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Lion Country Safari

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Lion Country Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Lion Country Safari – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, FAQs

Lion Country Safari, located in West Palm Beach, is a leading tourism destination in Palm Beach County, providing a unique and affordable opportunity to explore the largest drive-through safari in Florida.

Lion Country Safari spans nearly 600 acres of natural area and is home to hundreds of animals.

It is believed to be the first cageless zoo in the country, introducing a new concept in zoology.

This article covers everything you must know before buying tickets for Lion Country Safari in Florida.

Table of contents

What to expect, where to book tickets, how online ticket works, lion country safari ticket prices, lion country safari tickets, how to reach, how long does the tour take, best time to go to visit, food and drinks at lion country safari , map of lion country safari, lion country safari camping, animals at lion country drive-through safari , rides, attractions, and encounters, faqs about lion country safari.

Come and witness ostriches, wildebeests, and impalas in their natural habitat, get up close to a pride of lions, or observe the endangered rhino on the Lion Country Safari.

Get ready to have a personal safari and learn about animal conservation! Enjoy pontoon and paddle boat rides, mini-golf, slides, and other fun attractions on-site.

Explore seven areas, each packed with creatures great and small, from the Serengeti Plains to Gorongosa Reserve and Hwange National Park.

The park has rides, a water play area, and a walk-through section. Kids will love it along with three feeding encounters, including the most giraffe feeding.

The park has also recreated the animals’ natural habitats down to the last detail. So, grab your khaki pants and binoculars; it’s time to go on a safari!

Tickets for the Lion Country Safari are available to be purchased at the ticket office or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

Go to the Lion Country Safari booking page, select your preferred date, and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

Show the smartphone tickets on the day of your visit and begin your tour.

Lion Country Safari tickets cost US$52 for all visitors aged 10 years and above.  

Tickets for children between three to nine years of age can be purchased for US$40. 

Infants up to two years of age can join for free.

The ticket provides access to various exciting attractions at Lion Country Safari.

You can enjoy the drive-thru safari experience along with admission to the Adventure Park.

The ticket also includes access to all the rides, including the Flying Elephant Ride and Rio Grand Train.

You can explore seven different areas, each featuring a variety of creatures from the Serengeti Plains to Gorongosa Reserve and Hwange National Park.

Moreover, you can have fun at the Safari Splash Sprayground Water Park, enjoy pontoon and paddle boat rides, and play mini-golf.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (10+ years): US$52 Child Ticket (3 to 9 years): US$40 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

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Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach County, Florida.

Address : 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470, USA. Get Directions

You can reach the Lion Country Safari by both public and private transportation.

Take Bus Number 40 and get off at Southern BL at Lion Country Safari Rd , 2.3 miles (4 km) from the attraction. 

If you’re traveling by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!

You will find metered parking lots inside Lion Country Safari.

Lion Country Safari opens daily at 9.30 am and closes by 5.30 pm.

However, the last car admission to the attraction is at 4.30 pm. 

Visitors should plan for around 5 hours to enjoy Lion Country.

It takes around an hour and a half for the drive-through and around three and a half hours for the walk-through.

The best time to go for Lion Country Safari is as soon as it starts at 10 am.

In the early morning, it’s typically cooler, and the animals are usually more active.

The best season to visit Lion Country Safari is the rainy season. 

The animals are typically more active during this time of year because they enjoy the cooler, rainier weather. 

During adverse weather, including lightning alerts, rides, and some attractions are closed until it is safe to reopen.

Lion Country Safari has Café ROAR, a Cones ice cream shop, a Safari Food Truck, a Base Camp refreshment trailer, and a Safari Snacks outlet.

You can bring your favorite foods and dine in the outdoor picnic area near the Safari World walk-through park. 

On-site barbecues and alcohol are not permitted.

There are several picnic areas available around the walk-through park.

Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Lion Country Safari also offers a pavilion that must be reserved ahead of time.

The Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres, so download the map to plan your visit.

The map will help you identify enclosures and services such as restrooms, restaurants, picnic areas, medical facilities, locker rooms, and souvenir shops.

They are useful for families who want to see their favorite animals first instead of whatever is on the route.

Where else can you hear a lion’s roar in the morning and African music while you sleep?

Only at the 320-acre drive-through wild animal sanctuary and adventure park, part of the acclaimed Lion Country Safari KOA!

The well-known Lion Country Safari introduced a new full-service KOA campground to serve visitors looking for an outstanding wild animal experience in the safari region.

The campground offers RV sites with full hookups, rustic cabins that accommodate up to four people, and tent sites.

You will find out various exotic species from all over the world.

Las Pampas: Aldabra Tortoise, Alpaca, Brazilian Tapir, Greater Rhea, Marabou Stork

Ruaha National Park: Greater Kudu, Impala, Ostrich

Kalahari Bushveldt : Eastern Bongo, Gemsbok, Nile lechwe, Waterbuck, Wildebeest

Gir Forest: Asiatic Water Buffalo, Blackbuck, Lowland Nyala, Nilgai, Scimitar-horned Oryx

Gorongosa Reserve : African Lion

Serengeti Plains: Common Eland, Common Waterbuck, Watusi/ankole cattle, Wildebeest

Hwange National Park : Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Plains zebra, Southern white rhinoceros, White Handed Gibbon

Rides: Flying Elephant ride, Carousel, Rio Grande Train

Water park: Safari Splash Sprayground, Safari Water Slides, Safari Falls

Animal Encounters: Giraffe Feeding, Petting Zoo, Lorikeet Feeding

Other attractions: Gemstone Mining, Maze, Mini Golf, Fun Slide, Safari Queen Pontoon Boat, Paddle Boats

Here are a few questions visitors to the Lion Country Safari usually have.

Lion Country Safari tickets are US$52 for tourists aged 10 and above, while kids aged 3 to 9 years pay US$40.

There are two ways to experience Lion Country Safari: You can bring your own car or get a vehicle for rental for a fee from the main office of the attraction. 

Convertibles, motorcycles, or any open-air vehicles are strictly NOT allowed. Vehicles cannot have broken windows. Windows and sunroofs must always be closed while driving through the preserve.

Infants up to 3 years old are admitted free of charge at the Lion Country Safari.

There is no need to take the printout of your Lion Country Safari tickets. You can show tickets on your smartphone and walk in.

Lion Country offers animal feeding experiences for a minimal fee at the walk-through attraction Safari World. Giraffe Feeding Encounter, Lorikeet Feeding, and Petting Zoo are among them.

The wildlife facility is handicap accessible, with a few exclusions owing to architectural constraints. You will be in your vehicle or one of the rental vans in the drive-through section.

Yes. You will find a few rides inside the walk-through park, such as the Rio Grande Train ride, animal carousel, pontoon boat tour, and flying elephant ride.

The rides at Lion Country Safari are included with all entry tickets.

Smoking is permitted only in guest vehicles and in the main parking area of Safari World, a walk-through adventure park.

There are numerous picnic areas spread around the walk-through park. Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It also has a pavilion that may only be reserved in advance.

Guests can enjoy their own food in the outdoor picnic area located inside Safari World. Please note that alcohol and barbecues are not permitted.

Yes, it is best to buy tickets in advance to ensure availability and have a hassle-free experience.

Pets are not allowed on the tour because of safety reasons.

Popular attractions in Maimi

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This article was researched & written by

Devyani Bhattacharjee

Devyani Bhattacharjee enjoys traveling to new, exotic locations. She is always waiting to step out and explore the amazing historical structures, delectable cuisines, magnificent cultures, and gorgeous people worldwide. She believes in frugal travel - where she can have endless fun without spending too much money. Favourite Cities: Buenos Aires, Auckland, Montreal, Port Louis, St. Petersburg

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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Westpalmbeach.com official guide to west palm beach, florida, lion country safari.

Lion Country Safari opened in 1967, in rural Palm Beach County just west of West Palm Beach. At the time it was the first drive through safari park in the United States and introduced a new concept to animal lovers, The Cageless Zoo .  Lion Country Safari was originally developed by a group of South African and British entrepreneurs who wanted to bring the experience of an African game park, then and now an expensive and time-consuming trip, to South Florida families who would otherwise not be able to experience an African safari.

After visiting the four-mile drive-through safari, explore the Safari World Amusement Park.

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Drive-Thru the Lion Country Safari in Florida

By Ashley   |    Updated On: March 3, 2024   |   Leave a comment

This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

When you think of wildlife encounters in Florida, most people likely think of aquatic animals like sea turtles, dolphins and alligators. But Florida is actually home to the oldest drive-thru safari in the the United States. The Lion Country Safari in Florida was opened in 1967 and is a fun thing to do near West Palm Beach .

Lion Country Safari encompasses nearly 600 acres of land including 7 animal habitats you can drive-thru in your own vehicle. There are hundreds of animals and about 90 species roaming about freely in the preserves. While the drive-thru is a highlight, the Safari World Adventure Park provides additional wildlife encounters.

Aside from being a drive-thru safari in Florida, Lion Country Safari also works with several conservation programs to help save animals from extinction including 35 Species Survival Plan programs . These programs focus on conservation and breeding for the long-term survival of threatened species.

There’s a lot to see here and it’s a wildlife adventure for animal enthusiasts of all ages.

Getting There

This particular safari in Florida is located in Loxahatchee, Florida which is near West Palm Beach. It’s about 20 miles west of Downtown West Palm Beach, or a 30 minute drive. If you’re coming north or south on I-95, account for the drive west because it’s a little ways out there.

At a glance:

• Address: 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee FL 33470
• Hours: 9:30am-5:30pm (no entry to the preserve after 4:30)
• Tickets: $45 for Adults, $34 for Children (Ages 3-9), Children 2 and under are free. Purchase online or at the gate.

*If you only want to do the drive-thru safari and not walk through the Adventure Park, you can get a $29 ticket after 3:30pm.

Lion Country Safari

As soon as you present your ticket, you’ll follow the path of cars into the wildlife drive-thru. Driving through Lion Country Safari will take about an hour and a half to go through the 4-mile preserve. There are restroom facilities right after the ticket entrance if you need to stop before going through the preserve. Once you are through the gate, there’s no getting off the road.

Safari Rules: The speed limit is 5mph MAX while within the safari grounds and you must keep your vehicle doors and windows closed and locked at all times! You can stop or slow down and let other cars pass. Pets are not allowed in the car with you.

Best Time to Go : Animals tend to be more active in the morning, so going early is always a good time to visit. But we went around noon and had no problem. Animals were out and about and walking right past our car!

What to See

The drive-thru safari will take you through 7 sections. Before you start, make sure to play the audio tour as you drive through for information on the animal species and fun facts! There will be a QR code on the field guide they hand you. You can scan other QR codes on the field guide for short videos such as a lion roaring or an ostrich dancing. It’s a fun, interactive element for kids.

In the Las Pampas preserve, you’ll see grasslands animals from South America. Grasslands cover about 1/4 of the world’s land area!

Animals: Alpaca, Rhea, Lowland Tapir, Aldabra Tortoise

Ruaha National Park

The Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania and a great place for wildlife spotting, especially lions! But at Lion Country Safari, you’ll see lions a little further down the road.

Animals: Ostrich, Impala, Greater Kudu, Waterbuck

Kalahari Bushveldt

This preserve is named after a large, dry plateau in southwest Africa that covers 100,000 sq miles.

Animals: Bongo, Ostrich, Nile Lechwe, Gemsbok

The Gir Forest is actually a national park in Gujarat, India. In this preserve, you’ll see several animals from India and Asia, as well as some African animals.

Animals: Blackbuck, Asiatic Water Buffalo, Scimitar-horned Oryx, Nyala, Nilgai

Gorongosa Reserve

The Gorongosa Reserve is a famous wildlife area located in Mozambique. This reserve is where you’ll see the African Lion. It’s a smaller area and the lions were resting when we drove by. There are several fences that separate your car so it was a little harder to see them.

Animals: African Lion

Serengeti Plains

The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famous national parks located in Tanzania. This was also our favorite section of Lion Country Safari. The preserve area is really large and there were animals all over. We stopped several times for animals right next to the road or crossing in front of cars.

Animals: Impala, Waterbuck, Wildebeest, Watusi, Eland, Marabou Stork

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe. In this section, you’ll see some of the more recognizable animals such as giraffes, zebras and rhinos.

Animals: Giraffe, Southern White Rhinoceros, Plains Zebra, Chimpanzee, White-handed Gibbon, Greater Kudu

Safari World Adventure Park

I knew there was a bit more to the park but I honestly thought the drive-thru safari was the main attraction. Turns out the Safari World Adventure Park is pretty big itself and has a lot of other things to do. You can walk through this part of the park to have other wildlife encounters, ride some rides and visit the splash areas. If you’re visiting as a family, plan to spend the day here!

Things to Do

Animal habitats.

There are quite a few smaller animal habitats within Safari World that you can walk around to see as well. You can expect to see several different monkeys, parrots and macaws, flamingos, large tortoise, an African porcupine, sloth and alligators to name a few.

My favorites were seeing all the colorful birds and watching the flamingos–there were quite a few!

Animal Encounters

• Feed the Giraffes – $5 for 5 pieces of lettuce. You’re on a platform at the giraffe’s height and if they’re interested, they’ll eat it right out of your hand. There were several giraffes in the enclosure but only one was hungry, and there were about 15 people with lettuce competing for its attention.

• Lorikeet Feeding – $2 for a small cup of liquid. One was plenty and we got to feed many birds with it. They’ll come right over to drink from your hand. And there were quite a few in the aviary.

• Petting Zoo – $2, There’s a small area with several goats that you can walk around and pet.
• Flamingos – $75/person which includes the cost of your ticket! There’s a small enclosure for flamingo encounters where you can sit in the enclosure with several flamingos and feed them from little buckets. This encounter needs to be booked in advance! No same-day bookings allowed.

• Fish Feeding – There’s a spot by the lake across from the Spider Monkeys where you can get fish food from a machine for a quarter or so, but you’ll need to have change on you.

Attractions

There are numerous attractions within the park for kids. You could quite literally spend all day here. We had a good time walking around without kids, but if you have kids, this place would be a ton of fun. Here are a few of the other attractions within the park:

• Safari Falls – Water playground with slides, water sprayers, buckets, etc.
• Safari Splash Water Playground – Splash pad for kids to run through water splashes and sprays.
• Water Slides – Loop slide and free fall slides to go down.
• Fossil Panning – Search for gems and fossils
• Pontoon + Paddle Boat Rides – To take out on the lake (no additional fee).
• Safari Maze – Tree-lined maze to wander through.

There are three rides for kids within the park that have no additional cost. There’s a carousal, the Rio Grande Train ride and a Flying Elephant Adventure ride.

Things to Know

If you plan on visiting this safari in Florida, there’s a few things to note:

• Some of the animal encounters and attractions don’t start until 11am.
• Premium animal encounters need to be booked a week in advance.
• Don’t sweat the rain! The animals actually love rainy weather and tend to be more active.
• If you buy a regular ticket, you can go through the drive-thru as many times as you want.
• If you’re local, check to see about their Summer Savings Pass which includes entrance to 4 South Florida attractions!
• You can book tickets in advance or find out more FAQs here !

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Lion Country Safari: What to Do, What to See for Your Safari Experience

by floridaculture | Sep 26, 2022 | Things to do in Palm Beach |

Lion Country Safari in Florida’s Palm Beach area gives you a safari experience without the price of a plane ticket to Africa. This drive-thru safari park began in 1967 with several free-roaming lions and other animals. Nowadays, there are nearly 1,000 animals on site that roam among the preserve’s 320 acres.

Just what can you expect if you visit Lion Country Safari? Are you really going to get up close with some of the animals there? Here’s the scoop on what to expect, the cost to visit Lion Country Safari, and some tips for your visit.

What to Expect When You Visit Lion Country Safari

Lion Country Safari is a bit off the beaten path in Palm Beach County. In other words, rhinos and giraffes are not crossing your path while you’re shopping for Louis Vuitton bags in downtown West Palm Beach. Expect to drive about a half hour along 98 from downtown West Palm to get to Lion Country Safari, which is in the town of Loxachatchee. It’s about an hour from Miami.

Lion Country Safari tickets run about $41 per adult and $31 per child. Prices may fluctuate, and you may be able to find discounts for tickets online. Everyone must get a ticket except those age 3 and under. You can buy tickets online or at the gate.

When you enter the park, you can go to the drive-through safari area or the Safari World Adventure Park , which includes lots of kid-friendly activities. From a water playground (bring a bathing suit and sunscreen) to mini golf and a petting zoo, there’s plenty to entertain the kiddos at the Adventure Park. There are also ways to interact with other animals, including giraffes. The park also has a couple of places to eat. Although we didn’t make it to Safari World during our visit, it looks like a fun place for kids. We’ll focus on the safari portion of the park here.

The park also has premium experiences, such as a VIP guided tour . Advanced registration is required.

When preparing to enter the park, you’ll be reminded to keep your car doors and windows closed. This is for the animals’ safety and your own. You can also rent a vehicle from Lion Country Safari for $25 for 1 1/2 hours.

For all the reasons you can imagine, your pets also are not allowed on the drive-through safari. Lion Country Safari has kennels available for $5.

When you enter the park, you’ll be given a brochure and directed to a QR code that provides a link to an audio narration of your safari. You can also find a link to the audio tour here , both in English and Spanish. It’s a little over an hour long and follows the different reserves you’ll drive through (we name them below). It’s a lot of facts, but the narration and the map help you better appreciate what you’re seeing. Remember that the audio tour will use your cell phone data.

Here’s a video from Tom’s Road Trippin on YouTube that gives you a better idea of what to expect during a visit to Lion Country Safari and the Adventure Park. Here’s another video from Kayak7seas .

In the Safari at Lion Country Safari

The four-mile safari features acres upon acres of flat land where the many animals can roam. You drive through the park going through seven different areas (listed below in the order you encounter them….we also list some of the animals you’ll find in each area):

— Las Pampas, modeled after the area of the same name in Argentina. Find alpaca, brown pelicans, and marabou storks

— Buaha National Park from Africa, featuring ostriches and impalas

— Kalahari Bushveldt from southwest Africa, which includes ostriches, gemsbok (a type of antelope), and bongos (another type of antelope)

— Gorongosa Reserve, home to beautiful African lions

— Gir Forest, named for a national park in Gujarat, India. Find Asiatic water buffalo, scimitar-horned oryxes (they have very cool, long horns) and another type of antelope called nilgais

— Serengeti Plains, featuring wildebeests, watusi, and impalas

— Hwange National Park, named for the largest game reserve in western Zimbabwe and including some of better-known, beloved animals, like giraffes, Southern white rhinos, zebras, chimps, and giraffes.

Just how close do you get to the animals? It depends, but you can get pretty darn close. The animals seem pretty oblivious to the cars driving through but some of the more curious ones, like ostriches, will come up near the car. We had dozens and dozens of impalas crossing and walking ahead of our driving path (talk about a traffic jam). Because it’s the animals running the show, it all hinges on how close they feel like getting.

There are a couple of exceptions to this, including the chimps. The lions are behind protective, tall metal fences, and we noticed a couple of Lion Country Safari trucks nearby with staff. “They probably have tranquilizer darts,” someone said. “For the lions or the people?” we asked. Because after all, we are in Florida, where the people can be as unpredictable as the animals.

Seriously though, obey the rules and stay in your car. It may be hard to get a good lion shot with the protection there but you can get many other good animal shots.

You can take your time going through each protected area, even if the safari area is busy. That’s because there are many pull-off areas. So, if you want to stay and watch a certain group of animals and let some traffic go by, you can do so. Feel free to take your time, and remember that you can drive through the safari as much as you’d like on the day you buy your ticket.

If you’re in a bit of a rush, some of the areas, including Gorongosa Preserve (for the lions) have cut-through areas so you can skip them. Even if you’re doing this, just watch the speed limit signs as the animals have the right of way.

The park was an enjoyable visit on a sunny day. If you’re a photographer, bring your fancy camera or use your good phone camera. Some highlights included the curious and playful ostriches (at another safari park, we had ostriches chasing after our tram and then posing for us), the impalas crossing the road in droves, and the rhinos that were just eating and playing in the mud and grass. The zebras were pretty cool, too.

Going through the safari took about an hour and a half. If you add a visit to the Adventure Park, you definitely have a busy half-day visit or may be a full day if you stretch it out.

6 Tips for a Visit to Lion Country Safari

• Plan to visit when it’s raining or early on a sunny day. Surprisingly, the park itself recommends visiting on a rainy day as that’s when the animals are at their most active. If that doesn’t work, then early on a sunny day is their next recommendation (and ours). The park opens at 10 am on weekdays and 9:30 am on weekends. It’s open until 5 pm on weekdays and 5:30 pm on weekends.
• Consider staying at the adjacent KOA. Lion Country Safari KOA is adjacent to the park, and here’s the cool thing we’ve read: If you’re staying there, you can hear the lions roar. Otherwise, hotels are closer to West Palm.
• Watch out for other photo opps. The massive, open nature area that is Lion Country Safari naturally attracts other animals, so you may find other photo opps. For instance, we saw a heron snapping up and eating what we think was an eel or snake. It was a cool shot we could have missed had we not been paying attention.
• Use the map and audio narration to help you get to know the animals better.
• Drive slow and make use of those pull-off areas. Stay off your phone (unless you’re getting pictures with it) and look around.
• Remember that these are wild animals. The animals are part of a conservation effort, and they rule the roost, so to speak. Let them stay wild, and everyone will have fun and get along.

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Lion Country Safari in Florida – A Drive-Through Or Walk-Through Experience

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• Yes! They offer a 20% discount for all current and former military members  

Lion Country Safari in Florida seems like a place where you can truly feel relief from the hustle and bustle of city life. This is a place you can get up close and personal with lions and tigers, as well as other animals such as zebras, giraffes, bears, and more.  

This is why I went there to see how it is and whether or not visiting this country-themed park would be worth visiting on your next trip to Florida. 

You can find out what animals you can see and what discounts are available. This park offers more than 900 species of animals!

To take advantage of these discounts, you should book your tickets online ahead of time. You can also call ahead to get the most current information about their discounts.

This article will tell you how to enjoy a drive-through or walk-through amusement park at Lion Country Safari in Florida.

Also, see the video below for some fun facts about the park.

The more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be to have an enjoyable day at Lion Country Safari.

Lion Country Safari Florida is a Drive-through Safari Park

The drive-through or walk-through amusement park Lion Country Safari is located on 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach County, Florida.

Founded in 1967, Lion Country Safari claims to be the first cage-free zoo in the United States.

It features an array of exotic animals , such as tigers and elephants, and the entire family will enjoy the park.

The park offers animal habitats, rides, and a petting zoo. There’s also a restaurant , shops, and souvenir stores to purchase safari-themed items.

If you plan to bring your kids, make sure to schedule a minimum of four hours so you can enjoy the park as much as possible.

You can’t expect a lot of entertainment, but you will definitely be entertained!

The park offers a discounted Annual Pass that provides unlimited access for a year.

While the drive-through safari ends at the walk-through Safari World, you can stay the night at a campground adjacent to the park’s 320-acre preserve.

While you’re at it, you can feed the giraffes, and they’ll even grab a lettuce leaf with their tongues!

If you want to get closer to the animals, you can stay in one of the tent sites at the KOA campground next to Lion Country Safari.

Who started Lion Country Safari in Florida?

Founded in 1967 by South African and British entrepreneurs, Lion Country Safari is the first drive-through safari park in the U.S. and the first “cage-less zoo” in the country.

The park is open all year round thanks to the warm climate of Florida.

It is a great place to see wildlife, including lions and other exotic animals. Its long hours and secluded location are just two of the advantages.

In addition to lions, you’ll find other exotic animals. The park’s lions have been portrayed on TV in a series known as Frasier the Sensuous .

The series starred Sarah Vaughan as the titular lion and aired in the 1970s. But it didn’t make any money, and Lion Country Safari’s owners are now looking for ways to make money.

They plan to sell 300 “wild” animals worth more than $200000 each.

The park has grown considerably since the 1970s. The attraction now has more than 500,000 visitors a year, compared with only one fatality.

And that’s after adjusting for the fact that in its first few years, regulations were a bit more lax. In the late 1960s, the company had to reprimand a driver who decided to get out of his car and take a picture of a lion.

Driving Your Own Car at Lion Country Safari

Visiting Lion Country Safari in Florida may seem like a good idea, but it’s not as simple as driving around the grounds. While you’ll find plenty of people in a group, the drivers in this group usually drive independently.

You can also drive your own car, however, you should remember that if you don’t want to drive yourself, you’ll be stuck behind the wheel of another car!

There are plenty of other ways to see the animals at this park. Lion Country Safari also has a walk-through amusement park, an award-winning KOA campground, and a wildlife refuge, which is included in your admission to the park.

Another popular attraction is the giraffe feeding exhibit. In addition to viewing the animals, you can also enjoy the food and beverages in the main restaurant.

Guests who drive their own cars can take the scenic route through the park. The four-mile drive features herds of animals that you can get up close to.

There are also plenty of places to park your car for the day. Whether you want a safari-style car or a classic convertible, you can be sure to find one with ample parking. If you’re driving on your own, it’s important to know that your safety is the primary priority at Lion Country Safari.

It’s a Walk-through Amusement Park (If you choose)

This amusement park is fun for the entire family, but if you’re looking for an experience that’s a bit more adventurous, consider a zoo with no cages.

There are many ways to experience Lion Country’s wildlife up close, but it’s worth noting that you’ll need a car to do so. You can rent a vehicle or drive your own car.

For a fee, can rent a vehicle to get around the park. Once you’ve reached the park, you can take a drive-through safari on an audio tour.

This tour will take you through the different regions of South America and Africa .

The park has excellent public transportation, and the Metro Rail bus runs close enough for you to walk.

If you’re planning to bring a trailer, you’ll want to check with the park’s parking guidelines to make sure your rig is allowed.

These options may be especially useful if your rig is more than eight feet long.

Rides at the park include:

• Flying Elephant Ride
• Rio Grande Train
• Safari Splash Sprayground
• Safari Water Slides
• Safari Falls

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

• Giraffe Feeding

PETTING ZOO

• Lorikeet Feeding

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

• Gemstone Mining
• Safari Queen Pontoon Boat
• Paddle Boats

It’s Home to over 900 Animals

Lion Country Safari in Florida is a 4-mile wildlife preserve. It features more than 900 animals, including lions, giraffes, ostriches, apes, and chimpanzees.

Guests must keep their windows and doors closed and are not permitted to drive convertibles.

Picnicking is permitted at this animal park, which also provides a convenient place to eat.

The safari takes about three hours to complete.

You may encounter some of these animals as they drive through the zoo. This animal sanctuary offers over 900 different species of animals and features five rides that allow guests to see all of the animals.

You can also enjoy food and shopping at the zoo’s gift shop.

You may also see a male baby zebra at Lion Country Safari, which is part of the largest herd in the U.S.

This animal is a favorite among visitors and can be spotted from cars on the safari’s Hwange section.

The lions at Lion Country are also part of an SSP for endangered species , which helps protect these animals from poachers.

The Park is Wheelchair Accessible In Specific Areas

For the drive-through safari at Lion Country Safari in Florida, for visitors in wheelchairs or in a stroller, the park also features an audio tour of the animals.

The ride portion of the park is not fully wheelchair accessible, but there are multiple rides available for those with limited mobility.

However, visitors can still enjoy the water spray ground, food, and shopping.

There is no need to worry if you cannot ride all of the rides. Regardless of your ability, there are many activities for you to enjoy at Lion Country Safari Florida.

In addition to rides, this theme park has fun rides for the entire family!

The drive-through safari is wheelchair-accessible, and it features the largest herd of zebra outside of Africa.

The safari is accessible to those in wheelchairs, and visitors with disabilities can even enjoy the park’s campground.

Best Time of Day to Go to Lion Country Safari

The best time to go to Lion Country Safari is early in the morning or late in the afternoon because the animals move around more than at any other time of the day.

The park is fenced in to protect them from predators. The animals have the right of way, so don’t go overboard or you’ll endanger the animals.

It’s also best to visit during rainy or cooler days, as the animals are more active during these times. The park has had over 50 different animal births recently.

To make the most of your trip to the park, plan to spend four to five hours. You can spend a full day at the park if you plan to see everything.

A trip to the park is a wonderful way to experience wildlife up close.

If you’re a first-time visitor to Lion Country, you’ll probably want to plan a morning trip if you’d like to get the most out of the park.

You’ll have the chance to see the animals up close and get up close to them. They’re not likely to charge you, but they do sometimes jump out of the way of a convertible.

Make sure you stick to the rules and follow the kennel’s rules to ensure a successful visit.

How Long is the Ride Through Lion Country Safari?

The ride through Lion Country is 45 minutes, and the audio tour will guide you through the various areas.

The drive-through is a unique experience in and of itself, and it allows you to see the different lands of Africa and South America.

Once inside, you can get close to the animals. There are seven different areas to see these majestic animals.

Some of these areas are open and you can get up close to lions and giraffes. Because the animals are so close to the vehicles, you should keep the windows closed when you’re inside.

You’ll have a great time viewing the animals, but you’ll be exposed to a variety of sounds and sights.

If you’d rather walk through the amusement park instead, there are several options for you.

You can even visit during the rainy season to see the animals in action. You can spend as long as you’d like observing the animals.

If you’re going to be with young children, plan to go before dark.

A trip to the park is a wonderful way to experience wildlife up close The tour is approximately one and a half hours long.

You can spend a full day at the park if you plan to see everything. If you’re a first-time visitor to Lion Country, you’ll probably want to plan a morning trip if you’d like to get the most out of the park.

The best time of day to go to Lion Country is during the early morning hours, as they are the most active.

The park’s animals are more active during these hours, so the animals are usually not as aggressive.

The park is fenced in to protect them from predators.

The animals have the right of way, so don’t go overboard or you’ll endanger the animals.

Does Lion Country Safari Have Elephants?

Elephants are expensive and labor-intensive animals to care for, and they haven’t been in the park for a while.

Other zoos have also shut down elephant exhibits, including the Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park. The New York Zoo has also said it won’t take in new elephants, though it plans to build a larger facility for them.

If you want to see an elephant in person, you can visit the two sanctuaries in the U.S. that take these animals.

No open-air vehicles are allowed, and you should make sure that the windows are closed and that your sunroof is secured.

Lion Country Safari is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and offers a variety of activities and rides for families.

Visitors can also buy souvenirs from the store. The staff will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

You can book your visit in advance to avoid disappointment.

Lion Country Safari – Do Lions Roam Free at the Park?

You’ll have the opportunity to interact with the animals and take pictures of them as they go. During your drive-through, you may also spot some lions that might not be present on a regular basis.

The park’s lions are kept within a fence, to protect them from humans. It’s also possible to view other wildlife, such as water buffalo and antelopes.

This is a great way to learn about the habitats of these animals and enjoy the experience of seeing them.

Seeing lions is a thrilling experience, and you’ll be amazed at the sheer power and speed of these magnificent animals.

Feed Giraffes at Lion Country Safari in Florida

Did you know that the largest herd of giraffes in the United States lives at Lion Country Safari?

You can feed them too!

If you’re planning a Florida road trip, you should be sure to stop by the only drive-through safari in the area!

You can also enjoy a variety of other native wildlife at this park, such as lions and antelopes.

Many animals are often roaming around, wandering up to cars, or crossing the road without reason. Ostriches, the largest flightless birds, are extremely curious, and they’ll often cross the road in front of you.

They’ll peck at your window to see what’s going on, so be prepared.

When you’re ready, go ahead and feed them!

To make your trip more enjoyable, visit the park early in the morning. During the summer, you may be surprised to see many antelope eating grass right next to the road.

A few of these animals may hide in the grass, but they’re still around to eat. You might even get lucky and catch a glimpse of a giraffe or two.

There are plenty of other ways to interact with the animals and learn about them, so make sure you bring your camera.

The Park Offers Discounts

Park discounts can help you save money on your next visit. Read on to learn more about the available discounts.

The Lion Country Safari senior discount is dedicated to helping seniors save money while they enjoy their favorite products. This discount is valid for purchases made at any Lion Country Safari location.

This is a great way to show your respect and concern for the elderly and to save a few dollars.

The Lion Country Safari Florida offers discounts and specials that will make your visit even more enjoyable.

For example, you can get a free gift with your purchase.

You can also take advantage of Price Match deals to save up to 70% off your entire purchase.

To take advantage of Lion Country Safari discounts, remember to check out online travel sites that specialize in saving travelers money.

You can find discounts on flights and hotels through Booking.com. Make sure to book your tickets early!

There is only a limited number of these deals, so don’t miss out on your chance to save money!

Take advantage of the Lion Country Safari coupons and deals and make your trip even more affordable!

The Park is Involved in a Number of Sustainable Efforts

The park is committed to the conservation of endangered species and the park’s conservation programs include energy-saving devices and water conservation efforts.

The park uses eco-friendly products and has a water-metering system to measure usage.

All office buildings are equipped with recycling bins. Aluminum/plastic recycling bins are strategically placed throughout the park. Old cell phones and printer ink cartridges are also collected and recycled.

Guests who recycle their cell phones are offered a coupon for an animal encounter.

Lion Country Safari in Florida – Is it Ethical?

There is much controversy over whether or not to visit a Lion Country Safari. While some consider these activities to be ethical and allow guests to interact positively with animals, others see them as unethical.

Some argue that these safaris are not conservation efforts, but rather a way to take advantage of wild animals .

The Lion nation Safari has great landscaping, where lions lounge in the sun and monkeys chatter in the woods.

The setting is ideal for a romantic date – you can experience close-up wildlife viewing while enjoying the ambiance of a tropical vacation.

Couples have been going here for 50 years, and they’ve even gotten married at the safari! And, if you haven’t been yet, you can take advantage of the exclusive, private activities with the animals.

