Lion Country Safari - Loxahatchee, Florida - drive-through and walk-through safari with exotic animals

Located in southern Florida, the Lion Country Safari is like an Africa safari experience. Guests can choose a drive-through or walk-through course, and both experiences put visitors into close contact with exotic animals from around the world. The zoo was opened in 1967 by a group of South African and British immigrants who wanted to bring the adventure of a safari to the common person, who would not typically have the money to travel to Africa. It remains one of the most popular attractions in the West Palm Beach area. With over 900 animals, guests can really feel like they're on a safari when then visit the Lion Country Safari.

When the Lion Country Safari opened, it was the first drive-through preserve in the United States. Today, the attraction is divided into seven sections, all of which can be accessed around the year. Las Pampas is the grasslands area, and some of the animals visitors can see here include the Aldabra tortoise, the llama, and the rhea. The Ruaha National Park area is home to antelope, impala, and aoudads. Located in the southwest, the Kalahari Bushveldt also serves as home to some beautiful specials of antelope, such as the Nile lechwe and gemsbok. In the Gir Forest, visitors to the zoo can see water buffalo, nilgai, and blackbuck. The Gorgongosa Reserve is one of the most popular areas, with African lions, and the Serengeti Plains area is also extremely popular, as it is home to the African elephant, ostrich, wildebeest, and other unique animals. Lastly, at the Hwange National Park area, visitors can view white rhinoceros families, zebras, giraffes, gibbons, and chimpanzees.

For guests who would rather walk around the preserve than drive through the different areas, there are walk-through paths in Safari World. The zoo has birds, reptiles, and mammals for visitors to see. Some of the most popular birds include the yellow headed Amazon, the macaw, the Caribbean flamingo, and the East African crown crane. Popular reptiles at the zoo include turtles, pythons, alligators, iguanas, and skinks. Visitors can also see mammals such as spider monkeys, chinchillas, ferrets, pygmy goats, and Asian potbellied pigs. Safari world also has interactive feeding opportunities, over 20 water features and rides, a boat ride tour, miniature golf, carnival rides like a carousel and Ferris Wheel, a petting zoo, and a train for kids.

Guests at the Lion Country Safari have a number of food options. Their African-theme restaurant is a cafeteria-style place to eat. They also have Safari Snack stands located around Safari World, as well as Carvel ice cream stands. There are also gift shops for visitors who want to take memorabilia home.

The Lion Country Safari offers annual passes, membership, or individual day passes. They're open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with the ticket booth closing at 4:30 PM from December 15 to Labor Day and weekends year-round. During the fall and part of the winter, from Labor Day to December 14, they have shortened hours during weekdays. Certain vehicles, such as convertibles, are not allowed in the park's drive-through areas, but they do have rental vehicles available for a small fee. Those interested in visiting can call 561-793-1084 for more information.