Giraffes are among the exotic animals at Safari West.

Scimitar-horned oryx cavorting with antelopes, a dromedary camel lumbering lazily behind a herd of giraffes, and East African cranes bobbing around as if they were in the African wetlands.

Probably not the scenario that comes to mind when thinking of a B&B in the Sonoma Wine Country.

Safari West may not be a typical Wine Country experience. But it’s as close to Africa as you’re likely to get without a passport.

You won’t get a flight of old vine Zin or a seaweed wrap here, but you can get up-close-and-personal with ring-tailed lemurs, ostriches, and zebras.

Neither drive-through park nor zoo, Safari West Wildlife Preserve is home to some 500 exotic mammals and birds, living in their natural habitat. The mission is wildlife preservation and education, but SW is also an adventuresome alternative to the typical weekend getaway.

Guinea hens roam free at Safari West.

Guests are transported via golf carts to their lodgings — canvas African tent cabins on stilts with hardwood floors, decks, ceiling fans, and electric blankets. Private decks allow for observing the wildlife.

On my visit, I had what was perhaps the most memorable breakfast of my life. As my fellow visitors and I were tucking into our morning meal, a young animal handler asked us to stand up and move aside.

“We’re bringing the cats through,” he said calmly. Moments later two magnificent female cheetahs — yes cheetahs — slinked  by the buffet tables on leads, and out the back door. Then everyone returned to their cereal and yogurt.

Lodging is in African tent cabins.

Naturalists at Safari West conduct two- to three-hour safari tours in modified jeeps with seats on top. Specialty and private tours are offered as well as special events, birthdays, wedding, corporate retreats and youth clubs.

Tent accommodations range from $170 to $295, depending on day of the week. Tours and dinners are additional.

Bed and breakfast? More like tents and cheetahs…

Photos by Thomas Pix.