Going on Safari … in Sonoma! #safariwest

I close my eyes and I hear it again.

“Ca-caw!” “Ca-caw!”

I know exactly what it is – that big colourful bird with the really long wings! Our guide this afternoon had warned us he might be active tonight.

The flamingos are in full force, chattering away in the background as if swapping stories at a cocktail party. I consider putting in the orange foam earplugs we were given at reception, but to be honest, I don’t want to miss anything!

We’re spending the night in a South African canvas tent at Safari West and my teenage daughters are totally entranced by the magic of it all.

Let me wind back a bit. We’re in California on our annual summer trip. This year we are exploring Sonoma County, just 45 minutes north of San Francisco and home to more than 400 wineries. In addition to all the foodie and wine things that adults love, there are loads of things for kids and teens to enjoy too.

Like Safari West. It’s a 400-acre wildlife preserve and has earned the nickname of the “Sonoma Serengeti”. You can meet giraffes, zebras and cheetahs while touring in a Vietnam-era jeep, enjoy a South “African “Braai” meal, stay overnight in authentic safari-style tent and fall asleep to cranes calling and lemurs chattering.

It’s not exactly a quiet night! After about 2 hours I finally did put in my earplugs so I could fall asleep. My 13-year-old however was totally bewitched and listened all night.

Safari West was founded 25 years ago by Nancy and Peter Lang – she has a PhD in Zoology (from Cardiff) and he spent his childhood with animal co-stars on Hollywood sets. They both want to help you create a personal connection with wildlife and have an authentic experience.

We are in Tent 14, which has a prime view from our deck to the antelope and giraffes! Outside there’s a cooler filled with ice and water. The tent, made of the best canvas available (Lobatse Canvas) is from South Africa! Inside there is a King-sized bed and with queen bunk beds, allowing 6 people to sleep comfortably. I have to admit it’s the first time I’ve seen Queen-sized bunks! All the furniture and polished wood floors are handcrafted in Peter’s studio made from fallen trees and repurposed materials (he’s an artist and craftsman with his own mill on the property. We have a hand-carved zebra, African mask and a knobbly table made from a tree.

There’s a full working bathroom (thank goodness) with a wonderful water shower with hot water (great for getting the dust off before you tuck yourself into bed.) The bathroom is pretty amazing: A handcrafted polished sink, more African masks, real porcelain toilet. It feels luxurious and authentic at the same time.

There’s a space heater, ceiling fan and electric blankets to keep you cosy and all sorts of instructions on how to stay warm at night. I think this is more for the cooler autumn and winter nights. We didn’t need any of this and slept comfortably with just the double duvet and sheet.

My 13-year-old’s perspective

The tents at Safari West combined camping with the luxury and comfort of a home. They were nicely decorated and has very comfortable beds, a shower and a bathroom. Going to sleep with the sounds of the animals outside was an amazing experience. I will remember that night forever!

For meals, there’s a South African style “Braai” barbecue in the Savannah Café, which is based around a large fire pit. The food is pretty amazing. It’s buffet style, with a large appetizer course (including the most amazing sliced plums and nectarines, Sonoma cheese, biscuits and a tomato soup with sausage). The main course was grilled chicken, BBQ brisket, organic cauliflower, mac and cheese, Caesar salad and a wonderful polenta with tomato and fresh basil. For dessert we were brought a chocolate brownies with vanilla ice cream. Just when we thought we couldn’t eat anymore, as the sun went down, there were s’mores!

My 14-year-old’s perspective

Dinner was amazing at Safari West! It began at 6.30 pm with starters which included fruit and great selection of cheese and crackers, tomato soup and sausage. We had dinner outside and was a `south African “Braai”. There were salads, vegetables, BBQ chicken, beef brisket and a really good corn dish. There was a big fireplace.  For dessert there was a brownie and ice cream, which was incredible. The brownie was cheesy and has chocolate chips.  Then when I though I was full, they brought out s’mores. Of course I had to try them!

You don’t have to stay at Safari West to go on one of its famous safari tours. Tours run daily through the 400+ acre preserve. On any given day you may see giraffes, gazelles, oryx, antelopes, cape buffalo, wildebeests or one of its 900 other exotic animals! 

Our tour is with Tad and last about 2 and 1/2 hours. The guides have leeway to arrange their tour to the best advantage of the guests. For example, our started late in the afternoon and Tad knew that the Watusi cattle should be travelling for their afternoon drink at the lake. We got their just before they made their big move, and ended up with Watusi all around us. It was pretty spectacular.

My 16-year-old’s perspective

The Safari West tour was a highlight of our trip to California and made us feels as if we were in a completely different part of the world! It was fascinating to see lots of different animals like giraffes and zebras roaming around din their natural habitats. Being so close to them really heightened the experience. We learnt a lot about the animals thanks to our amazing guide Tad, and were able to sit up on the top of the vehicle, which made it really fun!

 

Safari West is not just a place to see exotic animals, but a place of education and conservation.  An experience at Safari West is pricey – but as a non-profit it all goes back into taking care of the animals.

I can’t think of a better way for the whole family to get a bit wiser and more passionate  about these wild animals, some on the verge or extinction, and their diverse habitats. That night cuddled up in our tent and listening in wonder to the sounds outside is etched in our memory forever!

IF YOU GO:

Sonoma County Tourism 3637 Westwind Blvd. Santa Rosa, CA 95403 +1 707-522-5800 sonomacounty.com A great resource for planning your trip to Sonoma County.

Safari West Wildlife Preserve and African Tent Camp Mailing Address: 3115 Porter Creek Road Guest Entrance: On Franz Valley Road Santa Rosa, CA 95404 +1(707) 579-2551 safariwest.com 

Disclosure: We paid a discounted media rate for the purpose of this review.