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Wildlife Safari RV Area

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Wildlife Safari RV Area is located in Oregon

From jct I-5 (exit 119) & Hwy 99/42: Go 3 mi SW on Hwy 99/42, then 1 mi NW on Safari Rd.

1790 Safari Road Winston , OR 97496

Coordinates

43.14098407 N 123.42716082 W

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Drive Thru Safari Tickets

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Escape to our wild Drive Thru Safari!

60-90 minutes Arrive any time during our operating hours

Operating Hours

• March - September: 9am to 6pm ( last car admission at 6pm )
• October:  9am to 5pm ( last car admission at 5pm )
• November - March: 9am to 4pm ( last car admission at 4pm )
• We are open 363 days a year! Closed only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 

Children 2 and under are FREE admission

Escape on a wild safari drive thru adventure and get up close to eland, watutsi cattle, lions and zebra. Venture through the homes of hippos and the land of the scimitar horned oryx. Your Safari journey will take you through Southern Africa where the rhino and giraffe rule. Carry on to interpretive wetlands, cleaning the local waters in reaffirmation of our commitment to the soil before venturing into the land of bears, bison and elk within the sprawling canyon forests of North America.

Take a trip past the incredibly inspiring African elephants and prepare to enter the land of emu, yak and white-naped cranes as your tour of the incredibly diverse wildlife of planet Earth continues on in Asia. Dare yourself to end your journey with a trip through a carnivore loop featuring Wildlife Safari’s top cheetah breeding grounds and ferocious Sumatran Tigers. All from the comfort of your own vehicle, rain or shine, year round.

Safari Restrictions

• No Open Top Vehicles (Convertibles must have tops up at all times)
• No Motorcycles
• No pets are allowed in the Safari Drive Thru, nor in the Safari Village.  Services animals are allowed but have extra rules to follow. We do have a kennel area available for you to keep your pet in while visiting the park.
• User(s) of this ticket (“USER”) understand and assume all inherent risks of close interactions with unpredictable wildlife (“INHERENT RISKS”), and release Wildlife Safari from all claims, injuries, damages, personal injuries, or property damage, relating to all INHERENT RISKS and USER’s use of this ticket.
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Wildlife Safari

Top ways to experience Wildlife Safari and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Wildlife Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Exploring The 600-Acre Oregon Wildlife Safari Park

For many of us, a trip to Africa to see these animals roam free in their natural habitat is a dream that may never come true. But the Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon , just south of Roseburg, provides a rare opportunity to witness the beauty and wonder of these creatures up close and personal. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for an unforgettable adventure, or simply seeking a unique and exciting experience, the Wildlife Safari is a must-visit destination.

Wildlife Safari in Oregon

Here's a quick overview of the safari village.

The park is situated on 600 acres of land and is home to over 500 animals from all over the world.

The park offers a variety of ways to experience the animals, including a drive-thru safari, a walk-through exhibit, and even an animal encounter program where visitors can get up close and personal with some of the park's most popular residents.

The park ardently champions animal welfare and prioritizes the health of its residents , implementing numerous initiatives that contribute to wildlife conservation on both local and global scales. With a steadfast focus on animal health and well-being, the park's various programs embody its dedication to preserving and protecting the diverse species that call it home. Through these concerted efforts, the park not only raises awareness about animal health and conservation but also fosters meaningful connections between visitors and the wildlife they encounter.

The Wildlife Safari is also a great destination for families with children, as the park offers a variety of educational programs and activities for kids, including a summer camp and a junior zookeeper program.

In addition to the animal exhibits, the park also features a restaurant, gift shop, and playground area.

The park is open year-round, but hours and availability may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.

Visitors are encouraged to follow park rules and guidelines, including staying in their vehicles during the drive-through safari and respecting the animals' space and boundaries.

As you approach the park, the picturesque landscape of Southern Oregon unfolds before you, providing a glimpse of what's in store for you. Unlike typical zoos, the Wildlife Safari offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The park is home to a diverse array of amazing animals, many of which are native to Africa, and all of which roam freely in their natural habitats.

The Wildlife Safari ranks among the top 10% of accredited zoos and aquariums in the United States, a testament to its commitment to excellence.

The park's origins date back 38 years when founder Frank Hart envisioned a sanctuary dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered and rare species from across the globe. His dream has since materialized into the thriving Wildlife Safari we know today.

If you're thinking this is just another zoo or an exploitation of animal rights (“Tiger King”, I'm looking at YOU), think again. I'll probably never get to visit Africa in my lifetime, so this may be the closest I'll ever come to a real safari.

