When was the last time a giraffe ate lettuce right from your hand—or a zebra walked right up to your car window? Tucked into the scenic rolling hills of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, the Virginia Safari Park invites you to immerse yourself in the wild, offering unforgettable, up-close encounters with more than 1,200 animals from around the globe.
The Virginia Safari Park is Virginia’s only drive-thru safari, set on 180-acres where exotic and domestic animals roam freely in wide-open pastures. From the comfort of your vehicle or on one of our wagons, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with bison, elk, ostriches, antelope and water buffalo. Want to get even closer? Just roll down your window and offer a bucket of feed—don’t be surprised if a curious emu or hungry llama stops by for a snack.
Beyond the Safari: Walk-Through Encounters and Rare Species
The adventure doesn’t end once your scenic safari drive is complete. Park your car and explore the Safari Village, a 10-acre walk-through area that brings you closer to some of the world’s most fascinating creatures.
Meet the park’s tallest residents at the Giraffe Tower, where you can feed towering, reticulated giraffes as they gently pluck romaine from your palm. Wander through the free-flight budgie aviary, where flocks of colorful parakeets swoop down for seeds. Say hello to farm favorites in the petting barn, and stroll through the kangaroo walk-about, where ‘roos hop freely around you.
One of the park’s biggest stars is the King Cheetah—a rare genetic variation of the African cheetah marked by striking, blotchy patterns and a thicker coat. Thought to be its own subspecies at one time, the king cheetah is rarely seen in the wild—or even in captivity. The Virginia Safari Park is the only facility in the U.S. where you can marvel at these elusive big cats up close and even compare them side-by-side with their spotted siblings.
Hands-On Experiences for the Whole Family
For those seeking even more immersive moments, the Virginia Safari Park offers interactive animal encounters that go far beyond observation. Sign up for scheduled meet-and-greets with African penguins, get nose-to-nose with a gentle two-toed sloth, or feel the awe of standing next to a Southern white rhino during a supervised experience.
Kids and adults alike will love the educational signs throughout the park, making each visit not only thrilling but enlightening. Conservation is a major focus at Virginia Safari Park—your visit supports the park’s global efforts to protect endangered species and preserve natural habitats.
Before You Go
No adventure is complete without a stop at the Safari Trading Post Gift Shop. From plush animals and safari gear to unique gifts and conservation-themed merchandise, it’s the perfect place to grab a memento—or a last-minute snack before hitting the road.
The Virginia Safari Park is located just off I-81, Exit 180/180-B in Natural Bridge, Virginia, making it an easy stop on your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip or weekend family getaway. The park is open mid-March through late November, with extended hours during peak seasons (closed on Thanksgiving Day).
Whether you’re feeding a zebra from your window, laughing at a llama’s antics, or locking eyes with a king cheetah, the Virginia Safari Park offers a rare kind of magic—a chance to connect with the animal kingdom in a truly personal way. It’s wild. It’s educational. And it’s an adventure you’ll never forget.
Plan your visit today at www.virginiasafaripark.com.
