Wildlife in Wine Country

SANTA ROSA—Far, far from the African savannah, two cheetahs are staring down our group with the intensity of, well, two very intense cheetahs. Muscles poised to pounce on me, or worse, my lunch, I stand very…very still, holding my breath until they tire of looking at me and aim their attention toward the squealing children at my side. Phew. Crisis averted, at least for now.

At Safari West, all that separates you from the wildest of beasts are a few feet of netting and wire. And often, not even that. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Santa Rosa, this African safari park is a 40-acre wildlife preserve in the heart of Sonoma County. The sanctuary is home to hundreds of birds, as well as giraffes, water buffalo, antelope, and the aforementioned cheetah or two. The focus of this park is to help preserve many perilously endangered species, in addition to the education and entertainment of visitors.

Don't think of it as a zoo, as much as your own exotic adventure through Sonoma County. Though there are animals hiding (and out in the open), part of the fun is simply riding in an open Jeep over bumps, through streams and into open grassy knolls searching for the next free-roaming creatures and listening to your guides.

Tours last about two and a half hours, and you become as much of a scout as the guides, looking for zebra, kudu, impala and wildebeest. They're usually pretty easy to find, though half the fun is never knowing where the animals will turn up next—or if they're in the mood for a little nibbling on the truck.

At Safari West, nearly all of the animals have the run of the park, and though they're wild, they're also used to people and rumbling trucks and often come up close to your open-air ride for a little curious investigation. In fact, I nearly become more intimate with a giraffe than I cared to, as he nibbled and nuzzled on the truck, just inches from my seat. The only unfortunate part is that there's no petting, which is probably a good idea since the animals are apt to bite if you get too close.

Children and adults are welcome on the tours, and kids tend to favor the upper level of the truck, mostly for its stomach-churning lurches and altitude. You'll do well to leave that area for them. If romance is more your thing, the park has swanky tented rooms with all the creature comforts for overnight guests—though don't be alarmed if a few howls and roars wake you from your slumber. It's all part of the charm.

If you go: Private tours are available, and lunches are scheduled for selected tours. April 1st - October 28th: 9am, 1pm and 4pm (Daily); October 29 - March 31st: 10am and 2pm (Daily). Safari Tour Prices: Adults $68; Children 3-12 $28
Group Discount (a minimum of 20 people): Adults $58; Children 3-12, $25