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Lion Country Safari – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, FAQs

Lion Country Safari, located in West Palm Beach, is a leading tourism destination in Palm Beach County, providing a unique and affordable opportunity to explore the largest drive-through safari in Florida.

Lion Country Safari spans nearly 600 acres of natural area and is home to hundreds of animals.

It is believed to be the first cageless zoo in the country, introducing a new concept in zoology.

This article covers everything you must know before buying tickets for Lion Country Safari in Florida.

Table of contents

What to expect, where to book tickets, how online ticket works, lion country safari ticket prices, lion country safari tickets, how to reach, how long does the tour take, best time to go to visit, food and drinks at lion country safari , map of lion country safari, lion country safari camping, animals at lion country drive-through safari , rides, attractions, and encounters, faqs about lion country safari.

Come and witness ostriches, wildebeests, and impalas in their natural habitat, get up close to a pride of lions, or observe the endangered rhino on the Lion Country Safari.

Get ready to have a personal safari and learn about animal conservation! Enjoy pontoon and paddle boat rides, mini-golf, slides, and other fun attractions on-site.

Explore seven areas, each packed with creatures great and small, from the Serengeti Plains to Gorongosa Reserve and Hwange National Park.

The park has rides, a water play area, and a walk-through section. Kids will love it along with three feeding encounters, including the most giraffe feeding.

The park has also recreated the animals’ natural habitats down to the last detail. So, grab your khaki pants and binoculars; it’s time to go on a safari!

Tickets for the Lion Country Safari are available to be purchased at the ticket office or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

Go to the Lion Country Safari booking page, select your preferred date, and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

Show the smartphone tickets on the day of your visit and begin your tour.

Lion Country Safari tickets cost US$52 for all visitors aged 10 years and above.  

Tickets for children between three to nine years of age can be purchased for US$40. 

Infants up to two years of age can join for free.

The ticket provides access to various exciting attractions at Lion Country Safari.

You can enjoy the drive-thru safari experience along with admission to the Adventure Park.

The ticket also includes access to all the rides, including the Flying Elephant Ride and Rio Grand Train.

You can explore seven different areas, each featuring a variety of creatures from the Serengeti Plains to Gorongosa Reserve and Hwange National Park.

Moreover, you can have fun at the Safari Splash Sprayground Water Park, enjoy pontoon and paddle boat rides, and play mini-golf.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (10+ years): US$52 Child Ticket (3 to 9 years): US$40 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

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Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach County, Florida.

Address : 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470, USA. Get Directions

You can reach the Lion Country Safari by both public and private transportation.

Take Bus Number 40 and get off at Southern BL at Lion Country Safari Rd , 2.3 miles (4 km) from the attraction. 

If you’re traveling by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!

You will find metered parking lots inside Lion Country Safari.

Lion Country Safari opens daily at 9.30 am and closes by 5.30 pm.

However, the last car admission to the attraction is at 4.30 pm. 

Visitors should plan for around 5 hours to enjoy Lion Country.

It takes around an hour and a half for the drive-through and around three and a half hours for the walk-through.

The best time to go for Lion Country Safari is as soon as it starts at 10 am.

In the early morning, it’s typically cooler, and the animals are usually more active.

The best season to visit Lion Country Safari is the rainy season. 

The animals are typically more active during this time of year because they enjoy the cooler, rainier weather. 

During adverse weather, including lightning alerts, rides, and some attractions are closed until it is safe to reopen.

Lion Country Safari has Café ROAR, a Cones ice cream shop, a Safari Food Truck, a Base Camp refreshment trailer, and a Safari Snacks outlet.

You can bring your favorite foods and dine in the outdoor picnic area near the Safari World walk-through park. 

On-site barbecues and alcohol are not permitted.

There are several picnic areas available around the walk-through park.

Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Lion Country Safari also offers a pavilion that must be reserved ahead of time.

The Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres, so download the map to plan your visit.

The map will help you identify enclosures and services such as restrooms, restaurants, picnic areas, medical facilities, locker rooms, and souvenir shops.

