Safari Wilderness Ranch
Experience a thrilling African safari adventure in the heart of Florida, with close encounters and interactive feeding opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Safari Wilderness Ranch
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a thrilling African safari adventure in the heart of Florida, with close encounters and interactive feeding opportunities.
"A hidden gem offering an unforgettable safari adventure with amazing animal encounters."
🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance
Reservations are a must! Secure your spot for the best safari experience. :ticket:
🚗 Be Ready for Bumpy Roads
The unpaved roads add to the adventure, but expect a bumpy ride! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lemur Feeding Encounter
Designated feeding areas
Get up close and personal to feed these playful primates. A truly memorable and interactive experience for all ages.
Drive-Thru Safari Adventure
Throughout the ranch
Embark on a guided tour through 260 acres, spotting zebras, ostriches, and more from your vehicle.
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Exotic Animal Sightings
Various enclosures and grazing fields
Witness a diverse array of animals, from majestic Watusi cattle to graceful deer and elusive coatis.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for the Best Experience
Prepare for an Unpaved Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance
Reservations are a must! Secure your spot for the best safari experience. :ticket:
🚗 Be Ready for Bumpy Roads
The unpaved roads add to the adventure, but expect a bumpy ride! :athletic_shoe:
💰 Consider Extra Experiences
Feeding the lemurs or other animals is highly recommended and worth the extra cost. :moneywithwings:
🗣️ Engage with Your Guide
Guides are knowledgeable and make the tour fun and informative. Ask questions! :speech_balloon:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance
Reservations are a must! Secure your spot for the best safari experience. :ticket:
🚗 Be Ready for Bumpy Roads
The unpaved roads add to the adventure, but expect a bumpy ride! :athletic_shoe:
💰 Consider Extra Experiences
Feeding the lemurs or other animals is highly recommended and worth the extra cost. :moneywithwings:
🗣️ Engage with Your Guide
Guides are knowledgeable and make the tour fun and informative. Ask questions! :speech_balloon:
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera! You'll want to photograph the incredible animals up close.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Safari Wilderness Ranch is praised as a unique and exciting destination offering an authentic safari experience in Florida. Visitors love the close encounters with exotic animals, especially during interactive feeding sessions like the lemur feeding. The knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, though some find the cost to be on the higher side.
"We got lucky and went at at a time nobody else signed up for so we had a private tour! Art was very kind and gave a great tour in the safari vehicle. I loved the ostriches and hogs trying to follow along. Our experience with the coati and lemurs was the best. I wished I could’ve fed lemurs grapes all day! My kids loved all the roaming cats and goats too."
Chelsea “Travel CAL”
"It's fun. Expensive but cool. You stay in your car with 6-7 other cars. Takes about an hour. You drive slow and super close to the car in front of you. The tour guide keeps in touch via car radio.
Animals came right by our car. You only stop a couple times for pics of the animals. Roads are unpaved and you do bounce
You do have to have a reservation"
Jenni Gregory
"My wife and I did the tour and paid extra to feed the lemurs. Our guide was Art and he was excellent. He provided a lot of information and gave us plenty of time with the animals along the way. I recommend the lemur feeding."
Adam Goldenberg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Safari Wilderness Ranch is located about 25 minutes north of downtown Lakeland, Florida. It's roughly an hour from both Orlando and Tampa, making it a convenient day trip.
Absolutely! Safari Wilderness Ranch is a perfect day trip destination, offering a unique safari experience without the need for extensive travel.
The ranch offers various tour options, including drive-thru safaris in your own vehicle, guided safari vehicles, and ATV tours for a closer experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are essential for Safari Wilderness Ranch. You cannot just show up; booking in advance ensures your entry and preferred tour time.
While prices can vary, it's described as 'expensive but cool' by visitors. There are often additional costs for special experiences like feeding the lemurs. +1
Operating hours can vary, and it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information. Reservations are required.
Yes, Safari Wilderness Ranch offers various tours, including drive-thru safaris, guided bus tours, and ATV tours, each providing a different level of animal interaction.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of exotic animals including zebras, ostriches, lemurs, Watusi cattle, deer, coatis, and more. +1
Yes, special experiences often allow you to feed certain animals, such as lemurs and antelope. This is a highly recommended add-on. +1
The drive-thru safari involves driving slowly through the ranch in your vehicle, with animals often coming right up to your car. Guides communicate via radio.
Yes, it's a fantastic experience for families and children, offering exciting animal encounters and educational opportunities.
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially since the roads are unpaved and you might be walking around designated areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are when animals approach your vehicle during the drive-thru safari or during guided tours where you can get closer. Feeding encounters also make for great shots.
Yes, your phone camera is perfect for capturing the close-up encounters with the animals.
Generally, photography is encouraged. However, always be mindful of the animals' space and follow your guide's instructions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The opportunity to feed animals like lemurs is a highlight that children will talk about for ages. Pro-tip for families: Book a guided tour or an ATV tour for even closer encounters and more interactive experiences. Ensure you book well in advance, especially for popular feeding sessions, to avoid disappointment.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Focus on the core safari experience if budget is a major concern. While the animal feeding experiences are highly recommended, the standard tour still offers incredible sightings.
❤️ Couples and Adventurous Pairs
Consider booking a private tour if available for a more exclusive and romantic experience. The unpaved roads and close animal encounters add a sense of wild adventure that can be quite bonding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Safari Wilderness Ranch Experience
+1The core of the experience revolves around guided tours designed to bring you as close as possible to the animals. Whether you opt for a drive-thru safari in your own vehicle or a more intimate guided tour in a safari vehicle or ATV, the emphasis is on interaction and education. Guides are knowledgeable and passionate, sharing insights about the animals and their conservation.
Beyond the standard tours, special experiences like feeding the lemurs or other animals are a major draw, offering unforgettable moments. These activities are often highlighted as the best part of the visit, making the slightly higher cost feel worthwhile for many visitors.
Animal Encounters and Conservation
+1 The unpaved roads and naturalistic enclosures contribute to an authentic feel, allowing animals to roam and interact in ways that mimic their natural habitats. Many visitors rave about the interactive feeding experiences, particularly with the lemurs. These opportunities allow for close-up views and memorable photo opportunities, making the visit more engaging.
While the primary goal is visitor enjoyment, the ranch also emphasizes its role in animal conservation. By supporting the ranch through visits and special experiences, guests contribute to the care and preservation of these animals. This dual focus on entertainment and conservation makes Safari Wilderness Ranch a destination that offers both excitement and a sense of purpose.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit