The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has finalized plans to develop Pakistan’s first world-class wildlife safari park in Islamabad. The proposed facility will be built in the Malpur Forestry Park area near Bara Kahu and Murree Road, covering approximately 350 acres.
The project aims to promote wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, environmental education, and family recreation while preserving the area’s natural forest and ecosystem. According to CDA officials, the existing woodland and wildlife habitat will remain intact, and development will be carried out with minimal environmental impact.
Authorities have completed the project’s feasibility study and conceptual design, with the next phase involving the tendering process for construction. Once completed, the safari park is expected to accommodate around 3,605 animals across 10 safari and wildlife sanctuary zones designed to replicate their natural habitats.
One of the project’s main attractions will be a 1,000-kanal ungulate safari featuring open wildlife viewing areas, guided safari tours, nature trails, and a glass soft-wheel train offering visitors panoramic views of the landscape.
A dedicated 180-kanal big cat zone will house lions, tigers, bears, hyenas, and African wild dogs in specially designed enclosures. The master plan also includes 340 kanals of wildlife sanctuaries for species such as elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, and hippos.
To support conservation efforts, the project will include a 100-kanal Wildlife Care Complex equipped with international-standard veterinary facilities, quarantine units, treatment centers, and a dedicated Safari Park Veterinary Clinic to ensure proper animal healthcare.
Visitors will have access to several recreational and hospitality facilities, including a Safari Pavilion for ticketing and information services, a 400-kanal Safari Village with lodges, restaurants, and entertainment areas, and a 50-kanal Safari Food Street connected directly to Murree Road. The food street will feature themed dining outlets such as Safari Grill, Jungle Bites, Baobab Café, Wild Wraps, and Bushman’s Kitchen.
The development will also feature a range of eco-tourism attractions, including an immersive wildlife museum, jungle-themed play area, koi fish pond, scenic sitting spaces, zipline adventure, and a one-kilometre Forest Canopy Walk offering elevated views of the surrounding forest. A Digital Immersive Museum will provide interactive exhibits focused on wildlife conservation and biodiversity.
Additional attractions proposed under the master plan include a 10-kanal natural lake, bridge walkways, dedicated safari tours, a two-kilometre safari chairlift, and several nature-based recreational facilities.
CDA officials believe the project will establish Islamabad as a leading wildlife tourism destination while encouraging biodiversity conservation, environmental awareness, and sustainable tourism in Pakistan.
