My family — Maybel, May Carl, and I — at Cebu Safari and Adventure Park in Carmen, Cebu. The largest safari and zoological park in the Philippines, covering 170 hectares in the mountains of northern Cebu.
Entrance fee: PHP 800 (~USD 14) / Klook from USD 19.29 · Hours: 8 AM–5 PM daily, last admission 1:30 PM · Location: Carmen, Cebu (1.5–2 hrs from Cebu City) · Size: 170 hectares, 1,000+ animals, 120+ species · Best for: families with children, wildlife lovers, full-day adventure · Visit duration: 3–6 hours
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is the largest safari and zoological park in the Philippines — bigger than Zoobic Safari in Subic and Clark Safari — sitting atop the scenic mountains of Carmen in northern Cebu. For families with children visiting Cebu, it is one of the most rewarding full-day experiences on the island: white lions, Bengal tigers, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, orangutans, and a spectacular bird show, all set against mountain views that feel nothing like the beach Cebu it is best known for.
The park is about 1.5–2 hours from Cebu City, which means you need to plan your day around it properly — especially with the strict 1:30 PM last admission cut-off. Miss that window and you will not get in.
Cebu Safari Ticket Prices 2026
| Ticket type | Walk-in price | Klook online |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (3 ft+ tall) | PHP 800 (~USD 14) | From USD 19.29 ✅ |
| Child (under 3 ft) | Reduced rate at counter | Check Klook |
| Senior / PWD | 20% discount at counter with valid ID | Walk-in only |
| Private transfer (round-trip) | Arrange separately | USD 77.15 on Klook ✅ |
What’s included with regular admission: tram tour through the African Savannah, bird show, all standard animal enclosures and exhibits (white lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, meerkats, and more), Michel’s Garden botanical area, and access to the main park. Adventure rides (ATV, Zip Coaster, Sky Bike, Giant Swing) are not included and priced separately at the activity counters inside.
*Affiliate link — USD 19.29. Skip-the-queue entry, instant e-ticket. Largest wildlife park in the Philippines.
*Affiliate link — USD 77.15. Private A/C car, round-trip from your hotel. No public transport logistics to manage — best for families with kids.
Opening Hours & Last Admission — The #1 Thing to Know
Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is open Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including public holidays.
How to Get to Cebu Safari and Adventure Park
Cebu Safari is in Barangay Corte, Carmen, Cebu — from the main Carmen highway, it is another 8 km uphill on a well-maintained road into the mountains. The final stretch from the highway to the park gate takes about 15–20 minutes.
The road up to Cebu Safari — a scenic 8 km drive from the Carmen highway through lush mountain greenery. Well-maintained but all uphill, which is why a private car or transfer is strongly recommended over public transport especially with kids.
| From | Method | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cebu City hotel | Private car (Klook transfer) | ~1.5–2 hrs | USD 77.15 round-trip |
| Mactan Island resort | Private car (Klook transfer) | ~2–2.5 hrs | USD 77.15 round-trip |
| Cebu City hotel | Grab / private taxi (one-way) | ~1.5–2 hrs | PHP 600–900 one-way |
| Cebu North Bus Terminal | Bus to Carmen + van | ~2 hrs total | ~PHP 150–200 total |
🚌 Public transport step-by-step
- Go to Cebu North Bus Terminal (near SM City North)
- Take any bus heading to Carmen — tell the conductor your destination is Carmen Plaza
- At Carmen Plaza, take a van for hire (PHP 100/person) for the 8 km uphill drive to the park gate
- Note: the van leaves when it fills up — if you’re in a hurry, you may need to pay for multiple seats or negotiate a fixed fare
*Affiliate link — USD 77.15. Round-trip private A/C car. Pickup from Cebu City or Mactan hotel. Best for families.
*Affiliate link — USD 40.29. USD 40.29. Full-day private A/C car with driver — flexible alternative if you want to combine Cebu Safari with other north Cebu stops on the same day.
Animals & Exhibits at Cebu Safari
Cebu Safari houses over 1,000 animals from more than 120 species across 170 hectares — the largest private collection in the Philippines. Unlike a traditional zoo with small enclosures, much of the park is designed to mimic natural habitats, especially the African Savannah zone where you observe from a tram.
