Safari Park in Krasnodar has been operating since 2006 and is constantly developing. Visitors who come here for the second time, 2-3 years later, will be pleased to note: over the past time, the park’s territory has become larger, its “population” has been replenished with new animals and birds, and the design has become richer and more diverse. Of course, changes are not only for the better: someone tore off one of the tusks from the walrus sculpture, and the skin of the moving dinosaur was not very carefully “darned”, and even glued with tape after repairs... But these are little things that do not spoil the overall picture.
Where is Safari Park Krasnodar located, its operating hours
Safari Park is located in the south-eastern part of Krasnodar, not far from the historical center of the city. It is part of the Sunny Island Park - a huge green area (formerly the Park named after the 40th anniversary of the October Revolution), which is fundamentally not built up - being, as they say, the “lungs” of the city.” It is very easy to get to: any type of public transport goes here - trams, trolleybuses, buses, minibuses.
Safari Park is the only zoo in Krasnodar (not counting mini-establishments in shopping and entertainment centers). It is open all year round, only from November to March it closes at 18:00, and from April to October it is open until 21:00. In the morning it always opens its doors from 9 o'clock. In order to thoroughly examine all the thematic areas of the Safari Park in Krasnodar (and not “run through” them), it will take at least 3 - 4 hours.
Where is the park, how to get there by tram and other transport
The address of “Sunny Island” is Krasnodar, st. Tramway, 2, microdistrict. Cheryomushki. If you look at the map, the park lies at the intersection of Tramvaynaya and Stavropolskaya streets, next to the Kuban River.
The park is accessible by public transport - buses (No. 2, 41, 51, 108), minibuses (No. 12, 13, 15, 28, 30, 34, 35, 37, 39, 48, 53, 65, 77, 93, 177), trolleybuses (No. 7, 12, 13, 16). The easiest way to get to “Sunny Island” is by tram; you just need to take trams 4, 5, 9 or 10, because they travel throughout the city.
How the Safari Park in Krasnodar works
Safari Park Krasnodar on its official website reports that today, on an area exceeding ten hectares, it is home to over 25 species of animals and birds. Among them are at least 12O - very rare representatives of the fauna, which can hardly be found in wildlife: 8O% of these creatures are “Red Book”.
Don’t expect to be able to see this impressive “assortment” in its entirety. Some animals will sleep, impolitely turning their backs to visitors or hiding in a secluded corner. Others will not be there at all, and you will have to be content with just reading a sign with information about this animal. But in any case, you will be able to see a lot, receiving a sea of positive emotions and pleasant impressions.
The vast territory of the Safari Park is divided into thematic zones. A beautifully designed map of these zones is given to everyone at the entrance and is quite often found on stands throughout the walk. This is very convenient: the visitor always has a clear idea of where in the “fairy-tale kingdom of animals” he is now; what (or rather, who) would he like to see more; where it makes sense to return “for the second round.” In addition, there are “personal” signs with arrows placed here and there indicating which way to go in order to “visit” this or that animal.
Amusement park “Sunny Island”
Sunny Island Park is located in the southeast of the city and covers an area of more than 40 hectares of land. In Soviet times, until 1960, there was a tree nursery and flower farm “Gorzelentresta”. In November 1959, deputies of the city council adopted a resolution on the organization of a Park of Culture and Recreation on the territory of the trust. Since then, the park has been actively developing, and today there are more than 25 children's, family and adult attractions, sports grounds, cafes, bars and restaurants comfortably located here. The indoor ice skating rink built here will happily welcome everyone at any time of the year. The main attraction of the island is the Safari Park. In Krasnodar, this corner of wildlife is loved and very popular among city residents.
Unique “pinniped theater”
The Pinniped Theater operates at the Krasnodar Safari Park, and this is the only institution of this type in our country. Yes, many have seen performances of fur seals and walruses in dolphinariums. But there all the attention goes to the dolphins, while pinnipeds are poorly remembered. And here they are the only ones giving performances. You can admire these funny and charming artists three times a day: at 11, 14 and 16 hours (except Wednesdays!) You don’t need to pay anything extra: theater performances are included in the price of a ticket to the Safari Park.
Krasnodar Zoo Safari Park ticket prices in 2019
Adult - 550 rubles, Children (up to 14 years old) - 400 rubles.
Children under 2 years old have free admission! Guide services - 1000 rubles, Photography - 50 rubles, Video filming - 100 rubles. Discounts are available for group visits: for every 10 children, 1 accompanying adult is admitted FREE. Time flies by in the park. We arrived at 12-00 and left at closing time. This is due not only to the large territory and interesting animals. The Krasnodar Safari Park hosts exciting children's performances. You won't need to buy tickets for most of them, but they are definitely worth a visit. Children play for a long time on the unusual playground of the zoo.
petting zoo
The inhabitants of the local petting zoo bring a lot of joy to children and adults: ponies, llamas, goats and sheep, and other domestic animals of our latitudes and distant countries. All of them, in the literal sense of the word, are tame: very kind, sociable, and willing to be petted. But not just like that, of course, but in the hope of a treat. Moreover, feeding animals with food that you brought with you is prohibited. You can only buy “local” food: it is sold packaged in neat paper bags in vending machines - the same ones that are “charged” with various snacks and drinks in various city institutions.
