| On a whim a friend and I decided to take our kids to | | | | are as you see them eye to eye. The Journey to |
| the San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park in Escondido, | | | | Africa tour is not part of the regular admission so be |
| California. We had never been there before, but how | | | | prepared to pay an extra $10, $7 for kids 3-11. |
| hard could it be? We both had our double jogger | | | | The San Diego Wild Animal Park was a fun place to |
| strollers and we are both fit. Besides, isn't the Wild | | | | visit. It was fun to see the lions lounging about in a |
| Animal Park just a glorified zoo? | | | | safari type atmosphere, one was even lying on an |
| How quickly we learned how wrong we were - on | | | | abandoned LandRover - very unique! The older |
| everything! Have you ever been to the San Diego | | | | toddlers recognized several animals from movies like |
| Wild Animal Park? Well, this is not some overdone | | | | The Lion King and Madagascar, which made things |
| zoo! The park is one of the most amazing wild life | | | | even more fun for them. Getting to see Timon and |
| refuges around. Animals are not merely in cages, | | | | Pumba up close was great fun! |
| waiting for you to come and gawk at them, no they | | | | The park is built into a very hilly terrain and the |
| are in their 'natural' habitat where they can be | | | | animals are all situated rather far from each other. |
| themselves. | | | | This is not a place you want to wear uncomfortable |
| The Kilimanjaro Safari Walk is not to be missed, but | | | | shoes! We went uphill and downhill quite a bit - and |
| be prepared it is a 2 mile path that takes you | | | | these were very steep hills. Not an easy route while |
| through great vistas and wonderful animals. Make | | | | pushing a double stroller with 50 pounds of baby |
| sure you bring along your camera and water. You | | | | weight. |
| may want to bring along a snack or picnic and enjoy | | | | When all was said and done, the Wild Animal Park |
| lunch in the African themed area. | | | | was a fun place to visit and it turns out a great place |
| The Journey into Africa tour is another fun way to | | | | for a great workout. Visit the San Diego Zoo's Wild |
| see the park. You will board a tram called the African | | | | Animal Park website before you go and plan your trip |
| Express and begin your journey into the heart of the | | | | before you go. Plan to walk a lot and be amazed by |
| Wild Animal Park. As the tram moves among the | | | | the great exhibits! |
| animals you will get to see just how big the animals | | | | |