Where the Wild Things Are: Family Safari Trips

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Safari West

Santa Rosa, California
The location of this wildlife preserve in the heart of California's wine country makes for some interesting pairings (such as the "Cheetah and Chardonnay" or "Wine, Women, and Wildebeest" safari tours). To observe exotic animals, including giraffes, Cape buffalo, and zebras unconfined by cages, take an open-air jeep ride around the 400- acre grounds. Budding naturalists can splurge on one of the private guided tours. Visitors are welcome to join one of the owners on an early-morning hike through parts of the park's 10-mile trail network; if you're itching to get your hands dirty you can sign up to shadow one of the keepers for a day. And forget crickets -- if you want to hear the calls of sarus cranes or lemurs as you sleep, stay in one of the preserve's luxury tents or cottages. Safari tour prices start at $30 for children and $68 for adults. Go to safariwest.com or call 707-579-2551.

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