A Journey Among Africa’s Animals at Safari Ravenna

You don’t need to leave Italy to hear a lion’s roar or admire the long neck of a giraffe. Just head to Emilia-Romagna, to Safari Ravenna, only a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea.

Safari Ravenna boasts a 45-hectare wildlife reserve, where contact with animals is direct, surprising, and often close-up. The 4-kilometer safari route can be explored with your own car, by camper, aboard the educational train, or even with the electric cars available for rent inside the park.

Without any fences, you’ll meet lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, camels, and hippos. The animals live in large open spaces and are constantly cared for by expert keepers and veterinarians.

What makes the difference here is the approach: there’s no showmanship, only respect for animal welfare. Even the opening hours are designed around the animals’ natural rhythms — the ticket office closes at 3:00 p.m. and the park at 5:00 p.m., allowing the animals to enjoy the sunset in peace.

The Pedestrian Area – From the Baboon Island to the Educational Center

Once the drive-through safari is over, the adventure continues on foot. The pedestrian area features enclosed yet immersive habitats designed to ensure both the well-being of the animals and fun learning experiences for visitors.

Here, you can explore the Lemur Island, meet the adorable meerkats—maybe even a friendly one like Timon from The Lion King—and observe elegant siamangs while listening to the songs of gibbons swinging among branches and vines.

But the park’s true highlight is the Chimpanzee Oasis, one of the most advanced in Italy. Completed in 2015, it covers 1,500 m² outdoors and 300 m² indoors (not open to the public) and hosts specimens from European conservation programs (EEP). Among its residents are Ushi, Funny, Peggy, and the other members of the family — part of a genetic project to protect one of the most endangered subspecies: Pan troglodytes verus.

An Educational and Supportive Park

Safari Ravenna is also a center for environmental education. In its educational hubs — such as Aula Celli, the Reptile House, and the Aquarium — activities for schools and families aim to bring children closer to nature and respect for living beings.

Its management practices reflect strong ecological principles: water recovery and reuse, use of non-polluting materials, planting thousands of trees and shrubs, and the creation of enclosures that allow animals to hide from human view when they wish.

Prices, Accessibility, and Practical Info

• Full ticket: €26
• Reduced ticket (ages 3–10): €21
• Children under 3: free entry

The ticket includes access to both the Safari area and the pedestrian area, with educational shows and encounters included. The park is accessible to people with disabilities, both in the drive-through section (with private vehicles or the equipped train) and in most of the pedestrian area (except for observation towers).

Parking: €5 for cars, €7 for campers.

An Experience to Put on Your Agenda

Open even in rainy weather, Safari Ravenna offers one of Italy’s most engaging nature experiences.

You don’t need to cross the world to enjoy a safari — just come to Romagna, turn off your engine, open your eyes, and let yourself be amazed.