Timbavati Wildlife Park
Experience up-close animal encounters, from feeding giraffes to petting kangaroos, at Timbavati Wildlife Park in Wisconsin Dells.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Timbavati Wildlife Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience up-close animal encounters, from feeding giraffes to petting kangaroos, at Timbavati Wildlife Park in Wisconsin Dells.
"This was the experience of a lifetime for my family. You gotta go check it out!"
🎯 Buy Animal Feed
Enhance your visit by purchasing feed to interact with giraffes, llamas, and more! :seedling:
⏰ Allow 2+ Hours
Give yourself ample time to enjoy the train ride and animal encounters. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Safari Train Ride
Park-wide
Ride through enclosures and feed animals like giraffes and llamas from the train. A unique way to get up close!
Kangaroo Enclosure
Kangaroo Exhibit
Step inside and pet or feed these friendly marsupials. A memorable experience for all ages.

Parakeet Encounter
Parakeet Area
Enter a space where parakeets fly freely, often landing on visitors. A delightful, interactive experience.
Sloth & Red Panda Exhibits
Special Exhibits
Get a chance to see and learn about fascinating animals like sloths and red pandas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Interactive Animal Encounters
Complimentary Tickets & Duration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy Animal Feed
Enhance your visit by purchasing feed to interact with giraffes, llamas, and more!
:seedling:⏰ Allow 2+ Hours
Give yourself ample time to enjoy the train ride and animal encounters.
:stopwatch:🏨 Kalahari Perk
Staying at Kalahari? You might get complimentary tickets!
:key:👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking to see all the animals.
:athletic_shoe:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy Animal Feed
Enhance your visit by purchasing feed to interact with giraffes, llamas, and more!
:seedling:⏰ Allow 2+ Hours
Give yourself ample time to enjoy the train ride and animal encounters.
:stopwatch:🏨 Kalahari Perk
Staying at Kalahari? You might get complimentary tickets!
:key:👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking to see all the animals.
:athletic_shoe:📸 Capture Memories
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of unique animal encounters.
:camerawithflash:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Timbavati Wildlife Park for its highly interactive animal encounters, including feeding opportunities and close-up experiences with kangaroos and parakeets. The safari train ride is a highlight for many, offering a unique way to see and feed animals. While some note the park could use some updates, the overall sentiment is positive, especially for families seeking engaging and memorable wildlife experiences.
"I'm not usually a big fan of "zoos" but this was the experience of a lifetime for my family. We went on a safari ride where we got to feed a giraffe, camels, llamas etc. We saw a RHINO! The animals were really well taken care of and there was an insane variety. You gotta go check it out! Highly recommend ✨⭐"
Mama Epps
"It was great to see the animals and an awesome experience to be able to pet the kangaroos. They have the option to buy animal feed for you to feed the animals too. The train ride was cool and it stopped so that the animals could walk up to the train and people can feed them right there and pet them. The parakeet area was pretty cool, you enter into their spot where they are free flying and might even land on you."
Jamie Ezqueda
"We visited Timbavati Wildlife Park on Father’s Day and had a great time! Our group included six adults and three kids (ages 3 to 8), and everyone had fun. There were no lines or long waits, which made the day feel super relaxed.
One of the highlights was the free animal encounters—we got to go inside the bird and kangaroo enclosures, which was such a fun and unique experience for all ages.
We also did the train ride, which was nice for giving our legs a break. It was helpful for feeding the deer and getting a closer look at the rhino, but aside from that, it didn’t add too much. If you’re okay walking, you could probably skip it, but it’s a good option for anyone who prefers less walking.
The park itself was clean, easy to navigate, and the staff were all friendly and welcoming. We grabbed some ice cream by the lion enclosure to cool off before heading out.
All in all, it was a great way to spend a Sunday—and we’d definitely come back again!"
Tegan Shelton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Timbavati Wildlife Park is located in Wisconsin Dells, WI. It's easily accessible by car. If you're coming from Illinois, it's a highly recommended option for families.
Many visitors combine their trip with stays at nearby resorts like Kalahari.Absolutely! Timbavati Wildlife Park is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a variety of animal encounters and exhibits that can be enjoyed within a few hours.
The park offers a safari train ride that takes you through enclosures, allowing you to feed animals from the train.
This is a great option for resting your legs and getting close to animals like giraffes and llamas.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees apply for Timbavati Wildlife Park.
However, if you are staying at Kalahari Resorts, you may receive complimentary tickets, which is a significant saving.Yes, you can purchase boxes of animal feed to feed the animals, which is a highly recommended interactive experience.
