Traveling in Mexico is not just about history and colonial cities – it can also be about nature and wildlife. For families, especially those with kids, Africam Safari near Puebla offers a unique one-day experience combining education, fun, and close encounters with animals.

Africam Safari is one of Mexico’s most famous wildlife parks, opened in 1972 by Captain Carlos Camacho Espíritu. His dream was to create a space where animals could live in semi-freedom, giving visitors a true safari experience without leaving the country.

The park quickly became a landmark for Puebla and beyond. Today, Africam Safari hosts over 5,000 animals from 450 species. Lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras roam in large open areas, creating the feeling of being on an African safari in the heart of Mexico.

For families with children, this destination is both entertaining and educational. Kids can see animals up close, learn about conservation, and understand the importance of protecting endangered species. It’s a trip that mixes fun with meaningful learning.

How to get to Africam Safari from Puebla

Africam Safari is located just 16 kilometers southeast of Puebla, making it a very easy and highly enjoyable one-day trip for families, nature lovers, or anyone seeking a fun and memorable escape from the bustling city into beautiful, natural surroundings.

Most visitors choose to rent a car or drive their own, since the safari experience is carefully designed to be enjoyed directly from your own car. Roads are well-marked, easy to follow, and secure parking is conveniently available at the main entrance for all guests.

Guided tours and private transfers from Puebla can also be booked.

Public transportation is limited, but some buses and taxis can get you close to the park. However, driving yourself or booking a private transfer ensures more comfort, flexibility, and safety, especially when traveling with children or a larger family group.

Leaving Puebla in the morning is ideal, giving you a full day to explore the park at your own pace. This way you can take your time, enjoy the safari without rushing, and still return to Puebla in the evening to relax and have dinner in its beautiful colonial center.

What to see and do inside the park

The safari route is the highlight of the visit. Visitors drive through large enclosures where animals roam freely. Each zone is designed to resemble the animals’ natural habitat, from African savannas to Asian jungles, making the experience immersive and realistic.

Along the route, you’ll see elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and even rare white tigers. Families can stop to admire the animals from a safe distance, giving children unforgettable and magical memories of seeing wildlife so close without cages or bars.

Besides the drive-through safari, Africam Safari also has walking areas with aviaries, reptile houses, and small interactive educational exhibits. These zones are perfect for kids who want to stretch their legs and explore freely at their own rhythm.

The park also features themed sections highlighting species from Mexico, such as jaguars, monkeys, and exotic birds. This balance between international and local wildlife makes Africam Safari both global and uniquely Mexican at the same time.

Family-friendly experiences

Africam Safari is thoughtfully designed with families in mind. Rest areas, playgrounds, and picnic spots are conveniently scattered throughout the park. Parents can relax while kids play, explore safely, or enjoy snacks, making the visit comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.

Interactive activities like feeding giraffes, parrots, or other friendly animals give children unique, hands-on experiences. These encounters are carefully supervised to ensure safety while allowing kids to connect more personally and meaningfully with the animals.

Educational talks and presentations are held daily, explaining animal behavior, conservation projects, and the critical importance of biodiversity for ecosystems. Such engaging activities transform the trip into a living classroom experience for both kids and adults alike.

Photography is also a major part of the experience. Wide open landscapes, colorful tropical birds, and majestic wild animals provide countless opportunities for memorable family pictures. Don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone with plenty of storage.

How much time to spend at Africam Safari

To fully enjoy Africam Safari, plan to spend at least five to six hours exploring all areas. The safari drive alone takes around two hours, depending on your pace and stops. Adding walking areas, shows, and meal breaks easily fills an entire fun and educational day.

Families often choose to spend most of the day here, arriving mid-morning and leaving in the late afternoon. This schedule gives children time to enjoy everything without feeling rushed and ensures a balanced mix of exploration, learning, and relaxation throughout the visit.

Bringing plenty of water, hats, and sunscreen is highly recommended, as Puebla’s sun can be strong during the day. Comfortable walking shoes are also useful if you plan to explore the trails, interactive exhibits, and walking areas outside of your vehicle.

By mid-afternoon, you can take a final leisurely drive around the safari route before heading back to Puebla. The return trip is short and easy, leaving ample time to enjoy the city’s colonial streets, cultural highlights, and famous local cuisine for a delicious evening dinner.

Why Africam Safari is a must for travelers

Africam Safari is not just a zoo—it’s a conservation project and an immersive adventure for visitors. The park participates in international breeding programs and helps protect endangered species, making every visit meaningful and part of a larger global effort.

For tourists visiting Puebla, this day trip is an ideal break from museums and historic churches. It offers a different side of Mexico—one filled with wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and a family-friendly environment that appeals to travelers of all ages.

Travelers with children will find Africam Safari especially rewarding. The excitement of seeing wild animals up close, combined with fun learning experiences and interactive activities, ensures kids remain engaged and entertained throughout the entire day.

Even for adults without children, the safari is fascinating and educational. Nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and travelers seeking something beyond traditional sightseeing will discover that Africam Safari is a truly remarkable and memorable highlight near Puebla.

Closing thoughts

Day trips like this remind us that Mexico is full of beautiful surprises beyond its major cities. From Puebla’s colonial architecture to the wild landscapes and immersive experiences of Africam Safari, the combination creates a diverse and deeply enriching travel adventure.

Returning to Puebla after a full day spent exploring the safari park is equally satisfying. You can relax with traditional dishes like mole poblano, stroll around the lively Zócalo, and reflect on the unforgettable wildlife adventure before resting for your next exciting journey.

Africam Safari shows why Puebla is not only a cultural and historic capital but also a gateway to family-friendly outdoor adventures. Whether traveling with children or without, a visit to this unique park adds lasting and unforgettable memories to your Mexican travels.