Virginia Safari Park
Experience exotic animals up close! Drive-thru safari, interactive feeding, and unique encounters await at Virginia Safari Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, fewer crowds
Virginia Safari Park
Best Time
Animals are active, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience exotic animals up close! Drive-thru safari, interactive feeding, and unique encounters await at Virginia Safari Park.
"Hilarious if you try to feed the animals. They are savages and we have the best videos and memories. "
🚗 Bring Cleaning Supplies
Expect your car to get messy! Animal feed can get everywhere.
💰 Buy Extra Feed Tubs
Animals are greedy! One tub per person is recommended for maximum fun.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Drive-Thru Safari Adventure
Roam with elk, zebras, and more! Roll down your windows for up-close encounters and feeding opportunities.
Budgie Aviary
Get swarmed by friendly budgies eager for a treat. A truly immersive and joyful bird-feeding experience.
Giraffe Feeding Platform
Stand eye-to-eye with gentle giants and hand-feed them. An unforgettable, heartwarming interaction.
Penguin Experience
An intimate encounter to feed and pet these charming birds. Staff know them by name!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Feed the Animals (and Hold On Tight!)
Prepare for Close Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bring Cleaning Supplies
Expect your car to get messy! Animal feed can get everywhere.
💰 Buy Extra Feed Tubs
Animals are greedy! One tub per person is recommended for maximum fun.
🐦 Be Ready for Budgie Swarms
They love to land on you! It's part of the fun, but be prepared.
🦙 Llamas Love Buckets!
They'll try to grab your whole feed bucket. Hold on tight!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bring Cleaning Supplies
Expect your car to get messy! Animal feed can get everywhere.
💰 Buy Extra Feed Tubs
Animals are greedy! One tub per person is recommended for maximum fun.
🐦 Be Ready for Budgie Swarms
They love to land on you! It's part of the fun, but be prepared.
🦙 Llamas Love Buckets!
They'll try to grab your whole feed bucket. Hold on tight!
🎟️ Check for Discounts
Active/retired military and law enforcement get a discount.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the immersive drive-thru safari and the joy of feeding exotic animals. The interactive experiences, like the budgie aviary and giraffe feeding, are consistently praised for creating laughter and lasting memories. While the park can be pricey and messy, the unique encounters and well-cared-for animals make it a highly recommended destination for all ages.
"This place is fantastic and my family had such a fun time. We were able to drive out and spend the day and it's so fun to see the animals up close. We will definitely be back. I will add just a disclaimer that you will need to clean the inside of your vehicle afterwards :) The animals were enjoying the food so much that they wanted to share. Had to give it a good vacuum afterwards to get all the leftover food pellets, but it was totally worth it."
C
"We love it here and have been a couple of times. The staff is so nice and helpful.We love the gift shop and the food and drinks 👍🏼 I always just buy my tickets online ahead of time and it's so easy and never a long line to get in 🤷🏼♀️ We went on a Sunday and it wasn't busy at all. Wear comfortable shoes if you're going to do a lot of walking. And if you feed the animals in the Drive-Thru just know that your car will get dirty.... animal feed everywhere 😅 it's well worth it though because it is so much fun! A once in a lifetime experience and opportunity to create memories you'll never forget. We always have a blast here and we were laughing the whole time because the animals are so funny 🤣🥰 I should of bought more buckets of feed though because the animals eat them up pretty quickly from the beginning, save some for the guys at the end of the drive through or buy lots of buckets if you can! You'll feel bad when you run out 🤷🏼♀️😭😅 Definitely worth it to buy the bird feed sticks because that was the best part! If you go...feed the birds, they land right on your hand and the kids love it!🐦🐫🐒🐅🐧"
Amanda Cumber
"What a fun time. We showed up around 3:45pm and began the safari drive. We purchased four feed tubs at the entrance gate along with our tickets. There are alot of llamas at the front and they are very cute but alittle greedy. We were gone with our 4 tubs before the first bend of the drive. Woops. Definitely would get 4 tubs a person next time.
Loved the village part the most myself honestly. I am such a lover of birds and had so much fun feeding the budgies. Do be careful with them as they swarm you for those sticks if its just acouple of you inside. I had atleast 20 on me at once. They also like to lick the sweat on your arms and sometimes nibble. Its not too painful of a bite but it can lightly break skin so be cautious."
Heart Smithy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Virginia Safari Park is located at 229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578. It's about a 3-hour drive from Washington, D.C.
It's located in Natural Bridge, VA, and is roughly an hour from Roanoke and about 3 hours from Washington D.C.
Use the address 229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578. Many visitors report it's a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Yes, the Natural Bridge State Park is nearby, offering hiking and scenic views. +2
Public transport options are limited. Driving is the most common and recommended way to reach the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary by age: Adults (13-64) are around $27.95, Seniors (65+) are $25.95, and Children (2-12) are $20.95. Children under 2 are free.
Yes, active and retired military and law enforcement receive a $4 discount per ticket.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your entry.
The entrance fee for Natural Bridge State Park is $9 per person for ages 13 and up, and $6 for ages 6-12.
It's worth checking Groupon or similar deal sites periodically, as they sometimes offer discounts for the park.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals including elk, gazelles, zebras, giraffes, llamas, and many more exotic species in the drive-thru and walk-around areas.
Yes, feeding the animals is a highlight! You can purchase feed buckets to hand-feed many of the animals, but be prepared for them to be very eager.
It features both! You can drive your own vehicle or take a safari bus through the 180-acre drive-thru section, and there's also a walk-around zoo area.
Many visitors recommend rolling down your windows for close encounters and buying multiple feed buckets per person.
Yes, you can have unique experiences like hand-feeding giraffes and interacting with penguins.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food and sweet treat options available within the park, particularly in the walk-around zoo area.
While outside food might be allowed, purchasing food within the park supports their operations and is convenient. Specific policies should be checked on their website.
Expect typical park fare like snacks, drinks, and possibly light meals. The focus is on the animal experience.
Information on dedicated picnic areas isn't widely publicized, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead.
The nearby town of Natural Bridge and Lexington offer various dining options, from casual to sit-down restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The drive-thru safari offers incredible opportunities for close-up animal shots. The giraffe feeding platform and budgie aviary are also great for photos. +1
Absolutely! Most visitors take photos from their car during the drive-thru portion. Just be mindful of the animals getting close.
A telephoto lens is great for capturing animals from a distance, but a standard zoom lens is versatile for close-ups and the general park experience.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography may require special permits. Check with the park directly.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and more active animals, leading to better photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring extra clothes and cleaning supplies for your car, as the feed can get messy. Consider purchasing multiple feed buckets to ensure everyone gets a chance to interact. The park's layout is generally stroller-friendly in the walk-around areas, making it easy to navigate with young children.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Combine your visit with the nearby Natural Bridge State Park for a full day of exploration. The park's location makes it a convenient stop between destinations, offering a memorable experience without requiring an overnight stay.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a telephoto lens for distant animals and a versatile zoom for the interactive areas. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance your shots, and the animals are often most active during these times.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Drive-Thru Safari Experience
+1Many visitors highlight the importance of purchasing feed buckets for the drive-thru portion. These buckets are often snatched by eager animals, particularly llamas, leading to hilarious and sometimes messy encounters. It's a key part of the adventure, so be prepared for your car to get a bit dirty!
This drive-thru element makes it a fantastic option for families and those who want a convenient way to see exotic animals without extensive walking. It's a chance to create lasting memories and capture some incredible photos from the comfort of your car.
+1Interactive Animal Encounters
Another popular highlight is the giraffe feeding platform. Here, you can stand at eye-level with these majestic creatures and hand-feed them, creating a truly special connection. The park also offers other unique experiences, such as the penguin encounter, where you can get up close and personal with these charming birds.
These hands-on opportunities are what set the park apart, offering more than just observation. The staff's dedication to animal care is evident, with many noting how well-informed and engaged the keepers are.
Beyond the Animals: Natural Bridge
Visitors often combine their safari park visit with exploring the Natural Bridge itself. The area provides a different kind of natural wonder, complementing the exotic animal encounters with scenic vistas and geological marvels. It's a great way to round out a day trip or a longer stay in the region.
For those interested in history or unique venues, the Natural Bridge area has also been noted for its potential as a wedding location, adding another layer of appeal to the region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit