More than 100,000 visitors have visited the park since it opened last week.

After much anticipation, Dubai Safari opened its doors to the public last Wednesday, offering free entry to guests for the first two weeks.

However, after an overwhelming demand for tickets, which saw the wildlife park closing early most days after reaching the maximum capacity of 10,000 guests, Dubai Safari has announced it will start charging guests for entry from Thursday December 21.

Tickets can be bought separately for the African, Arabian and Asian villages or for the Open Safari village for Dhs20 for children and Dhs50 for adults. Or guests can purchase an all-access ticket to all four parks for the discounted rate of Dhs30 for children and Dhs85 for adults.

Children under three, adults over 60 and those with special needs (people of determination) will be granted free entry.

During its first year of operation, Dubai Safari expects to welcome more than two million guests through its doors.

The park, which is still awaiting the arrival of some animals, is currently home to 2000 animals of 250 different species from around the world.

It is also home to the world’s first drive-thru crocodile exhibit, the UAE’s largest aviary exhibit, and the UAE’s only drive-thru hippo and tiger exhibit.

While the Arabian Village and Open Safari Village are both experienced by bus, you’re welcome to wander around the African and Asian Village enclosures, which are home to chimpanzees, lions, lemur and flamingos.

The park is also going to have a zoo keeping course, and will be the first place in the UAE to offer it.

Dubai Safari, Al Warquaa 5 district, opposite The Farm, near Dragon Mart, daily 9am to 5pm during soft opening, 9am to 9pm from January, free during soft opening, from Dhs20 to Dhs85. dubaisafari.ae

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