Lion Country Safari in Florida seems like a place where you can truly feel relief from the hustle and bustle of city life. This is a place you can get up close and personal with lions and tigers, as well as other animals such as zebras, giraffes, bears, and more.
This is why I went there to see how it is and whether or not visiting this country-themed park would be worth visiting on your next trip to Florida.
You can find out what animals you can see and what discounts are available. This park offers more than 900 species of animals!
To take advantage of these discounts, you should book your tickets online ahead of time. You can also call ahead to get the most current information about their discounts.
This article will tell you how to enjoy a drive-through or walk-through amusement park at Lion Country Safari in Florida.
Also, see the video below for some fun facts about the park.
The more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be to have an enjoyable day at Lion Country Safari.
Lion Country Safari Florida is a Drive-through Safari Park
The drive-through or walk-through amusement park Lion Country Safari is located on 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach County, Florida.
Founded in 1967, Lion Country Safari claims to be the first cage-free zoo in the United States.
It features an array of exotic animals, such as tigers and elephants, and the entire family will enjoy the park.
The park offers animal habitats, rides, and a petting zoo. There’s also a restaurant, shops, and souvenir stores to purchase safari-themed items.
If you plan to bring your kids, make sure to schedule a minimum of four hours so you can enjoy the park as much as possible.
You can’t expect a lot of entertainment, but you will definitely be entertained!
The park offers a discounted Annual Pass that provides unlimited access for a year.
While the drive-through safari ends at the walk-through Safari World, you can stay the night at a campground adjacent to the park’s 320-acre preserve.
While you’re at it, you can feed the giraffes, and they’ll even grab a lettuce leaf with their tongues!
If you want to get closer to the animals, you can stay in one of the tent sites at the KOA campground next to Lion Country Safari.
Who started Lion Country Safari in Florida?
Founded in 1967 by South African and British entrepreneurs, Lion Country Safari is the first drive-through safari park in the U.S. and the first “cage-less zoo” in the country.
The park is open all year round thanks to the warm climate of Florida.
It is a great place to see wildlife, including lions and other exotic animals. Its long hours and secluded location are just two of the advantages.
In addition to lions, you’ll find other exotic animals. The park’s lions have been portrayed on TV in a series known as Frasier the Sensuous.
The series starred Sarah Vaughan as the titular lion and aired in the 1970s. But it didn’t make any money, and Lion Country Safari’s owners are now looking for ways to make money.
They plan to sell 300 “wild” animals worth more than $200000 each.
The park has grown considerably since the 1970s. The attraction now has more than 500,000 visitors a year, compared with only one fatality.
And that’s after adjusting for the fact that in its first few years, regulations were a bit more lax. In the late 1960s, the company had to reprimand a driver who decided to get out of his car and take a picture of a lion.
Driving Your Own Car at Lion Country Safari
Visiting Lion Country Safari in Florida may seem like a good idea, but it’s not as simple as driving around the grounds. While you’ll find plenty of people in a group, the drivers in this group usually drive independently.
You can also drive your own car, however, you should remember that if you don’t want to drive yourself, you’ll be stuck behind the wheel of another car!
There are plenty of other ways to see the animals at this park. Lion Country Safari also has a walk-through amusement park, an award-winning KOA campground, and a wildlife refuge, which is included in your admission to the park.
Another popular attraction is the giraffe feeding exhibit. In addition to viewing the animals, you can also enjoy the food and beverages in the main restaurant.
Guests who drive their own cars can take the scenic route through the park. The four-mile drive features herds of animals that you can get up close to.
There are also plenty of places to park your car for the day. Whether you want a safari-style car or a classic convertible, you can be sure to find one with ample parking. If you’re driving on your own, it’s important to know that your safety is the primary priority at Lion Country Safari.
It’s a Walk-through Amusement Park (If you choose)
This amusement park is fun for the entire family, but if you’re looking for an experience that’s a bit more adventurous, consider a zoo with no cages.
There are many ways to experience Lion Country’s wildlife up close, but it’s worth noting that you’ll need a car to do so. You can rent a vehicle or drive your own car.
For a fee, can rent a vehicle to get around the park. Once you’ve reached the park, you can take a drive-through safari on an audio tour.
This tour will take you through the different regions of South America and Africa.
The park has excellent public transportation, and the Metro Rail bus runs close enough for you to walk.
If you’re planning to bring a trailer, you’ll want to check with the park’s parking guidelines to make sure your rig is allowed.
These options may be especially useful if your rig is more than eight feet long.
Rides at the park include:
RIDES
- Flying Elephant Ride
- Carousel
- Rio Grande Train
WATER PARK
- Safari Splash Sprayground
- Safari Water Slides
- Safari Falls
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
- Giraffe Feeding
PETTING ZOO
- Lorikeet Feeding
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
- Gemstone Mining
- Maze
- Mini Golf
- Safari Queen Pontoon Boat
- Paddle Boats
It’s Home to over 900 Animals
Lion Country Safari in Florida is a 4-mile wildlife preserve. It features more than 900 animals, including lions, giraffes, ostriches, apes, and chimpanzees.
