six flags wild safari hours

Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure: An Interactive Zoo Experience You Won’t Want To Miss

If you ever thought of going on a safari, here’s your chance— in NJ. The wildly popular Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure in Jackson opens the weekend of April 1 and is teeming with over 1,200 exotic animals from six continents ready to greet you and the whole family. Drive your car down a winding path where African elephants, reticulated giraffes, and red rhinos pass by your window (and maybe even stop traffic) in areas that mimic their natural habitats. Ready to go? Scroll down for all the details for going on a wild adventure at Six Flags Wild Safari—no passport needed. ( Feature Photo Credit: Six Flags Safari )

The zebras show off their stripes during the Six Flags in New Jersey. Photo Credit: Six Flags Safari

All the animals at Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru

Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure is unique because you never have to leave your car. The drive-thru is separated into 12 sections to show how animals live in distinct natural habitats. You’ll have the opportunity to watch a Roosevelt Elk run in The Americas, see an ostrich peck at your window in Afrikka, or view an African Lion at rest in Kingsland. As you wind around the loop, slow down by Baboon Village. This fan-favorite is where you can watch this rowdy troop jump all over a large metal piece in their exhibit (this metal piece is actually from “Lightning Loops,” a Six Flags Great Adventure rollercoaster that was deconstructed years ago). And not to worry, the baboons are no longer allowed to jump on your car like they were years ago ( whew ).

See animals in their natural habitat from the safety of your vehicle. Photo Credit: Six Flags Safari

Here’s what to know about the Drive-Thru before you go

The Six Flags Wild Safari Park is a total of 4.5 miles of paved road, and the drive-thru timing depends on the animals’ behavior (if they are out and about) and the traffic since you drive through super slowly—but expect it to take at least an hour. To make the experience even better, you can download a guide for all the details on the animals and facts. During the tour, you will see gates with signs that say “checkpost” to guide you to where you are and what you will see. Safari team members are available at many of the gates to help you with anything you might need during your adventure. And the animals can be temperamental (especially in crummy weather), so be prepared that you might not always see specific species. Whether you’re planning to go for the day or even just a quick visit, you’ll want to purchase tickets online and reserve a time and date to go. Tickets start at $24.99 for adults and $19.99 for seniors and children under 48″. 

Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru is only part of the park

If your family is still up for an adventure, New Jersey’s largest and most popular theme park, Six Flags Great Adventure , is right next door with rides, restaurants, and hours of entertainment. Six Flags Great Adventure’s main park has plenty of thrilling and tame rides for all ages and lots of special events planned for 2023. This Spring Break, visit Six Flags in New Jersey for Scream Break from April 8-15 for a frighteningly good time that includes some of the features from Fright Fest, like haunted houses, a scare zone, ghouls, and nighttime rides. If you’re thinking about going this summer, you’ll want to head over to Six Flag’s water park, Hurricane Harbor, and spend the rest of the day sliding and splashing on the lazy river and in the pools—a perfect ending to a day “on safari.” New this year, there will be lots of tamer options for younger kids, including a treehouse splash park and 7 new colorful slides that spin and whirl smaller riders. And good to know if you want to add this to your day— Six Flags Great Adventure and Hurricane Harbor require separate ticket purchases from the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure.

Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure 1 Six Flags Boulevard Jackson, NJ 08527 (732) 928-2000

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About Author

Melanie Bodner has always had a love for writing, but now she has a new love…being a mom. Before having her kids, Melanie was no stranger to writing or working with children. She wrote for a local newspaper as a reporter and taught English and Dance in a public school. Now Melanie enjoys spending time with her kids, doing yoga, writing and decorating her home. Check out her Instagram @burlapbythebeach.

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Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure to reopen this month: Here’s what to expect for 2022 season

• Updated: Mar. 16, 2022, 10:38 a.m. |
• Published: Mar. 16, 2022, 10:38 a.m.

Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure in Jackson, N.J., is set to open Saturday for the 2022 season. (Courtesy/Six Flags)

• Priya Shahi | [email protected]

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure will open on Saturday, March 19, for the 2022 season, with new animals and guest enhancements to improve the tour experience. Explore a 350-acre wildlife preserve that has 1,200 animals from six continents.

Throughout the spring, guests can expect to see new baby animals, including American bison, zebra, kangaroo, giraffes and more. Here are some animals that were born on site or were placed in the safari that you can spot during your Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure.

• Sawyer, the Southern White Rhinoceros: Throughout the spring season, guests can expect to see Sawyer, the southern white rhinoceros, who will join three adult female rhinos in the Afrikka section of the safari. Six-year-old Sawyer is gray in color and weighs 3,800 pounds. As a “mega-herbivore,” he munches on mainly hay and grain, and continues to grow. He lives side-by-side with other animals native to Africa, such as elephants, ostriches and zebras.

Sawyer, a southern white rhinoceros, joins three adult female rhinos in the Afrikka section of the safari. Six Flags Great Adventure

• Three Reticulated Giraffe Calves: This winter, three reticulated giraffe calves were born in the safari and have joined the group of 13 giraffes. It will not be hard to spot these calves that have brown-orange patches separated by thick, bright white lines, creating a patten of polygon-shaped spots. As the tallest land mammal on Earth, these calves can grow up to 17 feet tall and weigh from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds.

The safari is home to 13 giraffes in total. Six Flags Great Adventure

• Two Sable Antelope Calves: Get ready to see two sable antelope calves born in the safari and residing in the Serengeti Grasslands section. They resemble a horse, gloating a tufted tail, mane and impressive, ringed horns that curve like a scimitar. They live along with exotic hoof stock like addax, white-tailed gnu (black wildebeest) and aoudad.
• Two Red Lechwe Calves: You can identify two red lechwe calves, born onsite this winter, by their reddish fur, white-ringed eyes and tall horns reaching up to three feet long. This type of antelope is usually found near aquatic areas in Zambia and Botswana, and are considered a “near threatened species” in the wild. In the safari, they reside in the Wilde Plains section with a vast array of African species such as giraffe, greater kudu, ankole cattle, dama gazelle, white bearded gnu, bongo and more.
• Two Asian Water Buffalo Calves: While they bear some similarities to their African cousins, the Cape buffalo, Asian water buffalos are domesticated animals. Two Asian water buffalo calves just joined the Afrikka section in the safari -- and, staying true to their name, as they are often found submerged in ponds with only their heads visible above water.

NEW FEATURES

With Six Flags’ expansive modernization and beautification efforts, there will be a new roadway entrance and upgraded safari plaza to welcome guests.

Guests can also enjoy a smoother ride across the Safari Drive-Thru Adventure in a two-lane roadway with five newly paved miles of blacktop.

There is an option for an immersive experience with a new audio tour. Energetic narrators will showcase 11 simulated natural habitats featuring more than 70 different species of animals. Guests will learn fun and educational facts about the animals, hear fascinating animal sounds and music from around the world. The audio tour is free, and can be streamed from any mobile device.

To accommodate those who drive electric cars, there will be Volta Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, which are compatible with all electric vehicles, with available units in the safari parking lot later this season.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Six Flags Academic Adventures programs were developed by the park’s New Jersey state-certified teacher and tailored to the appropriate age groups while following state learning standards. Six Flags offers five programs that have been updated for 2022 including a new, off-road experience:

• Safari Off Road Education – This new program introduced in 2022 includes a fun and educational tour on a giant, off-road vehicle. It features a personal tour guide and driver, and an opportunity to feed giraffes and meet small exotic animals up close.
• Science on Safari – This contactless safari experience features a special Academic Adventure audio tour, grade-specific guidebook and optional visit with an animal educator.
• Wild Encounters – This outreach program brings exotic animals to schools for a 45-minute presentation.
• Cyber Safari – The safari’s virtual education program offers an animal meet and greet session, and the option for a longer virtual outreach program.
• Free Online Classroom – Six Flags Great Adventure’s YouTube channel offers free videos for students in kindergarten through 12th grade that cover conservation, adaptation, genetics and evolution.

ADMISSION, PRICING AND HOURS

A one-day ticket to Six Flags Great Adventure costs as low as $39.99. Six Flags announced a three-tiered Pass Program to maximize the value and experience for guests in 2022. Among the three, the Thrill Seeker Pass is the most affordable, and serves those who are frequent home park visitors. The Extreme Pass is ideal for live-on-the-edge thrills all year, without blockout dates. The Ultimate Pass provides the best value for everything offered; it includes all of the advantages of an Extreme Pass, plus more.

Thrill Seeker Pass ($79.99)

• Access to Six Flags Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor New Jersey & Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure on Select Dates
• General Parking
• 1 Single-Use Skip the Line Pass (Weekday Visit; Theme Park Only)
• 2 Specialty Rate Tickets for Friends & Family
• Six Flags Rewards

Extreme Pass ($169.99)

• Unlimited Access to All Six Flags Outdoor Parks
• Includes two Junior Passes (guests under 42″, good all season!)
• Merchandise Discount - 25% off Most Items
• Food Discount - 15% off Most Items
• 2 Single-Use Skip the Line Passes (Weekday Visit; Theme Park Only)
• 1 One-Day Dining Deal
• 5 Specialty Rate Tickets for Friends & Family
• Flexible Pay Option

Ultimate Pass Benefits

• Unlimited Visits to All Six Flags Outdoor Parks
• Preferred Parking (Reservations Required)
• Merchandise Discount - 35% off Most Items
• Food Discount - 20% off Most Items
• 50% Off Discount on All Season THE FLASH Pass
• 10 Meal Dining Plan
• $25 in Merchandise credit
• 5 Single-Use Skip the Line Passes (Any Visit; Theme Park Only)
• 10 Specialty Rate Tickets for Friends & Family
• 1 Single-Use Games Play Pass (Theme Park Only)

The operating hours for the Park are typically from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. The wild safari opens earlier at 9 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m.. Be sure to check their website for scheduled hours on the morning of the day you are going to visit because park hours are subject to change.

The Six Flags Great Adventure parks are currently hiring for the 2022 season, here is more information on how to apply.

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Wild Safari Drive-Thru to Open at Six Flags Great Adventure

While the theme park and waterpark remain closed, Six Flags Great Adventure is opening its Wild Safari Drive-Thru for guests to enjoy from the comfort of their own cars, complete with an advance reservation system.

The drive-thru safari is something I remember doing with my family when I was a kid, and it’s a great option for families looking for something to do, especially while we wait for things to return somewhat to normal.

Wild Safari Drive-Thru

From 1974 to 2012, the Safari experience at Six Flags Great Adventure was a self-guided tour that allowed guests to drive their own cars through exhibit after exhibit of animals. I can remember the thrill of seeing animals right through my window when I was a kid and even seeing baboons jump on top of cars!

In 2013, the safari was changed to the Safari Off Road Adventure. It became an attraction inside the theme park that guests rode through on an open-air truck with a tour guide, with a stop at Camp Aventura for up-close encounters and a zip line. Some of the animal exhibits, like the baboons, were fenced in for this experience.

Now, with the need for social-distancing, the drive-thru aspect is back, just using the same road and exhibits from the past 7 years. That means this new version of the Wild Safari Drive-Thru won’t have any baboons jumping on cars. That’s probably disappointing for kids and reassuring for the parents. Camp Aventura will not be open as part of the drive-thru safari., but should reopen when the attraction eventually goes back to being the Safari Off Road Adventure.

Wild Safari Drive-Thru Hours and Pricing

Starting May 30, 2020, the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure will operate daily from 9am to 4pm (weather permitting). Reservations will need to be made in advance, and no guests will be allowed to enter without a reservation. The safari takes about an hour to experience and Six Flags says the safari will accommodate thousands of families per day.

Pricing for the Wild Safari Drive-Thru is $17.99 per person for single day tickets. Members and Season Pass Holders are free, plus one $9.99 Bring-A-Friend ticket. Kids aged 2 and under are also free. All guests, regardless of what type of ticket they have, need a reservation to enter.

The procedure will work like this: First, guests will purchase tickets for the Wild Safari Drive-Thru. Then, you’ll go to the reservation system to choose the date and time you want to attend. (You’ll need your ticket #, order #, or season pass/membership # to confirm you purchased tickets.) When your reservation is complete you’ll receive a confirmation. Print that, or show it on your device through your window when you arrive. Printed sheets will probably be easier to scan through the window.

Tickets are available for purchase now. Members and Pass Holders will be able to start making reservations on May 27, 2020.

A Self-Guided Tour

Your self-guided tour of the Wild Safari will slowly cruise along the 5-mile path as it winds through the 350-acre preserve. During the hour-long journey, you will have the opportunity to see 1,200 animals in simulated natural habitats. Some of these animals may cross the road, and at times you’ll have animals within a few feet of your vehicle. But rest assured that predators are fenced off from the road.

The one downside to the self-guided tour is that you won’t have a knowledgeable tour guide to point out the animals, give you facts about them, or answer any questions you may have. The tour guide was one of the highlights of my Safari Off Road Adventure experience at Six Flags Great Adventure last summer. You can brush up on the animals you’ll see and their habitats on the park’s website at  www.sixflags.com/safari . (a passenger could even have this open on a device to reference during your visit.)

Here is a list of some of the animals you can expect to see.

Wild Safari Drive-Thru Animal Guide

The americas.

• Fallow Deer
• Roosevelt Elk
• African Elephants
• White Rhino
• Grant’s Zebra
• Asian Water Buffalo
• Marabou Stork

Wild Plains

• Common Eland
• Ellipsis Waterbuck
• Dama Gazelle
• Scimitar Horned Oryx
• Reticulated Giraffe
• Red Ankole Cattle
• White Bearded Gnu
• Greater Kudu

Serengeti Grassland

• White Tailed Gnu
• African Lions

Black Bear Ridge

• American Black Bear
• European Brown Bear

Conservation Area

Set aside for native species to the NJ area such as birds, foxes, turtles and even the bald eagle.

