Out of Africa

Not many people in the Western Algarve know about Badoca Safari Park, a hidden homage to Africa, in the countryside between Santiago de Cacém and Sines, which children and adults alike are sure to love.

When managing partner Francisco Simoes de Almeida first visited  Herdade da Badoca, it had a few African animals but no infrastructure, electricity or water. He fell in love with the place and knew he had to have it.

Portuguese Francisco, originally worked in the restaurant industry, before he became involved with the new project. “It all started as an adventure, without knowing where it would go. I always loved animals and Africa and with time I managed to buy it.”

The Park first opened in 1999 and in 2008, they obtained an EU grant of €3 million for infrastructures such as the African Rafting ride,  the Great Primates' Island and the souvenir shop.

“The idea is that the visitor feels like they are in Africa and forget they are at Badoca. Over time my desire to create a unique, nature-related tourism and conservation project became a passion, which grew. With this came the responsibility of dealing with the preservation of animals species, some near extinction".

The main attraction is the safari train which is tractor driven through beautiful countryside with cork trees providing shade for the giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and buffalo, which wander at liberty. Ostriches sidle up to the carriage and you can´t help but think Sr. Simoes has achieved his goal and saved you a plane ticket! 

The giraffes are certainly the main draw and it is very special seeing these magnificent creatures at such close quarters happily munching on leaves plucked from the trees, in the beautiful Alentejo countryside..

The herd has six in total, with two babies. one is just 18 months old called Niassa, he had to be hand fed, due to the fact that the mother didn't give her enough milk. Another baby Mallawy is 4 months and is thriving at a height of two and a half metres already.

While the train is definitely the USP of the Park you can happily spend an hour enjoying the antics of the different monkey species on Primate Island. Although with young kids I found the walk there a challenge, it is a lovely trek through the park and around the lakes which are home to Chimps, Baboons and Mandrills.

Badoca has an environmental enrichment programme where the islands are changed every week in response to the behavioural demands of the species. New novelties or changes are introduced to stimulate natural behaviours that a healthy animal in the wild would have. For example seeds and honey being hidden in tree trunks with holes which the animals must get out using sticks. 

Of course one of the essential roles of zoos in the modern days is captive breeding programmes for nearly extinct species. Badoca is playing a vital role in this. They have 10 Oryx Scimitar, a type of Antelope, which became extinct in the wild in 2000. The Park 10 animals currently and one little baby.

Graça Oliveira, who works in the Parks veterinary services says: “We can keep the animals in a place where everyone can see them, we can provide that experience to the people in general and above all, we can talk about their conservation, so they can have the tools the knowledge, desire, passion to make the difference somewhere, somehow to save them in the wild.”

We tried their self-service restaurant which was a wonderful safari style complex with a canteen serving delicious home-made Portuguese food which you could enjoy while looking out over the Park. In addition, there is a café and picnic area.

An important project of the Park is to educate Childen and they welcome many school groups of all ages; “The experience children have at the park by looking at these animals, touching, smelling them is a lesson you can´t really teach in any classroom.”

There is a twice daily presentation from a keeper when you observe the feeding of the Lemurs while learning about the species which is a crowd pleaser. You can watch their climbing abilities and become aware of the destruction of the Madagascar Forest and the impact of human activity on ecosystems. 

The birds of prey presentation is an opportunity to sit down for 30 minutes, to view eagles owls and vultures in flight. There is also a walk through African forest exhibit containing a number of birds including parrots. The kids play areas are wonderful for young kids with carved wooden animals set amongst the trees.

The Park is also offering a range of VIP experiences, including a safari in a jeep, rather than the train, where you can get up close to the wildlife and have photo opportunities with the giraffes for a cost of €79. You could also sign up for the falconry experience or interaction with the Lemurs.

Badoca opens from March until October, 7 days a week from 9 am until 6 pm and welcomes 100,000 visitors a year with 23 employees.

First opening to the public in 1999 it has taken 50 million euros of investment to get it to where it is today, but it is still far from the dream of Francisco, who wishes to build a hotel with 80 rooms. "People could stay here, listening to the sounds of the animals at night, or even doing a night safari," he explains.

Badoca is though, a wonderfully imaginative family experience and well worth making the journey to enjoy this summer.

www.badoca.com