Where to See Wildlife in Dubai: Safari Parks, Rainforests, Aquariums and Flamingos

Dubai might be famous for its skyline, but it is also home to a surprising world of wildlife. Giraffes and lions in a safari park, sloths in an indoor rainforest, sharks gliding overhead, thousands of butterflies in climate controlled domes, and wild flamingos standing in desert lakes.

Some of these experiences are perfect for a hot afternoon indoors, while others are best enjoyed outdoors in the cooler months. Here is where to see wildlife in Dubai, what each place is best for, and how to make the most of your visit.

Good to Know Before You Go

Indoor experiences run all year. The Green Planet, the aquariums, the Butterfly Garden, and Crocodile Park are climate controlled or partly indoors, so they work in every season.

Outdoor experiences shine from October to April. Dubai Safari Park and the desert lakes are at their best in the cooler months, and mornings are the most comfortable time to visit.

Book online. Most attractions offer lower prices online than at the gate, and booking ahead saves time on weekends and school holidays.

Dubai Safari Park

Al Warqa. Daily, 9 AM to 6 PM, last entry 5 PM. Safari Park Pass from AED 50, Safari Bundle around AED 117. Seasonal, opening in October.

The biggest wildlife day out in Dubai. Spread across 119 hectares, Dubai Safari Park is home to more than 3,000 animals from around 300 species, including giraffes, African elephants, gorillas, hippos, white lions, cheetahs, and tigers.

The park is divided into six zones: the African Village, Asian Village, Explorer Village, Arabian Desert, Kids Farm, and Al Wadi. The Arabian Desert Safari, a guided drive among the region's native wildlife, is included in the Safari Park Pass, and the Safari Bundle adds a second safari journey through the larger open habitats, along with unlimited rides on the shuttle train. Children under 3 and People of Determination enter free.

Live shows run through the day, including a bird show and birds of prey displays. You can also feed giraffes, goats, and tortoises for around AED 20 each, and the Kids Farm near the entrance is perfect for little ones.

Good to know. The zones are spread out, so plan your route and use the air conditioned shuttle trains between areas. Outside food is not allowed, apart from water and baby food. Arrive early to see the animals at their most active.

Allow. Half a day at least.

The Green Planet

City Walk. Daily, 10 AM to 6 PM. Adults around AED 155 and children around AED 135 at the gate, with lower prices online.

A tropical rainforest inside a glass building in the middle of the city. The Green Planet spans four levels built around a 25 metre tree, home to more than 3,000 plants and animals, including sloths, toucans, macaws, monkeys, flying foxes, snakes, and free flying tropical birds.

Start at the top in the canopy and wind your way down to the flooded forest floor, where piranhas swim in the water below. Throughout the day, keepers host small group encounters with birds, sugar gliders, and bugs, and an indoor thunderstorm rolls through the forest twice a day, which children love.

Good to know. Weekday afternoons are the quietest. Our page on The Green Planet Dubai has opening hours and booking details.

Allow. Around 90 minutes. Pair it with a stroll and lunch at City Walk.

Two Aquariums

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Dubai Mall. Basic tickets from around AED 120 to 150 per adult.

One of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, holding around ten million litres of water and thousands of marine animals, including sharks and rays. You can see the main tank from the mall floor for free, or step inside the 48 metre tunnel and explore the Underwater Zoo upstairs.

Our guide to Dubai Mall beyond shopping covers the aquarium and everything else to do nearby.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Atlantis, The Palm. Daily, 11 AM to 8 PM. Adults from around AED 128 online, children from around AED 94.

A beautifully themed aquarium inspired by the legend of Atlantis, with more than 65,000 marine animals across around 20 habitats. Wander through passageways and chambers styled as the ruins of a lost city, with sharks, rays, moray eels, jellyfish, and colourful reef fish all around you.

It is a lovely pairing with a day at Aquaventure Waterpark next door.

Dubai Butterfly Garden

Al Barsha South, Dubailand. Daily, 9 AM to 6 PM, open all year.

Step into nine climate controlled domes filled with more than 15,000 butterflies from over 50 species, fluttering freely all around you. It is one of the largest covered butterfly gardens in the world, and one of the most peaceful wildlife experiences in the city.

There is also a small insect museum and displays where you can watch butterflies emerging from their chrysalises.

Good to know. Mid morning is when the butterflies are most active. Wear bright colours and stand still, and one might land on you. Combo tickets with Dubai Miracle Garden next door are available during the garden's season. See our page on Dubai Butterfly Garden for details, and our Dubai Miracle Garden guide to plan a combined visit.

Allow. Around 90 minutes.

Dubai Crocodile Park

Next to Mushrif Park. Adults around AED 95 and children around AED 75 at the gate, with lower prices online.

Home to around 250 Nile crocodiles, from tiny hatchlings to impressive full grown adults, set in landscaped surroundings inspired by the lakes and rivers of Africa. There is a museum on crocodile history and conservation, an aquarium, and feeding sessions that are well worth timing your visit around.

Good to know. Check the feeding schedule when you book. Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over.

Make a day of it. Combine it with Mushrif National Park next door, with its forest trails, bike tracks, and birdlife. Our guide to Dubai's best parks has everything you need.

Allow. Around two hours.

Wildlife in the Wild

Some of Dubai's most magical wildlife moments happen outside any ticketed attraction.

Flamingos and Black Swans at Al Qudra

The lakes of Al Qudra, inside the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, attract more than 360 bird species. The stars are the greater flamingos, which gather in flocks of hundreds between roughly November and March. Black swans, herons, and egrets are around for much of the year.

Visit early in the morning, bring binoculars, and enjoy watching from a respectful distance. Our Al Qudra Lakes guide explains how to find each lake, including the heart shaped Love Lake.

Oryx and Gazelles in the Desert

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve protects herds of Arabian oryx, the elegant white antelope that was once extinct in the wild, along with gazelles and other desert wildlife. Morning nature drives and falconry experiences in the reserve give you a chance to see them up close. Our guides to cultural experiences in Dubai and how to choose a desert safari explain the options.

Birdlife at Ras Al Khor

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, at the end of Dubai Creek, is famous for its flamingos and is being redeveloped into a larger eco destination. Check its current status before planning a visit. In the meantime, Al Qudra is the best place to see flamingos in Dubai.

Which One Is Right for You

For a full day out. Dubai Safari Park.

For a hot afternoon. The Green Planet, Dubai Aquarium, or the Lost Chambers.

For toddlers. The free view of the Dubai Aquarium tank, the Butterfly Garden, and the Kids Farm at Dubai Safari Park.

For curious older kids. The Green Planet encounters and Crocodile Park feeding sessions.

For nature lovers. Flamingos at Al Qudra and oryx in the desert.

For free. The Dubai Aquarium viewing panel and the wild birdlife at Al Qudra.

A Few Tips for Wildlife Lovers

Give wild animals space. At Al Qudra and in the desert, enjoy the wildlife from a distance, keep noise low, and never feed the birds.

Time your visit. Animals are usually most active in the morning, and feeding times are a highlight at most attractions.

Bring a camera with a zoom. Especially for the flamingos.

Dress for the setting. Comfortable shoes for the Safari Park, and a light layer for the cool indoor attractions.

Final Takeaway

From lions and giraffes at Dubai Safari Park to sloths in The Green Planet, sharks at the aquarium, butterflies landing on your shoulder, and flamingos glowing pink in the desert, Dubai has wildlife experiences for every age and every season.

Choose one big day out and one indoor favourite, and you will see a side of the city that most visitors miss.

You can browse every attraction in Dubai with live opening hours on Day & Night Dubai.