wild safari arizona

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Lions and tigers and bears and more, just north of Phoenix

Within about 2 hours from most points in Phoenix ,  Out of Africa Wildlife Park is located on more than 100 wilderness acres at the base of Mingus Mountain range in Camp Verde, Arizona. The weather and landscape are similar to the Masai Mara region of Kenya and the Serengeti of Tanzania, which suits the inhabitants, bears, tigers, leopards, giraffes, zebra, wolves, deer and more, just fine. The objective here is to provide a natural habitat for the animals while allowing the humans to appreciate and enjoy them. The park is owned and operated by a husband and wife, Dean and Prayeri Harrison.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park is not really a zoo. It is a wildlife refuge where people are invited to enjoy the beauty of hundreds of creatures that aren't typically found in the Arizona desert.

About half of the animals here are rescues. The individual habitats range in size from about half an acre to 6-1/2 acres.

Ten Things To Know Before You Go

• You can easily spend 4 or 5 hours at Out of Africa if you want to take advantage of all the tours and shows on any particular day.
• Not all shows are available on all days.  Check the schedule  to see which shows are offered on the day you'll be going.
• It took a few years after the move to Camp Verde to bring back the Tiger Splash show, and it is the most popular show at the park. The animals are not trained, so you don't really know what you'll see the tigers do. There are plenty of seats at the Tiger Splash Arena, but only a couple of rows in the back are benches with backs. The other seats are basically like sitting on concrete steps. Most of the seating area at Tiger Splash Arena is covered.
• Because the animals here have large habitats that afford them ample space to move around, play, get shade and hide, there are times when you might not be able to find them. That can be disappointing. Be patient, or come back and try again later in the day.
• Although Out of Africa is about 2,000 feet higher in elevation than Phoenix and is cooler, keep in mind that in the summer in Camp Verde it is still hot! Take precautions!
• Out of Africa is suitable for all ages, but understand that there is no traditional petting zoo here. There are opportunities to feed a tiger (extra charge), feed a giraffe or camel, or touch a snake, but that's about it for hands-on activities.
• Be prepared to walk on dirt paths and uneven surfaces.
• You can only ride on the African Bush Safari, but you can walk or ride, or a combination of the two in the wildlife preserve. You'll definitely want to do both. If you can only do one, though, I always enjoy wandering through the Wildlife Preserve best, where you'll see the big cats, hyenas, bears and more.
• The snack bars near Tiger Splash Arena have reasonable prices. Leave the gift shop until the end of your visit so you don't have as much to carry. The gift shop is at the entrance/exit.
• Out of Africa is a bit rustic. This is not a theme park. Your tour vehicle might not be very glitzy (unless you are on the VIP tour), there are no carnival-type rides, just trams and tour buses.

Special tours

The Unimog Tour is designed for a smaller group of people, minimum 5 years old on a one-hour personal tour through the park, including the African Bush Safari where the animals walk up to the vehicle. Out of Africa Wildlife Park offers a Behind the Scenes VIP Tour as well as a  Zipline Tour . Various packages are also offered. Reservations are required, and pricing is different for those experiences.

Predator Zip Line

This isn't your grandma's zipline. This is a full, 2-1/2 hour experience with five lines starting on a 75' high platform over the wildlife park. You must be at least 8 years old, between 60 and 250 pounds and in good health. No phones or cameras are permitted. Admission to the park is not included in the price, so if you also want to experience Out of Africa Wildlife Park from the ground you'll need to buy separate tickets for that. No previous zipline experience is necessary. Daytime and night zipline tours are offered. Visit Predator Zip Line online for pricing, more information, and to make reservations.

Practical Information

Out of Africa is open seven days per week, 363 days per year, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. No tickets are sold after 4 p.m. Out of Africa is open on holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Out of Africa used to be just outside of Fountain Hills, but they moved to Camp Verde in 2005. It is located about 90 minutes north of Phoenix.

