Al-Ain Zoo Wildlife Safari Experience
Once you board the infamous Al Ain zoo safari ride, chances are that you will encounter the BIG 5 stars of the show- the big cats including tigers, Lions, Jaguars, Cheetahs, and Leopards. Once you start to travel across the zoo, you will spot a rare and beautiful White Lion along with the White Rhino. Meeting a variety of ungulates is a common experience on the Al Ain zoo safari truck. Not only limited to the wildness, but you will also get a chance to feed the calmest of all, the giraffe. Boarding your journey with a guide will give you a chance to look carefully and know about the rarest rare animals such as Wildebeest, and Springbok Gazelle.
The creation of this zoo by the Founding father of the nation Sheikh Zayed was to preserve the wildlife of the country. The extinction faced by the rarest Arabian Onyx led everyone to understand the importance of the preservation of wildlife. Sheikh Zayed had a mission to preserve the country’s wildlife living in its natural habitat leading to the creation of Al Ain Zoo. This zoo is home to critically endangered species or the ones that are locally extinct such as the Addax or Scimitar Oryx. The wildlife has been protected in this zoo for years using safe international breeding practices which led it to achieve critical acclaim. Visitors who have never been on the ride get the thrills along with learning the importance of the preservation of wildlife from the guides and at the Sheikh Zayed learning Center.
You will be ready to be treated by the warmest welcome of the specialist host safari guide to set on a sunset journey for the wildest ones. You will be having the yummiest meal of your life sitting in the proximity of the kings of the jungle. The deep enclosure encircled by the electric fence would only be a separation between you and the wild beasts residing in the lion’s exhibit. However, this exclusive dinner with the kings of the jungle can be had under extreme safety measures and precautions assisted by the members of Al Ain Zoo park.
Types of Safari at AL Ain Zoo
Every hour, the Al Ain Zoo safari SUV begins to take the adventurers on the wildest tour of the infamous zoo. The safari ride is the zoo's most popular attraction, operating from 3:00 PM to late 10:00 PM. The powerful safari SUV dares to cover all the essential spots in the zoo, making you witness Al Ain Zoo's "Big 5 animals" for up to an hour. Night safari SUVs, which let you catch the glimpse of the nocturnal wildlife, are so popular that they require advance 48-hour reservation. With seating for six individuals, this safari SUV ride provides a full dose of family entertainment. If you have a child under the age of three, you should think about renting an SUV with a child car seat.
Al Ain Zoo Safari truck carries 22 people at once and is an ideal choice for group visits or solo travelers looking for the company of travelers. This exhilarating ride is open to children above the age of five. The safari truck ride lasts up to 60 minutes taking you to the closest proximity of the wildest beasts. Night and Morning safari trucks are so popular that it is advisable to book these rides 48 hours in advance, avoiding any last-minute inconvenience. Due to safety and precautionary measures, the capacity of the group truck tours has been decreased to 7 guests per ride.
Know Before You Visit Al-Ain Zoo
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Al Ain Zoo for witnessing animals and birds is in the morning, from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM noon. The reason for visiting during these hours makes you meet most of the animals being active and playful with increased chances of capturing social media-worthy pictures.
Zoo Opening hours: The operational hours of Al Ain Zoo are from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM every day.
How to Reach:By Bus: Board bus no. 44 or F08 to reach Emirates Engineering-2 leading you to the zoo in an hour.By Metro: Take the M2 metro line to reach Airport Freezone Metro Station followed by a journey to the Al Ain Zoo taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.By taxi/cab: Choosing a taxi/cab from the city of Al Ain is the fastest way to reach owing to the large walking distances between the bus stands and the metro station in a matter of 15 minutes.
Tips For Visiting Al Ain Zoo
- Mornings are the best times for the best experience for beating Dubai’s scorching heatwave.
- Keep water bottles handy with yourself every time as this is a long journey involving vast exploration into the forest-like areas.
