16 Best Safari Experiences in the U.S. You Can’t Miss
You don’t need a passport to take a fun safari! In the United States, some of the most thrilling wildlife experiences on earth have the awe and wonder of getting up close to animals. Over 200 million people visit U.S. zoos and wildlife parks annually, making safari trips a favorite with families, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts.
Unique safari parks in the U.S. rival safari parks in international destinations. American wildlife parks, as a whole, contribute more than $16 billion to conservation each year, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “Safari experiences are far greater than entertainment; they are about connecting people to nature,” says Dr. Susan Gallagher, conservation biologist.
These parks include sprawling savannah-like landscapes in California and tundra-inspired reserves in Alaska. You can experience these parks without having to hop on a transcontinental flight. Get ready for a wild ride because these 17 of the best safari adventures are happening in the U.S. These are exciting, educational, and wonderful places to learn to appreciate wildlife.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park – Escondido, California
This safari park extends over 1,800 acres and covers 3,600 animals and more than 300 animal types. Guests can enjoy many safari experiences, including caravan, balloon, and behind-the-scenes safaris.
“We are committed to saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care and conservation science,” states a park official. The park’s habitats and interactive exhibits make it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
Williams, Arizona – Bearizona Wildlife Park
Bearizona is known for its rugged beauty and allows guests to see wildlife in the backdrop of northern Arizona’s vast forests. The park boasts a drive-through safari, where bears, wolves, and bison roam in spacious, natural surroundings.
“We aim to showcase the beauty and diversity of North American wildlife,” says a Bearizona representative. Fort Bearizona also offers a walk-through area where guests can enjoy animal shows and have close encounters with smaller types of animals.
Glen Rose, Texas (Fossil Rim Wildlife Center)
Fossil Rim, over 1,800 acres dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, is home to over 1,100 animals. Although a guided tour is available, people can also drive through the park to see giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs.
“We focus on holistic conservation, education, research, and recreation,” states a center representative. Guests who want to extend their safari by an extra day or two can also book center lodging.
Santa Rosa, California – Safari West
Dubbed the “Sonoma Serengeti,” Safari West spans 400 acres and is home to over 900 animals across 90 species. In 2024, it was honored in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers‘ Choice travel awards, highlighting its dedication to conservation and education.
“Our mission is to promote conservation by providing an unparalleled opportunity for guests to experience and learn about wildlife,” says a Safari West representative. Visitors can enjoy an exceptional blend of adventure and comfort.
Lion Country Safari – Loxahatchee, Florida
With over 1,000 animals, Lion Country Safari is Florida’s only drive-through safari and walk-through amusement park. USA Today has consistently ranked it among the top 10 safari parks for over four years.
“We strive to provide an authentic safari experience while focusing on the conservation and preservation of wildlife,” states a park spokesperson. Guests can view animals from the safety of their vehicles, ensuring a thrilling yet safe encounter with wildlife.
Pine Mountain, Georgia – Wild Animal Safari
Wild Animal Safari covers over 500 acres and includes more than 75 species of animals, such as giraffes, zebras, and bison. Visitors can get as close to the animals as possible by driving through the park or taking one of the many guided bus tours.
‘Our goal is to educate the public about wildlife through interactive and engaging experiences,’ says a park representative. In addition to a mechanized safari, the park enhances the safari adventure with a walkabout area that gives guests the chance to explore exhibits on foot.
Camp Verde, Arizona – Out of Africa Wildlife Park
This park in Arizona offers a unique African bush safari experience. Visitors can take guided tours, witness predator feeds, and even zipline over the animal habitats.
‘We aim to bring the spirit of Africa to our guests through immersive wildlife encounters,’ notes the park’s director. The park is dedicated to conservation and offers educational programs to raise awareness of endangered species.
The Wilds – Cumberland, Ohio
The Wilds is one of the largest conservation centers in North America, with an open-range habitat for rare and endangered species. Visitors can take guided safari tours, go on zip-line adventures, or stay the night in luxury accommodation.
“Our mission is to advance conservation through science, education, and personal experience,” says a representative from The Wilds. Wildlife finds a sanctuary here, and visitors find an oasis.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – San Antonio, Texas
Fulfilling an African safari dream with Texas style, the ranch encompasses 450 acres and contains more than 500 animals from 40 exotic, native, and endangered species. Visitors can ride through the ranch or feed animals from their cars for a more hands-on experience.
“Our ranch provides a unique opportunity for guests to connect with wildlife in a natural setting,” says the owner. The ranch also works on breeding programs aimed at preserving endangered species.
Natural Bridge – Virginia Safari Park, Virginia
This 180-acre park is home to over 1,000 animals and is Virginia’s only drive-through safari adventure. Guests can feed the animals directly from their vehicles, and other exotic species can be discovered in a walk-through village.
“We aim to provide an educational yet fun experience for families and animal lovers,” notes a park representative. The park also helps conserve endangered species.
Winston, Oregon – Wildlife Safari
With over 600 animals worldwide, this 600-acre drive-through animal park is one for the books. Visitors can wander through cheetah, elephant, and other animal encounters while safe in their vehicle.
“Our mission is to inspire conservation of wildlife through education, encounter, and experience,” says a park official. In addition to the behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounter programs it offers, the park is also a fantastic experience.
Alamo, Tennessee – Tennessee Safari Park
This 400-acre park in the heart of Tennessee allows visitors to explore various wildlife, such as giraffes, zebras, camels, and kangaroos. A drive-through safari exists within the park, where animals freely roam and clear vehicles to feed off, making for intense close contact.
A park representative says, “We want guests to feel like they’ve stepped into another world.” The Tennessee Safari Park focuses on conservation and education and has over 100 species, including several endangered animals. In addition, families will enjoy walking tours and aviary exhibits.
Grove City, Pennsylvania: Keystone Safari
With a 144-acre wildlife park and walk-through exhibits, Keystone Safari combines education and entertainment. This safari is family-friendly and a great drive-through, where you can feed animals like elk, bison, and ostriches.
“Our focus is to create a meaningful connection between people and animals,” says a staff member. Keystone Safari is focused on the sustainability and conservation of wildlife, using its proceeds to help support its cause. The park also has a reptile house and educational children’s programs.
Salina, Kansas – Rolling Hills Zoo
This is a hidden gem that fuses old and new by pairing a drive-through safari with a state-of-the-art wildlife museum. Rolling Hills Zoo boasts a cover of over 60 acres and 100 species of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs.
However, a zoo official says the zoo focuses on wildlife preservation and education. The museum’s visitors are immersed in exhibits exploring global ecosystems and conservation initiatives. With interactive experiences and a family-friendly vibe, anyone passing through Kansas should stop by the park.
Red Lodge, Montana: Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
Unlike Yellowstone’s natural wonders, the sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates native Montana creatures. It spans 12 acres and has bears, mountain lions, and bison that can no longer survive in the wild.
“Our mission is to provide lifelong care for these animals while educating the public about local wildlife,” explains the sanctuary director. Guided tours are open to guests who want to learn about the animals’ stories and the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. If you want to get up close to wildlife, that’s the perfect intimate experience.
Portage, Alaska, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
This 200-acre conservation center is set against a breathtaking Alaskan wilderness, home to iconic North American species like moose, bears, and wolves. The center allows visitors to drive or walk through to see animals in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitats.
A center spokesperson says: “Our mission is conservation, education and quality care of Alaska’s wildlife.” Being a center, it also supports species reintroduction programs, which makes it a home for animal lovers. It is unforgettable with its breathtaking scenery and wildlife commitment.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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