Wildlife & Safari Vacations

Where To Go On A Safari In The U.S.

Last updated 24th October 2018

An African safari might be high on your animal-loving kids’ bucket list, but for wildlife adventures closer to home, consider a safari right here in the United States. That’s right — a handful of state parks and private attractions make it possible to see giraffes and cheetahs from a safari vehicle. Whether you’re hoping to spot animals on your own or with a guide, here are 10 safaris that are sure to bring a thrill for the whole family.

Safari West | Sonoma, California

Although Sonoma is best known for its vineyards, you’d be surprised to learn that it’s also home to a 400-acre wildlife reservation. Safari West sets out to conserve animals like wildebeast, cheetahs, giraffes and gazelle — all of which are allowed to roam freely. Visitors can observe from an open-air vehicle and “glamp” in a tent for overnight stays.

Lion Country Safari | West Palm Beach, Florida

This drive-through safari has been thrilling families since 1967. The 900-animal park also serves up amusement park rides, boat cruises, water play splash zones and mini golf. There’s even an award-winning adjacent campground for a rustic stay.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park | Escondido, California

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park immerses visitors in an active, hands-on safari experience where herds of animals roam natural habitats in a vast reserve. Choose from a variety of safari expeditions by caravan truck, cart, zip line — there’s even an overnight option. There are amazing views of lions lounging in the grasslands, antelope and giraffes mingling, rhinos wallowing in waterholes and more.

The Wilds | Cumberland, Ohio

This non-profit conservation park (90 miles east of Columbus) sits on 10,000 acres of reclaimed mine land. The park combines cutting-edge conservation science and education programs with hands-on experiences and one-of-a-kind adventures. The Zipline Safari takes guests soaring on ten zip lines above more than 350 animals, or kids can giddy-up on a horseback safari.

Wild Animal Safari | Pine Mountain, Georgia

This drive-thru safari park boasts 65 types of exotic animals. Visitors can travel the 3.5 miles of adventure in their own vehicle, take a ride on the park’s complimentary bus tour or rent a Zebra Van. A ride through the park in the bus tour is led by a Wild Animal Safari tour guide.

Lamar Valley | Yellowstone National Park

Located in the northeastern corner of Yellowstone, the Lamar Valley is often called America’s Serengeti for its large and easy-to-see populations of large animals. Among its most famous inhabitants are the Junction Butte and Lamar Canyon wolf packs. In addition to wolves, other animals roaming the Lamar Valley include large herds of bison, pronghorn, badgers, grizzly bears, bald eagles, osprey, deer and coyotes.

Safari Wilderness Ranch | Lakeland, Florida

An easy drive from Orlando, this park covers 260 acres. Guests can hop in a canopied safari vehicle to cross wetlands and grasslands. The animals roaming here include zebra, kudu, springbok and water buffalo.

Point Reyes Safaris | Point Reyes, California

Head to the west coast for a wildlife safari to see bobcats, coyotes, badgers, grey fox, the famous tule elk, elephant seals, raptors, owls, shorebirds and whales. You’ll also enjoy seeing some of the most beautiful California coast the state has to offer. Safaris are customized to meet the goals and desires of each family.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center | Glen Rose, Texas

This facility is an endangered species research and conservation center with over 1,000 animals from 50 species. Guided and self-guided tours are the main attraction. If hand-feeding a giraffe is on your bucket list, guests can buy a bag of animal feed and head out on the drive-through safari or take a guided tour.

Love wildlife adventures? Find more animal encounters here.