhagen, an hour’s drive from Hamburg or Hanover.
Accommodation near Serengeti-park
- Serengeti Park Resort≫ – bungalows directly in the park, where you can stay overnight after or before your safari visit. The wooden houses are located directly in the safari zone – in a safe part where there are no predators. There are double and family bungalows, breakfast and free parking are included.
- Zelte im Safari Park Hodenhagen≫ – excellent glamping tents located near Serengeti Safari Park. Each glamp has its own terrace, 3–4 sleeping places, a kitchen for cooking, a shower and toilet inside. There is a small shop with groceries—so you can buy something to eat.
- Gästehaus Beckord≫ – The perfect place for visitors to Serengeti park. A house with two bedrooms and a kitchen, very good value for money, option to purchase food for a simple breakfast, good beds, private outside entrance for each room, parking by the door, spacious rooms. The hotel provides coupons for free children’s entrance to Serengeti.
Czech Republic – Safari Park Dvůr Králové
Located in the town of Dvůr Králové nad Labem, about 40 km from the Polish border. Visitors can travel around the park in their own car and observe animals such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and lions.
Safari Park Dvůr Králové is divided into three sections: a classic walking area, a walking safari, and a car safari. The car safari is called “African Safari” by Josef Vágner and “Lion Safari”. Visitors traveling there will drive about 5.5 km by car.
The route begins between the area of large aviaries for African ungulates and carnivores (if you go on the Afrika truck, this section is skipped; if you go by Safaribus from a different pickup point, see the ‘How to Go on Safari’ section for details), which are separated from visitors in this part by deep ditches. The real African safari begins in the valley of the Netreba River, where behind the gate lies an area where animals are almost within arm’s reach.
The route from the African Safari then leads to the Lion Safari, where on a 600 meter path you will visit the territory of the extinct Barbary lion pride. The safari is circular—when the lion territory ends, the route ends at the pickup station.
Visiting conditions:
- Park open: main season 9:00 – 18:00, winter season 9:00 – 16:00
- Ticket prices: on the park’s website: zoodvurkralove.cz
- Location: 50°26’0.00”N 15°47’50.00”E The Dvůr Králové Safari Park is located on the outskirts of Dvůr Králové nad Labem in the northeast of the Czech Republic. There is a large car park right next to the safari park, where you can park for free. Address: Štefánikova 1029, Dvůr Králové nad Labem.
Accommodation near Safari Park Dvůr Králové
- Hotel Za Vodou≫ – The hotel is located near the safari park, in a quiet area close to the city center. It has a great outdoor area, especially a sandy playground for children. There are pools, and it’s very pleasant to sit outside. Good territory with a great kids’ area, football field, pool, and a restaurant that offers good food and drinks.
- ART Hostel & Apartments≫ – Great location in the city center (located on the town square), parking is very close to the hostel. Clean and modern hostel. Moderate price for a family holiday.
Italy – Zoo Safari Fasano
The Safari Park in Fasano (Apulia Province) is the largest open-air animal park in Italy where you can observe animals in their natural habitats. The park is divided into two routes: a car route—”Zoo Safari” and a walking route—”Fasanolandia“.
The car route is a real safari, where wild animals roam: lions, tigers, elephants, zebras, antelopes, and many more. Don’t drive too close to the predators, but you can freely feed the ungulates by hand. Giraffes are especially friendly—they enjoy interacting with visitors and asking for treats. The route is about two kilometers long and is traveled on a special bus with zoo guides who tell about the animals’ lives. The safari tour lasts about 60 minutes; tickets are reserved in advance by email at info@zoosafari.it.
In the walking route zone live large mammals: hippos, brown bears, seals, hippopotamuses, and polar bears, as well as many types of monkeys and birds. This sector is considered one of the most picturesque corners of the park, decorated with islands and waterfalls. Animals can be observed from viewing platforms or on a special tram.
In the Tropical Hall and serpentarium, there are plenty of tropical fish, snakes, turtles, crocodiles, and other amphibians and reptiles. Birds are housed in the ornithological pavilion. You can also visit the botanical garden, various themed exhibitions, a puppet theater, and an amusement park.
Visiting conditions:
- Open: Zoo Safari from April to end of September daily from 9:30 to 15:00, October from 9:00 to 14:00, “Fasanolandia” – from April to end of September daily from 10:00 to 16:00.
