Lion Country Safari

Loxahatchee, Florida: Opened in 1967, Lion Country Safari is a 500 acre animal park consisting of a five mile drive-through safari and a walk-through safari featuring over 800 animals. The safari was part of a six park venture by a group of entrepreneurs from South Africa and Great Britain. The Lion Country Safari in Florida is the only location still in operation and in 2009 was voted the third best zoo in America by USA Travel Guide.

Upon arrival to Lion Country Safari, you begin the five mile drive-through safari. The safari is broken into seven animal habitats representing different regions of the wild. The habitats as you approach them are:

Las Pampas- the grassland habitat featuring the Brazilian Tapir, Aldabra Tortoise, Llama, Rhea, Florida Brown Pelican and Fallow Deer.

Ruaha National Park-unspoiled wilderness featuring Greater Kudu, Impala and Aoudad.

Kalahari Bushveldt- a dry plateau featuring Nile Lechwe and Gemsbok.

Gir Forest- home to the Asiatic Water Buffalo, Nilgai, Blackbuck and Kulan.

Gorongosa Reserve- the preserve that the African Lions call home.

Serengeti Plains- the wide open plains that provide a grazing grounds for the African Elephant, Eland, Ostrich, Wildebeest, Waterbuck and Mouflon.

Hwange National Park- featuring the White Rhino, Zebra, Chimpanzee, White-Handed Gibbons and Giraffes.

Once you complete the drive-through safari, it is time to visit the walk-though portion of the park. This portion of the park is packed with animals, rides, entertainment, food and gifts. Guests can take part in several animal encounters including feeding lorikeets and giraffes along with a petting zoo. There are several rides including a Ferris wheel, paddleboats and a splash park. The staff also provides animal demonstrations and there are animal shows scheduled throughout. All of the rides and entertainment are included with the regular admission.

You are welcomed to reboard your car and tour the drive-through safari as many times as you wish through-out the day. The animals are more active in the morning but each drive through the safari will provide a different perspective.

You can see more pictures from our visit on my Lion Country Safari photo page.