Over 100 Exotic Animals Roam Right Up To Your Car On This Arizona Drive-Through Safari

A Bengal tiger leaps into a pool on cue at this place, and the show runs daily. Somewhere nearby, a giraffe is probably leaning toward a safari vehicle for a snack.

I like how this spot flips the usual zoo routine. Instead of squinting at distant shapes, you ride into the bush while zebras, antelope, and giraffes come close.

The animals seem to know when treats are on board.

All of this sits in central Arizona, not on another continent. The park is privately owned, and the keepers clearly adore their animals.

I can’t imagine a better cure for a dull Saturday.

Then there are the extras. A predator zipline, a reptile show, and a sloth encounter all share the same hillside.

So which would you try first: feeding a giraffe or watching a tiger swim?

An African Safari Planted in the Verde Valley

Giraffes in central Arizona sound like a trivia question with a trick answer. At Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, they’re simply part of the scenery.

The park calls itself a safari-themed wildlife park, and that label fits. Guests get up-close, safari-style encounters with wild animals, plus daily presentations led by keepers.

Big cats, hoofed animals from the African plains, reptiles, and birds all share the grounds. You’ll find giraffes, zebras, antelope, lions, tigers, and even a rhino on the roster.

What sets the place apart is how much moves around you. Tours roll through open habitat where animals wander close to the vehicles, so the experience feels closer to a safari than a stroll past enclosures.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park is also privately owned, which shapes its personality. Don’t expect polished corporate gloss here.

Expect hands-on keepers, a packed daily schedule, and animals that seem to enjoy their spacious, natural-looking habitats.

For Arizona families, that’s a pretty sweet combination. It’s a full day trip in the Verde Valley, and it needs no passport, no long-haul flight, and no jet lag.

Better yet, most of it unfolds in the open air. Sunscreen, curiosity, and a camera cover the basics nicely.

Giraffe Snacks Served Straight From Your Seat

Few things make adults squeal like a giraffe tongue. The African Bush Safari Tour hands you that moment on a platter.

The tour carries guests into open habitat where giraffes, zebras, and antelope roam. As the vehicle pulls up, the long-necked residents stroll over with obvious interest.

Then comes the highlight. Visitors on the safari get to feed the giraffes, close enough to admire every eyelash and spot on their coats.

Giraffes rank as the most talked-about animals at the park, and that’s no accident. Watching one lower that impossibly long neck toward your hand is a memory that sticks for years.

The guides keep the ride lively too. Expect plenty of facts, a few jokes, and patient answers to every question your kids can invent.

Zebras add their own flair along the route. One resident zebra, Diligence, apparently enjoys hamming it up for cameras, so keep your phone ready.

Antelope round out the plains crew, grazing and watching the vehicle pass. It all feels wonderfully unhurried.

If you only choose one add-on during your visit, the safari makes a strong case. It’s the part that turns a wildlife park into something that feels like Kenya, just with Arizona sunshine.

Tiger Splash, the Show That Steals Every Spotlight

Cats famously dislike water. Somebody forgot to tell the tigers at Out of Africa Wildlife Park.

Tiger Splash runs daily, and it’s easily one of the park’s signature moments. Big cats leap into a pool, chase toys, and swim around while keepers explain what you’re seeing.

Watching a Bengal tiger launch itself into the water is pure athletic theater. The power behind each jump gives you a fresh respect for these animals.

The keepers narrate the action with obvious affection. You’ll learn how tigers move, hunt, and play, and why water suits them better than their house-cat cousins.

There’s another detail worth loving. If a tiger isn’t in the mood to participate, the keepers don’t push it.

They simply keep the crowd entertained and let the cat call the shots.

That approach says a lot about the park’s attitude. The show feels like a window into natural behavior rather than a circus act.

Arrive a little early to snag a good viewing spot. Splash zones are a matter of luck, so dress accordingly.

Kids tend to leave talking about this one for days. Honestly, the adults usually do too, and nobody minds admitting it.

Rolling Deep Into the Bush Aboard the SuperMog

Picture-perfect views are nice, but the SuperMog Adventure Tour delivers something better. Animals actually come to you.

The SuperMog is a covered safari truck that runs daily on a tour lasting about an hour. It heads into habitat areas where many residents know exactly what the truck means: treats.

So they show up. Animals that might hide in thick brush during a casual walk often stroll right up to the vehicle for a closer look.

That changes the whole visit. Wandering the grounds gives you glimpses, while the SuperMog serves front-row encounters with eyes, horns, and whiskers in sharp detail.

