If the kids are already getting bored with the beach, something definitely worth considering is the Safari in Ramat Gan, a few minutes drive out of Tel Aviv.
This awesome world-class safari is spread over some 250 acres and is home to some 1600 animals – including, lions, tigers, and elephants! Yes, Africa in the heart of Israel!
The Safari is open all week, but we’d highly recommend avoiding the weekends or Jewish holidays, because it really will be packed.
There are actually two parts to this safari; the first is the actual safari part, where you drive round a windy circuit (bumper-to-bumper on the weekends and holidays unfortunately), taking in all kinds of animals who roam free.
Most impressive is just how close you actually get to some of the animals, as many are very human-friendly and will try and get up close and personal, especially if they see some food!
You also get the chance to go through the Jurassic Park-like gates into the lion section, where, if you’re lucky, you might just get to see fighting lionesses and new-born cubs peeking from behind trees.
The second part of the safari is actually a zoo, where the animals are enclosed. Here you’ll get to keep the kids entertained. Or maybe the kids will entertain the animals. One or the other. There are over 1600 species of animals here, including elephants, mighty giraffes and an impressive family of gorillas.
We highly recommend!
Opening Hours: The Safari is open throughout the week, from 09:00, but closes early on Fridays and holiday eves (typically 13:00, or 14:00 in the summer). During the winter months, last entrance is at 14:30 (the Safari closes at 16:30), while in the summer months, the Safari closes its gates at 17:00 (and actually closes at 19:00).
Prices: 2013 prices are currently 61 shekels per person, but there are discounts available for seniors, soldiers, students, and citizens of Tel Aviv or Ramat Gan.
For more information, including a full list of prices, call 03-6305328 or see the Safari website.