The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has unveiled plans to establish Pakistan’s first world-class wildlife safari destination in Islamabad, with a state-of-the-art safari park proposed in the Malpur Forestry Park area near Bara Kahu and Murree Road. The project, spread across approximately 350 acres, is aimed at promoting wildlife conservation, eco-tourism and family recreation in the federal capital.
According to CDA officials, the selected site comprises natural forest land that will be preserved during development. Authorities have assured that the existing ecosystem and natural habitat will remain protected, with the safari park being developed without causing environmental degradation.
The project’s feasibility study and conceptual design have already been completed, and the scheme will move to the tendering phase for construction. The proposed safari park will house around 3,605 animals across 10 distinct safari and wildlife sanctuary zones designed to replicate natural habitats.
The master plan includes a 1,000-kanal ungulate safari, envisioned as the park’s largest zone, featuring safari tours, wildlife viewing areas, nature trails and a glass soft-wheel train experience.
A separate 180-kanal big cat zone will accommodate species including lions, tigers, bears, hyenas and African wild dogs, with each species allocated dedicated enclosures. The development plan also includes 340 kanals of wildlife sanctuaries for animals such as crocodiles, rhinos, elephants and hippos.
In addition, a 100-kanal Wildlife Care Complex featuring international-standard veterinary, treatment and quarantine facilities, along with a dedicated Safari Park Veterinary Clinic, will be established to ensure animal welfare and conservation.
Among the key visitor attractions proposed are a Safari Pavilion for ticketing and information services, a 400-kanal Safari Village featuring safari lodges, dining and recreational facilities, a Safari Village Restaurant, and a 50-kanal Safari Food Street directly connected to Murree Road. The food street is planned to include a variety of themed eateries, including Safari Grill, Jungle Bites, Baobab Cafe, Wild Wraps and Bushman’s Kitchen.
The park’s central landscape will offer a wide range of recreational facilities, including an immersive museum, jungle play area, koi fish pond, sitting areas and a zipline adventure. Visitors will also be able to experience a one-kilometre elevated Forest Canopy Walk, designed to provide panoramic views of the forest ecosystem, while a Digital Immersive Museum will offer interactive wildlife experiences and conservation education.
The ambitious project further proposes a 10-kanal natural lake, bridge walks, dedicated safari tours, a two-kilometre safari chairlift track and numerous eco-tourism attractions aimed at enhancing visitor experience. CDA officials believe the landmark initiative will transform Islamabad into a premier wildlife tourism destination while promoting environmental awareness and biodiversity conservation.
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