Did you know that November 25 is World Safari Day? Designed as an annual celebration of Africa’s wildlife and tourism industry, it may seem like a bit of a stretch to think that those of us in the Mid-Atlantic would be able to celebrate such an occasion on the home front. But believe it or not, we are in close and surprisingly convenient range to some unique safari operations throughout the region. Here are just a couple of contested considerations.
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve
Based in Thurmont, in Frederick County, Maryland, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is home to hundreds of diverse species of animals hailing from around the globe. Guests are free to walk about the zoo on their own or take part in featured Keeper Talks or designated animal encounters. But the guided safari rides offered here throughout the warmer months are arguably the most alluring of onsite endeavors. These rides take passengers on excursions lasting somewhere between 45 minutes to an hour in which they come face-to-face with large mammals and birds, even allowing for opportunities to pet, touch, and feed them. The menagerie lineup includes the rhea, emu, ostrich, the American bison, European fallow deer, Dromedary camel, mouflon, greater kudu, scimitar oryx, miniature donkey, Grant’s zebra, and Ankole-Watusi.
The Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is located at 13019 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, MD 21788. Click here to learn more.
Keystone Safari
With the opportunity to see more than 100 animals ranging in 25 different species, Keystone Safari presents one of the most immersive wildlife encounters in all of Mercer County, let alone the entire state of Pennsylvania. The scenic stretch comprises a walk-thru option, but the onsite safaris remain in premium standing, next to mingling with the resident animals, of course. You have the option to drive your own vehicle or sign up for a ride in one of their featured Safari Tour Trucks in the company of a knowledgeable, seasoned guide. These trucks are hearty, repurposed 1970s ex-military vehicles that feature bull bars and undercarriage framing for extra protection. The safari route covers 80 scenic acres, divided by terrain differentiated by grassland plains, forests, and deep waters. Tours last roughly an hour.
Keystone Safari can be found at 2284 Mercer Butler Pike, Grove City, PA 16127. Learn more on the website.
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is a Dauphin County, Pennsylvania gem and one of my personal favorite zoological parks to visit. There’s just so much to see and do here among the featured exhibits, ongoing programs, and vast array of diverse animal residents to meet, greet, and, in some cases, feed. Their most optimal standout feature is the guided safari tour option they offer during regular seasonal operations. The vast wilderness of the safari trek is designed to mimic and cater to the environments of the featured creatures you encounter. From the grasslands to woodlands and dense forestry, these amazing rides aboard an open vehicle led by a knowledgeable tour guide run between May and October.
The months of April and November, however, present an alternate Self Drive-Thru safari option. Do note that strict rules are in place for the self-driving experience. Vehicles must have hard doors and roofs (mesh doors on Jeeps aren’t allowed, and neither are unsecured sunroofs). Vehicles must remain at 5 mph. No pets are allowed and no riding in the bed of pickup trucks. You must also remain inside vehicles at all times, and all participants must sign a waiver. Click here to read more about the rules and restrictions in place.
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is located at 760 Tobias Road, Halifax, PA 17032. Visit the website for all additional details.
Fort Chiswell Animal Park
This 45-acre zoological park in Wythe County, Virginia, is the ultimate go-to for schools, clubs, organizations, and individuals looking to have immersive, interactive animal experiences. From onsite feedings to hands-on encounters via the petting zoo, you get to become acquainted with a vast range of creatures across six different continents all in one place.
Again, it is their resident Safari Bus Tour offered onsite that takes the cake as the greatest highlight to be had here. Largely following an Outback theme, it’s a wonderful way to come face to face with so many diverse species, from buffalo to antelope, camels, zebras, ostriches, and more.
Fort Chiswell Animal Park can be found at 569 Red Hollow Rd, Max Meadows, VA 24360. Click here to learn more.
Virginia Safari Park
Virginia Safari Park is arguably the uncontested epitome of everything an authentic safari should be. They’ve even won numerous awards, accolades, and countless songs of praise for the offerings they boast. Home to over 1,200 rare and endangered animals, one of their most notable claims to fame is being the residency for the nation’s only King Cheetah.
Providing visitors with a 180-acre scenic drive housing a versatile array of creatures great and small, it’s easy to forget you are in Shenandoah Valley—thinking you’ve somehow been transported to the great wilderness. Along the way, you come in contact with an amazing menagerie of animals, from bison to bull elk, wildebeest to the rare Pere David’s deer, and so many others. Even better, you can feed all new friends along the way from the comfort of your own car!
Virginia Safari Park is located at 229 Safari Ln, Natural Bridge, VA 24578. Discover more on the website.
NOVA Wild Zoo
Formerly operating as Reston Zoo and then briefly as Roer’s Zoofari, NOVA Wild provides visitors the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with more than 200 diverse resident animals and well over 50 different species, some of which are endangered. From cheetahs to capybaras, kangaroos to sloths, camels, birds, and more, you’re in for a critter cast of a thousand that’s beyond compare. The vast 30-acre zoo offers both walking tour options as well as a scenic, carefully crafted self-drive-through safari option.
NOVA Wild can be found at 1228 Hunter Mill Rd, Vienna, VA 22182. Go to the link to learn more.
The schedules and offerings for all these safari tours are subject to seasonal changes. So, as is always the case with any experiences you hope to have, it is always best to notify the venue in advance and plan accordingly.