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Cheetahs, Giraffes and Zebras: A Safari in California With Your Grandchild

Program Number: 15605RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/24/2013 - 6/27/2013; 7/8/2013 - 7/11/2013; 7/22/2013 - 7/25/2013; 12/27/2013 - 12/30/2013;
Duration: 3 nights
Location: Santa Rosa, California
Price starting at: $699.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Intergenerational
Intergenerational 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 8; 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 7 - 11 years of age.

Transport yourself into exotic East Africa to experience the sights and sounds of the Serengeti as you gaze with your grandchild on some of nature’s most majestic animals. Led by a naturalist, observe giraffe, gazelle and scimitar-horned oryx from an authentic safari jeep. Trek through the inner grounds of the preserve to view lemurs, cheetahs and birds, and prepare a presentation on an animal assisted by on-site experts and study materials.




Highlights

• Enjoy a truly immersive African experience by staying overnight in tents imported from Africa with views of grazing giraffes.
• Get up close with a private presentation of mammals and reptiles of all shapes and sizes.
• Move to the rhythm and beat of African dance.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to one mile, some uneven terrain.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa - located 55 miles north of San Francisco - is the largest city in California's wine country. Nearby is the stunning California coastline and majestic redwood forest, while downtown Santa Rosa features historic Railroad Square, Old Courthouse Square and a bustling blend of art, culture and cuisine.
Accommodations
Luxury tent cabin on a high wooden platform with spacious deck. Ensuite bathroom with shower. One family per tent. Grandparents traveling together share a bed.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Nancy Lang
Peter and Nancy Lang own and live at Safari West, tending to a variety of exotic African mammals and birds native to continents around the world. Their expertise in exotic animals stems from unique backgrounds — Peter took over ``the last working cattle ranch in Beverly Hills'' from his father, while Nancy worked as a curator at the San Francisco Zoo for 20 years. With a Ph.D. in zoological biology, Nancy leads Safari West’s mission to promote education and conservation.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Safari West
  Santa Rosa, CA 3 nights
 Safari West
Type: Luxury Tented Camp
  Description: In the heart of California's wine country, in the field of wheat-colored grass, on the slopes of rolling green hills, among the trees and ranches and vineyards is where you will find the essence and spirit of Africa. Come through the gate and be transported into an exotic new world. Safari West is a nonsmoking facility. Smoking is permitted in only one location. This area is between the barbecue area in the outdoor patio and Delilah’s Café. If it is determined that you have been smoking outside this specific area, a charge of $300 will be added to your final total.
  Contact info: 3115 Porter Creek Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 USA
phone: 707-579-2551
web: www.safariwest.com
  Room amenities: At Safari West, there are no telephones or televisions in the tents to mar your tranquility. Tents are imported from Africa and are built on high wooden platforms with spacious decks where guests can take in the view of grazing giraffes. Pale-green canvas walls enclose plush beds, hot showers and rustic but elegant trappings. There are polished wood floors and one-of-a kind hand hewn furniture, crafted almost entirely on site from local wood. Tents have one king size bed, king size bed with double size bunk beds, or two double beds. Some rooms can accommodate futons for additional sleeping space. Tents are equipped with heaters and electric blankets.
  Facility amenities: The café and meeting room have wireless internet access. No computers are available.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: Call for current rate. Please contact Safari West at 707-579-2551 for reservation and let them know you are with the Road Scholar group. There is not a special rate for additional nights.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call for current rate. Please contact Safari West at 707-579-2551 for reservation and let them know you are with the Road Scholar group. There is not a special rate for additional nights.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00 PM tent check-in and program registration. You will be staying at Safari West that night.
  End of Program:
9:30 AM after morning wrap-up session. Tent checkout by 11:00 AM. You will be staying at Safari West the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Participant Background Information Form, Parental Consent Form (one per grandchild), Intergenerational Rules and Regulations and Safari West Safety Guidelines and Policies.
  Parking availability:
Parking is available near the front office. There are two accessible tents which have parking nearby. Safari West has vehicles to take each group and their luggage to the tent cabins. Upon check out, the vehicles can go get the luggage.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Santa Rosa, CA
  Nearest city or town:  Santa Rosa
  Nearest highway: 101
  Nearest airport:  Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS)
  From End of Program
  Location: Santa Rosa, CA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Santa Rosa (from SFO)

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Airport Express Bus
phone: 800-327-2024
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$34 adults, $32 seniors (62+), children under 12 are free (limit one free child per paying adult)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours 15 minutes 
   

This inter-airport shuttle provides transportation services for Sonoma County to and from the San Francisco Airport. Shuttles run every 1½ to 2 hours. For more information, visit www.airportexpressinc.com. You will need to take a taxi, or rent a car, from the Sonoma County Airport to Safari West (see taxi info for more details). Buses pick up passengers at the San Francisco Airport on the lower level (outside the baggage claim area) on the center island, at blue pillars.
 

