safari tour lakeland fl

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Drive-thru Safari Tours available in your own car at Safari Wilderness in Lakeland

Nestled on over 260 acres of land in Lakeland, you’ll find one of the most unique and memorable experiences in Florida at Safari Wilderness.

Look a zebra in the eye Feed a llama from your hand See the huge horns of the Watsui cattle Get licked by a water buffalo Hold hands with a ring-tailed lemur

I’ve been to Safari Wilderness 3 times – with my family on their Christmas Critter Safari, and again on two field trips with school – and each time was unique and amazing. A visit to Safari Wilderness in Lakeland is nothing like a zoo or theme park. It is natural, it is peaceful, and unlike any animal encounter we have ever experienced before. Animals roaming freely beside you on this Lakeland safari adventure will be a memory to last a lifetime!

While their traditional safari tours are on a large open-air vehicle with a guide, for a limited time Safari Wilderness is offering a guided drive-thru safari tour from the comfort of your own vehicle. You’ll get to be out in nature, relax, see native and exotic animals up close and personal, learn about what you are experiencing, and most importantly be in a safe environment while social distancing. You’ll also be supporting Safari Wilderness and helping them continue caring for their animals, their staff, and their conservation efforts. This is a one of a kind drive thru safari park that calls Lakeland home.

All drive through tours will be conducted by reservation only and will last approximately one hour.

If you’re searching for a drive-thru safari near you in Central Florida, be sure to check out Safari Wilderness Ranch.

Location: 10850 Moore Road, Lakeland, FL 33809 ( MAP IT ) Safari Wilderness Ranch is conveniently located approximately 4 miles north of I-4 between Orlando and Tampa in Central Florida.

Hours:  9 am – 5 pm | Last drive-thru safari booking is at 4 pm

Drive-Thru Safari Cost: $100 per vehicle on weekdays | $125 per vehicle on weekend. Food buckets are $10 each.

Vehicle Requirements: Vehicle size must be full-sized SUV or smaller. No motorcycles or commercial vehicles allowed.

How to Book: Visit the Safari Wilderness website or call ( 813) 382-2120 .

Tips for your Visit:   BRING YOUR CAMERA!  Every single photo in this post is mine, there are no professionally done stock photos here. If you’ve got a real camera that zooms more than a phone camera, I highly recommend taking it with you.

Book your tickets online here for Lakeland’s only drive-thru Safari.

Photos at safari wilderness ranch.

Videos at Safari Wilderness

If you’re interested in a longer visit to Safari Ranch in Lakeland, FL, you can get plenty more details on their website – safariwilderness.com . Prices start at $119 per person, and all safari experiences require an advance reservation. In addition to the vehicle safari, they also offer safari adventures with experienced guides where you can see the property by ATV, kayak, camelback, or riding a horse or llama. Optional add-ons include feeding the lemurs and feeding guinea pigs.

Book your Lakeland Safari tickets online

Interested in other safari experiences? Check out Wild Florida’s Drive-Thru Safari , located just over an hour from the Lakeland area.

About the Author: April Mucci

April is the owner of LakelandMom.com. She has lived in Lakeland since age 2 and is passionate about our community and connecting families with local resources. She is a mom to 2 boys (12 + 15) and a mini goldendoodle, wife to Matt. She loves reading, saltwater fishing, concerts and live performances, and working on Lakeland Mom!

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Safari Wilderness Ranch

• 10850 Moore Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809
• (813) 382-2120

You don't have to fly all the way to Africa to go on safari! Located in a 260-acre wilderness area in Lakeland, halfway between Tampa and Orlando, Safari Wilderness  offers an intimate, up-close encounter with herds of free-roaming exotic animals in a breathtaking natural setting that rivals the African savanna.

Safari Wilderness is not a zoo. Unlike the beaches and theme parks, there are no crowds or lines - just your small group of adventurers and an experienced guide driving a custom safari vehicle, fitted with a shade canopy and stadium seating. This experience is authentic, engaging and educational for all ages!

Tours are by safari vehicle, kayak or camelback. Add-on experiences include lemur, budgie and guinea pig feedings. Tours are available daily by reservation only.

• Map Show Map

Safari Wilderness Ranch

Review Highlights

“ We even had the opportunity to lean out of the vehicle to feed the water buffalo who came over to say hello! ” in 15 reviews

“ We did the guinea pig feeding which was fun, and plan to do the lemur feeding next time. ” in 18 reviews

“ JJ and Art provided lots of information about the different animals, the SWR operations, even how they came to be keepers. ” in 13 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

10850 Moore Rd

Lakeland, FL 33809

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I left a review back in December and it somehow got deleted. I got bit by one of their lemurs during the feed the lemurs excursion. It did not bite hard or even break the skin. But my doctor said to call and find out if they vaccinate their lemurs for rabies. I called and the woman who answered not only refused to answer my question, but also proceeded to yell at me. So, I ended up having to go through the series of Rabies vaccines. The woman who answers the phone should be fired for her horrible treatment of customers.

Safari Wildlife is a fun family adventure...we took the car tour and throughly enjoyed it. Eddie was our guide and he was a wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable guy. We learned about many animals, and fed camels, goats and wild pigs. It's a great trip for those who don't want to do a ton of walking. The tour takes an hour give or take a few minutes... We go each year when we have out of state visitors.

This was our favorite place. We booked the safari tour in their bus. We were the only ones to book during that time so it was basically a private safari. All the animals came right up to the bus and we were able to feed them. The land was so large and so many types of animals to see and feed. They also do ATV tours and tours in your own car, but highly recommend doing their bus. We added on the lemur experience at the end and they were so cute to feed and watch.

