Visit San Diego Wild Animal Park in California

California travel expert Veronica Hill tours the San Diego Wild Animal Park in this episode of "CaliforniaTravelTips."

Hi, I’m Veronica Hill, your California travel expert. Let’s go in a safari through the San Diego Zoo’s wild animal park. Set in the dry rolling hills of San Pascal valley, the San Diego wild animal park is home to approximately 400 of our world’s most endangered species, from the northern white rhino to the California condor. When you arrive at the San Diego Zoo wild animal park, consider joining one of their specialty tours at the safari booking station. This 1800 acre wildlife preserve is home to more than 3500 animals, from the majestic cheetah to the fascinating lowland gorilla. To get around quickly, the park’s rolling safari tour on a Segway X2 is a whole lot of fun. The two hour experience includes a quick lesson on how to ride a Segway, followed by a guided tour of the park’s African and Asian animals. On the photo cure events safari you can hop on an open air truck into the east African enclosure where you’ll feed and photograph inquisitive giraffes, buffalo, and Indian rhino, amongst other wildlife. My top pick, the new flight line zip line tours, where you’ll soar 600 feet above the park’s Asian and African field exhibits. Plan on a full day or even two at the San Diego wild life park. If you have a zoom lens I definitely recommend that you bring it. The great leaf lift offers sweeping views of the park and addition to easy access to its lower level attractions which include the Serengeti styled helium balloon safari. At journey into Africa, you can board a biodiesel fueled vehicle for a two and a half mile tour around the park. For the best chance of seeing the animals in action, arrive during the cool morning or evening hours, or check out the park’s daily feeding times. After lunch, take a walk along the 70 foot suspension bridge for a peek of the white tiger, then head up to condor ridge, where you’ll get an up close look at an endangered California condors. Other highlights include lion camp, where a pride of African lions relax in the hot San Diego sun, an elephant overlook, where you’ll be charmed by adorable little indaxi. For the ultimate splurge, book one of the park’s overnight Roar and Snore safaris, comparable in price to some San Diego hotels, the experience includes two meals a private canvass tent and three unique tours through the park. It’s an unforgettable experience you’re sure to enjoy. For more California travel videos, tips and advice, log on to californiatravelexperts.com.