- Ticket prices (can only be bought at the ticket office): “Zoo Safari” – Adult – €34, child – €26, children under 4 years – free. “Fasanolandia” – Entrance – €18, child – €15, children under 4 years – free and additional ticket for Tropical World – €10, Monkey Village – €5.
- Location: 40°50’00.3″N 17°20’26.5″E The park is located on the outskirts of Fasano in the Apulia Province, Italy, an hour’s drive from the city of Bari.
- Park website: www.zoosafari.it
Accommodation near Fasanolandia Park:
- Park Hotel Sant’Elia≫ – The location is ideal for walking to the zoo safari and Fasanolandia. However, it’s a little far from the center of Difasano, so you’ll need a car, which can be rented at Bari airport (located 45 km from the park). The staff is excellent and helpful. The restaurant has a very good a la carte menu. There is a large outdoor pool—perfect for swimming after the safari visit.
- Hotel Castel Miramonti≫ – A great place to stay in Fasano, close to Fasanolandia, extremely clean, excellent showers, and very comfortable. Good location and typical Italian breakfast, nice terrace and relaxation area, and there is a pool.
Spain – Selwo-Aventura
Selwo-Aventura is a huge safari park of wild animals living a free and well-fed life. The variety of African continent animals presented at Selwo-Aventura is impressive: herds of buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, elephants, lions and camels. There are also representatives of fauna from other parts of the world: the Spanish lynx, Indian elephant, red panda. And there is a large variety of birds living in a large gorge covered with an unobtrusive net that protects them from predatory wild birds.
Park feature – the maximum possible contact with animals – many animals and birds are at arm’s length. Some birds and animals are so sociable they allow visitors to sit next to them and take selfies. In addition to regular animal viewing, about a dozen small shows or animal presentations are offered to visitors.
The park is divided into three large zones. You can move between sectors both on foot and by open-top jeep-trucks that regularly depart from marked stops on the map. By booking a Serengeti safari tour—on a truck protected by a special grille—you can travel across the vast territory. You can even climb a mountain with stunning views of Gibraltar, Morocco, and the Atlas Mountains. There is a small self-service restaurant here—El Mirador de Africa. The restaurant is practically at one of the highest points above sea level, offering wonderful views of the coast.
Entertainment for children
Another plus is entertainment for children, teenagers and even adults: archery, crossing suspension bridges over the lake, zipline, trampolines. The park also hosts performances by African musicians in ethnic costumes playing exotic musical instruments. So, it feels like you are truly on an African safari.
There are cafes and kiosks selling water and ice cream throughout the area, which is very convenient on hot days. The safari park has bungalows Selwo Longe Hotel—it’s impossible to see the entire park in one day, so it makes sense to stay overnight and continue your tour the next day (accommodation in a 2-person bungalow from €99).
Bonus: hotel rate includes entry to the safari park. Discount coupons are also available at tourist information centers or at the cable car ticket booth in Benalmádena.
Visiting conditions:
- Open: all year round, in August from 10:00 to 20:00, September–October weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00, weekends 10:00 to 19:00
- Ticket price: see prices on the site selwo.es (at the ticket office prices are higher).
- Location: 36°27’46.2″N 5°05’08.2″W The park is located in Estepona, Costa del Sol, Spain, an hour’s drive from Málaga.
Accommodation near Selwo-Aventura
- Senator Banus≫ – This is a beautiful and very stylish hotel in Estepona. The rooms are large and spacious, with everything you need. The balcony is perfect for sunbathing. Breakfast is exceptional—a wide selection of foods and fruits. The hotel has its own outdoor swimming pool.
- Apartamentos Turísticos Casa de La Borrega≫ – a cozy apartment in a beautiful building in Estepona. Very comfortable beds, strong water pressure in the shower. Ideal location—just 1 minute walk from Plaza de las Flores and all the restaurant streets.
Denmark – Zootopia Givskud
In Zootopia Givskud safari park, all animals except lions live in open areas, which you can explore by car or on foot. You can arrive in your own car, or ride in the zoo-provided bus. The safari park is home to over 120 species of animals and birds including lions, elephants, giraffes, llamas, rhinos, buffalo, who roam freely across the grounds. Visitors can watch zoo staff feed the animals and can even participate in feeding the camels if they wish.
