The park utilizes a system of cattle guards and double-gate airlocks to contain animals while allowing vehicles to pass between different habitat sections.
Lion Country Safari was the first drive-through safari park to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The resident giraffe herd is large enough to require a specialized feeding platform where visitors can interact with them at eye level.
The park maintains an on-site veterinary hospital that performs surgeries and health exams for the safari animals.
The wildlife roaming the preserve are organized into seven distinct geographical zones representing continents like Africa and Asia.
Lion Country Safari is a cageless drive-thru wildlife preserve spanning 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Florida. The park houses over 1,000 animals, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, which roam in large, open-range enclosures. Visitors navigate a four-mile course in their own vehicles, observing animals as they cross or rest near the roadway. The facility serves as a zoo, safari park, and an AZA-accredited conservation center. Beyond the drive-thru section, the attraction features Safari World, a walk-through park with animal encounters, a splash pad, and amusement rides. Established in 1967, it was the first drive-through safari park in the United States. The park actively participates in Species Survival Plan programs for endangered species. It operates primarily as an outdoor, weather-dependent destination.
The giraffe feeding deck in Safari World offers the most intimate photo opportunities with the animals.
Ensure your vehicle's air conditioning is fully functional before entering the safari, as you must keep your windows up or only slightly cracked for safety.
Check for any loose exterior vehicle parts, such as windshield wipers or decorative trim, as animals like ostriches are known to investigate and potentially damage them.
Plan to visit the walk-through Safari World area after completing the drive-thru portion to avoid vehicle congestion during peak times.
Avoid arriving during the hottest part of the afternoon, as many animals will retreat to dense foliage, making them difficult to spot from the road.
Open daily year-round, though the drive-thru course may close early or intermittently during severe weather conditions like lightning or heavy tropical storms.
You must remain inside your vehicle at all times while in the safari section; feeding animals from your car is strictly prohibited.
