giraffe safari florida

Giraffe Ranch

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Giraffe Ranch - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Giraffe Ranch

• 38650 Mickler Rd, Dade City, FL 33523
• (813) 482-3400

One of Tampa Bay's top 10 attractions according to Fodor's,  Giraffe Ranch   is located in beautiful east Pasco County, just 45 minutes north of Tampa. Situated on 47 acres of rolling countryside adjoining Florida’s second largest wilderness area, the Green Swamp, this native wildlife preserve offers animals room to roam among towering live oaks, native orchids, lush pastures and ephemeral wetlands.

Giraffe Ranch provides up-close animal encounters in a small group setting. Four safari options are available: the signature vehicle safari experience, the camelback expedition, the Segway Safari and the Llama Trek. Add-on experiences include a mini camelback expedition, a mini Segway Safari and lemur, otter, rhino and bongo feedings. Tours are available daily by reservation only.

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Giraffe Ranch

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Giraffe Ranch - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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A Visit to Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park with Giraffe Feeding Experience (Photos, Video)

Hi everyone!

We were invited to experience the Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park and also to feed the giraffes at the end of the drive (which is available for an extra cost to anyone who buys a safari ticket). The safari is located over 85 acres in Kenansville and Wild Florida also offers airboat tours and the Gator Park (the latter is included with the Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park ticket). Pricing can vary with any discounts, including for Florida Residents. Wild Florida is almost an hour from the Walt Disney World area, so you’ll want to give some time for travel in your day.

Here is our video first and then article with photos.

Before (or after) driving through the safari, there are restrooms and a gift shop. With Wild Florida being a bit of a drive, this is a good first stop to stretch the legs.

The Safari Gift Store is next to the restrooms. It is worth a stop in for a few minutes.

The Wild Florida Website says, “Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely.”

It has been a very long time I’ve done a self-driving animal safari – probably about 30 years. I wasn’t sure if it was going to remind me of Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park but it only did in that every drive-through will be different. It was a warm day and the animals were mostly relaxing or grazing.

There are about 100 animals on the safari – there aren’t lions or any animals that cannot co-exist (except a small alligator marsh). The Gator Park has another 200 or so animals including a 1000 pound gator named Crusher.

We didn’t have too many animal crossings but every safari will be different in that regard.

This was probably my favorite area of Wild Florida Safari Drive-Thru Park (except for the giraffe feeding).

If you weren’t really looking for them, you might not see the deer and elk in the woods.

They really blend in. I used a zoom here to capture a couple of photos.

The animals have a lot of room to roam and graze.

As we neared the end of the safari, we saw giraffes and zebras. I was told it could take 45 minutes to drive through but we did in less than a half hour. That is with stopping to take photos. When there are more cars, it will take longer.

We also passed a camel.

Bison were standing in the water.

Ostriches roam around.

We were close up to a zebra as we ended the safari.

We were invited to feed giraffes, receiving one feeding each of 4 lettuce leaves. We enjoyed it so much that we bought a couple of more sets of leaves.

It is just a walk over to the giraffes from the main area. There is a sign for guests to visit the Gator Park, which is included.

Guests need a Safari wristband to enter.

Masks currently are required.

When we arrived, a number of guests were feeding giraffes.

There is a sign saying to stand 6 feet apart.

There was a limit of how many could be upstairs at any given time. It was a very organized process.

The giraffes moved around to anyone with lettuce.

Jeff fed one of the leaves to a giraffe.

We have only fed giraffes one time before, at a Belgium zoo. It was fun to do it closer to home.

Here is a look at the platform. I could have spent more time and more money up here, it was a very relaxed experience and our favorite part of the day.

Included is the Wild Florida Gator Park. It was a little busy so we just took a quick look around for about a half hour.

We found the alligators, but there are also other animals to view including sloths, lemurs and bobcats.

