Virginia Safari Park
Natural Bridge, Virginia · Zoo Aquarium · Accessibility score 0.7/5
Address: 229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Phone: (540) 291-3205
About
Virginia Safari Park offers a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience in Natural Bridge, Virginia. Spanning 180 acres in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, this drive-through safari lets visitors get remarkably close to over 1,000 animals from around the world. Giraffes, zebras, bison, elk, and antelope roam freely alongside your vehicle, and many will approach your car window for food.
The main attraction is the three-mile drive-through safari loop. You'll purchase buckets of feed at the entrance, then slowly cruise through open fields where animals wander right up to your car. It's an incredibly interactive experience, especially for kids. You can also ride the guided wagon tour if you'd prefer not to drive yourself.
Beyond the drive-through, the park features a walk-through village zoo area called Safari Village. Here you'll find aviaries, a petting zoo, and exhibits with smaller animals including lemurs, penguins, and tropical birds. There's also a giraffe feeding station where you can hand-feed these gentle giants from an elevated platform.
The park is open seasonally, typically from mid-March through late November, with hours varying by month. Peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Arriving early on weekdays tends to mean smaller crowds and more active animals. The drive-through loop takes about an hour, and most families spend two to three hours total when including Safari Village.
Food and drinks are available on-site, and there are picnic areas if you'd rather bring your own lunch. The gift shop carries souvenirs and animal-themed items. Virginia Safari Park sits just off Interstate 81, making it an easy stop on a Shenandoah Valley road trip. It's about 15 minutes from Natural Bridge State Park, so you can easily combine both into a full day of outdoor adventure.
Accessibility
The drive-through safari is inherently accessible since visitors remain in their personal vehicles throughout the three-mile loop. This makes the main attraction fully accessible to anyone who can ride in a car, regardless of mobility level. Windows should be rolled down to interact with animals, and feed buckets are handed through the car window.
For the guided wagon tram tour, the park accommodates one wheelchair or Other Power-Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD) per vehicle. An ADA accessibility map is available upon request at ticket booths and turnstiles. Complimentary passes for attendants accompanying visitors with disabilities can be obtained at any ticket booth.
The Safari Village walk-through area includes paved pathways in some sections, though terrain may vary. Some areas involve gravel or uneven ground that could present challenges for wheelchair users or those with mobility aids.
Parking is available near the main entrance. Restroom facilities are located in the Safari Village area. Contact the park directly at (540) 291-3205 for specific questions about restroom accessibility, sensory accommodations, or any other accessibility needs before your visit. Staff can provide guidance on which areas of the walk-through zoo are most accessible and help plan a comfortable visit.
More accessible places in Virginia
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Richmond)
- Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park (Fredericksburg)
- Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (Appomattox)
- Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial (Arlington)
- Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park (Middletown)
- Colonial National Historical Park (Yorktown)