drive thru animal safari georgia

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Pine Mountain

Springfield, bryan-college station, texas, come on, get closer, start your adventure, the nation’s best drive-thru animal parks.

Welcome to Wild Animal Safari™. At our drive-thru animal parks, you will meet many animals and learn about how they live in the wild. Choose from guided or self-guided tours and discover the beauty of nature.

Animal Adventures at Three Locations

Enjoy a day filled with meeting animals up close. We host drive-thru safari adventures at three locations: Georgia, Missouri, and Texas. Click on the state below to learn about a specific park’s features and points of interest.

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Aggieland Safari

GA (706) 663-8744 1300 Oak Grove Rd Pine Mountain, GA 31822 [email protected]

MO (417) 859-5300 124 Jungle Rd Strafford, MO 65757 [email protected]

TX (979) 599-5440 18075 FM 974 Bryan, TX 77808 [email protected]

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Located just south of LaGrange in Pine Mountain, Georgia, Wild Animal Safari features an array of wildlife from all over the world. Get up close and personal with over 550 animals and 70 different species while driving through the 500-acre park. Load up the family on a rented zebra van or drive your personal vehicle on a winding trail through the park, while enjoying the encounters of numerous exotic animals.

When you purchase your tickets, you can also purchase bags of grass pellets for the animals. As you drive through the park, animals will flock to your vehicle with their appetites wide open. After finishing the drive-through portion of the park, discover more animals in a self-guided walk. This allows you to see birds, reptiles and other animals in a zoo-like setting.

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Insider tips.

• Discount available for military personnel and their families
• These animals are wild, don't risk scratching your new wheels, rent a zebra van for the drive through portion of the park
• Purchase one bag of food per two people, it goes fast
• Great for small and large groups
• Food available at the park

LAGRANGE, GEORGIA

There’s a lot to explore in LaGrange, so we’ve curated these trip ideas and itineraries to help you plan an unforgettable getaway!

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Visit LaGrange, Inc. 206 Ridley Avenue • LaGrange, GA 30240

706-668-5555 [email protected]

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The Family Vacation Guide

12 of the Best Drive Thru Zoos & Safaris in the US

posted by Charmaine Cortes on December 23, 2022 // last updated on June 12, 2023

To get a one-of-a-lifetime safari experience, you do not have to travel long distances or go overseas. There are plenty of drive-thru zoos in the US that enable you to encounter exotic species from the safety and comfort of your own car.

If you are an adventurer looking forward to experiencing wildlife, here are our recommendations for the best drive-thru zoos, safaris, and wildlife preserves to have an exciting road trip. 

African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, Ohio

Wildlife safari in oregon, bearizona wildlife park in arizona, phoenix zoo in phoenix, pine mountain wild animal safari park in georgia, custer state park resort in south dakota, lion country safari in loxahatchee, florida, lee richardson zoo in garden city, kansas, natural bridge wildlife ranch in san antonio, texas, southwick’s zoo in madison, massachusetts, arbuckle wilderness park in davis, oklahoma, safari lake geneva in lake geneva, wisconsin.

From alpacas, emus, llamas, zebras, and giraffes to fallow deer, white bison, and a variety of wild birds, visiting the African Safari Wildlife Park can be an unforgettable experience. This drive-thru safari is home to a lot of unique species and puts animal safety and health as its top priority. 

Here, you will also come across many species of wildflowers and plants. The safari offers various activities, including a walk-thru safari in spring, giraffe encounters, a safari cafe, and gem mining. It provides an adventurous experience and enables visitors to get up close and personal with hundreds of animals from around the world. 

Website: www.africansafariwildlifepark.com

Cost: Ticket prices range from $14.95 to $29.95; free for children of 2 and under

Note: While the African Safari Wildlife is open the whole year around, there are certain animals you can only view during the warm months, which is something to consider when going. 

In the Wildlife Safari in Oregon, you can come across a variety of species, including Tibetan Yanks, camels, African elephants, hippopotamuses, and American alligators. The accredited safari has one of the most successful cheetah breeding programs in the US, which you can support with donations.

Hop on the safari tour vehicle and meet and feed one of the most adorable animals, like red pandas or get closer to the king of the jungle and head to the elephant barn to meet with these animals and take a photo. The Wildlife Safari in Oregon offers a lot of activities and safari events. 

The Safari includes bused or open-air adventures through the park’s drive-thru, which is very exciting, but you can also sign up for activities such as hippo encounters, tiger feed, walking with cheetahs, and more. 

Website: www.wildlifesafari.net

Cost: Drive-thru safari tickets range from $17.95 to $23.95 

Note: This is an excellent 60-90 minutes experience for families. The tour features diverse wildlife from the US, Africa, and Asia. 

The Bearizona Wildlife Park provides a natural, spacious environment. The visitors drive through the largest ponderosa pine forest and view various animals in their natural habitats from their own private vehicles. 

Jump on the Wild Ride bus with their tour guides and get familiar with each animal that you encounter along this 3-mile safari. During your drive, you can also get off the bus for a unique backstage experience and view the wolf training sessions.

On this journey, you can witness a broad range of animals, such as black bears, Alaskan tundra wolves, reindeer, arctic wolves, mule deer, and so much more. The mission of the zoo is to promote the preservation through educational encounters of North American wildlife. 

Website: www.bearizona.com

Cost: Ticket prices range from $20 to $50; free for children of 3 and under

Note: Aside from the exciting drive-thru, you can also scroll through the park, enjoy unique animal encounters and dine in their themed restaurant. 

The Phoenix Zoo cares for more than 3,000 animals, including endangered species. Their guided drive-thru tours cover a wide range of animals, which makes it a thrilling experience. There are also plenty of fun daily activities happening in the zoo, including camel rides, giraffe encounters, and others. 

During the tour, you will drive past the main areas of the zoo, including the Africa Trail, where there are rhinos and zebras, and the Tropics Trail, where you will witness elephants and tigers roaming around. 

The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation also features discovery tours, backstage and premium adventures, as well as custom guided tours. Among the animals you can come across at this zoo are Asian elephants, coyotes, Mexican grey wolves, white-faced Saki monkeys, cheetahs, flamingos, and more. 

Website: www.phoenixzoo.org

Cost: $65 per vehicle 

Note: The number of vehicles per day is limited, so make sure to get tickets on time. 

Among the best drive-thru zoos in the US is the Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari Park in Georgia. The safari park allows visitors to encounter more than 120 species of animals, including lizards, wolves, ostriches, parrots, lemurs, and many others.

You will travel down a 2.5-mile trail and view a wide variety of animals along the way. To experience the excitement of the safari, you can use your own vehicle, rent one or get into a bus for a guide. 

Aside from seeing the wild animals, this drive-thru zoo enables horse riding adventures and exclusive animal encounters that allow you to interact with some of them. This is an animal-friendly park for visitors of all ages, where you will have a chance to meet some of the zoo’s friendliest animals. 

Website: www.animalsafari.com/georgia-park-home-about-us/

Cost: Adult (ages 13-64) – $29.00; junior (ages 3-12) – $24.00; senior (age 65+) – $24.00

Note: You can feed the animals with only park-purchased food. 

Go through the park in an open-air jeep or your own vehicle to look for prairie dogs, buffalos, elks, and pronghorns. The guided tour takes around two hours and features guides that share historical and educational stories about the wildlife and the park. The tours depart from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day and offer breathtaking views of nature. 

Website: www.custerresorts.com

Cost: Adults – $68; Children (under 12) – $58

Note: You need to make a reservation to get a drive-thru experience.

Despite the name, the Lion Country Safari is home to more than 1,000 animals. During the 4-mile-long drive-through, you can view animals from six different countries, such as lions, zebras, giraffes, white rhinos, chimpanzees, and more.

