Uncover Port Clinton’s Hidden Gem: A Drive-Thru Safari

Located in Port Clinton, Ohio, the African Safari Wildlife Park is a hidden gem that offers a unique and immersive safari experience. This family-friendly activity allows visitors to drive through the park and get up close and personal with a variety of exotic animals from Africa and around the world.

The Safari Experience at the African Safari Wildlife Park is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting the Sandusky or Put-In-Bay area. Read on to discover why this drive-thru safari in Ohio is one of the top things to do in Port Clinton.

Plan Your Visit to Ohio’s Drive-Thru Safari

The Drive-Thru Safari Experience at the African Safari Wildlife Park is undoubtedly the main reason guests visit. However, in addition to UNLIMITED TRIPS THROUGH THE SAFARI for one day, there is a walk-through safari included in your daily admission. Offering unique animal encounters such as Cabybara Encounters and Sloth Encounters, guests will want to plan their day accordingly, as the unique encounters require reservations.

We spent an extra two hours at the park during our visit than expected. The walk-thru safari is spread out, with plenty of engaging activities and encounters. A dinosaur takeover happens during warm weather months, where guests can experience 20 moving, roaring, life-sized prehistoric creatures throughout the Walk-Thru Safari.

Money Saving Tip:

Purchase an Ohio GET OUT PASS . The Get Out Pass includes admission to the African Safari Wildlife Park, but for only a few dollars more, you get admission to over 90 + attractions around the state. Use code CONSISTENTLYCURIOUS at checkout for the best discount!

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Everything You Need To Know For The Drive-Thru Safari

Driving through the park, you’ll find yourself the center of attention to tons of wildlife! Not every day, you get to see giraffes, zebras, and bison up close and personal. Before you embark on this adventure, there are a few helpful tips you will want to know.

Vehicle Safety

One of the first things you will see is a big red sign that states the park is not liable for any damage the animals cause to your vehicle. You are entering at your own risk. Therefore, I would not recommend bringing your brand-new car through the safari. There are many animals that have massive horns and antlers that can easily cause scraps and dents.

Other important vehicle tips:

• Jeeps and convertibles must have a top and solid doors to enter the Drive-Thru Safari for your safety.
• Pickup truck beds must be free of loose debris, trash, tools, and other unsecured items. For the safety of the animals, they do not allow any loose items in the beds of pickup trucks.
• Motorcycles and Kayak Racks are not permitted.
• Keep car doors closed at all times, and do not exit the vehicle for any reason.
• Do not hang out of your car or allow children to lean out of car windows.
• Speed limit is five miles per hour, and the park has two lanes.

Tip: Guests who are concerned about the big horned animals should plan on driving through the first section of the safari without feeding. This is where you will find the Ankole-Watusi and the Highland cattle. I also recommend pulling in your side mirrors if possible.

Purchase Feed Cups

Feed Cups are not a part of the Drive-Thru Safari and can purchased right before you enter. There are different food options for the various animals you will encounter. Feed only from cups provided by the Park. To feed the animals, hold the feed cup far outside of the window and hold the bottom of the cup OR gently toss food out onto the ground—no feeding animals from your hands. Outside food (animal food not provided by the Park) is prohibited.

Some animals in the Drive-Thru Safari are exhibited in pens. To feed these animals, closely pull your vehicle up to the pen and hold feed cups outside of the car window.  There are also NO feeding zones that will be indicated with signs.

A reminder that this is not a petting safari; you are not allowed to touch the animals.

Tip: Some animals are pretty strong and may yank the cup right out of your hands. When larger animals, such as bison, come along, instruct children to throw the food onto the ground to keep them from losing their cup!

What Animals Will I See On The Drive-Thru Safari?

If you are a nature and animal lover, the Safari Experience at the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton is a must-visit destination. You will spot Alpaca, Llama, Bison, Sika Deer, and Emus for starters during your adventure. More exotic animals, such as giraffes, zebra, giant Eland, eastern Bongo, and Bactrian Camels, can also be found throughout the drive.

Drive-Thru Multiple Times

Guests visiting the African Safari Wildlife Park can drive through the safari as often as they wish on the day of their visit. Your admission ticket will allow you to enter the safari unlimited times that day, up until an hour before closing.

IMPORTANT: The African Safari Wildlife Park does close during cold weather months. Check their website for operating hours. Cold snaps will have some animals indoors while the park is open.

Spend Time At The Walk-Thru Safari

Equivalent to a small zoo, the walk-thru safari allows guests to get up close with even more animals. Watch the gibbons swing through the trees or step inside the aviary to feed the Budgies. See Lemurs, Capybaras, Kangaroos, Porcupines, Tortoises and more as you go explore the park. Don’t forget to grab a map!

A Few Tips For The Walk-Thru Safari

• Animal Encounters often require reservations a few days in advance.
• Don’t miss one of the fun educational programs at the EdZoocation Pavillion.
• Guests can bring their lunch and use the picnic tables or purchase food at the Safari Cafe.
• There is a parking lot with plenty of parking, which is included in your admission.
• A gift shop and gem mining are available.

Dinosaur Fans Will Love the Dino Takeover

If there is a dinosaur fan in your family, they will love the dinosaur takeover in springtime. Step back in time and come face to face with more than 20 moving, roaring, life-sized, life-sized prehistoric creatures throughout the Walk-Thru Safari!

Encounter familiar favorites like the ferocious T. rex and mighty Triceratops alongside lesser-known but equally fascinating dinosaurs such as the massive Lufengosaurus and cunning Australovenator; pose for photos in larger-than-life eggs or the jaws of a T. rex; mine for real fossils to take home (for an additional fee); discover how these animals hunted, survived and cared for their young in a prehistoric world; and learn how you can protect today’s wildlife from the threat of extinction. 

Curious about The African Safari Wildlife Park’s conservation efforts. Head over to their website to learn more about their efforts.

Planning your visit to the African Safari Wildlife Park

Planning your visit to the Safari Experience is essential to ensure you make the most of this exciting outing. Here are a few tips to help you get ready for your day of adventure.

First, check the Safari Experience website for operating hours and any special events or shows scheduled for the day of your visit. Arriving early is recommended to avoid long lines and have ample time to explore all the exhibits and experiences.

Before heading out, consider dressing in comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and being outdoors. It is also a good idea to bring sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent to protect yourself and your family from the sun and any pesky insects.

Don’t forget to pack a bag with some essentials. Bottled water and snacks are permitted on the premises, and having them on hand will keep you and your little ones energized throughout the day.

To make your visit even more enjoyable, bring a camera to capture those precious moments and a notebook or journal to jot down interesting facts and observations.

So, the next time you find yourself in Port Clinton, don’t miss the opportunity to uncover this hidden gem. Don’t miss out on these great things to do while in the Sandusky area!

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