Atlanta Safari Park is nestled in the heart of the scenic Georgia mountains and located a short distance down a country road between Jasper, GA, and Amicalola Falls. Safari Park Atlanta is a fun-filled family destination with a world of adventure for the whole family. Picture staring down a giraffe from your car window or watching a llama and much more from the comfort of your car…or even a ride wagon!. Atlanta Safari Park transforms those daydreams into reality.
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It’s not like regular zoos – it is a much closer, far more immersive experience with the animals. From up-close, once-in-a-lifetime encounters in a drive-thru open-range wildlife, to hand-feeding the game drive animals, are sure to be one you will never forget. Either for the day or the weekend, the park guarantees unforgettable experiences that melt the heart with the best and wild African safari.
Main Attractions in Atlanta
Drive-Thru Safari
Drive-thru safari is the pulse-pounding centerpiece of Atlanta Safari Park. Visitors can drive alongside large enclosures at their own pace, observing the imposing animals wander freely around. You will likely encounter zebras, antelopes, ostriches, and even bison roaming only a few feet away. The best part? There are no cages between you - only your car windows.
Some of them might come up and take a look (or a bite), so it’s both jaw-dropping and interactive. Visitors frequently liken it to an African-style safari, right here in the heart of Georgia. It’s safe, exciting, and unforgettable for children and parents alike.
Walk-Thru Village
After settling in on the drive, you can stretch your legs and stroll through Walk-Thru Village. This is for people who need real, personal, and grounded connections. Discover tiny, friendly animals like goats, alpacas, emus, and kangaroos in generous enclosures where you can watch, touch, and in a supervised setting, even pet them.
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Each of the habitats is accompanied by informational signage that allows visitors to discover interesting diet, behavior, and conservation information about animals. It’s a favorite among children, who do not hesitate to roll up their shirt sleeves to get into the spirit of this interactive area. It also drives them to great family wild photographic opportunities.
Animal Feeding & Encounters
There are few experiences more thrilling than feeding a gentle deer or watching a camel curiously chew on your hand. While animal-friendly “buckets” of feed are available for purchase in the park, visitors can feed them in both the drive-thru and the walk-thru areas. Look for feeding schedules and ranger-led encounters to maximize these close encounters.
Feeding stations are monitored so animals are kept healthy and safe, and visitors get a kind of face-to-face view of wildlife that usually belongs on a documentary.
Visitor Essentials
Ticket Prices & Packages
Atlant Wildlife Park offers flexible pricing based on various group sizes and experiences. As of the latest season:
- General Admission: Includes access to both the Drive-Thru experience and the Walk-Thru portion.
- VIP Passes: Include other extras like feed buckets, animal interactions, pics, and preferred parking.
- Discounted Tickets: For children, seniors, the military, and those with known disabilities.
NOTE: If you’re looking to go on a weekend or a holiday, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance; the place gets PACKED. Special group rates for schools or tour operators are available by request.
Park Rules & Safety Guidelines
Both human and animal visitors are equally safe and secure. Here are some rules to know:
- Stay in your car at all times during the Drive-Thru.
- Feed animals nothing except park-approved foods.
- Proceed with Caution and Obey All Signs.
- Respect boundaries in Walk-Thru Village and supervised zones.
- No pets are allowed inside the park (except service animals with prior approval).
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Park rangers and staff are always nearby to assist and educate visitors, creating a safe environment that is also exciting.
Best Times to Visit
Spring and fall are the optimal seasons for making a trip to the Atlanta Safari Park, with manageable temperatures and more active animals. The best time for seeing animals is early in the morning and late in the afternoon. It’s not as crowded during the week, which can provide a better overall experience.
In the full heat of summer, you’ll want sun protection and some water. The park is open year-round, but check the official site regarding seasonal conditions and weather warnings.
Plan Your Visit
Map & Navigation
Atlanta Safari Park is an easy hour and a half south of downtown Atlanta, just off I-85 in Commerce, Georgia. It is easily found, thanks to ample road signs and GPS directions. Parking is free and large, with parking designated for buses and RVs.
On arrival, visitors are issued a park map of the route, walk-through areas, feed stations, and rest stops. An interactive map can also be found on the park’s website or social media pages for a convenient way to get around.
On-Site Facilities
Your adventure in the wild is further eased with a variety of guest-friendly facilities:
- Restroom Facilities: Available all over the place, including the Welcome Center and near the gift shop.
- Souvenir & Gift Shops: Packed with plush animals, hats, water bottles, and more to help you remember your trip.
- First Aid & Ranger Stations: All manned and prepared in case of small accidents or questions.
- Picnic Areas: Shaded areas for families who bring their lunches.
The park is stroller-friendly and is mostly wheelchair-accessible as well, particularly in the Walk-Thru Village.
Food Options
Although Atlanta Animal Safari doesn’t feature a full-service restaurant, you can purchase light snacks, drinks, and pre-packed picnic boxes. Popular items include:
- Fresh sandwiches and a box of fruit
- Kid-friendly snack packs
- Cold drinks and ice cream
- Seasonal goodies like lemonade stands or warm cocoa (depending on the time of year)
Visitors may bring their food, but it is strictly forbidden to feed the animals with outside snacks. Another option is food trucks or mobile vendors on busy days, close to the parking lot or picnic areas.
FAQs
Yes, you can purchase your tickets directly on the official website. Just pick your visit date, click buy now, and complete checkout. You will receive the e-ticket will via email immediately after payment.
Yes, there is a no-line-up walk-in ticket purchase at the park entrance (limited availability). But we advise you to book in advance online to make sure you can enter, especially on weekends and holidays!
Atlanta Safari Park tickets include Wildlife Adventure Day Tickets, All-Inclusive Tickets, Child and Senior tickets, and group/disabled rates. There are various ticket types with varying degrees of access and benefits.
It provides entry to the Drive-Thru and Walk-Thru Village. You can potentially drive right up to some rare animals and walk near friendly creatures in the animal walkways.
The Safari Day Ticket provides entry to the Drive-Thru and Walk-Thru Village. You can potentially drive right up to some rare animals and walk near friendly creatures in the animal walkways.
You don’t even have to print your ticket. When arriving, show your digital ticket on your smartphone or tablet at the entrance for a speedy check-in.
Tickets are typically made available one to two months in advance. Our advice is to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media to be the first the know when tickets come to market and seasonal events.
For the safety of the wildlife animals and your animals, they cannot let them into the park. This is relevant for both the Drive-Thru and Walk-Thru sections. However, trained service animals are allowed with prior notice.
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours in the park. The Drive-Thru tour takes roughly 45–60 minutes, and the Walk-Thru Village, animal feeding, and photo opportunities take approximately another 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you spend in each area. Here is a useful guide for your wildlife visit, detailing precautions about what not to do on a safari.
Conclusion
The Atlanta Exotic Animal Park isn’t just where you see animals – it’s also where you get to know them. From the excitement of having a zebra stick its head into your car to the awe on a child’s face as she feeds a deer by hand, the whole experience is to feel wild, real, and fill with emotions.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip, a way to bond with your family over a weekend, or a larger wildlife adventure throughout Georgia, Atlanta Safari Park should be your first stop. It is that perfect balance of all elements of adventure and education, freedom and security, exploration and laziness, all wrapped in one unforgettable safari adventure.
Book early. Bring your camera. Feed a llama. And don’t forget to make eye contact with a giraffe – it’s something you’ll never forget.
