Always one for investigating fun activities to do in Israel, I jumped at the chance to go on a safari adventure, especially less than an hour from my doorstep. Unbeknown to my activity day co-horts, I had spent time working in the African section of Jerusalem Bilical Zoo in a past life, so was especially excited to get up close with the Giraffes, Hippos, Zebras and Rhinos again; I couldn’t stop singing ‘going to the zoo, zoo, zoo’ all morning (yes, aren’t we all just big kids at heart?!?)
After what seemed like really not much of a drive we roll through the gates and its as if they were a magic morphing tunnel transporting us to an arid African landscape, complete with personal Ostrich welcoming party
no its not raining, its just a reaalllly dirty window.
it actually came even closer than that!!! But wait, it gets better….
Circling the central lake of the mini African reserve, inhabited by birds and ducks of different species, one is reminded to drive slowly so as to avoid hitting any of the of mini bambies, gazelles and Ibexes, and to ensure to simply soak in the scenery laid before you. One can’t help but feel so far detached and find your inner Indiana Jones.
- I know I know, cue the obligatory ‘awww’s
- …. but then their dad came along…
-
- yes OK, we’re going, we’re going
Eyes scan the lake for signs of movement, so as not to miss anything, and low and behold, what initially appeared to be a mass of rocks or an island in the middle, started to move.
Now can I just add, I LOVE HIPPOS!! Those who’ve heard my feeding the Hippos story can attest; but sorry, it just doesn’t work without the whole "talking with my hands thing" – so when you meet me and don’t know the story yet… well, its fun 🙂
- He was almost winking right at me!
So by now, inner Indy was really kicking in and we were only half an hour in (yay!) It was time to ditch the car and explore on foot, unfortunately not in the actual ‘mini-reserve’ but the attached zoo.
It is as you imagine upon first entering, an array of birds, reptiles and wild cats. I always get a little sad for the birds just sitting there in the shade, they can’t be happy not to be able to fly around, hence no pictures of them, but they are very pretty though.
We ambled around, soaking in the holiday/adventure atmosphere, somewhat at least, and following the various paths snaking the park to visit the other animals.
I’m a sucker for pretty Giraffes
and we really had a deep and meaningful…… 
The whole park is cleverly designed to limit peering through cages and bars, its certainly an experience to hold eye contact with such an incredible creature.
We continue our journey through Africa and look who we should bump into, just around the corner……
They’ve certainly got quite the compound those magnificent Elephants; a VAST corner of the park where they lord over the entire estate, couldn’t help but think of king Babar… obviously..
Naturally, just like in any museum or exhibition, any opportunities to actually touch and feel the ‘exhibits’ I’m all for “getting involved” so I was delighted to discover the petting zoo …..
Especially if it means hugs with a llama…..
and yes, I made sure not to get spat on.
After a long day (or actually what turns out to be just a few hours) the combination of a car journey (however menial) African adventure and relatively beating sun, started kicking in and it was time to pile back in the car for the way out; oh, but of course, to get out of Africa we have to drive back through it. The cleverly designed park ascetics culminates with a final drive around the same lake but on the other side. Quite apt is it that it’s the zebras who wave farewell
bye now….
I said see ya……..
No, seriously, time to go!!!
oh you wanna say bye aswell do you?! 
I said get the HELLOUTTA HERE ALREADY!!!!
Alright, Alright, see ya……
Great day out for all the family, or a group of big kids (Thanks Richard and Adam, the perfect companions for any days out). More information on prices and opening times can be found here, let me know if you go
Letting down my hair...wherever I go 