This drive-thru safari in Natural Bridge is a hit any time of year, but fall brings the best combination of comfortable weather, thinner crowds, and stunning Blue Ridge scenery.
Summer heat keeps animals in the shade, but fall’s crisp mornings and mild afternoons bring Virginia Safari Park‘s resident zebras, elk, bison, and camels out into the open pastures for better sightings and photos. The park’s 180 acres are framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and in autumn those hillsides turn shades of amber and gold — a scenic backdrop you won’t get in July. Crowds thin out too, especially on weekdays, meaning shorter waits and more time at each animal encounter.
What sets Virginia Safari Park apart is your proximity to the animals. Along the safari road, you can roll down your window and hand-feed bison, elk, camels, and llamas. Psst! They don’t believe in private space either.
In Safari Village, feed giraffes at the elevated station to meet them at eye level and admire their beautiful lashes. Along the way, visit goats and baby llamas in the petting area, and let colorful budgies land on you in the aviary. Plus, you’ll see tigers, kangaroos, and even dapper little penguins. With fall’s lighter crowds, there’s more room to slow down and enjoy it all.
Beyond the standard admission, the park also offers premium, up-close encounters for an extra fee. For example, the Rhino Encounter puts you face-to-face with Southern white rhinos (daily at 1 p.m., not suitable for kids under 10). Gently feed the lively Ring-Tailed Lemurs (daily at 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.), or check out the Sloth Encounter (offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) where you can get hands-on with two-toed sloths Flash and Priscilla. Plus, there’s also a Penguin Encounter. These are limited to small groups, book up quickly, and are worth reserving online in advance if you want to add one to your visit.
Keep an eye out, too, for the park’s rare king cheetah — a genetic variant known for its distinctive blotchy, marbled coat instead of the usual spots. Virginia Safari Park is the only place in the United States where you can see one, making it a genuine bucket-list sighting.
Admission and Hours
One ticket covers the drive-thru safari and Safari Village walk-thru exhibits, and you’re welcome to leave and return the same day as long as you hang onto your receipt.
2026 Admission Prices:
Fall 2026 Hours:
Grab a feed bucket, roll down the windows, and get your camera ready. These animals are ready for their close-up.
Header image courtesy of Virginia Safari Park.Â