As you drive through the park in your own vehicle, you'll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most magnificent animals on the planet.

Imagine watching as a majestic Southern White Rhino grazes mere feet away from your car, or spotting a herd of Damara Zebras frolicking in the open fields. The experience is nothing short of breathtaking.

And let's not forget about the Brindled Wildebeest, one of the park's most striking residents. These fascinating creatures, with their distinctively patterned coats and impressive horns, are a sight to behold. Seeing them in their natural habitat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In addition to the Damara Zebra, Southern White Rhino, and Brindled Wildebeest, visitors can also see a variety of other African animals such as giraffes, cheetahs, lions, and elephants.

Among my favorite exhibits are the American Bison, Brown Bear, Ringtail Lemurs, Budgie Aviary, Sumatran Tiger, and the Safari's world-famous Cheetahs.

Wildlife Safari boasts one of the top cheetah breeding research centers on the planet and is the number one cheetah breeding facility outside of Africa and number two on Earth. Only around 10,000 cheetahs still exist in the wild, so the 219 cubs born at WS since 1972 are helping to keep this endangered species alive. You may even catch a glimpse of KJ and Rhino, the unlikely lifelong friendship between a big cat and a dog.

Watch out for the Australian Emus toward the end of your car ride, haha. They are extremely unafraid of humans, even when you're obeying the rules of keeping your hands inside the vehicle at all times.

Bombarded from all sides, this Emu took a turn at my dad as captured in this adorable video below!

Always Free Safari Village

Embark on an exciting adventure at the Always Free Safari Village, a destination that offers visitors a unique and immersive experience, open daily for all ages. This enchanting locale showcases a stunning botanical wonderland alongside a diverse range of captivating animal exhibits, including cheetahs, alligators, red pandas, and more. Throughout the day, you can enjoy informative keeper talks, interact with animals at the children's petting zoo, and explore various attractions without spending a dime.

Cheetah Encounters

Get up close and personal with Wildlife Safari's Ambassador Cheetahs at the Cheetah Spot, located within the Safari Village. The cheetahs rotate regularly to provide off-display animals with the opportunity to sprint and frolic in the cheetah drive-through. You might even spot a skunk or cavy in the area during your visit.

Camel Adventures

Experience the graceful stride of the one-humped Dromedary Camel, native to the Arabian Peninsula. Climb aboard for a memorable ride and don't forget to smile for the camera—these camels certainly will! Camel rides are available during the spring and summer seasons, weather permitting.

Safari Gift Shop

Don't leave without a souvenir to remember your Safari Village adventure! The Safari Gift Shop offers a wide range of merchandise, from t-shirts and jackets to collectible rocks, plush animals, and toys.

Satisfy Your Hunger at the Safari Grill

Treat yourself to the best burger in town at the Safari Grill. Complete your meal with delicious sides like onion rings or a chili dog, and savor your lunch either indoors or in one of the charming outdoor picnic areas.

Children's Petting Zoo

The Wildlife Safari provides a hands-on experience with friendly goats and adorable donkeys. For just 50 cents, you can even feed the animals!

Australian Walkabout

Explore the wonders of Australia by visiting the Wallaroos and the bird aviary. Be sure to greet the Kookaburra outside the Walkabout, and for just $1, you can purchase an aviary feed stick for a truly interactive experience.

Feed the Koi Fish

For only 50 cents, grab some fish feed and enjoy feeding the koi fish. Be quick, though, as the ducks might snatch up the feed before the fish get a chance!

Village Train Station

All aboard the village train for a scenic tour around the Safari Village. Members are entitled to complimentary train rides, so don't miss out on this delightful experience.

Admission Rates

Visitors can choose from the following admission rates:

Adults: 23.95

Children: 17.95

Seniors: 20.95

Upon admission, visitors will receive a map of the park to enhance their experience and help identify animals in nature.

Group Rates

Wildlife Safari offers group rates for groups of 12 or more. For more information on group rates, please contact guest services at 541.679.6761 or email them at [email protected] .

Drive-Thru Experience

Driving through Wildlife Safari typically takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete. During the drive, visitors can observe a variety of animals such as lions, tigers, bears, zebras, and more.

Come and experience Wildlife Safari's unique Drive-Thru animal park and get a chance to witness different animals in their natural habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the wildlife safari located.

The Wildlife Safari is located at 1790 Safari Road in Winston, OR 97496.

Navigating to the safari park is simple. Input the address into your GPS to guide you to the park entrance. Keep in mind that some GPS devices may become less reliable once inside the park, so be sure to follow the posted signs. To reach the park from Interstate 5 (North or South), take Exit 119 heading west toward Winston. Continue along Highway 42/99 for roughly 2 miles, then turn right onto Lookingglass Road. Watch for the signs on the right to direct you to your destination.

Contact info

Website:  https://wildlifesafari.net

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Wildlife.Safari.Oregon/

Phone: (541) 679-6761

When is the Optimal Time to Visit Wildlife Safari Oregon?

One of the prime times to explore Wildlife Safari Oregon is during the winter months, according to Destiny Molatore, who is the development director of the safari park. As the temperatures drop, the animals become more active, offering a livelier experience for visitors.

Additionally, the park tends to be less crowded in the winter, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the safari. While Wildlife Safari is open throughout the year, the winter season presents a unique opportunity to truly appreciate the park's splendor.

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Umpqua Safari RV Park

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Connectivity, park features, hookups & connectivity, umpqua safari rv park review & ratings overview.

Based on 11 Reviews

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• Motorhome 6
• Travel Trailer 2
• Fifth Wheel 2

These reviews are the opinion of RV LIFE's members and not the views of RV LIFE

“Not a place I would stay for very long”

Some of the sites had clutter near their rv's. Most had tall grass/weeds between the rv's. The roads could stand to be graded. It looks like most of the residents are there for a long while. We visited Umpqua Safari RV Park, no overnight stay.

Good stop. Only slightly used (from what I could tell). Pay station with envelopes. Site was grass & only 20-amp power. No sewer connections, but potable water spigot. No trees except on edges of We camped at Umpqua Safari RV Park in a Motorhome.

Wildlife Safari is well worth a visit. Tour the entire park via own auto. There is also an interesting visitor's center with displays. Nice place and just about every exotic animal you can name....

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Close to Wildlife Safari. Easy access We camped at Umpqua Safari RV Park in a Travel Trailer.

If you like highway noise, weeds, dirt and barking dogs and stray cats then this is the place for you. The pictures on their website are nothing like what you will find here. It is creepy. All but We camped at Umpqua Safari RV Park in a Fifth Wheel.

No Questions yet about Umpqua Safari RV Park

Just across the highway from the Winston Wildlife Safari. Loved the dog park area! Host family was very friendly. It was SO hot we left a day early. We camped at Umpqua Safari RV Park in a Motorhome.

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Wildlife Safari Located in Winston, Oregon

Wildlife Safari, which was founded by Frank Hart in 1972, is home to animals from Africa, Asia and the Americas. The park consists of drive-through animal habitats covering approximately six hundred acres, a petting zoo and a village with restrooms, a restaurant and gift shop. In addition, visitors can enjoy short elephant rides, shows and educational programs.

Conservation, Education and an Outstanding Cheetah Breeding Program Hart developed the park as a means of helping conserve and protect the animals he saw on his many trips to Africa. The park became a nonprofit organization in 1980, and is now accredited by the American Zoo & Aquarium Association and overseen by the Safari Game Search Foundation.

Recognized as a medical and research facility, as well as an educational center for veterinary and biological sciences, Wildlife Safari is internationally known for its cheetah breeding program. Nearly 30 litters and 150 cubs have been born at the park since its opening. Through a partnership with the American Zoo and Aquarium’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan for cheetahs, cubs born at the park have populated zoos across the U.S.

Wildlife Viewing Information

Wildlife Safari is a photographer’s paradise, with endless opportunities for spectacular shots of lions, giraffes, rhinos and many other animals in habitats similar to their natural environments. Visitors are encouraged to stop and view the animals in every habitat except the bear area. In the spring it is possible to see new additions that were recently born at the park.

Because the animals roam freely throughout their habitats, no convertibles are allowed in the bear, lion or cheetah exhibits. Also, although the park is open year round, the bears do hibernate during the winter months. For safety reasons, pets are NOT allowed in the drive-through areas or the village. The park provides kennels at no additional charge.

The entrance fee includes two drives through the safari, taken at the visitor’s convenience during the day. The fee also includes entrance into the shows and the walk-through park where visitors can view and interact with many other smaller animals including reptiles, rodents, and primates. Elephant and train rides are other popular attractions, and the village also includes a restaurant and gift shop.