All of the animals roam in naturalistic habitats. The Lion Country Safari was the very first drive-thru safari park in the United States, as it was established in 1967. After you finish the drive-thru, you can also enjoy activities like boat rides, carnival rides, and water attractions.

Website: www.lioncountrysafari.com

Cost: $34-$45

Note: The safari preserve is divided into seven natural habitats you can visit. 

The Lee Richardson Zoo offers visitors a drive-thru of the park to view wild animals. The zoo is home to over 300 hundred native and exotic animals, including lions, alpacas, Amur leopards, camels, bison, bobcats, elk, giraffes, jaguars, sloth bears, and much more. Each animal is an ambassador of its counterparts, promoting the conservation of wild animals. 

Website: www.leerichardsonzoo.org

Cost: $10 per vehicle, pedestrian entry for free

Note: The Lee Richardson Zoo is open the whole year around 

Start your adventure with the 450-acre safari drive-thru in San Antonio, Texas. Here visitors can interact with animals and look at picturesque views that resemble safari in Africa. You can view over 40 species of animals from the comfort of your own vehicle and roam around the trees and the hills within the ranch.

The safari covers 6 miles and provides 1-2 hours of an incredible experience. You can also get a guided tour from animal specialists and feed the animals. During the guided tours, the visitors can learn more about the animals and come across ostriches, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and other animal species.

Website: www.wildliferanchtexas.com

Cost: Adults (12-64 years) – $28.99;  children (3-11 years) – $19.99;  seniors (65+years) – $25.99

Note: Check your map before the visit, as there are different routes to take.

Among the best drive-thru zoos in the US is Southwick’s Zoo which enables visitors to go on a self-driven tour of the 200-acre park. On such a 45-minute tour, you will come across various wild animals and download an audio tour as well. 

After the journey, the visitors can also order takeaway from the restaurant, go on rides and visit attractions, or book a giraffe, rhino, or sloth animal encounter. 

Website: www.southwickszoo.com

Cost: $60/car

Note: The guests should arrive 30 minutes before the selected tour time.

Go on a safari-like experience as you drive through 200 acres in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains and come across hundreds of exotic animals roaming free. This park is also a home for reptiles and is filled with diverse creatures from over five continents.

Llamas, giraffes, donkeys, camels, deers, yaks, zebras, and more; you can enjoy feeding animals from the comfort of your own vehicle. The Arbuckle Wilderness Park provides an exciting adventure for guests of all ages. 

Website: www.arbucklewildernesspark.com

Cost: Adults – $16.99; kids (4-11) – $14.99; senior citizens – $14.99

Note: The drive-thru safari is open every day. 

The wildlife preserve known as Safari Lake Geneva is home to animals from all around the world. You can drive through this safari park as many times as you want and view the variety of animals that are free to roam. 

Moreover, you can also purchase a bowl of grain and feed the animals as you come close to them. Here you can drive your own vehicle or rent a Zebra van if desired. You can opt for a solo trip or bring your whole family for a unique safari adventure. 

Website: www.safarilakegeneva.com

Cost: Adult (ages 16+) – $21.95; children (ages 3-15) – $14.95; infants (ages 2 and under) – free

Note: The giraffes may not be visible during unpleasant weather.

If you are on a hunt for drive-thru zoos and safaris for an unforgettable experience, you can choose the one that appeals to you the most from our list. The zoos are home to a wide number of animals which we often see on TV, and they also offer many activities for their visitors, including special animal encounters. 

More about our TFVG Author

Charmaine Cortes

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Wild Animal Safari

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Wild Animal Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Georgia Safari Conservation Park

Where the Grasslands of Africa meet The Hills of Georgia

The experience of a lifetime.

Welcome to Georgia Safari Conservation Park, where the beauty of nature, amazing animal encounters, and luxurious lodging create an incredible safari adventure. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the wild and embark on a journey that brings you closer to exotic wildlife and illustrates the vital message of preserving our natural world.

