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Closed until Feb 28, 2025
Virginia Safari Park
Virginia Safari Park
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until Feb 28, 2025
About
The Virginia Safari Park is closed for the season. We will reopen in March 2025. The Virginia Safari Park, Virginia’s only drive-thru safari park, is located on 180-acres in the foothills of the Blueridge Mountains. Home to more than 1000 animals, there is no shortage in animal diversity, including Giraffes, White Rhinos, Cheetahs, African Penguins, Zebras, Bengal Tigers, and more. The Safari drive-thru portion offers visitors the opportunity to see and feed animals up-close from their vehicles. Guest can also interact with animals in the Safari village or up close during a memorable encounter with sloths, rhinos, or penguins. Guest can also view Africa’s rarest cat, the King Cheetah, only at the Virginia Safari Park. We're located in the Shenandoah Valley, a short day trip from Roanoke, Lynchburg, Staunton, Charlottesville, Richmond, Maryland and DC.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Jessica S18 contributionsFav stop of spring breakOur favorite stop of the trip! Could spend all day here. Lots of laughs with animal interactions. Bought the family bundle of feed for walk through park to feed giraffes, goats and birds. One bucket of food foe each of us. So much fun. Now to find a car wash!😆Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 30, 2024
- TripGoerWashington DC, District of Columbia41 contributionsA pleasant surprise!We were nervous that Virginia Safari Park was going to be some overpriced tourist trap, but it was a pleasant surprise. You could easily spend a full day here, starting with a lengthy drive through a gorgeous safari park. You can feed a large variety of animals along the way, some common to the area like deer and llamas, and not so common like gazelles and reindeer. It might be a little nerve wracking for drivers, because animals do crowd the cars expecting treats. Another commentator was concerned about animal safety, and we found that drivers were very careful, though we saw at least one car feeding animals we were explicitly told not to feed. In that case, the park would do well to put up signs or keep those animals in sections where they cannot get too close to drivers. We would love to have see some information about the animals we saw along the way on the safari. We received a little booklet, but you aren’t likely looking down to read books and brochures while trying to view, feed, or maneuver around the animals. The zoological park has even more varieties of animals, including anteaters and kangaroos. There are portions of the park that allow you to see some of these up close, like the giraffes. You can feed some animals on this side, too. Check the daily schedule to see other animal feedings; this was how we were introduced to the park’s penguins. There are also concessions and a good-size playground for much-needed breaks. It can be a lot of walking, particularly in the full sun if going during hotter months. We highly recommend this attraction.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 16, 2024
- FlutegardenCollegeville, Pennsylvania226 contributionsUnique experience but be warned.This is a very cool experience but be warned that your car could get damaged. The entrance was packed with horned animals that came right up to you car. Also, given all the stopping plan on an hour to do the 3 mile loop. Since you stay in your car, the drive through part is a good option on a hot day. We still saw plenty of animals. I recommend coming early - by the time we left around 11 the line to get in was pretty long.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 23, 2024
- Lorraine MOrlando, Florida7 contributionsPretty coolDefinitely something different and fun. The animals will come up to your car like nobody's business :) They also have no fear of the cars and you will have to nudge them to get them to move. The little walking zoo is cute too.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 28, 2024
- HeatherMRNPrincess Anne, Maryland25 contributionsMaking memories!Excellent! Would definitely do this again if I am ever this way. Sooo much fun! Got to see lots of animals on the drive thru part. Amazing that the animals come right up to your vehicle and you can feed and pet them. Loved the zoo, too. Got to feed the giraffe and the budgies (parakeets). Got to see an anteater and penguins. The prices in the store are priced for all budgets. The park was clean and the animals seem to be well taken care of. It is very convenient that they have a vacuum in the parking lot to vacuum your vehicle before you leave. This was my favorite highlight of the week’s vacation!Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 2, 2024
- DanielandJocelynStony Point, New York139 contributionsFun For the Family: Unique experience.It has both a drive-thru and walkable zoo. It's similar to Parc-Safari in Quebec. Animals walk very close to your car. Buckets of food pellets are available ($5 I think). You feed them through your window. It takes 30-60 to get through it. The walkable part has animals in cages habitats. You can walk through the kangaroo section. Our girls loved the enclosed budgie habitat. Sometimes the birds land on you. The giraffe section lets you get very close.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 5, 2024
