Where the Wild Things Roll!
If your weekends have been feeling a little same-old, Georgia’s drive-thru safaris are the perfect way to shake things up. From curious camels to towering giraffes, these parks let you swap your usual scenery for a front-row seat to the wild without ever leaving your car. With winding trails and animals popping up around every turn, even a short drive feels like a mini adventure!
North Georgia Wildlife Park & Safari | Cleveland
At this classic spot, the gravel paths lead you past camels, zebras, bison, and a handful of other curious faces eager for a peek through your window. You can stick to the standard drive or splurge on specialty feed-and-meet options, which makes for stories worth telling long after the car ride ends.
Wild Animal Safari | Pine Mountain
Sprawling over more than 250 acres, this park invites giraffes, llamas, bison, and zebras to mingle with guests’ vehicles along winding trails. It’s the kind of ride where you never know which animal will show up next, which keeps even grown-ups grinning like kids.
Atlanta Safari Park | Commerce
Set on 156 acres, this newer park mixes a roughly hour-long drive with open habitats and a walk-through section. You’ll find aviaries, petting areas, and more chances to snap that perfect Instagram-worthy shot. It’s a full-on safari experience in your own backyard.
Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari | Hartwell
Near Lake Hartwell, this drive-thru lets you cruise among bison, ostriches, camels, and wildebeest. Feed is available for purchase, making it easy to coax animals in for photos or just enjoy the spectacle of curious heads popping up at every turn.
Tips for Your Safari Day
- Timing matters: Weekends are prime for crowds, but early arrival gives you first dibs on the animals.
- Pack snacks and drinks: Some parks have gift shops, but nothing beats having your own picnic-ready supplies.
- Camera at the ready: Whether it’s a selfie with a camel or a wide shot of grazing bison, the photo ops are endless.
- Follow the rules: Keep windows cracked but not wide open, and always respect the animals’ space.
Drive-thru safaris in Georgia are the kind of low-effort, high-reward weekend plans that turn an ordinary day into a story worth telling. From the mountains to the lakes, these parks offer a playful, slightly wild reminder that adventure is closer than you think!
Discover more fun places to roam across Georgia at gbj.com/family-amusement-places.