Upside Down House
Crossing the bridge to the island, visitors have the opportunity to visit an unusual structure. It is literally turned upside down. The roof rests on the ground, and the floor is on the ceiling.
The inverted house consists of two floors, where there is an entrance hall, kitchen, bedroom, children's room and living room.
The rooms are equipped with furniture that is attached to the ceiling. Other household items are also attached to it, even slippers and books read at night by its intended inhabitants. Walking around such a house is not very comfortable, since the floors in it are located at an angle.
But from the windows there is a wonderful view of the river bank and the river along which boats and boats float. Exit the house through the balcony door.
As a housewife, I was especially interested in the kitchen. Here everything looks as if the inhabitants were just here and left for a short time. There is a kettle on the stove, dinner plates, a bread box, and cutlery for several people are served on the table.
You have to go down the steps from the second floor, but you quickly get used to it.
Tickets can be purchased at the upside down ticket office. This pleasure costs 300 rubles for an adult and 200 rubles for a child under 16 years old. The very idea of such a house seems very interesting and unusual to me. She once again proves that everything in our world is relative. Depending on which side we look at the space around us.
Dino Park
A large collection of moving and voiced dinosaur figures is one of the most attractive places for young visitors to the Safari Park in Krasnodar. Here, prehistoric lizards do not just stand in a row, as in a museum, but “graze” or “hunt” in the thickets around the path along which visitors walk.
Huge reptiles move their heads, tails and paws very realistically, and from time to time they growl loudly and believably. Although, of course, no one knows how dinosaurs actually roared. And did they growl at all? In the dino park you can learn a lot about the characteristics of different “breeds” of dinosaurs: from videos that are broadcast on several large LCD monitors under special canopies.
History of the creation of “Safari Park”
The history of the creation of the Safari Park zoo in Krasnodar is interesting. One day, the owner of several car service stations received a macaw parrot as a birthday gift from friends. To live freely, the bird required a lot of space; a large cage was built for it. Then the entrepreneur's friends gave him several more birds. The cage had to be expanded, and the businessman got the idea of creating a place in the city where anyone could admire the animals and enjoy nature. Having partially sold his automobile business, he rented land in Sunny Island Park for the construction of a zoo. Thus, in 2006, the first private Safari Park in Russian history appeared on a 10-hectare site. Meet Mario Aburmaileh - the inspirer, creator and owner of this farm. Before creating this living corner of nature, Mario visited many of the world's best zoos and studied more than one volume of scientific literature. The zoo employs more than 100 workers who care for the fauna and flora, feed and treat the animals.
Dinopark
The entrance to the dino park is through the safari park, but it deserves a separate discussion. Who among us has not at one time or another been fond of reading books and watching films about Jurassic Park?
Every year many young and adult visitors come to admire the figures of these prehistoric animals. The animals are life-size, can move and make various sounds.
The Dinopark displays most species of dinosaurs known to science. Starting from eggs to adult individuals - both predatory and herbivorous. You can take pictures with them, and some of them you can even touch or ride on.
Hunting scenes look very realistic. Groups of animals tearing their prey apart are impressive. And nearby, dinosaurs feeding on plant foods are peacefully nibbling grass.
All this variety of figures is in motion and makes sounds. Today it is difficult to judge how these prehistoric monsters communicated with each other. However, based on the preserved bone remains of the larynxes, scientists have modeled the supposed timbre and sound of many of the animals presented in the dino park.
Dinosaur eggs amaze with their gigantic size. Not only children, but also adults can freely mark themselves in them. This is clearly visible in the photograph.
The only thing that darkens the impression of what you saw in the dino park is that some of the figures could use restoration, updating or painting. They look pretty peeling and battered by all the elements. However, this is not surprising, given their very advanced age. However, you don’t notice this, being carried away by the pictures you see.
Attractions in the park
Visitors with children are primarily attracted by various attractions. They are intended for both small and older children. The first ones are more likely to use various swings, carousels and climbing devices.
Older people prefer the opportunity to ride a Ferris wheel, shoot at a shooting range, or win some simple prize in a win-win lottery. For example, my granddaughter, who first picked up a machine gun at a shooting range, was able to score 18 out of 20 points and receive a keychain as a souvenir.
In the last few years, a planetarium has appeared in the park. It seats 50 people and tells about the history of stars, planets, meteorites and other cosmic bodies. Its popularity is growing. It is also one of the most visited attractions.
