Where can you see Santa on Safari? West Midlands Safari Park!

When you think of Santa, the last thing that probably comes to mind is a safari. No, Father Christmas lives at the North Pole and wears a big furry red suit, hat, gloves and boots to keep out the chill. No need for sunglasses!

Well, right now, Santa IS on safari and can be found at West Midlands Safari Park. I know, because we tracked him down and saw him and if you're quick, you can too.

I've wanted to take Ethan to the safari park for a while as I knew he would be really interested to see so many different animals up close and both hubs and I enjoy this kind of day out too. We have gone to the West Midlands Safari Park fireworks for a few years now as they're just fantastic but we were keen to pop back for the full safari experience and going to see Santa was a perfect excuse. 

We made an appointment online, arrived in plenty of time and stopped off at the Discovery Trail cafe for a quick bite to eat plus a complimentary mulled wine / hot chocolate and mince pie (part of our ticket).

We then headed to see the penguins and were just in time for the sealion show - we really felt for the assistant who was doing her best not to slip into the pool in the cold conditions!

We then followed the signs to the North Pole at our allotted time and before we knew it, we were climbing on board a little ride that would take us by magic to our destination. We then had a grotto to walk around and enjoy and we were really impressed by how everything had been put together. It was the biggest grotto we have been to and we were really impressed.

The man himself was jolly and Ethan was very happy to see him. We posed for a family photo then were taken to pick a toy of Ethan's choosing. I do like this element that some grottos have as it means that your little one will get something that's age appropriate and that they want to play with. There was a good range and Ethan decided he needed another stuffed toy for his collection, becoming rather taken by a horse.

After leaving the North Pole, we walked back through the Discovery Trail, picking up a hot chocolate on the way, before getting in the car to drive around the four mile long safari.

Ethan was excited from the minute we set off and over the next hour and a half, we enjoyed touring around the various sections of the park, seeing all kinds of big cats (the white tigers are just beautiful) as well as rhinos, elephants, zebras, camels, deer, wild dogs... 

Even though hubs and I had been before, it's the kind of thing you want to go back and enjoy again and with a little one in tow, there's lots to see, do and learn.

We had a thoroughly lovely day out and we were impressed by the Santa experience which was enjoyable and great value for money when you take into account the grotto, Santa himself, the gift and the fact that you have a whole safari park to enjoy as part of your ticket. There's some special prices available online too, around £12.74 for children and £14.44 for adults, so take a look.

If you're still to see Santa and want to make a day of it, then I really think you'll love the Santa Safari. And if you have, why not go again? He's there until Christmas Eve. 

Here's some snaps from our family day out...