If your children are ready to reveal their inner monkey, then the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s new Jungle Ropes Safari is the place to take them.
Opening July 20, the Jungle Ropes Safari at Safari Park (once known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park) offers a rare experience for children 7 and older, as well as adults, to climb, swing and zip through trees on three 
challenging courses.
Outfitted with special gloves and attached to a sturdy harness with an impressive safety system, thrill seekers try to keep their balance on an array of elements such as rope bridges, logs, wood tunnels, zip lines and swinging log steps that are set at varying heights among the treetops (up to 35 feet off the ground).
According to the Safari Park’s rules, there is a maximum of two children ages 7-11 per adult in a party. Children ages 7-11 must be accompanied by a paid parent or guardian 18 or older during the entire experience. Children 12-17 may participate alone, but must have a parent or guardian 18 or older present at the orientation to sign a liability waiver.
We recommend a ratio of one adult to one child, since the hour-long Jungle Ropes Safari can be scary at times for the younger kids. We were impressed with the detailed safety video and complete assistance by the staff before and during the experience. All participants personally place two sturdy cable clips onto the cables of each element. The safety system allows for only one clip lock at a time to be open, ensuring that each guest is continually attached to the cables.
Participants must wear closed-toed shoes, weigh between 50 and 275 pounds (they will weigh you), and have a reach of 55 inches (measured from the sole of the foot to the up-stretched tips of the fingers).
The cost for Jungle Ropes Safari is $45 and free lockers are available. Call 619-718-3000 to make reservations. To learn more about this adventure, visit sdzsafaripark.org.
Happy climbing!
Written by and photograph by the Sondag Family.
The Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027-7017. For general information, call 760-747-8702.