For additional fee, get up close and personal with elephants, giraffes, lions and help care for them. Feed the lions, take a cheetah for a walk, wash an elephant, or spend part of the day tagging along with a park ranger as he or she goes about daily duties.

Camp Programs for Kids

Wildlife Safari offers camp programs during Spring Break and the summer months. Camps last three days each and cover one of four different topics: Classification & Adaptation, Conservation, Animal Care, and Colors & Camouflage. There are two age groups available – 4-7 years and 7-12 years. Camps begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 12:15 or 3:15 p.m., depending on the age group. The park also offers day camps at different times throughout the year.

The park also participates in the TripKid program, a stamp and sticker program offered at over 160 attractions, zoos, and museums to help encourage youngsters to journal their travel experiences and participate in trip planning. To learn more about the TripKid program, visit www.tripkids.com. And for more information on camps, shows, or other activities at the Wild Safari park, contact them at 541-679-6761 or visit their website at http://www.wildlifesafari.net/.

RV Park & Camping

Wildlife Safari park offers an RV park and campground that is open March thru October. The campground has seven primitive sites and eight spaces with water and power. The cost is $10 for sites with hook-ups and $8 for sites without. Reservations are not needed. Portable toilets and a dump station are also available.

If you prefer to stay in town, both Winston Oregon and nearby Roseburg have a variety of lodging options as well as other activities and attractions. Winston is known for its wineries and Roseburg has several waterfalls nearby. For more information, visit Winston’s visitor site at http://www.winstonoregon.net or Roseburg’s at http://www.visitroseburg.com/index.html .

Privacy Overview

Wildlife Safari Adventure

Wildlife safari drive through, “where you are captive, and they roam free”.

Hello Bend! The Wildlife Safari is a world-renown haven for hundreds of animals from all over the globe. If you’re a Central Oregon parent of kids who LOVE animals, you’ve most likely heard of it, but shuddered as you imagined the 9 hour round-trip drive time commitment to get there. Last year, right as the stay at home orders had us cooped up and slowly losing our minds, we decided to do it! Here is an overview of our adventure–we had the BEST time, and turned it into an adventure for the memory books! Not knowing what to expect along the way, or even when we got there for that matter, we kept open minds and had an awesome time. With summer right around the corner, spring break coming up, and the kids anxious for a change of scenery, we recommend the safari! Add it to your list of summer excursions or plan for an epic spring break road trip!

As we made the drive over towards Roseburg, we discovered a glorious stretch of southern Oregon we’d never explored before. There is no shortage of beauty on this drive with the North Umpqua River running parallel to the highway. The drive is flanked by a steady stream of gorgeous waterfalls nestled in the heart of the Umpqua Forest. As we drove along the river, even the kids enjoyed the scenery! It was a unanimous decision that a waterfall hike would be the perfect way to break up our long road trip and we recommend it for kids and adults! Check out our blog post on Toketee Falls  ! We can’t wait to add a few more treks on the list for next time we make the drive.

The Wildlife Safari Drive-Through is open daily to visitors allowing you to enjoy animal encounters from the comfort of your own vehicle. Plan to spend about an hour and a half to drive through the Wildlife Safari park. The setting is lovely with 600 acres of rolling hills abundant in foliage and water resources. Frank Hart, a successful business man, founded the Wildlife Safari in 1972. He was looking for a location that was ideal for a large reserve that could display animals from around the world in a natural setting, resembling African and Asian terrain, so a large variety of animal life could be supported. In 1986 the park received accreditation from The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which signifies that Wildlife Safari has established and maintains professional zoological management standards as judged by other professional members of the Association. Of the thousands of zoos, Wildlife Safari is in the ten percent that proudly passes the stringent inspections to maintain the accreditation by the AZA. We can’t just write a quarantine blog post about a wildlife safari without referencing the notorious Netflix special Tiger King. Not knowing what to expect at this Safari, and with the documentary fresh in our minds, we were pleased to find that the Safari had a feeling of sanctuary for the animals, and it held no similarities to the conditions that cemented the infamy and notoriety of the show. In fact, Wildlife Safari is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and any money paid goes towards the animals and animal conservation!

During the drive-through, you will encounter a wide variety of animals from Africa, America and Asia. The kid’s favorite were the giraffes and zebras! There are many opportunities to feed the animals at Wildlife Safari and that is one of the reasons it makes this place so fun for all ages. If feeding the animals interests you and your kids, I recommend asking which animal feeding stations are open upon arrival and making a plan to avoid confusion.