Plan Your Stay

For those wanting an unforgettable overnight adventure, we invite you to book a stay with us in one of our luxurious accommodations. You can choose between two distinct lodging experiences, a private suite inside our state-of-the-art giraffe & rhino barn or an escape to Africa in a fully furnished, private safari tent, carefully designed with African charm, modern amenities, and extraordinary views of our animals.

Safari Tents

Escape to Africa in one of our luxurious safari tents nestled amidst the wild beauty of the park. These two-bedroom tents accommodate up to four guests and offer a seamless blend of African charm, modern comforts and exquisite views.

Honeymoon Hideaway

Welcome to the epitome of romance and luxury—a private honeymoon safari tent designed to transport you to a world of enchantment and serenity. An unparalleled experience for couples seeking an intimate and unforgettable getaway.

Giraffe Suite

Step into a world of unparalleled exclusivity in our private, one-bedroom suite nestled within our beautiful giraffe barn. Your private suite is a sanctuary of refined elegance, carefully designed to provide both comfort and a front-row seat to our giraffe.

Plan Your Adventure

Our fun and knowledgeable guides will lead you on an incredible animal adventure that mimics a true African game drive as we bring Africa to rural Georgia, including over 530 acres teeming with iconic African species. You will witness the majesty of wild, exotic animals, get up close to our giraffe and rhinos, and get to know our ambassador animals as you learn about the animal diversity that dwells in the wild.

Note: All images are representative samples. Actual activities may differ in appearance.

Private VIP Tour

Enjoy a private tour with your own guide as you explore an expansive wildlife savanna comprised of the open plains and forests in a 530-acre park.

Safari Wild Encounters

Join us with friends, let us host a corporate retreat for you, or plan your next group event at the Georgia Safari Conservation Park. Whatever the needs of your group, you are sure to enjoy a memorable experience with us.

Guided Safari Tour

Boarding one of our custom safari vehicles, guests will take an immersive and interpretive guided tour of an expansive wildlife savanna comprised of the open plains and forests in a 530-acre park.

The Wild Is Better Up Close

"The Wild Is Better Up Close" is more than just an exciting tagline—it's a unique opportunity to foster a deeper connection with the natural world. Our animal encounters will offer a unique opportunity to witness the beauty, grace, and strength of these incredible creatures firsthand. By seeing these animals up close, we become inspired to protect their habitats, advocate for their well-being, and raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.

Go Wild With Us

Images are representative.

Commitment To Conservation

At Georgia Safari Conservation Park, we are building a regional zoological culture dedicated to conserving threatened and endangered wildlife. We believe in the power of knowledge and strive to inspire our guests to become ambassadors for conservation. Through our interpretive programs, guided tours, and interactive experiences, we aim to foster a greater appreciation, understanding, and connection to the natural world. We strive to be leaders in sustainable tourism practices, implementing environmentally friendly measures throughout our operations. From renewable energy sources to waste management and water conservation initiatives, we are dedicated to minimizing our ecological footprint and promoting responsible tourism.

SAFARI PARK

Wild Georgia Safari Park

If you love spending time outdoors partaking in activities that can suit your entire family, you’ll simply love all that Wild Georgia Safari Park has to offer.

Wild Georgia Safari Park has become a favorite stop on I-16 for thousands of travelers. Stop by to visit our four-legged and feathered friends! 

Wild Georgia Safari Park is a year-round Petting Zoo and a Safari Adventure. At Wild Georgia Safari Park we feel incredibly lucky that we get to do what we love. We’d love for you to take part in the Wild Georgia Safari Park experience. For more information, get in touch!

Come Visit!

PETTING ZOO

7 Days a Week, Daylight til Dark

No Appointment Needed

SAFARI RIDES

Monday- Friday

By Appointment Only

Saturday-Sunday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Please contact Leigh Anna at [email protected] for all school and church groups, summer camps, and groups of 20 or more.

Tons of Family Fun

Feed $1.00 / Bag

Pay inside Chevron for everything first.

