The Spring Break Family

Top 12 Must See Drive Through Safaris in Texas

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safari in san antonio

Looking for a drive through safari in Texas? Or want to know all the dive through safaris in Texas?

This might come as a surprise but you can experience an African safari right here in the great state of Texas!  Granted, very little tops seeing these majestic creatures in their homeland but if you’re looking for a Texan substitute, we’ve got a list of all the places you can find a drive through safari in Texas.

Looking for more Texas fun? Check out this list of the best amusement parks in Texas !

Before heading out on your adventure to explore drive through safaris in Texas, please call to verify operating hours, animal availability, and all the other fun details!

Drive Through Safaris in Texas

Natural bridge wildlife ranch , san antonio.

Explore 450 acres of Texas Hill Country during this 1.5 hour Texas drive through safari featuring animals from all over the world.  Each car is provided a bag of animal feed with the cost of admission.  The animals in the ranch will come to your vehicle to eat and allow you an up close view of their beauty. You will see buffalos, zebras, and ostriches during your adventure.

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Visitors can even explore the wildlife ranch on foot. You can relax at the on-site cafe and visit the lemur habitat and the giraffe center. Finish off your day by stopping at the gift shop for a nice souvenir of your day.

Aggieland Safari , Bryan

Want to visit a “traditional” zoo and experience a drive through safari in Texas all at the same time?  Aggieland Safari in Bryan is the place to be!  Admission includes entrance to their 250+ acre drive-thru safari.  For a small additional fee, you can receive a bucket of feed to share with the over 100 animals that call Aggieland Safari home.  Experience a personal visit from each of the animals on the safari without ever having to leave your car.

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But the fun at Aggieland Safari doesn’t stop there!  Admission to their Adventure Zoo is included as well.  This 20-acre area is meant to be explored on foot but still provides the opportunity for up-close experiences.  Want to feed a giraffe?  You can do that here.  Want to feed a tortoise?  You can do that too.  There’s also a bird aviary, a camel trek, a petting zoo, a kid-friendly playscape, a covered pavilion, and a gift shop!

Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari , Eustace

Enjoy a 1 hour drive through a safari right in the heart of Texas with a visit to Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari. View the park from the comfort of your own vehicle while traveling through this 200 acre wild animal refuge. The park features over 25 species of animals from all over the world.

Texas Drive through safari - Red ruffed lemur

With animals like buffalo, llamas, zebras, and even gazelles, this drive through safari in Texas is the perfect afternoon activity with family!

​ Franklin Drive Thru Safari , Franklin

Your entire family will have fun playing, feeding, and interacting with animals from across the globe at this drive through safari in Texas. Franklin Drive Thru Safari has over 100 acres filled with more than 1,000 animals. The petting zoo is amazing with new animals consistently being adopted. As you drive through the safari, you will see over fifty different species of animals meandering around the ranch. ​ Franklin Drive Thru Safari even has a ten-acre area for walking. There’s so much to do: visit baby giraffes, camels, anteaters, or kangaroos; purchase a cup of peanuts and make friends with the park monkeys;  take a private tour with the trained staff; visit the adorable baby room to play with exotic babies animals like coatimundis and lemurs, or explore in your car to feed camels and zebras right from your vehicle.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center , Glen Rose

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is one of the largest drive through safaris in Texas.  The ranch consists of over 1,800 acres and features nearly fifty different species among the 1,100 animals on the property. You can spend hours driving through the park looking at all of the different animals.

But the fun doesn’t stop there!  You can go on a bike tour or even a murder mystery tour.  Fossil Rim Wildlife Center also has photo workshops, an on-site cafe, and overnight lodging [bunkhouses, anyone?].

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In addition to being a drive through safari in Texas, they are also the biggest cheetah breeding facility in the world.  Between eighteen and twenty cubs are raised here every year.  Many endangered species, such as the scimitar-horned oryx, have also been reintroduced to the wild thanks to the efforts of the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.  They are truly a drive through safari dedicated to the well-being and conservation of their animals!

