A life-size gorilla is not the kind of audience most golfers expect, but at MiniGolf Safari in West Orange, he is part of the deal. One minute you are standing over a short putt, pretending you have perfect control of the club.
The next, you are aiming past rocky edges, animal figures, rushing water, and a course that seems determined to make every hole feel like a tiny expedition. This is not the sad, sun-faded putt-putt course with a wobbling windmill and turf that has seen better decades.
Essex County’s MiniGolf Safari sits at 9 Cherry Lane, right near Turtle Back Zoo, and it leans all the way into its African safari theme. There are 19 holes here, which already gives it a little extra personality…