Just north of Santa Rosa, a little more than an hour’s drive from the rolling concrete hills of San Francisco, lays a hidden world: Safari West. But it shouldn’t be such a well-kept secret. Where else can you get an authentic African safari on a day trip from the Bay Area? Man, now that’s a staycation!

The 400-acre facility is the private home of Nancy and Peter Lang, members of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Safari West isn’t a zoo, and it’s not a drive-through park - it’s a wildlife preserve and resort hidden in the heart of California wine country. Home to nearly 700 African animals and birds, the property is devoted to the conservation and breeding of African wildlife in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you’ve got an adventurous spirit and love animals, this is a priceless experience that you will never forget.  

A tour of Safari West might not be what some would label inexpensive ($68 for adults, $30 for kids 3 -12, and $10 for infants), but it’s a whole lot cheaper than an actual African safari. Even better, no travel vaccinations required! The tour includes two hours on a four-wheel drive vehicle with a knowledgeable guide that lets you get up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, rhinos, cape buffalo, wildebeests, Watusi cattle, and more kinds of antelope than you can count. But the tour doesn’t end there. After a break, the guide takes you on a walking tour of Safari West’s “base camp,” which includes aviaries full of exotic birds, Lemur Island, monkeys, gibbons, and introduces you to the stars of the show - the property’s four gorgeous cheetahs.

Did I forget anything? Oh yeah, tons. I’m just hitting the highlights. Safari West includes more animals than I could ever name. Here’s the incredible species list.

To be honest, I planned this trip before joining the ranks of the unemployed, but after experiencing everything Safari West has to offer, and knowing that my hard earned and limited money was going to the preservation of endangered species, I felt more than willing to hand it over. Hey, what’s the use of having time off work if you can’t have some fun? And as this recession drags on, I can’t think of a better time for an escape to a wild and adventurous world to keep my imagination – and hope - alive.

Safari West provides more than tours; it is also a unique resort that offers authentic “luxurustic” safari tent cabin accommodations for overnight guests. Again, I admit the accommodations aren’t cheap. Rates range from $175 - $295 depending on the day of the week, but where else can you be lulled to sleep by the exotic songs of wild African birds and wake up to the sight of giraffes from your private deck?

This is wine country, after all, so Safari West also boasts delicious barbeque ranch meals in the Savannah Café. This is where we found some great budget surprises. Sitting under the awnings at the café in the nearly 100 degree heat, I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather do than sip a cool white wine and just watch the giraffes. The simple but good wine list includes picks “From Here” and “From There,” meaning Africa. I was expecting to be price gauged by nature of being a captive audience at the park, but wine and beer prices were extremely fair. A glass of Sebaka ’07 sauvignon blanc and the Lagunitas IPA were only $6 each, the same price you'll find in most San Francisco bars. It sure was cheaper than a cup of Bud at AT&T Park, which goes for $8 to $10. Hallelujah, because Santa Rosa is hot in July.

The meal at the Savannah Café was nice, consisting of an all-you-can-eat buffet of fresh salads, polenta and potato side dishes, and barbecue ribs and chicken. (lunch: $19 per adult, $14 per child (4-12), dinner: $29 per adult, $17 per child).I wouldn’t call Safari West a dining destination on its own, but hits the spot after a long day of adventuring. The polenta was a little cheesy and salty for me, but the ribs fell off the bone and included a wonderful sauce. The chicken was juicy and tasty. And of course the wine was delicious. For dessert, there was coffee and banana cake that topped off the meal perfectly.

I’ve always dreamed of the romance of an African safari, and especially after watching the History Channel’s Expedition Africa this summer (Survivor producer Mark Burnett’s recreation of Stanley’s search for Livingstone). The tent cabins were simple but elegant, and very comfortable. The helpful staff instructed us on how to keep warm during a cold night, and heaters and electric blankets were included in the cabins, though we didn’t need them during our summer stay. I loved the giraffe print bedding, and the sheets were so soft.

But couples beware: even after a long day in the sun with lots of good food and wine, my boyfriend and I were still hoping to find some romantic time for ourselves. Unfortunately, the squeaky bedsprings, thin tent walls, and children giggling a few yards away in the next tent made us think again. After spending some time out on the deck watching the stars (remember those up there - you can actually see them out here) we got a wonderful night’s sleep lulled by the call of African birds, and even an old fashioned North American owl.

All told, we spent about $600 on our adventure, dining, and overnight stay. Sure, it’s more than half of my unemployment check these days, but the room was charged at the time of reservation, so that spread out the cost a little over time. To me, the experience was well worth the price. I really felt like I was visiting an undiscovered country, and when a place can take your imagination around the world at a time when you really need to get away, that experience is priceless.

Reservations are required for tours, accommodations, and meals at the Savannah Café. Safari West also has a small deli for snacks throughout the day. Accommodations include a continental breakfast. Call 1 (800) 616-2695 for reservations and information.