Bangabandhu Safari Park
The largest wildlife safari in Bangladesh
Overview
Located in Gazipur, just north of Dhaka, the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park is the largest and most modern wildlife park in Bangladesh. Covering nearly 3,700 acres of the Sal forest, the park was designed to break away from traditional zoo formats, allowing animals to roam relatively freely in large, naturalistic habitats while visitors observe them from secure enclosures.
The main attraction is the core Safari Kingdom, where visitors board enclosed, heavily reinforced minibuses to drive directly through the habitats of apex predators. It is the only place in the country where you can safely drive past free-roaming Royal Bengal Tigers, African lions, and Asiatic black bears. The experience of seeing these majestic animals up close in an open environment is a major draw for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Beyond the core safari, the park is incredibly vast. It features a massive walk-through aviary, a natural history museum, a crocodile park, and large enclosures for herbivores like giraffes, zebras, and elephants. With its beautifully landscaped gardens and extensive facilities, it is one of the premier day-trip destinations for Dhaka residents.
History & Culture
The park was inaugurated in 2013 and was modeled after prominent international safari parks like those in Thailand and Indonesia.
It was established both as a major recreational facility and as a breeding and conservation center for endangered domestic and international wildlife.
Top things to do in Bangabandhu Safari Park
Take the Core Safari Drive
Buy a ticket for the secure minibus ride that drives you directly into the predator enclosures for a close-up view of tigers and lions.
Walk the Aviary
Stroll through the massive netted aviary to see hundreds of colorful, free-flying exotic birds.
Rent a Bicycle or Battery Car
The park is huge; rent a bicycle or hop on a battery-operated shuttle car to comfortably explore the different zones.
Bangabandhu Safari Park in pictures
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons licences. Click a photo credit for the source and full licence terms.
Highlights
- ✓Enclosed minibus safari through the tiger, lion, and bear habitats
- ✓Massive walk-through bird aviary with exotic species
- ✓Large open enclosures for giraffes, zebras, and elephants
- ✓Extensive, well-maintained botanical gardens and lakes
- ✓A natural history museum within the park grounds
How to get to Bangabandhu Safari Park
The park is located at Bagher Bazar in Gazipur, on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. It is about a 2-hour drive from central Dhaka, depending on highway traffic.
Best time to visit Bangabandhu Safari Park
Winter (November to February): The weather is cool, making it pleasant to walk the extensive grounds. Animals are often more active during the day.
Summer (March to May): Can be extremely hot. If visiting, arrive right at opening time to beat the heat.
Monsoon (June to September): Frequent rain can disrupt the safari drives and walking.
Where to stay
Most visitors make a day trip from Dhaka. However, Gazipur has numerous private resorts if you wish to stay overnight in the area.
What to eat
- 🍽️There are several government-run restaurants inside the park offering standard Bengali meals and fast food.
Travel tips
- 💡The park gets incredibly crowded on Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays. Visit on a weekday for a much better experience and shorter lines for the safari bus.
- 💡Buy the 'combo ticket' at the entrance to save money on the individual attractions inside.
- 💡Tuesdays are the official weekly holiday for the park, so do not plan a visit on that day.
- 💡The park is vast, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection.
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my own car into the safari?+
No, private vehicles are not allowed into the core predator safari zones. You must take the park's specialized minibuses.
Is the park closed on any specific day?+
Yes, the park is closed every Tuesday for maintenance.
Are the animals kept in cages?+
Unlike traditional zoos, the animals in the core safari zone roam freely within massive fenced habitats, while visitors are 'caged' inside the buses.