The park is thematically divided by animal types, but everywhere can be traveled by car for the closest possible view. The park’s highlight is the lions. Tarp-covered vehicles are not allowed with the lions—at the entrance, windows and doors are always checked and must be closed and locked. But behind your car’s glass, you meet real kings of beasts who aren’t afraid of tourists and let you get up-close. For a full sense of Africa, the Danes have managed to equip their northern park with a real waterfall and jungle.
The ticket price also includes admission to a dinosaur amusement park with more than 40 full-size figures. There’s also a playground with giant trampolines, “Indian camp,” and interactive sites where you can become a gold prospector or a baker. Kids can ride a little train around the park. There are restaurants and cafes, a souvenir shop. You should plan a whole day for the park—you won’t regret it. You can have a picnic here by bringing sandwiches and thermos bottles. Rest is only allowed at rest stops and in areas where harmless animals live, whom you can feed and photograph.
Visiting conditions:
- Open: from Easter to end of October, in August from 10:00 to 20:00, September–October on weekdays from 10:00 to 16:00, weekends 10:00 to 17:00
- Ticket prices: on the website givskudzoo.dk
- Location: 55°49’03.3″N 9°20’57.9″E located 30 km from Billund and 240 km from Copenhagen, Denmark.
Accommodation near Zootopia Givskud
- Givskud Zoo Hostel≫ – Cleanliness, friendly and responsive staff who speak English. Clean new bedding. Large kitchen, always plenty of dishes and pots, no queues. There are play areas for children. Large parking lot right at the entrance. Cozy street. 100 meters to the zoo entrance.
- Hyrdeskolen≫ – Nice and quiet place to stay near Billund and the Zootopia zoo-safari. Great room size. Nice extras, chocolate candies, toiletries, tea, coffee, sugar, water. Excellent location for Billund airport (20 minutes drive).
France – Reserve Africaine de Sigean
The Sigean safari park is considered a unique giant reserve of wild African nature in France. Even adults can feel like children here, watching animals roaming free, without cages or enclosures. Sigean is divided into several zones, but the most exciting is the so-called safari area, which you can drive through only in a car with closed windows, at low speed and without stopping.
But few people actually follow this recommendation, except in the predator zone—where Tibetan bears, rhinos, lions, lynxes, and bisons live. In all other areas, you can take photos with open windows: animals are not afraid and calmly stroll along the road. Some even step onto the road and peer into car windows. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can ride a special minibus.
The second part of the park is the walking section. Walking from the upper part of the park to the lower, you can watch antelopes, kangaroos, zebras, giraffes, and camels play in nature. There is also a large lake with wonderful flamingos and many picnic areas. It’s worth visiting the so-called “Monkey Island“, home to baboons and chimpanzees, as well as admiring reptiles, turtles, and crocodiles. Plan your visit to the safari park for the entire daylight hours.
Visiting conditions:
- Open: all year, August from 8:00 to 18:00, September–October from 9:00 to 17:00
- Ticket prices: on the website www.reserveafricainesigean.fr
- Location: 43°03’52.2″N 2°57’00.5″E located 15 km south of the city of Narbonne and 60 km from Perpignan, France.
Accommodation near Sigean Safari Park:
- Mobilhome 3 étoiles – Piscine – eehdbc≫ – camping with mobile homes located next to Sigean Safari Park. Simple accommodation with parking, private area and a pool.
- La Vadrouille≫ – On the territory of La Vadrouille, located in Sigean, guests have access to a private pool. This accommodation, with a shared kitchen, is 3.5 km from the Sigean Safari Park.
United Kingdom – Port Lympne Wild Animal Park
In 2017, a completely new safari park and genuine nature reserve opened in Kent, UK. Here you can not only watch wild animals in nature, but also stay overnight in a cottage with panoramic windows. In this largest safari park of Europe, with an area of 250 hectares, live Amur tigers, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, water buffalo, and bison.
Traditionally, the park is divided into pedestrian and car zones. In the first, you can walk as in a huge zoo, in the second, where rather dangerous animals are located, you travel in special trucks protected from wild animals with steel bars. The safari is included in the admission ticket price, and ranger-guides tell visitors about the features and habits of park residents.
Besides this, the park has a “Dinosaur Forest” attraction — here you can spend time face-to-face with a huge T-rex, see a Stegosaurus, and feel the awe of a flying Pterodactyl. The dinosaurs come to life in front of visitors, moving to enhance the effect of falling into Jurassic times. The park has an Italian restaurant, a cafe-bistro, a bakery, shops with snacks and drinks, as well as a children’s playground, picnic tables with great views of the nearby meadows.