Rest zone
If you prefer a quiet and relaxing holiday, Sunny Island Park provides such an opportunity. To do this, you just need to move a few hundred meters away from the noisy attractions. Fortunately, the park’s area of 40 hectares allows this.
The recreation area consists of forested areas, lawns and flower beds. Considering that the park was created in the century before last, there are trees aged from 100 to 150 years. It is pleasant to sit in their shade in the summer heat. The park is home to small animals: hedgehogs, field mice and squirrels. The latter are not at all afraid of people and can be fed nuts directly from your hands.
On the banks of the Staraya Kuban River there is a beach where you can sunbathe and rent catamarans for walks on the water. Swimming in the river is prohibited, but there are several swimming pools for water lovers.
There are 6 pools in total. Three are for those who can swim. Their depth is about one and a half meters. The two pools are only about half a meter deep. Children who have not yet mastered the skill of floating in the water splash in them. And one pool, according to knowledgeable people, is filled with sea water. But I was not able to visit there.
As a geographer, I cannot help but note another attraction of the park. The 45th parallel of northern latitude passes here, as evidenced by a special arrow-pointer.
Visit to Safari Park and its inhabitants
Exotarium
After entering the Safari Park territory, right after the ticket office, the first thing you should do is turn right and go into the covered two-story area with the inhabitants of a warm climate - the exotarium. Here live: crocodiles, monkeys, flamingos, parrots, huge spur-nosed turtles, fish in an aquarium, tropical plants and others.
Lake
We leave the exotarium and go to the main part of the zoo along a bridge over an open pond with a fountain, water lilies, turtles and fish:
Africa
The territory of the Safari Park is divided into conventional geographical zones with collections of animals living in them. After the lake we go to the “Africa” zone and the first enclosure with a handsome giraffe:
Further in the swamp we see a hippopotamus, which remains in the water almost all the time, occasionally looking out to breathe. Bactrian camels, ostriches and pelicans roam the clearing. There is an enclosure with a lion, but for some reason there was no lion there during our visit. You will also see monkeys, lemurs, and gibbons here. Nearby is a pool with a sea lion. He makes very loud growling sounds.
Lemur Island
The next zone is the island of lemurs. Here lemurs live on an artificial island in their houses. It seems that you can even pay to visit them on a local boat. Nearby there are cages with griffon vultures and eagles.
South America
We move to the “South America” zone. Here we are met by parrots, ostriches and other species of birds, large yaks, llamas, tapirs, zebras, and many other animals.
Petting zoo and pinniped show
Next there will be a petting zoo with donkeys, goats, and chickens, which you can feed directly from your hands. They don't bite and it's safe. The kids really like it here. Next to the petting zoo there is a swimming pool with fur seals. At certain hours (in the summer at 11:00, 14:00, 16:00) they are fed here and have a small show. The schedule is subject to change, with performances occurring approximately every three hours. The cost is included in the ticket price, you do not need to pay anything extra. The performance lasts about 15 minutes.
Pinniped show
Playground
Next to the Safari Park petting zoo there is a children's playground with large slides and iron robots - transformers, assembled from various old spare parts and gears.
Lounge area
Nearby is a very cool “wet” area with clouds of dispersed water droplets and a fountain. In the sultry summer heat, this is a saving oasis. Here you can sit on benches and cool off a little. Nearby there is a cafe and a beautiful Chinese courtyard.
There is also a mirror where you can take a selfie)
Chinese courtyard
An interesting location of the safari park on the alley with a fountain is the Chinese courtyard. Everything here is naturally decorated in Chinese style, there is a small cafe, several benches near the fountains, dragons in the pond and national decoration. The place is very atmospheric and definitely worth a visit.
Egypt
We move to the “Egypt” zone - there is a wide beautiful alley with statues. Everything is designed in the Egyptian style - paintings on the walls, sphinxes, drawings. In this area you can see the energetic black jaguar, hyenas, white tiger and other representatives of the fauna of northern Africa.
Dinopark
From “Egypt” you can go to Dinopark. The dinosaur park is quite large. The exhibits here move and are quite large. It seems that children like it the most in the dino park - they look at the inhabitants of the Jurassic period with great interest and almost believe that they are alive.
Cute fawns run among the dinosaurs and along the paths among people, which you can pet and feed. This brings great pleasure to park visitors.
From the Dinopark we go to the lake from which we began our journey to Africa.
Prices in the Sunny Island park in Krasnodar in 2022
The park has a non-standard payment system - payment cards. The convenience of using them lies in the fact that you don’t have to stand in queues - the money is debited upon visiting any attraction. Bonuses are also awarded for the deposited amount. Purchasing a card will cost 50 rubles. If desired, attractions can be paid for in cash; there are separate ticket offices for such visitors. Further costs will be individual:
The card can be rented; it is worth considering that the balance on payment cards is not refundable, but it is also not expired - you can come and spend it on any other day. In addition, you can organize a birthday or wedding in the park. The cost is calculated individually.
