safari texas

Top 12 Must See Drive Through Safaris in Texas

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Looking for a drive through safari in Texas? Or want to know all the dive through safaris in Texas?

This might come as a surprise but you can experience an African safari right here in the great state of Texas!  Granted, very little tops seeing these majestic creatures in their homeland but if you’re looking for a Texan substitute, we’ve got a list of all the places you can find a drive through safari in Texas.

Looking for more Texas fun? Check out this list of the best amusement parks in Texas !

Before heading out on your adventure to explore drive through safaris in Texas, please call to verify operating hours, animal availability, and all the other fun details!

Drive Through Safaris in Texas

Natural bridge wildlife ranch , san antonio.

Explore 450 acres of Texas Hill Country during this 1.5 hour Texas drive through safari featuring animals from all over the world.  Each car is provided a bag of animal feed with the cost of admission.  The animals in the ranch will come to your vehicle to eat and allow you an up close view of their beauty. You will see buffalos, zebras, and ostriches during your adventure.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (@naturalbridge.wildliferanch)

Visitors can even explore the wildlife ranch on foot. You can relax at the on-site cafe and visit the lemur habitat and the giraffe center. Finish off your day by stopping at the gift shop for a nice souvenir of your day.

Aggieland Safari , Bryan

Want to visit a “traditional” zoo and experience a drive through safari in Texas all at the same time?  Aggieland Safari in Bryan is the place to be!  Admission includes entrance to their 250+ acre drive-thru safari.  For a small additional fee, you can receive a bucket of feed to share with the over 100 animals that call Aggieland Safari home.  Experience a personal visit from each of the animals on the safari without ever having to leave your car.

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But the fun at Aggieland Safari doesn’t stop there!  Admission to their Adventure Zoo is included as well.  This 20-acre area is meant to be explored on foot but still provides the opportunity for up-close experiences.  Want to feed a giraffe?  You can do that here.  Want to feed a tortoise?  You can do that too.  There’s also a bird aviary, a camel trek, a petting zoo, a kid-friendly playscape, a covered pavilion, and a gift shop!

Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari , Eustace

Enjoy a 1 hour drive through a safari right in the heart of Texas with a visit to Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari. View the park from the comfort of your own vehicle while traveling through this 200 acre wild animal refuge. The park features over 25 species of animals from all over the world.

With animals like buffalo, llamas, zebras, and even gazelles, this drive through safari in Texas is the perfect afternoon activity with family!

​ Franklin Drive Thru Safari , Franklin

Your entire family will have fun playing, feeding, and interacting with animals from across the globe at this drive through safari in Texas. Franklin Drive Thru Safari has over 100 acres filled with more than 1,000 animals. The petting zoo is amazing with new animals consistently being adopted. As you drive through the safari, you will see over fifty different species of animals meandering around the ranch. ​ Franklin Drive Thru Safari even has a ten-acre area for walking. There’s so much to do: visit baby giraffes, camels, anteaters, or kangaroos; purchase a cup of peanuts and make friends with the park monkeys;  take a private tour with the trained staff; visit the adorable baby room to play with exotic babies animals like coatimundis and lemurs, or explore in your car to feed camels and zebras right from your vehicle.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center , Glen Rose

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is one of the largest drive through safaris in Texas.  The ranch consists of over 1,800 acres and features nearly fifty different species among the 1,100 animals on the property. You can spend hours driving through the park looking at all of the different animals.

But the fun doesn’t stop there!  You can go on a bike tour or even a murder mystery tour.  Fossil Rim Wildlife Center also has photo workshops, an on-site cafe, and overnight lodging [bunkhouses, anyone?].

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (@fossilrim)

In addition to being a drive through safari in Texas, they are also the biggest cheetah breeding facility in the world.  Between eighteen and twenty cubs are raised here every year.  Many endangered species, such as the scimitar-horned oryx, have also been reintroduced to the wild thanks to the efforts of the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.  They are truly a drive through safari dedicated to the well-being and conservation of their animals!

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari , Jacksonville

Visit this 5-mile drive through Texas safari to see Rupert the camel and Minnie the yak. Your two-hour drive includes a free feed bag, 300 acres, 35 species, and 700 animals. Make friends with capybaras, zebras, alpacas, bison, and more as they approach your vehicle.

