This past May, my daughter and I packed our bags and joined her Girl Scout troop for the Roar & Snore Safari at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park—and it was such a memorable experience that I wanted to share all the details, especially since I couldn't find much info online beforehand. If you're planning to go, especially with a group like Girl Scouts, I hope this post helps you prepare and set expectations!
What is Roar & Snore?
Roar & Snore is an overnight camping experience at the Safari Park where you sleep in tents on the park grounds, go on guided tours, eat buffet-style meals, and get a rare chance to experience the park after dark. There are different packages available depending on the level of comfort you're looking for.
Booking the Girl Scout Experience
We attended the Girl Scouts-specific Roar & Snore, which included a few extra troop touches like a SWAPS party. Our girls used their cookie proceeds to cover their portion of the cost, and each adult paid individually. We chose the budget-friendly base level (around $165 per person, but confirm current rates online), which included a tent and mattress pads.
Tip: If I do this again, I’d definitely upgrade to a tent with cots and electricity. Some even come with folding chairs—worth it for the added comfort.
Arrival and Setup
When you arrive, you check in around 4:15pm at the designated Roar & Snore area, where they tag your bags and deliver them to your tent for you—super helpful! Then, you’re assigned a guide who takes you into the park for a bit of exploring before dinner.
Dinner Buffet
Dinner was at 5:30 PM and included:
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Green salad
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Roasted corn and broccoli
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Build-your-own burgers and hot dogs
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BBQ roasted chicken
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Iced tea and water
It was casual, filling, and perfect for fueling up before the night adventure.
Evening Activities
After dinner, we gathered around the fire pit for s’mores (a hit with the girls), then headed out on a nighttime animal walk. We were hoping for some exciting nocturnal animal sightings, but only one lion was awake—and it was hard to see under the red flashlight. It was honestly a bit underwhelming.
Back at camp, the girls participated in a SWAPS party, trading the cutest Girl Scout craft pins and creations. That moment was one of the highlights of the trip.
learn more about Girl Scouts SWAPS Here
Sleeping Arrangements
We stayed in a four-person tent (two moms, two girls). The tents were dry despite the rain, but a bit damp and chilly. There are porta-potties nearby and permanent bathrooms a short walk away.
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Flashlight or headlamp (it’s dark at night)
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Pillow (in a waterproof bag—I used a trash bag)
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Ugg boots (perfect for the wet morning)
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Rain gear (umbrella, jacket, beanie)
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Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, sunscreen, lip balm)
We were snug in our tent by 10:30 PM lights out, and honestly, we slept well—no animal noises, just the sounds of other campers.
Morning Activities
We woke up to a 6:30 AM call and rushed to see the lions awake and active—SO worth the early wake-up!
Breakfast buffet at 7:00 AM included:
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Scrambled eggs
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Bacon
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Breakfast potatoes
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Veggie sausage patties
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Fresh fruit
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Coffee, hot chocolate, and water
After breakfast, we went on a guided tram tour, which was my favorite part of the whole experience. We saw giraffes (including a baby!), zebras, and a cheetah with its Rhodesian Ridgeback companion—truly amazing.
After the tram ride, we sat through a brief animal presentation which, honestly, didn’t add much—it featured just two small animals and felt skippable. From there, we walked out with our guide to pick up our belongings, which had already been delivered to the check-in area. I had packed a wagon thinking we’d need to haul gear to our tent, but it wasn’t necessary at all.
Final Tips & Packing List
What I wore:
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Sweatshirt
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Comfy pants (wore the same ones both days)
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Beanie for night, baseball hat & sunglasses for day
Essentials to pack:
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Warm sleeping bag & pillow (in waterproof bag)
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Flashlight or headlamp
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Ugg boots or water-resistant shoes
- Warm Socks
- Long Johns- Adults & Kids
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Layers for chilly nights and early mornings
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Sunblock (even on overcast days)
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Umbrella or rain jacket
- Water Bottle
- Face Cleansing Wipes
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Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and my favorite lip mask by YSE Beauty
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Chargers for devices (our tent had no power—another reason to upgrade!)
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A backpack for water, jacket, SWAPS, and other personal items
The Roar & Snore was a fun, unique experience that was especially meaningful for the Girl Scouts. While there were a few parts I’d skip or upgrade next time, the memories—like spotting giraffes up close or making s’mores under the stars—made it all worthwhile.
Have questions or want help planning your own Roar & Snore? Drop a comment or DM me—I’m happy to share more!