Is it your dream to go on a wildlife safari in Africa? How would you react if we told you that you can now witness the same at Sharjah Safari Park in the Middle East? Yes, you heard it right. Touted to be the massive wildlife safari next to Africa, Sharjah Safari park in the UAE is specifically created to make each individual have a memorable adventure of their lifetime. This wildlife attraction was established in February this year to satiate the desires of wildlife lovers who crave an exciting and thrilling animal safari.
What Is So Special About Sharjah Safari Park?
This picturesque park doused in the wilderness is rightly nestled in Sharjah and portrays the beauty of nature like none other. It is created in a sprawling 800-hectare area, much larger than 1000 football fields. This zoological park is an abode of safari connoisseurs, as it houses several species of flora and fauna freely roaming in their natural habitat. But, remember it is not your regular zoo, as it has stunning surroundings in open-air, lush green landscapes, unparalleled views, natural lakes, and areas with strategic fencing. Sharjah Safari zoo houses over 120 animal species belonging to native Africa and is host to more than 50,000 mammals, reptiles, and avian species.
Important Areas To Visit In Sharjah Safari Park
This Safari Park in the UAE attracts the visitors’ attention as it has 12 distinct environments that draw its inspiration from every corner of Africa to represent the continent’s terrain and living species. The following are the different regions in Sharjah Safari Park that mimics the real parts of Africa:
- 1st Region – To Africa: This segment of the Sharjah park will have the visitors go on a walking tour where they will explore the different animal species found in eastern Africa
- 2nd Region – Sahel: This region called the Sahel comprises extensive wildlife, avian species, pastures, and desert lands. This region exhibits the African part that starts from Mauritania’s Atlantic Coast towards the west of Eritrea and the eastern part of the Red Sea. This region of Sharjah Park will make you feel like touring through an African forest with its similar structure. Don’t forget to click the pictures of Scimitar oryxes or Dorcas gazelles when you spot one.
- 3rd Region – The Savannah: Drawing its inspiration from the wild parts of Africa, this region in Sharjah Safari Park showcases the landscapes stretching from southern and eastern Africa. It begins from the Northern region coast in Kalhari and stretches towards the southwestern part. This part houses the highest biodiversity concentration on the planet, which makes it a compelling spot to visit.
- 4th Region – The Serengeti: This part of Safari Park in Sharjah assures you of a thrilling experience, as it welcomes the highest number of migratory animals every year. You can witness massive groups of herbivores migrating across these plains. Catch the predators like the Nile crocodiles lying low, awaiting their prey while the animals cross the Mara River. Take an exhilarating wildlife safari on a four-wheeler and watch the lions resting in their den.
- 5th Region – Nkgorongoro: This region located in Sharjah Safari park is created from an extinct crater and flaunts a distinct ecosystem, making it a center of tourist attraction.
- 6th Region – Moremi: Drawing inspiration from the valleys as well as canyons of the southwestern parts of Africa, which were deposited by monsoon rains over several centuries. This part with sand-filled and dry riverbeds house aquifers that supports vegetation even during dry days. You can spot several beautiful animals like the yellow giraffes in this section of Sharjah park.
Things To Do At Sharjah Safari Park
1. Watch Thousands Of Birds And Animals In One Place
The ultimate aim of visiting this Safari park in Sharjah is to see several animal species. This huge park is the abode of over 50000 birds and animals belonging to over 120 species, which include flamingos, crocodiles, giraffes, rhinos, lions, gazelles, and elephants.
The region boasts some of the rarest animal collections, such as the black rhino, the Aldabra, and the Madagascar island giant tortoise. The park landscape also has more than 1000 African native trees, such as the iconic umbrella-shaped Acacia Tortilis trees and the samar trees, which are nesting grounds for several birds.
2. Say Hello To Bridi and Wuheida
Your trip to Sharjah Safari will not be complete until you meet the two cuties – Bridi and Wuheida. The park conducted a special breeding programme to save the endangered species of southern white rhinos, and Wuheida is the first female born in the park. Bridi is a cute baby female giraffe born through a successful breeding experiment with South African giraffes.
Let your kids interact with these babies and capture these memories through some selfies and pictures. The park also has a dedicated section for giraffes, with around 15 giraffes released into the park and living in a natural setting.
3. Animal Spotting and Birdwatching
Several dedicated areas in the Safari Park allow visitors to enjoy birdwatching to spot some of the rarest avian species. Take a pair of binoculars to spot some of the wildlife grazing through the sprawling grasslands of the park. While on a safari, keep a close eye on the landscape to catch a glimpse of a marabou stork, black rhino, or radiator tortoise, if lucky.
4. Go On A Walking Tour
To experience the wilderness of this Africa-like Safari Park, go on a walking tour that begins from Baobab avenue lying next to the entrance, to watch the beauty of exotic African bird species.
5. Get Lip-Smacking Food And Drink
Stop at the Zanzibar village area in the park to relax and rest in the shady landscapes seeping with a tropical atmosphere. The region painted in crisp white and elegantly decorated is an apt choice to unwind and enjoy some tasty snacks and delicious drinks. The picturesque natural lake surrounded by eateries is a much-needed break after hours of wildlife sightseeing.
Sharjah Safari Ticket Price, Park Timings, and Location
Sharjah Safari Park Ticket Price
The tickets for entering Sharjah Safari Park are divided into three segments Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The benefits for each ticket category are different. You can also book Sharjah Safari tickets online.
- Gold Tickets: These tickets belong to the premium category and allow their holder to visit all 12 environments in Safari Park without any restrictions. Plus, this gold ticket holder can avail of a ride in a luxury vehicle along with a travel guide to take a tour that lasts around 6 hours.
The cost of gold tickets is Dh275 for kids aged above 12 years, and for kids between 2 years to 12 years, it is Dh120. With this ticket, a group of 6 people can avail of luxury vehicle services with a guide at just Dh1500. For nine people, it is Dh 2250. And for 12 members, it is Dh3500.
- Silver Tickets: This mid-range ticket offers complete access to all environments in the Sharjah Safari park except the Serengeti region. This ticket holder will get access to a bus seat to go on a bus tour for about 6 hours. One has to spend around Dh120 for people aged above 12 years, and for kids aged between 3 and 12 years, the cost is Dh50.
- Bronze Tickets: This ticket includes an exclusive walking tour for about 3 hours to one environment in the Safari park. The cost of the Bronze ticket for kids aged from 3 years to 12 years is Dh15, and for people above 12 years, it is Dh40.
This wildlife park in Sharjah collects no entry fee for children aged below three years under the Silver and Bronze categories, and for the Gold ticket category, kids aged below two years can avail of free entry.
Sharjah Safari Park Timings
Sharjah Safari Park can be accessed on all days of the week between 8.30 am and 6.30 pm. For gold ticket and bronze ticket holders, their final entry time is 2 pm, and the last entry time for the bronze category is 4 pm.
Sharjah Safari Sharjah Location
Sharjah Safari Park is situated within the radius of Al Bridi Nature Reserve, established by the Sharjah Ruler, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. Al Bridi Nature Reserve is located near Al Dhaid town, which lies around 49 km from the city center.
It’s no secret that UAE is a tourist hotspot with regal infrastructure, advanced transport facilities, and picturesque natural habitats. However, the Sharjah Safari Park is a feather in its cap, as it offers you an exotic glimpse of the rich wildlife on the African continent. Visit this latest tourist destination of the Middle East with your loved ones to spot some of the rarest animal and bird species. Make sure you plan your vacation between October and April to enjoy pleasant weather.