Safari Park Announces Opening Date For All-New Elephant Valley

ESCONDIDO, CA — Something big is coming to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park this March.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park announced Thursday that Denny Sanford Elephant Valley will officially open on March 5, 2026.

Officials said the new habitat is the largest and most transformative project in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's 109-year history. In the new habitat, guests will experience what it's like to walk alongside the elephant herd, with viewing opportunities on multiple sides.

At the heart of Elephant Valley is Mkutano House, a two-story restaurant featuring three distinct dining destinations: Mkutano, Ona Lounge, and Tu Grill. The restaurant is located by one of two watering holes, a 240,000-gallon oasis where elephants can wade, swim and play. Nearby, Mkutano Park will serve as a gathering place to learn from educators about the wildlife of the region.

The Safari Park used expert horticulturists and arborists to replicate the sights, sounds and smells of Africa's savanna and grasslands. More than 350 individual plants were grown for Elephant Valley, including rare and endangered African plants.

Parkgoers will venture through pathways lined with African thorn trees, a common source of food for elephants. Other African trees include the vulnerable kokerboom and the endangered Nubian dragon tree, some of which have been growing at the Safari Park since it opened 53 years ago.

The Safari Park, which spans 1,800 acres in Escondido, is home to more than 3,100 animals from over 340 species. Elephant Valley will be included with Safari Park admission.