Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Embark on a Texas-sized African safari! Drive through 500 acres encountering over 500 animals, from giraffes to zebras, with opportunities for feeding...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Embark on a Texas-sized African safari! Drive through 500 acres encountering over 500 animals, from giraffes to zebras, with opportunities for feeding.
"We had the absolute best time! It is so well done and the animals all looked so happy and healthy."
🚗 Buy Extra Feed Bags
Get at least 3 bags of feed for the self-drive tour to interact with animals throughout the ranch.
⏰ Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds and heat by arriving right when they open.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Drive-Thru Safari
500-acre ranch
Embark on a thrilling drive-thru safari, encountering over 500 animals from 40+ species up close.
Petting Barnyard & Aviary
Walk-about area
Get hands-on with friendly farm animals and enjoy the delightful avian experience where birds land on you.
Giraffe Encounters
Safari drive
Witness majestic giraffes and other exotic animals as they approach your vehicle, eager for a treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Safari Drive
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Buy Extra Feed Bags
Get at least 3 bags of feed for the self-drive tour to interact with animals throughout the ranch.
⏰ Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds and heat by arriving right when they open.
💰 Private Tour Value
Consider the private guided tour for a more personalized and informative experience.
⚠️ Ostrich Warning
Be cautious with ostriches; they can be aggressive and may damage vehicles.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Buy Extra Feed Bags
Get at least 3 bags of feed for the self-drive tour to interact with animals throughout the ranch.
⏰ Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds and heat by arriving right when they open.
💰 Private Tour Value
Consider the private guided tour for a more personalized and informative experience.
⚠️ Ostrich Warning
Be cautious with ostriches; they can be aggressive and may damage vehicles.
🚶♀️ Explore the Walk-About
Don't miss the walk-about area with monkeys, birds, and other animals before or after your drive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the incredible up-close animal encounters and the well-maintained, beautiful ranch grounds. Many highlight the joy of feeding the animals and the overall immersive safari experience. While some find the cost a bit high, the quality of the experience and the happiness of the animals generally outweigh this concern for most.
"We had the absolute best time! We did the self-drive tour since my daughter is under 3 years old. She loved it even more than I thought and so did we. It is so well done and the animals all looked so happy and healthy. They will wait by your car for food which was so fun. I recommend at least 3 bags of feed to make it all the way through. We saw every single animal! It is a beautiful drive too! The ranch is gorgeous and so well-maintained. I was also amazed at how good the food is! It’s on par with a nice restaurant in my opinion as far as quality and taste. There is so much to see and it is all so clean. I don’t know what I expected, but my goodness it was incredible. We will visit every year on our yearly NB vacation! So impressed!"
Kristin Strother
"We had a great visit! Highly recommend the private guided tour - our guide Alyssa was so sweet, knowledgeable, and patient. The animals were out and about and our tour was at 230pm.
The $5 bird aviary was so fun, totally worth it! If you're able to go during the week I recommend that, we were almost the only ppl there which was awesome.
Thanks again Alyssa! We cant wait to come back."
Ashley Allen
"Visited Sunday, August 17, 2025
We visited this rescue ranch 20 years ago while vacationing in San Antonio before we had a child. My husband has been wanting to bring our daughter here for sometime. We finally made as she gets ready to start college. Better late than never!
It’s a great experience but keep in mind expensive. You have the option of self guided drive through or be driven on one of their recreational vehicles. If you choose option one, you will be charged per person in your vehicle. This is why I give it 4 stars. I don’t understand why charge per person in a vehicle rather than a flat fee per car. And you have to buy the feed too! In all we paid well over $100 for 3 people and a 1/2 bag of pellets.
Aside from this negative, again an amazing experience. You drive around and creatures such as antelope, bison, deer, rams, zebras, etc if not too hot will come up to your vehicle for pellets. To major matters to keep in mind: Ostrich can be mean, your car can be damaged and don’t use up all your feed at the start of the drive through. Space it out because you’ll run out before you get half way or towards the end. The giraffe’s were not willing to come out from the shade. Nor the bison and rhinoceros’s. Hey, I wouldn’t want to get out of the shade if I know when my next feeding will be. And you only get to drive by and see the Cheetah’s. But there a reason for that unless you want to be their food!
Lastly, check out the walk up wildlife at the end too!
Definitely, a great experience for the family. Get there early to beat the crowd that begins to arrive mid morning."
CG Fahrman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ranch is conveniently located just about 30 minutes from the San Antonio airport, making it an accessible destination for visitors.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is approximately an hour's drive from Austin, making it a feasible day trip for those in the Austin area.
The ranch is located at 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266. It's a straightforward drive from San Antonio and surrounding areas.
Yes, GPS navigation systems will accurately guide you to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch using its address.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors, especially for those opting for the self-drive tour or visiting the walk-about areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket pricing can vary, with self-guided tours often charged per person in the vehicle, and private tours having a set fee. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for private tours or during peak seasons, is highly recommended to secure your spot.
The self-guided tour ticket typically grants you access to drive through the 500-acre ranch and observe the animals from your vehicle. Feed for the animals is usually an additional purchase.
Discounts may be available for certain groups or during specific promotions. It's advisable to check their website or inquire directly about any potential offers.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see over 500 animals from more than 40 species, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, bison, deer, rams, and more.
Yes, you can purchase feed to give to many of the animals during the self-drive tour. It's a highlight for many visitors!
The self-drive allows you to explore at your own pace, while the private guided tour offers a more in-depth experience with a knowledgeable guide.
Yes, the ranch features a walk-about area with a petting barnyard, monkeys, birds, and other animals.
The self-drive tour can take up to 2 hours, depending on how long you stop to observe and feed the animals. The walk-about area can take an additional hour.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the ranch offers food options, and reviewers have praised the quality and taste, comparing it to a nice restaurant.
The food offerings are varied and have been noted for their quality and taste, making it a pleasant dining experience during your visit.
While not explicitly mentioned, the ranch's spacious grounds might offer areas suitable for picnics, though dining facilities are also available.
Information on bringing outside food and drinks is not readily available, but it's generally a good idea to check the ranch's policy or plan to utilize their dining services.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but it's recommended to inquire with the dining staff upon arrival about available choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere you can get close to the animals! The drive-thru safari offers incredible opportunities, especially with giraffes and zebras.
Absolutely! Most visitors take photos directly from their vehicles during the safari drive.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography that might disturb them.
A telephoto lens is ideal for capturing close-ups of animals from your car, while a wider lens can be useful for landscape shots of the ranch.
Drone usage is typically restricted at wildlife parks to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals. It's best to confirm with the ranch directly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
The petting barnyard in the walk-about area is another major hit with little ones, offering a chance for hands-on interaction with gentler farm animals. The ranch is well-maintained and clean, and the food options have been praised, making it easy to manage a day out with kids. Arriving early is recommended to keep energy levels high and avoid meltdowns during peak crowds.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
To maximize value, arrive early to make the most of your time and consider bringing your own snacks and drinks if permitted, though the on-site food is reportedly good. Focusing on the main safari drive and the free-to-explore walk-about areas can provide a full day of entertainment without needing to purchase every add-on.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Experiment with different angles from your vehicle, and be patient as animals approach. The walk-about areas also offer great photo ops, especially with the active monkeys and birds in the aviary. Remember to be respectful of the animals and avoid disruptive photography practices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Safari Experience
The private guided tour offers a more curated and educational experience. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the ranch in a dedicated vehicle, providing insights into the animals' behaviors and the ranch's conservation efforts. This option is ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of the wildlife or a more comfortable, less self-directed outing. Reviewers have praised the guides for being sweet, knowledgeable, and patient, making the experience even more memorable.
When deciding, consider your group's preferences and budget. The self-drive offers freedom, while the private tour provides expert narration and a potentially more relaxed atmosphere. Both promise an unforgettable encounter with a diverse array of animals.
+1Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from the Community
Feed is key for engaging with the wildlife. If you opt for the self-drive tour, be prepared to purchase multiple bags of feed. Reviewers emphasize that spacing out the feed is crucial to ensure you have enough to interact with animals throughout the entire drive. Some animals, like giraffes, are particularly eager for treats, making this a highlight for many.
Beyond the main safari drive, don't overlook the walk-about areas. These sections often feature a petting barnyard, active monkeys, and a delightful aviary where birds might land on you. The avian experience, in particular, is often highlighted as a fun, inexpensive add-on that provides a unique, hands-on interaction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit