drive through safari texas san antonio

Top 12 Must See Drive Through Safaris in Texas

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Looking for a drive through safari in Texas? Or want to know all the dive through safaris in Texas?

This might come as a surprise but you can experience an African safari right here in the great state of Texas!  Granted, very little tops seeing these majestic creatures in their homeland but if you’re looking for a Texan substitute, we’ve got a list of all the places you can find a drive through safari in Texas.

Looking for more Texas fun? Check out this list of the best amusement parks in Texas !

Before heading out on your adventure to explore drive through safaris in Texas, please call to verify operating hours, animal availability, and all the other fun details!

Drive Through Safaris in Texas

Natural bridge wildlife ranch , san antonio.

Explore 450 acres of Texas Hill Country during this 1.5 hour Texas drive through safari featuring animals from all over the world.  Each car is provided a bag of animal feed with the cost of admission.  The animals in the ranch will come to your vehicle to eat and allow you an up close view of their beauty. You will see buffalos, zebras, and ostriches during your adventure.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (@naturalbridge.wildliferanch)

Visitors can even explore the wildlife ranch on foot. You can relax at the on-site cafe and visit the lemur habitat and the giraffe center. Finish off your day by stopping at the gift shop for a nice souvenir of your day.

Aggieland Safari , Bryan

Want to visit a “traditional” zoo and experience a drive through safari in Texas all at the same time?  Aggieland Safari in Bryan is the place to be!  Admission includes entrance to their 250+ acre drive-thru safari.  For a small additional fee, you can receive a bucket of feed to share with the over 100 animals that call Aggieland Safari home.  Experience a personal visit from each of the animals on the safari without ever having to leave your car.

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But the fun at Aggieland Safari doesn’t stop there!  Admission to their Adventure Zoo is included as well.  This 20-acre area is meant to be explored on foot but still provides the opportunity for up-close experiences.  Want to feed a giraffe?  You can do that here.  Want to feed a tortoise?  You can do that too.  There’s also a bird aviary, a camel trek, a petting zoo, a kid-friendly playscape, a covered pavilion, and a gift shop!

Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari , Eustace

Enjoy a 1 hour drive through a safari right in the heart of Texas with a visit to Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari. View the park from the comfort of your own vehicle while traveling through this 200 acre wild animal refuge. The park features over 25 species of animals from all over the world.

With animals like buffalo, llamas, zebras, and even gazelles, this drive through safari in Texas is the perfect afternoon activity with family!

​ Franklin Drive Thru Safari , Franklin

Your entire family will have fun playing, feeding, and interacting with animals from across the globe at this drive through safari in Texas. Franklin Drive Thru Safari has over 100 acres filled with more than 1,000 animals. The petting zoo is amazing with new animals consistently being adopted. As you drive through the safari, you will see over fifty different species of animals meandering around the ranch. ​ Franklin Drive Thru Safari even has a ten-acre area for walking. There’s so much to do: visit baby giraffes, camels, anteaters, or kangaroos; purchase a cup of peanuts and make friends with the park monkeys;  take a private tour with the trained staff; visit the adorable baby room to play with exotic babies animals like coatimundis and lemurs, or explore in your car to feed camels and zebras right from your vehicle.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center , Glen Rose

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is one of the largest drive through safaris in Texas.  The ranch consists of over 1,800 acres and features nearly fifty different species among the 1,100 animals on the property. You can spend hours driving through the park looking at all of the different animals.

But the fun doesn’t stop there!  You can go on a bike tour or even a murder mystery tour.  Fossil Rim Wildlife Center also has photo workshops, an on-site cafe, and overnight lodging [bunkhouses, anyone?].

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (@fossilrim)

In addition to being a drive through safari in Texas, they are also the biggest cheetah breeding facility in the world.  Between eighteen and twenty cubs are raised here every year.  Many endangered species, such as the scimitar-horned oryx, have also been reintroduced to the wild thanks to the efforts of the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.  They are truly a drive through safari dedicated to the well-being and conservation of their animals!

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari , Jacksonville

Visit this 5-mile drive through Texas safari to see Rupert the camel and Minnie the yak. Your two-hour drive includes a free feed bag, 300 acres, 35 species, and 700 animals. Make friends with capybaras, zebras, alpacas, bison, and more as they approach your vehicle.

There is also a fenced-off enclosure with six alligators you can feed. The variety of wildlife present at Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari is simply amazing.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cherokee Trace (@cherokeetrace)

There is an open habitat with two dozen endangered and exotic species and open savannahs. Drive along the different roads to spot an African longhorn cow, an Indian antelope walking across a lush field, or a mother and her calf grazing by the pond. You and your family will make great memories feeding, photographing, and observing these gorgeous creatures.

Grapeland Safari , Grapeland

The Grapeland Safari offers 59 acres and 25 different species. Grab a bucket of feed, drive through this Texas safari, and enjoy these amazing creatures. Your kids will love the petting zoo. They can visit numerous animals including zebras, axis deer, emus, and yaks. Bring your grill and spend some quality time together enjoying a cookout in the picnic area.

The guests of honor at the Grapeland Safari are their camels.  They feature two different types of camels: Dromedary and Bactrian.  Each has its unique features [one hump or two?] and both types at Grapeland Safari are a hit with visitors due to their incredibly friendly nature.

Exotic Resort Zoo , Johnson City

Instead of driving through this Texas safari, you can relax and enjoy all 127 acres from the comfort of a tram. You will learn about the forty different species and 600 animals including the kissing camel [named Gomar], ostriches, and blackbucks.

There are endangered and exotic animals too. You can feed the friendly animals right out of your own feed bucket. Your family will laugh as thirty or forty animals surround your tram hoping for tidbits.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Exotic Resort Zoo, Inc. (@exoticresortzoo)

After your tour, visit the two petting zoos, the fishing pond where you can catch and release the fish or spend the night in a cabin and enjoy a roaring campfire. Visit the charming gift shop for a memorable souvenir, the private penned areas, and the caged enclosures. The tour guides will ensure you know a lot more about the animals when you leave than when you arrived.

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari , Jefferson

The Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari is home to over eighty animals. During your visit, you’ll enjoy wildebeests, camels, donkeys, red deer, bison, and more. The animals roam freely around the 65 acres. Follow the signs to drive to the exotic animals while seeing zebras and fallow deer along the way. 

Your entire family will enjoy the field filled with braying donkeys.  There’s a really good chance that the more social animals will approach your car to say hi!

If you want to get even closer to the animals, visit their on-site petting zoo.  Be sure to stop by their office to purchase buckets of food to share with the animals.  While you’re there, pick up a branded t-shirt and a souvenir to take home! You can take incredible photographs and visit the petting zoo.

North Texas Safari Park , Bonham

If you want to view exotic and endangered species from the comfort of your car, then North Texas Safari Park is the best drive through safari in Texas for you! Located about an hour north of Dallas, this drive through safari in Texas has all sorts of animals.

Experience more of the animals by partaking in their optional activities like feeding the giraffes, exploring their exhibit dedicated to Australian animals, petting animals in the petting zoo and more!

Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park , Jefferson

See exotic animals in their natural setting right in the middle of East Texas at this drive through safari.  Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park consists of 125 free-range safari acres. Drive the 3 mile loop in the comfort of your own vehicle while you see the animals naturally and up close.

With over 20 years of experience caring for exotic animals, this ranch works hard to ensure the wonders of the animal world are well preserved. Make sure you bring a camera to capture the incredible animals and bring home unforgettable souvenirs!

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park , Evant

This drive through safari in Texas is a little different than others.  The entire safari is housed inside of a RV park. Their goal is to not only provide amazing animals for your viewing pleasure but to provide an overall family adventure – an economical one at that!

With over 23 animal species from 10 different countries, there are plenty of animals to see!

Have you visited a drive through safari in Texas?  Leave a comment below!

Montoya (Monty) Hudson is the founder and primary voice behind The Spring Break Family. She has created informative travel content for families since 2018 by providing practical advice, easy to follow itineraries, and addressing the real challenges of family travel. Since the creation of her family travel blog, she's inspired thousands of families to travel the world with their kids.

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Explore the Wildlife Ranch Drive-through Safari

Discover a world of exotic animals on a thrilling drive-through safari adventure in the heart of Texas!

Admission: $28.99 (adults) and $19.99 (kids); Guided Safari Shuttle: $149.99; Safari Adventure Tour: $229.99

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Description

At the Wildlife Ranch, guests can enjoy an incredible drive-through safari where they will encounter a variety of fascinating animals from around the world. Choose from three exciting ways to explore the safari: drive through in your own car, join a Guided Safari Trek on a shuttle, or experience the exclusive Safari Adventure Tour with a Giraffe Encounter. Learn about the animals' habitats, conservation efforts, and unique characteristics while taking part in guided tours led by experienced Safari Animal Rangers. No matter which option you choose, an unforgettable adventure awaits you at the Wildlife Ranch.

