Something exciting is about to roll down your car window, and you see a curious tall giraffe or even a powerful bison. Suppose you are up for a wild adventure without getting out from the comfort of your car. Then, these top drive-thru safari parks in the American States are the right stop for you!
Table of Contents
In this blog, we will cover the most popular one-drive-through wildlife parks for you. You can consider this guide for the essential details while helping you plan your trip. So, here’s a detailed guide.
What is a Drive Thru Safari?
A drive-through safari park is an attraction that can be visited by driving your car, undergoing a wildlife adventure, and watching different animals very closely. The animals can freely roam and may even come near vehicles to get fed or interact.
The animals here have more space to move around in their natural ecosystem or habitat. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a safari honeymoon, these parks provide an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature.
Top Drive-Through Animal Reserve in the U.S.
Here are the top-picked options for you:
1. Wild Florida Airboats & Drive-Thru Safari (Kenansville, FL)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Kenansville, Florida | 185 acres | Zebras, bison, antelope! |
Wild Florida Airboats & Drive-Thru Safari is stretched over 185 acres of land. It is home to over 150 exotic and native animals, including zebras, bison, and antelope. Tourists visiting here can witness wildlife very closely while also having wildlife adventures with the help of self-guidance.
And people who want an even wilder experience can get involved in activities like airboat tours. It is permissible to explore the wild Florida drive-thru safari park wetlands and spot alligators within their natural habitat. This wildlife park is a complete package for all animal lovers and families.
2. Virginia Safari Park (Natural Bridge, VA)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Natural Bridge, Virginia | 180 acres | Camels, elk, and giraffes! |
Virginia Wildlife Park is on 180 acres and is a must-visit spot. It is the homeland of more than 1,000 free-roaming animals. These roaming animals are camels, elk, and giraffes. The main highlight found in this park is the ability to feed the animals without getting out of your vehicle.
Other than the drive-thru portion, guests can explore the walk-thru village, which has a range of species in birds and reptiles. The park also offers you the opportunity to experience unique giraffe feeding and educational presentations. This is an absolute informative trip for families.
3. African Safari Wildlife Park (Port Clinton, OH)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Port Clinton, Ohio | 100 acres | Zebras, bison, and kangaroos! |
This animal drive-thru is spread over 100 acres of land in Ohio. Have a look at the variety of exotic animals, including zebras, bison, and even kangaroos. A ride through the African safari wildlife is enough to fulfill your hunger for thrill. Also, you can witness animals coming towards the car for food.
An additional attraction of this park is the interactive walk-thru experiences. Through the walk-thru experience, you can come across a giraffe’s feeding station, camel rides, and educational presentations on animal conservation. Two things that make your day into a wonderful wildlife adventure by car and walk-through.
4. Wildlife Ranch Texas (San Antonio, TX)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| San Antonio, Texas | 450 acres | Ostriches, zebras, bison, and lots more! |
Wildlife Ranch Texas in San Antonio spans 450 acres. Further, it has a 6-mile safari drive to watch over 40 distinct species of animals. These species may comprise ostriches, zebras, and bison. This park gives you a scenic experience in a natural setting as it succeeds in providing you with a close-up look at exotic animals.
An on-site café and a petting zoo are additional attractions for the visitors. These attractions are a definite fulfilling source of relaxation and refreshments. With numerous educational opportunities offered here, you can now enjoy with your kids at this family-friendly vacation spot, making family safaris an unforgettable adventure.
5. Six Flags Wild Safari (Jackson, NJ)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Jackson, New Jersey | 350 acres | Over 1,200 animals, including lions, elephants & bears! |
As its name suggests, this is a part of Six Flags Great Adventure. You can explore more than 1,200 animals at this 350-acre park. The Predator Pass and the Serengeti Grasslands are some of the distinct regions into which the jungle tour is divided. Each of the divisions showcases different wildlife species within an immersive setting.
The comfort of your vehicle is not compromised at all, as you can still explore the park or opt for a guided truck tour by just sitting inside your car. Families who want thrilling roller coaster experiences within a single trip can rely on this ideal destination.
6. Animal Safari Georgia (Pine Mountain, GA)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Pine Mountain, Georgia | 300 acres | Giraffes, zebras, elk! |
In the Pine Mountain, Animal Safari Georgia covers 300 acres of Georgia’s land. Giraffes, zebras, and elk are some of its homies, along with over 55o animals residing here. One of the major highlights is the hand-feeding experience, when you can feed the animals from your car. It makes your visit more fun and interactive.
There are also guided bus tours for people preferring a group experience. It also features a petting zoo where younger visitors can get a chance to get closer to the friendly animals.
7. Alabama Safari Park (Hope Hull, AL)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Hope Hull, Alabama | 350 acres | Giraffes, zebras, water buffalo, etc. |
A mix of drive-through and walk-thru adventures is waiting for you in none other than the Alabama Safari. This is a 350-acre park featuring giraffes, zebras, and water buffalo. The wildlife is not just about driving, guests can also feed animals from the safety of their cars.
Are you someone who wants a closer experience? So, it is an enjoyable close-up wildlife interaction. The walk-thru section of the park has interactive exhibits with sloths, lemurs, and tropical birds. A perfect destination for animal lovers.
