The popular image of a wildlife safari involves bumping along a dusty track in a sturdy vehicle as herds of antelope, zebras and giraffes graze on the surrounding plains. That image is usually set on the African savanna, but it could just as easily be set in East Texas, where several wildlife parks and ranches give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the safari experience without leaving North America.
Four miles of roads wind through Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a century-old wildlife park in the San Antonio area. Founded in 1884, the ranch put 200 exotic animals on display and opened to the public in 1984, and it has become the most visited safari park in Texas. Now home to more than 500 animals, both native species and exotics from Africa, Natural Bridge offers visitors a chance to feed antelope and zebras from the comfort of their vehicles and get a close look at white rhinoceroses and giraffes. In addition to the car-based attractions, the ranch includes a restaurant, petting zoo, learning center and gift shop.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road
San Antonio, TX 78266
830-438-7400
wildliferanchtexas.com
Animals from all over the world share the 59 acres of Grapeland Drive-Thru Safari, a family-operated wildlife ranch just north of Grapeland, Texas on Highway 287. Zebras, llamas, kangaroos and camels peacefully coexist with bison, potbellied pigs, geese, donkeys, goats, sheep and deer, and they're all happy to see visitors driving through the park, especially since the feeding of many of the animals is allowed. For those who want to venture outside their cars, a ride aboard a unique train with cars made from old barrels is available.
Grapeland Drive-Thru Safari
13440 U.S. Highway 287 N
Grapeland, TX 75844
936-687-5292
grapelanddrivethrusafari.com
More than a dozen species are represented among the exotic and endangered animals of Cherokee Trace. Several species of deer, antelope, cattle, water buffalo, wood bison, emu, alligators and zebras are just some the animals visitors will see as they drive through this 300-acre park between Tyler and Nacogdoches, Texas. A narrated "Behind the Scenes" tour is available for visitors who want to learn a little more about the animals and the operation of the park. Those who want to spend even more time with the animals can stay overnight in one of two cabins and enjoy after-hours access to the park and a continental breakfast in the morning.
Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari
1200 CR 4405
Jacksonville, TX 75766
903-683-3322
cherokeetrace.org
