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10 Best Drive-Thru Animal Safaris In The U.S.

10 Best Drive-Thru Animal Safaris In The U.S.

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Take a walk, or rather drive, on the wild side. These tours are going to get you up close and personal with some of the largest mammals and most exotic species on Earth, all from the comfort of your vehicle. No longer does a safari require sleeping in a canvas tent on the Serengeti. Now, adventurers can experience wildlife from around the world in their own backyard. Check out the 10 best drive-thru animal safaris in the U.S.

Sources: WildlifeRanchTexas.com, Bearizona.com, VirginiaSafariPark.com, SafariWest.com, AnimalSafari.com

1. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Texas

Carri Wilbanks
Carri Wilbanks

Located between San Antonio and New Braunfels, Texas, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch sprawls across 400 acres of Texas plains. More than 500 animals call the ranch home such as the Japanese sika, eland and Damaraland zebra. Many of them will take pleasure in searching your car for tasty snacks provided with your admission. After the drive-thru tour, stretch your legs in the park’s walk-about, where visitors can get up close to the giraffe barn that houses a pair of rare twin reticulated giraffes, or catch a glimpse of lemurs in their unique cage-free enclosure. For the little ones, stop by the petting barnyard to play with African pygmy goats and llamas. The park is open 362 days per year. (Adults: $19/Children:$10)

Carri Wilbanks
Carri Wilbanks

2. Wild Animal Safari, Georgia.

Located 78 miles south of Atlanta in Pine Mountain, Ga., Wild Animal Safari is the perfect escape for city dwellers who dare to walk (or drive) on the wild side. Over the course of several miles, visitors will have the opportunity to view American bison, hyenas, tigers and more. If your car isn’t cut out for an animal adventure, safari in style in one of the park’s rentable zebra vans. Or hop aboard the guided tour bus, included with your admission, for a sit-back-and-relax approach to the tour. The tour bus schedule does vary by season, so be sure to plan ahead. Check out the park’s second location in Stafford, Mo. (Adults: $21.95/Children (3-12): $18.95)

Br bear encounter
Carri Wilbanks

3. Wildlife Safari, Oregon

Located just south of Roseburg in Oregon’s Umpqua Valley, Wildlife Safari is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and has developed one of the most successful cheetah breeding programs in the U.S. Plan to spend about an hour-and-a-half driving through a wide range of animal habitats featuring African elephants, hippopotamuses, American alligators, even Tibetan yaks. For an extra fee, select from several animal encounters to get up close and personal with your favorites. Guests can stroll with cheetahs, ride a camel or even spend an evening of wine and art with the park’s resident elephants – George, Alice and Tava. The park is open daily, but be sure to check their website for hours by season. (Adults: $17.99/Children (3-12): $11.99)

Carri Wilbanks
Carri Wilbanks

4. Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari, Ark.

With its picturesque Ozark location, this Arkansas drive-thru safari is a must see while visiting the Natural State. Visitors can enjoy more than 85 species of animals meandering along the drive and walk-through areas. Residents include large cats such as jaguars, leopards and Bengal tigers, hoofstock, and an array of primates such as spider monkeys. Be sure to stop at the petting park to interact with the pygmy goats and kangaroos. The park is open daily, with recommended viewing hours between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Please note, the park does not accept credit or debit cards. (Adults: $10/Children (3-12): $8)

Carri Wilbanks
Carri Wilbanks

5. African Safari Wildlife Park, Ohio

Approximately two hours from Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, African Safari Wildlife Park allows visitors to meet and feed a variety of animal species. Interact with bison, Bactrian camels and Scottish Highland cattle along the drive-thru tour. Or watch white handed gibbons and warthogs play as you make your way along the walk-thru areas, open during the warmer months. Plan your visit around one of the park’s seasonal educational animal shows, and watch the pigs race at Pork Chop Downs. Call ahead to ensure your favorite animal will be on exhibit. (Adults:$21.95/Children(4-6): $13.95)

Carri Wilbanks
Carri Wilbanks

6. Safari West, California

Located in California’s picturesque Sonoma wine country, Safari West is dedicated to promoting conservation and wildlife education on its 400-acre preserve. Hop on board one of the park’s authentic open-air safari vehicles for a drive through the habitat of zebras, giraffes, cheetahs and more. For a more in-depth animal experience, book a private adventure where you can get a behind-the-scenes tour of the giraffe barn or help care for the animals as the Keeper of the Day. Extend your stay in one of Safari West’s luxury safari tents, imported from Africa. Guests can also savor safari ranch style barbecue and South African wines and beers at the Savannah Café. (Adults: $70-$95/Children (3-12): $32-$35)

Carri Wilbanks
Carri Wilbanks

7. Lion Country Safari, Florida

The only drive-thru safari in Florida, and the first in America, Lion Country Safari is divided into seven unique wildlife regions. Meet wildebeests, African lions, chimpanzees and a baby Southern white rhino, Anna, who just turned 1, along the drive-thru safari. Next stop is SafariWorld, a walk-thru amusement park, where visitors can take boat ride on the Safari Queen, cool off at Safari Splash, play miniature golf or ride the ferris wheel. Throughout SafariWorld, guests can get an animal education at one of several exhibit talks and performances at the animal theater. (Adults: $29.95/Children (3-9): $21.95)

Carri Wilbanks
Carri Wilbanks

8. San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Calif.

Just thirty minutes north of downtown San Diego, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park brings travelers an up-close look to more than 3,500 animals and several endangered species. Tour options include the African Plains – where you will see elephants, rhinos and giraffes. Or check out the Asian Savanna to see one-horned rhinos, horses and deer. Other exhibits include the Tiger Territory, Elephant Valley and Gorilla Forest. For an extra charge but extra special element – check out the behind the scenes tour where guests can access areas closed off to the public and care for the animals. With so much ground to cover, several modes of transport are available – including segways, trams, caravans and even a zip line. (Adults: $46/Children $36)

Carri Wilbanks
Carri Wilbanks

9. Virginia Safari Park, Va.

Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley a short drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the city of Lexington, Virginia Safari Park is home to more than 1000 animals. Llamas, zebras and more will engulf your car as you make your way through the three-mile drive-thru safari. At eye level with adult giraffes on the park’s covered platform, you can feed the gentle giants by hand, stop by the Tiger Territory for a glimpse of Bengal tigers playing in their pool or feed a budgie (commonly known as a pet parakeet) in the free flight aviary. Wagon rides are also available for an additional fee, and include a bucket of feed. (Adults: $16.95/Children (2-12): $10.95)

Carri Wilbanks
Carri Wilbanks

10. Bearizona, Arizona

For a North American wildlife experience, stop at Bearizona, located in Williams, Ariz., just 25 miles west of Flagstaff. From the comfort of the car, guests can view mountain goats, Arctic wolves, white bison, and black bears, just to name a few species, in their natural habitat. Baby and smaller animals are also on display in Fort Bearizona, a walk-thru area complete with an interactive petting zoo. Finish up the day at the birds of prey show with a closer look at hawks and other raptors, including free flight demonstrations. Note that the animals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. (Adults: $20/Children (4-12): $10)