Amazing Safari Wildlife Park near Seville - La Reserva Andalucía Nature Preserve
- Tene Sommer
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 18
/ Visited in 2022 and UPDATED post and visit in April 2025 /
I must say, I’m not a fan of zoos, as I find it sad to see the animals in small cages, but I did like the concept La Reserva Andalucía Nature Preserve aka Reserva el Castillo de las Guardas, which is a natural reserve and wildlife park near Seville (45min drive) with over 200 hectares of land! There are around 1,000 animals from over 100 species living in semi-freedom in a circuit that can be done in your own car, and in which some of the animals approach you to be fed. You can either tour the reserve in your own vehicle or in a motorised train. Did I mention you can also stay the night in the park, as they offer accomodation and loads of fun activites for kids, like carting and canoe boats, and of course a restaurant. There’s also an area for kids, where they can pet some goats and other animals. You'll see how many of the animals come up close and you can even feed them.
The animals living in the park includes lions, white lions, tigers, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, dromedaries, zebras, camels, elephants, emus and loads of birds. During the tour you'll also come across life-size reproductions of dinosaurs. But the park is not just for entertainment, along with research and education, the Reserve also works as a conservation center for the biodiversity of species, helping to keep alive species that are threatened, even almost extinct in nature.
📍 Location
Located about 50 km northwest of Seville, in the Sierra Norte de Sevilla. Set in a reclaimed open-pit mine, transformed into a lush, semi-wild nature reserve.
What Makes It Special? One of the largest safari-style parks in Europe, covering over 230 hectares. You can explore most of it by car or safari train, making it a unique drive-through experience - like a mini African safari in Andalusia! This year the park turned 25 years old!
🦁 Animals You’ll See
The park is home to over 1,000 animals from over 100 species, including:
🚗 Drive-through Safari Area:
Zebras, Lions (in a protected area, visible from a distance), Bison, Camels, Antelopes & Gazelles, Watusi cattle, Deer & Emus
🏞️ Walk-through Zones:
Monkeys & Lemurs, Flamingos Tigers (enclosed but close-up), Elephants, Reptiles and birds of prey, Crocodiles & Tortoises, Farm animals (for kids to pet),
There are also daily shows with sea lions, birds of prey, and educational talks (check the schedule at the entrance).
🕒 Opening Hours
Open all year round, typically: Weekends & holidays: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM or later (seasonal changes apply)
🚘 How Long Does It Take?
By car: The drive-through safari alone takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on stops. Whole park experience (safari + walking areas + shows): allow 3 to 4 hours minimum. Families often spend most of the day there with lunch or picnic breaks. There’s also a cafe where you can eat and you can stay overnight at their onsite rural lodging and bungalows.
Castillo de Las Guardas Animal Reserve, Seville
Tickets: 28.66€ for adults
Kids over 3-12 years old and elderly (over 65): 20.46€
Carretera A-476, kilómetro 6.820 41890
Castillo de las Guardas, Seville (Andalusia)
Email: info@lareservadelcastillodelasguardas.com
Tel.:+34 955952568
Enjoy the two reels - one from 2022, when I was pregnant with my second baby! And the new one from April 2025 where he is already 3 years old!
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