The Wild Florida Safari Drive-Thru Park was very relaxed and the giraffe feeding such a highlight. I wouldn’t recommend doing only the drive-through, but making more of a day of it since the Gator Park is included. Parking was a little tight as it was spring break. Wear comfortable shoes for Gator Park that you don’t mind getting a little dusty. We did not participate on an airboat ride this visit (we were invited to) but that is a quintessential Florida experience that we enjoy and will participate in next visit.

We were invited by Wild Florida, all views are our own.

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Wild florida’s new safari: giraffes, wildebeests and zebras roam over 85 acres in osceola county.

Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel

Llamas -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Watusi -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Scimitar oryx -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Giraffe -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Camel -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Bison -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Sam Haught feeds a giraffe during a preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Florida Cracker cattle -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Water buffalo -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Sam Haught gives a preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Wildebeest -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Eland -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Zebu -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Zebra -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Emu -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Blackbuck -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Mouflon sheep -- Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Preview of the Wild Florida Safari, on Friday, December 13, 2019. People will be able to drive their own vehicles along the 2-mile long safari on 85 acres, which takes about an hour to complete. The Safari will open on December 21, 2019. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)

Daniel Munns has wanted a giraffe at Wild Florida since even before he and friends opened the Osceola County attraction in 2010.

But when he first mentioned the idea to the founding team, they laughed.

“We told him, ‘OK, dude, don’t ever say that again,'” cofounder Sam Haught recalled during an interview on Friday.

Now, Munns is having the last laugh.

Leroy, the 2-year-old, 13-foot-tall giraffe, will be one of two featured in a new, 85-acre safari that opens at Wild Florida in Kenansville on Dec. 21.

“It was a laughing point because it wasn’t realistic at the time,” said Munns, who had been planning to build the gator-centric Wild Florida park with his team at the time. “Now, it is.”

The $2.5 million feature includes a winding, 2-mile driving path that snakes through an area that is enclosed but does not contain cages for the animals. It greatly expands on what had been a 15-acre site that focused primarily on alligators.

The gator area is now included in the price of the safari, which has animals like zebras, Watusis, wildebeests and large Asian antelope known as nilgai or blue bulls roaming the area.

Wild Florida is certainly not the first safari in Florida, where the warm year-round weather has made it a comfortable place for African animals.

A 110-acre safari at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom has been bringing visitors up close to lions, elephants and cheetahs since it opened in April 1998.

The 600-acre Lion Country Safari Park in Loxahatchee has been around since 1967.

But Wild Florida’s safari represents the first in Osceola County.

Some of the animals at the 75-employee park had to be simply migrated from Wild Florida’s existing walkthrough park area.

Others, like the giraffe, had to be acquired from other locations.

“This has been the most fun part of our career,” Haught said. “Our whole family has been dreaming this up and has wanted to do it forever.”

On a recent trek through the safari, a flock of Mouflon sheep looked on curiously as the Ford F-250 with the Wild Florida logo on its side inched past.

The tour stopped briefly as a herd of water buffalo blocked the truck’s path.

Zebras, wildebeests and dual-horned Oryxes generally kept their distance.

A camel named Elvis, however, was a bit more curious. He approached the vehicle and popped his head in.

“The animals here are mostly animals that one of us said, ‘We’d like to see one here,'” Haught said.

As the park gets set to open, Haught said anyone who has an issue with animals in captivity should support Wild Florida.

“Some of these animals have been in captivity their whole life,” said Haught, who challenged those who want to see how the animals are treated to visit the park before they judge it. “This is probably the most-plush area they have ever had. We have gone above and beyond the requirements for these animals.”

Eventually, Haught wants to install a zipline over the parks near a patch of cypress trees.

The safari costs $29 for adults and $20 for kids and includes entry to the main park.

As for the giraffes, Munns said he first thought of the idea to bring some to Wild Florida when he visited an animal exhibit at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee in 2007.

A handler there gave him some advice. The key for any new animal attraction? Have something exotic.

“He said if we wanted to put ourselves on the map, we would need a giraffe,” he said. “I said at the time, ‘Who needs a giraffe?’ But it seems to draw some attention. I wake up in the morning now and say, ‘Wow, we have a giraffe.'”