There is also a fenced-off enclosure with six alligators you can feed. The variety of wildlife present at Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari is simply amazing.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cherokee Trace (@cherokeetrace)

There is an open habitat with two dozen endangered and exotic species and open savannahs. Drive along the different roads to spot an African longhorn cow, an Indian antelope walking across a lush field, or a mother and her calf grazing by the pond. You and your family will make great memories feeding, photographing, and observing these gorgeous creatures.

Grapeland Safari , Grapeland

The Grapeland Safari offers 59 acres and 25 different species. Grab a bucket of feed, drive through this Texas safari, and enjoy these amazing creatures. Your kids will love the petting zoo. They can visit numerous animals including zebras, axis deer, emus, and yaks. Bring your grill and spend some quality time together enjoying a cookout in the picnic area.

The guests of honor at the Grapeland Safari are their camels.  They feature two different types of camels: Dromedary and Bactrian.  Each has its unique features [one hump or two?] and both types at Grapeland Safari are a hit with visitors due to their incredibly friendly nature.

Exotic Resort Zoo , Johnson City

Instead of driving through this Texas safari, you can relax and enjoy all 127 acres from the comfort of a tram. You will learn about the forty different species and 600 animals including the kissing camel [named Gomar], ostriches, and blackbucks.

There are endangered and exotic animals too. You can feed the friendly animals right out of your own feed bucket. Your family will laugh as thirty or forty animals surround your tram hoping for tidbits.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Exotic Resort Zoo, Inc. (@exoticresortzoo)

After your tour, visit the two petting zoos, the fishing pond where you can catch and release the fish or spend the night in a cabin and enjoy a roaring campfire. Visit the charming gift shop for a memorable souvenir, the private penned areas, and the caged enclosures. The tour guides will ensure you know a lot more about the animals when you leave than when you arrived.

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari , Jefferson

The Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari is home to over eighty animals. During your visit, you’ll enjoy wildebeests, camels, donkeys, red deer, bison, and more. The animals roam freely around the 65 acres. Follow the signs to drive to the exotic animals while seeing zebras and fallow deer along the way. 

Your entire family will enjoy the field filled with braying donkeys.  There’s a really good chance that the more social animals will approach your car to say hi!

If you want to get even closer to the animals, visit their on-site petting zoo.  Be sure to stop by their office to purchase buckets of food to share with the animals.  While you’re there, pick up a branded t-shirt and a souvenir to take home! You can take incredible photographs and visit the petting zoo.

North Texas Safari Park , Bonham

If you want to view exotic and endangered species from the comfort of your car, then North Texas Safari Park is the best drive through safari in Texas for you! Located about an hour north of Dallas, this drive through safari in Texas has all sorts of animals.

Experience more of the animals by partaking in their optional activities like feeding the giraffes, exploring their exhibit dedicated to Australian animals, petting animals in the petting zoo and more!

Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park , Jefferson

See exotic animals in their natural setting right in the middle of East Texas at this drive through safari.  Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park consists of 125 free-range safari acres. Drive the 3 mile loop in the comfort of your own vehicle while you see the animals naturally and up close.

With over 20 years of experience caring for exotic animals, this ranch works hard to ensure the wonders of the animal world are well preserved. Make sure you bring a camera to capture the incredible animals and bring home unforgettable souvenirs!

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park , Evant

This drive through safari in Texas is a little different than others.  The entire safari is housed inside of a RV park. Their goal is to not only provide amazing animals for your viewing pleasure but to provide an overall family adventure – an economical one at that!

With over 23 animal species from 10 different countries, there are plenty of animals to see!

Have you visited a drive through safari in Texas?  Leave a comment below!

Montoya (Monty) Hudson is the founder and primary voice behind The Spring Break Family. She has created informative travel content for families since 2018 by providing practical advice, easy to follow itineraries, and addressing the real challenges of family travel. Since the creation of her family travel blog, she's inspired thousands of families to travel the world with their kids.

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Drive Thru Safari Fun

Explore 900 acres of drive-thru safari adventure, hundreds of animals, conservation meets adventure, the texas zoofari park is open for the 2024 season. get your tickets, attractions.

At the Texas Zoofari Park, you can spend time with our resident animals in several ways. Observe them from your vehicle on the safari drive-thru or get up close and personal during a stroll through our village walk-thru.

Safari Drive-Thru

Village Walk-Thru

Giraffe Feeding

Now Open - Kangaroo Walk-About

Zoofari Parks, LLC, is excited to be expanding to the great state of Texas.”

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Featured Animals

Get to know our resident animals. We spotlight a few featured animals and teach you about their eating habits, their status in the wild and statistics, like their average weight, height and more.

News from our parks

Texas Zoofari Park Welcomes Two Southern White Rhinos

Alabama Safari Park Welcomes Its Newest and Slowest Residents to the Zoo

Gulf Breeze Zoo Welcomes Its Newest Orangutan, Satu

Virginia Safari Park Recognized by ZAA for Excellence in Breeding

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WHERE THE SPIRIT OF AFRICA  MEETS TEXAN PARADISE

2032 BLUE CUT RD. N.  MCGREGOR, TX 76657

833-711-1777  Call or Text

AFRICAN SAFARI RANCH

 only in texas, fun & unique tours & animal  encounters, closer than you ever been before.

UNIQUE CABINS

Nothing else like it.

At Blue Hills Ranch, our unique cabins nestle within the serene landscape of our animal sanctuary, offering guests a tranquil retreat surrounded by the beauty of nature and the comforting presence of rescued animals. Each cabin is thoughtfully designed to provide a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, ensuring a memorable and rejuvenating stay for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.

EXPERIENCE THE UNTAMED LUXURY

At blue hills ranch, packages represents the pinnacle of our offerings, providing a fully customized experience tailored to each guest's desires, physical abilities, and age. here's how we ensure your stay is nothing short of exceptional:  .

ALL OF THE LUXURIES IN LIFE YOU DESERVE

Over 160 animals free roaming wildlife all around animal viewing and feeding areas patios with furniture amazing views of  sunrises and sunsets shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash refrigerator, microwave, keurig ac / heat in every cabin gated security & cameras   free secure parking high speed wifi smart tvs fitness center seasonal pool reverse osmosis water, experience of a lifetime, where the spirit of africa meets texan paradise.

EXPLORE BLUE HILLS

A perfect place for your animal loving vacation.

Blue Hills Ranch is the perfect destination for a Texas safari vacation due to its sprawling landscapes, diverse wildlife, and immersive experiences. Located just minutes from the town of McGregor, Moody and Waco, guests can enjoy the convenience of nearby amenities while still immersing themselves in the tranquility of nature. Embark on guided tours through scenic trails, encountering majestic deer, graceful giraffes, and a variety of exotic animals along the way. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access to giraffes and otters, along with customizable activities catering to all ages and interests, Blue Hills Ranch offers an unforgettable safari experience that captures the essence of the Lone Star State's natural beauty and wildlife diversity.

OUR ANIMAL FAMILY

Blue hills family.

At Blue Hills Ranch, the animals revel in their sanctuary oasis, where each day brims with happiness and contentment. From the graceful giraffes to the playful otters, every inhabitant finds solace in the nurturing care provided by the devoted staff. Here, amidst sprawling landscapes and ample enclosures, they roam freely, savoring the camaraderie and the freedom to express their natural instincts. Each creature, whether soaring bird or towering giraffe, is treasured as an integral part of the Blue Hills family. Their spirits soar, their hearts swell, as they embrace the safety and warmth of their sanctuary haven. At Blue Hills Ranch, the animals aren't just residents; they are cherished members, grateful for the opportunity to thrive in this sanctuary of compassion and love.

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Your Memories, Their Future.

Experience longneck manor, nestled on over 100 acres in the beautiful hill country of texas..

Which Experience is Right for You?

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• 3 - 5 Guests
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What Guests are Saying

The animals of longneck manor.

Longneck Manor is the home to a “Crash” of three rhinos (Fred, Barney and Justin) as well as a “Tower” of giraffes (Kafele, Betty, Tana,  Kili and Indy). Our animal ambassadors help guests connect with animals in the wild and help conservation efforts with our partner organizations.

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• About Our Zoo
• Meet the Team
• Our Inhabitants
• Guided Tours

Private Guided Tours

• Petting Zoo
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Current Discounts
• All Cabin Amenities
• Safari Cabin FAQ
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• Dottie’s Place
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• Cabin Policies

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• Job Opportunities
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Welcome to the Exotic Resort Zoo & Safari Cabins!

Where things are always wild & there is fun for all ages we are open 362 days of the year from 9am to 5pm; last tour leaves no later than 4:30pm.  the only days we close are easter sunday, thanksgiving and christmas day. additionally, our hours remain the same year ‘round, our park is home to 700+ animals representing 45+ species. with a few tour options, you are sure to create fun memories for a lifetime while learning about our conservation and preservation efforts, no dogs are allowed at the exotic resort zoo.

