Rio Safari Elche

Toot toot, all aboard the Rio Safari Elche Train; well not exactly you have to drive there first but this wonderful venue, surrounded by Elche's famous palm groves is a huge hit with the young ones and makes for a great day out during a visit to Alicante. Located behind Santa Pola's large marina and about 20 minutes drive from Alicante, Rio Safari Elche is set in lush countryside with an abundance of local and exotic plants and trees best suited to the parks resident wildlife. In fact it's lovely to see that the animals welfare is taken very seriously and the professional team of staff are qualified in a wide variety of animal husbandry.

Rio Safari Elche
Source: Flickr / Antonio Martinez Sanchez

Rio Safari Elche Facilities

Pool & Play – Such are the excellent facilities at the park, it's quite easy to spend the entire day without getting bored, and many visitors return each year for a great day of fun in the sun. A focal point and lively social area of the park is the lovely swimming pool that has a thrilling water slide, kids pool and ample areas to sunbathe. The Fun Zone offers trampolines and a small go-kart track with mini cars, motorbikes and go-karts for all ages including adults. Visitors can wander around Rio Safari Elche at their leisure or take the Safari Train that is included in the ticket price and even enters some of the not so dangerous animal enclosures.

Time To Eat – Within the extensive grounds of Rio Safari Elche there are picnic areas for those who wish to bring their own food, which is a good idea if you have a large family and not often a facility offered in many theme or water parks where food can only be bought at their own extortionately priced cafés or restaurants! Alternately the park has an on-site café serving a variety of combo plates, hot dogs, burgers and sandwiches, and a self service restaurant with an extensive menu of both Mediterranean and international cuisine.

Rio Safari Elche Animals

The park houses a superb and colourful variety of resident animals, birds and reptiles from around the globe that, wherever possible are kept in a natural environment. These inventively named areas include Chimpanzee Island that has a large outdoor section complete with trees, swings, hammocks and a bridge leading to an indoor area where the chimps like to sleep. Tiger's Temple has a central grass area that is surrounded by a water moat, as these are the only cat species that actually like to swim. African Savannah is home to the park's two giraffe species, and Crocoland does not house crocs, but just as fearsome alligators. Enter if you dare the Reptile's Cave where visitors can view a variety of snakes, lizards and cute chameleons.

Rio Safari Elche Shows

Sea Lions – Between 13:30 and 18:00 visitors can enjoy one of the sea lion shows where these sweet creatures get up to all sorts of funny tricks and interact with their handlers while visitors learn about their habits and natural environment. There is also the wonderful chance of swimming with the sea lions between 12:00 and 16:15 at an extra charge.

Parrot Shows – Between 11:30 and 16:00 visitors can interact with the jokers of the bird kingdom while they show off their skills, dance and cavort; but no teaching them swear words!

Penelope Beach Club

Visitors who like to party hard during their Alicante holiday should not miss a day or night in the vibrant city of Benidorm where you will find the famous Penelope Beach Club. Benidorm is less than 40 minutes drive and can also be reached by regular local buses or tram.