ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved plans to develop a modern wildlife safari park spanning 350 acres in Islamabad, with the project expected to become a new international-standard ecotourism destination for the capital.
According to the CDA, the proposed safari park will be established in the Malpur Forestry Park area along Murree Road near Bhara Kahu. The authority has completed the project’s design and said construction will be carried out without harming the environment or disturbing the area’s natural forests.
The proposed park will feature natural-style habitats for 3,605 animals and will be divided into 10 safari and wildlife sanctuary zones. Under the plan, the park will include Pakistan’s largest ungulate safari zone, spread over 1,000 kanals. Separate enclosures will also be developed for lions, tigers, bears and hyenas under a dedicated big cat zone.
The project further includes specialised sanctuaries for crocodiles, rhinoceroses, elephants and hippopotamuses, along with a state-of-the-art wildlife care complex to provide medical treatment for animals. International-standard veterinary and quarantine facilities will also be established.
The safari park’s proposed attractions include a digital museum, a one-kilometre forest canopy walk, a two-kilometre chairlift track, a koi fish pond, a natural lake and a bridge walk. Facilities for visitors will also include a jungle-themed play area and zipline for children, while the central section of the park will feature a safari village, lodges and recreational centres.
A dedicated food street, directly connected to Murree Road, is also planned and will house multiple restaurants. The CDA said it expects the project to transform Islamabad into a major destination for world-class safari tourism once completed.
