Ever had a Baboon's arse in your face? (Knowsley Safari Park)

Member Name: dididave

Product:	Knowsley Safari Park
Date:	09/08/06 (2106 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Safari is great fun, educational, cheap day out.

Disadvantages: Poor stop off attractions, poorly maintained facilities.

It is July 9th and our quest to keep the kids amused during the summer holidays rumbles on with a visit to Knowsley Safari Park. A place I had not been too since I was a wee lad myself. Situated just off Junction 2 of the M57, Knowsley Safari Park is very easy to find if you are coming either from Liverpool or from Manchester and well signposted. Driving through the large metal gates and being told to, "shut our windows and not leave the car" I am reminded very much of Jurassic Park although the "toll booth" entrances are more like the Mersey Tunnel! Knowsley Safari Park has the potential to be a very cheap day out with admission costing £10 per adult and £7 per child with our under 3 (she isn't but still looks it!) going free. Add to this a voucher we collected from Morrison's allowing a free child with each adult and we managed to get six of us in for £27. Certainly cheaper than many other similar attractions (Chester Zoo would work out at more than £50).

Driving through Knowsley Safari Park is fundamentally were the experience lies. A slow queue of cars slowly makes its way around more than five miles of animal habitats and, arriving at eleven am, we certainly did not head that queue. This means that as you make your way to where the animals are located the traffic slows to a standstill as people look at the wildlife around them. As we entered the first area we were somewhat disappointed to find that the tigers to our right and hunting dogs to our left are behind large mesh fences. Although undoubtedly close enough to view properly, it was hardly the "Safari experience" we were expecting. Fortunately, this was due to the fact that these particular animals are far more aggressive than the rest of the wildlife and as such could not be allowed to roam the park. This did mean that our pictures of these animals were restricted due to the fencing (taking pictures is perfectly acceptable although obviously flash photography is not permitted).

As we drove slowly around the park we were pleased to note that animals were largely free to roam as they pleased. Therefore, we may have been driving around the buffalo plains but see camels amidst them. Likewise in the rhino section of the park there were a number of emus. The fact that the animals seemed to have the freedom to roam rather than be obviously herded into their respective areas in the park made the experience more enjoyable and made the habitats appear more real. Add to this a surprising lack of staff in evidence and you could (almost) be convinced you were driving on a genuine Safari.

The habitats themselves largely consisted of constructed African Savannah, meaning that the whole car was guaranteed to view the majority of the animals at some point. However, this would have not have been a major concern anyway as the animals are so comfortable in their environment they simply ignore or enquire after the cars. This means you will find emus inches from your face staring at you inquisitively or bison crossing your path as if you do not even exist. So comfortable are they with the cars that you may find yourself sat waiting to move on because a lion as plonked itself down directly in front of your path.

For those wondering just how close the animals can get, there are no restrictions in place to stop them coming right up to, and even sitting on your car. This is best illustrated in the hilarious, but insane baboon area of the park. Driving round you are confronted by hundreds of baboons of varying ages from tiny babies to huge adult males. These animals treat your car as a plaything to be jumped on, ridden on, pulled at and bounced off. This is by far the most entertaining area of the park as you find three or four baboons clinging to your car from windscreen to boot as you try and drive round the enclosure. We were stuck for half an hour because a dominant male decided to play "chicken" with the cars! Be warned that windscreen wipers, wing mirrors and spare tyres can be pulled off and chewed so the park does advise entering at your own risk. This is not an area to take the company car too and indeed there is a "monkey bypass" to escape this area.

So, after driving round seeing Rhinos and Lions up close and personal we come to the end of the safari area of the park after around three hours. However, our day does not end there. Parking up at the picnic area we have a variety of attractions to choose from including a fairground loosely based on the animals, a farm and a sea lion show. The Sea Lion show is an interesting diversion and is educational, amusing and best of all, included in the admission price. Likewise the bug sanctuary is an good ten minute time killer. However, both these attractions are somewhat poorly maintained and, rather disturbingly, the water the Sea Lions were swimming in was rancid. The other free attraction the farm is a nice addition to the day as the children can see and stroke rabbits, pigs, donkeys etc. The availability and encouragement to wash your hands after stroking the animals is also a welcome addition.

However, after an hour spent in this area of the park there is very little left to do that does not cost. The fair is very expensive at one pound a ride and although well maintained does not boast anything more exciting than a Pirate Ship and Bumper Cars. Similarly there is a restaurant serving sandwiches and fast food but the prices here are extortionate with even a cup of gnats wee tea in a nasty polystyrene cup costing £1.40. The Gift Shop is a little better although cramped with a lot to choose from with a good price range from 50p to £20. However, there is a distinct lack of actual "Knowsley Safari Park" merchandise with it being strictly limited to pens and bars of rock. The toilet facilities also leave a lot to be desired as they are wooden huts and not at all clean.

On retreating back to our car feeling happy about the safari but disappointed by our picnic stop we were pleased by the sight of some African elephants, Giraffes and Meerkat sanctuaries although their habitats appeared particularly barren and not at all in keeping with the realism of the Safari. Still nice to see them though. Tired, we exited the park but were pleased to note that you are able to drive round the Safari ad infinitum at no further cost. Also, something worth considering that we noted is their season ticket. Despite the cheap pricing a years pass is only £22 for an adult and £16 for a child. That means even if you only go three times a year you would get your moneys worth. Considering how impressed my children were by the proximity of the animals I can see this being the case. Unfortunately for us and our limited coffers, the park also refunds your entrance fee if you purchase the season ticket.

On the whole Knowsley Safari Park is a great day out although it is likely it will not be a full day out unless you plan on spending serious money at the fair. Perhaps, the best thing about the park is that it matters not if it rains as a large proportion of your day would be unaffected. Although disappointed by the facilities, I was impressed by the layout of the Safari and the freedom of the animals and can see our family becoming a more frequent visitor.

Summary: A good day out rain or shine.