Dubai Safari Park in Al Warqa'a

Dubai Safari Park tickets and prices

The Safari Park Pass is AED 50 per person. It covers all six zones, the 15-minute Arabian Desert Safari, the bird and wildlife shows, kids' workshops and one free animal encounter. Under-3s and People of Determination get in free.

The Safari Bundle at AED 117 is sold online only. On top of the pass you get the 35-minute Explorer Safari — a bus through the open habitats of lions, giraffes, rhinos and hippos — plus unlimited rides on the park train and two AED 10 vouchers for the shop and photos.

Which one? With kids, or if you only visit once, get the Bundle: the zones are far apart and the train saves a lot of walking in the heat. Adults happy to walk can manage on the AED 50 pass, but you will miss the big cats up close.

Buy on the official website and the e-ticket arrives by email. International Visa and Mastercard cards and Apple Pay are accepted almost everywhere in Dubai; there is also a ticket counter at the gate, but the Bundle is sold online only.

Is Dubai Safari Park worth it?

Yes for families and animal lovers in the cool season: the enclosures are spacious, and the Explorer Safari gets you close to lions and rhinos for a fraction of the price of Dubai's indoor attractions. It is one of the best-value half-days in the city.

Less so if you're short on time or visiting in hot weather. The park is in the desert on the city's edge, shade between zones is limited, many animals retreat into the shade at midday, and the round trip by public transport eats up three hours. On a two-day trip, the Dubai Aquarium in the Dubai Mall is the easier animal fix.

What to see: the six zones

• African Village — African elephants, giraffes with a feeding platform and meerkats. A good place to start, with restaurants and a gift shop.
• Asian Village — Asian elephants, Komodo dragons and other Asian species among Asian-style buildings.
• Explorer Village — the open valley visited by the Explorer Safari bus: lions, giraffes, rhinos and hippos. You can't walk in.
• Arabian Desert Safari — a short, roughly 15-minute ride to the animals of the Arabian Peninsula; included in every ticket.
• Kids Farm — farm animals and birds to feed; the highlight for toddlers.
• Al Wadi — free pony walks twice a day, plus restaurants.
• Live shows — birds of prey and wildlife presentations run to a timetable posted at the entrance; each lasts about 30 minutes, so arrive 10 minutes early for a seat.

Animal feeding and encounters

Some encounters are free: the pony walk in Al Wadi at 10:00 and 17:00, bird feeding at the Kids Farm at 12:00 and 15:45, and duck feeding in the African Village at 15:15.

For AED 20 you can feed giraffes, goats, tortoises, cormorants or macaws, groom a pony or meet a reptile. Lemur feeding on Lemur Island is AED 75, at 12:00 and 16:00. Spots are limited, so add them when you book online or ask at the counter as soon as you arrive. Times can change on the day — check the board at the entrance.

Dubai Safari Park vs Dubai Aquarium

Choose the Safari Park for a cool-season half-day with kids. In summer or on a tight schedule, the aquarium is the easy option.

How to do it right

• Arrive at 9:00: it is cooler, the animals are more active and there is no wait for the Explorer Safari.
• Do the Explorer Safari first, before the lions retreat into the shade, then tour the villages on foot or by train.
• With small children, rent a stroller at the entrance — the zones are far apart.
• Plan your day around one or two feeding sessions and book them in advance.
• Eat at the cafés in the African Village or Al Wadi — outside food isn't allowed.
• Weekdays are quieter than the weekend, which in the UAE is Saturday and Sunday.
• Out of season? The Dubai Aquarium is open all year.

Questions