They are useful for families who want to see their favorite animals first instead of whatever is on the route.

Where else can you hear a lion’s roar in the morning and African music while you sleep?

Only at the 320-acre drive-through wild animal sanctuary and adventure park, part of the acclaimed Lion Country Safari KOA!

The well-known Lion Country Safari introduced a new full-service KOA campground to serve visitors looking for an outstanding wild animal experience in the safari region.

The campground offers RV sites with full hookups, rustic cabins that accommodate up to four people, and tent sites.

You will find out various exotic species from all over the world.

Las Pampas: Aldabra Tortoise, Alpaca, Brazilian Tapir, Greater Rhea, Marabou Stork

Ruaha National Park: Greater Kudu, Impala, Ostrich

Kalahari Bushveldt : Eastern Bongo, Gemsbok, Nile lechwe, Waterbuck, Wildebeest

Gir Forest: Asiatic Water Buffalo, Blackbuck, Lowland Nyala, Nilgai, Scimitar-horned Oryx

Gorongosa Reserve : African Lion

Serengeti Plains: Common Eland, Common Waterbuck, Watusi/ankole cattle, Wildebeest

Hwange National Park : Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Plains zebra, Southern white rhinoceros, White Handed Gibbon

Rides: Flying Elephant ride, Carousel, Rio Grande Train

Water park: Safari Splash Sprayground, Safari Water Slides, Safari Falls

Animal Encounters: Giraffe Feeding, Petting Zoo, Lorikeet Feeding

Other attractions: Gemstone Mining, Maze, Mini Golf, Fun Slide, Safari Queen Pontoon Boat, Paddle Boats

Here are a few questions visitors to the Lion Country Safari usually have.

Lion Country Safari tickets are US$52 for tourists aged 10 and above, while kids aged 3 to 9 years pay US$40.

There are two ways to experience Lion Country Safari: You can bring your own car or get a vehicle for rental for a fee from the main office of the attraction. 

Convertibles, motorcycles, or any open-air vehicles are strictly NOT allowed. Vehicles cannot have broken windows. Windows and sunroofs must always be closed while driving through the preserve.

Infants up to 3 years old are admitted free of charge at the Lion Country Safari.

There is no need to take the printout of your Lion Country Safari tickets. You can show tickets on your smartphone and walk in.

Lion Country offers animal feeding experiences for a minimal fee at the walk-through attraction Safari World. Giraffe Feeding Encounter, Lorikeet Feeding, and Petting Zoo are among them.

The wildlife facility is handicap accessible, with a few exclusions owing to architectural constraints. You will be in your vehicle or one of the rental vans in the drive-through section.

Yes. You will find a few rides inside the walk-through park, such as the Rio Grande Train ride, animal carousel, pontoon boat tour, and flying elephant ride.

The rides at Lion Country Safari are included with all entry tickets.

Smoking is permitted only in guest vehicles and in the main parking area of Safari World, a walk-through adventure park.

There are numerous picnic areas spread around the walk-through park. Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It also has a pavilion that may only be reserved in advance.

Guests can enjoy their own food in the outdoor picnic area located inside Safari World. Please note that alcohol and barbecues are not permitted.

Yes, it is best to buy tickets in advance to ensure availability and have a hassle-free experience.

Pets are not allowed on the tour because of safety reasons.

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This article was researched & written by

Devyani Bhattacharjee

Devyani Bhattacharjee enjoys traveling to new, exotic locations. She is always waiting to step out and explore the amazing historical structures, delectable cuisines, magnificent cultures, and gorgeous people worldwide. She believes in frugal travel - where she can have endless fun without spending too much money. Favourite Cities: Buenos Aires, Auckland, Montreal, Port Louis, St. Petersburg

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Lion Country Safari

Top ways to experience Lion Country Safari and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Lion Country Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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Lion Country Safari

Price & Hours

• Facilities 4.0
• Atmosphere 5.0

Sitting 21 miles west of downtown West Palm Beach, Lion Country Safari is the first cageless drive-thru zoo in the country. Although it's a bit of a drive, it's well worth the trip to see nearly 1,000 animals walk freely around your car. With animals from six continents, 90 different species can be seen here, including lions, Asiatic water buffalo, tapirs, ostriches and giraffes. There's also a walk-through portion of the park called Adventure Park, where travelers can feed giraffes and birds, play miniature golf, enjoy paddle boats and water park rides and more.

