Everland launches walking safari experience 'Wild Savanna'

Everland is introducing a walking safari program that lets visitors explore the park's wildlife zone on foot rather than from a vehicle.

Everland, operated by Samsung C&T's resort division, announced Tuesday it will launch "Wild Savanna," a walking exploration program through its safari grounds, on Sept. 12 to coincide with the opening of its autumn festival.

Wild Savanna is designed to let visitors stroll through the safari savanna and interact with animals along the way. Guests can walk directly into Lost Valley — an area normally toured by vehicle — and come face to face with giraffes, elephants, rhinoceroses and other animals.

The course extends beyond Lost Valley to include River Trail, a section previously available only as a paid experience, now opened free of charge as part of the exploration route. In total, visitors can observe 15 species of wildlife up close. River Trail runs along a pontoon bridge built over the waterway between Safari World and Lost Valley, offering views of herbivores alongside predators such as lions and hyenas from multiple angles.

Everland has laid out dedicated exploration paths throughout the route and positioned animal-watching stations tailored to each species' habitat. The giraffe zone has been landscaped with autumn foliage, and a new photo spot with an open savanna backdrop has been added alongside a newly built rhinoceros viewing zone.

In addition, zookeepers stationed along the route will conduct ecological storytelling sessions, explaining animal behavior, habitat characteristics and the importance of conserving endangered species. Visitors who complete the full approximately 1-kilometer course from the Lost Valley entrance will receive a commemorative explorer's certificate.

Earlier this year, Everland ran a month-long pilot called "Walking Safari" in spring, drawing 350,000 visitors. The park analyzed customer experience data and feedback from that trial to refine the route and enhance its content.

The Wild Savanna program runs from Sept. 12 through late November. Everland visitors can join for free by queuing on-site on the day of their visit.

"Drawing on years of accumulated expertise in animal programming, we are proud to present a special walking safari experience that lets customers feel the breath of nature up close," an Everland official said. "We hope many people will walk through the safari this autumn, appreciate the preciousness of life, and create unforgettable memories with their families."