This Oregon Safari Lets You Drive Through Giraffes, Rhinos, and More

I never expected to lock eyes with a giraffe through my windshield in southern Oregon, but there I was, frozen in my driver’s seat and grinning like a kid. Wildlife Safari in Winston is a 600-acre animal wonderland where you drive your own car past rhinos, lions, and bears without stepping outside.

It feels a little unreal. Like Jurassic Park, but calmer.

And thankfully, no dinosaurs trying to ruin your day. I’ve been here more than once, and every visit feels different because the animals are always stealing the show in their own way.

Grab your camera and keep those binoculars close. More than 500 animals call this place home, and they’re not hiding behind glass or railings.

The drive-through loop drops you right into the middle of it all. Just when you think you’ve seen everything, something massive wanders right in front of your car.

Drive Your Own Car Through 4.5 Miles of Wild Terrain

Cruising through Wildlife Safari at 1790 Safari Rd, Winston, OR 97496 feels surreal the first time you do it. You’re literally driving your personal vehicle through areas where zebras, rhinos, and bison roam freely around you.

The 4.5-mile loop takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on how often you stop to gawk at the incredible wildlife.

Animals often walk right up to your car windows, which makes for some seriously unforgettable photo opportunities. I recommend bringing binoculars for spotting creatures lounging in the distance.

You can go at your own pace, pull over to let others pass, or pause as long as you want to watch a hippo taking a swim.

One important rule: keep your windows mostly closed and doors locked for safety. The park requires fully enclosed vehicles, so convertibles must have their tops up and motorcycles aren’t allowed.

Rainy days can actually be fantastic because crowds thin out and you get a more private experience with the animals.

The route winds through different habitat zones that mimic the animals’ natural environments. Every visit brings something new since wildlife behavior changes with weather and seasons.

Over 500 Animals From Six Continents Call This Home

Walking into Wildlife Safari feels like stepping onto multiple continents at once. More than 500 animals representing species from Africa, Asia, North America, and beyond live here in spacious habitats designed to match their native environments.

Giraffes tower over the landscape while Southern white rhinos wallow in mud pools nearby.

Lions lounge in shaded areas during hot afternoons, and tigers pace majestically through their territory. The variety is absolutely mind-blowing for a park located in rural Oregon.

You’ll spot hippos, zebras, bison, ostriches, emus, bears, and countless other species throughout your visit.

What impressed me most was how much room each animal has to roam. These aren’t cramped enclosures.

The habitats sprawl across the 600-acre property, giving creatures space to behave naturally and move around freely.

Dangerous predators like lions and tigers stay behind secure fencing for obvious safety reasons, but many other animals roam completely free. Deer and emus might approach your car looking for treats.

The park’s commitment to providing quality living conditions shows in how healthy and active the animals appear throughout the year.

Premier Cheetah Breeding Research Center

Wildlife Safari operates one of the world’s most successful cheetah breeding programs outside of Africa. This isn’t just a tourist attraction.

Real conservation work happens here every single day. The facility has earned international recognition for its research and breeding success with these magnificent spotted cats.

Baby cheetahs are frequently born at the park, and visitors often get to see cubs during their visit. The sight of tiny cheetahs playing under their mother’s watchful eye will absolutely melt your heart.

These programs help ensure the species survives for future generations since wild cheetah populations face serious threats.

I learned from staff members that the park shares research findings with conservation organizations worldwide. Their expertise helps improve breeding programs at other facilities.

You can even book special encounters to meet a cheetah ambassador up close, though these cost extra beyond regular admission.

The dedication of the animal care team shines through in every interaction. They’re passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to share information about cheetah biology and conservation challenges.

Seeing these incredible predators thrive in Oregon demonstrates what’s possible when people commit to protecting endangered species.

Safari Village Walk-Through Area With Petting Zoo

After completing the drive-through portion, Safari Village offers a completely different experience on foot. This walk-through section is included with your admission ticket and features smaller exhibits, a petting zoo, gift shop, café, and a brand new lemur house that opened recently.

Kids absolutely love this area because they can stretch their legs and interact more directly with certain animals.

The petting zoo lets children feed and touch friendly goats and miniature horses. It’s perfect for little ones who might feel nervous about the larger animals in the drive-through section.

Reptile exhibits showcase snakes and other cold-blooded creatures, while primate areas house monkeys and those adorable lemurs everyone raves about.

Shaded pathways make walking comfortable even on warm days. Clean restrooms and plenty of benches provide convenient rest spots for families.

The playground equipment in the middle of Safari Village gives kids a place to burn off energy between animal encounters.

I always budget at least an hour to explore this area properly. The educational signs scattered throughout teach fascinating facts about animal biology and conservation.

Staff members stationed around Safari Village are incredibly friendly and happy to answer questions about the creatures you’re observing.

Open 363 Days Per Year Rain or Shine

Wildlife Safari closes only two days annually, making it one of the most accessible attractions in southern Oregon regardless of when you visit. The park operates from 9 AM to 4 PM daily, giving you a solid seven-hour window to experience everything.

Animals actually become more active during cooler temperatures, so don’t let cloudy or rainy days discourage you from visiting.

I’ve been to Wildlife Safari during scorching summer afternoons and chilly winter mornings. Each season offers unique advantages.

Summer brings baby animals since many species give birth in spring and early summer. You might spot baby deer, elk, bison, and even cheetah cubs during June visits.

Winter months mean smaller crowds and lower ticket prices sometimes. The animals grow thicker coats and behave differently in cold weather, which provides interesting viewing opportunities you won’t get during summer.

Rainy days can feel like having a private safari since many visitors stay home.

The park’s commitment to staying open year-round shows their dedication to education and conservation. Whether you’re planning a summer road trip through Oregon or a winter holiday visit, Wildlife Safari welcomes guests almost every single day.

Just call ahead or check their website to confirm hours before making the drive.

Special Animal Encounters and Feeding Experiences

Beyond the standard admission, Wildlife Safari offers premium encounters that bring you face-to-face with incredible creatures. These paid experiences include feeding giraffes, meeting red pandas, getting up close with big cats, and even feeding alligators under staff supervision.

I splurged on the giraffe feeding during my last visit and it was worth every penny.

Standing next to a towering giraffe while it gently takes food from your hand creates memories that last forever. Their long purple tongues and sweet personalities make the interaction absolutely magical.

The tiger feeding experience lets you watch these powerful predators devour their meals while handlers explain their behavior and biology.

Staff members supervising these encounters are passionate educators who love sharing their knowledge. They’ll answer every question you can think of and help you capture perfect photos.

Some visitors book multiple encounters and spend an entire day moving between different animal experiences.

Regular drive-through admission also includes opportunities to purchase food cups for feeding free-roaming deer and emus. Pro tip: buy at least two cups because those emus are persistent!

They’ve perfected the art of begging and will stick their heads right into your car window. Just toss the food out rather than holding cups outside, or clever emus might snatch the entire container from your hands.

Located in Winston Just South of Roseburg

Wildlife Safari sits at 1790 Safari Rd, Winston, OR 97496, making it easily accessible from Interstate 5. The park is located just south of Roseburg in Douglas County, placing it perfectly for travelers exploring southern Oregon.

If you’re driving between Portland and California, Wildlife Safari makes an excellent midway stopping point to break up the journey.

Winston is a small town, so don’t expect big city amenities nearby. The safari itself provides food options through its café, though selections are somewhat limited according to visitor reviews.

I recommend packing snacks and drinks in a cooler for your visit, especially if you have picky eaters in your group.

The rural setting actually enhances the safari experience. Rolling hills and open spaces surround the property, creating an authentic wilderness feeling.

You’re not fighting city traffic or dealing with urban noise pollution. Instead, you’re immersed in the natural beauty that makes Oregon special.

Free parking is abundant at the entrance, so arriving in an RV or large vehicle isn’t a problem. The location’s remoteness means you should gas up before heading out and use the restroom before starting your drive-through adventure.

Cell phone service works fine in the area for navigation and sharing photos with friends back home.

Strong Conservation and Education Mission

This isn’t just entertainment. Wildlife Safari takes its conservation role seriously and functions as an emergency facility for endangered species.

The park participates in breeding programs for threatened animals and shares research with conservation organizations worldwide. Their mission extends far beyond simply displaying animals for public viewing.

Educational exhibits throughout Safari Village teach visitors about habitat loss, poaching threats, and climate change impacts on wildlife. Kids and adults alike leave with a deeper understanding of why protecting these species matters.

The staff’s passion for conservation is contagious and inspires many visitors to support wildlife protection efforts.

Every admission ticket purchased helps fund the park’s conservation work. Your visit directly contributes to breeding programs, habitat improvements, and educational outreach.

The park also accepts donations for those who want to contribute additional support beyond ticket prices.

I appreciate how Wildlife Safari balances entertainment with genuine conservation work. They’re not just keeping animals in captivity for profit.

Real scientific research happens here, and the facility provides sanctuary for creatures that might not survive in degraded wild habitats. The animals receive excellent veterinary care and live in spacious environments designed to meet their physical and psychological needs.

Affordable Admission With Discount Options Available

Adult admission costs around $20 to $25 depending on the season, which represents excellent value for the experience you receive. Children’s tickets cost less, and the park occasionally offers family package deals.

Unlike many major zoos charging $30 or more per person, Wildlife Safari keeps prices reasonable for families on a budget.

Smart visitors check websites like Groupon before purchasing tickets. Several reviewers mentioned finding significant discounts through third-party platforms.

Some deals include bonus perks like extra animal food cups or discounted encounter experiences. The park’s official website also runs promotions during holidays and slower seasons.

You don’t need to buy tickets in advance, though online purchase can save time at the entrance. The admission price includes both the drive-through safari and access to Safari Village.

That’s two experiences for one ticket, which stretches your entertainment dollar further than separate attractions would.

Food and drinks at the café are reasonably priced compared to most tourist attractions. The gift shop offers souvenirs at fair prices, though I always suggest setting a budget before letting kids loose in there.

Premium animal encounters cost extra but provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences worth the additional investment. Overall, Wildlife Safari delivers tremendous value for families seeking affordable adventure in Oregon.