- LisaMM99Bristow, Virginia80 contributionsCan’t wait to get back!So many animals! We had a great experience on the drive through safari- you may want extra buckets of food (2 was not enough). The animals are excited for the cars to come through- some of the llamas even stopped the car to get more food. The walking part of the park has a lot to do as well. This is one of our favorite things in VA!Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 31, 2024
- Linda D4 contributionsThe highlight of our VA trip!My son and I traveled to Virginia for the Natural Bridge and went to the Safari Park on our way out of town. It truly was one of the highlights of our trip! Such a beautiful, well maintained and friendly place to see some amazing animals up close and personal! We absolutely loved it! The animals were beautiful and very well cared for with almost 200 beautiful mountain acres to roam free.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 8, 2024
- Tela H2 contributionsMust Do for Families!We had the BEST time at Virginia Safari Park. We got there about 30 minutes after opening and it was the best time. It wasn't super busy. We started with the Safari Village since we has signed up to do the penguin encounter. We had roughly an hour to spend walking around. Feeding the giraffes and seeing the kangaroos and cheetah were the highlights of the safari village for my family (grandma, myself and my 6 year old daughter). After the village we did the drive through portion. We laughed SO much. The animals KNOW that you have food and they want it. Be prepared to have some feed spill in your car. If we do it again, I would probably not drive through but do a wagon ride instead. We are already planning to go back. The penguin encounter was the best!Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 30, 2024
- JustinHinesville, Georgia1 contributionFramily FunVery fun with tons of animals. I highly recommend staying at the KOA nearby and then visiting first thing in the morning. We do this every year with a group (friends and family - framily) and ride the wagon through the Safari park. It’s a unique way to experience animals and nature that is fun for the whole family!Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Debbie Neely
14 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This place is a hidden gem! Totally worth our 4 1/2 hour drive! This is our third visit here in eight years. The first time we came my children were toddlers. The second time we came they were almost tweens, this time we came they are 16 and 19 and we had just as much fun and just as many laughs this time as we did the other two times.
The drive-through is fantastic… Go early while the animals are hungry in the morning! The animals are gentle and they were delightful and not one of them was aggressive and you will see for yourself. They are hysterical!
The only heads up, I will give it to really hold onto your bucket, good and tight because those emus… They love to grab a bucket and run 😂😂😂
The property is beautiful! Well-maintained and they have a very doting staff that care for the animals. As you are driving around you can see the care that they give to the habitats and these animals is top notch.
All of the staff had smiles and we’re happy to answer any questions that any of us had with very knowledgeable education.
The walk-through zoo part was fantastic. All the animals had large habitats. You could tell that they were all very happy and not distressed at all. Pristine cleanliness of this zoo amazed me. It’s top notch in every way.
We also participated in paying the extra fee which goes towards conservation for the penguin experience, totally worth it. You get to feed the penguin and you got to pet and you get to have your picture with a penguin and the zoo staff was so knowledgeable in explaining their conservation effort and their little zoo residents. So fun!!
I highly recommend the Safari Park above any other zoo in the area! A+
The drive-through is fantastic… Go early while the animals are hungry in the morning! The animals are gentle and they were delightful and not one of them was aggressive and you will see for yourself. They are hysterical!
The only heads up, I will give it to really hold onto your bucket, good and tight because those emus… They love to grab a bucket and run 😂😂😂
The property is beautiful! Well-maintained and they have a very doting staff that care for the animals. As you are driving around you can see the care that they give to the habitats and these animals is top notch.
All of the staff had smiles and we’re happy to answer any questions that any of us had with very knowledgeable education.
The walk-through zoo part was fantastic. All the animals had large habitats. You could tell that they were all very happy and not distressed at all. Pristine cleanliness of this zoo amazed me. It’s top notch in every way.
We also participated in paying the extra fee which goes towards conservation for the penguin experience, totally worth it. You get to feed the penguin and you got to pet and you get to have your picture with a penguin and the zoo staff was so knowledgeable in explaining their conservation effort and their little zoo residents. So fun!!