Guides pack the ride with information about each species. Many of them know the animals by name, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

The covered roof is a quiet blessing on sunny Arizona afternoons. Shade on wheels might be the most underrated amenity in the Verde Valley.

The rhino often ranks among the most memorable sights on these tours. Seeing that armored giant up close feels almost prehistoric.

If you’re mapping out your day, build around the SuperMog schedule. Everything else fits nicely around it, and you’ll understand the park far better afterward.

Predator Feed Days Worth Circling on the Calendar

Timing matters for this one. Predator Feed happens about three times a week, so plan your visit around it if possible.

During the event, the park’s carnivores get their meals while keepers share details about diet and behavior. The keepers’ interactions with the big cats make the whole thing feel electric.

Here’s a bonus that surprises many guests. Some animals, like wolves and certain leopards, can stay invisible in thick bush during the day.

Feeding time tends to bring them right out.

That makes Predator Feed a smart choice for anyone hoping to check off elusive residents. It’s a reliable way to see shy predators in full view.

The energy shifts when meals arrive. Lions look powerful and focused, while tigers turn playful and alert.

Keepers use the moment to explain how these animals live and eat in the wild. You’ll leave knowing more than any nature documentary taught you.

Check the park schedule before you head to Camp Verde. Days rotate, and catching this event can tip a great visit into an unforgettable one.

It’s also part of some ticket bundles, which makes it easy to fold into your plans. Good luck staying calm when the lions start eating.

Brave Enough to Feed a Tiger?

Standing within a few feet of a Bengal tiger is a heart-thumping experience. The Feed A Tiger activity puts you right there.

Under keeper supervision, guests offer food to one of the park’s tigers. It’s equal parts thrilling and slightly nerve-racking, which is exactly the appeal.

Most zoos keep tigers far across a moat. Here, the distance shrinks enough that you notice the size of each paw and the weight of each step.

The experience is short and simple. Some guests find it brief compared with the big tours, so think of it as a quick bonus rather than the main event.

Still, the bragging rights are real. Not many people can say they fed a tiger on a random weekend in Arizona.

Keepers guide every step and answer questions as you go. Their calm presence makes the moment feel safe and well managed.

Feed A Tiger is also included in some bundled passes. That makes it easy to try without fussing over separate tickets.

Kids with a fearless streak usually love this one. Parents may need a minute afterward to catch their breath, and that’s perfectly normal.

A Zipline Soaring Above the Predators

Some people come for the giraffes. Others show up for the chance to fly over carnivores on a cable.

The Predator Zipline is one of the park’s most talked-about extras. It sends riders gliding above animal habitats for a view few wildlife parks can match.

The appeal is easy to grasp. Instead of looking through a fence, you see the landscape and its residents from above, like a hawk with a harness.

Plenty of guests arrive planning only to ride the zipline. Then they end up staying all day, because the rest of the park keeps pulling them in.

It’s an adventure that suits thrill-seekers, teens, and grown-ups craving something different. Pair it with a safari tour, and you’ve covered both the ground and the sky.

Because it’s a separate experience, check details and availability before your trip. Requirements and schedules can shift, so a quick look ahead saves headaches.

Wear sturdy shoes and secure your sunglasses. Arizona sunshine looks fantastic from up high, but loose gear doesn’t love the ride.

Of all the ways to see a lion in the Verde Valley, this one definitely wins for originality. Your friends will want proof.

Sloths, Snakes, and Other Scene-Stealers

Not every star here has stripes or spots. Some move slowly, and some slither.

The park offers a sloth encounter for guests who want a gentler, slower-paced experience. Sloths make wonderfully calm company after the thrill of big cats.

Reptile fans get their own spotlight at the Giant Reptile Show. Large snakes and other scaly residents take center stage while keepers explain their habits.

The Wonders of the Wildlife Show adds even more variety. It’s another chance to meet animals up close and learn something new between tours.

Colorful parrots bring plenty of personality to the mix as well. Their bright feathers and chatty energy make them easy favorites for younger visitors.

These smaller encounters balance out the day nicely. After all that adrenaline from tigers and ziplines, a sleepy sloth feels like a spa break.

Shows run on a schedule, so grab the daily lineup when you arrive. That way you won’t miss the reptiles while lingering at the giraffes.

Little ones especially tend to light up during these presentations. Snakes and sloths might be opposites, but both win over curious kids in seconds.

Keepers Who Treat Every Animal Like Family

Animals here aren’t the only personalities worth meeting. The staff ranks among the park’s strongest features.

Friendly employees come up constantly when people describe this place. Guides and keepers share knowledge with real enthusiasm, and they’re eager to answer questions.

Their care for the animals shows across the grounds. Residents appear healthy, active, and well looked after, which makes the whole visit feel better.