Got a news tip? [email protected] or 407-420-5256; Twitter, @marcosantana

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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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Deals for humans

Florida resident deals, military, first responder, and teacher deals.

(Four-person max, discount can be redeemed by booking over the phone or being refunded with proof of membership upon check-in. Combos and Half-Day Adventures are excluded.)

FHIA (Florida Hospitality industry association) DEALS

(Three person max)

AAA, TRAVEL AGENTS, SENIOR DEALS

(Discount can be redeemed by booking over the phone or being refunded with proof of membership upon check-in.)

THINGS TO DO

our tallest resident

Hi there! I'm Walter, the towering giant of Wild Florida's giraffe family. As the third giraffe to join this wild family, I've become a familiar face, easily spotted from your car as you journey through the Drive-thru Safari. It's a pretty sweet deal being the tallest guy in the park, and I can't wait to meet you on your next safari adventure!

About Walter

Walter was the third giraffe to join our Wild Florida family and is the tallest animal and giraffe at Wild Florida, officially standing at 17 feet tall. You can usually find him easily from your car if you’re cruising through the Drive-thru Safari or on top of our giraffe feeding platform. From there, people can experience a unique giraffe encounter, seeing Walter and his friends up close and feeding them lettuce.

Age: Eight years old Unique characteristic: Along with being the biggest giraffe at Wild Florida, he also has the darkest spots due to his maturity. Favorite enrichment toys: Hats or toys that he can scratch his ossicones (giraffe horns) on. Favorite snack: Carrots

Giraffe Conservation

Conservation Status: Endangered

Since October 2020, Wild Florida has offered a Giraffe Painting Experience, an exclusive and one-of-a-kind giraffe encounter with our reticulated giraffe family. While the Giraffe Painting Experience makes dreams come true for guests, a portion of funds raised by the encounter will be donated to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation to help their efforts in the preservation and conservation of giraffes.

About Sebastian

Sebastian is our in house gymnast. He can often be found on his swing or munching on his favorite snack, craisins.

Age: Eight years old Unique characteristic: Sebastian has a prominent Hershey kiss-shaped eyebrow marking Favorite enrichment toys: Mastering his acrobatic skills on the swing Favorite snack: Craisins

Ring-tailed Lemur Conservation

Conservation status: Endangered

Through our ring-tailed lemur encounter we are teaching future generations about this fun-loving species. We strive to teach guests how to care for the wildlife and environment around them to help protect animals like Sebastian in the future. When you are close enough to care, you are close enough to act.

About Stella

Stella can be found sleeping most of the time as porcupines are nocturnal. Stella is an amazing animal that help our guests overcome the fear and misconceptions associated with porcupines. We are continually surprised by how cuddly and playful she is when interacting with the trainers.

Age: Stella is five years old Unique characteristic: Stella is calm and relaxed Favorite enrichment toys: Cardboard boxes to shred Favorite snack: Peanuts

African Crested Porcupine Conservation

Conservation Status: Least concern

About Snowflake and Blizzard

In May 2017, Wild Florida acquired Blizzard and Snowflake who became the first pair of breeding albino alligators in Central Florida and one of the few places in the world where visitors can see these rare animals. Originally from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, these two give visitors from around the world a unique opportunity to not only learn more about alligators but also the special care that goes into housing an albino species.

Due to the lack of melanin this species produces, their skin is completely white and sensitive to the sunlight, so our team built a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled exhibit with plenty of shade and a heating lamp to keep them comfortable in their new home.

Age: Blizzard is 12 years old and Snowflake is 23 years old Unique characteristic: One of the easiest ways to tell Blizzard and Snowflake apart is just by looking at their size. Blizzard, the male alligator, is about 10 feet long and Snowflake is about 8 feet long. You can also tell them apart by looking at their eyes. Blizzard’s eyes are both an opaque white, similar to the color of milk. However, Snowflake’s right eye is opaque white and her left eye has two red birthmarks. Favorite enrichment toys: Diving for treats on the bottom of their pool Favorite snack: Chicken

Nala joined the Wild Florida family when she was four-months-old in August 2017 from an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility in Texas which prides itself on its dedication to the preservation of big cats and other endangered animals. Nala’s mother couldn’t provide for her, so we had to raise her by hand.  Before Nala moved in, our team built a custom exhibit featuring a water pool and elevated platforms among native foliage for Nala to have the most comfortable and natural home.

Now that she’s fully grown, our trainers work with Nala every day in daily enrichment activities that keep her physically and mentally active. Along with keeping Nala mentally stimulated, these activities mimic natural behaviors she’d perform in the wild.

Age: Three years old Unique characteristic: She has a white patch of fur on her left shoulder Favorite enrichment toys: Stuffed animals to shred and plastic balls Favorite snack: Raw chicken breast

Florida Panther Conservation

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Everyone who visits Wild Florida has the opportunity to help save the endangered Florida panther. After each airboat ride, our guests can participate in a hands-on gator show where they learn more about the American alligator. During the show, guests can even hold and take a photo with one of our friendly live gators. Since the American alligator no longer needs human intervention to survive, Wild Florida has committed to donate a percentage of our alligator picture proceeds to The Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge (FFPR).

We are excited to partner with The Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge and support their efforts to protect and conserve this amazing animal. FFPR is the official support organization working hand in hand with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to create and promote a better understanding and appreciation of the Florida panther. Their mission is to be an active advocate and supporter of this endangered species. Wild Florida is proud to help support and improve the status of the approximately 100 Florida panthers remaining in the wild today. By purchasing alligator pictures, you are giving back and helping bring the Florida panther out of endangerment. Please join with us in saving our beautiful Florida panthers.

After years of failed attempts to produce offspring by albino alligator parents Blizzard and Snowflake, Wild Florida was blessed with a snowstorm of albino baby gators in 2020. From a clutch of 26 eggs, Yeti has become a superstar along with his three siblings. They are the World’s Only albino gators hatched at a facility open to the public. Wild Florida’s mission is to help people make a connection with animals. We hope Yeti makes you say WOW and encourages a new level of interest in these beautiful animals. Yeti shines a different light on alligators and other crocodilians by inspiring people to see them as more than monstrous eating machines to be feared by all.

By sharing Yeti with the world, Wild Florida aims to convert our fear of alligators into awe, respect, and adoration for one of nature’s most incredible animals. When people become more familiar with alligators, it increases their awareness and desire to help their conservation. We agree with naturalist Baba Dioum who said, “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we have been taught.”

Age: 2 years old Favorite snack: Mice and chicks

About Crusher

Crusher was a rescue alligator brought to us from a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) licensed trapper in the SNAP program. If we hadn’t brought Crusher and found him a home at Wild Florida then he would have been euthanized according to Florida state law. Crusher is a very special and unique gator. He has become highly trained and shows strong intelligence. Being able to work with him is an honor!

Age: Over 65 years old Unique characteristic: Over 13 feet long and in his own exhibit Favorite enrichment toys: Pumpkins and watermelons Favorite snack: Chicken

American Alligator Conservation

Guy was the first sloth to join our Wild Florida family and will always hold a special place in our hearts. You can usually find him catching some ZzZ’s in his favorite clay pot or munching on some corn on the cob!

Age: Eight years old Unique characteristic: His fur is much darker than the other two-toed sloths at Wild Florida Favorite enrichment toys: A clay pot that he loves to cozy up and nap in Favorite snack: Corn

Two-toed Sloth Conservation

Charities supported by Wild Florida: Since August 7th, 2017, Wild Florida has offered a VIP Sloth Experience, an exclusive and one-of-a-kind animal encounter with some of our two-toed sloth family members. While the VIP Sloth Experience makes dreams come true for guests, a portion of funds raised by the VIP Sloth Experience will be donated to the APC Panama to help their efforts in the preservation and conservation.

