If you’re a regular visitor to Werribee Zoo then Sunset Safari is a whole new way to experience this amazing place!
Sunset Safari is an after-hours event held at Werribee Zoo on Saturdays from Saturday 13 January to 13 March 2024, 5.30pm to 9pm.
It’s modelled on the kind of safari experience that you might have in Africa, and it’s a lot of fun!
We were invited to the launch of the event in 2018 and the experience has been tweaked a little each year since.
In 2024, for the first time, safari buses will take visitors on a new route through the Savannah to focus on the fascinating behaviours of the Hippopotamus and see some of the world’s most endangered animals.
Entry to the special event costs $59 for adults and $29 for children.
Your ticket purchase to Sunset Safari helps Zoos Victoria support sister zoos and international partners including the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) who specialise in wildlife research, animal rescues and community outreach programs.
Sunset Safari guests will also be able to explore the walking trail throughout the Zoo at dusk. As the sun sets, see meerkats, lions, monkeys, wild dogs, hippos and cheetahs.
Adventure onto the Savannah for a guided sunset tour, enjoy cocktails and canapes at Hippo Beach, feast with friends on a traditional African braai BBQ, and delight in an immersive performance that showcases the rhythm of Africa.
Note food and drinks are available for purchase on the night and are not included in the ticket price.
On our visit, we got to enjoy the North African-inspired chicken tagine and sweet potato and lentil burger, while Lady AB tries the Turkish bread with hummus, chargrilled corn cobs, spinach, cucumber and mango salad.
We were then shepherded to an open grass area where we enjoy an African dance and music performance.
The highlight of our visit is the tour of the savannah as the sun is setting, getting up close and personal with rhinos, giraffes and zebras.
How is this different to the normal Werribee Zoo safari bus tour? The animals are often more active at sunset and because the keepers are feeding them during the tours they get VERY close to the bus and move as a herd.
Zoo Members are given a 10% discount. There are adult and kids prices, but you may still consider Sunset Safari to be an expensive experience if you’re bringing along the whole family.
But think of it this way – it’s still cheaper and less hassle than taking a flight to Africa! You also get so close to the animals that it’s unlikely you’ll be able to experience the same closeness in the wild.
It’s an experience that’s not to be missed if you love the zoo!
Summer school holiday events 2024
Click here if you’re visiting Werribee Zoo with kids under 5
Click here for my review of Werribee Zoo’s Ranger Kids, Village Kids and Hippo Beach.
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