As is common in the industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary visit for review purposes. While it has not influenced this article, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy. All prices and offerings mentioned herein are subject to change without notice. 

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Wildlife World Zoo

Aquarium & safari park.

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium & Safari Park displays Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals, White Tigers, Lions, Jaguars, Leopards, Giraffe, Monkeys, Kangaroos, Sharks, Penguins, Stingray, and over 6,000 other exotic species. Take the Log Flume ride through the Aquarium, have an African Safari Train ride, skyride over animal exhibits, Australian Boat ride and kid’s exotic Animal Carousel. Open every day of the year!

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Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Everything you need to know about Wildlife World Zoo and how to save money when you go

At Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park, guests will find the state's largest collection of exotic and endangered animals with more than 600 species and 6,000 animals. Get up close with some of the residents at the kids' petting zoo, or thrill-seekers can enjoy 10 rides.

For families looking for a wild, adventurous day, the zoo has plenty to do on this 215-acre space . But before you go, here are some of the biggest highlights and tips to know. 

Top attractions

There are several attractions that guests can see, but here are some of the top things to do.

1. Baby animal nursery:  They're so tiny and so cute. Who wouldn't want to get a close look at the zoo's youngest residents? The little animals on display change from week to week and month to month. Call 623-935-9453 to learn which animals will be there.

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2. Feed animals:  There are plenty of ways for guests to interact with some of the animals. At the Kids' Petting Zoo, children can meet and feed axis deer, baby goats, chickens and more. Guests can also feed giraffes from a 12-foot platform or feed and pet a stingray. And families can feed apple slices to Lories, a breed of parrots with brush-tipped tongues, while the birds perch on guests' arms.

3. Wildlife Encounters and shows:  Take a load off and enjoy Wildlife Encounters, a show that highlights animals' natural behaviors led by educational zoo staff three times a day. Guests can also watch sea lions do tricks with trainers at Shipwreck Cove two times per day. After the show, step up to feed the sea lions.

4. Aquarium:  This facility has a four-building aquarium filled with hundreds of fish, amphibians and more. The zoo boasts that the South Pacific Reef tunnel tank is the longest acrylic tunnel in Arizona.

5. Safari Park:  A new expansion brings the size of this attraction to about 25 acres. Guests can see African lions, a variety of African birds and other various animals including three white rhinos from South Africa. Take a tram ride through several animal exhibits or walk around the park.

6. DragonWorld:  There are large acrylic panels with underwater views to see a giant saltwater crocodile and a rare white alligator. Of course, there are also snakes, insects, iguanas and lizards.

How to get there

The zoo is located at 16501 W. Northern Ave. in Litchfield Park off Loop 303. The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park's website lists multiple ways to get to there.

From the north:  Take I-17 to Loop 101 West. Exit 101 at Northern Avenue and head west 8 miles, which turns into Northern Parkway. Exit Northern at Sarival, turn left and then turn right at Northern.

Guests can also take Loop 303 south and exit Northern Parkway. Turn left, turn right onto Reems Road and then turn right onto Northern Avenue. Take this for two miles to the main entrance.

From the east:  Take I-10 west to Loop 101 north. Exit 101 at Northern Avenue and head left 8 miles where Northern Avenue becomes Northern Parkway. Exit Northern at Sarival Exit 1. Turn left onto Sarival and go south for half a mile.

From the west:  Take I-10 east to Loop 303 and go north. Exit 303 at Northern Avenue and head right toward the main entrance.

Guests should arrive at the front gates for entry or ticket sales and not the administrative offices.

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Discounted tickets

For daytime admission, tickets are $41.50 plus tax for adults 13 and up, and it's $23 plus tax for children 3-12. Kids 2 years old and younger get free admission.

There is a $2 discount per person for groups of 10 people or more, but it can't be combined with other offers. Seniors get $5 off every Tuesday, and there is a AAA discount for $5 off per person for the names on the card with a valid card.

Coupons for $5 off admission per person for up to four people at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park also come in the mail with other coupons. 

