The park maintains a massive herd of over 100 giraffes, making it one of the largest giraffe herds in North America.
The animals are not kept in cages but roam in large, open-range paddocks designed to simulate their natural habitats.
The drive-through path is designed with a specific topography that allows animals to approach vehicles safely without crossing into prohibited zones.
The park includes a specialized nursery program for animals that require extra care or bottle-feeding.
The site operates on a specific conservation model that rotates animals through different paddocks to maintain grazing land health.
Virginia Safari Park is a 180-acre drive-through animal preserve located in the Shenandoah Valley. Visitors navigate a three-mile route in their own vehicles to view and feed animals from their car windows. The park houses over 1,000 animals from six continents, including zebra, giraffe, ostrich, and camel. In addition to the drive-through safari, there is a dedicated walk-through area known as the Village. This pedestrian section features a reptile house, an aviary, and a kangaroo walkabout. The facility operates as a zoological park focused on education and conservation. All animal feeding is strictly restricted to the grain provided by the park. The park is situated in the karst landscape of Natural Bridge, Virginia.
The giraffe feeding deck in the walk-through Village provides the best angle for close-up portraits with the animals.
Keep your windows only partially open to prevent animals from sticking their entire heads inside your vehicle.
Remove all loose exterior items from your car, such as windshield wipers or loose trim, as curious animals may nibble on them.
Plan to visit the Village walk-through area after you complete the drive-through portion to avoid rushing the experience.
Do not attempt to pet or touch the animals, as they are large, unpredictable, and can bite.
The park is seasonal and closes during the winter months, typically reopening in early spring.
Remain inside your vehicle at all times while in the safari section. Do not bring outside food for the animals.
