Almost every city in Europe has a zoo. But only Tilburg can boast of the largest wildlife “island” of the Benelux region, the Safaripark Beekse Bergen.

The park counts about 1,250 individuals of over 150 animal species. There are tiny birds and animals, giant flowers and trees. Beautiful savannah inhabitants who cannot be found in the European wilds, zebras and giraffes, attract most guests.

The park history began in 1968 when the Lion Park Beekse Bergen opened here. It was unusual because visitors could come in their cars, ride around the park, and watch lions. Of course, people liked an opportunity to see wildlife. But gradually, more and more guests came to the park. Cars flooded the park, so this issue had to be solved.

Two significant decisions were made: firstly, the park limited the traffic of private cars, and in 1982, added walking tours. Later, there appeared boat excursions to look at the animals from rivers and lakes. Secondly, they increased the number and variety of animals. If people like watching wildlife so much, why not bring zebras, elephants, giraffes, baboons, and leopards in addition to lions?

Within several years, the Lion Park turned into a safari park with numerous animals, living not in cages and zoo enclosures but in conditions as close as possible to their natural environment. You can look at the animals while walking along a specially equipped route or going by bus, private car, or boat.

Another feature of the park is a bird show, a beautiful and vivid performance, amusingly telling about the diversity of nature and interaction between birds.