If you love animals, this is the place for you! I recommend taking the safari vehicle tour, where you'll learn all about the animals you see, AND you can feed some of them by hand. I never thought I'd be feeding and petting a water buffalo, but I did, and it was great fun. The adventure lasts about two hours. I also did the cheetah encounter, and although it is pricey, I felt the experience I gained mad it worth it. How often do you get to feed a cheetah (with tongs)? Bring your own water, and have a day you'll never forget.

This truly was a fun experience. Art, our guide, was knowledgeable and had some funny dad jokes along the way. The best part was watching him fight the ostrich to get through the gates, haha! We paid $150 for a bag of food and a whole car and we had about 7 cars in total on the tour. The animals come right up to your cars a lot of the time and you can tell the animals are well cared for. Feeding the camels was so much fun! When you first get there there will be an open gate, if you have a reservation go through that gate to the next gate and wait there, otherwise you may miss your reservation window waiting too long at that gate. The only off putting part was that they took a picture of our ID and our credit card. Overall... I would recommend for a nice family morning/afternoon.

Please, visit it will not disappoint..feeding the camels, and Lemurs were very enjoyable..Jj was top notch..

Art did a great job guiding us on the very personalized ATV tour. Highly recommend for an up close experience with all the animals. Worth every penny!!!

See all photos from Renee V. for Safari Wilderness Ranch

my sister was visiting from Oklahoma so I treated her to a camel trail safari ride and an encounter with lemurs. We so enjoyed our outing even though it rained. Our guide, J.J. was brilliant with all her knowledge she has in her head, it was amazing. the camels were happy and sweet but they do not like the rain but were troupers anyway. Feeding the lemurs were such a thrill as they were so adorable and gentle. We were wet but still had a blast. This is much more enjoyable than going to the Disney parks. Highly recommended.

This was such a great experience. My dad has been home bound or hospital ridden for months so being able to do something like this with him is a true gift. We were able to safely stay in the car while we drove thru Safari Wilderness for close to an hour. We followed our tour guide on her ATV and she periodically stopped to speak to us through a channel on the radio. The sound quality wasn't that great, but if it hadn't been pouring, I think we would have been able to hear her without it. We truly loved every minute of it.

See all photos from Jeanine A. for Safari Wilderness Ranch

This was the most wonderful experience. Our tour guide, Art, was the best. Very knowledgeable and knew his animals. Aside from the pestering ostriches, he kept us safe and laughing. I felt like I was in Africa. I highly recommend this safari to everyone and will be sharing my trip with all.

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Take a wild ride at safari wilderness ranch in north lakeland.

Asian water buffalo come to mingle with visitors to Safari Wilderness in Lakeland.

A lemur greets a visitor at Safari Wilderness in Lakeland.

Get to know – or even ride – a camel at Safari Wilderness in Lakeland.

Baby ostriches stay close to mom at Safari Wilderness in Lakeland.

All manner of beautiful beasts come to greet the tour bus at Safari Wilderness in Lakeland.

By VISIT FLORIDA staff

A large, purple tongue hangs patiently as a nervous teenage hand drops a snack into it.

The tongue belongs to a domestic Asian water buffalo. The hand belongs to Bailey Hallett, 14, of Carmel, Ind., who was visiting her grandmother in Auburndale.

The snack? A giant protein stick.

“It was fun getting to feed them,” Bailey said.

The two were enjoying a two-hour tour of Safari Wilderness Ranch in North Lakeland , a 260-acre expanse devoted to wetland species and cattle of all types.

For $75, up to 20 people can hop aboard a refreshingly breezy converted bus to see uncontained lemurs, cattle, eland, zebra, fainting goats, ostriches, llamas and so much more face to face.

Safari Wilderness, in the middle of the Green Swamp, is home to the second-largest collection of oryx in North America and two of the largest herds of water buffalo and defassa waterbuck in the U.S.

With the wide open spaces, you can see the full wingspans and flight spans of birds and the ballet-like leaps of springbok.

You can feel the excitement as the long-horned Watusi cattle and zebra slowly inch their way toward the stopped tour bus filled with young couples, young families and senior citizens. This is precisely the moment for which they came to Safari Wilderness.

The more adventurous can opt to experience the safari by camelback ($150), accompanied by an animal keeper and a tour guide.

“Not only do you get the experience of riding a camel, but you also get the benefits of the guides telling you all the funny personalities of the animals. They’re very knowledgeable,” said Kathryn Bunting, of Orlando, who received the trip as a birthday present.

Safari Wilderness is the brainchild of Lex Salisbury, who co-owns it with Steve Wehrmann. Salisbury envisioned a game ranch where animals could roam free and interact with visitors, similar to San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, Calif.

“After seeing animals in big, open spaces in South Africa,” said Salisbury, “I thought, ‘Wow, I could do that in Florida.”

Safari Wilderness opened its doors in 2012, with a maximum capacity of 500 persons at a time.

“The idea is to put people close to animals,” said Salisbury. “The impact is you have a wilderness experience, with an expert guide telling you what you’re looking at.”

The employees’ passion is one of the big attractions to the ranch.

“Mr. B! We’re so happy to see you, Mr. B,” yells tour guide Kala Nelson as she greets one of the barasinghas.

You can imagine then the excited dialogue between guests and tour guides about the zedonk and donkra -- results of a zebra and donkey mating -- and the ostrich who refuses to move from in front of the bus.