The parking is free, and gift shops and food service is available. Stroller rentals are $8 while wheelchair rentals are $20. Public bird feedings and Wildlife Encounter Shows are included with admission, but the rides are an additional charge. Most of the rides are $6 per person, but the carousel is $3.50 per person and the 650-foot long zip line is $15 per person.

If interested, guests can buy a membership, which includes free unlimited zoo and aquarium admission all year. Members also get 10 percent off all purchases in the gift shop and one complimentary pass with each adult membership. Adult memberships are $150 each while children memberships for ages 3-12 are $75 each.

Best time to visit the zoo

The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the aquarium is open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. each day year-round. Yes, that includes holidays.

Staff recommends walking the zoo first and then seeing the aquarium to cap off the day's adventure, especially during the hot Arizona summers.

Contact Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park for more details at 623-232-8741 or visit  wildlifeworld.com .

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How can you get an African safari experience without stepping foot on a plane, train or boat?

Look no further than Arizona’s Out of Africa Wildlife Park . It feels like you’ve walked out of the Sonoran Desert and into a savanna. This park is unlike any other zoo or animal experience, and it has something for everyone within its gates.

Expect to find habitats for tigers, lions and bears, plus our personal favorite: spotted hyenas.

You’ll also find a dazzle of zebras, a Black Leopard named Enoch, a White Rhino names Jericho, and many more.

Out of Africa is a unique 103-acre preserve that allows animals to thrive and flourish in spacious exhibits, and none of the animals have to go through any training. The park even lets some of the animal shows run almost completely on improv.

The park offers a variety of unique ways to get up close and personal to their furry, scaly and slippery residents. One of our favorite options is the Unimog Adventure Safari Tour, a giant truck that takes you into some of the exhibits to feed and get to know the animals face-to-face.

For something a little more casual, and easier for little ones, visit the Tiger Splash show. The entire show involves people playing, swimming and running around with a tiger. A mix of comedy and crazy, it’s just plain fun, and a great family activity. Those brave enough can stick around and feed a tiger, too.

Even more adrenaline-pumping encounters await at the park’s African bush safari, giant snake show and predator feed. There’s also a Wonders of Wildlife show that's a big hit. 

Visitors can even camp out at the park during select times of the year, opt for a special VIP behind-the-scenes tour, or take a photography workshop for a little something extra. And bonus: The park is free during your birthday month.

Out of Africa also has one final option: the Predator Zip Line. You can fly over all those spectacular animals for an aerial view that’s to die for. It’s the only one of its kind. 

The park even has great lunch options that won’t break your budget. Of all the burger, sandwich and hotdog options, we recommend The Kibo (turkey on grilled sourdough) when you get the chance.

Out of Africa is in Camp Verde, Arizona, about a 75-minute drive from central Phoenix . It’s located about 30 minutes south of Sedona.

Out of Africa 3505 W. SR-260, Camp Verde 928-567-2840

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Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Things to see and do.

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Mingus Mountains of Camp Verde, Out of Africa Wildlife Park is nestled on over 100 acres of rolling hills and valleys. This setting is home to hundreds of exotic mammals, birds, and reptiles from all over the world. It’s the perfect place to raise the awareness of our exotic neighbors while promoting understanding through in-person contact. It truly is an awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild.

No passport needed! You may be in Arizona, but you’ll feel like you’re in Africa when hitching a ride on your own African Bush Safari Tour, included with general admission. This 30-minute tour narrated by expert guides is a photographer’s dream.

At Out of Africa Wildlife Park you and yours will experience the ultimate animal adventure for all ages. One steeped in fun, immersed in learning, and inspired by a living and colorful world of astonishing wildlife. They strive to foster an appreciation of our planet’s wild areas and wondrous inhabitants by supporting and promoting conservation awareness and action, practicing exemplary animal care, providing education and learning experiences, and establishing broad community support, through a peaceful and interactive relationship with our animal friends, who touch our hearts.

out of africa wildlife park highlights

Tiger splash®.

