Sharjah Safari, which first opened to the public in February, reopens on Wednesday after a summer hiatus.
The sprawling wildlife attraction covers an area of eight square kilometers and is located within the Al Bridi Conservation Area in the Al Dhaid city of Sharjah.
Sharjah Safari, said to be the largest outside of Africa, is home to more than 1,000 animals and birds and 120 species including 70 species and rare animals native to Africa, the rarest of which will be the black rhino. More than 1,000 native and African trees, including the umbrella-shaped tortilis acacia, have been planted on the site.
It is divided into 12 themed environments, each depicting a region in Africa and the life and terrain of the animals and birds that live within it.
“Each setting represents a different part of Africa and embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to form a family attraction and a cultural and environmental tourist destination that protects biodiversity and contributes to environmental sustainability,” said Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chair of the Authority for Environment and Protected Areas in Sharjah.
“At Sharjah Safari, we strive to offer our visitors a unique and immersive experience, allowing them to discover African wildlife and immerse themselves in its diverse environments, such as the enchanting Kalahari environment. This environment is rich in nature and includes several species of birds, antelope and gazelle mimicking the Kalahari Desert in Africa.
“It is an arid desert region occupying a large area common to three African countries, ranging between the savannah to the north and east and Namibia to the west. This waterless region includes elements of wildlife that depend on seasonal rainfall.”
Considered one of the rarest animals, the black rhino is one of the main attractions.
Another highlight is Wuhaida, the first female southern white rhino born in Sharjah Safari last August. Wahaida’s birth is the result of the UN-supported safari breeding program, which focuses on African native species.
There is also Bridi, the first African female giraffe born in Sharjah Safari. Bridi’s parents arrived in Sharjah from South Africa in May 2017.
Sharjah Safari is located in the Al Bridi Conservation Area established by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah. sheik dr Sultan issued a decree in 2018 banning any form of activity that would damage or degrade the ecosystem and cause wildlife or marine damage in the area.
Entrance fees and opening hours
There are no known changes in ticket prices and opening hours for the new season.
Various ticket categories are available to access the 12 themed environments of Sharjah Safari. Bronze tickets, which include a 2-3 hour walking tour of an area, cost Dh15 for children aged 3-12 and Dh40 for children aged 12 and over.
Silver tickets, which include access to all environments except the Serengeti, cost Dh50 for children aged 3 and 12 and Dh120 for children aged 12 and over. The ticket includes a seat on a bus and the tour lasts five to six hours.
Gold tickets give visitors access to all areas and include a ride in a luxury car and a private guide for a 5-6 hour tour. Tickets cost Dh120 for children aged 2 to 12 and Dh275 for children over 12.
Within the Gold category, a group of six people can also rent a luxury car with driver for Dh1,500 or pay Dh2,250 for nine people or Dh3,500 for 12 people.
Sharjah Safari is open daily from 8:30am to 6:30pm. Last entry is at 2pm for Gold and Silver ticket holders and at 4pm for Bronze ticket holders.
Updated September 18, 2022 6:08 am