Our animals see ALL dogs as their natural predator, so this also includes service animals! The United States Department of Justice says: “At a zoo, service animals can  be restricted from areas where the animals on display are the natural prey or natural predators of dogs, where the presence of a dog would be disruptive, causing the displayed animals to behave aggressively or become agitated.” Because of the nature of our park, our animals are on display from the moment you enter our gates. A dog of any form would cause distress to our animals, creating a dangerous environment for them and for you. You may read more about the restrictions of Service Animals at a zoo by clicking  here .

Click on an option below to learn more:

Guided safari tours, drive-thru safari, safari cabin rentals .

For your visit, we offer one-of-a-kind Guided Tours (tractor ride) through the park. Typically, the longest wait is around 30-45 minutes, however this is subject to change depending on availability and the rate of visitors in attendance that day. In our opinion, the Guided Tour is definitely worth the wait for a more unique experience!

You can also tour the park in your own vehicle! If you are interested in the Drive-Thru (your vehicle) option, you must buy tickets online to reserve a spot with no exceptions. Once we sell out of drive-thru tickets, you are not guaranteed entry.

Texas summer is among us, so keep the weather in mind. We definitely encourage morning visits for your well-being and for the most animal action, but we are here all day! See you soon!

Moon River Ranch

Welcome to Moon River Ranch

Endless Nature Escape

Luxury Rustic Accomodations

Wild Safari

Animal Tours

Unforgettable Memories

Twinkling Stars & Amber Sunrises

Your Texas Safari Getaway

Experience the serene beauty of texas at moon river ranch. book your stay today and enjoy unique luxurious accommodations, breathtaking views, and a safari experience like no other..

Picture Perfect Events

We set the scene for unforgettable events; from romantic weddings to corporate gatherings, our scenic ranch offers a stunning fusion of nature and luxury. let the natural beauty of the ranch, plus a unique safari experience to elevate your special occasion..

Meet the Animals

Dromedary Camels

Native to: North Africa & Asia

Native to: Southeast Africa

Antelope: Addax, Oryx & Gemsbok

Native to: North America

Native to: South America

Wildebeests

Native to: Southern Africa

Deer: Red Stag, Axis, Pere David

Native to: Europe, India & Asia

Native to: India & Sri Lanka

Lodging at Moon River Ranch

Captivating Riverfront Wagons

An unique riverside escape, where old western blends with comfort and function. Studio with 1 bath with with options for 2 or 3 beds, sleeps 3-5.

Riverfront Boathouse

Rustic design meets comfort, providing the essence of lakeside living. 1 large studio & 1 small bedroom, 5 beds, sleeps 6-8.

Farm House Family Cabin

Witness the charm of rustic living paired with a thoughtful touch. Farm House: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 6 beds, sleeps 8.

Farm House Hotel Suites

Witness the charm of rustic living paired with thoughtful a thoughtful touch. Hotel Suite: studio with 1 or 2 bed options, sleeps 2-3; 

The Classic Yellow Hotel

Our yellow hotel is offers a vibrant sanctuary that feels like a warm embrace. 1 large studio, 1 bed, 1 bath, sleeps 2-3.

Uncover the gate house's unique charm, where farm house aesthetics fuse with present day comforts. 3 bedrooms, 6 beds, 3 baths, sleeps 8.

Our signature casitas, artfully designed with a focus on functionality for a sleek, yet cozy, living space. 1 bedroom, 1 bed & 1 sofa futon, sleeps 3-4.

Our signature casitas, artfully designed with a focus on functionality for a sleek, yet cozy, living space. 1 bedroom with loft, with 2 or 3 bed options, sleeps 4-5.

 Dahlia

Hear From Our Guests

jdaniels1977 from CA

"Best Kept Secret in Texas"

“I had a great time at Moon River Ranch getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and being able to connect with nature. The ranch is a beautiful place and the animals are so friendly. I was able to learn about all of the different animals and the kids got to help feed them."

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If you’d like more information about our venue and amenities, get in touch today.

Located near Waco, Tx, Moon River Ranch is a getaway lodging retreat, and a stunning venue for weddings and corporate events, all centered around our safari experience that spans over 550 acres of nature, along with 500+ wild animals, from Zebras to Wildebeasts to Oryxs to Long Horns, and more. Come stay with us and experience Texas like no other!