You’ve never seen anything like this before! Witness one or more Bengal and Siberian tigers interact in a predator-and-play relationship, romping and splashing in a large pool as they play with their caretakers and various colorful toys.

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VISITOR INFO

Out of Africa Wildlife Park 3505 W. SR-260 Camp Verde, AZ 86322 (928) 567-2840 Visit Website

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Watch fun shows like Tiger Splash and get smooched by a giraffe on your African Bush Safari at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Enjoy fabulous encounters like the Giant Snake Show, Predator Feed and Wonders of Wildlife Show. With a jungle hut eatery and gift shop, plenty of fun awaits!

Adventure Awaits At This Drive-Thru Safari Park In Arizona

Katie Lawrence

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015. Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).

More by this Author

We all know about the ostrich ranch in Picacho, but it isn’t Arizona’s only opportunity to see exotic animals. Out of Africa Wildlife Park is another such place, and it’s full of majestic creatures you’ve likely never seen in person. This incredible attraction promises to be a fun-filled day for the entire family – see for yourself:

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For more information, visit the park’s website or Facebook page.

Have you ever been to Out of Africa? What’s your favorite safari park in Arizona? Let us know! In the meantime, check out these amazing zoos: 8 Little Known Places In Arizona Where Animal Lovers Should Go .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Keepers of the Wild

Nature park, saving lives since 1995 an accredited, nonprofit wildlife sanctuary.

SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOURS:

Enjoy walking the park at your own pace and have your questions answered by knowledgeable Keepers throughout the sanctuary. Be sure to check out the educational signs at each habitat to learn about the species we care for.

Winding natural paths lined with lush Southwestern foilage in our unique canyon reveal wildlife habitats of all kinds.

Tigers, bears, lions, wolves, primates, birds, and more...

With over 130 current animal residents, will you be able to spot them all?

Photo-ops abound!

GUIDED SAFARI TOURS:

Embark on a wild journey through our  picturesque 175-acre canyon in the heart of  AZ Route 66 ...

Experience a memorable hour and fifteen-minute Guided Safari Tour hosted by a knowledgeable Keeper who will drive you through the sanctuary while sharing fun facts and heartfelt accounts of how our beloved rescued animals came to call Keepers home.

You’ll see in close range over 130 wild  animals such as lions, tigers, wolves, bears,  leopards,

primates, and indigenous Southwestern wildlife like cougars,  bobcats, and coyotes. 

Keep your camera handy!

Various tour vehicles are available to accommodate the needs of all guests. 

GUIDED FEEDING SAFARI TOURS:

Get a taste of the wild!  Watch the big cats and carnivores devour their dinner as you embark on a wild journey through our picturesque 175-acre canyon in the heart of  Historic Route 66 ...

Experience a memorable hour and fifteen-minute Guided Safari Tour hosted by a knowledgeable Keeper who will drive you through the park while sharing fun facts and heartfelt accounts of how our beloved rescued animals came to call Keepers home.

You’ll see in close range over 130 wild  animals such as big cats, 

wolves, bears,  leopards, primates, and indigenous Southwestern wildlife like cougars, bobcats, and coyotes. 

View animals ranging from rugged mountain goats and stealthy wolves to majestic bison and comical black bears; all from the comfort of your own private vehicle.

What To Expect

Bearizona invites guests to drive into the largest ponderosa pine forest and witness animals in natural habitats – all from their own private vehicle or motor coach. Drive through as many times as you would like before leaving the park. There is no re-entry once you exit the park. 

Drive through the Arizona wilderness viewing our varied collection of North American animals from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle. Get up close to these otherwise elusive animals during our three-mile drive at your own pace.

Vehicle Restrictions

Most vehicles can drive through Bearizona’s well-maintained roads. Each vehicle must be completely enclosed and have operational windows.

Sorry no ATV/all-terrain or open-top jeeps or open-top convertibles.

For a full list of Drive-Thru guidelines, Click Here .

Drive-Thru Animals

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