Past travelers especially appreciated the friendly staff, well maintained grounds, and unique opportunity to see animals up close. To cut costs, pass on park food and bring packed lunches instead.

Lion Country Safari's drive-thru adventure is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Public transportation is not available within the immediate area, so driving to (and within) the attraction is required. Regular admission costs $49 for visitors 10 and older, $37 for children ages 3 to 9 and free for children 2 and younger. All general admission tickets include access to the drive-thru and walk-thru portions of the park. Premium e xperiences , such as giraffe painting and flamingo feedings, are available for an additional fee. In addition to the attraction's various animal exhibits, guests have access to restrooms, gift shops, restaurants, picnic areas and water rides inside Adventure Park.

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#1 McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary

Home to more than 200 animals, including lions, tigers, panthers and lemurs, McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal attraction for animal lovers. Available to visit by small-group guided tour only, the sanctuary affords visitors an up-close view of various animals, as well as interactive opportunities with some of the property's smaller species.

Overall, past visitors appreciated McCarthy's mission to rehabilitate injured or abandoned wild animals. Not only are the grounds well-maintained, but the tour guides are also informative, polite and engaging, according to reviewers. Remember, though, to make arrangements for this attraction well in advance since appointments are required. Another note: Children younger than 5 are not permitted.

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Lion Country Safari

West Palm Beach

The first cageless drive-through safari in the country, this incredible animal park puts you in the cage (ie your car) as 900 creatures roam freely, staring at you . Equal parts conservation area and safari, the park's 500 acres are home to bison, zebra, white rhinos, chimpanzees and, of course, lions. You tour in your car (unless it's a convertible, in which case short-term rentals are available), driving slowly, hoping the animals approach the vehicle.

The best time to go is when it rains, because the animals are more active when it's cool. The park is 20 miles west of downtown West Palm.

2003 Lion Country Safari Rd

Get In Touch

561-793-1084

https://www.lioncountrysafari.com

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Visit our Instagram for more photos

Explore Florida's largest Drive-Through Safari with herds of animals roaming hundreds of acres of wide-open habitat. The 55-acre adventure park is included with admission and features animal habitats and encounters, rides, water attractions, food, shopping and more. See a variety of iconic animals, including some of the largest herds of zebra, rhino, and giraffe on record in the country.

Southern Blvd., 10 miles west of Florida’s Turnpike. Turnpike Exit 97 or I-95 to Exit 68

To fully experience the parks, we suggest allowing 4-6 hours for your adventure. Also located on safari is a 233-site KOA Campground offering sites for RVs, tents and cabin rentals. Lion Country Safari is located in western West Palm Beach, Florida (USA) on over 320 acres. The safari is just miles outside of major shopping, restaurant, entertainment and nightlife venues sure to fill any holiday or vacation schedule.  Best of all, we are open 365 days a year!  For more information on planning your visit, special tours or VIP experiences, please visit us online at www.LionCountrySafari.com .

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Where to Experience Lion Country Safaris

Author: Devryn Panaino - 19 December 2023

Last Update: 26 April 2024

Part of the African Safari Collection

An African lion safari is the perfect experience to bask in nature and see stunning wildlife in their most natural habitat. While many people love the Lion Country Safari at the Palm Beach County Lion Zoo in Florida, travelers increasingly seek ethical alternatives to interact with one of nature’s fiercest predators.

But what are your options for ethical wildlife experiences beyond this lion safari park? Read more to find the 10 best authentic lion encounters as you traverse Africa!

1. Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

The Lower Zambezi National Park offers a unique landscape where lions are often observed hunting along the riverbanks. The park’s geography, with its mix of riverside and rugged terrain, influences the lions’ behavior and hunting strategies, making for compelling viewing, especially in the dry season.

The tranquility and unspoiled nature of the area make it ideal for those seeking an authentic wildlife experience, where the focus is on observing lions’ behavior and interactions in a peaceful setting, away from the bustling crowds.

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti is a world-renowned ecosystem, hosting one of the densest populations of lions in Africa. The lions here are particularly known for their large prides and strategic hunting tactics during the Great Migration . This annual event sees over a million wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains, providing a feast for the lions.

The open savannas of the Serengeti offer spectacular views of these lions in action, showcasing their social structure and cooperative hunting strategies.

3. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

In Kenya’s Masai Mara, the lion prides are celebrated for their strength and size. Masai Mara National Reserve becomes a hotspot for lion activity during the annual migration, where they actively hunt the migrating herds. This period, typically from July to October, offers exceptional opportunities to observe lions in their natural hunting grounds.

Masai Mara’s vast plains and scattered acacia trees provide a picturesque backdrop for watching these magnificent predators in action.

4. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park in Namibia presents a unique environment for lion watching. Adapted to the semi-arid climate, the lions here are often found near waterholes, providing spectacular wildlife viewing. The dry season, from May to October, is the ideal time to observe these majestic predators as they hunt and interact with other species.

The park’s open terrain and sparse vegetation offer clear visibility, making it a favorite for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

5. Kruger National Park, South Africa

South Africa’s Kruger National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, hosting a significant lion population. The park’s diverse landscapes, ranging from dense bushveld to riverine forests, support a rich variety of prey for the lions. This diversity allows for a unique insight into the adaptability and hunting techniques of Kruger’s lions.

Visitors can enjoy sightings throughout the year, with the dry winter months being particularly rewarding for lion encounters.

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6. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with its famous crater, offers an unparalleled safari experience. The crater’s high walls create a natural enclosure, providing a sanctuary for a dense population of wildlife, including lions. This unique ecosystem allows for close-up observations of lions in a relatively confined space.

The lions in Ngorongoro are accustomed to vehicles, allowing for intimate wildlife encounters and exceptional photographic opportunities.

7. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park is known for its robust lion population. The park’s diverse landscapes, from teak forests to open savannas, offer varied habitats for lions. The dry season, from July to October, is particularly rewarding for lion sightings as they congregate near water sources.

The park’s commitment to conservation ensures that visitors can enjoy ethical and sustainable wildlife encounters.

8. Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a unique wetland ecosystem, home to a variety of wildlife, including a healthy population of lions. These lions have adapted to the delta’s seasonal flooding, displaying unique behaviors such as swimming and hunting in shallow waters.

The delta’s intricate network of waterways and islands provides a stunning backdrop for observing these majestic predators in a truly unique setting.

9. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Botswana’s Chobe National Park is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife, including a large population of lions. The park’s diverse environments, from the lush Chobe Riverfront to the dry Savuti area , offer varied contexts for observing lion behavior.

The dry season, from April to October, is particularly rewarding as animals gather around the remaining water sources, providing excellent opportunities for lion sightings.

10. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve is an expansive, untouched wilderness ideal for observing lions. Its diverse landscapes of riverine forests, grassy plains, and thickets provide a habitat-rich environment for lions, showcasing their natural behaviors from hunting to nurturing young.

Selous Game Reserve’s isolation ensures exclusive, intimate wildlife experiences and emphasizes conservation and sustainable tourism, offering visitors authentic, ethical encounters with these magnificent predators in their natural habitat.

Embark on a Lion Country Safari With Discover Africa

From the stunning sights of Zambia to the remote wilderness of Botswana, there’s always something to discover on a lion safari in Africa. With Discover Africa, luxury, adventure, and conservation await in a safe safari experience.

Contact Discover Africa today for more information about our ethical wildlife experiences and to book your authentic safari!

