If you've never been to a Safari Park, you're missing out on a great opportunity to see some exotic animals up close.
As winter was leaving and spring was beginning we found a perfect time to visit our first drive-thru safari. What an experience! I can't say enough about it. The scenery was a little dull this time of year but the weather was beautiful and the kids had a blast. They were able to feed and pet animals that they normally wouldn't be able to. This was like a petting zoo on steroids!
This place reminds me of a zoo but is more interactive than any zoo we've ever been to. The Safari drive-thru is home to many free-roaming animals out in the wild, including mammals that are not found in the United States such as the zebra, camel, rhino, and many others. The drive-thru experience allows you to feed animals from your vehicle and takes about 45 minutes to complete. When you are finished with the Safari Drive-Thru you can park and enter The Village Walk-Thru which is set up like a zoo and has a giraffe feeding station.
The park opens in March and closes on December 1. This is a perfect little outdoor getaway for those suffering from cabin fever after a long winter or just looking for something fun to do with kids. It is a little pricey, but it's worth the visit. The tickets range from $21-28 each depending on age. Children 1 and under are FREE. If you are law enforcement, active duty, or retired military you receive a discount on each paid admission. Your tickets pay for both the drive-thru and the village walk-thru. You can spend as much time here as you like. It's not a timed event. Pack a lunch and make it an all-day event if you want. Picnic tables and pavilions are available if you decide to do so.
Also, keep in mind that to feed the animals you must purchase animal feed from the park. The food looks something like Fiber One Cereal but the llamas love it! Once you're finished with the driving portion of the park you can visit the store on-site to buy romaine lettuce for the giraffe, bird food for the bird sanctuary, and any other souvenirs you like.
Virginia Safari Park is located right off Interstate 81 nestled near the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you decide to make a trip, please be sure to read over the rules of the park on their website before driving here. Keep in mind that if you have pets, you may need to make arrangements for them while you visit. Your pets are not allowed in the park and I'm sure it's for safety reasons.
If you're interested in visiting, you can find more information about this park here.
I am in no way, shape, or form associated with this park. I just enjoy finding fun places for my family and other families to visit.
To get a little insight into what the Safari Drive-Thru is like, check out our latest video from our visit.
Thanks for reading! Stay humbled and blessed!