Giraffe “Fast Facts”

‍ Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, or open woodlands in east or southwestern Africa

Length: 13 to 19 feet tall

Weight: 1,200 to 4,250 pounds

Lifespan: Average 25 years in the wild and can be over 30 years in human care

Gestation: 13 to 15 months

Diet: Evergreen leaves, new leaves, stems, twigs, and sprouts

Book an encounter

Book a giraffe painting experience, book a drive-thru safari tour, adopt a giraffe, adoption packages, $25 bronze adoption.

$50 silver adoption

$85 gold adoption, $25 bronze adoption.

• Certificate of Adoption

$50 silver Adoption

• Photo of your adopted animal and fact sheet
• A plushy of your adopted animal

$85 gold Adoption

• 1 encounter with the adopted animal

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SAFARI WILDERNESS RANCH

Wild animal safari in lakeland, florida.

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CHOOSE A LAKELAND SAFARI TOUR

• Clock 1 Hour
• Users All Ages

Drive-Thru Safari Tour

Explore our 260 acre ranch from the comfort of your own vehicle! Explore our exotic animal reserve while maintaining social distancing. Get out in nature, relax, learn about, and interact with a variety magnificent wild animals in a safe environment. Optional add-ons available. Book online!

Our guides work rain or shine; tips are appreciated.

• Our best and most exciting tour!
• Clock 2.5 Hours

Custom Vehicle Safari Tour

Join us on Florida’s premier open air vehicle safari wilderness tour! Each of our customized safari trucks is equipped with stadium seating and a full-coverage canvas shade. Riders will have the opportunity to feed the animals from the Safari Truck. Optional add-ons available. Book online now!

• Clock 1-6 Nights

Safari Glamping

One of the most amazing things about an African Safari is sleeping in the bush! We host a few special people per night in beautifully appointed safari tents on the property. Continental breakfast is included. Pricing is based on double occupancy.

• Clock 1.5 Hours
• Users Ages 16+

ATV Safari Tour

Explore the Safari Wilderness Ranch by ATV! Get a sense of freedom and exhilaration while viewing hundreds animals in natural herds over vast landscapes. Led by an experienced naturalist guide through our 260 acre ranch. Optional add-ons available. Book online now!

• Clock 2 Hours
• Users Ages 3+

Camel Safari Tour

Explore the Safari Wilderness Ranch on a unique, guided camel-back safari tour! Rediscover the experiences our human ancestors had with these magnificent animals, viewing magnificent herds of animals from your camel-back perch. Optional add-ons available. Book online!

• Users Ages 5+

Kayak Safari Tour

Navigate through our freshwater areas by kayak and enjoy spectacular, up-close encounters with our wetland species such as common and Defassa waterbuck, red lechwe, and more! Optional add-ons available. Book online!

• Clock 10-15 Minutes

Feed Ring-Tailed Lemurs

Come learn about lemur social behaviors, what makes them primates like us, and why they are in danger of extinction. This activity is very exclusive and limited to a few participants per day.

ABOUT SAFARI WILDERNESS RANCH

Safari Wilderness Ranch is not a zoo or theme park. There are no crowds and no lines. Here you will enjoy an adventure in nature. Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will tour you through large herds of exotic animals and over 260 acres of pristine wilderness in custom safari vehicles. You can also try our drive-thru tour option and explore from the comfort of your own vehicle!

If you prefer a more adventurous mode of transport, you can view our wild animals with a guide by camelback, ATV, or kayak. We also offer exclusive animal encounters with ring-tailed lemurs and guinea pigs!

Safari Wilderness Ranch is conveniently located six miles north of I-4 between Orlando and Tampa, surrounded by Florida’s Green Swamp, in an expansive and exclusive wilderness area.

Join us on an exclusive, fun and educational safari journey where you will learn about Florida’s natural and human history, our conservation programs, and encounter amazing animals that are endangered or extinct in the wild. Book your Lakeland safari at Safari Wilderness Ranch today! 

LEARN MORE ABOUT SAFARI WILDERNESS RANCH

ANIMAL EXPERIENCES 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PHOTO GALLERY

ABOUT SAFARI WILDERNESS

DIRECTIONS & MAPS

RESERVATION POLICIES

Video credit to Mike Kubler

RATED THE #1 OUTDOOR ACTIVITY IN LAKELAND, FLORIDA!

Our tour guide, was great! He was knowledgeable and funny. Awesome assortment of animals from antelope to zebra and many in between. We got to feed many of the animals which was interesting and fun. Great opportunity to take close up pictures of the animals. Our daughter also enjoyed feeding the lemurs. It's a fun way to spend a few hours!

The safari was exciting from the beginning to the end. We enjoyed feeding the camels the most. Seeing the ostrich and the huge eggs they lay was amazing. The cheetah was breathtaking. Although the water buffaloes were huge, they were quite gentle and easy to feed. Our tour guide Jan was very knowledgeable. I look forward to doing this again!

Our Safari ride was enjoyable and very informative. Our guide, Art, was extraordinarily knowledgeable about all of the animals we saw. My grand children and I really enjoyed being able to feed many of the animals. It was a wonderful experience and I am telling all of my friends that it is a wonderful place to take their grand children.

We loved this tour. Definitely a hidden gem in central Florida. J.J was friendly and knowledgeable and my 90 year-old father-in-law was able to sit comfortably in the shaded open-air vehicle and enjoy every aspect of the tour. If you're able, feed the Lemurs! It's an optional add-on activity but lots of fun. Would recommend this place to anyone!

JJ, our guide, was so knowledgeable about the animals. We were able to feed many treats to the animals as we travelled along on the open air (but covered) safari bus, which was great for interacting and viewing the animals. It was our favorite part of our vacation! Would definitely come here again. Lots of fun for people of all ages.

Animals Around The Globe (US)

9 Reasons Why the Giraffe is the Cutest Safari Animal

Posted: April 28, 2024 | Last updated: April 28, 2024

Everything you see on Safari is amazing – even if you’re not a bird person you’ll find yourself shouting “Stop the car!!” when you see something flutter in the bushes. That being said, some things you spot are cuter than others. As for me, the giraffe is clearly the winner of being the cutest safari animal.

Here’s why:

#1 Long Lashes

Giraffes have long, thick eyelashes that not only protect their eyes from the harsh savannah dust but also give them a glamourous look. These eyelashes, measuring up to three inches long, can make anyone envious!

#2 Naturally Curious

Giraffes are naturally curious animals . They often approach vehicles slowly and peer in with a cautious but intrigued expression – which is the perfect opportunity to get the best safari shot.

#3 Awkward Drinking Postures

This adorably awkward pose is known as “the giraffe split.”

Even though they have the longest necks in the animal kingdom, they’re still too short to reach the ground and they have to awkwardly spread their legs or bend their knees to drink water.

#4 Patterns Like Fingerprints

Every giraffe has a unique coat pattern that set them apart, much like a human fingerprint. Just imagine how odd a giraffe would look without its spots?

#5 Surprisingly Speedy

Despite their size and awkwardly long limbs, giraffes move with a surprising grace. Did you know that they can gallop at up to 35 miles per hour? (probably way faster than I can run)

#6 Cuddle Buddies

Just when you thought they couldn’t get any cuter, they turn out to be great cuddle buddies. 

Giraffes are known to engage in nuzzling and necking behaviors with each other, which is part of their social interaction. Essentially – cuddling is a big part of how they hang out with their friends. 

#7 Soulful Eyes

The large, soulful eyes of a giraffe, rimmed with long lashes, exude warmth and kindness. Their eyes can melt hearts and are often cited as a window into the gentle soul of this towering animal.

There a few other animals that have horns that are this cute. They’re short, stocky, and fluffy. I’m sure that maybe technically they’re for some sort of defense, but how could these cute things cause any real harm?

#9 Blue Tongues

This blue-black coloration is thought to help protect their tongues from sunburn as they feed on leaves from tall trees, often under the harsh African sun.

