Dubai: Want to enjoy an African safari? You don’t have to travel out of the UAE. The Sharjah Safari Park, which is the largest safari park outside Africa, reopens today for Season 5, giving you a chance to see Africa’s endemic wildlife.Here’s all you need to know about what is new in Season 5, and what to expect during your trip.What is Sharjah Safari?Photo credit: WAMInaugurated in 2022, Sharjah Safari extends over an area of eight sq. km. and is host to more than 120 species of animals, which live in Africa and up to 50,000 animals, ranging from birds, reptiles and mammals; such as lions, elephants, giraffes, black and white rhinoceros, crocodiles, deer, bulls and many other endangered animals.The safari reopened on Monday, September 21, with new experiences this season, including behind-the-scenes animal-care tours, which will be available during specific periods, details for which will be announced at a later date.However, visitors this season can look out for several new arrivals, as the safari’s breeding and conservation programme successfully recorded 186 animal births during the second quarter of 2026 alone, including South African giraffes, elephants, lions, oryx, blue wildebeest, impala, nyala and zebra.Six critically endangered radiated tortoises have also recently hatched at the safari.The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah, which manages the safari describes Sharjah Safari as a conservation and scientific project, with breeding programmes focused particularly on rare and endangered species.What to expect at the safariSharjah Safari features 12 environments inspired by different parts of Africa and their landscapes. Depending on the ticket you choose, your journey can take you through the following areas:Birds of Africa (aviary experience)East African IslandsZanzibar VillageBoma African FarmSahel SafariSavannahSerengeti trailTswalu safari campNgorongoroMoremiNiger ValleyKalahari safariThe safari is designed to recreate the animals' natural environments, allowing visitors to see species across large open habitats rather than simply moving between individual enclosures.Among the animals you may encounter are giraffes, elephants, lions, rhinoceroses, crocodiles, antelopes, gazelles and numerous species of birds.There are also several dining and rest facilities spread across the safari park, giving you enough time to pace out your trip.How much are Sharjah Safari tickets?Bronze ticketAdults: AED40Children aged three to 12: AED15Children under three: FreeIf you simply wish to spend a few hours walking around the safari and seeing some of the wildlife, a bronze ticket is a good option as it offers a basic walking experience through areas such as Birds of Africa, East African Islands, Boma and Zanzibar Village.Silver ticketAdults: AED120Children aged three to 12: AED50Children under three: FreeThis ticket gives you a vehicle seat on a shared safari vehicle, and will take you through areas including Niger Valley, Sahel, Moremi, Savannah, Ngorongoro, Kalahari and Tswalu.The experience also includes Zanzibar Village, a bird show and a stop at Safari Camp.Gold ticketAdults: AED275Children aged three to 12: AED120Children under three: FreeIf you want an upgraded experience, the gold ticket offers all the options in the silver ticket, along with a personal guide and a walking safari experience through the Serengeti habitat.Private safari optionsYou can also opt for completely private safari tours, starting from AED1,500 (which has a maximum capacity for six people) up to Dh3,500, for a group of 15.You can buy the tickets online, through www.sharjahsafari.ae or purchase tickets at the venue.What to bringHatSunscreenSunglassesComfortable walking shoesBinocularsCameraReusable water bottleTimingsThe safari is open daily from 8.30am to 6pm.However, don't leave your visit until late in the afternoon, particularly if you are buying a Silver or Gold ticket.Last Gold/Silver ticket: 1.30pmLast Bronze ticket: 4pmLast Gold/Silver safari tour departure: 2pmHow to get thereSharjah Safari is located within the Al Bardi Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid. To get to the safari, on Sharjah-Khorfakkan Road – E55.To get on E55, take Exit 77 on Emirates Road – E611. Once you are on E55, drive for another 30 km. As you cross the Al Dhaid cricket ground to your left, you will see an exit for Sharjah Safari to your right. Follow the signs to reach the entrance to the safari.
