Into the Wild: Exploring Cebu Safari’s Exotic Animal Haven - Part 1

August has been the busiest and fastest month so far, slipping away like a moment in time. @ybanezkim26 invited me to join him on his birthday celebration with the kids at Cebu Safari and Adventure Park in Carmen, Cebu. I’m sure you’ve read his posts about this if you follow him. It was a generous gesture on his part, and I knew it would be a fulfilling experience, so I gladly accepted. As a kid at heart, I low-key wanted to go to the safari myself, as I've never been. 😅

Unfortunately, just three days before, I had returned from an international trip and was dealing with post-travel sickness. So, I wasn't sure if I would be able to go, which was quite disheartening. I was still unsure the night before, but I set my alarm for 5 a.m. and told myself that if I felt like getting up, it would be a sign from God. Fortunately, I found the motivation and felt much better, so I decided to go. It turned out to be the right decision.

Kim and I departed for Catmon around 6:15 a.m. to pick up the kids. We arrived early but decided to have breakfast first since the kids were still on their way from Amancion. We were joined by Kim’s two other friends, @intoy.bugoy and @indayclara, whom I was meeting for the first time. It was a pleasure to meet you, fellow Hivers.

Cheers to new friends 🤗

When the kids arrived, the teachers told us that some had vomited. They lived far from the city and weren't accustomed to traveling. I didn't expect the Safari to be far, but it still took about 30 minutes from the highway. Some of the kids vomited again, but after some time, they were ready to start their safari adventure. But first, picture-taking. 📷

We bought our tickets, attended a quick orientation, and received our copy of the Cebu Safari map. Let the adventure begin! 🤠

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BASE CAMP and AVIARY DOME

A tram took us to our very first destination, the Base Camp. Here, we were to wait for another tram to take us to the White Lion Safari.

Base Camp is one of their restaurants, serving Filipino combo meals. We decided to have lunch here because they serve fried chicken, which we thought the kids would love, so we pre-ordered our food. From this area, you can also see kangaroos and wallabies.

Base Camp is also next to the Aviary Dome. Since we were already there, we decided to visit the Dome first. They have various interesting bird species here, including the chattering lory, eclectic parrot, black-capped lory, rainbow lorikeet, brown cuckoo-dove, coleto mynah, and eclectus parrot.

My favorite was the Victoria crowned pigeon, which got her name in honor of Queen Victoria. She looks so regal with her flashy blue crown of intricate lace-like patterns.

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WHITE LION SAFARI

After this, we took another tram ride to the White Lion Safari. We rode on an enclosed safari truck while exploring the white lion’s habitat. There were three male white lions, but they all seemed tired and were just lying down. They weren't even facing us, so all we could see were their backs. It was a disappointingly short ride as well.

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DROMEDARY CAMELS

Our next stop was to see the Dromedary Camels. I could see the kids' amazement. Some of them wanted to touch the camels and take pictures with them.

The camels were really smelly, though, but I also wanted to get an up-close picture. The camel even tried to eat my Crocs! 😂

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BIRDS OF THE WORLD

Just across from the camels was the Birds of the World exhibit, so off we went to see more bird species.

Upon entering, we were asked to remove our jewelry, if any, because the birds are attracted to shiny things and might take them. We were also advised not to open our mouths since the birds might decide to poop anytime. 🤣

The bird can't get enough of the birthday celebrant!

We passed through this fish pond after exiting Birds of the World.

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AFRICAN SAVANNA

The next stop was the African Savanna. 🦓

We experienced an African Safari ride to see impalas, wildebeests, blesboks, elands, waterbucks, gemsboks, greater kudus, East African crowned cranes, and zebras. We rode a tram while a staff narrated some interesting facts. Overall, it was a fun experience, albeit short. I wished there were more animals, but it was alright for my first African Safari tram ride.

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CROCODILES

A few steps from the African Savanna were the Crocodiles. I was amazed at how many there were. These saltwater crocodiles seemed so chill, but I knew better. They are one of the most terrifying animals of all time.

We also saw the box turtles. The otters were in the same area, but no luck in seeing one.

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LUNCH TIME!

It was already noon, so we returned to Base Camp to eat lunch and planned to continue the tour later. Fortunately, we pre-ordered because our food was ready when we arrived.

It was heartwarming to see the kids enjoy their fried chicken. It may seem simple to me, but for some of them, it might have been their first time trying it. The kid next to me, Joshua, only ate one piece of his 2-piece fried chicken, and when @indayclara jokingly asked if she could have the other one, he shyly turned away. Some of them were probably saving it to take home or share with their families. This simple moment warmed my heart and reminded me of how fortunate I am and to be grateful for even the little things. These kids deserve so much more. 🥺

And that’s all for the first part of my Cebu Safari experience, filled with amazing animal encounters and heartwarming moments with the kids.

But, the adventure doesn't end here! So, be sure to check out the continuation of my thrilling safari experience, where I dive deeper into the world of exotic animals and entertaining shows. Until then, thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more wild encounters and unforgettable moments!

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Karenina