About this place
Badoca Safari Park is a wildlife park in Vila Nova de Santo André, in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém, in Portugal's Alentejo region. It covers roughly 90 hectares and opened in 1999. Around 600 animals from more than 80 species live here in conditions close to their natural habitat rather than in conventional enclosures.
Where does the name come from?
The park is named after Badoca, the first giraffe to arrive here in 1999. The collection has grown a great deal since then, and giraffes remain one of the park's emblems.
What animals can you see at Badoca Safari Park?
The animals are kept in a semi-free regime, so visitors watch them in large, open spaces, and the ecosystems look more convincing than in a traditional zoo. Residents include giraffes, zebras, buffalo, ostriches, emus, kangaroos, tigers, yaks, llamas, wild boar and deer, along with oryx, eland and wildebeest. Several species have adapted well to the Portuguese climate. Primates such as chimpanzees, baboons and mandrills live on separate islands.
What is the jeep safari like?
The main attraction is a ride in an off-road vehicle through wooded areas and open clearings. It lasts about 30 minutes, and guides explain each species' origins, habits and diet. It is a good chance to see giraffes, zebras and buffalo up close in a landscape reminiscent of the African savanna.
What else is there to do?
- birds of prey demonstrations,
- the Island of Madagascar, where lemurs can be met,
- a tropical forest and a reptile exhibit,
- a small farm with domestic animals, where children can interact with goats, ponies and donkeys,
- a children's play area,
- forest nature trails with observation decks.
Is it suitable for families with children?
Yes. It is one of the most frequently recommended family destinations in the region. The mix of the ride, shows, farm and playground can fill most of a day. A self-service restaurant and picnic areas mean you can eat without leaving the grounds.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Badoca Safari Park? In Vila Nova de Santo André, in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém, in the Alentejo region on Portugal's west coast.
How many animals live there? About 600 individuals from more than 80 species.
How long is the safari ride? About 30 minutes, with a guide's commentary.
Can you eat on site? Yes, there is a self-service restaurant and picnic areas.
When did the park open? In 1999, and it takes its name from its first giraffe, Badoca.
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