QTRAVEL – Feeding carrots to giraffes and zebras in Costa Rica? Don’t be ridiculous. They don’t live in this part of the world.
But wait. Now they do, thanks to the efforts of entrepreneur David Patay and his new Africa Safari Adventure Park. Visitors to Guanacaste Province can now say, “Call me Bwana.”
Unlike a zoo where wild animals are caged, this is an expansive natural setting. Call it a ranch, covering 283 hectacres (700 acres). The landscape evokes visions of the Serengeti. At Patay’s creation, everyone can enjoy exotic animals, hiking trails, waterfalls and other activities that blend with nature.
Forget promotional brochures or websites with a boldface footnote that reads: “Wildlife sightings, while common, cannot be guaranteed.” Here they are waiting to meet. Plus every visitor who wants to feed zebras, giraffes and camels receives a supply of carrots.
“What impresses me is how close you can get to the animals,” says Cassio Carvalho, shore excursions manager with Princess Cruises. “Guatemala has a drive-through animal park, but you have to stay inside the bus and look out the window. This Africa safari is the real thing.”
A tractor drawn, open-sided wagon painted in zebra stripes is your transportation. There are padded bench seats and a PA system. As you journey, the guide opens the gates to each section of the ranch. Stay seated. The animals come to you. Get as close as you like. There are no predators. Your safari features these animals:
Iberian Montesa goat (This species is polygamous).
Emu (The second largest living bird and unable to fly).
Peacock (The male’s great fan-shaped tail is used to court and show).
Gnu White Beard (Newborns instantly stand up and start running for 3-7 minutes).
White Tail Deer (Their jumps are 3 times the size of its body).
Bongo (They are very suspicious and flee before a threat).
Oryx Cape (They have the ability to radiate heat instead of absorbing it).
Nilga (It’s a very fast antelope that lives in the forests of India and is considered sacred because it looks like the cow).
Giraffe Reticulated (They will eat right out of your hand).
Zebra Grant (Like a fingerprint, each of them has different stripes).
Dromedario Arabigo (They can drink up to 150 liters of water in a short time. What’s the difference between a one hump camel and a two hump camel? Answer: One hump).
Ostrich Blue Collar (For animals with two feet, this is the world’s fastest. And they don’t put their heads in the sand).
Meet them all, feed them and take pictures. It’s a family experience; for adults who want to learn more about nature and for children to realize these animals exist beyond cartoons. If only they could talk.
The Africa Safari Adventure Park is located a short distance south of the town of Liberia, on the Interamericana or Ruta 1, some 30 minutes from the Liberia airport (LIR) or approximately three hours from San Jose.
For more information visit www.africasafaricostarica.com
This is article NOT paid advertising. The Q has not received any compensation, in any form, for the publication of this article. The article was originally published at the Examiner.com, edited (and corrected) by the Q.