Didgeradoo Pass

• Red Kangaroo

Tigris Asiana

• Bangal Tigers
• Siberian Tigers

Baboon Jungle

• Anubis Baboons

Safari Safety – Know Before You Go

To ensure the safety of guests, Six Flag team members, and animals, the Wild Safari Drive-Thru experience will be contact-free. All tickets will need to be purchased in advance via an online reservation system . Tickets will not be available at the gate, and guests without tickets will not be permitted to enter.

• SLOW – 5 mph speed limit
• Maintain space between your car and others
• Animals always have the right of way
• Remain in your vehicle and on paved roadway at all times
• Windows and sun roofs must remain completely closed
• Convertible tops must be closed
• No pets, including service animals, are permitted inside cars
• Do not feed or touch the animals
• No smoking or littering
• No parking or stopping, other than yielding to animals
• All vehicles will be screened by Six Flags Security prior to entering Wild Safari
• No items are permitted in pickup truck beds or in vehicles with open storage
• Cars, SUVs and consumer pickup trucks only permitted – no buses, RVs, box trucks, commercial vehicles, pickup trucks larger than a consumer pickup allowed
• Plan ahead – no restrooms, food, or gasoline available (only portable toilets at entrance and exit)
• Enter at your own risk

Personally, we’re looking forward to making the drive to the Wild Safari Drive-Thru. It will be great to take a little road trip. In addition to planning how to handle our food and restroom stops, we’re putting together some accessories to bring in the car to enhance the experience. Here are some of our ideas:

• printable animal guide (we’ll share ours once we finish it)
• scavenger hunt
• safari bingo
• booster seats to help little ones see
• camera to take photos
• safari coloring books

You can find more information on the Wild Safari Drive-Thru, including the answers to frequently asked questions, at https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/safari

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Key Information

The Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure is once again a self-drive attraction at an extra charge (although free to Six Flags Members and Six Flags Great Adventure and Hurricane Harbor New Jersey pass holders). Drivers go on safari through the 350acre park with its 1,200 animals from six continents including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes and lions.  The drive takes between 1 and 3 hours depending on the pace of the driver.

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Wild Safari Drive Thru - at Six Flags - Opening Weekend

1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527

Mar 20, 2021. all day

Babies Toddlers (2-4 yrs) Schoolkids (5-7 yrs) Tweens (8-12 yrs) Teens (13-18 yrs) Adults

Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure opens March 20, 2021! Reservations are now available. 

Boasting 1,200 animals from six continents including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes and lions, Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure takes explorers on an exhilarating, interactive animal adventure.

Our Safari Park is 4.5 miles of paved road. How long the safari lasts depends on how long you take to observe the animals. We suggest allowing at least 1 hour for the drive through experience. This guide is designed to help you learn about and identify animals in each of the different sections. Some gates will have signs saying Checkpost with a number and the name of the section. Those will correspond with the sections outlined in this guide. Most gates will be manned by a safari team member. It may be necessary for them to close gates if the animals are too close. They will open it as soon as it is safe to drive through again. The zebra-striped vehicles are the safari wardens and supervisors. They are the ones caring for the animals and making sure everyone is following the rules. If you need assistance please flag one of them down. Please note: due to traffic or the individual species, not all animals may be seen. 

With COVID-19, safety is a shared responsibility. Our guests must follow a strict set of rules to keep our animals safe, which will be monitored by our Security, Safety, and Animal Care teams along the path.  They include:

SLOW – 5 mph speed limit

All vehicles and passengers in vehicles are required to follow New Jersey state driving laws, including wearing a seat belt at all times while driving through the safari.

• Maintain space between your car and others
• Animals always have the right of way
• Remain in your vehicle and on paved roadway at all times
• Windows and sun roofs must remain completely closed
• Convertible tops must be closed
• No pets, including service animals, are permitted inside cars
• Do not feed or touch the animals
• No smoking or littering
• No parking or stopping, other than yielding to animals
• All vehicles will be screened by Six Flags Security prior to entering Wild Safari
• No items are permitted in pickup truck beds or in vehicles with open storage
• Only cars, SUVs and consumer pickup trucks are permitted – RVs, box trucks, commercial vehicles or pick-up trucks larger than a consumer pick-up are not allowed.
• Group sales with pre-approved buses must not exceed 45 ft. in length, 9 ft. in width, and 12 ft. in height.  All other buses are not permitted.
• Enter at your own risk

Guests who violate the rules will be escorted from the park without a refund and may be prosecuted

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