Karachi Safari Park is a 148-acre public park in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, built around a mix of animal enclosures, picnic lawns and small rides, and it remains one of the cheapest family days out in the city. It is not a wildlife safari in the African-park sense; it is closer to a large, well-shaded zoo and recreation ground that families use for a few hours out rather than a full-day trip.
This guide covers what is actually there, roughly what it costs, and the state of the park's chairlift, which has had a patchy few years.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Gulshan-e-Iqbal, near University Road |
| Size | About 148 acres |
| Entry | Roughly PKR 50 to 100 per person (2025) |
| Extra rides | Safari bus, chairlift and Jumbo Jump charged separately |
| Best time to go | Early morning or late afternoon, November to February |
| Parking | Outside the main gate |
What's inside the park
The park was set up in 1970 and has grown over the decades into several distinct areas rather than a single walking loop:
- Animal enclosures, including lions, deer, zebras, peacocks and various birds and small mammals, spread across shaded walking tracks.
- An elephant enclave, a large purpose-built area with bathing and resting space for the park's elephants.
- Swan Lake, a small ornamental lake with pagoda-style seating, popular for photographs.
- Kashmir Point, a picnic area with shade, used heavily by families on weekends.
- Go Aish Adventure Park, a separately run, separately ticketed attraction inside the grounds with ropes courses, paintball and quad biking, aimed more at teenagers and young adults.
Don't expect to see every animal on every visit. Sightings depend on the time of day and feeding schedule, and animals are naturally quieter in the heat of the afternoon.
Tickets and rides
Entry has been reported at around PKR 50 to 100 per person as of 2025, with a separate charge of around PKR 30 for the safari bus that takes you around the animal enclosures, and roughly PKR 700 for the Jumbo Jump attraction. These figures move, and different reports give slightly different numbers, so treat them as a rough guide and confirm what's posted at the gate on the day. Bring cash, since card payment is not something to rely on at a public park like this.
Chairlift status
The park's chairlift, a cable-car style ride opened in 2006 giving an aerial view over the grounds, has been closed for maintenance at points in recent years and reopened at others; reports through 2025 describe it as running again, weather permitting, but subject to pausing in strong wind. Don't build your visit around riding it. If it is running when you arrive, treat it as a bonus rather than the main reason to come.
When to go
Early morning or late afternoon gives you the best chance of seeing the animals active rather than resting through the midday heat, and it avoids the worst of Karachi's sun. November to February is the most comfortable season to be walking around an open park like this; a summer afternoon visit, particularly in July and August, is genuinely uncomfortable for young children.
Weekends bring the biggest crowds, especially around Kashmir Point and the animal enclosures. If your schedule allows it, a weekday visit is noticeably calmer.
Is it worth visiting?
For a half-day out with children, yes, and the cost makes it easy to combine with something else in the same day. It is not a wildlife experience on the scale of a dedicated safari park abroad, and visitors expecting close-up game drives will be disappointed. Think of it as a large municipal park with animals in it, priced accordingly, rather than a headline Karachi attraction.
If you want a broader family day out in the city, our guide to places to visit in Karachi with family covers other options to pair it with, and our Karachi trip planning page can help with the rest of the itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter Safari Park Karachi?
Around PKR 50 to 100 per person as of 2025, with the safari bus, chairlift and other rides charged separately. Confirm the current price at the gate, since it changes.
Is the chairlift at Safari Park working?
It has gone through periods of closure for maintenance in recent years. Reports through 2025 describe it as operating again, but don't plan your visit specifically around it, and check on arrival.
How much time do you need at Safari Park?
Two to three hours is enough to see the main enclosures, Swan Lake and Kashmir Point at a relaxed pace, more if children want to use the separate rides.
Is Safari Park suitable for young children?
Yes, the walking tracks are flat and shaded in most areas, and there is space to picnic. Go in the cooler parts of the day, especially outside winter.
Is there food available inside the park?
There are food stalls in and around the picnic areas, but choice is limited. Many families bring their own food to eat at Kashmir Point.
