Do you wish you could visit Africa? Here is a way to get the feel of Africa right here in Salinas, California. It is called the Vision Quest Ranch Safari Bed and Breakfast and Monterey Zoo in Salinas, California
The Ranch
This place is so cool! I’ve visited it four times since 2017. It is a five-hour drive from where I live, so I visit it whenever I’m in the Pacific Grove/Monterey area (which is fairl7 often.) From there, the Vision Quest Ranch Bed and Breakfast is just 40 minutes inland. A true delightful distraction!
Here is a description of the Bed and Breakfast from their website:
Listen to the lions and tigers roaring only yards from your canvas walled hotel suite. Each African tent-style bungalow is creatively decorated and equipped with comfortable furniture and complete bathroom facilities. They’re basically “chic” canvas walled hotel suites with most of the comforts found in hotels today. Wake up to a continental breakfast with an opportunity to meet and greet one of the many “Wild Things” of Monterey Zoo. In the afternoons, guests will enjoy visiting with the facility trainers on their evening walks with a zoo ambassador animal.
https://www.visionquestranch.com/html/b-b.html
Here are 12 reasons why this is a delightful distraction for me
1) Taste of being in Africa without going there.
Seriously. It is a wonderful representation of what it would be like to be glamping on a safari in Africa.
2) The canvas cabin bungalows
There are only eight bungalows on this expanse of tall grassy land that define glamping at its best. The decor is entirely “African.” The fabric walls shiver in the late afternoon winds; therefore, the interior can get pretty cool at night. To compensate, the beds have heated bed covers, the room has a built-in heating system AND a portable heater. Cozy!
3) Meeting the Ambassador Animals
The animal walk-around is at 3:00 pm with unique animals. I’ve experienced two visits. I have enjoyed learning about and seeing up close a Lemur, a small cute monkey, a large funny looking rodent called a Cavey.
5) The central dirt pen
The large dirt pen in the center, surrounded by the canvas bungalows, houses two water buffalo that wade in the wading pool and a zebra. Until July, there used to be elephants, too.
6) Elephants
Until July 31, 2021, elephants were part of the Safari experience. They occupied the large center dirt pen that the bungalows surround. Guests had the opportunity to feed the elephants in the morning. The first year the elephants came to each bungalow porch. That ended in 2018, and we then went to a central location to feed them. Unfortunately, the elephants are no longer there. HOWEVER, Vision Quest is planning to acquire a herd of elephants sometime in the future.
7) The Monterey zoo on the premises
ESPECIALLY the lions, tigers, and bears in with large glass windows for unobstructed viewing. Often the big cats are sleeping, but sometimes we get lucky, and a tiger or lion is active.
8) Breakfast
The continental breakfast that is delivered to your bungalow includes yogurt, fruit, and the freshes pastry and bagels I have ever eaten. Moreover, that fresh breakfast has been consistent year after year. Just phenomenally delicious.
9) The grounds themselves
Tallgrass that blows softly in the wind. The Ranch is surrounded by rich agricultural land and has a beautiful view of the valley and mountains.
10) Nightime wildlife sounds
The roar of the big cats and the yelp of a hyena and other wild animal sounds at night. Listen to the lions and tigers roaring close to your authentic African-style bungalow.
11) The Gift Shop
The gift shop has reasonably priced souvenir t-shirts and other delightful items for adults and children alike. I have purchased not only t-shirts but some great mugs, too. Of course, the money goes to support the zoo.
12) Feeding the animals
I squeal to no end when feeding the elephants, and most recently, an old camel, carrots in the morning. So fun.
And there is more at the Vision Quest Ranch
The additional packages (which I have not taken advantage of) are a bit costly. However, if having an intimate experience with wildlife is on your bucket list, you’ll want to take advantage of them. Lots more information is available on their websites:
