Sharjah Safari, known as the largest safari of its kind outside Africa, will reopen its doors on September 21 after the close of its summer season.
Located within the Al Bridi Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid in the Emirate of Sharjah, the sprawling wildlife attraction covers an area of 16 square kilometres, which is bigger than nearly 1,000 soccer pitches.
What to expect at Sharjah Safari Park
Sharjah Safari is home to more than 120 species, including rare animals native to Africa, the rarest of which will be the black rhinoceros and even those animals threatened with extinction. The park features 50,000 animals – lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles, rhinos, African rock python, crocodiles, and more – among the jungle of 100,000 African Acacia trees.
Additionally, the park has a large natural lake, restaurants, cafes, conference hall, safari visitors camp and more.
The park is divided into 12 themed “environments”, each representing a region in Africa, and the life and terrain of the animals and birds that live in them. Local and international visitors can learn about different African creatures in unique environments in this immersive experience.
It is also worth mentioning Wuhaida, the first female southern white rhino that was born in the Sharjah Safari in August of last year. Wuhaida’s birth is the result of the Safari’s breeding programme, supported by the UN, that focuses on African native species.
Visitors will also be able to meet Bridi, the first African female giraffe born in Sharjah Safari. Bridi’s family arrived in Sharjah in May 2017 from South Africa.
The Safari adventures takes about two to six hours, that begins with a unique walking experience to explore the wildlife endemic to the islands and archipelagos scattered along the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. As they journey through Sharjah Safari, visitors will encounter a wide variety of African birds and animals, including the famous Lemur, which inhabits mainly the Spiny Forests.
The Niger Valley environment is also a new addition to Sharjah Safari, whose name originates from the Niger River, which Arabs called the Nile of Sudan and (the River of the Rivers).
The park is also be home to a large collection of samar trees, which are essential to the reserve. The trees provide food for camels and goats in desert, as well as nectar to bees, which produce local honey.
In a statement, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA), said: “Each environment represents a different part of Africa and embodies the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to form a family attraction and a cultural and ecological tourist destination that protects and preserves biodiversity and contributes to environmental sustainability.”
This environment is rich in nature and includes several types of birds, antelopes, and Gazelles, which mimic the Kalahari Desert in Africa. It is an arid desert region that occupies a large area common to three African countries and moves between the Savannah in the north and east and Namibia to the west. This waterless region embraces elements of wildlife that depend on seasonal rains,” she added.
Ticket prices
The tickets are divided into three classes, gold, silver, and bronze.
Bronze tickets, which are inclusive of a two-to-three-hour walking tour covering the ‘Into Africa’ zone, is priced at Dh40 for people aged 12 and above. For children between the ages of 3 and 12, ticket price is Dh15.
Silver tickets, with access to all environments except Serengeti, are Dh50 for children aged 3 and 12, and Dh120 for those 12 years and over. The ticket is inclusive of a seat on a bus and will last five to six hours.
Gold tickets, are prices at Dh275 for those aged above 12, and Dh120 for children in the 3-12 age group. Gold tickets will give visitors access to all Sharjah Safari environments environments and includes a ride in a luxury car as well as a private guide for a tour lasting five to six hours. Within the Gold category, a group of six people can also hire a luxury car with a guide for Dh1,500 or pay Dh2,250 for nine people or Dh3,500 for 12 people.
Within the Gold ticket category, a group of six people can also hire a luxury car with a guide for Dh1,500 or pay Dh2,250 for nine people or Dh3,500 for 12 people.
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Sharjah Safari Park open hours
Sharjah Safari will be open daily from 8.30am until 6.30pm.
Last entry is 2pm for Gold and Silver ticket holders and 4pm for those with Bronze tickets.
Location
Sharjah Safari is located 30 km east of Sharjah city, at the Al Bridi Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid.
