Explore your journey through the UK's No.1 Safari Park
East African Game Reserve
First stop is the East African Game Reserve where you’ll meet many favourite animals like giraffes and zebras. Look out for the llamas, nyala and bactrian camels that roam free around this African wilderness. Go for a stroll at the Watering Hole. Explore the world of wallabies, say hello to a Brazilian tapir and meet the warthogs and the pygmy goats.
Coming in 2012
Feed the Giraffes at the Watering Hole
Ever come face-to-face with a giraffe? It’s one of life’s must-do experiences! You may wonder how a small child can reach to hand feed such a tall creature. Get down to the Watering Hole in the East Africa Reserve and you’ll see! Before you know it, you’ll find yourself looking a giraffe in the eye while it takes food direct from your hand. One of our Longleat rangers will be there to show you how. Pre-booking essential
The Watering Hole is where Africa comes to Longleat Safari Park. And it’s not just the animals that get fed here. You can stop and enjoy fine coffees and teas, mouth-watering sandwiches and snacks as you gaze out at the breathtaking beauty of the East Africa Reserve and watch the Rothschild giraffe and Grants zebra grazing. And if the kids want a bird’s eye view, they can climb the tree and cross the rope bridges to the lookout and the crow’s nest.
Keep your eye on this website to find out when the Watering Hole is opening.
Flamingo Valley
As you leave the East African Game Reserve you’ll pass Flamingo Valley. See if you can spot one of our 40 or so Chilean flamingos standing on one leg – they find it more comfortable that way! These stunning pink birds live happily alongside African spoonbills, sacred ibis, Carolina ducks and white-faced whistling ducks.
Vulture Venue
Watch out for the bare-headed vultures! A group of these amazing birds is known as a Venue. On the left, just before you enter the Monkey ‘Drive-Thru’, you’ll spot our venue of white-backed vultures free flying round their massive aviary.
Coming later this year, for the first time at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park, you can watch vultures and many other awesome birds of prey in action. The award-winning Hawk Conservancy Trust will be putting on up to 3 world-class shows every day in our brand new Hunters of the Sky show arena (in main Adventure Park area). Find out about Hunters of the Sky shows.
Monkey Drive-Thru
The Monkey ‘Drive-Thru’ is back! Love them or hate them, the Longleat monkeys have always been one of the Safari Park’s most memorable experiences! Now they’re back and ready to cause monkey mayhem all over again!
Watch the Monkey Mayhem video. See what our monkeys got up to when we gave them their very own car!
Big Game Park
As you enter the Big Game Park look out for an impressive herd of southern white rhinoceros.
Make sure you catch a glimpse of the ankole cattle too; an ancient breed that was domesticated in Africa. You’ll recognise them by the huge horns that reach up to an incredible 2m across
Check out the bactrian camels; they shed their woolly coats in summer so they may not be looking their best! This is also the place to spot the rare Père David’s deer, the scimitar horned oryx and the ostrich.
Deer Park
Having a deer take food straight from your hand is something you’ll never forget. The deer will flock to this area to see you as they know there are always plenty of willing volunteers! Feeding the deer is a fantastic experience for all the family.
How many different deer species can you spot? The fallow deer have been here since the 16th century, over the years other types of deer have joined them. See if you can tell the difference between the red deer and the Père David’s deer.
At certain times, the Deer Park may be closed as the deer are in rut.
Anne the Elephant
We're delighted to announce that Anne the elephant is settling in very well into her new surroundings at Longleat since arriving back in April 2011. As well as her own special team of keepers dedicated to her wellbeing she has the freedom of her very own paddock to play in as and when she likes. Click here for all the latest updates on Anne.
Pelican Pond
Come and see one of the world’s largest flying birds – the pelican. If you’re lucky, one will take to the skies as you pass – their wingspan is humungous compared to the birds you see in the garden.
The first ever successful hatching of pink backed pelicans in the UK happened at Longleat back in 1996. Since then our safari staff have hand-reared over 24 chicks through to adulthood.
Tiger Territory
You’re sure to be amazed when you see the tigers – these long sleek creatures are among the most impressive of all the animals at Longleat Safari Park and are the largest of all the big cats. Make sure your car windows are closed - these beautiful animals may purr like your pet cat but they aren‘t nearly as cuddly as they look!
Lion Country
The first sighting of one of our famous Longleat lions is a big moment for everyone. Lions do a lot of sleeping, but if you’re lucky, you’ll see them striding majestically about their terrain; these extraordinary creatures are more territorial than most so we keep the two prides separate. The Safari Park welcomed 3 new males in 2011, as well as 10 adorable lion cubs which were born back in March. Watch the video of our lion cubs as they ventured outside for the first time.
Now Open!
Cheetah Kingdom
For the first time ever, you’ll be able to see the world’s fastest land animal - the cheetah – at Longleat. Watch as they sprint through Cheetah Kingdom at up to 70 miles an hour - you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled; not surprisingly, they can only keep that speed going for about 20 seconds!
Wolf Wood
Listen up – that eerie howl is a wolf pack. They’re so loud you can hear them 6 miles away! They aren’t howling at you – they’re doing it to warn off rival predators. Despite what you read in all the best fairy tales, humans are not the wolf’s ideal dinner!