There aren’t many places in the United States where you can watch a giraffe stroll past your windshield or hear a lion roar just a few yards away from your car.
But in Southern Oregon, that experience is surprisingly real.
Just outside the town of Winston, about ten minutes south of Roseburg, sits one of Oregon’s most unique attractions. Wildlife Safari is a 600-acre drive-through, AZA, SSP & ZAA-accredited wildlife park where hundreds of animals roam large open habitats, giving visitors the rare chance to see some of the world’s most incredible species up close without ever leaving their vehicle.
For families, road trippers, and wildlife lovers alike, this place feels like stepping into a completely different world.
And the best part? You experience most of it from the comfort of your car.
A Drive-Thru Safari Unlike Anywhere Else in Oregon
The star of the show at Wildlife Safari is the 4.5-mile drive-through safari loop.
Unlike a traditional zoo where animals are confined to small enclosures, many of the animals here roam large natural habitats designed to mimic their native environments. Visitors slowly drive through different sections of the park while animals move freely around the landscape.
One minute you might see a herd of Damara zebras grazing in the distance.
The next moment, an ostrich might casually stroll past your driver’s side window.
It’s not unusual to encounter bison crossing the road, antelope wandering through the grass, or giraffes towering above the trees nearby.
And yes, the predators are here too.
Massive African lions rest in the shade while cheetahs patrol their enclosures nearby. From your vehicle, you can watch these animals behaving much more naturally than you’d typically see at a zoo.
The experience feels less like visiting an exhibit and more like being dropped into a miniature African safari right in the middle of Oregon.
For kids, especially, the excitement of spotting animals from the car turns the whole visit into a game of “who sees it first.”
As you approach the park, the picturesque landscape of Southern Oregon unfolds before you, providing a glimpse of what's in store for you. Unlike typical zoos, the Wildlife Safari offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The park is home to a diverse array of amazing animals, many of which are native to Africa, and all of which roam freely in their natural habitats.
A World Leader in Cheetah Conservation
Wildlife Safari isn’t just about entertainment. Behind the scenes, the park has become one of the most important centers for cheetah conservation in the world.
Since the program began in 1972, Wildlife Safari has helped bring over 200 cheetah cubs into the world, making it the number one cheetah breeding facility outside of Africa and one of the most successful programs on the planet.
That work matters more than ever. Today, scientists estimate only around 10,000 cheetahs remain in the wild.
The park’s breeding and research programs help scientists better understand how to protect and sustain the species. Cubs born here have contributed valuable genetic diversity to global conservation programs, helping ensure cheetahs continue to exist for future generations.
Visitors sometimes even catch glimpses of the park’s ambassador cheetahs during special programs and presentations.
And longtime fans of the safari may remember the heartwarming story of KJ the cheetah and Rhino the dog, an unlikely friendship that captured attention around the world.
Meet Animals From Across the Globe
While African wildlife steals much of the spotlight, the park is home to animals from several continents.
During your drive you may encounter:
- Southern white rhinos
- Elephants
- Grizzly bear
- Brindled wildebeest
- Giraffes
- African lions
- Bengal tigers
- Cheetahs
- Hippopotamus
- American bison
- Antelope and deer species
- Ostriches and emus
Some animals stay close to the road, while others graze further out across the rolling hills and oak woodlands that make up the park.
That unpredictability is part of the magic. Every visit feels a little different.
And yes, the emus near the end of the drive have earned a reputation among visitors. These curious birds are famously bold and sometimes wander right up to cars, peering in as if they’re just as curious about you as you are about them.
Imagine watching as a majestic Southern White Rhino grazes mere feet away from your car, or spotting a herd of Damara Zebras frolicking in the open fields. The experience is nothing short of breathtaking.
Safari Village: A Free Bonus Adventure
After completing the drive-through safari, visitors can park and explore Safari Village, an area packed with additional exhibits, activities, and family-friendly attractions.
One of the best surprises for many visitors is that Safari Village is free to enter.
This walk-through section of the park features a variety of animals and interactive experiences, including:
- Ring-tailed lemurs
- Red pandas
- Alligators
- Birds and aviaries
- Reptiles and smaller mammals
Throughout the day, keepers host educational talks where visitors can learn more about the animals and conservation efforts taking place behind the scenes.
For kids, it’s a chance to see animals up close while learning how wildlife parks contribute to protecting endangered species.
Animal Encounters and Family Activities
Safari Village also offers several interactive experiences that make the visit especially memorable for families.
The children’s petting zoo lets young visitors meet friendly goats and donkeys, and feeding them has become a favorite tradition for many families.
Nearby, guests can feed koi fish in the pond while ducks try their best to sneak a snack first.
There’s also an Australian Walkabout area where visitors can see wallaroos and birds native to Australia.
Depending on the season, additional experiences may be available, including camel rides on gentle one-humped dromedary camels. It’s a surprisingly fun way to get a photo you definitely won’t find anywhere else in Oregon.
The village train is another favorite with kids, offering a relaxed ride through the Safari Village grounds
Food, Gifts, and Picnic Spots
After exploring, many visitors stop by the Safari Grill, where burgers, fries, and classic comfort food help refuel hungry explorers.
There are also outdoor picnic areas where families can relax and enjoy lunch surrounded by views of the park.
Before heading out, the Safari Gift Shop is worth a stop as well. From plush animals and toys to safari-themed apparel and souvenirs, it’s easy to find something to remember the adventure.
Tips for Visiting Wildlife Safari
Because the park is primarily a drive-through experience, there are a few important rules to keep everyone safe.
- Visitors must remain inside their vehicles during the safari loop, and feeding animals from your car is not allowed unless part of a designated program.
- The animals may approach vehicles, but guests should always keep their hands inside and give them plenty of space.
- The park is open year-round, though hours may vary depending on the season. Spring and summer tend to be the busiest times, while fall visits often offer cooler weather and smaller crowds.
- One of the prime times to explore Wildlife Safari Oregon is during the winter months. As temperatures drop, animals become more active, often offering a more immersive experience for visitors.
- Driving through Wildlife Safari typically takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete, but admission prices include unlimited drive-throughs of the park.
- For the safety of your own four-legged friends, pets are not allowed in the Safari Drive Thru, nor in the Safari Village. Service animals are allowed, but have extra rules to follow. A kennel area is provided for those visiting with pets.
- No Open Top Vehicles (Convertibles must have tops up at all times)
- No Motorcycles
A Safari Experience Without Leaving Oregon
For many people, seeing animals like lions, rhinos, and cheetahs roaming open landscapes is something they only imagine doing on an African safari.
Wildlife Safari offers a small but remarkable glimpse of that experience right here in Oregon.
It’s part wildlife park, part conservation center, and part unforgettable road trip stop.
Whether you’re driving through with kids in the back seat or exploring on your own, there’s something uniquely magical about turning a corner in the road and suddenly finding a giraffe standing just a few yards away.
And that’s the kind of memory that tends to stick with you long after the trip is over.
Everything You Need To Know About Wildlife Safari Before You Go
2026 Admission Rates
--Adults: $29.50
--Kids (ages 3-12): $22.50
--Kids (2 and Under): Always Free
--Seniors: $26.50
--Family Bundle (Two adults and two children): $95.00
(Admission includes a map of the park and UNLIMITED drive-throughs with all-day access)
--Membership Passes: See website for details.
Group Rates
Wildlife Safari offers group rates for groups of 12 or more. For more information on group rates, contact guest services at 541-679-6761 or email them at [email protected].
Hours
- March - September: 9am to 6pm (last car admission at 6pm)
- October: 9am to 5pm (last car admission at 5pm)
- November - March: 9am to 4pm (last car admission at 4pm)
Open 7 Days a Week, Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Contact Info
Address: 1790 Safari Road in Winston, OR 97496
Web: wildlifesafari.net
Socials: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter
Phone: (541) 679-6761
