Safari Park — Attraction in Karachi Division

Safari Park Karachi is one of the most popular recreational destinations in the city, offering a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor fun for visitors of all ages. Spread over a vast area in Gulistan-e-johar, it serves as a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Karachi’s busy life. The park’s main attraction is its wide-open safari area where visitors can see animals like lions, deer, zebras, and ostriches from a safe distance. Although the concept of a “drive-through safari” sounds exciting, the actual experience can vary depending on maintenance and animal visibility.

Apart from the wildlife section, Safari Park features large green lawns, walking and jogging tracks, boating facilities, and picnic spots that make it ideal for families. The cable car ride gives a beautiful panoramic view of the park and nearby areas, which is especially enjoyable for children. There are also food stalls and small cafeterias, although the quality and cleanliness can be inconsistent.

On weekends and holidays, the park gets quite crowded, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or on weekdays for a calmer experience. The entry fee is affordable, making it accessible to most people. However, one area that needs improvement is maintenance — better cleanliness, more shaded seating, and well-kept animal enclosures would greatly enhance the visitor experience.

Overall, Safari Park Karachi is a nostalgic and enjoyable place, perfect for a family outing, morning walk, or school picnic. It combines elements of nature, adventure, and relaxation in one spot. With a little more care and modernization, it has the potential to become one of the finest recreational parks in...

History

Karachi Safari Park was inaugurated in 1970 by Lieutenant General Atiq-ur-Rehman. It was an independent project of the then Karachi Municipal Corporation. The creation of an independent zoo, safari and aquarium department followed in 1995. Karachi Safari Park is now an independent wing of the Community Development Department of City District Government of Karachi and has been designated as a 'family park'.

AttractionsEdit

Swan lake: A natural lake is located inside the safari park featuring a pagoda style sitting place.[1]

Chairlift: The 10 minutes long chairlift ride was set up at a cost of US$ 2 million and was inaugurated by the Karachi City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal on March 8, 2006.

Go Aish: A private theme park featuring ropes course, paintball, quad biking, indoor climbing and a mini golf course.[2]

Elephant enclave: An enclave of about 65,000 square including a bathing space and resting area for the elephants has been constructed in the park for the joy of visitors and the elephants.[3]

Future projectsEdit

Aviary: In June 2012, administrator of KMC, Muhammad Hussain Syed, told The Nationthat the country's biggest aviary was being constructed speedily inside the safari park.[4]

Boating: In September 2012, it was announced that pedalo boating would be introduced in the lake.[5]

Camping site: A 300 acres of scouting land and camping area was also reported to be under development in October 2012.[6]

Museum: A 3000 yards expanse will be used by KMC to develop a unique museum for the endangered birds in Safari Park in accordance with the International Standards. This move will help raise awareness about the ongoing extinction alert for rare...

I recently visited the Safari Park, expecting an exciting and memorable experience. Unfortunately, our visit was a letdown, and the park failed to live up to its potential.

Lackluster Ambiance

Upon entering the park, we were immediately struck by the ordinary and unremarkable atmosphere. The park's layout and design lacked any distinctive features, making it feel like just another generic park. The landscaping was uninspired, and the overall aesthetic was dull and uninviting.

Poor Management

What was most disappointing, however, was the management's apparent lack of interest in supporting or promoting large groups or social activities. Despite our group's enthusiasm and eagerness to participate in park events, we were met with indifference and disorganization. The park's staff seemed unprepared and unwilling to accommodate our needs, leading to a frustrating and disappointing experience.

Missed Opportunities

With some imagination and investment, the Safari Park could be transformed into a truly unique and exciting destination. However, in its current state, it feels like a missed opportunity. The park's failure to support large groups and social activities is particularly puzzling, given the potential for revenue and community engagement.

Conclusion

Overall, visit to the Safari Park was a disappointment. While it may be suitable for small families or individuals looking for a quiet afternoon stroll, it fails to deliver as a destination for groups or those seeking an exciting and memorable experience. Until the management addresses its shortcomings and invests in improving the park's attractions and services, I would not recommend the Safari...