south texas safari

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.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aggieland Safari (@aggielandsafari)

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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Yturria ranch, unique features, a hosted experience.

Corina Hernandez

House manager, about the ranch, the yturria legacy.

The historic Yturria Ranch is located on approximately 14,000 acres of pristine South Texas ranch country in Willacy County and Kenedy County, approximately 29 miles north of the Valley International Airport in Harlingen and 6 miles north of Raymondville. The Yturria Ranch was founded in 1858 by Francisco Yturria, a South Texas pioneer, merchant, banker, railroad developer, and rancher. The Yturria Ranch has been under continuous family management for more than 160 years.

A Wildlife Haven

The Yturria Ranch is widely considered to be one of the premiere wildlife sanctuaries in Texas and is home to one of the largest populations of endangered ocelots in the United States. In 2017, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas awarded the Yturria Ranch the International Award of Excellence in Conservation. Today, the Yturria Ranch is teeming with native and exotic wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, javelinas, nilgai, blackbucks, waterbucks, lechwe, bobwhite quail, owls, caracaras, and many other wildlife species. More than 10,000 acres of the Yturria Ranch is protected by conservation easements and the ranch continues to partner with wildlife research organizations to improve and restore wildlife populations and their habitat.

The Ranch Experience

Guests will be greeted by a member of the ranch staff at the Yturria Ranch main gate. Guests will be escorted to the Ranch House on an 11-mile private paved road. Guests will observe a diverse mix of South Texas landscapes ranging from mesquite groves to open coastal plains. The ranch house complex is situated at the geographic heart of the “San Francisco Division”, the most ecologically significant portion of the ranch. The ranch house features tall ceilings with exposed wooden beams and Saltillo tile floors. The house is well appointed with a charming mix of rustic furnishings, art, and artifacts from South Texas, Mexico, and other parts of the world. Guests will enjoy access to four large guest bedrooms, each with two twin beds and its own ensuite bathroom, as well as the living areas of the house. In the evenings, enjoy a sunset wildlife tour in a historic, open-air hunting vehicle. Meals will be prepared by a local chef who will treat guests to delicious South Texas cooking. After dinner, relax and hang out with friends and family. Star gazers welcome! Mornings on the ranch are particularly special. Wake up early and watch a glorious sunrise or sleep-in late. Enjoy a delicious, homemade breakfast. After your meal, consider exploring the ranch on foot or by bike. There are many roads and trails to choose from on the ranch, and deer, turkey, and nilgai can often be seen in abundance near the house. . In the afternoons, relax and take a siesta, read a book, or even try your hand at clay pigeon shooting. Let Yturria Ranch be a retreat and launch point for other activities in the region - fishing and visits to the Rio Grande Valley’s many attractions. Note: Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to schedule a horseback ride. Please also let us know if you are interested in scheduling a guided hunt and/or fishing expedition. Separate fees apply for hunting and fishing.

Explore more than 6,000 acres of one of the country’s most extensive and intact wildlife habitats.

From the ranch owner.

"We are excited to share this family treasure with our guests in hopes that they will have a greater appreciation for the beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife in deep South Texas."

The Lodging

Enjoy home-cooked meals and the warmth of a classic south texas ranch house. guests will have access to four large guest bedrooms each with two twin beds and its own ensuite bathroom, a kitchen dining room, living room, foyer, and powder room. the ranch house grounds are surrounded by gardens with mature shade trees, palm trees, and native plantings., yturria ranch house, 4,400 sq. ft., 4.5 bathrooms.

Nearby Attractions

Port mansfield, gladys porter zoo, south padre island, world birding center, museum of south texas history, available activities, guided casting and fly fishing trips, 2-hour visit with a wildlife biologist, staff guided predator hunts, professional birding tours, wild quail hunting package, request to stay at yturria ranch.

In order for us to ensure you have the best experience, we take your requested date and party size and confirm with the ranch owner before you finish and pay for your booking. You will not be charged to request to book.

Cancellation Policy

50% refund if canceled at least 14 days before arrival date. 100% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date.

Ranch Rules

The ranch facilities and wilderness are to be respected. No plants or animals are to be mistreated or removed from the ranch. Leave the ranch in the same condition in which you found it. No smoking inside ranch buildings.

6 miles north of Raymondville (Hwy 77 and Hwy 186) 30-minute drive from Valley International Airport in Harlingen 50-minute drive from Brownsville

Guided Tour

Ride with us and learn from a safari ranger.

Experience the ultimate Safari Adventure Tour at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch! Led by our knowledgeable and dedicated animal specialists, this guided trek offers a hands-on experience with incredible animals. Our Safari Adventure Trek Tours provide enhanced experiences, where guides share fun facts, management insights, and rich heritage, offering a fresh perspective on our African Safari, Texas Style. With a focus on species conservation, our Safari Adventure Trek allows you to learn more from our guides while riding in our custom-built Safari Rover or Safari Shuttle. Get ready for an unforgettable exploration!

Safari Shuttle

Experience the ultimate adventure at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch! Join our Safari Animal Rangers on a 75-minute guided trek, encountering fascinating animals. It's a journey of unforgettable fun and discovery!

Safari Shuttle Pricing: $149.99 per party

General Admission is not included and required for entry into the park. Maximum 8 guests per tour.

Safari Rover

Got a group of 9 or more adventurers? Hop aboard a Safari Rover and get up close to 40 different species! Learn from an informative and entertaining Ranch Tour Guide and get ready for plenty of oohs and ahhs. 

Safari Rover Booking:

Contact our Tour Coordinator

A DD AN EXCURSION TO YOUR GUIDED  SAFARI!

Make your safari even better by adding one or more of these excursions!

You'll be able to select them while booking your safari.

Aviary Experience

The only thing better than seeing our birds is feeding them! Come inside with food on popsicle sticks that dozens of budgies look forward to enjoying. NOTE: Guests must be 3 years or older to enter the exhibit.

Excursion Pricing: $5.00 for general admission ticket holders

Prehistoric Experience

Walk amongst dozens of dinosaurs that move, breathe, and can't wait for you to maybe get a little too close. This excursion is sure to be memorable and filled with plenty of oohs, ahs, and a yikes or two. 

Excursion Pricing:

$5.00 for general admission ticket holders 3+ years old

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, 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.

Rose, Jasmine, & Dahlia

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.

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!

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Animal Encounters

• FAQs & Animal Gallery
• Special Events
• Zootube & Conservation
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• Wild Animal Safari – Pine Mountain, Georgia
• Wild Animal Safari – Strafford/Springfield, Missouri
• Aggieland Safari, Bryan-College Station, Texas
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The Serengeti of the South: Animal Park in Bryan, TX

At Wild Animal Safari™, you can meet some of nature’s most fascinating creatures–up close and personal. Our drive-thru animal park in Bryan, TX, offers spectacular views that set the stage for family fun. Meet our animal friends and get ready for lots of fun and laughter.

Park Hours & Directions

Ticket and passes, zootube/conservation, many ways to explore.

Drive-thru tours let you meet some of the world’s wildlife. Join the fun and see some of your favorite animals as you’ve never seen them before. Our park offers many ways to discover the beauty of nature. There are three ways to explore Wild Animal Safari™:

Drive-Thru Safari

Travel through our 250-acre safari land and see many different animals along the way. Some of them may even get close to meet you and your family! Choose from the comfort of your vehicle, our safari rental vehicles, or a bus with a guide for you and your group to experience the thrill of the safari.

Now is your chance for you and your family to see our residents for an unforgettable experience. Animal Encounters allow you to get an exclusive meet-and-greet with some of our animal ambassadors, such as the giraffes and kangaroos. You’ll get to learn all about our featured residents and learn how they live at the park.

Adventure Zoo

Enjoy a classic stroll through the zoo. We have 20 acres of land dedicated to animal exhibits, providing plenty of space to walk around and stretch your legs. The kids will love meeting the animals, and they can even feed some of them at the interactive exhibits.

Visit our ticketing page to reserve your spot for one of our animal safari tours . We are open throughout the year and are located in Bryan, TX.

Wild Animal Safari Newsletter

Have you herd? Don't miss out on any Wild Animal Safari news. Join our pack by signing up for our newsletter and get tips on the latest promotions, animal news and more!

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Aggieland Safari

GA (706) 663-8744 1300 Oak Grove Rd Pine Mountain, GA 31822 [email protected]

MO (417) 859-5300 124 Jungle Rd Strafford, MO 65757 [email protected]

TX (979) 599-5440 18075 FM 974 Bryan, TX 77808 [email protected]

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Texas Hill Country Safari & Wildlife Park

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is home to around 500 animals and over 40 species of wildlife from every contintent except Antartica – I don’t think any Antartica species would enjoy our Texas summers! Several of the species are threatened or endangered and others have been born at the Ranch as a part of a very successful breeding program. The Hill Country provides a natural habitat for the animals which roam freely through the 100s of acres of Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.

You’ll also get lots of photo opportunities to capture some pictures of the animals in their native environment. But what makes this trip fun is feeding and touching the animals – at first the small kids may be hesitant, but by the end of the trip, their hands filled with food will be hanging out the windlows and they’ll be begging the wildlife to come up to your car so they can feed and pet them. And they won’t be disappointed. Make sure you pick up enough food at the entrance – you don’t want to run out.

There are over 4 miles of trails that meander through the ranch and into differnt areas of the ranch that are brooken into several animal preserves, each of which has wildlife unique to the area. For example:

• Kenyan Preserve is home to a variety of African animals like the Eland, Blesbok, Red Lechwe, Wildebest, Damaraland Zebra, Bluebull, and more

• Massai Savanna has Ostrich, Llama, Sicilian Donkeys, Addax, Blackbuck, Rhea, Emu and more

• Tatonka Range has Kudu, Waterbuck, Watusi, Longhorn, American Bison, Springbok, Gemsbok, and Aoudad

Once you’ve driven all the trails or run out of food, and you can drive them as many times as you like, make sure you stop by the petting barnyard and Walk-A-Bout area. Kids will love the petting barnyard where they can mingle with, pet, comb, and hug several variety of animals. The Walk-A-Bout area has Lemurs, Girafee, Kangaroo, Muntjac, Patagonian Cavy, Peacocks, and a variety of other feathered firends.

The Safari Camp gill has some tasty food to rejunivate you after a wild safair – made to order burgers, queso, sandwiches, ice cream, and lots of other options

Have fun and say hi to the Ostrich for us! We visited Nature Bridge Wildlife Ranch as part of a fun weekend – read our Camels, Caverns, Crochet Weekend Adventure.

Author: Mike Sharp

I have a passion for travel and outdoor activities, and now I'm enjoying retired life. I will continue my traveling, golfing, boating, and enjoying life all across the great state of Texas.

Pet a Baby Croc in Texomaland 

Texas guide to the 2024 total eclipse, trying to escape from an austin panic room, a visit to puresolspa & salt cave , typhoon texas waterpark & adventure park pflugerville.

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Rustic Outpost

Sharla Palmer

Welcome to Tequesquite Ranch and Bar JP Safaris - Exotic Game Hunting in South Texas

Texas oil man, hunter and animal conservationist Jack L. Philips purchased his sprawling 8,200 acre south Texas ranch in 1992, but his dream of the Tequesquite began decades earlier on the majestic plains of the Serengeti and the spectacular deserts of the Kalahari.  Mr. Phillips fell in love with Africa in the 1960s while traveling with his teenage daughters on hunting safaris to Mozambique, Kenya, and Ethiopia.  On a 1969 Kenyan safari, Mr. Phillips and his daughter Nancy listened by campfire via short wave radio to the broadcast of Neil Armstrong landing on the moon. 

Mr. Phillips treasured these sacred family moments on safari in Africa and longed to recreate the experience in his native Texas.  He and his wife Barbara began by purchasing 8,200 acres of land in Maverick and Kinney counties complete with a traditional hacienda style family ranch house.  His first project was to encircle the entire property, including the rambling Tequesquite creek, with a state-of-the-art game proof fence.  Mr. Phillips then stocked the ranch with his favorite species of exotic animals from Africa and India.  He soon added a meat processing building and expanded the original ranch house to include additional bedrooms and a stunning two-story great room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking his “Africa in Texas.”

Today the Tequesquite boasts fourteen species of exotic animals including Kudu, Addax, Lechwe, Bloesbok, Impala, Eland. Grant’s Gazelle, Gemsbok, Wildebeest, Zebra, Fallow, Axis and Blackbuck.  The ranch is also home to over six hundred Scimitar-horned Oryx, one of the largest herds anywhere in the world.  These elegant antelopes are all but extinct in their native country of Chad.  Recognizing the dire situation of the Scimitar in Africa, Mr. Phillips donated members of his herd to the government of Chad in hopes of boosting their native population.

Established in 2018, Bar JP Safaris is excited to share the Tequesquite’s 26-year tradition of world class hunting and legendary Texas hospitality with the next generation of hunters and wildlife conservationists.

Bar JP Safaris is the realization of Mr. Phillips’ life-long dream to create a hunting ranch where the bonds of family and friendship are preserved and strengthened among the most exotic wildlife in the world - right here in Texas.

" Exotic Hunt in Texas " - Article and Photos by Craig Moore 2017 - Click here to read the story

• Scimitar Horned Oryx
• Main House is All Inclusive
• Bunk House is Self-Catered
• Children 10 & Under ( non hunting ) stay free

Bar JP Safaris - Exotic Game Hunts in Texas Ranch Address 8612 FM1908 Brackettville, TX 78832 GPS : Front Gate : 29.099182, -100.643976 , Back Gate : 29.110446, -100.557895 Stephen (903 738-2880 • Clay (903) 738-3446 Email: [email protected] Business Address P.O. Box 1686, Gladewater, TX 75647 700 N Main St, Ste B, Gladewater, TX 75647 Phone (903) 845-2144

© Bar JP Safaris Designed & Maintained by Web-Author.com Header and Background photos by Sam Smead Photo Creative

THE 10 BEST Texas Safaris

Safaris in texas.

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12. Vice & Vows

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What travelers are saying.

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.”

Join The Team

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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Weekend Wagon Rides

Spring is here and weekend Wagon Rides are back!

Santa Cruz Wildlife Photography

956-292-9219

Reservations

South Texas Photo Safaris

Guided wildlife experiences.

At Santa Cruz Wildlife Photography, we offer guided photography sessions and wildlife viewing trips in the South Texas brush country. Our guides are familiar and knowledgeable about the ranch and its wildlife, and are second to none when it comes to providing the best service and best photo opportunities any guide can offer. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned photographer, or simply someone who enjoys viewing wildlife, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable South Texas wildlife experience.

Wildlife Photography Trips

South Texas offers the opportunity to see and view both native and exotic wildlife species, as well as an incredible variety of unique bird species. Our bird viewing outings take place in mornings and afternoons in our various songbird or raptor photo blinds that have been strategically built in locations on the ranch that offer photographers the best light opportunities possible. If you are more interested in birding than photography, these blinds are also a great place to quietly watch South Texas' unique bird species at a close distance.

Photo Safaris

Our ranch also holds an amazing density of big game species, from whitetail deer to exotic species like aoudad and nilgai, offering an African photo safari experience right here in South Texas! There are not many other places in North America that will offer you the opportunity to view and photograph this many animals and species.

On our guided wildlife photography trips, your guide will take you to different areas of the ranch where they know you will be able to see animals. If you have a specific focus on photography, they will work to put you in the right position to take amazing photos and can even help you find specific species that you are wanting to photograph.

Day Shoot Pricing

Full Day Session $600 each person  Groups 3 or more 10% discount

Included: 

• Comprehesive tour covering diverse habitats and species
• Extended photography sessions with expert guidance
• Lunch  (available for full day session only)
• Ranch Transportation

Morning Session Duration: 4 hours Starting at sunrise $300 each person  

Afternoon Session Duration: 4 hours 4:00pm to 8:00pm $300 each person

Half day session include:

• Expert photography guide
• Ranch photo blinds
• Personliazed photography tips and techniques

Lodging $199 a night single room $169 a night double occupancy *cleaning fee separate

Meals Available upon request for groups of 3 or more.

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15 Drive-Through Safaris in Texas

Texas is home to some of the most unique drive-thru zoos in the country! From petting zoos to exotic animal safaris, these drive-thru zoos in Texas are sure to delight animal lovers of all ages.

Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or an educational outing, you find the best drive-through zoo in Texas which will offer a one-of-a-kind experience that can’t be found anywhere else. 

READ NEXT: Best Zoos in Texas

Best Drive-Through Safari in Texas

Below is the ultimate list of the best drive-thru zoos in Texas and all the wonderful activities they have to offer.

Looking for more Texas adventure? Check out this list of the best amusement parks in Texas .

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – San Antonio, Texas

Drive through 450 acres in the comfort of your vehicle while enjoying the rolling hills, live oak trees, creek beds, and beautiful live oak trees. The ranch features over 500 animals that span 40 different species, including several endangered species. 

Admission offers multiple trips through the safari as every trek offers different adventures in the free-roaming environment.  

Guests can tour in their vehicle or book a guided tour that takes guests on a safari in either the Safari Rover or Safari Shuttle.

Note that there are many discounted days for admission during weekdays. Be sure to check the calendar for detailed information regarding hours and pricing. Guests can also purchase a feed bucket at the gate.

Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive Thru Safari – Copperas Cove, Texas

Enjoy a Texas safari as you drive along 350 acres. With more than 50 species of wildlife at this safari park, visitors can feed the animals in their natural settings.

READ NEXT: Best Texas Roadside Attractions

Sanctuary Serengeti – West Point, Texas

This is a smaller drive-thru zoo that will take approximately one hour. Animal sightings include lemurs, llamas, goats, pigs, zebras, and buffalo. Open only on Saturday and Sunday. 

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari – Evant, Texas

For a unique experience, visitors can book an overnight stay at the RV Park or rent a cabin. 

Spend the day exploring and feeding the goats, chickens, pot-bellied pigs, alpacas, llamas, and more. The park features over 23 animal species from 10 different countries.

Exotic Resort Zoo – Johnson City, Texas

Located on 137 acres, this zoo features 700 animals and 45 different species of animals, including some species which were at one time endangered. 

When you purchase tickets, you have the option of a Drive-Through or a Guided Tour. Reservations are not required.

Franklin Drive Thru Safari – Franklin, Texas

This drive-thru adventure park sits on over 100 acres and has exotic animals from around the globe.

Guests can take a self-guided safari or book a VIP private tour. The tour is for those wanting a more in-depth experience and information on the animals. 

Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary – McGregor, Texas

Blue Hills Ranch has over 150 acres of gently rolling hills and 4 beautiful ponds that provide the perfect backdrop to world-class sunsets. Relax under the barn, while being surrounded by our amazing animals who call this land home.

Although this isn’t a true drive-through zoo because you are unable to drive your vehicle, I still wanted to include it on the list. However, you book an RV hookup or cabin. Once on the property, you will encounter free-roaming animals that include giraffes, zebra, camel, emus, bison, and more.

The ranch also offers unique experiences such as swimming with otters and bottle-feeding giraffes.

Aggieland Safari – Bryan, Texas

Travel through our 250-acre safari land and see many different animals along the way. The safari park is packed with scenic views, dozens of animal species, almost 700 wild animals, and fantastic, knowledgeable Zookeepers.

Guests can also enjoy the animal encounters will you get to meet animals like giraffes and kangaroos and get a more detailed look at how they live. 

Before leaving, stroll through the 20-acre adventure zoo. Here you can feed animals at the interactive exhibits. 

Aggieland Safari also has a safari dining, gift & souvenir shop. 

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center – Glen Rose, Texas

A Texas-size safari sits 2 hours from DFW but makes you feel like you are on a different continent. It’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. 

This drive-thru park is a great place to see exotic animals in their natural environment. Each car can purchase one bag of feed for the animals. Be sure to bring binoculars so you can view the animals at the overlooks.

The park consists of a 7 miles drive with over 1,000 animals and expect to spend several hours driving through the park. They have a gift shop and restaurant about halfway through the drive.

Rocky Ridge Drive-Thru Safari – Eustace, Texas

This East Texas wildlife park has 200 acres that are home to over 25 species of animals spread across the diverse terrain of Rocky Ridge.

The self-guided tour allows guests to view and feed the animals, enjoy scenic views, and photograph an abundance of wildlife all from the safety of their vehicle.

North Texas Safari Park – Bonham, Texas

North Texas Safari Park is the place to encounter exotic and endangered animals all from the comfort of your car. It’s located about an hour north of Dallas, making it an easy day trip with the family.

Visitors can enjoy the petting zoo, explore the dedicated Australian exhibit, and feed a giraffe.

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari – Jefferson, Texas

Over 80 animals roam free on 65 acres. Animal encounters include wildebeests, bison, red deer, donkeys, camels, zebras, and more. 

Your entire family will enjoy this Texas safari and even get a chance to feed some animals from the comfort of your car. Guests can also enjoy taking amazing photos, purchasing a souvenir, and visiting the petting zoo. 

Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park – Jefferson, Texas

You don’t have to fly to Africa to go on a Safari. This wildlife has plenty of exotic animals and up-close encounters with the wildlife. 

The 3-mile driving trail takes you along 125 beautiful acres in East Texas. You will even see the picturesque view from one of the highest points in Marion County all from the comfort & safety of your vehicle. 

Grapeland Safari – Grapeland, Texas

Drive thru the 59-acre park to see a llama, zebras, aoudad sheep, camels, Tibetan yaks, buffalo, waterbuck, sulcata turtles, wallabies, kangaroo, beefalo (yes, that’s a thing), fallow deer and more.

The park also offers a gift shop, picnic area, pony rides, train rides, reptiles presentations, and a petting zoo.

Sharkarosa Zoo – Pilot Point, Texas

The zoo sits on 126 acres where guests can drive their vehicles on a self-guided drive, and enjoy a walk-thru petting zoo, private tours, field trips, and an outdoor dining area.

They feature over 180 different kinds of animals in their natural habitat. Animals include beefalo, alpaca, monkeys, lemurs, macaw, Sedona, horses, big cats, albino eastern grey kangaroo, bears, sloths, wallabies, and more. 

These are the best drive-thru safaris in the lone star state that the whole family will enjoy. Many of these allow you to purchase a bucket of feed and enjoy the safari from the comfort of your vehicle. You’ll feel like you are in South Africa, viewing a dozen exotic and wide variety of animals. 

About Chastity Velasquez

Chastity Velasquez is an outdoor enthusiast based in Fort Worth, TX. Chastity enjoys sharing affordable travel tips and bringing new places to life through her fun writing style. When she’s not writing or planning the next vacation, you can find her hiking, sipping on sweet tea, cheering on her son at his sporting events, or spending time with her husband.

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Experience the 2024 Solar Eclipse

at Texas Safari Ranch!

Rent one of our 3 beautiful fully-furnished homes for 4 nights from Friday April 5th with checkout on Tuesday April 9th for $3700 per house.  Clifton TX is located directly on the eclipse path for an excellent view.

Plus, enjoy full access to the exotic animal ranch during your visit!

Contact us at 214-384-3000 to book your adventure.

Our Private Exotic Wildlife Park is the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding, Corporate Event, Family Gathering, or Romantic Weekend Getaway.

Texas Safari is a private park, open to guests to rent year-round. The facility is perfect for weddings, family reunions, corporate events, and parties of all kinds!  Come visit our picturesque Western Town and hundreds of exotic animals! We have 3 luxurious cabins on the property that can host up to 27 guests all together.

Click Here To Learn More About Lodging

Texas Safari is no longer open to the public as a drive-through game park.

A minimum two-night stay is required.  Our booking system will not accept single-night reservations and will show dates of less than two consecutive nights as "unavailable".

Texas Safari Featured on Texas Today

 Texas Safari is honored to have been featured on NBC today!  We hope y’all enjoy the wonderful video that Kristin Dickerson TV, Jessica Grose and their team at “Texas Today” put together of the highlights from their stay at the park.  Their video turned out great and they were such a pleasure to show around.

Watch the Video

Tour the Giraffe House!

Texas Safari was recently featured in D Magazine as a top 10 place in Texas to visit!

The Oldest Wildlife Park In Texas.

Texas Safari is full of history. It has been in operation since 1975, making it the oldest wildlife park in Texas. The original log cabin, in which the original settlers lived in and fought Comanche Indians out of, was built in 1850 and is still on the property. 2 barns built in 1870 are also located on the land. Today, the facility is run by 6th and 7th generation Texans.

The park sits on the historic Chisholm Trail, which was originally used by Indian hunting parties and later became one of the largest trails for Texas cattle drives.

Texas Safari is known for unforgettable parties, family reunions, and weddings, as well as corporate and private events. Whether it be the picturesque Western Town, or the wildlife roaming before your very eyes, your guests are sure to be amazed!

Kick off your boots and stay a while! Book your stay at one of our luxurious cabins. If you're lucky, you'll be woken by Marsha, our sweet and mischievous camel!

Read the Reviews About the Park

Interact With Over 600 Exotic Animals.

Texas Safari is home to over 600 exotics, from antelope to zebra. We have many Pere David deer from China that are extinct in the wild but exist on facilities like ours due to world-class breeding programs. The Dama Gazelle, Scimitar Oryx, Lechwe, and the Grevy's Zebra are on the endangered list.

As a breeding facility, we strive to expand the population of endangered animals. Our mission is to maintain the wellbeing of each and every animal in our care. All proceeds from our cabin rentals go towards feed and veterinary care.

You can drive around the park to freely interact with the animals. There are 10 miles of paved roads for your use. Please note that while our animals are friendly, they are still wild so treat them as such.

Learn More About the Animals

A World-Class Facility in the Heart of Texas.

Texas Safari is a world-class facility located in the Northern Texas Hill Country outside of the town of Clifton, just forty miles from Waco, ninety minutes from Dallas , and minutes from great restaurants, museums, art venues and golf.

For More Info:

Texas Safari

192 PRIVATE ROAD 4293 • CLIFTON TX 76634

Copyright © 2023 Texas Safari.  All rights reserved.

Web Design by Virtualthis Multimedia

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Hunt Specials

Here we will bring you all of our hunt specials, from management hunts to seasonal hunts and everything around it.

This is the unique opportunity to come and experience Star S Ranch and enjoy what we have to offer while hunting great animals at affordable prices.

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Take a look at photos of our amazing African animals.

Ranch Manager (830) 285-8753 [email protected] PO Box 1765 Mason, Texas 76856

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Star S Ranch Private Airport

The Star S Ranch Private Airport was completed in 2013. Its design has won awards and may be used by clients.

Runway Information:

5,000’ X 50’ asphault runway

Location at N.30*34’10”, W.99*23’35”

Elevation: 1800’

From Llano VOR 242 degrees@34DME

From KT92 Mason County Texas airport 219 dgrees @ 14nm

Ranch Story

Star S Ranch is a short chapter in a long book of Texas’ history. The ranch is bordered by six miles of the James River and The Blue Mountains. It is located on the edge of the Texas Hill Country with elevations ranging from 1700’ to 2200’. You will find a variety of uniquely rich and diverse geology in this region, which is the key to Star S Ranch’s varied habitat.

The James River and Blue Mountains soil is composed mostly of red sand, mimicking the conditions one would find in Africa. It’s fertility is composed of numerous types of acacia bushes, mesquite, and thick native grass. This region has been used for travel since the early 1500s as a route to reach Santa Fe from San Antonio. Based on the vast amount of middens, it is evident there were buffalo, bears, and other species roaming the area.

The area surrounding the James River was first inhibited by Captain Charles Armand Schneider, who purchased what became James River Ranch where he raised cattle and later added sheep and angora goats to the ranch. The Scott Family purchased part of James River Ranch in 1996 to fulfill their love and passion for the Texas Hill Country, the outdoors, and wildlife.

