By Janelle Vales-Yasay
Why go to Africa when a safari of your dreams is just one hour outside of Riyadh city? Take a walk, a ride rather, to the wild side at the Nofa Wildlife Park!
When we heard that Nofa Resort has opened their wildlife park to the public, we were probably the first ones to sign up first. We’ve been hearing about this place for quite some time. Riyadh’s winter has just began when we traveled to Tibrak, outside Riyadh center, for one hour. We were greeted by a well-maintained, well-coordinated resort and friendly staff when we arrived at the Nofa Wildlife Park.
We were so giddy when we rode their safari vehicles and began the tour of the huge desert to see animals we will not likely see as easily and conveniently. We shrieked with delight upon seeing giraffes, ostriches, zebras, cheetah, and so many other animals roaming, running, and grazing freely on the desert. It’s hard to imagine how these animals got in this part of the world but Nofa sure knows how to take care of them. By the way, you won’t be seeing lions, tigers, and elephants in this place so just manage your expectations. With the warm sun in our faces and the cool breeze all around us, we enjoyed this safari tour.
After that, we were taken to the Wildlife Visitors Center where we had close encounters with a variety of animals. We entered cages of birds, wallaby, rabbits, deers, and more. The highlight of the center would have to be the opportunity to touch and feed a cheetah (a cheetah!!!). We were scared at first but the guides were there all the time to give us instructions and tell us more detailed information about each animal we see and touch.
All in all, the tour of the whole Wildlife Park took two hours. The trip was super worth the one hour of travel and the SR 100 fee. It sure beats planning and going to Africa which will probably drain our travel budget. I mean, an African safari that will expose us to the untamed world of the famous wild game is not out of our plans. But for now, the Arabian safari we have here in Riyadh is our best bet in exploring the colorful diversity of animals and desert landscapes that mother nature has to offer.
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
- Access to Nofa is by confirmed reservation only. Reservations should be made by emailing safaris@nofaresort.com.
- Payment is SR 100 per person (exclusive of VAT) on cash basis only.
- No charge for infants below two years of age. Only family groups are allowed. No groups of single males allowed.
- Safari tours are done on Saturdays only. They have 8 tours per Saturday that starts at 8:30 AM and ends at 5:30 PM. Arrive 30 minutes before your reservation time.
- Food from outside is not allowed. They offer biscuits, coffee and tea at the lounge.
Nofa Wildlife Park
Exit 857,
New Mecca Highway,
Ar Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Website: https://www.nofaresorts.com/