Giraffes possess a striking feature that is as functional as it is intriguing: their long, blue tongues.

Why the Giraffe Is the Cutest Safari Animal: Wrapping Up

The post 9 Reasons Why the Giraffe is the Cutest Safari Animal appeared first on Animals Around The Globe .

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Thank you for reading this article about why the giraffe is the cutest safari animal! For more safari content, take a look here:

If you weren’t convinced that the giraffe is the cutest safari animal yet – you should be now. What’s not to love about these tall, awkward, cuddly and curious animals?

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Additional animal encounters available during checkout! NEW - Sloth and tortoise feedings!

CAMEL SAFARI TOUR

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 1.5 hours
• Users Ages: Ages 3+ | Kids 5 years & under must ride with an adult
• Ticket Admission: Ticket price includes a giraffe feeding
• Info What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, long pants, and close-toed shoes are recommended

Enjoy a Camel-Back Safari!

Game viewing on camels is simply sublime. Rediscover the experiences our human ancestors had with these amazing animals, viewing magnificent herds of game animals from your bestial perch. Become a part of the herd, joining our exotic animals in their natural state, on our Camel Safari Tour.

Camel safaris are led by two experienced tour guides/camel handlers. We have dromedary (one-hump) and Bactrian (two-hump) camels.

Our camels are treated with kindness and respect—and they love their jobs. They line up at the gate each morning eager to go on safari! After their safaris, each camel returns to the herd in their large grassy pasture with trees and open sky for rest, play, and recharging. Our camels are athletes, and they live long and healthy lives.

Camels have been domesticated for over 6,000 years and have a complex and mutually beneficial relationship with humankind. In our three decades of working with camels, we have developed the only full-on camel backed game-viewing safari that we know of outside of Africa.

• Chevron down Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of animals do you have?

Giraffe Ranch has hundreds of animals representing 70+ different species all housed under huge, ancient oaks and grass lands in this beautiful environment that is right out of an African safari. Because our property consists of about 50 acres of pristine wilderness, we’re able to house a variety of exotic species such as giraffe, zebra, bongo antelope, otters, lemurs, hippos, pere’ Davids deer, warthogs, monkeys, and more! You’ll also have a chance to see a variety of native wildlife.

I do not want to pay for a tour; can I just come and feed the animals?

No. The optional add-ons are only available with the purchase of one of our safaris.

Which tour time is best to view the animals?

All of our tour times are great! The animals that we house here are specifically chosen because they do well in central Florida’s climate.

Where do your animals come from?

Because we have so much space for our animals, babies are a very common thing! Most of our animals are born onsite. We buy, sell, and trade with other licensed facilities.

What should I wear?

Although not required, we recommend close-toed shoes. We go rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather.

Can I bring my pet?

We do not allow any unauthorized animals on the premises, which includes our driveway and parking lot. Please leave all dogs, cats, and other furry critters at home.

Will I see every animal during the tour?

Our guides make every effort to encourage our residents to greet our tour groups but the distance at which they are viewed can vary due to the large areas our animals inhabit.

Other things to know

We do not do special pricing for children, infants, seniors, etc.

RELATED TOURS

• Clock 1 hour
• Users Per Vehicle

Wildlife Drive-Thru Safari

In response to COVID-19, we now offer guided wildlife drive-thru safari tours on our ranch. View and learn about the animals from the comfort of your own vehicle! Your expert guide, in a lead vehicle, will speak to you through your FM radio through their FM transmitter. This approach is unique among drive-thru safaris.

• Clock 1.5 hours
• Users Per Person All ages

Custom Safari Vehicle Tour

Just like an African Safari, our custom vehicle safari is fully guided on our 4 wheel drive safari vehicles. Participants will enjoy views of zebra, tapir, deer, and more!

• Users Per Person Ages 14+

Segway Safari Tour

Segway Safaris are akin to walking safaris done in Africa, minus the sweat and effort. Using this method of transportation, you can stand at eye-level with zebras, pygmy hippos, and more!