The atmosphere obviously is relaxed. One tour starts a few minutes later to answer a guest’s question. There’s no timetable to how long guests take to feed animals. Animals are unpredictable, which makes it all the more fun.

“There’s no script. It’s real. If you want to stop and take pictures, you stop and take pictures,” Bunting said.

Many of the guests want the natural experience to continue and opt for a 20-minute camel ride when the safari ends, or an opportunity to hand-feed grapes to the very friendly lemurs, who will lick the grape juice off your hands if you let them.

Still in its infancy, Safari Wilderness has lots of potential for growth. Construction is under way to create islands to house more animals. Salisbury also mentioned offering horseback safaris and a fishing experience in the future.

“This is awesome,” said Linda Martin, who lives about 60 miles away in Winter Park and plans to bring her adopted grandson back to Safari Wilderness. “I’ve been to Animal Kingdom twice, we’ll definitely be back here again. I like the real nature feeling.”

When you go… Safari Wilderness Ranch Where : 10850 Moore Road, Lakeland. When : Tours available at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call : 813-382-2120 Web : safariwilderness.com

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STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS

SAFARI GLAMPING

Quick Details

• Users Ages: All Ages
• Clock Duration: 1-6 Nights
• Tent Options: Classic & Premium tent options available
• Food Food: Continental breakfast is included
• Users Capacity: Maximum occupancy is four individuals
• Info Includes: Air Conditioning and Heat

Enjoy a Wild Animal Safari Camping / Glamping Trip in Lakeland, FL!

One of the most amazing things about an African Safari is sleeping in the bush. Watching the sun go down after a day of game viewing, enjoying a sundowner drink, gathering with your friends for a great evening meal, recalling the highlights of the day around a roaring campfire, then falling into a comfortable bed and having a great night’s sleep are memories that last a lifetime. At first light, you awaken in the morning, enjoy a cup of coffee and soak in the sights and sounds of nature as she awakens with you.

Safari Wilderness will now host a few special people per night in 10 beautifully appointed safari tents on the property! Continental breakfast is included. Base pricing is based on adult double occupancy. Additional guests may be added for an additional cost. We offer Classic and Premium camp options, learn more about each below.

Our property is within the Green Swamp, the second largest wilderness area in Florida (after The Everglades). This 850 square mile wilderness that surrounds us is the critical watershed for west central Florida. It is the headwaters for 5 Florida rivers. Within our boundaries are hundreds of wild birds. On most days we see herons, ibis, spoonbills, wood storks, wood ducks and sandhill cranes — to name a few. For years guests have asked us if they could spend the night at Safari Wilderness to extend their adventure. Now they finally can!

We have several high quality, fun and educational ways to enjoy the hundreds of animals that live here. The guided safaris are by camel-back, ATV, kayak, and customized vehicle. For overnight guests only, we can organize sundowner safaris, bird watching safaris, mountain bike excursions. To do all our different safaris can take several days. Staying in our safari tent camp for several nights facilitates a multi day wilderness safari like you might have in Africa. We also offer ring-tailed lemur feedings, and premium cheetah encounters. Safaris and optional extras are booked online.

• Chevron down Classic Safari Camping

Base camp is close to our Welcome Barn, a 13,000 square foot, two-story safari structure that has indoor seating, a gift shop, restrooms, and 3 private showers for guests. There is a 2nd story game viewing lounge available for overnight guests to enjoy.

Continental breakfast is included. Base pricing is based on adult double occupancy. Additional guest may be added for $25 per night per person. Maximum occupancy is four individuals. No smoking is allowed anywhere on our 260 acre property. Lodging is closed during the hot, wet summer months.

• Chevron down Premium Safari Camping

On one side of the deck below is our cheetah family, another side has a pond with grazing and aquatic animals. On the other side is a family of ring- tailed lemurs. The Overlook has the best game viewing location on the property.

The cost per night is for double occupancy, and includes travel from the Welcome Barn to your overnight accommodation by camel-back (or if you prefer by safari vehicle!). A continental breakfast is provided.

Base pricing is based on adult double occupancy. Additional guest may be added for $100 per night per person. Maximum occupancy is four individuals. No smoking is allowed anywhere on our 260 acre property. Lodging is closed during the hot, wet summer months. Guests also enjoy access to our 2nd story game viewing lounge from the Welcome Barn.

• Chevron down Reservation Information
• For the safety of our animals and staff, we prohibit smoking, food, and music at the campsite.
• Guests must sign a waiver and follow a code of conduct for everybody’s safety,
• A safari concierge is on site 24 hours.
• All sales are final.
• Questions? Call (813) 382-2120.

Related Activities

• Our best and most exciting tour!
• Clock 2.5 Hours
• Users All Ages

Custom Vehicle Safari Tour

Join us on Florida’s premier open air vehicle safari wilderness tour! Each of our customized safari trucks is equipped with stadium seating and a full-coverage canvas shade. Riders will have the opportunity to feed the animals from the Safari Truck. Optional add-ons available. Book online now!

Our guides work rain or shine; tips are appreciated.

• Clock 1.5 Hours
• Users Ages 16+

ATV Safari Tour

Explore the Safari Wilderness Ranch by ATV! Get a sense of freedom and exhilaration while viewing hundreds animals in natural herds over vast landscapes. Led by an experienced naturalist guide through our 260 acre ranch. Optional add-ons available. Book online now!

• Clock 2 Hours
• Users Ages 3+

Camel Safari Tour

Explore the Safari Wilderness Ranch on a unique, guided camel-back safari tour! Rediscover the experiences our human ancestors had with these magnificent animals, viewing magnificent herds of animals from your camel-back perch. Optional add-ons available. Book online!

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Safari Wilderness

10850 Moore Rd, Lakeland, 33809-9704, FL

• Infants 0-2
• Little Kids 3-6
• Big Kids 7-9
• Tweens 10-12
• Teens 13-17

You might think you’ve arrived at a faraway land when you climb aboard the safari vehicles at Safari Wilderness Ranch. But you’re actually in Central Florida.

Safari Wilderness, located between Orlando and Tampa, allows families to see and interact with animals you don’t get to see at your average zoo.

Safari Vehicle Tour There are a few different experiences through the 260-acre Safari Ranch. The most popular is the Safari Vehicle Tour. The experienced guides will tour you through fields in an open-air, covered safari vehicle as you encounter large herd animals along the way. The animals, many of which have been born at the ranch, will wander right over to the vehicle to say hello and maybe “ask” for some food too. When the guides permit, guests can feed designated animals the appropriate feed that is provided (otherwise, feeding the animals is prohibited). Families will see water buffalo, deer, cattle, zebra, ostrich and much more along the way.  This tour takes about two hours.

Camel Expeditions Camel Expeditions are another way to see the wild game animals. This 90-minute tour has visitors touring the ranch while riding a camel. Children under 3 cannot participate in the Camel Tour and children between 3 and 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Kayak Safari Kayak Safari has visitors paddling around the ranch’s wetlands to witness the animals. More water fowl and lemurs will be seen on this tour. This 90-minute tour also allows visitors to hand-feed the lemurs. Children under 5 cannot participate in the Kayak Tour and children between 5 and 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Lemur Feeding For an added experience or if you don’t have time for a full tour, families can experience the Lemur Feeding. Families will learn all about lemurs before entering the ring-tailed lemur habitat with your guide. The bright-eyed, eager lemurs will be waiting (not so patiently) for you to hand-feed them once inside the habitat. Most of the lemurs will politely welcome their visitors, line up to be fed and politely accept their treats. While visitors cannot touch the lemurs, the lemurs will indeed touch you as they are fed. This exclusive experience in limited to only a few guests per day so make sure to book in advance. The lemur experience is less than an hour long.

Hours Safari tour times run at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily

Things to Know/Bring Reservations are required. No walk-ins. Tours run rain or shine.

Dining No outside food or drink is permitted on the ranch. There’s a souvenir shop that sells beverages and snacks.

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Safari Wilderness Ranch is piece of old Florida that offers unique adventures

Safari wilderness ranch in lakeland.

Safari Wilderness Ranch has about 800 animals. All the experiences offered put visitors in the heart of where the herds of animals live and thrive.

LAKELAND, Fla. - Nestled next to the Green Swamp is a ranch that is more like stepping into the wilds of Africa.

Safari Wilderness Ranch is not a zoo, but it does have animals most people associate with one. It's not a ranch like a farmer's ranch, but is more like a range where wild animals live.

READ: Robinson Preserve in Bradenton offers one of Florida's premier birding destinations

"We have about 800 animals here," Shared CEO and resident owner Lex Salisbury. "They're all animals that do well in this climate and they thrive here, and you'll see them in big herds."

The here is a piece of old Florida, still wild and untamed like it used to be.

"We're at Safari Wilderness now which is 260 acres in the Green Swamp in Florida," shared Salisbury. "And the Green Swamp is the second-largest wilderness area after the Florida Everglades and this is the heart of the Florida Aquifer."

"There are five different ways you can see the place," shared Salisbury. "You can see 'em on ATVs, you can see 'em on camel back safaris, you can go on vehicle tours, you can do drive-thru tours, and you can can go on kayak tours."

READ: Jet cars can be driven on the water in Clearwater

All of the experiences put the visitor in the heart of the open land where the herds of animals live and thrive.

"It's a different experience than going to a zoo," admitted Salisbury. "I think it's a more real, richer thing."

And he knows a bit about zoos, having worked in the business professionally before opening this adventure.

"Experiential learning is far more superior than lecturing people in school," said Salisbury of this ranch. "If you can let people ride a camel, smell a camel, and feel a camel [then] the sense of smell and the sense of touch are emotional triggers that allow you to commit the experience to memory."

Those memories are what keep people coming back. They are what inspire the next generation of animal lovers to support the conservation efforts of ventures like this.

Safari Wilderness is located at 10850 Moore Road in Lakeland . To learn more about them and book your own visit, click here .

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drive-thru safari park

Some road trips take you across the country, but ours will take you across continents., your safari adventure will be the wildest car ride yet..

Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 150 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car. (*Please note that your vehicle must have a top and that vehicles like convertibles or motorcycles are not allowed through the Drive-thru Safari.) ‍ Expanding across 170 acres of untouched scenic landscapes, our wildlife and safari park presents a unique opportunity to bring you up close and personal with wild animals such as giraffes, zebra, eland antelope, scimitar oryx, American bison, mouflon sheep, and more! As you travel down our four-mile “unbeaten path,” you and your family can enjoy an exploration just feet away from animals you normally only see on TV.

FUN TO BE HAD BEYOND YOUR DRIVE-THRU SAFARI.

The fun you’ll have isn’t confined to your car. Take your adventure to new heights and meet the tallest residents in Central Florida! Our Giraffe Feeding Platform allows you to interact and feed your new friends for just $5. (Don't forget to snap your memories for your next best profile picture). ‍ ‍ ‍ After you’ve had your “four-wheel-fun” inside our drive-through animal park, stretch those legs inside our Gator Park. Admission to our Gator Park is included in the price of our Drive-thru Safari Park tickets and allows your family to view more than 200 additional animals, as well as enjoy a variety of educational animal shows. Our drive-thru safari park is just a short drive from Orlando’s biggest attractions. Enjoy the scenic views of Florida’s natural beauty from the comfort of your car. It’s the perfect family-friendly activity for animal lovers of all ages.

know before you go

(All items served with your choice of 2 sides)

Chomp House Burger - Your choice of toppings

Chicken Tenders - Your choice of sauce

All Beef Hot Dog

The Wild One - 1/2 lb burger, pork, bacon, cheese & BBQ sauce

Pulled Pork Sandwich - Tender pulled BBQ pork on a bun

Philly Cheese Steak - Sliced sirloin, grilled onions & peppers and white American cheese

Grilled Chicken Sandwich - Your choice of toppings

Ham or Turkey Wrap - Soft wrap with lettuce, onion, tomato

Vegetarian Options:

(All items served with your choice of 1 side)

House Salad - Toppings cheese, tomato, cucumbers, croutons, *Add chicken

Veggie Burger - Blackbean patty with your choice of toppings

Platter Options:

(All items served with your choice of 2 sides & a piece of garlic toast)

Gator Platter - Fried gator nuggets served with aioli

Catfish Platter - Fried catfish fillets served with aioli

Swamp Platter - Fried catfish and gator served with aioli

Florida Platter - Fried gator, grouper, and shrimp served with aioli

Kids Menu Items:

(All items served with your choice of 1 side, 1 cookie, and 1 small drink)

2 Pulled Pork Sliders

Chicken Tenders

2 Beef Sliders

Baked Beans

Mac 'n' Cheese

French Fries

Premium Sides:

Onion Rings

Cheese Curds

Fried Pickle Chips

Coffee, Hot Tea, Hot Cocoa

*Ask about our daily chef specials

Family-Friendly Activities at Our Wildlife Park

Feed and learn more about baby animals at our petting zoo. Kids will love exploring our covered playground. Bird lovers will enjoy our Hawk Swamp, where owls often roost in the cypress tree-covered boardwalk.

Fun Facts About Our Drive-thru Safari

• We have more than 150 exotic animals and native wildlife
• You’ll see 170 acres of untouched, scenic landscapes
• You can drive your own car down a four-mile unbeaten path

Airboat Tour Times and Best Times to Ride

Our first airboat tour leaves at 9:00 a.m. and our last airboat tour leaves at 4:30 p.m. In the summer months, the best time to book your airboat tour is at 9:00 a.m. During winter, 12:00 p.m. is an ideal time to ride.

Gator Park and Airboat Tours

Continue your adventure at our Gator Park before or after your airboat ride. You can hold a baby alligator or experience any of our animal encounters. Admission is included with each airboat tour. Make sure you visit our gift shop to pick up your souvenirs.

Reservation Availability

We are available to make reservations Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The park is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission to Gator Park

Any Drive-thru Safari park ticket (regardless of a Florida resident status) includes admission to the Gator Park.

Directions to Wild Florida coming from Disney:

• Go east on U.S. Highway 192 for about 20 miles to Saint Cloud.
• Take a Right on Vermont Avenue heading south for 12 miles. Vermont will become Canoe Creek Rd after a few miles.
• Turn Right on Lake Cypress Road heading west for 2 miles.

            OR

• Go east on Osceola Parkway to the Florida’s Turnpike and go south (right).
• Take the Turnpike to the next exit, #244 (Kissimmee-St. Cloud), for St. Cloud, and turn east on U.S. Highway 192 (left). Exit #240 is a SunPass Only exit and does not accept cash or credit cards.
• Stay on U.S. Highway 192 for 5 miles and turn south (right) on Vermont Avenue for 12 miles. Vermont will become Canoe Creek Road after a few miles.
• Turn right on Lake Cypress Road heading west for 2 miles.

Directions to Wild Florida coming from Orlando:

• Go South on the Florida Turnpike to exit #244 (Kissimmee-St. Cloud) for St. Cloud, and turn east on U.S. Highway 192 (left). Exit #240 is a SunPass Only exit and does not accept cash or credit cards.
• Stay on U.S. Highway 192 for 5 miles and go south (right) on Vermont Avenue for 12 miles.
• Vermont will become Canoe Creek Road after a few miles.

Directions to Wild Florida coming from Melbourne:

• Go west on U.S. Highway 192 for approximately 40 miles to Saint Cloud.
• Take a left on Vermont Avenue heading south for 12 miles. Vermont will become Canoe Creek Road after a few miles.

To ensure a hassle-free trip to and from Wild Florida, consider scheduling your ride with Uber. Using the Uber app, you can book your transportation in advance, allowing you to enjoy your visit without worrying about parking or navigating. This convenient option provides a reliable and stress-free way to manage your travel plans, making your experience at Wild Florida even more enjoyable.

Come early!

Our park opens at 9:00 a.m. and there’s a lot to see. When traveling with a group, we recommend arriving early so you can experience everything our gator park, drive-thru safari, animal shows and encounters have to offer.

Book your excursions ahead of time

Make your travel experience a good one by planning ahead! You can purchase tickets for each of our attractions online, in-person, or by phone prior to your arrival.

Plan meal times and regroup

Lunch is a great time to rest, refuel, and regroup. You can bring in your own picnic baskets or savor some of the best barbecue and food the swamp has to offer from the Chomp House Grill. Wash it down with our Swamp Slushy – a frozen blend of mango, orange and passion fruit and you’ve got what we like to call a well-balanced meal.

Savor the delight of a refreshing Wild Florida icy slushie or indulge in the creamy goodness of an ice cream cone.

What to Do After Visiting Our Gator Park

More adventure awaits! Once you’ve taken in all of the sights, sounds, and wildlife encounters at our alligator park, take a ride on one of our airboat tours. Our world-famous airboat rides take you through the Headwaters of the Everglades, giving you an unforgettably close encounter of Florida’s native wildlife.

If you’re hungry, check out the Chomp House Grill and fill up on anything from catfish and burgers, to fresh salads and veggies.

When you’re ready to head home, don’t forget to stop by our gift shop. You might even spot a baby alligator on your way out.

What to Do After Your Wild Drive

Take your adventure to new heights. Stop and hand feed giraffes on our elevated giraffe feeding platform. This activity is family-friendly and a guest favorite.

Admission to our Gator Park is included in the price of our Drive-thru Safari Park tickets . Your family will find more than 200 additional animals, as well as enjoy a variety of educational animal shows.

Safety Precautions

Safety at Wild Florida is our number one priority, and we are committed to the health, safety and well-being of our guests, staff and animals. No job is so important and no service is so urgent that we cannot take time to perform our work safely to prevent accidents or injuries to our guests and animals. Here are a few safety points and plans for our guests and animals.

We provide life jackets and ear protection for all guests. Children five and under are required to wear a life jacket. For guests six years old and over, life jackets are available along with ear protection, but they are not required.

• Wild Florida has a stellar reputation when it comes to our airboat tours. Our vessels are U.S. Coast Guard approved and inspected on an annual basis. On the vessels are life preservers for each guest, fire extinguishers, a flare gun and a throw ring if necessary.
• In case of an emergency, we have an accident plan.
• We have an incident report if needed.
• Our loading dock is ADA Compliant.
• There is always a way to communicate to home base and/or 911 anywhere on site or while out on an airboat tour.

Airboat Operations

• One of the many things that sets Wild Florida apart from other competitors is our beautiful Gator Park. You can get up close and personal with many different animals including alligators, zebras and exotic birds. Our park is inspected and approved by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) , United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) , and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) , which makes it a safe and enjoyable experience.
• In case of a snake bite, we have a snake bite protocol.
• Our animals are checked regularly by a veterinarian.
• We have a veterinarian on call at all times.
• We have an accident plan for emergencies.

See a side of Florida you won’t see at the parks. Experience untouched landscapes and acres of wildlife. Whether you’re an adventure travel enthusiast, a group of avid bird watches, or a family on their dream vacation, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories at Wild Florida.

At Wild Florida, we have an on-site restaurant where you can dine during your visit. If you’re curious to try a taste of the swamp, stop by the Chomp House Grill. Whether cooling off with our signature Swamp Slushy or chowing down on some of the best barbecue around, a visit to Wild Florida isn’t complete until you’ve had a treat from our restaurant.

Whether you are an adventurous carnivore who wants to try our Swamp Platter featuring gator and catfish or you enjoy lighter fare like salads and fresh veggies, the Chomp House Grill has something to please every palate. Can’t find anything on the menu to your liking? Talk to our Executive Chef, and she can whip something up for you.

Enjoy our great food in a rocking chair on our patio, in the air-conditioned comfort of the Cypress Ballroom or in our shaded Gator Pavillion along the shore of Lake Cypress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your Gator Park located?

Our gator and wildlife park is near many of Central Florida’s most popular attractions. Most attractions are less than 1-hour away from us.

Can we feed the alligators?

If you’re looking to get even closer to our alligators, book one of our Gator Feeding Encounters.

How much are tickets for the Gator Park?

Tickets to our Gator Park are $15 for adults and $12 for children. Florida residents enjoy $8 admission for adults, and $6 admission for children.

Can you book an animal encounter with any animal?

We have a selection of animal encounters that you can choose from. You can get up close to albino gators, sloths, giraffes, reptiles and more.

Do I get admission to the Gator Park with purchase of a Drive-thru Safari Park?

Yes, any Drive-thru Safari park ticket (regardless of a Florida resident status) includes admission to the Gator Park.

Do I need my own car for the Safari?

Yes, you will need your own car for the Drive-thru Safari Park.

How much does the drive-thru safari cost?

For out-of-state visitors, each ticket is $34 for adults, and $24 per child. Florida residents can purchase tickets for $24 per adult and $19 per child.

Does the drive-thru safari include a guided tour?

Our drive-thru safari is self-guided and you’re able to drive at your own pace.

Can you feed the animals?

While you can’t find the animals on the drive-thru safari trail, you are able to hand feed giraffes on our elevated feeding platform. We encourage you to visit after your drive.

Are you nearby Central Florida attractions?

Wild Florida’s drive-thru safari is near many of Central Florida’s popular attractions, with most local attractions being a 30-minute to 1-hour drive away.

Are all of the wild animals from Florida?

You’ll find both exotic animals and native florida species on your drive-thru safari adventure.

What time does the park open?

The gates to our drive-thru safari will open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. with the last car allowed in at 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

What else is included in my drive-thru safari park ticket?

Admission to our Gator Park is included with each drive-thru safari park ticket. At our Gator Park, you can find even more exotic animals and you can even participate in one of our animal encounters.

Do you offer small group tours?

Our group rate is available to groups of at least 10 people.

Do you provide guided tours?

If you are interested in a guided tour, consider booking a VIP Safari Tour . There are also plenty of opportunities to learn from our wildlife specialists in our Gator Park. Attend one of our exotic animal shows to learn about exotic and native Florida animals.

How do I book a group tour?

Please contact us by filling out the form on this page to begin booking your group trip.

What amenities do group tours include?

Large groups can take advantage of several spaces throughout Wild Florida. Your group can have access to our 2,200-square-foot, air-conditioned Cypress Ballroom, 1,500-square-foot Gator Pavilion overlooking Lake Cypress or a collection of picnic tables on the shore of the lake.

Wild Florida offers group tours near Central Florida’s most popular attractions and we often meet visitors from all over the world who are visiting Florida on holiday or on business trips. You’ll find that we are just minutes away from Orlando’s popular resorts and parks.

Drive to your adventure

Book now to experience a journey through the wild side.

Additional Activities

GIRAFFE PAINTING EXPERIENCE

$145 Per Person – Suitable for all ages.

VIP SAFARI TOUR

$175 Per Person –   Ages 12 and up. Limited to 4 guests per booking.

FLORIDA RESIDENT DRIVE-THRU SAFARI PARK

Florida Residents – $24 per Adult / $19 per Child – Ages 13 and up are adults. Valid Florida ID required at check-in.

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Must check in 45 mins prior to tour departure time.

Reservations are required. Photos not included.

*Any Drive-thru Safari park ticket (regardless of a Florida resident status) includes admission to the Gator Park.

Florida Resident One-Hour Airboat Tour

Reservations are required. Proof of Florida residency required upon check-in.

One-Hour Airboat Tour

One-hour private tour, one-hour private evening airboat tour, drive-thru safari park.

Last entry is at 5:00 pm. Admission to our Gator Park is included in the price of our Drive-thru Safari Park.

‍ Last entry is at 5:00 pm. Admission to our Gator Park is included in the price of our Drive-thru Safari Park.

VIP Safari Tour

Start with an interactive experience feeding Wild Florida's tallest residents, Walter and Leroy. Afterward, you'll experience a 60-75 minute Drive-thru Safari tour, followed by a visit to our Gator Park to meet our ambassador alligator, Fluffy, and feed the alligators in our Gator Pond before concluding your journey with lunch and a signature slushy at our Chomp House Grill.

Reservations are required. Admission to the Drive-thru Safari and Gator Park is included. Your booking will be rescheduled for another date if you are late. Larger parties can be accommodated, call our Reservations Department for more information.

* All programs involving live animals are subject to change due to weather, availability, or unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for understanding.

Giraffe painting experience

During this encounter, you’ll be provided a blank canvas to paint with one of our giraffes on our giraffe feeding platform. You’ll also be given giraffe feed to further engagement by touching and feeding our giraffes while contributing to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation through a portion of your ticket price in this exclusive, limited, three-guest per encounter time.

Reservations are required. Admission to the Drive-thru Safari and Gator Park is included. Your booking will be rescheduled for another date if you are late. ‍

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12 once-in-a-lifetime african safari vacations.

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Top African Safari Vacations

Courtesy of Expert Africa

Safari vacations in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of experiences to suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries visited by tours in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations (particularly yellow fever) in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country for more information.

&Beyond: Kings of the Jungle Tour

Courtesy of &Beyond

Length: 10 days Starting price: $14,265

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's diverse offerings across numerous African destinations. For a classic safari, consider the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle tour, where travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like Ngorongo Crater and the Maasai Mara savannah with its elephants and cheetahs. Arguably, the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park .

After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms. Prices start at $14,265 per person, but are higher around the peak season of June to October.

Wild Rwanda Safaris: Bwindi Gorilla Safari

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris

Length: Three days Starting price: $1,450 for two people with lowest-cost lodging

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for gorillas) and adjacent Batwa Pygmy communities. Wild Rwanda Safaris offers a choice of midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodations, allowing you to keep costs down if necessary.

The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, as well as English-speaking guides are covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend a lot longer on the road to the park. Contact the safari company for pricing information.

Nomad Tanzania: Southern Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Length: Eight days Starting price: $6,055

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species.

You'll get around the parks with the company's custom-built vehicles, ideal for catching a glimpse of that spectacular wildlife. What's more, the package rates include lodging at the company's campsites; select meals; and the short, scenic flights to and from Dar es Salaam as well as to the parks. Prices are only available upon contacting the company; they vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris: The Micato Grand Safari

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Length: 15 days Starting price: $29,500

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This extraordinarily thorough itinerary from Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to bustling Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks. You'll be treated to wildlife-viewing excursions that just might check every animal off your bucket list, from lions and cheetahs to rhinos, hippos and more. During your trip, you'll get to see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground.

The package costs at least $29,500 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes activities like a sunrise hot air balloon ride and a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe. Lodging at upscale properties like the Serengeti's Four Seasons Safari Lodge and glamorous safari camps with en suite bathrooms is also included. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris: Essence of Tanzania

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

Length: Nine days Starting price: Contact company for pricing details.

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Ethiopia, but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the "big five" animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet.

This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha, Tanzania, and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives spotting animals like ostriches, zebras and impalas in Tarangire National Park, plus accommodations like luxurious tents and farmhouse lodges. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife. If you time your safari right, you may also be able to see the famed wildebeest migration, when more than a million animals move between the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti plains.

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Lion World Travel: The Best of Cape Town & Botswana

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

Length: 10 days Starting price: $4,899

As the trip name implies, the 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package from longtime safari operator Lion World Travel combines a few days of sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa – where you'll visit the iconic Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula – with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta, home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more; you'll have the option of a helicopter flight to spot wildlife from above for an extra fee. Then, you'll visit Chobe National Park, which is believed to have the world's largest African elephant population.

Prices start at $4,899 per person based on double occupancy. Rates cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays in a four-star hotel in Cape Town as well as luxury tents in Botswana. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (from Cape Town to Botswana and from Botswana to Johannesburg ).

Discover Africa: Botswana – Chobe, Okavango & Makgadikgadi

Matthys Van Aswegen | Courtesy of Discover Africa

Length: Nine days Starting price: $4,800

For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day trip through the country's sprawling game reserves and national parks is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for spotting elephants – before moving on to the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals like leopards, rhinos, hippos and more. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife such as zebras and buffalo on the savannah as well as the ethereal white salt pans from a former lake.

You'll stay in upscale lodges and camps within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person and varies by time of year), but international flights to get to Botswana are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris: 8 Day Battlefields, Bush & Beach Safari

Onne Vegter | Courtesy of Wild Wings Safaris

Length: Eight days Starting price: About $4,160 for self-drive option

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some local history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush & Beach Safari. With an itinerary focused on the east of South Africa, you'll start off visiting some of the country's historic sites from the Boer wars, including locations where local Zulu warriors defeated the British, before moving on to Phinda Private Game Reserve. This park doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the "big five" without too many crowds.

The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. Kayaking and walks through coastal forests are other activities on offer here. As far as safaris go, this one is a somewhat more affordable option, starting at about $4,160 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris: 4-Day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park

Getty Images

Length: Four days Starting price: $1,015

This tour company kicks off many of its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from three to nine days, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, consider the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park safari. It will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park in Botswana and Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more, while also visiting rural villages. This safari includes a wildlife spotting boat cruise on the Chobe River as well.

The price starts at $1,015 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and well-rated lodging in Victoria Falls. Travelers will need to pay for their own travel to Victoria Falls. Dinners aren't included, although you'll be staying in the town of Victoria Falls, with access to restaurants.

Compass Odyssey: 8-Day Namibia Wildlife Safari

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Length: Eight days Starting price: Contact company for pricing details.

Explore the savannah and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. Travelers will also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife like giraffes, zebras and elephants at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive with a knowledgeable ranger as well.

The company provides prices on request. The tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights or the optional "Cheetah Walk." Compass Odyssey allows the tour to be customized on request.

Expert Africa: Big Cat Fly-in Safari

Length: Nine days Starting price: $5,010

Expert Africa offers safaris and other tours in a host of African countries. For a relatively classic tour, consider the Big Cat Fly-in Safari. It offers two different looks at Kenya's stellar wildlife. Firstly, you'll fly north for four nights at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a sanctuary that channels all its profits into protecting the wildlife in its roughly 100-square-mile reserve. You'll stay in classic tented rooms and enjoy three-course dinners, with the option of going on horse- or camelback safaris for an extra fee.

Despite the tour name, you're most likely to see elephants, giraffes, zebras and rhinos here. In fact, you're more likely to see big cats at the tour's second stop, when you fly south to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The tour company reports a high success rate for travelers spotting lions (and a decent chance of spotting leopards or cheetahs too). Here, you'll spend four days in upscale tents and have the option of soaring over the plains in a hot air balloon. The tour starts at $5,010 for eight nights, with all transport within Kenya included – although Expert Africa customizes most of its tours, so you can likely adjust your safari to your preferences.

Volcanoes Safari: 7 Day Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari

Courtesy of Volcanoes Safaris

Length: Seven days Starting price: $8,430

If you're looking to spot some great apes, Volcanoes Safari focuses exclusively on primate tours within Rwanda and Uganda – and with partnerships with the Jane Goodall Institute and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, they're responsible too. One of its signature tours, this seven-day itinerary kicks off in Uganda, taking travelers to the famed Kyambura Gorge to spot chimpanzee communities, as well as on a trek through the Bwindi Forest to look for gorillas.

But it's not all about monkeys: The tour also includes chances to see lions on the Ugandan plains and to meet locals engaging in cooperative work raising bees and roasting coffee. Along the way, guests stay in stylish lodges with views of Uganda's mountains and forests. The tour starts at $8,430 per person based on double occupancy in the low season, with all meals included.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Although COVID-19 vaccination requirements no longer exist, it's not uncommon for countries to require you to be vaccinated against illnesses such as yellow fever before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

For many destinations, there are a number of other vaccinations that aren't mandatory but are still recommended, such as for cholera or rabies. Consult with a doctor and ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor about potentially bringing anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of July 2024:

Botswana: If you have recently visited or transited through a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa as well as Central and South America. Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days per year without a visa.

Kenya: Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places where yellow fever is endemic to be vaccinated against it. The CDC recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an eVisa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no less than two weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less per year.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50 for a single entry or $70 for multiple entries, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission, including transits of 12 hours or longer in such countries. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country. The vaccine should be administered 10 days or more before arrival

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 or a multiple-entry, one-year visa for $100. Be sure to print a copy of the approval (called a "grant notice") to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a single-entry visa on arrival in most cases, although the Tanzanian government still recommends the advance online application. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure. The processing time is around seven days, but the Ugandan government recommends applying 30 days before you travel; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. A single-entry visa costs $50. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk, including long transits (12 hours or more) through such countries. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens visiting Zambia. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks require a vaccine against this illness. This includes long transit stopovers of 12 hours or more.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

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