- Restricted areas should not be entered as wild animals could be roaming there.
- Hire a guide for the informational experience of discovering 4000 animals.
- Take your camera to click Instagram-worthy pictures and videos with your favorite animal.
Visit Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center to get some insights into the ecosystem of the zoo, practices for the preservation of wildlife, and the vision/mission of Dubai.
Children can be taken to the children’s zoos for petting calm animals such as horses and ponies.
Take your child to watch Lemur’s exhibit and ride on horses and camels.
Bringing your own pet/animal is strictly prohibited inside the zoo.
Feeding animals such as giraffes, horses, and ponies are allowed only under supervision.
Touching any animal in the zoo is strictly prohibited.
Al Ain zoo safari ride is not advisable for elders and pregnant women due to the sudden appearance of wild animals.
Pregnant women, elders, and people with some trauma should not be allowed for shows like tug of war with tigers and dining with the king of the jungle.
Explore Al Ain Zoo
FAQs of Al Ain Zoo
What Animals can be seen during the tour?
You can see a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles inside Al Ain Zoo.
- Birds: Steppe Eagle, Emu Bird, Desert Eagle Owl, Vulturine Guineafowl, Blue-Necked Ostrich, and many more.
- Mammals: African Lion, African Wolf, White Tiger, Ring-Tailed Lemur, Jaguar, Chimpanzee, and many more.
- Reptiles: Nile Crocodile, Leptien’s Spiny-tailed Lizard, Aldabra Giant Tortoise, and many more.
Is a camera allowed in Al Ain Zoo?
Yes, you can take your camera inside the Al Ain Zoo for clicking photos and capturing videos of the zoo, and its animals.
What is the duration of the Safari Tour at Al Ain Zoo?
The duration of Al Ain Zoo safari is typically up to 45 minutes in which you are taken on a tour to witness nature’s wildest feline beasts- “The Big 5”. You may also come across the calm antelopes moving in their natural habitat.
What is the History behind Al Ain Zoo?
Al Ain Zoo park was created by the Founder of the Nation-the late Sheikh Zayed, in order to make a zoo where the animals would live freely in a natural habitat. In 1968, this decision came as an outcome of protecting the animals that were endangered back in the late 60s decade. Desert antelopes like Arabian Onyx, were facing extinction during that time and have been saved by the zoo’s tremendous efforts. The driving force behind the zoo was the preservation of wildlife of the country in the natural ecosystem. Al Ain zoo has been applauded by the international conservation community for saving the endangered species along with their habitats through their safe and unique breeding practices. Al Ain zoo has been victorious in its commendable efforts to save the lives of Arabian Oryx, Arabian Leopard, Green Turtles, and Falcons along with the reintroduction of Houbara Bustards
How long does it take to fully explore the Al Ain Zoo?
It takes a whole day to fully explore Al Ain zoo as it comprises a variety of sections for different animals like the Big Cat House, Chimpanzee Forest, Reptile House, Monkey Compound, Aquarium, and Aviary.
How many animals are there in Al Ain Zoo?
A total number of 4000 animals belonging to 200 species are found inside Al Ain Zoo.
Do and don'ts in Al Ain Zoo?
DOs- Visit in the morning hours as this time is suitable for proper exploration escaping from Dubai’s heat.- Feed giraffes, horses, and ponies in the presence of the caretaker.- Explore Sheikh Zayed Learning Center to know about the Vision and mission of UAE and about Al Ain zoo animal preservation practices.- Watch animal shows like bird shows, lemur walks, and penguin parades seeing the animals perform in their most natural ways to keep yourself entertained.
DON’Ts
- Visit in the afternoon hours as it is the hottest time of the day, making the exploration uncomfortable.
- Touch, taunt, tease and invade the animal privacy in the Al Ain Zoo
- Bring your own pets as there are no facilities inside to handle any outside animals.
- Enter restricted areas as they could lead to close encounters with wildlife animals leading to unfortunate accidents.
Kids Attractions