Petting Zoo $5.00 / Person

Our Petting Zoo features domesticated farm animals that are docile enough to touch and feed. Picnic tables are available.

Safari Ride (add-on oNLY) $10.00 / Person

A Truly Wild Adventure. Your rugged safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide, who helps point out animals and shares fascinating facts during this extraordinary adventure that you and your family will remember for years to come.

We are proud to be members of Georgia Grown, and offer many products from other Georgia Grown members. We have a variety of jams and jellies, pecans, cheese straws, and more!

$19.99 or 2/$30

Toddler, Youth, and Adult Sizes Available

We offer several different varieties of fashionable hats. Come add one to your wardrobe today.

Metter Pecans

Toasted, Chocolate Covered, and Sandies: $5.99/bag

Raw Shelled: $10.99/lb

Altamaha River Trading Company Products

Pickled Quail Eggs, Pickled Veggies, Peaches, and Hats

wgsp Canned Produce

Pick up your favorite canned items from Wild Georgia Safari Park! We offer the BEST salsas, jams and jellies, pickled veggies, salad dressings, bar-b-que sauces, and more!

Seasonal Produce

Vidalia Onions

Boiled Peanuts

Fresh Green Boiled Peanuts

Everyone's favorite seasonal item! Available mid-March through September each year.

H & J BBQ Sauce

H&J's Original BBQ Sauce is a favorite of ours and many other visitors - there's a reason it has had a permanent space on our shelves for nearly 15 years!

Farmhouse Wines

Farmhouse Wines are made from muscadine grapes at Still Pond Vineyard located in Arlington, Georgia. The Cowart family has been producing wine for more than 45 years - they see the process through all themselves, from planting the seed to labeling the bottle!

Mama E's Cheese Straws

MaMa E's cheese straws are a staple around here, and if you've tried them, you understand!

3.5oz box: $6.99

7oz box: $11.99

Give Us A Call  & Order Now!

(912) 685-5577

Thin Crust or Original Crust

Toppings: Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Beef, Bacon, Mushrooms, Onions, Bell Peppers, Black Olives, Banana Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers

1 Pizza $11.99

Each Additional Pizza $10.99

Double Cheese $2.19

Hamburgers & Cheeseburgers

Toppings Include:

Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise, Onions, Jalapenos

Sausage Dogs

Toppings: Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise, Fresh Local Vidalia Onions, Jalapenos

Traditional:  Hot 'n Spicy or Southern Style 

Wing Bites:  Buffalo or Home Style

Testimonials

Wild Georgia Safari Park is proud to serve our local community and host visitors for fun family events year round. We have lots of regular customers who only buy the freshest products from us, as well as one-time visitors who come here in order to spend a day with family and friends. Check out what our past customers have had to say about our park, and start planning your visit!

Love love it the animals are so sweet and so cute and you cannot beat the price ❤️  Will definitely be back anytime we are through!!!

Eliza Richardson

Come on Down to

Wild georgia safari park.

26127 GA HWY 57 South, Metter, GA 30439 • I-16 Exit 98

[email protected]

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Now Open 7 Days a Week!

OPEN 7 days a week 9am - 5pm (Last car is admitted at 4pm) *Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

ADULTS, 13-64: $15.99 SENIORS , 65+ : 14.99

CHILDREN , 2-12 : $12.99

UNDER 2: Free

MILITARY receives a

10% discount 

(Admission only)

*Must present ID

Group Rates

Special group rates for 15+

$1.00 off admission

*A minimum of 15 group members must be over 2

SCHOOL GROUP PACKAGES AVAILABLE

[email protected]

Fun Add Ons

Available for Groups 15+

Email for reservations [email protected]

Giraffe Food

$5 per Cup Souvenir Cup Included

*Weather Dependent*

Feed Bucket

$5 per Bucket Specialty Grain

$2 per Stick Specialty Feed ​

Get in touch by filling out the form. We’ll respond as soon we can.

Thank you for submitting!