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari , Jacksonville

Visit this 5-mile drive through Texas safari to see Rupert the camel and Minnie the yak. Your two-hour drive includes a free feed bag, 300 acres, 35 species, and 700 animals. Make friends with capybaras, zebras, alpacas, bison, and more as they approach your vehicle.

There is also a fenced-off enclosure with six alligators you can feed. The variety of wildlife present at Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari is simply amazing.

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There is an open habitat with two dozen endangered and exotic species and open savannahs. Drive along the different roads to spot an African longhorn cow, an Indian antelope walking across a lush field, or a mother and her calf grazing by the pond. You and your family will make great memories feeding, photographing, and observing these gorgeous creatures.

Grapeland Safari , Grapeland

The Grapeland Safari offers 59 acres and 25 different species. Grab a bucket of feed, drive through this Texas safari, and enjoy these amazing creatures. Your kids will love the petting zoo. They can visit numerous animals including zebras, axis deer, emus, and yaks. Bring your grill and spend some quality time together enjoying a cookout in the picnic area.

The guests of honor at the Grapeland Safari are their camels.  They feature two different types of camels: Dromedary and Bactrian.  Each has its unique features [one hump or two?] and both types at Grapeland Safari are a hit with visitors due to their incredibly friendly nature.

Exotic Resort Zoo , Johnson City

Instead of driving through this Texas safari, you can relax and enjoy all 127 acres from the comfort of a tram. You will learn about the forty different species and 600 animals including the kissing camel [named Gomar], ostriches, and blackbucks.

There are endangered and exotic animals too. You can feed the friendly animals right out of your own feed bucket. Your family will laugh as thirty or forty animals surround your tram hoping for tidbits.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Exotic Resort Zoo, Inc. (@exoticresortzoo)

After your tour, visit the two petting zoos, the fishing pond where you can catch and release the fish or spend the night in a cabin and enjoy a roaring campfire. Visit the charming gift shop for a memorable souvenir, the private penned areas, and the caged enclosures. The tour guides will ensure you know a lot more about the animals when you leave than when you arrived.

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari , Jefferson

The Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari is home to over eighty animals. During your visit, you’ll enjoy wildebeests, camels, donkeys, red deer, bison, and more. The animals roam freely around the 65 acres. Follow the signs to drive to the exotic animals while seeing zebras and fallow deer along the way. 

Your entire family will enjoy the field filled with braying donkeys.  There’s a really good chance that the more social animals will approach your car to say hi!

If you want to get even closer to the animals, visit their on-site petting zoo.  Be sure to stop by their office to purchase buckets of food to share with the animals.  While you’re there, pick up a branded t-shirt and a souvenir to take home! You can take incredible photographs and visit the petting zoo.

North Texas Safari Park , Bonham

If you want to view exotic and endangered species from the comfort of your car, then North Texas Safari Park is the best drive through safari in Texas for you! Located about an hour north of Dallas, this drive through safari in Texas has all sorts of animals.

Experience more of the animals by partaking in their optional activities like feeding the giraffes, exploring their exhibit dedicated to Australian animals, petting animals in the petting zoo and more!

Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park , Jefferson

See exotic animals in their natural setting right in the middle of East Texas at this drive through safari.  Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park consists of 125 free-range safari acres. Drive the 3 mile loop in the comfort of your own vehicle while you see the animals naturally and up close.

With over 20 years of experience caring for exotic animals, this ranch works hard to ensure the wonders of the animal world are well preserved. Make sure you bring a camera to capture the incredible animals and bring home unforgettable souvenirs!

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park , Evant

This drive through safari in Texas is a little different than others.  The entire safari is housed inside of a RV park. Their goal is to not only provide amazing animals for your viewing pleasure but to provide an overall family adventure – an economical one at that!

With over 23 animal species from 10 different countries, there are plenty of animals to see!

Have you visited a drive through safari in Texas?  Leave a comment below!

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Montoya (Monty) Hudson is the founder and primary voice behind The Spring Break Family. She has created informative travel content for families since 2018 by providing practical advice, easy to follow itineraries, and addressing the real challenges of family travel. Since the creation of her family travel blog, she's inspired thousands of families to travel the world with their kids.

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Privacy overview.

safari in san antonio

Our 2024 annual gala is right around the corner! click below to register and reserve your table!

2024 annual gala, to see pictures from our 2023 gala, click below., protecting & preserving wildlife in south texas, welcome to the oldest safari club international chapter in the state of texas. sci of san antonio is committed to the preservation and appreciation of wildlife and nature for the outdoorsman and hunter alike. safari club international is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. these primary missions are supported through advocacy, membership, education, and representation. protecting hunters’ rights and promoting wildlife conservation is what we are all about, we’ve got some amazing things going on here at sci of san antonio.

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SAFARI FAQs

We are here to assist you..

  • WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TIME SPENT AT THE RANCH? It generally takes an hour to an hour and a half to drive through once. Visitors are welcome to travel through the Wildlife Ranch as many times as they would like during their visit. The only exception is that visitors cannot leave and then return later that day. The Walk-A-Bout area is included. While visiting times vary from visitor to visitor, we safely suggest allocating at least five hours, which also allows for lunch at the Safari Camp Grill.
  • DO YOU DRIVE-THRU IN YOUR OWN CAR? ARE THERE SHUTTLES? Visitors explore the Wildlife Ranch in their own vehicles, as we do not provide rental cars. However, if you prefer a guided tour, our safari vehicles are available for an enhanced experience!
  • DO YOU HAVE ANY COUPONS OR DISCOUNTS? You can find a coupon, along with other San Antonio attractions, in the San Antonio Area Tourism Council Coupon Book online at VisitSanAntonio.com. Please note that this coupon is not valid during Spring Break or on weekends from March through August. Discounts are also available for military/first responders and AAA members. Coupons with online codes can be redeemed during the online purchase process. All other coupons or discounts must be redeemed or applied during ticket purchase onsite upon arrival.
  • CAN WE BRING OUR OWN FOOD FOR A PICNIC? Certainly! However, please note that barbecuing is not permitted. We offer a covered picnic pavilion and additional picnic tables under large canopy oak trees on a first-come, first-served basis. If you happen to forget anything, the Safari Camp Grill might have what you need to enhance your picnic experience.
  • ARE 18-WHEELERS, JEEPS, CONVERTIBLES, OR MOTORCYCLES ALLOWED? 18-wheelers are welcome, but trailers are not allowed in the Drive-Thru. If you have a trailer, you can drop it off in the parking lot before entering the Drive-Thru. Jeeps are permitted, but vehicle tops and full doors must be installed. Convertibles and motorcycles are not allowed.
  • CAN WE RIDE IN THE BACK OF THE PICKUP OR WITH VAN DOORS OPEN? To ensure safety, riding in the back of pickups or having van doors open is not permitted during the Safari Drive-Thru. It is crucial for visitors to have the protection of closed vehicles, especially from species with horns or antlers.
  • WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCH? Since visitors have the flexibility to travel through the Drive-Thru multiple times during their visit, we recommend mornings for a better experience. To avoid peak visitation times during holidays, summer, and weekends, it is advisable to arrive closer to 9 a.m.
  • CAN WE EXIT THE PARK AND COME BACK THE SAME DAY? Please note that visitors are unable to re-enter the park on the same day without purchasing admission again. Once visitors exit through the main gates, their tickets expire.
  • WHAT IF WE NEED TO GET GAS? Visitors can request a staff member to sign their admission receipt at the Safari Trading Post. They have a 30-minute window to refuel and return to the park.
  • CAN WE PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE? Absolutely! Simply visit the homepage of this website and choose your desired safari by clicking on "Safari Options" to access more information and purchase tickets. Alternatively, visitors can also buy tickets at the admissions booth upon entering the park. Upon admission, visitors receive a complimentary Adventure Guide Book, which includes safety regulations and a Ranch map.
  • DO THE ANIMALS COME OUT WHEN IT IS RAINING? Please be aware that animal behavior is always unpredictable, and we cannot guarantee their actions. Light rain does not typically affect the animals, as they are accustomed to living in natural elements. However, during heavy rain or extreme cold, the animals may seek shelter. Visitors are encouraged to drive through the park multiple times during their visit for further enjoyment.
  • DOES THE HEAT AFFECT THE ANIMALS? While many animals are genetically adapted to hot conditions, they respond to temperature changes much like humans do. It's not uncommon for them to seek shade for extended periods when temperatures soar.
  • ARE PETS ALLOWED? No, pets are not allowed on the premises of Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of both our animals and your pets. Even service animals are not permitted as our animals may perceive them as predators, potentially leading to injury. We prioritize the well-being of all visitors and animals at the ranch. Link to full explanation: U.S. Department of Justice www.ada.gov "At a zoo, service animals can be restricted from areas where the animals on display are the natural prey or natural predators of dogs, where the presence of a dog would be disruptive, causing the displayed animals to behave aggressively or become agitated."
  • AM I IN DANGER OF AN ANIMAL RAMMING MY CAR? The animals at the park are not vicious, but it's important to remember that they are still wild animals. When entering the park, you do so at your own risk. The animals are aware that vehicles may contain food and they are not bashful in looking for it.
  • HOW DO I APPLY FOR A JOB? Even if immediate positions are not open, we always accept job applications. Applications can be printed off in advance and delivered in person or mailed. You can also apply online by clicking here!
  • HOW DO I REQUEST A DONATION? Our donations department allocates passes on a monthly basis to organizations raising funds for appropriate causes. Please submit a request via the online form for consideration.