I highly recommend the Safari Park above any other zoo in the area! A+
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tourist04393908165
1 contribution
Jun 2023
Truly an amazing experience. A must do if you love animals. The animals come right up to the car and will stick their heads in the car. You can pet the zebras, an ostrich, lamas, an ox, moose, and deer just to name a few. The animals know the cars mean food and walk right up to the cars. I would suggest purchasing two buckets of food per person to go through the park and give yourselves plenty of time to enjoy how amazing this place really is. We even saw a new born baby lama just trying to stand for the first time while we were driving through the safari property. I pulled off to the side and my daughter and I just watched the mother and baby for a bit. We were there on a weekday so it was not crowded. We also did the penguin experience in the zoo portion of the park which was very interesting. The penguin handler obviously loved her penguins and answered all of our questions. We were the only two in the experience, again we were there on a summer weekday, and we were given fish to feed to the penguins and were able to pet their backs and feel their feathers. The other two things we did was to feed the giraffes and the birds (bungees). You can buy cups of Romain lettuce to feed the giraffes, we had 4 cups between the two of us, and the giraffes come right up to the observation deck and let you pet their necks and you can feel their tongues as they gently take the lettuce from your hands. This I would recommend as well. The feeding of the birds was not as exciting, at least for us, and would would skip buying the bird feeding sticks next time. My daughter and I spent 4 hours going through the park and the zoo. We really enjoyed our time there and will absolutely return in the future.
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandy K
Norfolk, VA66 contributions
Nov 2022
This was fairly entertaining, I think my son's (11) favorite part was probably feeding the Budgies, this is where we spent most of out time, and made a second trip in. We purchased the bundle feeding, and were disappointed not to see/feed the giraffes. We were not warned that they would be sent inside before closing (which is 4:30 in November). It would have been nice to get a heads up since it was about 3 when we purchased our bundle, and around 4 when we made it to the giraffes. We did the drive through, but did not purchase food for that, you can definitely tell they are fed by people and regularly. I think it a fun one time thing, not sure we would repeat the trip.
Written November 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laura O
3 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
One of the worst experiences I have ever had. I spent around $200 on this trip to stay in a hotel overnight coming from Chesapeake Virginia about 3 1/2 hours away. The staff was the rudest I have ever seen in my life. I had a screaming baby and they wouldn’t take the tickets from my phone for the giraffe food and the girl at the counter said to me “we don’t make the rules and no one really cares how you feel” and then when I asked for the manager she didn’t even hear what I had to say about the very disrespectful girl behind the counter. She just Rudely explained that you have to have the brochure to get the food and that I was told that at the front gate (entrance) which I do not remember. So after walking back to my car to get the brochure to get the food to feed the giraffe, I was trying to make it to the food court stood in line for a half hour no signs anywhere about what time the concession closed. True only concession at the whole place to get any food. The guy in front of me was taking so long and I clearly had been waiting over half hour. I got to the window at 3:01 exactly and they were like all we are serving is drinks at this time. We closed at 3!? Again no indication no signs anywhere on them closing at three. There were many of other people in line with me who were disappointed. Someone could have announced to us waiting in line that they would stop serving food at 3. There were some of the rudest people I have ever encountered. It was $60 for me and my two boys to visit this place and plus my hotel stay and gas money for one of the worst experiences of my life.
I will say the animals were everything We expected and my son did enjoy seeing all of the animals so we are thankful that we got to do that. However, very poor management and staff so I will never return And will make sure all my friends and family know how I was treated. So disappointed.
I will say the animals were everything We expected and my son did enjoy seeing all of the animals so we are thankful that we got to do that. However, very poor management and staff so I will never return And will make sure all my friends and family know how I was treated. So disappointed.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina S
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We loved the experience so much!! Everyone should go at least once. Takes about an hour or so to get through being in a truck bed would make the experience even better. We have 6 kids and bought 4 buckets of food. it wasn’t enough and we wish we would’ve bought 6-8 buckets. At $5 a bucket it adds up but the experience is worth it for the kids and heck even the adults. The Buffalo stole our bucket lol and the ostrich picked my daughters hair tie out of her pig tail because it was shiny lol. Overall great experience!! I will say after buying tickets online I thought that receipt was good for the romaine lettuce purchase but it wasn’t make sure you keep your recipes they give you on the booklet at the gate to redeem it. Because with 6 kids and having to park 3 football fields away from the entrance, it was frustrating to learn my online receipt wasn’t enough to redeem the lettuce.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vixxx
Naugatuck, CT3 contributions
Jul 2022
My husband and I were visiting VA from CT. While looking for somewhere to go, my husband found this place. Sounded like good deal for the experience. However the GPS took us to a "zoofari" instead. We were told by their staff that the safari was approximately 3-4 hours away from out hotel. I immediately contacted the venue and spoke to Jessica (2x to exact) and was told, verbatim, "its not our problem that you didnt look at the distance and we're not going to refund your money". Additionally she told us that we could use it in a year. I told her we were from CT and that's 9 hours away, she said "so". $90 later, no refund....rude responses and not one attempt to rectify the situation. If I could give this place a ZERO, I would. Jessica and anyone else that is like her needs to be fired. Awful customer service.
