Property
For reasons I can no longer remember, I resisted Safari West for a really long time. What a mistake. The safari tents (imported from Africa) are built on stilts with spacious decks overlooking either the giraffe enclosure or the catfish pond. They are fully equipped with private bathrooms, hot showers, and plush beds. All meals are onsite at the delightful Savannah Café. Do not fail to book a Jeep safari through 400 acres of game preserve. As you search the landscape for giraffes, ostriches, Watusi cattle, Cape buffalo, Kudu, Ibex, Impala, zebras, and warthogs, you’ll forget you’re not in the Serengeti. Plus, no malaria!

Location
Calistoga, California may not be Tanzania, but it does have the undeniable charm of being just 75 short miles north of San Francisco and a stone’s throw from wine country.

Sleeps
2-8.

Highlights
Waking to African birdsong while snuggling under your down comforter. Walking around the property when the animals are just waking up. Watching your kids frolic in the large grassy area adjacent to the cafe after dinner.

Good to know
The wildlife drives are 2 ½ to 3 hours long, and best suited to children over 3. You will see more giraffes on the morning drive than the late afternoon drive. Try to get the fascinating Gideon for your guide–he’s a natural entertainer and a bit of a celebrity (he composed the song at the beginning of the Lion King movie, and performs it on his tours).

Contact
www.safariwest.com