Guests must keep their windows and doors closed and are not permitted to drive convertibles.
Picnicking is permitted at this animal park, which also provides a convenient place to eat.
The safari takes about three hours to complete.
You may encounter some of these animals as they drive through the zoo. This animal sanctuary offers over 900 different species of animals and features five rides that allow guests to see all of the animals.
You can also enjoy food and shopping at the zoo’s gift shop.
You may also see a male baby zebra at Lion Country Safari, which is part of the largest herd in the U.S.
This animal is a favorite among visitors and can be spotted from cars on the safari’s Hwange section.
The lions at Lion Country are also part of an SSP for endangered species, which helps protect these animals from poachers.
The Park is Wheelchair Accessible In Specific Areas
For the drive-through safari at Lion Country Safari in Florida, for visitors in wheelchairs or in a stroller, the park also features an audio tour of the animals.
The ride portion of the park is not fully wheelchair accessible, but there are multiple rides available for those with limited mobility.
However, visitors can still enjoy the water spray ground, food, and shopping.
There is no need to worry if you cannot ride all of the rides. Regardless of your ability, there are many activities for you to enjoy at Lion Country Safari Florida.
In addition to rides, this theme park has fun rides for the entire family!
The drive-through safari is wheelchair-accessible, and it features the largest herd of zebra outside of Africa.
The safari is accessible to those in wheelchairs, and visitors with disabilities can even enjoy the park’s campground.
Best Time of Day to Go to Lion Country Safari
The best time to go to Lion Country Safari is early in the morning or late in the afternoon because the animals move around more than at any other time of the day.
The park is fenced in to protect them from predators. The animals have the right of way, so don’t go overboard or you’ll endanger the animals.
It’s also best to visit during rainy or cooler days, as the animals are more active during these times. The park has had over 50 different animal births recently.
To make the most of your trip to the park, plan to spend four to five hours. You can spend a full day at the park if you plan to see everything.
A trip to the park is a wonderful way to experience wildlife up close.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Lion Country, you’ll probably want to plan a morning trip if you’d like to get the most out of the park.
You’ll have the chance to see the animals up close and get up close to them. They’re not likely to charge you, but they do sometimes jump out of the way of a convertible.
Make sure you stick to the rules and follow the kennel’s rules to ensure a successful visit.
How Long is the Ride Through Lion Country Safari?
The ride through Lion Country is 45 minutes, and the audio tour will guide you through the various areas.
The drive-through is a unique experience in and of itself, and it allows you to see the different lands of Africa and South America.
Once inside, you can get close to the animals. There are seven different areas to see these majestic animals.
Some of these areas are open and you can get up close to lions and giraffes. Because the animals are so close to the vehicles, you should keep the windows closed when you’re inside.
You’ll have a great time viewing the animals, but you’ll be exposed to a variety of sounds and sights.
If you’d rather walk through the amusement park instead, there are several options for you.
You can even visit during the rainy season to see the animals in action. You can spend as long as you’d like observing the animals.
If you’re going to be with young children, plan to go before dark.
Best Time of Day to Go to Lion Country Safari
The best time to go to Lion Country Safari is early in the morning or late in the afternoon because the animals move around more than at any other time of the day.
A trip to the park is a wonderful way to experience wildlife up close The tour is approximately one and a half hours long.
You can spend a full day at the park if you plan to see everything. If you’re a first-time visitor to Lion Country, you’ll probably want to plan a morning trip if you’d like to get the most out of the park.
You’ll have the chance to see the animals up close and get up close to them. They’re not likely to charge you, but they do sometimes jump out of the way of a convertible.
Make sure you stick to the rules and follow the kennel’s rules to ensure a successful visit.
The best time of day to go to Lion Country is during the early morning hours, as they are the most active.
The park’s animals are more active during these hours, so the animals are usually not as aggressive.
The park is fenced in to protect them from predators.
The animals have the right of way, so don’t go overboard or you’ll endanger the animals.
Does Lion Country Safari Have Elephants?
Elephants are expensive and labor-intensive animals to care for, and they haven’t been in the park for a while.
Other zoos have also shut down elephant exhibits, including the Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park. The New York Zoo has also said it won’t take in new elephants, though it plans to build a larger facility for them.
If you want to see an elephant in person, you can visit the two sanctuaries in the U.S. that take these animals.
No open-air vehicles are allowed, and you should make sure that the windows are closed and that your sunroof is secured.
Lion Country Safari is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and offers a variety of activities and rides for families.
Visitors can also buy souvenirs from the store. The staff will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
You can book your visit in advance to avoid disappointment.
