Located in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari gives visitors a chance to return to nature and immerse themselves in the wildlife of the African continent. Children and adults alike will enjoy the unique experiences of seeing, touching and feeding animals not typically found in your favorite zoos.
While Japan is home to several safari parks, Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari ranks among the largest ones. Home to over 1,400 animals representing approximately 70 species, everyone will have a chance to spot some of their favorite animals. At the core of the safari’s philosophy is the recreation of natural habitats for the animals to live in. As a result, the park contains six types of terrain including mountains, grassland, rocky areas, woodlands, waterfronts and sandy areas. Here, each species can live and socialize in ways similar to their natural environments. The park is divided into three types of experiences, depending on what you’re looking for: the Safari Zone, the Fureai Zone and the Jungle Bus.
Safari Zone and Fureai Zone
Photo by: PIXTA/コンチ Be aware that you are not permitted to open your windows during this portion of the park.
People bringing their own cars will be able to explore over 115 hectares of the Ajimu Kogen Highlands which is populated with lions, giraffes, rhinos, elephants and more. From the safety of your car, you’ll be able to observe the animals as they graze, sleep and eat in their habitats. Be aware that you are not permitted to open your windows during this portion of the park.
Although you can get fairly up close and personal with many of the animals in the Safari Zone, nothing beats being able to touch and interact with the animals. In the Fureai Zone, visitors will be able to get their hands on a variety of animals, including kangaroos, squirrel monkeys, hedgehogs and more.
Jungle Bus
Photo by: PIXTA/kai From the safety of the bus, visitors can feed the animals, and even the carnivores, like lions.
If you happen to come by bus and have no access to a car or are looking for a different kind of experience at the park, buy a ticket for the Jungle Bus. Riders will sit in a customized bus shaped and painted like wild animals and explore the Safari Zone. Open windows with metal bars installed will let you get very close to the animals while keeping you safe from unwanted encounters. From the safety of the bus, visitors can feed the animals, and even the carnivores, like lions, using a set of long tongs! Be aware that this popular attraction has a limited number of tickets available each day and is first come, first serve.
