Virginia Safari Park
Frequently Asked Questions

We encourage you to review our FAQs before you call Virginia Safari Park. Many of your questions may be answered below.

Are pets allowed?

No pets are permitted on the property. This is for your animal’s safety and ours.

Are drones allowed?

Drone usage is NOT PERMITTED on property. This is for the safety of our animals.

Do you have wheelchairs for rent?

We do not have wheelchairs to rent at this time. Most of the park is a drive-thru, but the Safari Village is paved and has benches along the way. If there are people in your party who need wheelchairs, you are welcome to bring your own to the park.

Can we walk through?

Virginia Safari Park is a 180-acre drive-thru zoo. For safety purposes, guests are not permitted to exit their vehicles while in the drive-thru section of the park. We do have a 10-acre walk-thru zoo called the Safari Village. Admission to both the Safari Drive-Thru and the Village Walk-Thru is included in the price of your ticket.

Are motorcycles allowed?

Motorcycles are allowed on the property but are not permitted in the drive-thru section of the park. Guests arriving on motorcycles may make arrangements to ride in another guest's vehicle.

What if my vehicle has no doors?

All vehicles must have doors to enter the park. While in the drive-thru area, vehicle doors should remain closed at all times. Softshell/fabric Jeep doors are not substantial protection for the drive-thru and will not be permitted into the safari.

Are RVs allowed?

RVs up to 42' long can drive through the park without any difficulties. RVs are subject to a vehicle search for pets/animals before entering the park.

Can you ride in the back of a pick-up truck?

People can ride in the back of a pick-up truck as long as the tailgate stays up and no one gets out or hangs off the truck bed. Children under 12 must have adult supervision. For your safety, please remain seated while the vehicle is in motion.

How do we feed the animals if driving a minivan?

Minivan doors and back hatch doors must remain closed while in the Drive-Thru Zoo section of the park. You may feed the animals through your front windows or side windows if they open. Remember, you may drive through the park as many times as you like, giving minivan passengers in the back of the vehicle the opportunity to move to the front seats to feed the animals.

How can we get our own wagon?

Privately booked wagons are booked 4 to 6 weeks in advance through our sales department with a minimum of 15 paying people and a $100 non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking on MasterCard, Visa. Please see Group Rates for more information.

How many people can fit on a wagon?

Our wagons hold up to 35 people.

Do you offer group rates?

Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more people. Please see Group Rates for more information.

Do you have a carload rate?

We do not have a carload rate. The admission is per person in the vehicle.

Are you open on Sundays?

We are open seven days a week, mid-March thru November. Please see the visitor information page for the full calendar of hours of operation.

Are the animals out in the rain?

The animals live outside year-round, rain or shine. They may choose to seek shelter in a heavy downpour or inclement weather.

Is there a restaurant on the property?

The Watering Hole Cafe is located across from the Safari Junction wagon station in the Village area. See dining for details.

Can we bring a grill to use at your picnic shelter?

No. We do not allow grills to be used in any area of the park or within the picnic shelter.

What else is there to do in the area?

There are several attractions in our area. Please see Directions & Area Links for more information.

Are there any campgrounds in the area?

There are many local campgrounds in the area, including KOA, Jellystone, Cave Mountain Lake, Glen Maury Park, and Lake Robertson.

May we feed the animals?

Yes! Buckets of animal feed for the Safari Drive-Thru are available for purchase at the time of admission, as well as inside the gift shop. Feed buckets are for the Safari Drive-Thru and are not permitted in the Village Walk-Thru. Additionally, feed sticks for the Budgie Aviary and romaine lettuce cups for the Giraffe Feeding Station may be purchased in the Village Walk-Thru. Please see Visitor Information for details. NO OUTSIDE ANIMAL FEED OF ANY KIND IS PERMITTED.

Does the animal feed contain peanuts?

No, the animal feed does not contain peanuts but is manufactured in an agricultural facility that may process peanuts or peanut shells.

Is smoking permitted?

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on park grounds, including inside vehicles in the parking lot or Safari Drive-Thru. There is one designated smoking area located at the entrance to the Village Walk-Thru.

Are balloons allowed at the Virginia Safari Park?

No. Balloons are not allowed at Virginia Safari Park as they pose a threat to our animals who may accidentally eat the balloons, which could lead to a fatal outcome.

Your Visit

Plan your trip to the Virginia Safari Park! Get driving directions from seven nearby cities/states, as well as links to other local attractions. You can also buy tickets and download a map of the park.