Santa Rosa- Safari West (from OAK)

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Airport Express Bus
phone: 800-327-2024
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$34adults, $32 seniors (62+), children under 12 are free (limit one child per paying adult)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.5 hours 
   

Service Sonoma County to and from the Oakland Airport Shuttles run every 2 hours. For more information, visit www.airportexpressinc.com. You will need to take a taxi, or rent a car, from the Sonoma County Airport to Safari West (see taxi info for details). Buses pick up and disembark passengers at the Ground Transportation Center platform at the Oakland Airport marked "4D Scheduled Buses." The location is directly outside baggage claim across four lanes of traffic between the two terminals.
 

Santa Rosa- Safari West

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
   

The airport closest to Safari West is the Sonoma County Airport (STS) located in Santa Rosa. Rental cars are available. The cost of a taxi to Safari West from the Sonoma County airport is approximately $40 one way. If a taxi is not waiting at the airport, you can schedule All City Taxi at 707-566-9999, Central Cab at 707-542-9999 or Santa Rosa Taxi at 707-579-1212 or Yellow Cab at 707-544-4444.
 

Santa Rosa- Safari West

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
West Coast Shuttle
phone: 925-825-5055
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$140 to $160 for two people (depending on airport)
Prices are subject to change.
   

West Coast Shuttle offers direct shuttles to Safari West. The rate is $160 for 2 people one way from San Francisco or $140 for 2 people one way from Oakland. Each additional person is $10 each way. This is a private service- other people will not be picked up along the way.
 
Driving Directions
  Safari West (Santa Rosa, CA) from Oakland Airport (OAK) Start out going west on Airport Dr toward Alan Shepard Dr (0.2 mi). Turn right onto Alan Shepard Way (0.0 mi). Turn right onto John Glenn Dr. (0.5 mi). Turn right onto Ron Cowan Pkwy (0.3 mi). Turn slight right onto Airport Dr. (0.4 mi). Airport Dr becomes Airport Access Rd (0.3 mi). Turn right onto Hegenberger Rd. (0.8 mi). Merge onto I-880 N toward Downtown Oakland (6.4 mi). Keep right to take I-980 E toward CA-24/ Walnut Creek (1.5 mi). Merge onto I-580 W toward San Francisco (Portions toll) (19.4 mi). Merge onto US-101 N (42.0 mi). Take the exit toward River Rd / Guerneville (0.2 mi). Turn right onto Mark West Springs Rd. (5.4 mi). Mark West Springs Rd becomes Porter Creek Rd (1.4 mi). Approximately 80 miles, 1.5 hours.
  Safari West (Santa Rosa, CA) from Sacramento / West on I-80 Take U.S. 80 West to the HWY 12 Napa exit. Cross the valley and turn RIGHT on HWY 29 for Napa and Calistoga. At Rutherford, HWY 128 joins HWY 29. Remain on HWY 128, going past, not through, Calistoga, 1 mile. Turn LEFT on Petrified Forest Road, toward Santa Rosa. Go 4.5 miles. Turn RIGHT on Porter Creek Rd. Go 3 miles. At Franz Valley Road turn RIGHT directly into the Safari West entrance (do not take Franz Valley School Road).
  Safari West (Santa Rosa, CA) from San Francisco (North on HWY 101) Take the River Road exit. The approach to the exit is also marked Calistoga/Mark West Springs Rd. Exit freeway and turn RIGHT. You will be on Mark West Springs Road heading East toward Calistoga. Remain on this road for 7 miles. At Franz Valley Road, turn LEFT directly into the Safari West entrance.
  Safari West (Santa Rosa, CA) from San Francisco Airport (SFO) Start out going east on T-1 turnaround (0.0 mi). Go straight toward Hourly Parking (0.2 mi). Merge onto US-101 N toward San Francisco (1.1 mi). Merge onto I-380 W toward I-280/ San Bruno (1.9 mi). Merge onto I-280 N toward San Francisco (5.9 mi). Take CA-1 N toward 19th Ave / Golden Gate Bridge (1.1 mi). Merge onto CA-1 N. (6.4 mi). Merge onto US-101 N via the exit on the left toward Golden Gate Bridge (54.4 mi). Take the exit toward River Rd / Guerneville (0.2 mi). Turn right onto Mark West Springs Rd (5.4 mi). Mark West Springs Rd becomes Porter Creek Rd (1.4 mi). Approximately 80 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes.
  Safari West (Santa Rosa, CA) from Sonoma County Airport (STS) Take Ordinance Rd to Airport Blvd. Turn LEFT on Airport Blvd. Merge onto U.S. 101 South towards San Francisco. After one mile take the River Road exit towards Calistoga. The ramp is marked Calistoga/Mark West Springs Rd. Turn LEFT onto River Road. River Road becomes Mark West Springs Road and you will be heading East toward Calistoga. Remain on this road for 7 miles. At Franz Valley Road, turn LEFT directly into the Safari West entrance.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Orientation/Introductions/Marshmallow Roast
(Monday, June 24)
   