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• Arrive at the Wildlife Ranch
• Purchase admission or optional guided tour tickets
• Enjoy your drive-through Safari
• Explore the Walk-A-Bout area with giraffes

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26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

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Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch Hours & Admission Prices

Interact with and learn about the ranch’s exotic, native, and endangered animals during your self-guided African Safari, Texas Style. Watch the lemurs play at the Walk-A-Bout. End your walk on the wild side with a hearty meal at the Safari Camp Grill and some dessert at the Safari Sweet Spot before snagging a souvenir at the Safari Trading Post.

A host of remarkable adventures awaits you at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. With its convenient location just north of San Antonio and a few moments from New Braunfels, the ranch is easy to reach. Plan your visit by checking out the hours and admission prices for Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch below.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch Hours Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is open daily at 9 a.m.

The Ranch is open every day except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. 

Some exceptions may apply.  Please be sure to visit the website for the most current schedule of operating days and hours.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch Admission Prices Adults (12+ years): $31.99 Children (3-11 years): $21.99

Purchase your tickets online or upon arrival! Please be sure to visit the  website for ticketing options and guided tour information.  

Hours and admission prices are subject to change. Please check wildliferanchtexas.com/admissions for up-to-date information on rates and schedules before making plans.

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Drive through African safari. - Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

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Great place to see unique animals up close! A large variety of animals, including giraffes... read more

While this did not beat a safari in Africa, the interactions with the animals was far more personal... read more

Drive through African safari.

We made 3 trips through the park because we enjoyed it so much. Each time was like a new trip feeding the animals.Great experience.

This was by far the best part of our trip to San Antonio. If you are an animal lover you cannot miss this expereince. It was well worth the price of admission. The only disappointment was the zebras were not in the mood for interacting and while close, never came up to our car. All of the rest of the animals did though! My favorite part was the donkeys that "beg" for food by opening their mouths and waiting for you to throw in a pellet. Super funny!!!

Great place to take the kids and show them the animals, kind of boring for adults if no kids along. Feeding the animals is fun but watch out for the biters!

I love animals, so I loved this. Despite going on a near freezing, rainy day, a good number of animals were still out and we were able to feed them and get many great pictures. Would definitely recommend this to anyone.

I went with my wife and 2 kids (ages 10 and 7). We had a blast! The kids had a great time feeding the animals. As you are buying the tickets, they warned us to NEVER feed the animals from your hand. Always drop the feed to the ground. Sure enough, at the first sign of a wild animal, the kids and the wife started feeding them from their hands. I was busy taking photos myself. You can't really go faster than 5 mph, as there are a lot of animals blocking the way. Make sure to go to visitsanantonio.com and download (print) some coupons. I think you can get $2 off per person on this particular attraction. Extra bag of animal feed costs $1.50. They also offer some sort of animal guide for $3. I thought we can visit natural bridge caverns the same day, but ended up spending about 5 hours at this place. The kids didn't want to leave. Just one word of warning - beware of the mean ostrich. The bird pecked at the half-open car window, which elicited an ear-crunching scream from my wife. I guess that's a regular occurrence, since they sell "I survived the ostrich" flags at the gift shop. :D

When in the New Braunfels/Canyon Lake area please give this a try especially if you like exotic animals up close.

Kids Love Feeding the Animals

Eland this close, drive - thru adventure, the texas zoofari park is open for the 2024 season. get your tickets.

Spend an hour or stay the day! Your paid admission grants access to the Safari Drive-Thru & Safari Village Walk-Thru for the entire day. Present your receipt to re-enter the park.

Guests coming to our park allow us the opportunity to make an impact on saving species globally,”

- Eric Mogensen, CEO of Virginia Safari Park

Tickets & hours

Our 2023 hours.

March 24 - October 31, 2023 - Open Daily 9 AM - 5:30 PM (Last admission 3:30 PM)

November 1 - December 31, 2023 - Open Daily 9 AM - 4 PM (Last admission 2 PM)

Open 363 Days a Year! * Closed Thanksgiving Day - November 24, 2023 & Christmas Day- December 25, 2023

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Book a class or camp field trip for 15 or more participants. Homeschool groups are also welcome. See all your options and reserve your slot. Learn more

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Texas Zoofari Park offers group outings for scout troops, churches, retirement communities and others. Make a reservation at our special rates. Learn more

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15 Drive-Through Safaris in Texas

Texas is home to some of the most unique drive-thru zoos in the country! From petting zoos to exotic animal safaris, these drive-thru zoos in Texas are sure to delight animal lovers of all ages.

Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or an educational outing, you find the best drive-through zoo in Texas which will offer a one-of-a-kind experience that can’t be found anywhere else. 

READ NEXT: Best Zoos in Texas

Best Drive-Through Safari in Texas

Below is the ultimate list of the best drive-thru zoos in Texas and all the wonderful activities they have to offer.

Looking for more Texas adventure? Check out this list of the best amusement parks in Texas .

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – San Antonio, Texas

Drive through 450 acres in the comfort of your vehicle while enjoying the rolling hills, live oak trees, creek beds, and beautiful live oak trees. The ranch features over 500 animals that span 40 different species, including several endangered species. 

Admission offers multiple trips through the safari as every trek offers different adventures in the free-roaming environment.  

Guests can tour in their vehicle or book a guided tour that takes guests on a safari in either the Safari Rover or Safari Shuttle.

Note that there are many discounted days for admission during weekdays. Be sure to check the calendar for detailed information regarding hours and pricing. Guests can also purchase a feed bucket at the gate.

Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive Thru Safari – Copperas Cove, Texas

Enjoy a Texas safari as you drive along 350 acres. With more than 50 species of wildlife at this safari park, visitors can feed the animals in their natural settings.

READ NEXT: Best Texas Roadside Attractions

Sanctuary Serengeti – West Point, Texas

This is a smaller drive-thru zoo that will take approximately one hour. Animal sightings include lemurs, llamas, goats, pigs, zebras, and buffalo. Open only on Saturday and Sunday. 

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari – Evant, Texas

For a unique experience, visitors can book an overnight stay at the RV Park or rent a cabin. 

Spend the day exploring and feeding the goats, chickens, pot-bellied pigs, alpacas, llamas, and more. The park features over 23 animal species from 10 different countries.

Exotic Resort Zoo – Johnson City, Texas

Located on 137 acres, this zoo features 700 animals and 45 different species of animals, including some species which were at one time endangered. 

When you purchase tickets, you have the option of a Drive-Through or a Guided Tour. Reservations are not required.

Franklin Drive Thru Safari – Franklin, Texas

This drive-thru adventure park sits on over 100 acres and has exotic animals from around the globe.

Guests can take a self-guided safari or book a VIP private tour. The tour is for those wanting a more in-depth experience and information on the animals. 

Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary – McGregor, Texas

Blue Hills Ranch has over 150 acres of gently rolling hills and 4 beautiful ponds that provide the perfect backdrop to world-class sunsets. Relax under the barn, while being surrounded by our amazing animals who call this land home.

Although this isn’t a true drive-through zoo because you are unable to drive your vehicle, I still wanted to include it on the list. However, you book an RV hookup or cabin. Once on the property, you will encounter free-roaming animals that include giraffes, zebra, camel, emus, bison, and more.

The ranch also offers unique experiences such as swimming with otters and bottle-feeding giraffes.

Aggieland Safari – Bryan, Texas

Travel through our 250-acre safari land and see many different animals along the way. The safari park is packed with scenic views, dozens of animal species, almost 700 wild animals, and fantastic, knowledgeable Zookeepers.

Guests can also enjoy the animal encounters will you get to meet animals like giraffes and kangaroos and get a more detailed look at how they live. 

Before leaving, stroll through the 20-acre adventure zoo. Here you can feed animals at the interactive exhibits. 

Aggieland Safari also has a safari dining, gift & souvenir shop. 

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center – Glen Rose, Texas

A Texas-size safari sits 2 hours from DFW but makes you feel like you are on a different continent. It’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. 

This drive-thru park is a great place to see exotic animals in their natural environment. Each car can purchase one bag of feed for the animals. Be sure to bring binoculars so you can view the animals at the overlooks.

The park consists of a 7 miles drive with over 1,000 animals and expect to spend several hours driving through the park. They have a gift shop and restaurant about halfway through the drive.

Rocky Ridge Drive-Thru Safari – Eustace, Texas

This East Texas wildlife park has 200 acres that are home to over 25 species of animals spread across the diverse terrain of Rocky Ridge.

The self-guided tour allows guests to view and feed the animals, enjoy scenic views, and photograph an abundance of wildlife all from the safety of their vehicle.

North Texas Safari Park – Bonham, Texas

North Texas Safari Park is the place to encounter exotic and endangered animals all from the comfort of your car. It’s located about an hour north of Dallas, making it an easy day trip with the family.

Visitors can enjoy the petting zoo, explore the dedicated Australian exhibit, and feed a giraffe.

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari – Jefferson, Texas

Over 80 animals roam free on 65 acres. Animal encounters include wildebeests, bison, red deer, donkeys, camels, zebras, and more. 

Your entire family will enjoy this Texas safari and even get a chance to feed some animals from the comfort of your car. Guests can also enjoy taking amazing photos, purchasing a souvenir, and visiting the petting zoo. 

Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park – Jefferson, Texas

You don’t have to fly to Africa to go on a Safari. This wildlife has plenty of exotic animals and up-close encounters with the wildlife. 

The 3-mile driving trail takes you along 125 beautiful acres in East Texas. You will even see the picturesque view from one of the highest points in Marion County all from the comfort & safety of your vehicle. 

Grapeland Safari – Grapeland, Texas

Drive thru the 59-acre park to see a llama, zebras, aoudad sheep, camels, Tibetan yaks, buffalo, waterbuck, sulcata turtles, wallabies, kangaroo, beefalo (yes, that’s a thing), fallow deer and more.

The park also offers a gift shop, picnic area, pony rides, train rides, reptiles presentations, and a petting zoo.

Sharkarosa Zoo – Pilot Point, Texas

The zoo sits on 126 acres where guests can drive their vehicles on a self-guided drive, and enjoy a walk-thru petting zoo, private tours, field trips, and an outdoor dining area.

They feature over 180 different kinds of animals in their natural habitat. Animals include beefalo, alpaca, monkeys, lemurs, macaw, Sedona, horses, big cats, albino eastern grey kangaroo, bears, sloths, wallabies, and more. 

These are the best drive-thru safaris in the lone star state that the whole family will enjoy. Many of these allow you to purchase a bucket of feed and enjoy the safari from the comfort of your vehicle. You’ll feel like you are in South Africa, viewing a dozen exotic and wide variety of animals. 

About Chastity Velasquez

Chastity Velasquez is an outdoor enthusiast based in Fort Worth, TX. Chastity enjoys sharing affordable travel tips and bringing new places to life through her fun writing style. When she’s not writing or planning the next vacation, you can find her hiking, sipping on sweet tea, cheering on her son at his sporting events, or spending time with her husband.

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Sanctuary Serengeti

A place for the whole family to experience animals from across the world up close and personal.

Traveling for Adventure? Family? Leisure? Business?

Swing on by to Sanctuary Serengeti! Located only 6 miles Northwest of La Grange, Texas lies one of the finest drive-through safaris. This Sanctuary was created to provide a safe, open environment for a wide variety of animals from all over the world. 

Want to know more about Sanctuary Serengeti? 

Check out our FAQs, or reach out to us through the contact us page!

These 5 Drive-Thru Safaris In Texas Are A Wild Adventure For The Whole Family

Katie Lawrence

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015. Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).

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Looking for a “wild” adventure the whole family can enjoy? Texas has plenty of ’em! These five drive-thru wildlife safaris feature some of the most exotic animals in the world, right here in the Lone Star State.

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Special hours and precautions may be in place at any or all of the safaris, so check the websites or Facebook pages before visiting. You might have to purchase tickets in advance online, as well.

How many of these drive-thru safaris have you visited? Let us know all about your experiences, and check out our previous article for another animal adventure to take the whole family on:  Safely Explore Gator Country In Texas On A Private Social Distancing Tour .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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These Are the Best Drive-Thru Safaris in Texas

By Catherine Wendlandt March 21, 2022

Image: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Remember going to the zoo as a kid , 

wandering past exotic creatures that you’d only ever seen in movies like The Lion King ? All the magic and joy in the air, as you stand just outside enclosures of zebras, monkeys, and wildebeest, peering inside, ice cream cone in hand?  Well, at our state’s many drive-through safaris, the roles are reversed. Animals peer in to your vehicle as you hold in hand food meant for them alone to eat.

At these safaris, you can learn about animals from all over the world as they roam freely like they would in the wild—but, you know, all from the comfort of your own car and only a couple hours from home.

Here are seven drive-thru safaris worth a road trip from Houston.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Franklin Drive Thru Safari (@franklinsafari)

Franklin Drive Thru Safari

Franklin | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $20; Kids 2 and under free

Drive time from Houston: 2 hours

This 100-acre park is home to 500-plus animals. Watch for more than 50 different animal species on the mile-long drive. There’s also a 10-acre walking section where you might spot kangaroos, anteaters  camels, or Natalia, a baby giraffe. Get a feed bucket for $5, or make friends with the monkeys with a $2 cup of peanuts. You can go on a private tour of the park, but manager Amber Clay says most people’s favorite part is the Baby Room, where guests can play with some of the park’s exotic babies, such as lemurs and coatimundi, for an extra $20.  

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Grapeland Safari

13440 Us Highway 287 N, Grapeland | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $15.95; kids 1 and under free Drive time from Houston: 2 hours Nona Herring has been in the drive-thru safari business since the 1980s, when her family used to own a safari park outside of Tyler. Since 2005, she’s run the 59-acre Grapeland Safari, halfway between Crockett and Palestine. Bring your binoculars, get a cup of feed (free with admission), and try to identify the 38 species in the park and petting zoo: zebras, emus, axis deer and yaks among them. You can also bring your grill and have a cookout in the safari’s picnic area.

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Exotic Resort Zoo

235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m | $17.95; $14.95 for kids Drive time from Houston: 3.5 hours Cars aren’t allowed to drive through this 127-acre ranch, but take a tour on one of its five trams to learn about the 500 animals and 40 species here—blackbucks, ostriches and Gomar, the kissing camel. The animals are friendly, especially when you’re armed with a $6 feed bucket (not included in the price of your ticket) . Owner Marilyn Bacque says that at any given time there could be 30 to 40 animals surrounding the tram, “begging for tidbits.” After your tour, check out the park’s two petting zoos, or stay the night in one of the ranch’s eight cabins and enjoy evening campfires and the catch-and-release fishing pond.

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Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

  2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | $24.95 per person; $19.95 for kids;  2 and under are free Drive time from Houston: 4 hours  This 1,800-acre ranch is an oasis for 1,100 animals from almost 50 different species, but it also happens to have the largest cheetah breeding facility in the world, raising 18 to 20 cubs each year. It takes a couple hours to drive through the park, but there’s so much more on offer here, including 14 different tours (a bike tour and a Murder Mystery tour), photo workshops, tasty burgers at the Overlook Café, and even cool accommodations like the lodge, cabins, and bunkhouses. While Fossil Rim offers an almost unending list of educational activities for its guests, the center’s main focus is on conservation of species in peril. They’ve even reintroduced species back into the wild, like the scimitar-horned oryx in Chad in 2016. 

The price is $24.95 per person for a one hour, self-guided drive-thru experience. One cup of animal feed is included with the ticket. The price for a Public Guided Tour on one of Fossil Rim's touring vehicles is $39.95 per person for guests age three and older. Each person will get one cup of animal feed. Note: Due to the pandemic, all tickets must be booked online prior to your visit. Please check the website for any updates before your visit.

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Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

  1200 CR 4405, Jacksonville | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | $18.95; $13.95 kids; 2 and under free Drive time from Houston: 3 hours On your drive through Cherokee Trace’s 5-mile trail, be on the lookout for Minnie the Yak and protect your feedbags from a camel named Rupert, a “professional thief” who will stick his head into your car and gobble the whole bag down. With 700 animals, 35 species, and 300 acres, it takes about two hours to go through the whole thing, but your feedbag is free, so go ahead and make friends with the bison, alpacas, zebras, capybaras and more. Cherokee Trace even has six alligators, which live in their own fenced-off enclosure and, yes, you can feed them.  Hours change depending on the time of year, so be sure to check the website before you go.

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Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $28.99; $19.99 kids; 2 and under free Drive time from Houston: 3 hours Life at Natural Bridge is a moving picture, says wildlife specialist Tiffany Soechting, with 500 animals and 40 species roaming freely throughout the 450-acre ranch.  It takes about 1.5 hours to drive through the conservation-minded ranch (you can drive-through again for free too), and about half of the species here are endangered, including a herd of scimitar-horned oryx, the gibbons and reticulated giraffes. In 2017, its staff went on a multi-national research expedition to South Africa to learn more about giraffe breeding in the wild, and are working to produce more outreach programs here in the U.S. Don’t forget to check out the petting barnyard and the great burgers and queso at the Safari Camp Grill. Hours change depending on time of year, so be sure to check the website before you go.

