At Beppu, Oita, the 2 attractions that left the most impression with us were the
Natural Zoological Park ''African Safari'' and the Takasakiyama Monkey Park. You can visit both in a day like what we did. We went to the Safari in the morning and the Monkey Park in the afternoon.

"African Safari" is the largest safari park in Japan. There are altogether 70 species, 1400 animals living there. We ride in a Jungle bus like this into the “Safari Zone” where we come very up-close with wild animals like tigers, lions, bears, giraffes, elephants, deers, zebras, camels etc. The feeling is simply exhilarating as it's our first time seeing these big animals at such close range without fear of being attacked by them as we were shielded by the protective jungle bus.

Before boarding the jungle bus, we were given a food tray with items like meat and fruits to feed the animal. Whenever the jungle bus stopped by an enclosure, the animals will run towards the bus as they know we come with food to feed them. We were really excited when the animals run towards us and we will quickly pick up our tongs to pick up a piece of meat or fruit to feed them. I wish I have more food in the food tray for the feeding though.

My sister fed this camel.

While i got to feed this lion.

This Safari Park is huge and other than going round in a jungle bus, you can also drive your own car in. It's safe as there are safari patrol cars accompanying the jungle bus and private cars. They can come to assist should the need arises.

I'm dwarfed by this tall giraffe. Ha ha ha.....

Takasakiyama is a forested mountain just outside of Beppu and home to more than 1500 wild Japanese monkeys. It's the first time in our life coming into contact with thousands of monkeys. Initially, we were a bit taken aback as we have never seen monkeys in such huge numbers before and moreover, the monkeys were roaming all over the place. We were just walking into their natural habitat, to them, they were not afraid of us. They just went about doing their own business. But we soon warm up to them.

I can tell that the monkeys live very happily here as they have so many companions to play with and the park wardens feed them regularly. They even have swings in their playgrounds to play with.

The monkeys are very relaxed in their natural habitat. They do not run away from the tourists.

Monkey here varies in age but there are all of the same breed. They all have a red butt to show off. Ha ha ha....

When it comes feeding time, the park wardens will scatter the food around and all the monkeys will drop whatever they are doing and converge together to pick up the food scattered around by the park wardens. It's quite a sight to behold to see the hundreds of monkeys running in one direction.

Me and my sister have a great time at both the Safari Park and the Monkey Park. It's one of the most memorable day of our trip. We never expect to meet so many animals so intimately in a day. We highly recommend you to visit these 2 attractions should you visit Kyushu.