8. Lion Country Safari (Loxahatchee, FL)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Loxahatchee, Florida | 600 acres | Lions, rhinos, giraffes, and more! |
The largest and oldest wildlife park in Florida is the Lion Country Safari. Over 1,000 animals are currently present in this park. There are different sections through which visitors can drive. These sections closely mimic the African savanna. Giraffes, lions, zebras, and rhinos roam freely, so now you can see them very closely.
This park has many kid-friendly attractions. Along with that, the adventure park features animal feeding and interactive exhibits with a walk-thru experience. You can enjoy a perfect blend of wildlife and amusement park at this one spot.
9. Safari Lake Geneva (Lake Geneva, WI)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Lake Geneva, Wisconsin | 75 acres | Camels, emus, and alpacas! |
The Safari Lake Geneva is a unique family vacation spot in Wisconsin. A 75-acre self-guided safari tour that allows you to see animals of all categories. You can just sit in your vehicle and see camels, emus, and alpacas. You can get a golden chance to have an up-close feeding experience. This seems to be an interactive adventure for you and your family.
The conservation efforts are catered to Lake Geneva. However, the park ensures that the animals have a safe and natural habitat.
10. Aggieland Safari (Bryan, TX)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Bryan, Texas | 250 acres | Zebras, ostriches, African watusi cattle & more! |
Aggieland Safari is also known as the “Serengeti of the South,” stretching over 250 acres in Bryan, Texas. This park tends to fulfill your drive-thru and walk-thru experiences. You can have close encounters with strutting ostriches, prancing zebras, and massive horns of the African watusi cattle.
If you want to make this vacation even more special, then this park is giving the VIP facility of interacting with animals like sloths, kangaroos, and other exotic creatures. Have a fun-filled trip with the love of your family!
11. Tennessee Safari Park (Alamo, TN)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Alamo, Tennessee | 250 acres | Giraffes, antelopes, buffalo! |
Tennessee Safari is stretched over 250 acres of land. As a visitor here at his park, the opportunity you can avail is to explore the free-roaming animals. The giraffes, antelopes, and buffaloes are closely seen. Thus giving you a thrilling experience.
Hey, wait, there’s more for you! In Tennessee, you may come across a walk-thru zoo and a children’s petting area. A family-friendly destination full of adventure.
12. Keystone Safari (Grove City, PA)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Grove City, Pennsylvania | 144 acres | Bison, elk, and exotic birds! |
Keystone Safari is a 144-acre animal reserve that offers both drive-through and walk-thru attractions. Not like your average jungle tour, instead, it’s like a thrill-seeker’s dream! You not only enjoy free-roaming drive through wildlife, but you can also zip-line over the animals for a unique view.
On the ground’s surface, you will closely see bison, elk, and exotic birds while also gaining knowledge about the conservation efforts.
13. Franklin Safari (Franklin, TX)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Franklin, Texas | 240 acres | Zebras, camels, bison & more! |
In Texas, you may find this jungle tour known as Franklin Safari. The Park spans over 240 acres in Texas. The interactive car safari experiences have made this park famous around the world. The things which you can do here, like feeding and observing the animals, such as zebras, camels, and bison up close.
Not only does it provide an immersive adventure, but it also allows its guests to connect with nature without barriers. Besides the drive-through attraction, a petting zoo and educational encounters at Franklin’s Safari make it a family-friendly destination.
14. Eudora Safari Park (Salley, SC)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Salley, South Carolina | 240 acres | Giraffes, antelope, ostriches etc! |
A unique, self-guided drive-thru adventure that you can only find in Eudora’s adventure park. A 240-acre natural terrain is covered at this park. Visiting here will make you experience witnessing both the exotic and the domestic animals. A wide range of giraffes, antelope, ostriches, and many more are the residents of this park.
If you are up for a deeper knowledge regarding animals and their habitats, simply opt for the guided wagon. The management team of the park emphasizes conservation and education, which makes it rank as one of the best places for wildlife enthusiasts. It fulfills its purpose of entertaining people of all ages.
15. Wilstem Wildlife Park (Paoli, IN)
| Location | Size | Wildlife |
| Paoli, Indiana | Large, 1,100 acres | Giraffes, kangaroos, and elephants! |
In the state of Indiana, a wildlife park named Wilstem Wildlife Park is found. The park has great combinations of drive-through and hands-on experiences. Giraffes, kangaroos, and elephants are found on the surface of this park. Something that makes this a known spot is its elephant encounters.
Besides the jungle tour, the entertainment does not come to an end, as Wilstem offers zip-lining, horseback riding, and animal encounters. All of this takes your trip to the next level of versatility and adventure for thrill-seekers and animal enthusiasts alike.
Some Useful Tips for you
- Come Early: You are suggested to arrive early to see the animals, as they are usually more active during this time.
- Animal-Friendly Food: It is recommended to bring animal feed along with you. However, some parks even sell special feeds you can buy to feed the animals.
- Keep Windows Closed: Be cautious during your visits here, and keep your windows closed. Because some animals like ostriches might get aggressive at times.
- Respect Animals: Respecting animals is important. Try not to touch or provoke them.
- Take Your Time: Take your time and drive slowly if you want to enjoy the sights.
Which drive-thru safari is inviting you? Let us know in the comments!
