Safari Natura Viva — Attraction in Bussolengo

Second time visiting this zoo, and this visit wasn't impressive. After seeing the very long line for the safari, we decided to first go to the zoo. It turns out the safari closes at 16.30, two hours before the zoo, which we didn't know and didn't get to go. So check the opening times online before going. We weren't even greeted at the entrance, the lady that checked our tickets just said 'You can go in'. Most animals (understandably) hiding from the August heat. During our 6-hour walk we saw only several animals, the rest of the time was spent climbing up steep paths under the glaring sun amongst hundreds of other people. Long lines at refreshment points, they are understaffed. Playgrounds are right in the sun, no shade whatsoever. Some tables and benches near playgrounds have shade. At the Simba restaurant there is no description of dishes for the visitors, so after I asked for a portion of vegetables for my daughter, the server then proceeded to give me the same vegetables as a side dish for my chicken, although I wanted the chicken without any sides. He just shrugged and said it's 'standard'. Ok, in that case tell me, so that I don't end up with two portions of the same thing. We went to two bathrooms and both were dirty and out of toilet paper. The cherry on top was the gate that failed to work as we were leaving the parking. You have to use a QR code and pay online, then you use the code they send you in an email to exit. Why not just install a machine? Overall an experience I would not recommend during...

We spent a happy 5 hours here (allow at least 4 hours for the animal park alone) with our two children, aged 6 and 4. They loved the animals and there were good viewing areas for the enclosures. Sometimes I feel sad about the sizes of the cages, but didn't so much here.

It is quite hilly and VERY steep in places, so a real work out if pushing a buggy (I imagine it'd be really tough with a wheelchair). Flip flops weren't the best choice of shoe.

We wished we'd toured the safari first, as last entry is 1600, whereas the park is open until 1800. Our 6 year old was very anxious that we wouldn't get there in time; he therefore didn't want to spend too long looking at each enclosure in the park and rushed us a little, not even wanting to spend long in the play area.

Having been to Longleat (UK), we were a little disappointed by the safari section, as many of the animals weren't free to wander up to the car. However, the giraffes were and we loved seeing them up close.

Parking is €2 per car, payable when driving out of the car park.

I've given it 4* not 5, as my son was desperate to see the barn owl (!?), but when we got to it (very near the end), the door was locked and we couldn't...

First...you need to get there early or you will be stuck waiting in your car forever while the line inches forward. However, once you get through that you enter a drive-through safari, which is pretty cool. There are rinos and giraffes and water buffalo... Then you park and go into an area that is more like a typical zoo. People complain about the rolling hills making it more like a hike but we had no issues. If you bring a stroller just opt for one with bigger wheels and you will be fine. There were different species there than what i have seen at other zoos which was great. They had a petting zoo and areas to sit for snacks or to eat picnic food that you may have brought.

There is a dog area so people don't need to leave their dogs in the hot car, but you cannot take them around the park with you. The dog area has kennels to keep your pup safe as well as water bowls. Bathrooms weren't spectacular but they were actively cleaning them at each station we walked by.

This zoo was worth the trip. Many of the animals were social and right up by the glass... the only thing I wish was better was the wolves... they weren't where we could see them, but i can't blame the...