Africam Safari | Puebla

Africam Safari is one of the most popular and unique wildlife parks in Mexico, located near the city of Puebla, just a short drive away. It’s a safari-style park where visitors can experience the thrill of seeing wild animals up close in a naturalistic setting. Here’s an in-depth look at Africam Safari:

1. Overview:

Africam Safari is a drive-through wildlife park, often referred to as “Mexico’s Safari Park”. It spans over 500 hectares (about 1,200 acres) and is home to more than 2,500 animals representing 150 species from around the world.

The park’s design mimics a natural habitat, giving animals the freedom to roam in large, open spaces, allowing visitors to observe them in conditions closer to the wild than traditional zoos.

Africam Safari is recognized for its commitment to wildlife conservation, education, and animal welfare.

2. Animal Species:

Africam Safari hosts a wide variety of wildlife from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, providing a global safari experience. Some of the animals you may encounter include:

African Elephants: The park is home to a herd of African elephants, which are a major attraction.

Lions and Tigers: Large cats like the African lion and Bengal tiger are among the park’s star residents.

Giraffes: Visitors can often see these towering herbivores roaming freely across the savannah-like landscape.

Zebras and Gnu: The park is home to both zebras and the wildebeests, making it an incredible sight for fans of African wildlife.

Rhinos: White rhinos are also part of the wildlife at Africam Safari, adding to the park’s collection of African megafauna.

Antelopes, Bison, and Flamingos: Africam Safari features various other animals, including North American bison, European antelopes, and exotic birds like flamingos.

Primates: The park also houses several species of primates such as chimpanzees and monkeys.

3. Safari Experience:

The main attraction at Africam Safari is its safari-style tour, where visitors can drive through the park in their own cars or take a guided tour in an open-air vehicle provided by the park.

Self-Drive Safari: Visitors can drive through different sections of the park in their own vehicles, following a marked route that brings them up close to the animals. This is a fantastic way to feel like you’re on a real safari, as many animals roam freely across the park.

Guided Safari Tours: For a more detailed experience, visitors can choose to take a guided tour in a park vehicle. Knowledgeable guides share information about the animals, their behavior, and conservation efforts during the tour.

4. Exhibits and Enclosures:

While Africam Safari’s primary appeal is the open-air safari experience, there are also several more traditional exhibits and enclosures where animals are kept. These include:

Reptiles: The park features a reptile section where visitors can see species like snakes, crocodiles, and turtles.

Birds of Prey: There’s an area dedicated to birds of prey, where visitors can observe eagles, vultures, and owls.

Penguins and Aquatic Birds: The park also has some species of aquatic birds and penguins in special enclosures.

Many of these exhibits allow visitors to get close and observe the animals in more controlled settings, while the safari part lets them roam more freely in a vast environment.

5. Conservation and Education:

Africam Safari is committed to wildlife conservation and education. The park works on various conservation programs aimed at protecting endangered species, particularly those native to Mexico and Africa. For instance:

The park participates in breeding programs for species like the Mexican gray wolf and other endangered animals.

Educational Programs: Africam Safari also offers educational programs for school groups and visitors, teaching about wildlife conservation, ecology, and the importance of protecting endangered species.

The park supports research projects and has strong ties to international conservation efforts, contributing to the preservation of species both in the park and in their native habitats.

6. Activities and Attractions:

Apart from the safari experience, Africam Safari offers a variety of other activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy:

Walkthrough Areas: Some areas of the park allow visitors to walk through and interact with smaller animals, like goats, sheep, and bunnies.

Animal Shows and Feeding Demonstrations: Depending on the time of year, Africam Safari may host animal shows or feeding demonstrations, where visitors can learn more about how the animals are cared for.

Animal Encounters: Visitors can sometimes book special animal encounter experiences, where they get a chance to interact with specific species, like feeding giraffes or learning about other unique animals.

Dining and Picnic Areas: The park has restaurants and picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy food and snacks. It's a great place to take a break during the safari.

7. Family-Friendly:

Africam Safari is a family-friendly destination, with activities that appeal to all ages. Children especially enjoy seeing the animals up close and experiencing the park’s interactive exhibits. The park is designed to be a fun, educational, and immersive experience for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

8. Seasonal Events and Special Experiences:

Throughout the year, Africam Safari hosts a variety of seasonal events and special experiences, such as:

Christmas at Africam Safari: During the holiday season, the park is often decorated with festive lights and decorations, making it a fun destination for families.

Night Safaris: During certain times of the year, the park may offer night safari tours, allowing visitors to see nocturnal animals and observe how the park’s wildlife behaves after dark.

Temporary Exhibits: Africam Safari sometimes brings in temporary exhibits or special animal encounters, adding new experiences for repeat visitors.

9. Location and Accessibility:

Africam Safari is located about 15 kilometers (approximately 9 miles) from the city of Puebla, making it an easily accessible day trip from the city center. The park’s location in the foothills of the Popocatépetl Volcano also offers beautiful scenery during your visit.

The park is open year-round, although hours and accessibility can vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions.

10. How to Visit:

Hours of Operation: Africam Safari is typically open daily, though it’s a good idea to check the official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and any special events.

Tickets: Entry fees vary depending on the season, and there may be additional costs for special tours or experiences. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance if you plan on visiting during busy periods.

Transportation: While the park is accessible by car, visitors can also book guided transportation from Puebla if they prefer not to drive themselves.

11. Conclusion:

Africam Safari offers a unique and memorable experience for anyone interested in wildlife, nature, and conservation. It provides an exciting opportunity to see wild animals up close in a natural setting, while also educating visitors about the importance of protecting our planet’s biodiversity. Whether you're a family with kids, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day trip from Puebla, Africam Safari is a must-visit destination.