This allows for close encounters with animals like giraffes and llamas.Timbavati Wildlife Park is typically open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, especially during different seasons.
As mentioned, staying at Kalahari Resorts can grant you complimentary tickets.
It's worth checking their website or contacting them directly for any seasonal promotions or group rates.While specific details about a 'behind-the-scenes' tour aren't extensively covered in the provided content, the general consensus is that the park offers great value for the price due to the close animal interactions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Timbavati Wildlife Park boasts a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, camels, llamas, kangaroos, tigers, rhinos, sloths, red pandas, and many more.
The park is renowned for its interactive experiences, such as petting kangaroos, feeding giraffes and llamas, and entering the parakeet enclosure where birds may land on you.
Yes, Timbavati Wildlife Park is highly recommended for families with young children. The interactive exhibits and the safari train ride are particularly enjoyable for kids.
The safari train ride allows you to travel through animal enclosures and feed animals like deer, llamas, and giraffes as they approach the train.
It's a relaxed way to see and interact with the animals.While specific shows aren't detailed, the park features special exhibits like the sloth and red panda encounters, offering unique opportunities to see and learn about these animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Timbavati Wildlife Park has a cafe where you can grab lunch and snacks. They also offer ice-cold smoothies.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the park's policy on outside food. However, with a cafe on-site, it's likely they encourage purchasing from their facilities.
The park offers lunch options and refreshing ice-cold smoothies.
Visitors have also mentioned grabbing ice cream by the lion enclosure.📸 📸 Photography
The interactive areas like the kangaroo enclosure and the safari train ride offer fantastic photo opportunities as animals come right up to you.
The red panda and sloth exhibits also make for unique shots.Yes, many visitors take photos during their animal encounters, especially when feeding or petting animals in designated areas like the kangaroo enclosure.
No specific restrictions on photography are mentioned, but always be mindful of animal welfare and follow any staff instructions.
A camera with a good zoom lens can be beneficial for capturing animals from a distance, but for interactive experiences, a standard smartphone camera is usually sufficient.
Absolutely! The interactive nature of Timbavati, especially in the kangaroo and parakeet enclosures, and during the train ride, provides excellent opportunities for close-up shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many reviewers highlight that the park is easy to navigate and the staff are friendly, contributing to a stress-free outing. The parakeet enclosure is a particularly delightful spot where children can have birds land on them. With a variety of animals from giraffes to smaller creatures, there's something to capture every child's imagination.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there's an additional cost for animal feed, it's relatively inexpensive and greatly enhances the interactive aspect, making it a worthwhile small expense. Bringing your own snacks or a packed lunch might also be an option, though the park does have a cafe for convenience. Overall, Timbavati provides an engaging and memorable experience without breaking the bank, especially if you can secure discounted or free entry.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While a zoom lens can be helpful for capturing animals further away, most of the park's appeal lies in its close-up interactions, making a standard smartphone camera or a versatile lens perfectly adequate for capturing memorable images. Remember to be patient and observant, as the best shots often come when you least expect them.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Interactive Animal Experiences
Beyond the common interactions, Timbavati also offers special encounters with animals like sloths and red pandas. These experiences allow for closer observation and learning about these fascinating creatures. The park's emphasis on these direct interactions is a key reason why many families find it to be an unforgettable visit.
When planning your visit, consider purchasing animal feed to fully immerse yourself in these activities. This small investment significantly enhances the experience, allowing for more frequent and engaging interactions with the park's diverse inhabitants.
The Safari Train Ride
While the train ride is enjoyable for its interactive feeding opportunities and a chance to rest your legs, some visitors note that it might not add substantial value beyond that if you are comfortable walking the entire park. However, for families with young children or those who prefer less strenuous exploration, the train ride is a convenient and enjoyable way to experience a significant portion of the park. It's a great way to get a closer look at animals that might be more distant on foot.
Plan to allocate time for the train ride as part of your overall visit. It's a well-integrated part of the Timbavati experience, offering both a relaxing journey and a chance for memorable animal encounters.
Value and Family Appeal
The park's layout is generally described as clean and easy to navigate, making it accessible for families with strollers or for those who prefer a less challenging walk. The staff are often noted as being friendly and welcoming, contributing to a positive overall experience. This combination of affordability, engaging activities, and a welcoming environment makes Timbavati a strong contender for a family outing in Wisconsin Dells.
Furthermore, the potential for complimentary tickets through partnerships with resorts like Kalahari can significantly enhance the perceived value for guests staying at those locations. This makes it an even more attractive option for budget-conscious travelers looking for fun activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit