virginia safari park allow dogs

Virginia Safari Park

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Virginia Safari Park - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• (0.61 km) Natural Bridge/Lexington KOA
• (7.94 km) The Inn at Forest Oaks Bed & Breakfast
• (13.86 km) Brierley Hill Bed and Breakfast
• (13.76 km) The Georges
• (1.04 km) Budget Inn
• (0.97 km) Pink Cadillac Diner
• (13.42 km) Niko's Grille
• (13.76 km) Bistro on Main
• (4.68 km) Natural Bridge General Store and Cafe
• (13.63 km) The Palms Restaurant
• (0.68 km) Great Valley Farm Brewery
• (5.77 km) Natural Bridge State Park
• (13.68 km) Lexington Carriage Company
• (1.68 km) Halcyon Days Cider
• (14.21 km) Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Safari Park

Top ways to experience 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.

Also popular with travellers

VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• (0.61 km) Natural Bridge/Lexington KOA
• (7.94 km) The Inn at Forest Oaks Bed & Breakfast
• (13.86 km) Brierley Hill Bed and Breakfast
• (13.76 km) The Georges
• (1.04 km) Budget Inn
• (0.97 km) Pink Cadillac Diner
• (13.42 km) Niko's Grille
• (13.76 km) Bistro on Main
• (4.68 km) Natural Bridge General Store and Cafe
• (13.63 km) The Palms Restaurant
• (0.68 km) Great Valley Farm Brewery
• (5.77 km) Natural Bridge State Park
• (13.68 km) Lexington Carriage Company
• (1.68 km) Halcyon Days Cider
• (14.21 km) Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Safari Park

Get up close and personal with animals during this drive-thru adventure..

Written by Hope S. Philbrick, editor Foodie Travel USA.

A llama will stare you down as you enter Virginia Safari Park, whether you drive through the 180-acre zoo in your own vehicle or hop aboard a wagon ride. “The llamas have the most personality and are a big hit with people,” says Sarah Friedel, director.

“They’ll stand in front of your car and stop you. They stop every car!” They know you have food.

Buckets of animal feed are sold alongside admission tickets to the only drive-thru zoo in Virginia. Feeding animals through your car windows or while riding in a wagon (that holds up to 35 people) is a memory-making way to interact with these magnificent creatures. The llamas routinely stake out the entrance, and in doing so have gained the playful reputation of serving as the “llama mafia” since paying them off with a little food is the easiest way to get in.

The park’s 1,000 animal residents—including elk, camels, deer, bison, ostrich, zebra, antelope, and many more!—are free to roam as you navigate three miles of gravel road, stopping to watch and feed them along the way. The animals may block your path, so it’s best not to be in a hurry. “All the animals roam and eat as they choose,” says Friedel. “The animals know they can come up to guests and feed that way.” Moving as herds throughout the park during the day, the animals graze, lounge, nap, play, feed, and act as they please.

Virginia’s drive-thru safari park is split into two sections, plus there’s a ten-acre walk-thru zoo called Safari Village that’s included as part of the admission price. Feed for animals in the walk-thru area—where you can see tigers and penguins plus interact with kangaroos and other animals—is available for purchase at strategically-placed coin machines.

Buy a feed stick in the aviary and a budgie may land on your finger to snag some seeds. Get a lettuce cup and you might feel a giraffe’s tongue on your hand.

New residents include the four cheetah cubs born at Virginia Safari Park this year. “We have one male and three female cheetah cubs,” says Friedel. “We also have Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures successfully breeding every year now—not many zoos have this luck! We’re also getting a new giant anteater exhibit since we have a breeding pair and our female is due in a couple of months we hope.”

Your admission price helps fund Virginia Safari Park’s wildlife conservation efforts, which include public education, captive breeding programs, habitat preservation, and financial support for a range of programs including rhinoceros and elephant anti-poaching units, artificial nest sites for wild penguins, and giraffe relocations to boost sustainable genetics.

While the llamas make sure they get attention from all guests, every animal deserves notice. Each year on September 22, World Rhino Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about critical conservation efforts needed to protect these magnificent creatures. “We do ‘World Rhino Day’—and, in fact, celebrate it for a week, with a portion of all proceeds supporting rhino conservation efforts—but the rhinos probably don’t get much attention,” says Friedel. So, don’t skip the rhinos! Even if they don’t block your car, they want your love, too.