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OUR LOCATION

• 2nd floor, Tygervalley Chambers One, 27 Willie van Schoor Avenue, Bellville, Cape Town , 7530

YESTER LION COUNTRY SAFARI (CALIFORNIA) HOURS:

Open every day of the year, rain or shine, at 9 a.m. until:

      Summer — June 1 to Labor Day — 6:00 p.m.       Fall — Day after Labor Day to October 31 — 5:00 p.m.       Winter — November 1 to March 31 — 3:30 p.m.       Spring — April 1 to May 31 — 5:00 p.m.

Prices and operating hours subject to change without notice.

According to the brochure, “Go Wild! Drive thru Lion Country Safari African Wildlife Preserve.”

You don’t have to go to Africa for this African Safari. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Yesterland. Lion Country Safari is 40 miles from Downtown Los Angeles or 64 miles from Downtown San Diego, according to the brochure. Just head down the San Diego Freeway to the Moulton Parkway off-ramp. Your safari awaits you right on the Irvine Ranch in Orange County, California.

You’ll be greeted by a sign that reads, “No Trespassing. Violators Will Be Eaten! Lion Country Safari.”

Drive up to a ticket window. Adults are $3.25; children five through eleven are $1.50; four and under are free. There is no charge for parking.

If you’re driving a convertible, you won’t be allowed to drive it through the safari. (They don’t really want the lions to eat you.) Park your convertible at the Hertz Hut and rent an air-conditioned sedan or safari-type vehicle at nominal charge.

Did you bring your pets with you? According to the brochure, “Domestic animals are not permitted in automobiles touring the preserve. First-rate accommodations are provided for them, free, at the Kal Kan Kennel Club.”

A ranger watches from a tower to make sure everything is okay.

You’ll see more than just lions at California’s Lion Country Safari. You can drive your Impala among the antelope. The cheetahs can outrun your Cougar—you have a speed limit, but they don’t. Giraffes will tower over your Pinto. Curious ostriches might peck at your Falcon.

Experience an authentic safari in your family car.

The animals have the right-of-way. Given the size of the elephants and rhinoceroses, nobody should debate this rule.

Camels and zebras and gnus, oh my!

The zebras are glad that they’re separated from the lions by fences. Park guests are glad that the fences are hidden in ditches so that it feels like driving through an African savanna, not through a series of fenced enclosures.

Keep your windows rolled up!

Over 400 animals call Lion Country Safari “home.”

The stars of the show

The highlight of your safari is being surrounded by lions. The only thing between you and the ferocious beasts is your car window. A lion might even jump on the hood of your car—but, more likely, the well-fed lions will all be on the ground taking it easy.

If a 500-pound adult lion dents the hood of your car, how will you explain it to your insurance company?

“Jambo!”

When you finish your drive-through tour of the preserve, the fun isn’t over yet. Park your car and visit the Safari Camp and Entertainment Area.

Map of Safari Camp

For a larger (1200x1400 GIF) version of this Safari Camp map, click here .

Lion Country Flamingos

Take a Zambezi River Cruise (adults 75 cents, children 50 cents)—the animals along the river are real, unlike those at the Jungle Cruise in that park in Anaheim.

Zambezi River Cruise

California’s Lion Country Safari entertained visitors from 1970 to 1984.

On June 16, 1970, Lion Country Safari in Irvine opened to the public. The location in Southern California had a lot going for it—a great climate, a large local population, and a significant tourist base. But Lion Country Safari had stiff competition from Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the beach.

Lion Country Safari was given a big boost by an unlikely star attraction. An elderly, nearly toothless lion named Frasier came from a Mexican circus in February 1971. The old cat’s tongue dangled from one side of his mouth, and he had trouble walking. He may not have been much to look at as far as we humans were concerned, but the lionesses saw him differently. There was a population boom of lion cubs at the park. Frasier’s sorry visage adorned tee-shirts and other park souvenirs. Frasier sired 35 cubs until his death in June 1972 at 17-20 years of age, equivalent to a human age of 85-100 years. Frasier even inspired a 1973 feature movie, Frasier the Sensuous Lion , rated PG.

