When we think of Africa, images of rolling grasslands scattered with shrubs and isolated trees often come to mind. These characteristics illustrate what’s known as the African Savanna. The Savanna is a vast region that is dominated by sky and land that seems to have no end. The Serengeti is the most famous of Africa’s Great Plains and is home to herds of large hoofed animals.
The African Savanna exhibit at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a 2-acre reproduction of the region, imitating the area’s distinguishing geographical traits. A visit to the Zoo will take guests on a journey through the Savanna where they will encounter some of the creatures that roam the plains—giraffes, zebras and ostriches.
Giraffe Overlook is the most popular of the exhibit’s features. Since opening in 2003, the attraction has offered guests an up-close encounter with the Zoo’s giraffe herd—allowing visitors the unique opportunity to feed these magnificent mammals.
Ever wonder what the world looks like from a giraffe’s perspective? Zoo guests can now peek into their world with Sky-High Safari at Riverbanks. The 4-story vertical ropes course that stands parallel to Giraffe Overlook debuted in early 2012 and quickly became a towering success. Climbers atop the structure get a bird’s eye view of the giraffe exhibit and the adjacent elephant yard.
Guests who work up an appetite can satisfy their hunger in nearby Kenya…Café, that is. The dining facility is the park’s largest, offering a wide variety of culinary choices to please any palate. Kenya Café has indoor and outdoor seating as well as a view into the Zoo’s alligator exhibit where on warmer days you’re likely to see “Little Boy” basking in the sun.
Located on the outskirts of the African Savanna is Riverbanks’ Safari Camp. The open setting can be reserved for company picnics, family reunions and other outdoor events. The venue also transforms into a haunted maze during Boo at the Zoo and Santa’s Village throughout Riverbanks’ annual Lights Before Christmas display. It’s always the perfect season to explore the African Savanna.