Check out their education promotions, summer camps, and Junior Zoo Keeper programs here !

“Today, Wildlife Safari is one of the largest tourist attractions in the Northwest, hosting an average of 150,000 visitors a year. Wildlife Safari is known for educational outreach programs and an internationally renowned veterinary program. Wildlife Safari’s biggest accomplishment is the Cheetah Reproduction Project, which is the most successful Cheetah Breeding program in the Western Hemisphere. Since the park’s opening, Wildlife Safari has produced 214 cubs and counting.”

There are many things to do at the Wildlife Safari, in addition to the drive through park. Check out their park “Today” Page to get updates on current events. The Always Free Safari Village is open daily and features a botanical wonderland, animal exhibits including cheetahs, alligators, cougars & more, keeper talks throughout the day, a children’s petting zoo and more, all for free!

Interested in more from Hello Bend ? Read more about our adventures HERE , SUBSCRIBE to the Hello Bend Blog , and follow along on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know in Central Oregon.

Brenda Menzel, Broker

Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty ~ Hello Bend Real Estate

541-640-2125

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Wildlife safari: where the wild things are.

Open year-round, Wildlife Safari also hosts a walk-though exhibit displaying some of the zoo’s smaller animals. Other amenities at its Safari Village include a children’s petting zoo, a village train, a full-service cafeteria and gift shop. Keeper talks are offered daily.

During the 4.5-mile drive-through loop, we’re treated to close-ups of wildebeests, hippopotamuses, grizzly bears, lions, elephants and even the new national mammal, the American bison.  As Mate, the 18-foot male giraffe lumbers up the road ahead of us, tour guide Sheilah Swanson explains that the animal activity at the park changes throughout the day. Sheilah recommends visitors get to the park first thing in the morning, take the tour, and go around again the end of the day.

“It’s like seeing a whole bunch of different animals,” she says. On this summer day, baby animals, including six lion cubs and eight bison, remain close to their mothers. Just two months earlier, on May 15, they were joined by the park’s newest celebrity, baby Kelley, the first giraffe born in the park’s 44-year history. “We got the call that the legs started poking out at 6 a.m. Sunday morning,” explains Benji Alcantar, one of the park’s two onsite veterinarians. “We’re here at 6:10 – the ungulate (hoofed mammal) staff and ourselves.”  Kelley was born at 8 a.m. At birth, the male calf weighed 175 pounds and stood 6 foot three inches from head to toe.

“We were a bunch of first-timers,” says Benji. “Kelley was the first giraffe born in the park. First for the vets. It was my dream to see a giraffe born.” Kelley ventured outside with mom Miya approximately one month after his birth, and is now one of the park’s major attractions. He’s also part of the park’s emphasis on species preservation. “Being able to help with the giraffe population species is very exciting for us,” says keeper Sylvia Molina.Later in the day we pose for photos with Mchumba, one of the park’s three cheetah ambassadors.  Mchumba represents the long line of nearly 200 cheetahs born at the park since it opened in 1972.

With cheetah numbers dwindling in the wild, having successful breeding programs allows zoos to educate their guests and conduct research that helps the endangered species. Through its partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for cheetahs, cubs born at the park have populated zoos across the U.S.“Wildlife Safari is one of the leading centers for cheetah breeding in the world, and the most successful in the United States,” says Benji.

Pancake, another of the park’s ambassadors and one of 17 cheetahs in residence, lays in the shade next to her canine companion, Dayo the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Born on the same day in February, 2015 this unusual pairing makes appearances in the community and at school assembly programs. While Dayo interacts with kids, Pancake shows off her unique cheetah traits during their visits. They also help spread the conservation message. In Africa, conservationists use livestock guard dogs to keep wild cheetahs away from local farms. This effort helps lower the annual number of cheetahs being shot in those regions.

While driving through Wildlife Safari allows you to view the animals from the comfort of your own vehicle, Sheilah Swanson recommends you take time to add on one of the park’s many close-up encounters. Park keepers provide commentary as you feed a giraffe, examine the dental hygiene of a hippo, or greet one of the Sumatran tiger sisters. Close-up encounters with cheetahs like Mchumba and baby Kelley and mom Miya are part of this program.“ For the guest, it’s fun,” explains Steve Tranter, park trainer. For the staff, “it’s our way of giving the animals a non-cursory examination. It’s a bonding experience that keeps the animals healthy and engaged.” According to Benji Alcantar, “Wildlife Safari is a unique and magical place for all of us.” We couldn’t agree more.

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