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A Day at Virginia Safari Park: Tips for an Unforgettable Wildlife Encounter

Writer's picture: Casey WoodburnCasey Woodburn

Giraffe with lush leaves on a dark green background. Text: Virginia Safari Park, A Drive-Thru Zoo. Yellow and green accents.
An Unforgettable Experience at The Virginia Drive-Thru Safari Park

Looking for a day packed with fun, adventure, and unforgettable moments? Virginia Safari Park is calling your name! This 180-acre drive-through zoo, nestled in the stunning Natural Bridge, Virginia, promises an unparalleled wildlife experience where giraffes peek into your car and zebras munch treats right from your hand. Families, animal lovers, and curious kids—get ready for a safari like no other!


Why Virginia Safari Park is a Must-Visit

Virginia Safari Park isn’t just a zoo; it’s an immersive wildlife adventure. Where else can you:

  • Hand-feed gentle giraffes from an elevated platform.

  • Watch playful llamas trot up to your car for a snack.

  • Experience over 1,000 free-roaming animals in their natural habitats.


This is your chance to ditch the screens and embrace the wild.


Plan Your Visit Like a Pro
🗓️ Seasonal Operations

The park opens its gates from March through November. Check the official website for the latest updates on hours and seasonal events.


🎟️ Tickets and Pricing

Skip the lines and book your tickets online. Prices vary by age, and discounts are available for seniors and military personnel. Bonus: kids under a certain age often get free entry—double-check before you go!


⏰ Best Time to Visit

Weekdays and mornings are golden hours! The park is quieter, animals are more active, and you’ll have a better chance to soak up the experience without the crowds.


Unmissable Experiences at Virginia Safari Park
1. The Drive-Thru Safari

Imagine this: you’re cruising through a three-mile safari while zebras, elk, and camels wander freely around your car. Buy a bucket of specialty grain at the entrance and let the animals come to you—literally! You’ll laugh, you’ll snap photos, and you’ll leave with memories (and maybe a slobbery car window).

2. Village Walk-Thru

Stretch your legs and explore the Village Walk-Thru, where interactive encounters await. From feeding giraffes to watching penguins dive and waddle, this area brings you face-to-face with fascinating creatures.

3. Unique Animal Encounters

Want to make it extra special? Look out for the park’s exclusive animal encounters, like meeting sloths or petting a kangaroo. These moments are Instagram gold.


Tips for Visiting the Virginia Safari Park
Deer and antelopes roam a gravel road in a scenic park. Blue sky, scattered clouds, and green buildings in the background. Vehicle in view.
Virginia Safari Park: A Wild Adventure in the Heart of Virginia
1. Arrive Early

The entrance fee is around $22 per adult and $13 per child, which includes all-day access to the safari, village, and interactive exhibits (animal food is not included). Arriving early ensures you can fully enjoy the park, including multiple drives through the 3-mile safari. Animals are most active and interactive in the morning when they're hungry, making it the best time for up-close encounters.


Pro Tip: Plan your day to include lunch at the on-site café and explore the Village exhibits before returning for another safari drive later in the day.

2. Bring Enough Animal Food

Animal food buckets are $4 each, and it’s best to get at least one per person. The animals can quickly finish a bucket, and some might even try to tip it out of your hands. To avoid running out, purchase an extra bucket at the front gate.


Pro Tip: Toss some food on the ground to attract shy animals or those with short legs, like baby deer and potbelly pigs, who might struggle to compete with larger animals.

3. Follow Feeding Rules

The safari area has designated bucket drop-off zones when you're finished. If you're tempted to save food for the Village animals, note that they have their own specific food provided on-site. Feeding safari food to Village animals can be harmful, so always follow the posted guidelines.


4. Explore Village Activities

Within the Village, you'll find special feedings, demonstrations, and wagon rides. For $6.50, you can join a wagon ride through exclusive trails, complete with a bucket of feed for the animals. Check the park schedule for these activities to maximize your visit.


5. Fun for All Ages

The Virginia Safari Park offers a unique, face-to-face animal encounter that's thrilling for both kids and adults. From majestic elk to grand bison, the experience is unforgettable.


Pro Tip: Call ahead to inquire about animal feeding times, special events, and wagon ride availability to plan your trip more effectively.

