Go on a Safari! 6 Ways to See Animals in Georgia

Georgia Safari Conservation Park

Take the family on an unforgettable adventure without leaving Georgia! These animal parks offer a variety of safari experiences, from walk- and drive-through options to guided VIP tours.

Advance registration is recommended; check websites for dates and availability.

Georgia Safari Conservation Park

Opening June 1, this spacious new park boasts 530 acres and a range of African species, including giraffes, rhinos, zebras and antelope. Board a safari truck for a guided tour (1.5 hours) or safari encounter tour (2.5 hours), where you’ll see and learn about the animals and life on the savanna. VIP safari tours (3 hours) include an animal encounter and behind-the-scenes opportunities. For the ultimate splurge, book an overnight stay in a safari tent or suite. Madison.

Lake Hartwell Safari

Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari

Located about 90 minutes from Atlanta, this park has bison, ostriches, camels, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebu and more. Purchase a feed bag and drive through in your own car, or rent one of theirs. A tour will take about 45 minutes but you can drive through as many times as you like. Visit African tortoises and budgies, and pet baby animals at the walkabout zoo. Open Wed.-Sun. Hartwell.

Atlanta Safari Park

Animals roam free on this 156-acre park, situated in the foothills of the Appalachians. The drive-through safari covers two miles of road, and you’ll see everything from llamas to ostriches and zebras. In the walk-through area of the park, visit the aviary, giraffe exhibit and petting zoo. Open daily, season passes are available. Commerce.

Wild Animal Safari

At this scenic 250-acre park, many of its 75 species of animals – including camels, elk, zebras and wildebeests – will greet you at your car. Drive your own car or rent a safari van from the park. A tour will take 1-2 hours but you can drive through as many times as you like. Admission includes the Walkabout Adventure Zoo, where you can meet more animal species, visit the petting zoo and more.  Open daily; annual passes and a family pack are available. Pine Mountain.

Wild Georgia Safari Park

Board the safari bus at this combination petting zoo and safari park for a 30-minute ride – you’ll see zebras, camels, antelope, water buffalo, kangaroos and more. Afterward, visit the farm animals at the petting zoo, enjoy lunch in the picnic area and shop for Georgia-grown produce and more. Open daily; safari rides Mon.-Fri. require an appointment. Metter.

North Georgia Wildlife and Safari Park

Take a 30-minute drive-through tour for up-close encounters with camels, zebras, warthogs, ostriches, llamas and more, including the Bush Drive, where antelope, emus and more will greet you at your car. A variety of packages include extra options for an animal meet and greet or feedings. Safari tickets also include admission to the petting farm. Open Wed.-Sun. Cleveland.