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SaraSuffolk
Suffolk, VA28 contributions
Apr 2023
My family and I had so much fun at the Safari Park! I have a couple of tips that we found to be helpful. First, we lowered our windows about half way to avoid animals putting their entire heads into the vehicle. Some of them can be rather aggressive and do not allow you to continue driving when you are ready to move on. Second, we brought along smaller Dollar Store containers, about the size of a Cool Whip container, and put some food into these from the big buckets you buy. Some of the animals will try to take the containers from you and you don't want to lose the whole big feed bucket. We saw several of those taken away from families. The animals would eat the smaller amount from the smaller containers and be satisfied and allow us to move along to feed others. As others state, bring wipes for your hands in case you get sneezed on or slobbered on. Finally, I recommend arriving in the morning as the animals seem more active then. It took us about 90 minutes to drive through and then we spent another hour walking through. It was a fun, unique experience! Watch out for the llamas...they are aggressive! The large antelope was also aggressive in terms of trying to take away the food containers. Lots of laughing and couple of shrieks from us!
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim R
Waynesboro, VA13 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Amazing place for adults and kids. The drive through Safari and getting to see, touch, and feed the animals from your car was unlike any zoo experience you could ever have. Nothing fenced or contained gave you and the animals a natural habitat freedom that you can’t get from any zoo. Be sure to buy the food bucket for the drive through, it’s worth it, and hand feed everything. The drive goes a long way, so ration for the end. Btw don’t hand feed the ostrich or emus, their peck hurts your hand. The walking zoo was very nice and informative also. Don’t buy the food for the birds. They won’t come to you and the uneaten food sticks are all over the ground. Definitely buy the lettuce for the giraffe. It’s a small amount but feeding the giraffe was awesome. You are up on a covered platform that puts you face to face with the giraffe. Bonus…there was also a baby giraffe to feed. There are lots of benches, covered areas, and shade throughout the walking zoo. It was very nice. There is a cafe to grab drinks and food while you are there. We didn’t eat there so I can’t tell you price and taste but that service is there also. The Safari was Well worth the cost for the admission, the drive through food bucket and the giraffe feeding. You can go and make it a full day or just go for a partial. You won’t be disappointed.
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa S
8 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Don't feed the llamas when you first enter, they're quite forceful at taking the food from you and you'll end up without any for the many animals ahead of you. This place is very well kept and quite impressive. The walk through village was great, totally recommend purchasing the bundle so you can feed several of the various types of animals there. Got pretty up close and personal with a few. Highly recommend, we'll be going again.
Written May 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
_mdecoe
Sanford, MI181 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
This is a true gem. If you ever wanted to get up close and feed animals this is the zoo experience for you. I am 56 and have been to a lot of zoos and national parks. I highly recommend this zoo. I got to feed a buffalo, hairy cow, elk, giraffe and more. Get the feed buckets, but don’t put it outside the window. Let them eat from the amount in your hand. I don’t recommend feeding the ostrich, due to them pecking you. The food for the giraffe, birds and goats are in the store after you go through the Safari. My favorite thing was feeding the birds from the sticks. Sooo cool!!!
Written April 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nothing normal people would consider dangerous. There is the danger of them slobbering all over your car.
Written June 18, 2023
Trail405117
Frederick, Maryland
Would an 11-12 year still enjoy or are they getting too old?
Written November 27, 2019
No, I took my 3 kids, ages 18, 16, and 15, and they all had a blast.
Written January 13, 2020
How do you get onto the wagon? Stairs, ramps, etc... Wasn't sure if someone with limited walking abilities can get on easily.
Written June 15, 2019
I am not sure about the wagon please call the park. We used our car and drove through:, after our drive through you can then walk through the petting zoo, which in my outlook is comfortable with limited disabilities. Please call them
Written June 15, 2019
Is there a first responder (firefighter) discount?
Written June 9, 2019
The only discount they had listed was a senior discount. I would call them directly to see if they do and it just wasn’t listed on the sign.
Written June 10, 2019
According to the FAQs for the Virginia Safari Park, they do not have wheelchairs for rent. See the Park’s FAQs on their website for confirmation.
Written May 28, 2019
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