SD Safari Park Docent Led Horticulture Tour - Members Only

A wonderful opportunity for RSFGC members to learn about the San Diego Safari Park’s remarkable and rare horticultural landscapes through docent-led tours. Parking, admission, and lunch are included, with time to enjoy the rest of the park at your leisure upon the conclusion of our scheduled event. Sandwiches and salads from Panera provided by RSFGC. Space is limited, so please confirm your availability before registering to help us minimize cancellations. Carpooling is encouraged, and attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the Safari Park.

Members will choose one of two horticulture tour options, followed by lunch.

****Tour #1: World Gardens is currently full and will not be available at checkout. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for Tour #1, please select Tour #2 and choose “Yes” for the Tour #1 waitlist option.****

****The after lunch presentation and tour is currently full, choosing this option during checkout will place you on a waitlist**** After lunch, an optional add-on (limited to 20 members) includes a presentation on Browse Farm Operations and the Farm Expansion Plan, followed by a brief tour of the horticulture greenhouse and propagation area.

Schedule of events:

9:30am - Members meet at the flagpole in front of the Safari Park entrance.

10:00am - Tour Options: Members will choose one of the two tour options below. *When registering, please select the tour that best fits your comfort level.

Tour # 1: World Gardens Walking Tour (45–60 minutes) - *Please note, this tour involves stairs, hills, uneven ground on dirt paths, and no shade.

Step off the main path and into the Safari Park’s World Gardens, a beautifully curated trail that showcases how plants from around the globe thrive in Southern California. On this guided walk, you’ll journey through three distinct horticulture landscapes—Baja Gardens, Old World Succulents, and California Nativescapes—each designed to highlight the colors, textures, and climate-smart strategies of their regions.

Along the way, you’ll not only discover inspiring examples of water-wise and pollinator-friendly gardening, but also learn how the Safari Park is working to protect rare and endangered plant species. You’ll gain a brand-new understanding of how crucial flora are to healthy, balanced ecosystems and how we’re ensuring the plants we care for thrive. The Safari Park is a designated Plant Rescue Center, serving as a haven for endangered and illegally trafficked plants. Your guide will share how conservation horticulture—including cultivation, seed banking, and habitat protection—helps safeguard vulnerable species for future generations.

Expect plenty of opportunities to pause for photos, ask questions, and gather garden inspiration you can bring back to your own landscape.

Tour # 2: Tiger Trail and Walkabout Australia (45–60 minutes) - *Ideal for those looking for a milder experience along paved paths and no stairs.

This guided tour follows the Tiger Trail to Walkabout Australia and explores how plants help create immersive habitats that support animal wellbeing and natural behavior. Along the way, docents will highlight why certain plant species are selected and how animals interact with them—whether for shade, shelter, enrichment, or exploration.

On Tiger Trail, you’ll step into a lush simulation of a tropical Asian rainforest, where mature plantings and a custom misting system create a true jungle feel. The animals you encounter—such as tigers, tapirs, fishing cats, and milky storks—move through surroundings designed to mimic their natural habitat and encourage natural routines.

The tour continues into Walkabout Australia, where the landscape shifts to reflect Australia’s rural environments. Here, you’ll discover how habitat design responds to the challenges animals face in the wild, including finding water, food, and shelter in a changing environment.

Throughout the tour, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between plants and wildlife, and how horticulture and habitat design work together to support animal wellbeing, conservation goals, and a more authentic visitor experience.

11:00/11:15 (approx.)  - Lunch

Meet at Zeus Wooldshed for lunch, your choice of salad or sandwich, chips, a cookie, and bottled water.

12:15 PM (appox.)  Optional after lunch presentation/tour available to only 20 members

This optional after-lunch experience begins with a special presentation on the Safari Park’s Browse Farm operations—how the Park grows and sources fresh plant material to feed a wide range of animals, and what it takes to deliver consistent, species-appropriate browse year-round. You’ll also get an inside look at the Browse Farm Expansion Plan, including how the Park is planning for the future to improve capacity, sustainability, and animal care.

After the presentation, enjoy a brief behind-the-scenes visit to the horticulture greenhouse and propagation area, where many of the plants used throughout the Park are grown and nurtured. Learn how the horticulture team propagates and maintains plant collections, supports habitat plantings, and supplies greenery for exhibits and animal enrichment.

After our event, your admission is valid until the park closes at 5:00 PM, so you’re welcome to explore the Safari Park on your own. Be sure to check out the newest exhibit, Elephant Valley, scheduled to open on March 5, 2026.

Questions?

We know this is a lot of information and we are happy to answer any questions you may have, please email admin@rsfgardenclub.org