The summer camp program, which was designed for children ages six to 13, was held sporadically in 1997. It was a small program in the beginning, but attendance quickly jumped.

In addition to summer camp, the Lion Country Safari sometimes booked large corporate picnics. One such event brought together 1,000 people.

This was a big problem for Lion Country, and it’s a reason to make changes.

Wrapping Up

During the summer, Lion Country Safari hosts numerous special events and festivals and is a top local attraction.

While the park is open to everyone, visitors should bring plenty of water and sunscreen. If you need a quick snack, you can take bottled water or electrolyte drinks and eat them in the park’s restaurant.

Guests who visit Lion Country Safari are able to witness the incredible natural beauty of Africa.

Throughout the park, they will get up close to over 1,000 wild animals, including lions, giraffes, ostriches, chimpanzees, and giraffes.

In addition to these animals, visitors will find a variety of tropical birds, including flamingos, macaws, and parrots.

There will also be the opportunity to view snakes, alligators, turtles, and pythons.

The facility’s educational exhibits and conservation efforts are crucial to its ongoing success.

The zoo is home to over 1,000 wild animals from six continents, including lions, cheetahs, otters, and giraffes. During the holidays, the park hosts Santa, who drops by to give out gifts to the chimps.

Lion Country Safari in Florida is a unique experience for the whole family , so plan on spending at least four hours at the park.

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6 drive-through zoos and safaris in florida.

Family trip: Lion Country Safari

By Jill Martin

Sure, there’s plenty of wildlife in Florida, but have you ever viewed a giraffe from the comfort of your car?

You won’t find big screens or bags of popcorn at these drive-ins, but they're action-packed and provide lots of entertainment. Silence your cell phone and enjoy the show at these drive-through zoos in Florida.

1. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge , Sanibel Island

Sunbathing gators, green herons, white ibis and a crocodile call this four-mile Wildlife Drive home. Roseate spoonbills can be found here year-round.

2. Lion Country Safari , West Palm Beach

Florida’s only drive-through safari boasts 800-plus animals, including wildebeests, rhinos and the world’s largest herd of captive zebras. But the giraffes steal the show at Lion Country Safari.

3. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge , Titusville

Amazing wildlife viewing is easy with the self-guided map that lists numbered stops along Black Point Drive. See gators, otters, turtles and hundreds of bird species, including eagles.

4. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge , near Tallahassee

Rated five stars by birders, this seven-mile drive through zoo takes you past pinelands and salt marshes to Florida’s second-oldest lighthouse. Look for black bears, turkeys, deer and whooping cranes.

6.  Wild Florida , Kenansville

Features more than 200 animals, including exotics like zebras, sloths, lemurs and Watusi, and a walk-in bird aviary with pheasants, parrots and other birds from all over the world. Also: airboat tours, a drive-through safari park and animal shows.

Video tour of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Places to remember.

Tallahassee

Sanibel Island

West Palm Beach

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Safari Tours

Take a Tour of a Wildlife Safari Zoo in Central Pennsylvania

Guided safari tours in central pennsylvania.

The dry plains of Africa and the woodlands and forests of Australia have never felt closer thanks to the incredible safari tour at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. Like our other amazing attractions , the safari allows you and your family to see first-hand the various animals native to those lands and learn about their natural habitats. Discover more about our animal safari in Central Pennsylvania and all you can expect to see on your journey.

Guided Safari offered May thru October.

Self Drive-Thru Safari Available Only in April and November

Guests who wish to enjoy our safari tour from the comfort of their vehicles can do so with our self drive-thru option. VEHICLES WITH HARD DOORS AND HARD TOP ROOFS ONLY. Those interested in this experience should first read the Self Drive-Thru Rules to ensure their safety and the wellbeing of our animals. You will be required to sign a vehicle waiver prior to entering the safari fields.   

SELF DRIVE-THRU RULES AND INFORMATION PER USDA:

All vehicles MUST have hard tops and doors. Sunroofs and trunks must be closed-USDA requirement (Mesh doors on jeeps are not permitted).

Strict 5 mph speed limit (USDA requirement for animal safety).

You MUST remain in your vehicle during the entirety of the tour.

Pets are not permitted in vehicles.

No riding in the bed of pickup trucks.

No motorcycles, motor homes, buses, or trailers are permitted.

Touching animals is not encouraged.

Feeding animals is prohibited.

LOUD NOISES --honking horns, music and yelling--are not permitted.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The drive-thru trail is an unpaved dirt trail with loose stones, possible animal dung, and occasional mud puddles.

Some animals may not be visible on every drive-thru.

No refunds will be given for any reason after entering the safari fields.

ZOO EXHIBITS ARE NOT AVAILABLE  during the weekends of the self drive-thru.

Admission for the self drive-thru will be $9/person ages 3 through adult.

The Self Drive-Thru Safari pre-season/post-season option is available on select weekends only in April and November

from 10:00 a.m.  to 3:00 p.m.  

Please note: Only the Safari Tour Fields are open for the Self Drive-Thru option. Zoo exhibits are open during our regular season May 1st through October .

Adventure Awaits at Our Wildlife Safari Zoo

Say Hello to Our Animals

One of the best parts about our safari zoo in Pennsylvania is all the different animals you may see. More than 500 animals roam the safari fields freely at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. You may meet curious critters that are just as interested in you as you are in them — it is common for animals to approach the tour bus and get close enough for guests to reach out and touch them. Interacting with these animals is sure to be an unforgettable and highly beneficial experience for your party.

