The safari park is situated on the ancestral estate of the Earls of Derby, which has been in the family since 1385.
The park was one of the first safari parks to open in the UK, established in 1971.
It remains one of the largest safari parks in the United Kingdom by total acreage.
The baboon enclosure is famous for its 'car-friendly' alternative route to prevent damage to wing mirrors and windscreen wipers.
The estate once hosted a private menagerie long before the modern safari park opened.
The park supports the conservation of the endangered African wild dog through collaborative breeding programs.
Knowsley Safari is a five-mile drive-through safari park located on the Knowsley Estate in Merseyside. The experience allows visitors to drive their own vehicles through enclosures containing lions, rhinos, camels, bison, and wildebeest. A dedicated 'car-friendly' route is available for visitors who wish to avoid potential vehicle damage from monkeys. The park features a foot safari area where guests can view sea lions, meerkats, and birds of prey. Conservation efforts include participation in European Endangered Species Programmes for species such as the Amur tiger. The site encompasses over 550 acres of parkland originally landscaped by the Earls of Derby. A miniature railway operates within the park grounds during peak periods. Educational talks and animal demonstrations are scheduled daily throughout the foot safari section.
The raised viewing platforms in the foot safari area, providing an elevated vantage point over the smaller enclosures.
Use the 'car-friendly' route if you want to protect your vehicle's exterior from the curious baboons.
Check the daily demonstration schedule upon entry to ensure you do not miss the sea lion show.
Keep your windows closed and doors locked at all times when in the animal enclosures.
Attempting to feed the animals or exiting your vehicle within the safari drive enclosures.
Open daily throughout the year except for Christmas Day.
Strictly follow the 'stay in vehicle' rule while in the drive-through safari zones; no smoking or vaping allowed in animal areas.