Fun for all ages, Virginia Safari Park is open daily from mid-March through November. The state’s only drive-thru safari adventure offers discount rates for groups of 15 or more.

With its abundant animal encounters and spectacular backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can build memories and snap some unique photos at Virginia Safari Park. Of course, the “Llama Mafia” T-shirts are optional, but they do consistently rank among the gift shop’s most popular items. Because it’s not every day you face off with a llama.

Virginia Safari Park is located at 229 Safari Lane in Natural Bridge, VA. Call 540-291-3205 for details. Virginia Safari Park is just one of the many great reasons to visit Lexington, Virginia.

Updated February 29, 2024

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Virginia Safari Park

Top ways to experience 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.

Also popular with travellers

Virginia Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Virginia Safari Park

Top ways to experience 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.

Also popular with travellers

VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• (0.61 km) Natural Bridge/Lexington KOA
• (7.94 km) The Inn at Forest Oaks Bed & Breakfast
• (13.86 km) Brierley Hill Bed and Breakfast
• (13.76 km) The Georges
• (1.04 km) Budget Inn
• (0.97 km) Pink Cadillac Diner
• (13.42 km) Niko's Grille
• (13.76 km) Bistro on Main
• (4.68 km) Natural Bridge General Store and Cafe
• (13.63 km) The Palms Restaurant
• (0.68 km) Great Valley Farm Brewery
• (5.77 km) Natural Bridge State Park
• (13.68 km) Lexington Carriage Company
• (1.68 km) Halcyon Days Cider
• (14.21 km) Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Safari Park—Where the Deer and the Kangaroos Play

Cities, towns, and counties.

Martinsburg | Berkeley County

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As diverse as Virginia’s wildlife population is, one doesn’t normally think of it as a haven for llamas, bison, ostriches, giraffes, peacocks, zebras and kangaroos. Yet you can see all these species and more roaming the 180-acre Virginia Safari Park.

Located in Natural Bridge*, near Lexington, the park is about a three-hour drive from Washington, DC. Opened in the spring of 2000, the park is open daily from mid-March to November. Probably the most popular aspect of the park is the slow three-mile drive where animals of almost any sort will poke their nose through your window in search of a snack. The park has a specialty grain that visitors can use to feed the animals. You can drive your own car or jump into a tractor-drawn wagon for even closer contact.

Another choice is 10 acres of walk-thru exhibits, which feature Tiger Territory and Cheetahs, a Giraffe Feeding Station, Petting Area, Kangaroo Walk-About, a Bird Aviary, Reptile House and more. In all, more 1,000 animals inhabit the park.

The park offers guided, special-rate tours for public, private and home-schooled students with teachers and/or chaperones. In fact, education is a big part of the reason the park was founded in the first place.

“We wanted to showcase animals in a more natural environment than a zoo, said Safari Park CEO/Corporate Director Eric Mogensen. “I was raised within the industry and transported animals between zoos for many years.  We push education through entertainment. We want our guests to enjoy their visit, learn more about the animals in the park, take a more active role in conserving our wild spaces….and have a wild time,” Mogensen added.

Astute travelers often check Yelp when considering destinations, and we did so for Virginia Safari Park. Rarely have we ever seen such a high percentage of positive comments about an attraction. One from Alissa B. of Florida that we found most interesting read: “Best day of my life. I am the director of an animal rescue and REFUSE to visit zoos or aquariums because I do not support caging animals. The animals here are free range and so very well taken care of. I met one of the keepers and she sincerely loves these animals. It’s a wonderful place and so much fun.”

Amenities at the park include an extensive gift shop and the Watering Hole café, serving hot dogs, pizza, nachos and other delights. In July, the park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; open until 6:00 p.m. weekends.

Visit Virginia Safari Park to learn more.

*Note: Virginia Safari Park is NOT associated with Natural Bridge Zoo.

Getting To the Valley – Train

Amtrak  – You can reach the Valley directly by train by traveling to the Amtrak station in Staunton, or indirectly by traveling to stations in short driving distance in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, the Washington, D.C. area, and in Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg, West Virginia.  Also see  Amtrak Virginia .

Getting To the Valley – Plane

Airports within the Shenandoah Valley

If you are travelling by air, you can skip the rental car and schedule a private car service with Shenandoah Shores Management Group (SSMG). Our experienced drivers will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at your destination. And they can safely drive you to any other locations in the area.

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport  Weyer’s Cave, VA (SHD) Roanoke Regional Airport   Roanoke, VA (ROA)

Airports a short driving distance from the Shenandoah Valley Baltimore Washington International Airport  (take I-70 west to I-81, then go south) Ronald Reagan National Airport  (Arlington) (take US-50, Va-7, or I-66 west to the Valley) Washington Dulles Airport  (take US-50, Va-7, or I-66 west to the Valley) Richmond International Airport  (take I-64 west to the Valley) Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport  (take I-64 west to the Valley) Blue Ridge Regional Airport  (Martinsville, Virginia)

Getting To the Valley – Car

Interstate 81 is the main north-south route to and through the Shenandoah Valley.

From the Northeast take Interstate 76 or Interstate 78 west to Interstate 81 south.

From the Northwest take Interstate 76 east to Interstate 70. At Hagerstown, MD take Interstate 81 south into the Shenandoah Valley.

To reach the Valley from the east, the main highways are Interstate 66, which brings you directly from the Washington, D.C. area and connects with I-81 near Strasburg, VA.

Interstate 64, which brings you directly from Richmond and connects with I-81 near Staunton. From the west, I-64 is again the most direct route, coming from West Virginia and linking to I-81 near Lexington, VA.

HOME / BLOG / Travel Destinations Virginia’s Natural Bridge

Virginia’s Natural Bridge

• By rburkert
• March 20, 2010

Rock of ages. Nature’s cathedral. Carved by the fingers of nature. These phrases describe Virginia’s Natural Bridge.

One of the themes on this roadtrip is to find activities that we can do with Ty and Buster, not just find places that we can take them. We stopped at The Natural Bridge in Virginia, which is located just northeast of Roanoke a few miles off of either the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Natural Bridge formed when a cavern collapsed, leaving the 20-story arch that stands today. That “span” is solid rock and is estimated to weigh 36,000 tons. At one time, Thomas Jefferson owned the Bridge and surrounding acreage, having purchased it from King George III of England in 1774.

The Natural Bridge is open year-round, and well-behaved, leashed dogs can join you on the Cedar Creek Trail. The trail passes the Bridge, a restoration-in-progress of a Monacan Indian village, and Lace Waterfalls. The 2.5 mile walk was a great way to exercise the boys and enjoy one of Nature’s wonders.

If you get hungry, there is a café that serves take away food and drinks. Pets are welcome at the covered and uncovered outdoor seating areas.

We hope our visit to Virginia’s Natural Bridge encourages you to see it with your pets!

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: GoPetFriendly.com LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, the owner of this site earns a commission from qualifying purchases.

My dog Murphy, 17 lbs, and I visited Natural Bridge in October 2022. To my surprise they allowed me to bring him inside to get my tickets, shop, and explore the exhibits. There were several other dogs inside as well. We walked the trail and saw a number of dogs. Natural Bridge is a great stop with your dog. Murphy enjoyed the trail and it was a great break for us both on a road trip through Virginia.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Deb! We’re so glad you and Murphy had a great time. Waggin’ trails to you both!

I went there years ago before I got my shihtzu. How much of Natural Bridge can I take her to. Can she go in museums if I hold her. We dont travel without her!!!

Good for you, Retha! Generally pets aren’t allowed in the buildings. But since she’s small, if you put her in your purse or in a carrier, I think you’d probably be alright. Waggin’ trails!

Ive been there years ago. I want to go back. How much of Natural bridge can my little dog go to. Im sure not the museums.

You’re right, Retha, generally pets are not allowed inside the buildings. However, since your pup is small, if you had him or her in a carrier or in your purse, I think that would probably be alright.

Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know our latest news and pet friendly activities.

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Safari Drive-Thru

The Virginia Safari Park, located in Natural Bridge, offers visitors the opportunity to see and feed animals up-close from their vehicles in the safari drive-thru attraction.

The Virginia Safari Park opened in the spring of 2000 because we felt there was a need and desire for people to be able to see wild animals in a much more natural environment than had previously been available.

In the Safari, you'll be able to see animals run and frolic with abandon on our 180-acre property. Take your time as you drive along the three miles of maintained gravel road. Feed the animals through your vehicle windows and be prepared to stop for them as they stroll across your path or even lie down.

Our animals are allowed to roam freely and act instinctively. This means you might see males competing with each other for the females’ attention, resulting in cute baby animals being born throughout the season. You could be among the lucky visitors who witness a live birth and the first steps of the newborn.

Feed the Animals

As you make your way along the road in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley, stop every once in a while to feed the animals our specialty grain mixture.

You’ll never forget the experience of one of our huge bull elk or deer eating from your bucket of feed. Drive through as many times as you like to give everyone in your group a chance to have a memorable encounter like this.

Safari Village Walk-Thru

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Animal Feeding

Village Walk-Thru

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Virginia's Only Drive-Thru Safari

Virginia safari park is home to king cheetah, africa's rarest cat, fun for the entire family, experience unique animal encounters, explore our 180-acre safari drive-thru, stroll through our 10-acre village walk-thru, extended summer hours are here plan your visit, attractions.

You can interact with our animals safely from your vehicle while exploring our drive-thru safari, on foot walking through our village walk-thru, or up close during a special, behind-the-scenes encounter with sloths, rhinos, or penguins.

Safari Drive-Thru

Village Walk-Thru

Animal Feeding

Animal Encounters

Important information.

The VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK, a 180-acre drive-through zoo located in Natural Bridge, VA, is NOT associated with the Natural Bridge Zoo, which is also located in Natural Bridge.

Unfortunately, with the recent legal issues and press coverage surrounding the Natural Bridge Zoo we have found it necessary to post this clarification. We have been contacted by many sources that have inadvertently confused the two zoos.

Our official website is www.virginiasafaripark.com. Please beware of copycat imitations. Again, the VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK is NOT associated with the Natural Bridge Zoo and never has been.

Thank you for your understanding.

Events & news, featured animals.

Get to know our resident animals. We spotlight a few featured animals and teach you about their eating habits, their status in the wild and statistics, like their average weight, height and more.

Giant Anteater

King Cheetah

The Virginia Safari Park is hands down one of the best zoo experiences I’ve ever had!,”

Jahmelia B.

Buy tickets

Conservation

Our Mission

Virginia Safari Park is dedicated to wildlife conservation. We serve this mission by educating our visitors, caring for our resident animals and supporting organizations. Learn more

Our Zoofari Parks Conservation Grants program helps fund wildlife and habitat programs in the U.S. and abroad. Learn about the latest recipients and how to apply for a grant. Learn more

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Extended Summer Hours Are Here!

M-F Open 9a - 5:30p * Last car admitted 4p

Sat & Sun Open 9a - 6:30p * Last car admitted 5p

Capybaras to be featured in new African Safari Wildlife Park walk-through exhibit

PORT CLINTON, Ohio — The African Safari Wildlife Park has added capybaras to its walk-thru safari for the upcoming summer season.

The animals, which are the largest rodents in the world, are native to South American wetlands and are related to guinea pigs. The unusual animal has become a fan favorite on TikTok , with several capybara videos raking in millions of views on the app.

The safari park has a 1,500 sq. ft. habitat for the capybara crew, complete with a pool, waterfall and plenty of shade. The capybaras are set to arrive in Port Clinton in late May, with plans to introduce the encounter excursion to guests in mid-June.

The add-on capybara encounter will allow visitors to pet, feed and learn about the animals close up.

“Capybaras have become very popular over the past few years, and our guests have told us over and over that they want to see Capybaras at the Park,” African Safari Wildlife Park director Kelsey Keller said in a press release. “It wasn’t something we wanted to rush into. We put a lot of time, energy and research into designing and building the perfect home for these animals and making sure this habitat functions as a learning opportunity for our guests.”

The African Safari Wildlife Park will charge $15 per guest for a 10-minute experience with the animals. Closed-toe shoes are required and children under 3 are not permitted to participate in the add-on excursion. The capybara experience is not included in the general admission ticket.

Other exotic animals included in the walk-through safari are the African warthog, an American alligator and a white-handed gibbon. General admission tickets range from $20 to $33 depending on the season, with discounts for seniors, children, military personnel and first responders, and include access to the drive-thru and walk-thru safari experiences.

Ohio Safari Park, African Safari Wildlife Park, is at 267 S. Lightner Road in Port Clinton. More information is available at africansafariwildlifepark.com/safari/animal-encounters/capybara-encounter/

Alex Darus writes about food, dining and drinking for Cleveland.com, check out her latest posts here . You can reach her with story ideas at [email protected] . Follow her on Instagram @alex_darus.

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