The respect runs deep. During shows, animals are never forced to perform, and keepers adapt on the spot to keep things fun for everyone.

Some guides have even become small celebrities on the safari tours. Their stories and humor turn a simple ride into a lively classroom on wheels.

The park also describes a sanctuary side to its mission. Many guests leave seeing it as a rescue-minded refuge rather than a typical attraction.

That warmth extends to the shuttle drivers too. The tram system helps visitors move around the hilly grounds, and the drivers bring plenty of friendly cheer.

Because the park is privately owned, every visit directly supports its work. That’s a nice thought while watching a tiger nap in the sun.

The Expedition Passport and Other Ways to Bundle Up

Choosing activities here can feel like picking toppings at an amazing pizza shop. Luckily, there’s a bundle for that.

The Expedition Passport packs many highlights into one ticket. It has included general admission, the African Bush Safari Tour, the tram shuttle, the SuperMog Adventure Tour, Tiger Splash, Feed A Tiger, and the Giant Reptile Show.

It has also covered either the Wonders of the Wildlife Show or Predator Feed. That’s a lot of wildlife in a single purchase.

Add-ons can add up quickly when bought separately. A bundle often makes budgeting simpler and helps you avoid missing key experiences.

Many activities are included with general admission too. Even without upgrades, there’s plenty to fill several hours.

Birthday visitors get a treat. The park has offered discounted admission during your birth month, so check current deals before going.

Offerings and inclusions can change over time. Always confirm the latest lineup before you lock in plans.

Arrive with a game plan, especially if you bought tickets ahead. Lines at the ticket windows can build, and knowing your schedule keeps the day smooth.

A Day Trip Made for Curious Kids and Grown-Ups Alike

Toddlers might be the toughest critics on earth. This park wins them over anyway, and the adults usually follow.

Families with animal-loving kids will find plenty to do. Shows, tours, and close encounters keep little attention spans happily occupied.

Grown-ups get hooked too. Seeing rhinos, lions, and giraffes so close sparks the kind of wonder people don’t expect to feel past age ten.

The park works well for visitors exploring Sedona and the Verde Valley. It fits neatly into a red rock road trip as a full-day detour.

Don’t treat it as a quick one-hour stop, though. With shows running throughout the day, staying from opening into the afternoon is easy.

The pace suits mixed groups nicely. Thrill-seekers grab the zipline, while others enjoy a relaxed tram ride and a sloth encounter.

Animals tend to stay active and visible, which keeps energy high. Kids rarely have to wait long for the next exciting sighting.

Grandparents, teens, and preschoolers can all find their favorite moment here. That’s a rare feat for any Arizona outing, let alone one starring tigers.

Hours, Heat, and Smart Packing for Camp Verde

Gates open at 9:30 AM, and that early slot is golden. Out of Africa Wildlife Park runs from 9:30 AM to 5 PM every day of the week.

You’ll find the park at 3505 AZ-260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322. It sits on a hillside, and a tram shuttle helps carry guests around the grounds.

Summer in Arizona can get toasty here. Mornings are the most comfortable time to explore during warmer months.

Cooler seasons offer a sweet spot. A weekday visit in late winter can bring mild weather and a manageable crowd.

Pack water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Those three items make a huge difference on a full day outdoors.

Food service may not always be open, so plan accordingly. Bringing a backup snack plan never hurts.

If you bought tickets online, give yourself extra time at the entrance. Ticket lines can still form, and arriving early helps you catch the first tours.

Grab a schedule upon arrival and map out shows. Missing Tiger Splash because lunch ran long would sting a little.

Why This Safari Deserves a Spot on Your Arizona List

Sometimes the best road trip surprise is the one you almost skipped. Out of Africa Wildlife Park has a knack for becoming that story.

Plenty of people plan it as a quick kid-friendly stop. Then it ends up as the most talked-about part of the whole trip.

The reasons stack up fast. Giraffe feeding, swimming tigers, a rolling safari truck, and a zipline over predators make a pretty unbeatable lineup.

Add caring keepers and healthy, active animals, and the experience feels meaningful. It’s fun with a heart behind it.

Special events keep things fresh too. The park has hosted a campout event, so watch for seasonal happenings on its calendar.

Being privately owned gives the park a down-to-earth charm. It isn’t flashy, and that’s part of what makes it feel genuine.

For Arizona locals, this is the kind of place worth bragging about to visiting relatives. For travelers, it’s a delightful detour near Sedona.

So grab your sunscreen, round up the family, and head toward Camp Verde. A giraffe with a very long tongue is waiting, and it probably wants a snack.