Our New Safari Station

Dedicated to providing our guests with the best possible experience, we are happy to introduce our safari station. Built and launched in 2015, the safari station includes the following:

• A comfortable holding area large enough to fit guests as they wait for their turn to hop aboard the cruiser
• A snack shop where you can grab a drink, some food for the ride, and even feed to give the animals while on the tour
• Well-maintained restrooms for your convenience

Things to Keep in Mind for Your Next Safari Tour

To help guests get the most out of their animal safari in Pennsylvania, we encourage all to be mindful of when the tours begin. Rides go out right when the park opens, and guests are welcome to come early to avoid crowds or waiting in long lines. Our tours last around 45 minutes, providing plenty of time to take in the entire tour without tiring out the youngest in your group. The last tour departs our Safari Station one hour before closing.

Please be advised that we do not accept reservations for our tours as they are offered on a first come, first serve basis. However, even if you miss your preferred time, another is coming up shortly!

Plan Your Visit Today to Our Safari in Pennsylvania

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park welcomes guests from Central Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas to enjoy a first-hand experience with animals from six continents. Our safari tour allows visitors to witness a variety of majestic animals and gain insight into their way of life. Contact us today to learn more about our Pennsylvania safari tours and rates , or to view our park hours .

Safari Times

• Safari tours begin when the park opens.
• Tours last approximately 45 minutes.
• Last tour goes out one hour before closing.
• Tours are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and depart multiple times per day.

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Locals in South Florida's 'Little Moscow' say the city's nickname is built on a misconception

• Locals in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, will tell you the city is more than its "Little Moscow" nickname.
• The area is home to many post-Soviet Union immigrants, from Ukraine to Belarus.
• It's not just Russian money propping up the economy — overseas buyers from Europe and Latin America are, too.

In Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, not everyone likes the nickname "Little Moscow."

"I don't believe that 'Little Moscow' is a representation of what Sunny Isles Beach is," Jennifer Levin, former Sunny Isles Beach commissioner, wrote in a Facebook post earlier this month. "And it's not what it was ever meant to be known as, and it's not how it's marketed."

I visited the city a few weeks ago, and the Russian influence was palpable, from the Russian grocery and deli Matryoshka to the Sunny Terrace restaurant serving up Siberian-style dumplings. But in the same plaza was an Argentinian restaurant, an Armenian restaurant, and a boutique selling fashion from Brazil. While it's easy to see where the "Little Moscow" nickname comes from, Sunny Isles Beach is overall a melting pot of Eastern European and Latin American influences.

One local originally from Ukraine told me that the nickname is never used by the Russian-speaking people who live in the city, adding that the name was created by locals many years ago as a joke. He said some locals are indifferent to the nickname, while others think it's "abusable since we have nothing to do with Moscow."

A seaside escape for Eastern Europeans and Latin Americans

Back in the 1950s and 1960s, the 1.5-mile piece of island was known for its strip of seaside motels. The charming tourist town attracted Russian Jewish immigrants fleeing discrimination, according to a Sun Sentinel article from 1997 . Over time, their children would visit and eventually buy property as the market developed, laying the foundation for a strong community.

As more Russians flooded into the area to escape communism from the former Soviet Union in the 1990s, some of the emigres called the area "Little Moscow," per the Sun Sentinel. The city was a symbol of freedom, and it wasn't just Russians who wanted an escape. Alexandra Peters, of ONE Sotheby's International Realty, who works with high-end clients in the area, told me that an overwhelming Russian presence of Sunny Isles Beach is a misconception, as the many Ukrainians living there get mistaken for Russians. 

"There's always been a large Russian-speaking community in Sunny Isles, but they've been there for decades and many are middle-class US citizens by now," she said. "We tend to put all 'Russians' in one basket, whereas many who live and move here are from all parts of the former Soviet Union: Ukraine, Belarus, even Kyrkistan."

Related stories

It's why the area is also known as Little Kyiv, Little Odessa, and Little Minsk. According to the most recent data from the Census' American Community Survey  that tracked population from 2015 to 2019, Sunny Isles Beach is home 2,624 Eastern European-born residents, more residents than those born elsewhere in Europe.  Of these, 1,079 were born in Russia. This doesn't take into account those who didn't answer the Census or the Russian-speakers who identify as Americans.

The city is also home to a strong Israeli community. And, like much of South Florida, there's a large immigrant population from Latin America. Census data puts the Latin American-born population at 8,370 people, more than the Eastern European-born. Peters said the area is even known as "Little Brazil."

A luxury development boom brought the rich

The 1990s also saw a development boom that revitalized the city's economy. Zoning laws enabled developers to build high-rise condos that towered over the beach. Around this time, a wealthier class of Russians began snapping up property in the area as a way to move their money in a post-Soviet economy.

In recent years, Florida saw the highest number of Russian property purchases in the US. Sunny Isles Beach was a natural choice given the already strong Russian immigrant population and the area's association with luxury thanks to the towering condos, some of whom held the appeal of the Trump brand .

Right before Russia invaded Ukraine, NewsNation's Brian Entin first reported on the concerns of the "Little Moscow" elite who worried that they'll be blacklisted from buying luxury real estate in the area. 

But it's not just Russian money that flows through Sunny Isles. The city's economy has also been propped up by overseas buyers from Europe and Latin America. Three real estate agents I spoke with often referenced clients from Brazil, Germany, and Canada.

Peters provided Insider a screenshot of her website's analytics showing where most potential clients were searching from. Outside of the US, the top three searches came from were Canada, India, and Brazil. Russia didn't even make the top 10. She noted that they used to see more South American buyers, which have dropped because of low currency and travel restrictions. Foreign buyers overall have dropped since the pandemic began, agents said.

Ramon Rodriguez , director of sales at a Compass real estate team based in Miami, told me that the area is a luxury riviera for the elite partially because it's anchored by two high-end shopping destinations: Aventura Mall to the north and the Bal Harbour Shops to the south.

"When you're wealthy and living in a state of fear, you feel very free here," Peters seconded. "You can enjoy life and go shopping."

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