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You don’t have to head to Africa to enjoy a safari experience. There is plenty of African wildlife close to home and believe it or not you can find some pretty exotic animals at these special venues. You’ll also be able to get up close and in some cases even feed the animals. Here are five great options for creating your own safari vacation.
Head to New Jersey for one of the largest safaris in the U.S.
With over 1200 animals from six continents, the Safari Off-Road Adventure at Six Flags Park in Jackson, New Jersey boasts a large 350-acre preserve. You’ll find hundreds of animals including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, water buffalos, tigers, and lions. The safari is very popular so you’ll want to arrive early for registration. At Camp Adventura, a pitstop during the safari, you can enjoy visiting some of the smaller wildlife including reptiles and exotic birds. You’ll also be able to feed the giraffes! This is an experience I had in Nairobi and it was a blast. Safaris are guided and adventurers ride in large off-road vehicles that can get you close to the animals.
Safari West – An authentic but luxurious African safari experience.
While Safari West “actively promotes conservation and environmental education,” they take the educational experience to a new level with the opportunity to do it in style. Located in prestigious Sonoma/Napa, California wine country, Safari West boasts an authentic African safari experience that is also quite swanky. You can experience luxury glamping in elevated safari tent lodging, enjoy wine/beer tastings, fine food, and private wildlife tours. You’ll even be able to view the wildlife from your accommodations that have hot showers and posh bedding. Tours and lodging are kid-friendly with plenty of options to vary the experience. Safaris start at $80 for adults and overnight lodging at $260/night for two people, $25 for each additional person.
African Safari Wildlife Park – Ohio
It might be surprising but this wildlife park hosts some pretty impressive animals you’d normally find in Africa. You’ll see giraffes, zebras, and kudu deer for sure. Double-humped camels and llamas are also living at the park. All of these animals you’ll find on the drive-thru experience. On the walk-through, you’ll see vultures, tortoises, monkeys, warthogs and many more. Adult admission to the park is currently $18.95 until December 2016. If you buy your tickets online and purchase a car pass, up to six individuals can be included for a total of $42.90. The pass has restricted hours but it’s a bargain. The park also hosts special events such as camel and pig races.
Step into the Wilds – A different type of wildlife safari.
The Wilds is also located in Ohio but it is more than a safari, it is an expansive conservation center for wild animals that encompasses nearly 10,000 acres. Formally a coal field, the private non-profit center is dedicated to animal and habitat preservation. There is so much to do here including education classes, overnight accommodations, wildlife tours, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, zip lining and even more. But if you’re all about seeing the animals, you’ll be pleased to know there are zebras, cheetahs, white rhinos, species of deer, giraffes, and many more. The center has an incredible history of supporting wildlife conservation including the perpetuation of endangered species. They’re also proud of the new generations of offspring in their white rhino and cheetah populations.
Head to Lion Country in South Florida
Lion Country Safaris located in West Palm Beach County offers a drive-through safari experience and so much more. The large preserve is divided into seven sections, each hosting different animal species so you’ll be able to view the animals roaming freely. There is also a walk-through safari which hosts numerous birds and reptiles. In addition to the safaris, the park hosts a variety of attractions including a petting zoo, a boat ride through the jungle, giraffe feeding, water attractions, rides, paddleboat rental, miniature golf, and additional “animal encounters”. Entrance is around $30 with discounts provided for online ticket purchase.
Check out Groupon.com, Valpak.com, and Facebook pages of each park for discounts. Many offer reduced pricing if you purchase online in advance. Google the name of the park with “coupons” added in the search box to find any available deals. Also, check Youtube.com for videos of these various park adventures to get an idea of what to expect.
Have you been to any of these parks or have a favorite of your own?
[Image via Christine Krzyszton]
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