Lion Country Safari – Do Lions Roam Free at the Park?
You’ll have the opportunity to interact with the animals and take pictures of them as they go. During your drive-through, you may also spot some lions that might not be present on a regular basis.
The park’s lions are kept within a fence, to protect them from humans. It’s also possible to view other wildlife, such as water buffalo and antelopes.
This is a great way to learn about the habitats of these animals and enjoy the experience of seeing them.
Seeing lions is a thrilling experience, and you’ll be amazed at the sheer power and speed of these magnificent animals.
Feed Giraffes at Lion Country Safari in Florida
Did you know that the largest herd of giraffes in the United States lives at Lion Country Safari?
You can feed them too!
If you’re planning a Florida road trip, you should be sure to stop by the only drive-through safari in the area!
You can also enjoy a variety of other native wildlife at this park, such as lions and antelopes.
Many animals are often roaming around, wandering up to cars, or crossing the road without reason. Ostriches, the largest flightless birds, are extremely curious, and they’ll often cross the road in front of you.
They’ll peck at your window to see what’s going on, so be prepared.
When you’re ready, go ahead and feed them!
To make your trip more enjoyable, visit the park early in the morning. During the summer, you may be surprised to see many antelope eating grass right next to the road.
A few of these animals may hide in the grass, but they’re still around to eat. You might even get lucky and catch a glimpse of a giraffe or two.
There are plenty of other ways to interact with the animals and learn about them, so make sure you bring your camera.
The Park Offers Discounts
Park discounts can help you save money on your next visit. Read on to learn more about the available discounts.
The Lion Country Safari senior discount is dedicated to helping seniors save money while they enjoy their favorite products. This discount is valid for purchases made at any Lion Country Safari location.
This is a great way to show your respect and concern for the elderly and to save a few dollars.
The Lion Country Safari Florida offers discounts and specials that will make your visit even more enjoyable.
For example, you can get a free gift with your purchase.
You can also take advantage of Price Match deals to save up to 70% off your entire purchase.
To take advantage of Lion Country Safari discounts, remember to check out online travel sites that specialize in saving travelers money.
You can find discounts on flights and hotels through Booking.com. Make sure to book your tickets early!
There is only a limited number of these deals, so don’t miss out on your chance to save money!
Take advantage of the Lion Country Safari coupons and deals and make your trip even more affordable!
The Park is Involved in a Number of Sustainable Efforts
The park is committed to the conservation of endangered species and the park’s conservation programs include energy-saving devices and water conservation efforts.
The park uses eco-friendly products and has a water-metering system to measure usage.
All office buildings are equipped with recycling bins. Aluminum/plastic recycling bins are strategically placed throughout the park. Old cell phones and printer ink cartridges are also collected and recycled.
Guests who recycle their cell phones are offered a coupon for an animal encounter.
Lion Country Safari in Florida – Is it Ethical?
There is much controversy over whether or not to visit a Lion Country Safari. While some consider these activities to be ethical and allow guests to interact positively with animals, others see them as unethical.
Some argue that these safaris are not conservation efforts, but rather a way to take advantage of wild animals.
The Lion nation Safari has great landscaping, where lions lounge in the sun and monkeys chatter in the woods.
The setting is ideal for a romantic date – you can experience close-up wildlife viewing while enjoying the ambiance of a tropical vacation.
Couples have been going here for 50 years, and they’ve even gotten married at the safari! And, if you haven’t been yet, you can take advantage of the exclusive, private activities with the animals.
The summer camp program, which was designed for children ages six to 13, was held sporadically in 1997. It was a small program in the beginning, but attendance quickly jumped.
In addition to summer camp, the Lion Country Safari sometimes booked large corporate picnics. One such event brought together 1,000 people.
This was a big problem for Lion Country, and it’s a reason to make changes.
Wrapping Up
During the summer, Lion Country Safari hosts numerous special events and festivals and is a top local attraction.
While the park is open to everyone, visitors should bring plenty of water and sunscreen. If you need a quick snack, you can take bottled water or electrolyte drinks and eat them in the park’s restaurant.
Guests who visit Lion Country Safari are able to witness the incredible natural beauty of Africa.
Throughout the park, they will get up close to over 1,000 wild animals, including lions, giraffes, ostriches, chimpanzees, and giraffes.
In addition to these animals, visitors will find a variety of tropical birds, including flamingos, macaws, and parrots.
There will also be the opportunity to view snakes, alligators, turtles, and pythons.
The facility’s educational exhibits and conservation efforts are crucial to its ongoing success.
The zoo is home to over 1,000 wild animals from six continents, including lions, cheetahs, otters, and giraffes. During the holidays, the park hosts Santa, who drops by to give out gifts to the chimps.
Lion Country Safari in Florida is a unique experience for the whole family, so plan on spending at least four hours at the park.
