Zoos near Rota

Jerez Zoo

The Jerez zoo is a good sized location, with a variety of exotic animals like lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys, elephants, and zebra, as well as plenty of birds and reptiles. It is not a world-famous zoo, but is the perfect size for young children, since they can see almost everything within a few hours, have lunch, go on a train ride, and still make it home for an afternoon nap. The website is: http://www.zoobotanicojerez.com/. In summer they are open daily from 10 am- 7 pm. From September to May, they are closed Mondays, and close early other days at 6 pm. Adult admission is about 9 Euros, child admission is 6 Euros, and children 2 and under are free. There is also a tourist train that takes you through the zoo and costs an additional 2 Euros per person. You can purchase annual passes for individuals or families that are a good discount if you plan to make multiple visits (family pass for parents and all children is 43 Euros). The zoo entrance is located on Calle Madreselva in Jerez, and has a large parking lot. GPS coordinates: 36°41'20.8"N 6°09'00.8"W. There is a gift shop, snack bars, and a restaurant on site, but packing a picnic lunch is recommended.

(This is an excerpt from the Welcome to Rota book.) 


Zoo Castellar

This is a relatively new 'zoo' near the town of Castellar de la Frontera, about 2 hours from base. It is a unique location where exotic animals and pets that were illegally transported through the Black Market in Spain have been sheltered and rescued. Because most of the animals have been domesticated, you have the amazing opportunity to pet tigers, handle snakes, and even feed some of the animals! Their website is: http://www.zoodecastellar.es/english/. Address is Cerro del Moro s/n 11350 Castellar de la Frontera. The zoo is open daily from 10 AM - 8 PM. Prices are 15 Euro for adults, 9 Euros for children.

The town of Castellar itself is worth a short visit, perhaps for lunch after you go to the zoo. The town is famous for its castle, shown here, and has some quiet walking streets. As with many white villages in Andalusia, be prepared for narrow streets and limited parking!







Safari Park, Selwo Aventura
If you are interested in a larger zoo, the Selwo Aventura near Estepona and Malaga is a Safari park. It is about 2 hours from base. You can ride on a safari train throughout the park to see many of the animals. There are 2,000 animals, and lots of activities, including camel rides, ziplines, and jumping trampolines.  You can even do an Obama VIP visit, since the First Family visited the park in 2010. The park is open daily from 10 AM- 6 PM, later on weekends and through the summer. Tickets are about 24 Euro per adult, 17 Euro for children ages 4-9 (kids under 3 are free). There is a discount if you order in advance online. There is also a hotel and camping areas at the park.  Their website is: http://www.selwo.es/en. Address is Avenue Selwo, A7 Highway km 162.5 29680 Estepona.

36º 27’ 46.19”N -5º 05’ 08.43” O

36º 27’ 46.19”N -5º 05’ 08.43” O

Avenue Selwo s/n
A7 highway km 162,5
29680 Estepona - Málaga - See more at: http://selwo.es/en/how-to-get-there#sthash.ezTCETiO.dpuf

Avenue Selwo s/n
A7 highway km 162,5
29680 Estepona - Málaga
36º 27’ 46.19”N -5º 05’ 08.43” O
- See more at: http://selwo.es/en/how-to-get-there#sthash.ezTCETiO.dpuf

Avenue Selwo s/n
A7 highway km 162,5
29680 Estepona - Málaga
36º 27’ 46.19”N -5º 05’ 08.43” O
- See more at: http://selwo.es/en/how-to-get-there#sthash.ezTCETiO.dpuf