The white lions — Cebu Safari’s most famous residents. The white lion enclosure has a small additional fee (PHP 100) but is worth every peso, especially for kids who’ve never seen one up close.
🚃 African Savannah Tram Tour
The tram tour is the heart of the Cebu Safari experience — a guided ride through the large open-air African Savannah where giraffes, zebras, and other large animals roam freely across expansive naturalistic landscapes. An expert guide narrates throughout the tour. The tram is also the most practical option for families with very young children or grandparents who cannot walk long distances.
The African Savannah tram tour — the best way to see the large animals without the long walk, and a lifesaver with May Carl on the day we visited. Runs Wednesday to Sunday, 10 AM–3:30 PM.
Show Schedules — Plan Your Day Around These
- 🐯 White Bengal Tiger viewing: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (daily)
- 🐯 Orange Bengal Tiger viewing: Check at gate (different schedule from white tiger)
- 🚃 African Savannah Tram: Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- 🦜 Bird Show (Weekdays Wed–Sat): 1:45 PM
- 🦜 Bird Show (Sunday): 10:45 AM & 1:45 PM (two shows)
Bengal tiger at Cebu Safari — white tigers are viewable 8–10 AM and 12–3 PM; orange tigers have a separate schedule. Check the viewing board at the gate on arrival to plan your route.
The bird show at Cebu Safari’s outdoor amphitheater — eagles, macaws, and owls in a dazzling live performance. Runs at 1:45 PM weekdays and 10:45 AM + 1:45 PM on Sundays. May Carl’s absolute favorite part of the whole day.
Adventure Rides — Extra Cost, Worth It for Older Kids & Adults
Beyond the wildlife exhibits, Cebu Safari has a dedicated adventure zone with rides that are priced separately at the activity counters inside the park. These are best suited for children over 8 and adults, and make the visit a genuinely full day of activity rather than just an animal park.
- ATV Ride — all-terrain vehicle on rugged mountain trails. The most popular add-on for teens and adults.
- Sky Bike — pedal across a suspended high cable with sweeping mountain and savannah views below.
- Giant Swing — a classic swinging ride high above the ground, great for adrenaline seekers.
- Zip Coaster — gravity-powered ride that glides and twists through the mountain air.
- Spider Web — a suspended climbing net for balance and coordination — accessible for most kids.
- Cave Exploration — a guided walk through a natural cave system inside the park grounds.
The ATV ride — the most popular adventure add-on at Cebu Safari for teens and adults. Priced separately from the entrance fee; budget PHP 300–500 per person depending on the trail difficulty chosen.
Food & Dining at Cebu Safari
There is a full restaurant inside the park. Multiple visitors note the food is more expensive than Cebu City — budget approximately PHP 400–600 per person for lunch. The breakfast offering is positively reviewed. Snack stations and drink stands are available throughout the park.
Family Tips — Visiting Cebu Safari with Young Children
A family moment at the giraffe enclosure — seeing a giraffe up close is one of those experiences kids genuinely never forget. May Carl still talks about it.
Cebu Safari is genuinely one of the best family attractions in the Philippines, but a little preparation makes the difference between a great day and an exhausting one with young kids.
- Arrive before 9 AM — the earlier you arrive, the cooler the temperature (Carmen is elevated — mornings are notably cooler than the coast), and you’ll catch the White Tiger viewing window.
- Use the tram for tired toddlers — the tram tour means even very young children or grandparents can see the big African Savannah animals without needing to walk the full distance.
- Check your child’s height — children over 3 feet must pay the adult PHP 800 rate. Save yourself a ticket counter surprise.
- Pack for weather changes — Carmen is in the mountains. It can be sunny at the coast and raining at the park within minutes. Bring a rain jacket for every family member and a small umbrella.
- Tigers have split schedules — white tigers in the morning (8–10 AM), orange tigers at midday. If seeing both is a priority, note the viewing windows and plan your route accordingly.
- A staff member takes your photo at the entrance — you can purchase a printed copy when you exit (PHP 250). Decide in advance whether this is worth it for your family, since it can add up for a group.
- No pets, no smoking — strictly enforced. Violators are asked to leave.
