Giraffes galore!
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Giraffe Ranch

4.7
·655 reviews·Dade City, United States

Experience unforgettable up-close encounters with giraffes and other exotic animals in a unique, natural setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
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Giraffes galore!

Giraffe Ranch

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience unforgettable up-close encounters with giraffes and other exotic animals in a unique, natural setting. Reddit

4.7
(655 reviews)

"This place was amazing. It is a total hidden Gem but worth every penny. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Ask for Brody!

Brody is a highly recommended tour guide, known for being engaging, entertaining, and knowledgeable.

🎟️ Book Encounters Early

Popular experiences like lemur feeding sell out. Reserve your spot online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giraffe Feeding Encounter

Giraffe Feeding Encounter

Designated feeding areas

Experience the thrill of hand-feeding majestic giraffes. A truly unforgettable moment for animal lovers of all ages.

Reddit
Drive-Thru Safari

Drive-Thru Safari

Designated safari route

Explore the park from your vehicle, encountering animals like camels and rhinos roaming freely.

Reddit
Lemur Feeding Experience

Lemur Feeding Experience

Lemur enclosure

Get up close with gentle lemurs and learn about their behavior during a guided feeding session.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Encounters

Up-close animal encounters, especially feeding experiences, are popular and often require advance booking. Check the official website for availability and to secure your spot, as they can sell out quickly. Reddit

Dress for Adventure

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and potentially uneven terrain. Light, breathable clothing is recommended, and consider bringing sun protection like hats and sunscreen, as much of the experience is outdoors. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon, post-lunch
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Get into the wild at the Giraffe Ranch! Located in Date City, come check out one of the best experiences ever! 🦒🐫 About an hour away from Rosen Hotels! #RosenHotels #RosenHotelsandResorts #GiraffeRanch #giraffe #livewildlyfl #floridawildlife
@rosenhotels
156 likes • 7.5K views

🎯 Ask for Brody!

Brody is a highly recommended tour guide, known for being engaging, entertaining, and knowledgeable. Reddit+3

🎟️ Book Encounters Early

Popular experiences like lemur feeding sell out. Reserve your spot online in advance to avoid disappointment. Reddit

A drive-thru safari in Florida?! 🦒🛻 Giraffe Ranch in Dade City is a must-visit for animal lovers!#wildlifesafari #animallovers #floridalife #dadecityflorida #drivethrusafari
@sizzleandsunshine2
136 likes • 1.1K views
Book the “Custom Safari Vehicle Tour” and beware of the Ostrich..I was skeptical 🤣 #girafeeranch #dadecityfl #safaritourguide #zooanimals🐯🐵🐍🐼🐘 #orlando #tampa #thingstodoinorlandowithkids #thingstodointampabay #kidfriendly
@heyits_vickiij
108 likes • 14.3K views

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing some walking. Closed-toe shoes are best for exploring the grounds safely. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Much of the ranch is exposed to the sun. Reddit

She was a very sweet girl #giraffe #girafferanch #florida #dadecity #fyp #everdell
@alliecaroline
1.3K likes • 10.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Ask for Brody!

Brody is a highly recommended tour guide, known for being engaging, entertaining, and knowledgeable. Reddit+3

🎟️ Book Encounters Early

Popular experiences like lemur feeding sell out. Reserve your spot online in advance to avoid disappointment. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing some walking. Closed-toe shoes are best for exploring the grounds safely. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Much of the ranch is exposed to the sun. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moments

Don't forget your camera! The animals are active and photogenic, especially during feeding times. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(655 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Giraffe Ranch for its exceptional animal encounters and the knowledgeable, engaging guides who make the experience personal and fun. The well-cared-for animals and the unique opportunities for up-close interactions are major highlights. Some visitors note that certain popular encounters can sell out quickly, emphasizing the need for advance booking.

"I enjoyed my experience at Giraffe Ranch yesterday. Our tour guide Brody was amazing, hee made the tour even more fun. Some of the animals was just roaming freely, enjoying themselves, the giraffe was greeting us as we drove pass."

Shawday Johnson

"We made a reservation for the drive thru safari and lemur feeding experience. It definitely exceeded our expectations. Brody was our tour guide and I can't say enough about how engaging and entertaining he was. The kids enjoyed learning about all the animals and he even played a trivia game with everyone. Ask for Body - I promise you won't be disappointed. I'm so happy we opted to feed the lemurs. They were very gentle and the kids learned a lot! Overall, a great experience and fun afternoon."

Tiffany Nozicka

"Julian and Chris were our Guides and both were able to tell us all the info on the different animals. They didn't rush they took their time and made it a very personal experience. Julian was just amazing she was so sweet and kind and helpful. This place was amazing. It is a total hidden Gem but worth every penny. You can tell the animals were well taken care of and happy. I will go again Thank you to everyone their for making my daughter's Birthday present so awesome. 10/10"

No Compromise

What People Like

Up-close animal encounters
Knowledgeable and friendly guides
Well-cared-for animals

What People Dislike

Encounters can sell out

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Giraffe Ranch is typically located in a more rural setting. Visitors often drive their own vehicles. Check the official website for the most accurate address and directions, as GPS can sometimes be unreliable in these areas. Reddit

Yes, ample parking is usually available for visitors. It's generally free of charge, but it's always a good idea to confirm on their website. Reddit

Public transportation options are typically very limited or non-existent for attractions like Giraffe Ranch due to their location. Driving is the most common and recommended method of arrival. Reddit

The best route will depend on your starting point. It's advisable to use a reliable GPS system and cross-reference with directions provided on the Giraffe Ranch website, especially if you're coming from a distance. Reddit

Depending on the specific location of the Giraffe Ranch, there may be several regional or major airports within driving distance. Research the closest airport to your intended Giraffe Ranch destination. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices vary depending on the package and experiences you choose. General admission often covers the drive-thru safari, while up-close encounters like giraffe feeding or lemur feeding have separate fees. Check their website for current pricing. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book tickets and especially any special encounters in advance online. Popular times and experiences can sell out, so booking ahead ensures your spot. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Giraffe Ranch website for the most up-to-date operating hours for the day you plan to visit. Reddit

Yes, Giraffe Ranch often offers various packages that may include the drive-thru safari, specific animal encounters, or combination deals. Explore their website to find the best option for your visit. Reddit

While some tickets might be available at the gate, it's strongly advised to book online in advance, especially for popular animal encounters, to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Giraffe Ranch is home to a variety of animals including giraffes, camels, rhinos, lemurs, and more. The drive-thru safari allows you to see many of them in a more naturalistic setting. Reddit

Absolutely! Giraffe Ranch is known for its up-close encounters, such as feeding giraffes and lemurs, and interacting with other animals. These often require separate booking. Reddit+1

The drive-thru safari allows you to slowly drive your vehicle through designated areas where animals roam freely. It's a great way to observe their behavior in a spacious environment. Reddit

Yes, Giraffe Ranch is very family-friendly. The animal encounters and the safari are exciting for kids, and guides often make the experience educational and fun for younger visitors. Reddit+1

The duration of your visit can vary greatly depending on the packages you choose. A drive-thru safari might take an hour, while adding multiple encounters could extend your stay to half a day or more. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Anywhere you can get a clear view of the animals! The drive-thru safari offers unique perspectives, and designated feeding areas provide excellent opportunities for close-up shots. Reddit

Drone usage is typically prohibited at wildlife parks and ranches to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check the park's specific rules regarding drones before your visit. Reddit

While not always advertised, inquire with the ranch if they offer any special photography experiences or if guides can assist with finding the best photo opportunities. Reddit

A camera with a good zoom lens is beneficial for capturing animals from a distance. However, for close-up encounters, even a smartphone can capture great memories. Reddit

During specific, supervised encounters like giraffe or lemur feeding, you can often get very close for photos. Always follow the instructions of the animal handlers. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Giraffe Ranch is an absolute hit with families! The hands-on animal encounters, especially feeding the giraffes and lemurs, are incredibly exciting for children. Guides like Brody are fantastic at keeping kids engaged with fun facts and games, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Reddit+2

Tips for families: Book your animal encounters well in advance, as they are very popular. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring sun protection. The drive-thru safari is a great way to keep younger ones entertained while observing animals from the safety of your car. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Animal Lovers

For couples and dedicated animal lovers, Giraffe Ranch offers a deeply rewarding and personal experience. The opportunity to connect with animals like giraffes and lemurs on such an intimate level is often described as magical. Reddit The knowledgeable and passionate guides enhance this connection by sharing detailed information about each species. Reddit+1

Recommendations: Consider booking a private or semi-private encounter for a more intimate experience. The 'hidden gem' status of the ranch means it often feels less crowded and more authentic than larger zoos, providing a peaceful and memorable outing for two. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find plenty of opportunities to capture stunning wildlife shots at Giraffe Ranch. The close-up encounters provide excellent chances for detailed portraits, while the drive-thru safari allows for capturing animals in more naturalistic settings. Reddit

Photography tips: Bring a camera with a good zoom lens. Be prepared for varying light conditions and consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for softer light. Always respect the animals' space and follow guide instructions for the best and safest shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Giraffe Experience

The star attraction at Giraffe Ranch is, unsurprisingly, the giraffes. Visitors rave about the opportunity to not only see these gentle giants up close but also to feed them by hand. Guides like Brody and Lacy are frequently mentioned for their ability to make these interactions educational and fun, sharing insights into giraffe behavior and conservation. Reddit+3 The animals are described as well-cared for and happy, with giraffes often greeting visitors as they pass by. Reddit

When planning your visit, remember that these up-close encounters are highly sought after. Booking these experiences in advance is crucial, as they often have limited slots per day. The sheer joy of a giraffe lowering its head to accept a treat is a highlight for many, making it a must-do for giraffe enthusiasts. Reddit

Beyond the Giraffes: Other Encounters

While giraffes steal the spotlight, Giraffe Ranch offers a variety of other engaging animal encounters. The lemur feeding experience is another popular choice, where visitors can interact with these playful primates. Guides often incorporate trivia and educational elements, making it an enriching experience for all ages. Reddit+1

Beyond feeding opportunities, the drive-thru safari provides a unique perspective on animals like camels and rhinos as they roam freely. This allows for observation of their natural behaviors in a spacious environment. Many visitors express surprise at the quality and personal nature of the experience, often calling it a 'hidden gem' that's 'worth every penny.' Reddit

The Role of Guides

The guides at Giraffe Ranch play a pivotal role in shaping the visitor experience. Names like Brody, Julian, and Lacy are consistently praised in reviews for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to connect with guests. Reddit+4 They are noted for not rushing tours, making them personal, and sharing fascinating facts about the animals. Their engaging personalities, including playing trivia games, significantly enhance the fun and educational aspects of the visit. Reddit+1

Choosing a tour with a guide like Brody is often highlighted as a way to ensure a memorable visit. Their passion for the animals and commitment to guest satisfaction are frequently cited as reasons why visitors have such positive experiences and recommend the ranch to others. Reddit+1

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