 Afternoon: Check-in and Road Scholar Registration
 Dinner: Buffet dinner in the Elephant Room.
 Evening: The staff at Safari West will give an orientation to the program site. Following this orientation, participants will introduce themselves and select an animal for their animal study project. During the jeep tour and Safari West staff animal observation time, participants will have a chance to ask questions about their animal choice. Books will also be available with time to research the animal provided. After the animal choices have been made, the group will enjoy a marshmallow roast.
   
Accommodations: Safari West
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Jeep Tour / Craft Activity and Scavenger Hunt
(Tuesday, June 25)
   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast to include bagels with cream cheese or jam, cereal or oatmeal, yogurt, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and fruit juice.
 Morning: Heed the call of the wild with an adventurous safari tour. Explore the entire 400 acres of Safari West in a three-hour adventure led by a highly experienced guide in an open-air, authentic safari vehicle. The experience includes a drive through the "Sonoma" African Bush where you will be at one with the wild, observing giraffe, gazelle, scimitar-horned oryx, ostrich and other species of African antelope all living together and sharing this exotic savannah setting. The habitat was designed to give the animals the ability to interact and roam about freely. Then it is on foot for a journey through the grounds of Safari West where you will spot a cheetah or two, giraffes sticking their necks out for you, the primates on lemur island going ape, resplendent birds soaring over in the amazing open-air aviary, as well as an abundance of other animals.
 Lunch: Deli sandwiches
 Afternoon: Grandchildren will spend the afternoon making a craft project with their grandparents. Later in the afternoon, set off on a scavenger hunt as you learn fun things about the compound. Then enjoy a afternoon movie, if time allows.
 Dinner: Buffet dinner in the Elephant room.
 Evening: Game night! Play some board and card games with your new friends.
   
Accommodations: Safari West
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Animal Observation and Presentations/African Wildlife Movie / Dance Your Heart Out!
(Wednesday, June 26)
   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast to include bagels with cream cheese or jam, cereal or oatmeal, yogurt, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and fruit juice.
 Morning: The staff at Safari West will do a special animal presentation. Each grandparent / grandchild team will then spend time learning about and observing an animal at the preserve.
 Lunch: Deli sandwiches.
 Afternoon: Following lunch, each grandparent / grandchild team will give a presentation on the animal that they studied during their morning observations. The staff from the bird sanctuary area will provide some input on how the birds are kept happy with appropriate food and habitat. Then gather around for a wildlife movie.
 Dinner: Buffet dinner in the Elephant Room.
 Evening: This African dance lesson will get you out of your seat and moving.
   
Accommodations: Safari West
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Program Wrap Up and Farewell
(Thursday, June 27)
   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast to include bagels with cream cheese or jam, cereal or oatmeal, yogurt, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and fruit juice.
 Morning: Program wrap up.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Santa Rosa, CA Charles M Schulz Museum
"Peanuts" devotees won't be disappointed in the museum that memorializes the work of cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, who made Santa Rosa his adopted hometown. The museum features an early mural of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, a wood relief sculpture of Snoopy showing the changes in the famed cartoon dog's appearance over the years and Schulz's actual work studio. For additional information, visit www.schulzmuseum.org
  The Petrified Forest
Step back in Time, over 3 million years, and follow the trail of majestic petrified redwood giants arrayed before you in a fascinating grove in beautiful California wine country. For additional information, visit www.petrifiedforest.org
  Sonoma County Museum
The Sonoma County Museum is in the old Post Office. It is worth visiting for the building itself, which is gorgeous inside and out (and, for those familiar with Turkey, kind of resembles some neo-Ottoman architecture seen from the late empire and early Republic). Designed in 1908 by James Knox Taylor and completed in 1910, it is one of the oldest Federal buildings in the state and one of the area's most significant landmarks. Part history museum and part art museum, it also has interesting exhibits on the history of the area and art. For additional information, visit www.sonomacountymuseum.org
  Armstrong Redwoods State Park
Armstrong Redwoods preserves 805 acres of the stately and magnificent Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as the coast redwood. These trees stand together as a testament to the wonders of the natural world. The Grove offers solace from the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering the onlooker great inspiration and a place for quiet reflection. The reserve includes a visitor center, large outdoor amphitheater, self-guided nature trails, and a variety of picnic facilities. While you can drive into the park, the best way to experience the dramatic affect of the towering redwoods, is to park in the lot at the park entrance and walk in for free. All of the park features are a short easy stroll along level trails that are disability accessible. For additional information, visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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