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Ramat Gan Safari
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kid-friendly
The Ramat Gan Safari, officially known as the Zoological Center Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan, is the largest zoo in the Middle East, spanning approximately 250 acres. Established in 1974, it features a unique design that combines a traditional modern zoo with an expansive African safari park. Visitors travel through the safari section in their own cars or guided buses, encountering herds of zebras, antelopes, and rhinoceroses roaming freely in open landscapes. The center is home to about 1,600 animals from 160 different species, including one of the world's most successful breeding programs for white rhinos in captivity. Beyond public viewing, the institution is heavily committed to wildlife conservation and operates a specialized wildlife hospital on-site to rehabilitate injured animals from all over Israel. By recreating natural ecosystems, the safari provides an immersive experience into African and Asian wildlife within one of Israel's most densely populated regions.
- Location: Israel
- Top sights: Zero · Byzantine Oil press · Man and the Living World Museum
- Nearby: Tel Aviv (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 88 | 62 | 37 | 21 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 46 | 83 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Guests have the unique opportunity to drive their own vehicles through the expansive open-air savannah area, followed by a pleasant walking tour through the traditional zoological gardens featuring varied animal enclosures.
Typical hours
The zoological park typically operates daily from early morning until the late afternoon, though entry to the driving safari section usually closes slightly earlier to ensure all vehicles exit safely before nightfall.
Photography
Capturing impressive wildlife images is a major highlight, so using a camera with a robust zoom lens is highly recommended for taking close-up shots of the roaming African animals from the safety of your enclosed vehicle.
Time needed
Given the combination of a slow-paced drive-through experience and a comprehensive walking segment, visiting families normally dedicate roughly three to four hours to enjoy all the distinct animal habitats completely.
Combine with
Exploring this diverse animal sanctuary pairs excellently with a leisurely afternoon relaxing in the vast National Park of Ramat Gan located just next door, which has scenic artificial lakes and expansive green lawns.
Getting there
The entrance is most effectively accessed by private car, facilitating participation in the drive-through safari portion, but local transit solutions do bring pedestrians close to the gates where specialized safari shuttle buses are sometimes provided.
Insider tip
Try to arrange your arrival for the very first opening hour of the morning, as the large predators and other fascinating mammals are typically much more energetic and visibly active before the midday heat settles in.
Geography
Facts
- The safari park covers an area of approximately 250 acres (100 hectares).
- The institution was established and opened to the public in 1974.
- It houses around 1,600 animals representing 160 different species.
- The park has the world's largest captive breeding group of white rhinos.
- It receives over 800,000 visitors every year from around the globe.
- The on-site wildlife hospital is a leader in regional conservation efforts.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Ramat Gan Safari (11)
Ramat Gan Safari🎡 recreation
The largest drive-through safari park in the Middle East, featuring African wildlife in open enclosures.
🌐 safari.co.il🕒 Jan-Feb: Su-Th 09:00-16:30; Jan-Feb: Fr 09:00-16:00; Jan-Feb
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ramat Gan Safari?
A huge zoo and safari park near Tel Aviv.
Can you drive through with a car?
Yes, the safari part can be explored by car.
How long does the visit take?
Plan for a full day.
Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely, the highlight for children.
Are there food services?
Yes, there are various snack bars in the park.
Ramat Gan Safari: where is it located?
Ramat Gan Safari is located in Israel.
Ramat Gan Safari: what is there to see?
Highlights include Zero, Byzantine Oil press, Man and the Living World Museum.
Ramat Gan Safari: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Ramat Gan Safari: why is it worth visiting?
The Ramat Gan Safari, officially known as the Zoological Center Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan, is the largest zoo in the Middle East, spanning approximately 250 acres.
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