Staying overnight in the lodges (accommodation per night from €280 (£250)) will extend your interaction with the animals and give you completely new impressions. From the panoramic windows, you can easily come face to face with a shaggy tiger, rhino, or cute giraffes.
Visiting conditions:
- Open: all year, from 9:30 to 18:30
- Ticket prices: Website: www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne
- Location: 51°04’47.3″N 1°00’06.9″E located in Port Lympne Reserve, Ashford, Kent, United Kingdom, two hours’ drive from London.
Accommodation near Port Lympne Wild Animal Park
- Port Lympne Mansion Hotel≫ – The hotel is absolutely wow, very luxurious. Stunning decor, comfortable beds, delicious breakfast, great bar. The back of the mansion offers a wonderful view of the safari park with animals.
- Giraffe Lodge – At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve≫ – tents with beds and amenities, located on the edge of the safari park, overlooking the area with wild animals. Breakfasts and buffet are offered in the morning.
- The Cowshed Port Lympne≫ – Farm offering leisure rooms. Great rural location near Hythe and the animal park, with views of the surroundings. The hosts are very friendly and helpful.
Italy – Safari Ravenna
The safari park is located near Ravenna and offers a 4-kilometer safari route where visitors can observe animals without barriers or cages. Among the park’s residents are lions, tigers, hippos, giraffes, zebras, bison, and many others. After the car safari, there is a pedestrian area with various animals and entertainment.
Safari is a 4-kilometer route that lets you see animals up close without barriers. On about 35 hectares of land, you can meet lions, tigers, hippos, giraffes, zebras, bison, camels, ostriches, llamas, antelopes, and many other species. All animals were born in captivity for generations and can move independently and freely throughout the park, living safely and in well-being thanks to the care and attention of experienced keepers and veterinarians.
The pedestrian area at Safari Ravenna is an area with enclosed spaces where you can admire some of the most common animals as well as rare specimens. There is a Baboon Island, Lemur Island, Chimpanzee Oasis, Siamang and Gibbon House, and an Education Center, including the “Reptile House” and schoolrooms “Aula Chelli” with an excellent aquarium and “small fauna”.
Visiting conditions:
- Open: all year, 10:00 to 15:00 (last entry). Park closure planned for 17:00.
- Ticket prices: on the site safariravenna.it
- Location: 44°19’49.7″N 12°16’19.8″E The closest station to Safari Ravenna – Lido di Savio/Lido di Classe, Ravenna is 15 km from the park, and the nearest coastal town is Lido di Classe.
Accommodation near Safari Ravenna
- Ca’ Mira – Room&Breakfast≫ – Welcoming hosts, very tasty breakfast (homemade pastries), clean rooms and a fantastic pool. Location—one of the closest B&Bs to Safari Ravenna.
- Hotel Sorriso≫ – the hotel is located in the nearest coastal town to Safari Ravenna—Lido di Classe. The hotel has its own swimming pool and children’s area on the roof and is close to the beach. Great breakfasts are offered for both adults and children.
Spain – Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno
Located in Cantabria (northern Spain), near Santander, this park covers an area of about 750 hectares and is home to many species of animals. Visitors can explore the park in their own car, watching animals in conditions close to their natural environment. The park also offers cable cars with panoramic views over the area.
Get close to six large mammals that live in Africa and some of the most famous primates. Enter the conservation zone for a species like the brown bear. See open large enclosures with animals from five continents from the cable car. You can do all of this by taking a safari at Cabárceno Natural Park.
With the park’s specialized vehicles, you can learn about the fascinating natural world and its fauna, as well as the work of conservation centers to which Cabárceno Park belongs. All this is accompanied by explanations about the care and handling of animals. You’ll see where they sleep, how veterinary preparation is carried out to facilitate treatment if needed, and, finally, find out about the inner workings of Cabárceno.
Visiting conditions:
- Open: all year, except December 24, 25, 31 and January 1. Summer from 9:00 to 18:00 (ticket office closes). Winter from 9:00 to 17:00 (ticket office closes).
- Ticket prices: on the website parquedecabarceno.com
- Location: 44°19’49.7″N 12°16’19.8″E Cabárceno Natural Park is located in the Pisueña valley , just 15 minutes from Santander.
Accommodation near Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno
- Posada Venero≫ – Excellent location if you are planning to visit the wildlife park. Comfortable hotel located in beautiful rural surroundings near the entrance to Cabárceno Park. Staff are very welcoming and breakfast is excellent.
- Posada Cabárceno≫ – Hotel with a view of the wildlife park. Warm home atmosphere, welcoming reception, delicious breakfast beautifully served with stunning views, cleanliness, and hospitable hosts.
- Ensō≫ – The house is very beautiful and well equipped, it even has everything you need for relaxation. Comfortable beds. Location, next to a very nice lake and 5 minutes walk from the elegant Cabárceno complex.
Netherlands – Safaripark Beekse Bergen
Located between the cities of Tilburg and Hilvarenbeek, Safaripark Beekse Bergen is the largest wildlife zoo in Benelux. Visitors can explore the park in their own car, observing various animals such as zebras, giraffes, lions, and many more. The park also offers walking, bus, and boat safaris.
The bus safari consists of two completely different routes, both taking about 45 minutes. The bus safari is available from October 1 to March 31. An experienced ranger will accompany you at the Safari park and share interesting facts about the animals. During the tour, you will come face to face with chimpanzees, gorillas, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos.
Of course, the drive depends on the route’s congestion, but on average, it takes about 1 hour. Entrance is possible half an hour before the park closes. There’s an opportunity to park your car in some places on the car safari to see animals more closely.
You can even stay overnight in this park. At the Safari Resort, you will spend the night in the heart of the savannah. Fall asleep among wild animals and wake up with a beautiful view of the savannah.
Visiting conditions:
- Open: all year, from 09:30 to 17:30.
- Ticket prices: on the website www.beeksebergen.nl
- Location: 44°19’49.7″N 12°16’19.8″E The park is located between Tilburg and Hilvarenbeek. Beekse Bergen 15081 NJ Hilvarenbeek.
Accommodation near Safaripark Beekse Bergen
- Bed and Breakfast Klein Beek≫ – Fantastic, comfortable bed and breakfast in a beautiful and cozy place with a perfectly decorated room. Very welcoming host, mini-bar at reasonable prices, and delicious breakfast. Location—5 minutes’ drive from the safari park.
- Bij Jans≫ – The guesthouse is in a small town near the safari park—Hilvarenbeek. The accommodation has a private toilet and shower, the kitchen is shared with other rooms. The hosts make breakfast: eggs, bread, fruit, cheese, etc.
France – Parc Zoologique de Thoiry
Located near Paris, this park offers a car safari where visitors can observe animals such as elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and lions directly from their own cars. The park also has a pedestrian area with various attractions and pavilions.
Imagine a safari just 40 minutes from the Parisian jungle. Immerse yourself in the scents of the scrub, discover the animal world and its wild herds, with whom you can delightfully interact face-to-face. And the animals will observe your curious metal shell–your car–with the same fascination. You will see a zebra curiously watching you, a rhino observing you, a giraffe checking if you have a hat, and an ostrich perhaps hiding its head in the sand. And an elephant waving its trunk at you from afar.
Finally, know that if you don’t have your own car, the park has its own trucks for bush and safari trips.
Visiting conditions:
- Open: all year, from 10:00 to 17:00. Pedestrian access to the zoo closes at 16:00.
- Ticket prices: on the website thoiry.net
- Location: 48°51’53.4″N 1°47’46.4″E The park is located 40 minutes’ drive from Paris. Go via highway A13 near Porte d’Auteuil towards Rouen.
Accommodation near Parc Zoologique de Thoiry
- Parc Zoologique et Loisirs Thoiry≫ – camping with cabins in beautiful safari style, excellently located, literally next to the elephant enclosure. In the morning, during breakfast, you can observe the elephants. Friendly staff, and the accommodation is very nicely decorated. This experience is definitely worth the price.
- Thoiry Étoile Lodge≫ – Quiet place, cozy room, right in the center, very good Italian restaurant nearby, friendly staff. Location—directly next to the safari park.
Useful articles and links:
- Lisbon with children
- Prague with children
- 10 indoor aquaparks in Europe to visit in winter
- Thermal springs of Zakarpattia – where to soak in hot water
Route schedules and tickets for buses—on Omio.com
Travel medical insurance — HotlineFinance
Booking hotels and apartments—Booking.com