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Animal Encounters at Blue Hills Ranch

2032 Blue Cut Rd N., McGregor | By appointment only | $60 per person Drive time from Houston: 3 hours Boasting 150 acres of bluebonnet hills, and just 15 minutes outside of Waco, is Blue Hills Ranch and Giraffe Sanctuary. Not only is this place the perfect destination for animal-lovers, but it’s also a prime location for a dream wedding surrounded by four-legged friends. Choose to stay overnight at the RV park, or rent an animal or pirate-themed cabin for the whole family to enjoy a weekend getaway. On the private tour called Animal Encounters , you’ll meet giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, otters, mini cows, and can even bottle feed the baby animals. Please note that tours are by appointment only and are booked up to 60 days out. If you’re just coming to take pictures, you will still be charged full price. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Meet wild animals face-to-face in the Drive-Thru Safari adventure

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - This segment on The Three was paid for and sponsored by Aggieland Wild Animal Safari.

You can meet hundreds of animals from the comfort of your own vehicle when you participate in the Drive-Thru Safari!

The Drive-Thru Safari adventure is a 2.5-mile ride that allows you to come face-to-face with more than 75 species of animals, including American Bison, Watusi, Emus, Ostrich, Zebras, and hundreds of others.

Take your time! The Drive-Thru Safari lets you tour the park at your own pace.

You have a few options when it comes to the Drive-Thru.

You are more than welcome to remain in your own vehicle. Most people do! But know that the animals will get extremely close, especially if you feed them! Wild Animal Safari™ is not responsible for any damage to vehicles.

Animal diets are specific and important. You may feed animals, but only from park purchased feed.

If you don’t want to drive your own car, drive one of the Safari Vehicles through the Drive-Thru Safari park for one hour. The Safari SUV holds up 5 passengers. Anyone who wishes to drive one of our Safari Rental Vehicles must be at least 21 years of age and be a licensed driver. They must also have a valid insurance card at the time of rental.

For more fun, you can hop aboard one of the guided tours and learn about the animals who make their homes in our park. If you have a party of at least 20 people, book a private tour bus in advance.

Tour buses have an experienced Safari Tour Guide giving all riders a fun-filled behind the scenes experience.

The bus tour is first-come-first-serve and lasts for about an hour.

The bus tours do not operate year-round, so check the calendar and plan your trip in advance.

Aggieland Wild Animal Safari opens 9am and closes at 5pm. The last car for the Drive Thru will be admitted at at 4pm.

Copyright 2024 KBTX. All rights reserved.

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SipIT Daiquiris To-Go - Alamo Ranch

Hours updated 1 month ago

Review Highlights

“ You don't even need an extra shot , unless you want that extra punch or just had a long week. ” in 3 reviews

“ Yo Mon and Sex in the City were refreshing even on this cold day. ” in 2 reviews

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Location & Hours

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11310 Culebra Rd

San Antonio, TX 78253

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About the Business

Best Daiquiris, Margaritas Togo, Delivery, Drive thru, Best Margaritas, Drinks, Happy Hour, Local, & more! …

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Overall rating

Great service, and delicious beverages! It's very clean in here and we love the vibe! Can't wait to come again!

We just visited moments ago (250pm), which shows to be during your Happy Hour on your website. We are regular customers, and our order was much higher this visit than prior visits. When we we questioned the young man, he said that as of March 8th, they are only giving 1/2 price on the 20-ounce drink. We let him know that your website still indicates 1/2 off drinks with no specifics on size. He was very kind and offered to refund us, but we declined it. This is the same type of issue we had last year with your website reflecting a military discount that had been discontinued except on a specific day of the week. When you make changes, your website should be a part of that charge.

Love the lemonades great treat after school or work. costumer service is amazing very nice workers. the music they play in the place is great!

