Ramat Gan National Park

Ramat Gan National Park, also known as Leumi Park, is a true green oasis and one of the most popular parks in Israel, located in a suburb of Tel Aviv. As the second-largest park in the country, it is a striking example of how a former wasteland can be transformed into a blooming recreation area through the planting of thousands of trees. Today, it draws visitors with its manicured alleys, spacious lawns, picturesque lake, and lush greenery.

The park is often called the "bird park" because it has become home to many species of birds that can be found near the man-made lake. This spot is perfect for leisurely walks, family picnics, and simply relaxing in nature away from the city noise. The park is excellently developed, featuring walking paths, modern playgrounds, and even an open-air sculpture collection, making it attractive to a wide range of visitors.

One of the National Park's main gems is the Safari Zoological Center, integrated into its grounds in 1974. This unique complex combines a zoo and a safari zone where you can observe animals in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat. Thanks to the climate, many animals from Africa have adapted perfectly here. The Safari offers a rare opportunity to see exotic animals roaming freely across a large territory, making a visit to Ramat Gan Park a truly unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

To get up-to-date information on events, opening hours, and park rules for Ramat Gan National Park, we recommend checking official sources. The park itself is free to enter and open 24/7. Contact details for the park administration and the "Safari" Zoo located on its grounds are provided below.

Ramat Gan National Park offers plenty of options for outdoor recreation within the city limits. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls across its vast green territory, set up picnics on the manicured lawns, or simply relax in the shade of the trees. The park is also a popular spot for watching various bird species that have made the picturesque artificial lake their home. It is a wonderful chance to take a break from the urban rush without leaving Tel Aviv.

The park's main attraction is undoubtedly the Safari Zoological Center, which houses the largest collection of animals in the Middle East. It is more than just a zoo; it is a unique space where many inhabitants, primarily from Africa, live in conditions that closely mimic their natural environment. Visitors can watch animals move freely across a large area, which creates unforgettable impressions and is strikingly different from visiting a traditional zoo. Such a trip becomes a real journey, allowing you to witness wildlife in the heart of Israel.

Getting to Ramat Gan National Park is quite simple, as it is located in the city of the same name, which is a close suburb of Tel Aviv. This makes it easily accessible for both tourists and locals. The main ways to reach the park are by public transport, taxi, or private car.

The most budget-friendly option is the extensive public transport network. Numerous bus routes run from different parts of Tel Aviv and neighboring cities toward the park. For example, you can take bus No. 35 from Tel Aviv Central Bus Station. Buses No. 31, 33, 39, 57, and others also stop nearby. You may need to walk about 10–15 minutes from the nearest bus stop to the park entrance. We recommend checking current routes and schedules via online maps or transport apps in advance.

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi or rental car is the ideal choice. A taxi ride from the center of Tel Aviv takes only about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic, making it the fastest method. If you are traveling by private or rental car, there is a spacious parking lot with hundreds of spaces available on-site for your convenience.

The history of Ramat Gan National Park is a shining example of how one person's dream can transform an entire landscape. The park's creation began in 1950 on the initiative of Ramat Gan's first mayor, Avraham Krinitzi. Thanks to his incredible perseverance, trees were planted on what was once a sandy wasteland, gradually turning it into a green oasis near Tel Aviv. The mayor's connection to this place was so deep that, according to his will, his remains were buried in his favorite park near a pine grove, serving as a symbol of his dedication to the project.

The park's development didn't stop at creating a green zone. In 1958, once thousands of saplings had been planted and the park began to take shape, it was decided to organize a small animal corner. The park director, Zvi Kirmeir, cared for the animals with great devotion. This humble corner became the first step toward creating one of Israel's most famous zoological centers.

The idea to turn the animal corner into something more was born in 1970. Zvi Kirmeir approached the new mayor, Israel Peled, with an ambitious proposal: to create a real African safari. Notably, this idea had previously been discussed by the late Avraham Krinitzi with a wild animal dealer from Kenya. Although the thought of creating a safari in a densely populated area seemed almost utopian, Mayor Peled supported the project. Thus, in 1974, a full-fledged safari park opened within Ramat Gan National Park, and today it remains its crown jewel.

When planning a visit to Ramat Gan National Park, keep in mind that the duration of your stay will depend directly on your interests. If your goal is a leisurely stroll through green alleys, relaxing by the picturesque lake, or a picnic on one of the well-kept lawns, 1-2 hours should be sufficient. This is enough time to enjoy the park's calm atmosphere and escape the urban hustle of Tel Aviv.

However, the main and most time-consuming part of the park is the Safari Zoological Center. A visit consists of two stages: a drive through the safari zone where animals roam freely, and a walk through the zoo grounds. The drive can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Exploring the zoo itself, with its many enclosures featuring animals from all over the world, will require at least another 2-3 hours. Therefore, you should set aside about 3-4 hours just for the Safari to meet all its inhabitants without rushing.

To get a full experience of Ramat Gan National Park and visit both its green zone and the Safari Zoological Center, it is best to allocate half a day or even more. This will allow you not only to observe amazing animals in one of Israel's best zoos but also to find time for peaceful relaxation in nature. Especially if you are traveling with children, such a comprehensive visit can easily turn into an exciting full-day adventure.

It is important to distinguish between the opening hours of Ramat Gan National Park itself and the Safari Zoological Center located within it. As a public space, the park itself is open to visitors 24/7 year-round, and entry is free. This allows you to enjoy walks, picnics, and relaxation by the lake at any convenient time.

The Safari Zoological Center operates on its own schedule, which may change depending on the season and holidays. It is usually open daily, except for a few days a year (Yom Kippur and national days of mourning). On weekdays and Saturdays, the ticket offices typically operate from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and the park itself closes at 4:30 PM. On Fridays and holiday eves, the hours are shorter. Since ticket prices and opening hours are subject to change, it is highly recommended to check the most up-to-date information on the official Safari website before your visit. Booking tickets online in advance is often mandatory, especially during peak season, and helps to avoid queues.

Visiting Ramat Gan National Park is a wonderful opportunity to relax in nature, but exploring its surroundings can make your trip even more rewarding. The park's proximity to Tel Aviv provides access to many other interesting sites just a short drive away. Exploring nearby attractions will give you a complete picture of the diverse cultural and entertainment life in Israel.

In the immediate vicinity of the park, you will find everything from sports complexes and cozy bars to other green spaces and family-friendly entertainment. This is a great chance to combine a peaceful retreat in nature with active leisure without spending much time on the road. Below is a list of nearby points of interest, including their distance from Ramat Gan National Park.