The Scott Family started breeding herds of superior Whitetail deer and African exotics. Through their time spent traveling and hunting around the world, they recognized how species were becoming more scare in their native habitats. Considering the similarity in habitats of Texas and the middens that had been found over the years, they knew it was possible to successfully raise and breed these African exotics on their Texas ranch. The Scott Family took a very tedious approach to their breeding methods. They spent time researching breeding tactics and processes in South Africa and applied these principles to building herds of bongo, sable, kudu, gemsbok, dama gazelle, roan, and nubian and alpine ibex. With their offspring they created very large pastures to release the animals into, following both a natural and responsible manner. Star S Ranch also continued to breed and large traditional trophy whitetail deer. Today, it is not uncommon to see a 250”+ deer roaming in the brush, providing some of the best hunting in the world.

The ranch continues to focus on producing the best quality wildlife in Texas utilizing the South African tactics The Scott Family has learned over the years. The family wanted to create a ranch they would want to hunt on. Exhibiting high-quality wildlife in a natural setting is the goal they achieved. A hunt will require a combination of preparation and utilization of our skilled guides to be successful, whether hunting a whitetail deer or a Cape buffalo. Star S Ranch has become a prominent hunting destination for many people around the world without world class facilities and amenities and the tremendous amount of wildlife we have raised and continue to breed.

A Texas Safari

Star S Ranch is a true Texas Safari. Starting in 1996, the Scott family started with a vision of creating a ranch that incorporated the best of their Texas and African hunting experiences. They currently have acquired 14,000 acres of land along the James River in Mason and Kimble county known for superior grazing and browsing. In short, the goal was creating a place they would want to hunt on. Where the success of the hunt was a measure of skill, knowledge, and patience.

It starts with the wildlife. Dedicated to breeding first, the ranch started acquiring herds of superior Trophy Whitetail Deer genetics and African Wildlife. That means slowly acquiring and breeding the largest animals and releasing their young into pastures of 4,000 acres or more. Currently, more than two decades later, the ranch is home to over 30 species including herds of over 100 Sable antelope, Kudu, and Gemsbok as well as sizeable herds of Markhor, Scimitar Horned Oryx, Dama Gazelle, Alpine and Nubian Ibex, Bongo, Nyala, and Sitatunga just to name a few. These animals roam four pastures from 1,000 acres to over 4,000 acres. It is truly fair chase hunting.

Except for in the Trophy Whitetail Hunting area, the animals solely survive on native browse and grass that mimics much of the vegetation in Southern Africa due to the red, sandy soil found in the James River valley. We believe the reason we are starting to break records is this combination of habitat, allowing animals to live naturally in a natural environment, only breeding to the largest sires, and patiently allowing trophies to grow out to reach their full potential.

The land is the second part of our success. With over 6 miles of the James River running through the ranch in addition to native springs throughout the ranch, water is abundant. As you head west through the ranch, valleys lead to miles of a red, sandy plain covered with native grasses and brush. As you get to the western part of the ranch, the Blue Mountains rise above the plain with hidden valleys of Walnut, Shin Oak, and Live Oak until you reach Monument Mountain, the highest point in Mason County at nearly 2300’. This variety of habitats offers each species both food and cover they would find in their native lands. The Whitetail Deer, Kudu, Bongo, and Nyala prefer the thick brush both for browse and cover from predators. In the open grasslands, you will find herds of Gemsbok, Wildebeest, and Blesbok where they can graze and take advantage of their herds to keep an eye out for danger. As you move into the bluffs and steep valleys along the James River and in the Blue Mountains, you will find brush for Nubian Ibex, Markhor, Aoudad, and Alpine Ibex as well as a vantage point that would make it difficult for a predator to scale.

Lastly are the facilities. Our Hunter’s Lodge, Star S Ranch Airport, and a system of roads and trails were designed for comfort and exclusivity. The Hunter’s Lodge overlooks a water hole where it is common to see herds of Sable Antelope and Kudu drinking water. There are 4 casitas, each with two rooms which has three queen sized beds and an on-suite bathroom with 12-foot ceilings, and are wheel chair accessible to both the main lodge and the land by ramps so all can enjoy the surroundings and facilities.

(830) 285-8753 [email protected]

Book your Texas Safari Today

Worldwide Hunting in Texas

Exotic hunts, the trophy whitetail experience, texas whitetail hunts, the serengeti is just a short drive, african game hunts, the star s ranch story, explore star s ranch.

14,000 Acres, over 30 Species, first class amenities

A True Texas Safari