FAQs
Q: Can I bring my dog to the safari park if they stay in the car?
A: No, we do not allow dogs (including service dogs/animals, therapy dogs/animals, and emotional support dogs/animals) or any other outside animals at the park or campground at anytime. The majority of the animals at the park are prey species. Many of the species at the park have a extreme “flight response”, this means with a simple loud noise a gazelle will flee in the opposite direction and run as hard as possible regardless of what is in the animal’s path. Often times in these situations the animals with high “flight response” injure themselves on fencing or other obstacles. Federal Law also makes it illegal for us to knowingly put our animals in danger of psychological or physical harm due to the
Animal Welfare Act of 1972. This does not mean we are afraid your dog will injure our animals – it’s probably the other way around. Dogs and prey species are a recipe for disaster at zoos and we have no interest in risking the well being of our animals, you, or your animals. The park animals live here and we do our ultimate best to make them our #1 priority.
Q: Can I just drive my own car through the park?
A: No. Southland Safari is not a drive-through safari park. We offer guided safari tours only, and all guests ride in our safari vehicles with a tour guide.
Q: What days are you open?
A: Southland Safari Cabins and Campground are open 7 days a week. Guided safari tours are available by reservation only.
Q: Do we need to make a reservation?
A: Yes. Reservations are required for Southland Safari cabins, guided safari tours, and wildlife encounters.
Q: Can we just walk around?
A: No. Guests are not allowed to walk through the safari park for the safety of both visitors and animals. If you are staying at Southland Safari Cabins, you may walk around the campground and enjoy the walking path near the animals, but you are not permitted to enter animal areas.
Q: How long will the Guided Safari Tour last?
A: Our guided safari tour typically lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Q: How long does The Encounter Package last?
A: The encounter package typically lasts about 1 hour.
Q: What will we be doing during the encounters?
A: During the Encounter Package at Southland Safari you will be entering into the walk-a-bout with kangaroos, feeding giraffes, and petting a sloth. You are welcome to take pictures with your own devices during the encounters.
Q: Can I just send my children to the encounters?
A: Anyone under the Age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Q: Can I enter an encounter area just to watch?
A: No. Anyone entering the encounter areas must purchase a ticket.
Q: What happens if I show up with a pet or animal in my car?
A: If you arrive at Southland Safari or the cabins with a pet or outside animal, you will be asked to leave and no refund will be given. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us protect our animals.
Q: Are you Wheel Chair Accessible?
A: Southland Safari is not fully wheelchair accessible, but we do our best to accommodate guests who need special assistance. Please call or email us before your visit so we can discuss your needs and see how we may be able to help.
Q: What else is there to do in the area?
A: There are several attractions nearby. Please visit our Area Attractions page to explore more things to do near Southland Safari.
Q: Can I feed the animals food that I brought with me?
A: No. Our animals follow special diets, and outside food may be harmful to them. Please only feed the animals approved feed provided by Southland Safari staff or available from the feed machines at the petting zoo.
Q: Am I allowed to have friends and family visit while staying in the cabins?
A: No. Outside visitors are not allowed in the cabins or campground. This helps us maintain the privacy and comfort of all guests staying on the property.
Q: Who funds Southland Safari?
A: Southland Safari is family-owned and privately funded. We do not receive financial support from the community or government entities.
Q: What animals can you see at Southland Safari?
A: Southland Safari is home to nearly 500 animals representing more than 50 species from around the world. During your visit, you may see a variety of wildlife and enjoy opportunities to learn more about the animals on our guided safari tours.
Q: Can I book an animal encounter without the guided safari tour?
No. The Encounter Package is only available with the purchase of a Guided Safari Tour.
Q: What is included in the VIP Safari experience?
A: The VIP Safari is a private safari experience with your own personal guide. It offers a more personal and immersive tour and includes exclusive animal encounters. This package is ideal for small families, photographers, or guests looking for a more private wildlife experience.
Q: Does Southland Safari offer lodging?
A: Yes. Southland Safari offers on-site cabins and safari lodging for guests who want to turn their visit into an overnight getaway.
Q: Is Southland Safari good for school field trips or corporate events?
A: Yes. Southland Safari offers experiences for school field trips and corporate events. Please visit that page or contact us for more information about planning your group visit.
Q: What else is there to do near Southland Safari?
A: There are several restaurants, local attractions, and places to visit in the surrounding area. Visit our community page to explore nearby recommendations while planning your trip.