The Fasano Zoo Safari — officially Zoosafari Fasano — is the largest drive-through safari park in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, located 65 kilometres south-east of Bari near the town of Fasano in the Brindisi province of Apulia. Established in 1973, the park extends across 140 hectares of Mediterranean scrubland and olive-grove country and holds over 1,800 animals representing more than 200 species from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The park divides into two distinct zones. The safari drive is a road circuit of approximately 10 kilometres through large paddocks holding lions, tigers, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, white rhinos, and hippopotami, which visitors drive through in their own vehicles at slow speed. Animals frequently approach vehicles: lion packs are typically encountered near the start of the circuit, and a designated giraffe feeding point allows giraffes to approach car windows directly. Young giraffes born in the park appear regularly near the road during spring and early summer. The second zone — the zoo on foot — extends over several kilometres of paved paths and includes a dolphinarium with scheduled shows, a reptile house, sea lion enclosures, a primate island, and aviaries of tropical birds. A complete visit to both sections requires a full day of 5–6 hours. The dolphinarium shows are the most popular scheduled attraction in the foot section. Online tickets at zoosafari.it are significantly cheaper than gate prices. The park caters primarily to Italian families and operates year-round, though the warmest months bring the longest opening hours and most scheduled shows. Picnic areas and café-restaurants are available within the park.
Good to know
- Hours
- 9:30–18:00 (Apr–Sep); 9:30–16:00 (Oct–Mar)
- Best time
- Weekdays in June or September to avoid Italian school groups
Location
Via dello Zoosafari, 72015 Fasano BR, Italy
40.8389, 17.3567 View on map
Highlights
- 10 km safari drive through large paddocks with free-roaming lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and white rhinos
- Giraffe feeding point on the safari circuit — giraffes approach car windows directly at designated stopping areas
- Dolphinarium with scheduled daily shows — the most popular attraction in the zoo's on-foot section
- 140-hectare park in Mediterranean scrubland: one of Europe's largest safari parks in a southern Italian setting
Tips for visiting
- Book online at zoosafari.it for a significant discount over gate prices — around €4 cheaper per adult ticket
- Arrive at opening (09:30) and complete the safari drive first — animal activity is highest in the cooler morning hours
- Keep windows closed in the lion and tiger paddocks — the park enforces this rule strictly for visitor safety
- A full 5–6 hours is needed to cover both the safari drive and the on-foot zoo section thoroughly
- Avoid weekends in July–August when Italian families fill the park; weekday mornings in June or September are the least crowded
When to visit
Weekday mornings in June or September for the fewest visitors and highest animal activity in the cooler morning hours. Avoid July–August weekends when the park reaches maximum capacity.
Accessibility
The safari drive is fully accessible by car. The zoo on-foot section has paved paths throughout and is largely wheelchair accessible. The dolphinarium has designated accessible seating. Some areas near natural terrain features involve unpaved ground.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is a car required for the Fasano Zoo Safari?
A personal vehicle is required for the safari drive section. Visitors without a car can join a park-operated safari vehicle — inquire at the gate. No public transport reaches the site.
Is the zoo suitable for young children?
Yes. The dolphinarium, sea lion shows, and petting areas in the foot section are designed with families and young children in mind. The safari drive is engaging for children of all ages.
Are the animals in cages or open habitats?
The safari section uses large fenced paddocks rather than cages, allowing social groups of lions, giraffes, and elephants to move across paddocks of several hectares. The zoo on foot uses more conventional enclosures for smaller animals.