African Summer Safaris

Have you ever wanted to take an after-hours trek through Africa? At the Indianapolis Zoo, YOU CAN! During our African Summer Safaris, you will discover the animals of Africa on this overnight adventure. This summer safari takes place at the Zoo where you will explore the big and the small animals of Africa. Here's a taste of what we will be discovering on this new overnight adventure:

●   Take an after hours hike in the African Plains.

●   Go behind the scenes in the Zoo Commissary to talk about the predators and prey of Africa.

●    Don't miss this once and a lifetime opportunity!

When are the African Summer Safaris offered?

The Summer Safaris program is available on Tuesdays in June, Wednesdays in July, and the first two Tuesdays in August. Please check our online calendar  to see the open dates for our Summer Safaris. (The dates shown are the dates of your overnight. The following day would be your Zoo fieldtrip.)

Will it just be my group on the night of the African Summer Safari?

The maximum number of participants for the evening is 75. If your group is less than 75, there could be another group joining you. However, if we have less than 35 people total for the evening, we might have to cancel the overnight. (Please note that we will know at least 14 days prior to the evening if there must be a cancellation.) If you have any questions, please include them in your email when you request your date.

How much does an African Summer Safari cost?

The overnight program fee is $45 per child and $25 per all adult chaperone. (Adult chaperones are considered any teacher, parent, or chaperone attending with any child. Your program fees include Zoo and White River Gardens admission, parking fees, all activities, spending the night at the Zoo, and a breakfast buffet. We require a $100 non-refundable deposit within seven days of receiving your contract. The remainder of the payment is due in full thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled overnight date.

Where do groups sleep?

Groups sleep on the floor in the Dolphin Gallery or Oceans. The Dolphin Gallery is the large room that leads into the dome, but no one is allowed to sleep in the dome. The Oceans building houses sharks, penguins, seals, sea lions, sea horses, eels, fish, and jellies. There are bathroom facilities inside the buildings, but there are no showers available. The Zoo reserves the right to change your sleeping area as necessary.

Zebra by Susan Lang.  Giraffe photo by Fred Cate. Coral photo by Kerrie Best.