🎡 More family activities to pair with your Safari day
Cebu Safari is a full-day trip north of Cebu City, so it works best as a dedicated day. But if you’re planning a multi-day family itinerary and want indoor or low-energy activities for the day before or after the safari, these are the best family-friendly options in Cebu City — all bookable on Klook:
*Affiliate link — USD 13.05. USD 13.05. Indoor theme park + snow world — perfect for younger children the day before or after the safari. Short drive from central Cebu City.
*Affiliate link — USD 32.65. USD 32.65. Popular Korean kids character theme park with rides, play zones, and shows — best for ages 2–10. A great rest-day activity.
*Affiliate link — USD 5.49. USD 5.49. Budget family activity inside SM Seaside City — right next to Cebu Ocean Park. Easy half-day addition when you’re already in that area.
What to Bring to Cebu Safari
- ✅ Comfortable walking shoes — expect 3–4 hours on uneven mountain terrain
- ✅ Rain jacket / light poncho — mountain weather is unpredictable year-round
- ✅ Sun protection — hat, sunscreen, sunglasses for open-air sections
- ✅ Water and light snacks — stay hydrated especially with children; food inside is pricey
- ✅ Camera or smartphone with a good zoom — animals are in large enclosures so a zoom lens or portrait mode is useful
- ✅ Extra cash — PHP 1,000–2,000 budget per adult covers food, adventure rides, and optional extras
- ✅ Downloaded Cebu Safari map — familiarize yourself with the zones before arriving so you can plan your route efficiently
- ❌ No flash photography inside enclosures
- ❌ No pets (unless certified service animals with valid ID)
- ❌ No smoking anywhere inside the park
What to Combine Cebu Safari With
Since Cebu Safari takes a full day and is 2 hours north of Cebu City, it is best treated as a standalone day trip rather than combined with other south Cebu activities. However, if you’re staying in Cebu for several days, here are natural pairings:
- The day after Oslob — split your north/south Cebu days: Oslob whale sharks + Kawasan Falls one day, Cebu Safari the next
- North Cebu extension — Carmen (where the safari is) is on the way to Bantayan Island. If you’re heading to Bantayan for a beach stay, a safari day on the way makes sense
- Combined family trip with Cebu Ocean Park — Ocean Park is a half-day activity near Cebu City; Cebu Safari is a full-day trip. Do Ocean Park on Day 1 and Safari on Day 2 for a family wildlife weekend
🐬 Bohol day trip — most popular add-on from Cebu
The day after Cebu Safari is the perfect time for a Bohol day trip — you’ve done the north Cebu adventure, now hop on the 2-hour OceanJet ferry from Cebu Pier 1 for the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, and Loboc River Cruise. Three price points available on Klook:
*Affiliate link — USD 92.75. USD 92.75. Private tour with ferry tickets included. Chocolate Hills + Tarsier Sanctuary + Loboc River Cruise. Best for families who want their own guide.
*Affiliate link — USD 36.95. USD 36.95. Shared/group Bohol day tour. All major highlights covered. Good value option.
*Affiliate link — USD 24.85. USD 24.85. Budget Bohol day tour — best value option with all highlights included.
🏙️ Cebu City exploration — pair it with the drive back
Carmen is north of Cebu City, so you pass through the city on your way back. A private Cebu City tour or the Twin City package pairs perfectly with a morning Safari visit for guests who want to see historical sites in the afternoon.
*Affiliate link — USD 22.29. USD 22.29. Covers Cebu City historical sites + Mactan Island in one private tour. Book for the day after the safari.
📦 Multi-day packages that include the safari area
*Affiliate link — USD 153.49. USD 153.49. 3-day managed tour — Cebu City, whale sharks, and north Cebu highlights. Best for first-time visitors who want everything arranged without the logistics.
*Affiliate link — USD 188.55. USD 188.55. 4-day tour covering Cebu City, Bantayan Island, and north Cebu — passes right through Carmen where the safari is.
🦈 Cebu Ocean Park — 2-day family wildlife weekend
*Affiliate link — USD 12.29. Day 1: Cebu Ocean Park (half-day, marine wildlife). Day 2: Cebu Safari (full day, land wildlife). Best 2-day family nature itinerary in Cebu.
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Born in Cebu City, I write practical, family-tested travel guides for international visitors at Best Philippines Travel Guide. Every attraction on this site I’ve either visited personally with my wife Maybel and daughter May Carl, or researched to a standard I’d trust for our own family trips.