With these tips in mind, your visit to Virginia Safari Park is sure to be a wild and memorable adventure!


Insider Tips for an Epic Safari Adventure
  1. Pack the Essentials. Don’t forget water, sunscreen, and a fully charged phone or camera. You’ll regret missing the chance to snap a selfie with a curious llama!

  2. Choose Your Ride Wisely. Bring a car that can handle unpaved roads—and don’t stress if it gets a little dirty. Animals love to get up close and personal.

  3. Safety First. Stay inside your car during the safari and follow all park rules. Feeding animals is fun, but remember: it’s their world, and we’re just visitors.


Eat, Shop, and Relax

After your safari, grab a bite at the park’s concession stands or enjoy a picnic in designated areas. The gift shop is a treasure trove for animal lovers, offering everything from plush toys to safari hats. Bring home a little piece of the adventure!


Trending Reasons to Visit Virginia Safari Park
  • Perfect for Families: Kids will love the interactive animal experiences and wide-open spaces to explore.

  • Memories for Everyone: From feeding gentle giraffes to a curious zebra peeking into your car, every moment is a chance to create unforgettable memories.

  • Learn and Laugh: Educational, entertaining, and absolutely unique—this is an outing that ticks all the boxes.


Resources to Inspire Your Visit
  • Virginia Safari Park: The Hable Way – Family-friendly tips and insights.

  • Surprising Things We Saw at Virginia Safari Park – Fun, surprising highlights.

  • Unforgettable Moments at Virginia Safari Park – A detailed guide from a family’s perspective.


If you're planning a visit to the Virginia Safari Park and are looking for additional attractions in the area, consider exploring the following nearby destinations:


Located just a short drive from the safari park, Natural Bridge State Park features the iconic 215-foot-tall limestone arch, a natural wonder formed over centuries by Cedar Creek. Visitors can enjoy hiking the Cedar Creek Trail, which leads under the bridge and passes by the Monacan Indian Village, a living history exhibit showcasing the lifestyle of the Monacan people from over 300 years ago. The trail concludes at Lace Falls, a picturesque 30-foot cascade.

Natural stone arch over a path by calm water, surrounded by tall cliffs and green foliage, creating a serene, majestic scene.
Natural Bridge State Park

For accommodations and dining, the Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center offers comfortable lodging with over 120 rooms, some providing spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. On-site dining options include the Colonial Dining Room, serving breakfast and dinner, and the Red Fox Tavern for lunch and cocktails. The hotel's proximity to Natural Bridge State Park makes it a convenient choice for visitors.


Natural Bridge collage: a rock arch with greenery, a hotel lobby with checkered flooring, and a red-brick building with flags. Text: The Natural Bridge.
Natural Bridge became a State Park in September 2016

These attractions provide enriching experiences that complement your visit to the Virginia Safari Park, offering a blend of natural beauty, history, and hospitality.


🌿 Plan Your Wild Adventure! 🦒✨

Looking for an unforgettable experience? Explore Virginia Safari Park, where you can get up close with exotic animals, feed giraffes, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. 🐾

📸 Share Your Moments!

Tag us on Instagram and Facebook @elitehostingco with #VirginiaSafariPark and #WildVirginia for a chance to be featured! We’d love to see your safari adventures.


🏡 Stay Nearby with Us!

Make it a weekend to remember by booking your stay at @elitehostingco. Relax in comfort and style after a day of adventure!


🌟 Ready to Plan Your Visit?

Check out the Virginia Safari Park Official Website for tickets, hours, and more.


Trending Hashtags:

Embark on a wild adventure and make memories you’ll treasure forever! 🦓✨


Wrap-Up: Time to Go Wild!

Virginia Safari Park is more than just a place to visit—it’s a destination where you’ll laugh, learn, and create memories that last a lifetime. From the joy of feeding giraffes to the serenity of watching zebras graze, this park brings you closer to the wonders of nature.

📅 Plan your trip today at the official Virginia Safari Park website and don’t forget to share your photos and stories with us! Who knows? Your experience might inspire someone else to go wild, too.


Have you visited Virginia Safari Park? Tell us about your favorite moment in the comments! 🦒🌿

 
 
 

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