A fun day out (Longleat Safari Park)

Member Name: bookworm123

Product:	Longleat Safari Park
Date:	07/09/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A chance to see animals up close

Disadvantages: It can get very hot and stuffy with your windows closed on a hot day!

Longleat Safari Park is down in the South West just off the A36 between Bath and Salisbury. It is easily reached both by car and public transport (if you arrive by public transport then you have to pay extra to use the safari bus, there are a limited number of spaces per day so arrive early).

I went to Longleat Safari Park on a Monday during the school summer holidays and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I didn't have to queue to enter. On entry they give you a CD to play as you go round the park this gives you instructions (they are also signposted) and tells you a bit about the park and animals.

As you first drive in you come to the East African Game Reserve. At this point you can get out of your car to go the cafe or shop. There is the chance to walk and see the giraffes, zebras, llamas and camels from the Observation platform. You can also go see wallabies, Brazilian tapirs, ostriches and pygmy goats. Next you get back in your car and drive in to see the giraffes, zebras, llamas and camels up close, they may even walk in front of your car if you're lucky!

At the next section you drive past Flamingo Valley and Vulture Venue where you can see the birds in the lake and in the Avery. After that you reach the optional enclosure of Monkey Jungle, at the time I went this was closed for health reasons and as I write it remains closed.

The first major section you drive into is the Big Game reserve. At this point you can still have your car windows open so you are able to take very decent photos as you dive past rhinoceros, Ankole cattle, Bactrian camels, Pere David's Deer and Scimitar Horned Onyx.

The Deer Park is the next stop, at this point you can buy food to feed the deer for £1 a cup (they also give you antibacterial hand wipes). They advertise that the deer eat out of peoples hands but I didn't see this happen at any point. Most of the deer would eat the food that people had thrown on the ground but this does give you a chance to see them up close. As you leave the deer enclosure you drive past Pelican Pond, this is your last chance to have your windows open, after this you have to close them.

Now's the time you enter Tiger Territory. Look out for the rangers cars as this gives you a hint as to where the tigers are (the rangers park close to them so that they can be quickly at hand if there are any problems). The next stop is Lion Country which is divided into two sections as the lions live in two prides. Again look out for the rangers car.

Lastly you enter Wolf Wood, unlike the lions and tigers the wolves are often spread out all over their grounds so keep an eye out from the moment you drive in.

I had a brilliant day at Longleat Safari Park. The actual drive around the park takes about one and half hours.

Summary: A very entertaining day.