IMAGES

  1. Summer Fun 2019

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  2. Welcome to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in San Antonio Texas

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  3. Review of the San Antonio Texas Wildlife Safari

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  4. Review of the San Antonio Texas Wildlife Safari

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  5. Review of the San Antonio Texas Wildlife Safari

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  6. Go On Safari in San Antonio: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

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COMMENTS

  1. What to know about San Antonio's newest interactive safari

    Dino Safari opens in San Antonio just in time for Spring Break. By Katy Barber March 9, 2023. Dino Safari, opening at the Shops at Rivercenter, allows little ones to get close to...

  2. Guided Tour

    Maximum 8 guests per tour. BOOK SAFARI SHUTTLE. Safari Rover. Got a group of 9 or more adventurers? Hop aboard a Safari Rover and get up close to 40 different species! Learn from an informative and entertaining Ranch Tour Guide and get ready for plenty of oohs and ahhs. Safari Rover Booking: Contact our Tour Coordinator. CONTACT SAFARI ROVER.

  3. Top 12 Must See Drive Through Safaris in Texas

    Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, San Antonio. Aggieland Safari, Bryan. Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari, Eustace. Franklin Drive Thru Safari, Franklin. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose. Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari, Jacksonville. Grapeland Safari, Grapeland. Exotic Resort Zoo, Johnson City. Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari, Jefferson.

  4. SCI of San Antonio

    Protecting & Preserving WildlifeIn South Texas. Welcome to the oldest Safari Club International Chapter in the State of Texas. SCI of San Antonio is committed to the preservation and appreciation of wildlife and nature for the outdoorsman and hunter alike.

  5. FAQs

    SAFARI FAQs. We are here to assist you. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TIME SPENT AT THE RANCH? It generally takes an hour to an hour and a half to drive through once. Visitors are welcome to travel through the Wildlife Ranch as many times as they would like during their visit. The only exception is that visitors cannot leave and then return later that day.