Atmosphere, customer service, and affordability is all 5 stars. We totally loved the idea of getting a drink to take home. Well I'm not certain what was our drinks... actually I got on their reviews in hindsight to see what others were saying about the drinks. The drinks we got were mid-strength and we both had not had much to eat. But within 15-20minutes it was obvious we both were tipsy and under the 1/2 way mark on the beverage. My spouse is 250lbs so he never gets tipsy ... rare occasion I can count on one hand. It was a Saturday night and we both fell dead asleep on the couch during the Giants and Ravens game. Like someone could have robbed the house with us on the couch- dead asleep. By 9pm we woke up feeling like trash. I felt like trash since. My husband had a headache which is really unusual for him. It's going on almost 18 hours since we had a 20oz beverage from sip it- my day is suffering, my workout suffered, I missed church... AND we are not new to alcohol either... I like the idea. You do get your money worth- but buyer beware because that simple beverage might be a bigger kick in butt than you want.

I'm only giving a 1 star because i have to... I placed my order at 5:21, ended up getting my refund at 6:07. Does it really take 48 minutes for 2 Daiquiris, a 5pc wing, and 2 orders of fries? After sitting and waiting for 48 minutes for my food I ask for my refund. This guy (manager) gets a attitude with us and says, " Well since I gave you a refund, I'm going to need those daiquiris back." So we gave him our empty cups that we'd been sippin on for 48 minutes....

To be honest, I wasn't expecting much and was fully ready to be disappointed but this place does a great job. We had the pina colada with an extra shot. This was just as good as most bars in town. Very smooth, not watery and plenty of rum (again, we added a shot for $1). We paid about $22 for two 20 oz drinks. I'm a little worried because they aren't terribly far from my house. This was a nice way to wind down the night after dinner!

Clean restaurant, quick service. Janie and Jesse were very helpful and attentive, overall great, easy, and accessible experience.

So I was so excited to come to this place I forgot to take pictures, I will get them next time, and yes there will be a next for I need to try all the flavors! So I had the hurricane (highly recommended) It was awesome it has the right balance of alcohol and mixer more so alcohol then mixer so it didn't give me heartburn, I also added a shot for a dollar so the extra shot may have helped lol. I got my wife the mango with an extra shot which she loved as well as I did seeing that she was not wanting to drink at the moment and I surprised her with said frosty beverage so I had to take one for the team and drink hers as well. I will be going back to try some of the other flavors for sure!

Loving the expansion of this chain! Now open on NW Military and 410! Always a great time!

This is best daiquiri place i've been to in SA this far. they have a ton of options and customizations, one thing that stuck out to me was their cute gallon bags and their efficiency. they were super fast and the girls working were extremely sweet. definitely coming again

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Sima S. said "Let me start off by saying I am OBSESSED with this place, not only is their food and drinks amazing but their customer service is also just as amazing! I will continue to come back!!! Thank you Artea for giving nothing but 5 star…" read more

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Guided Tour

Ride with us and learn from a safari ranger.

Experience the ultimate Safari Adventure Tour at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch! Led by our knowledgeable and dedicated animal specialists, this guided trek offers a hands-on experience with incredible animals. Our Safari Adventure Trek Tours provide enhanced experiences, where guides share fun facts, management insights, and rich heritage, offering a fresh perspective on our African Safari, Texas Style. With a focus on species conservation, our Safari Adventure Trek allows you to learn more from our guides while riding in our custom-built Safari Rover or Safari Shuttle. Get ready for an unforgettable exploration!

Safari Shuttle

Experience the ultimate adventure at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch! Join our Safari Animal Rangers on a 75-minute guided trek, encountering fascinating animals. It's a journey of unforgettable fun and discovery!

Safari Shuttle Pricing: $149.99 per party

General Admission is not included and required for entry into the park. Maximum 8 guests per tour.

Safari Rover

Got a group of 9 or more adventurers? Hop aboard a Safari Rover and get up close to 40 different species! Learn from an informative and entertaining Ranch Tour Guide and get ready for plenty of oohs and ahhs. 

Safari Rover Booking:

Contact our Tour Coordinator

A DD AN EXCURSION TO YOUR GUIDED  SAFARI!

Make your safari even better by adding one or more of these excursions!

You'll be able to select them while booking your safari.

Aviary Experience

The only thing better than seeing our birds is feeding them! Come inside with food on popsicle sticks that dozens of budgies look forward to enjoying. NOTE: Guests must be 3 years or older to enter the exhibit.

Excursion Pricing: $5.00 for general admission ticket holders

Prehistoric Experience

Walk amongst dozens of dinosaurs that move, breathe, and can't wait for you to maybe get a little too close. This excursion is sure to be memorable and filled with plenty of oohs, ahs, and a yikes or two. 

Excursion Pricing:

$5.00 for general admission ticket holders 3+ years old