Ever dreamed of hand-feeding a giraffe or getting up close with zebras? Tennessee Safari Park offers these wild experiences and more just a short drive from Nashville. This drive-through animal paradise has become one of the state’s most talked-about attractions where visitors can create unforgettable memories with exotic creatures.
From glowing reviews on TripAdvisor to viral social media posts visitors can’t stop raving about their adventures at this unique wildlife destination. The park’s interactive approach lets guests feed animals directly from their vehicles while learning about diverse species from around the world. With a perfect blend of education and entertainment the Tennessee Safari Park has earned its reputation as a must-visit attraction for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic wildlife experience.
About Tennessee Safari Park
Tennessee Safari Park spans 160 acres of natural habitat in Alamo, Tennessee, offering visitors an immersive wildlife experience with over 80 species of exotic animals.
Location and Hours of Operation
Tennessee Safari Park sits at 618 Conley Road in Alamo, Tennessee, just 85 miles northeast of Memphis. The park operates year-round with seasonal hours: March through October from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, November through February from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The last admission occurs 90 minutes before closing to ensure visitors have adequate time to explore. During peak seasons (June-August), arriving before 11:00 AM helps avoid larger crowds.
| Package Type | Adult (13+) | Child (2-12) | Senior (65+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive-Through Only | $25 | $15 | $20 |
| Walk-Through Only | $20 | $12 | $15 |
| Combo Package | $35 | $22 | $30 |
Entry includes animal food for the drive-through portion. Additional feed buckets cost $5 each. The combo package combines both drive-through safari access plus entry to the walk-through zoo area. Annual passes offer unlimited visits for $95 per person, including exclusive member events. Group rates apply for parties of 15 or more with advance reservation.
The Drive-Through Safari Experience
Tennessee Safari Park’s drive-through adventure spans 3.5 miles of winding roads through natural habitats. Visitors navigate their vehicles at their own pace while exotic animals approach for up-close encounters.
Animal Feeding Opportunities
The safari provides special feeding buckets filled with park-approved food for each vehicle. Animals recognize the green feeding buckets eagerly approach cars for treats. Visitors feed diverse creatures including deer zebu cattle llamas through their car windows. The feeding experience includes safety guidelines such as keeping windows partially closed around certain species maintaining a 3-foot distance from horned animals. Additional feed buckets cost $5 each with most visitors using 2-3 buckets during the drive.
Wildlife Species You’ll Encounter
The drive-through area features 80+ species roaming freely in designated zones. Visitors spot American bison water buffalo zebras grazing in open fields. Curious ostriches frequently peek into vehicles while gentle alpacas approach for treats. The route includes special viewing areas for rare species like white rhinos Bengal tigers African lions housed in secure enclosures. Seasonal inhabitants include baby animals in spring baby camel births in summer migrating birds in fall. Each zone contains informational signs about the species’ origins diets conservation status.
Walking Zoo Area Highlights
The Tennessee Safari Park’s walking zoo area features interactive animal encounters with diverse species in carefully designed habitats. Visitors explore multiple exhibits on foot while learning about wildlife conservation through educational displays.
Petting Zoo Section
The petting zoo welcomes guests with gentle farm animals including Nigerian dwarf goats, alpacas, and friendly sheep. Visitors purchase specialized feed cups for $3 to hand-feed the animals throughout their experience. The area includes shaded rest spots with hand-washing stations positioned at key points for hygiene. Young visitors interact with baby goats in spring months while experienced staff members supervise all encounters. The spacious enclosure features climbing structures for the animals plus designated feeding zones to ensure comfortable interactions.
Exotic Bird Exhibits
Vibrant macaws greet visitors at the entrance of the walk-through aviary spanning 2,000 square feet. The temperature-controlled environment houses 25 species of exotic birds including rainbow lorikeets, cockatiels, and sun conures. Visitors receive nectar cups for $4 to feed select friendly species. Educational presentations occur twice daily at 11 AM and 2 PM highlighting bird behaviors and conservation efforts. The exhibit features multiple viewing levels with special photography zones for capturing close-up moments with the colorful residents.
Visitor Amenities and Services
Tennessee Safari Park offers comprehensive amenities designed to enhance the visitor experience. The facilities include modern restrooms, picnic areas with shaded seating and essential guest services throughout the property.
Food and Gift Shop Options
The Safari Trading Post gift shop features exclusive wildlife-themed merchandise including plush animals, t-shirts and educational toys. Visitors find locally made crafts, park souvenirs and photography equipment for capturing animal encounters. The Grazing Post café serves fresh sandwiches, salads, snacks and beverages with indoor seating for 75 guests. A covered outdoor dining area accommodates 30 additional visitors with views of the giraffe habitat. Grab-and-go options include bottled drinks, packaged snacks and ice cream treats. The café maintains food allergy protocols with clearly marked menu items.
Parking and Accessibility
The park provides 200 paved parking spaces including 12 accessible spots near the main entrance. RV parking accommodates vehicles up to 45 feet in length in a dedicated lot. Golf cart shuttles transport guests between parking areas and attractions every 15 minutes. Wheelchair rentals are available at the welcome center for $10 per day. The walking paths feature smooth, level surfaces for easy navigation. Restroom facilities meet ADA standards with family-friendly changing stations. Service animals are permitted in designated areas with proper documentation.
Best Times to Visit
Tennessee Safari Park operates year-round with distinct seasonal patterns affecting visitor experiences. Planning a visit during optimal times enhances animal interactions and overall enjoyment.
Peak Season vs Off-Season
Peak season spans June through August, bringing larger crowds between 11 AM and 3 PM. Spring break (March-April) attracts numerous families, creating wait times up to 45 minutes at the entrance. Off-season visits from September through February offer shorter lines, more intimate animal encounters and reduced wait times averaging 15 minutes. Morning hours (9 AM-11 AM) provide optimal viewing as animals are most active during feeding times. October through November sees decreased visitor numbers yet maintains comfortable temperatures for both guests and animals. Winter months (December-February) feature unique opportunities to observe cold-weather adaptations of various species.
Weather Considerations
Temperature impacts animal activity levels at Tennessee Safari Park throughout the year. Animals display peak activity during mild weather conditions between 60-75°F. Summer temperatures reaching above 85°F prompt animals to seek shade, reducing visibility from 1 PM-4 PM. Spring and fall months provide ideal conditions with average temperatures of 65-70°F, maximizing animal engagement. Rainy days create unique viewing opportunities as many species become more active. Indoor facilities remain open during inclement weather, offering shelter near the petting zoo and aviary areas. Morning fog during autumn months typically clears by 10 AM, revealing excellent photography conditions.
What Guests Are Saying
Tennessee Safari Park maintains a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor with over 2,500 reviews. Guest feedback consistently highlights the unique interactive experiences with exotic animals.
Top Rated Experiences
Visitors praise the drive-through safari’s intimate animal encounters, particularly hand-feeding giraffes through car windows. The walk-through zoo area receives recognition for its educational value with clear signage about each species. Guests appreciate the friendly staff members who provide helpful guidance throughout their visit. The petting zoo section earns high marks for offering safe interactions with gentle farm animals. Families commend the park’s affordability compared to traditional zoos, noting the included animal feed adds significant value. The spacious parking area with golf cart shuttle service receives positive mentions for convenience. The Grazing Post café earns compliments for its fresh food options with reasonable prices.
Areas for Improvement
Several guests mention long wait times during peak summer weekends between 11 AM and 3 PM. The gift shop selection draws comments about limited merchandise variety. Some visitors note the need for additional shaded rest areas along the walking trail during hot days. The aviary section receives feedback about restricted feeding times for certain bird species. Guests suggest adding more educational presentations throughout the day. The parking lot navigation system generates comments about unclear directional signs during busy periods. Some reviews mention occasional maintenance needs in the restroom facilities during peak hours. The café attracts feedback about expanding its menu options for dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Tennessee Safari Park stands out as a remarkable wildlife destination that offers unforgettable encounters with exotic animals in their natural habitat. The park’s unique blend of drive-through adventures engaging walk-through exhibits and interactive experiences makes it an ideal choice for families nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking a close encounter with wildlife.
With its year-round accessibility reasonable pricing and commitment to animal welfare the park continues to earn high praise from visitors. The combination of educational value entertainment and convenience truly sets Tennessee Safari Park apart as a must-visit attraction in the region.