In 1981, Irvine Meadows Amphitheater was added to Lion Country Safari. It was Verizon Wireless Amphitheater from 2000 to 2014. Then it reverted to its original name, before closing permanently in 2016.

On October 27, 1984, in the Los Angeles Times , staff writer Bruce Horowitz wrote about the end of the drive-through safari at Lion Country Safari:

The roar of Lion Country Safari may soon be replaced by a gurgle.

Park officials announced Thursday that they intend to phase out the 100-acre animal preserve at the struggling tourist attraction and replace a portion of it with a major water-theme amusement park.

“This land is so valuable that it no longer makes sense to have these animals occupying 100 choice acres,” said Harry Shuster, president of Lion Country Safari Inc. Over the next three months, the park plans to begin converting operations and selling its estimated 300 “wild” animals—valued at more than $200,000—to other animal parks and zoos nationwide, Shuster added.

When the lions and tigers are gone, the only remaining animals at the park will be tame ones in its petting zoo and exotic birds. Nevertheless, Shuster stressed, the park will retain the name Lion Country Safari. “Why not?” he asked. “Magic Mountain doesn’t have any magic nor is it on a mountain. And Knott’s Berry Farm hasn’t been a real farm for many years.

In November 1984, after more than 14 years in business, Lion Country Safari closed permanently. In 1986, part of the former Safari Camp became Wild Rivers Waterpark.

Surprisingly, the “so valuable” land that was once the drive-through safari remained undeveloped for decades.

The water park operated until September 2011. It’s now the site of Los Olivos, the largest apartment complex in Orange County, with 1,750 units. More apartments are planned for the site of the amphitheater when its lease runs out in 2017.

The Lion Country Safari name has long been erased. Moulton Parkway adjacent to the site is now called Irvine Center Drive. (It’s still Moulton Parkway after Lake Forest Drive.)

Yes, Lion Country Safari is long gone—but you can still visit Lion Country Safari. It doesn’t require a time machine.

That’s because the original (1967) Lion Country in Loxahatchee, Florida, is still open for business.

There’s still a Lion Country Safari near West Palm Beach, Florida.

Over 900 animals live at the Florida park. The four-decade-old attraction has aged gracefully. In recent years, the owners have upgraded the facilities with new features such as a giraffe feeding station, a ferris wheel, and a children’s water-play area, Safari Splash.

Cars and animals still the share the road in Florida.

There’s a four-mile drive-through preserve which provides great views of many different species. Guests are lent a CD or cassette for commentary through the car’s stereo. The lions are now fenced in. Chimpanzees live on islands. The elephants, who had long ago been moved into an elephant enclosure, were removed from Lion Country Safari in 2006; they are now at facilities that provide better social and physical environments for them. (Lion Country Safari’s Bulwagi the elephant was at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for four years before moving to the Birmingham Zoo in December 2010.) But there are still plenty of species wandering around in surprisingly large herds.

Ostriches seem to enjoy seeing their reflections in car windows.

The Safari World area provides animal exhibits, demonstrations, and rides (including rather Dumbo-esque flying elephants). After visiting Safari World, guests are welcome to drive through the preserve again at no additional charge.

It’s worth visiting Florida’s Lion Country Safari if you like animals and you’re in the area. Don’t expect the spectacular art direction of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (It doesn’t cost as much for admission either.) This is a lovely, old-fashioned Florida attraction for guests of all ages.

© 2007-2020 Werner Weiss — Disclaimers, Copyright, and Trademarks

Updated January 5, 2020

• Scanned image of lions on road at Lion Country Safari, Irvine, California, from a Lion Country Safari brochure circa 1971. Included here for historical illustration.
• Scanned cover of Lion Country Safari brochure circa 1971. Included here for historical illustration.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari sign: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Scan of Lion Country Safari exchange ticket: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari guard tower and giraffes: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Scanned image of rhinos and elephants at Lion Country Safari, Irvine, California, from a Lion Country Safari brochure circa 1971. Included here for historical illustration.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari camels: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari tigers: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari giraffes on road: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of pride of lions at Lion Country Safari: courtesy of the Orange County Archives, Santa Ana, California.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari entrance to Safari Camp: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Scanned image of map of Safari Camp and Entertainment Area at Lion Country Safari, Irvine, California, from a Lion Country Safari brochure circa 1972. Artist: T. Smith. Included here for historical illustration.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari flamingos: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari boat ride: from the collection of Richard Harris.
• Photo of Lion Country Safari (Florida) sign: 2006 by Werner Weiss.
• Photo of animals and SUV at Lion Country Safari (Florida): 2006 by Werner Weiss.
• Photo of an ostrich at Lion Country Safari (Florida): 2006 by Werner Weiss.

Richard Harris is the author Early Amusement Parks of Orange County .

How great is Lion Country Safari? Zoo made this USA top 10 list for the seventh time!

The results are in and once again Palm Beach County's Lion Country Safari has been named one of the top 10 Safari Parks in the country.

Taking seventh place on the list (which was released March 13), this is the seventh year in a row that the park has been named to the USA Today's "10Best" Readers' Choice list.

Opened in 1967 and situated on 600 acres, Lion Country Safari is Florida's largest drive-through safari and is home to hundreds of animals roaming wide open, natural habitats in large herds, prides and troops.

The four-mile-long, drive-through safari is divided into seven different habitats.

More: Say hello to Kandoro and Kianga! Lion Country Safari welcomes first baby giraffes in 5 years

What animals are in Lion Country Safari?

Those areas include Las Pampas, Ruaha National Park, Kalahari Bushveldt, Gir Forest, Gorongosa Reserve, Serengeti Plains and Hwange National Park.

Some of the animals that guests see during their trek through the seven zones include aldabra tortoises, alpacas, Brazilian tapirs, greater kudus, impalas, ostriches, gemsbok, wildebeest, Asiatic water buffaloes, blackbucks, African lions, common elands, impalas, giraffes, zebras, southern white rhinoceros and many more.

The park features the largest herd of zebra on record in the western hemisphere, one of the largest herds of giraffe in the United States and a large herd of rhinos with a long history of breeding success.

More: A banner year for wild-animal babies: Lion Country Safari says 31 births show its formula is working

Lion Country Safari not just a drive-thru zoo — best things to do on foot at this Palm Beach County park

Though the drive-through safari is the star of the park, there are many other fun things to do. Some of these include:

Kids can hop on some rides: Who could resist a Flying Elephant Ride? Also check out the Carousel and the Rio Grande Train.

On a hot day, get wet: A waterpark with fun features for cooling off including the Safari Splash Sprayground, Safari Water Slides and Safari Falls.

Feed the giraffe : At the Giraffe Feeding encounter, guests can stand on a platform (the better to get on giraffe level) to hand feed these majestic animals and maybe even get some great pictures.

Feed the birds: Check out the Lorikeet Feeding where participants can give these beautiful, charismatic birds a couple treats.

Get on a boat: A trip on the Safari Queen Pontoon Boat tour on Lake Shannalee and closer view of some of the park's birds and primates.

Get lost? : The park has a Safari Maze.

Play a round: This safari park has a 16-hole miniature golf course.

The nation's other top safari parks:

Taking seventh place on the list, the park was bested by The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio; Safari West in Santa Rosa, Calif.; San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, Calif.; Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas; Turpentine Creek Wildlife Center in Eureka Springs, Ark.; and, coming in at number one, Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, in Ashland, Neb.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Lion Country Safari continuously strives to be a leader in animal care, conservation, and education to inspire people through connections with wildlife in a family-friendly environment.

Lion Country Safari

Where: 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 365 days a year

Information: lioncountrysafari.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at  [email protected] . Help support our journalism.  Subscribe today .

Lion Country Safari

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LION COUNTRY SAFARI: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Though the drive-through safari is the star at Lion Country Safari there's even more fun to be had

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