Virginia Safari Park
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Location
Natural Bridge, Rockbridge County
Address
229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Experience
Drive-through safari and walk-through village
Planning
Seasonal hours; check the official site before visiting
Virginia Safari Park makes an animal visit into a two-part outing: drive a gravel safari road through open habitats, then park and explore Safari Village on foot. The park describes its drive-through route as about three miles, with animals including bison, elk, antelope, emus and ostriches; visitors may encounter animals close to their vehicles along the way.[1]
The park is at 229 Safari Lane in Natural Bridge, just off Interstate 81 exits 180 and 180B. Admission covers both the drive-through and Safari Village, but hours, ticket prices and seasonal operations can change, so check the park’s current visitor information before setting out.[2][3]
Plan a trip to Virginia Safari Park
Why visit Virginia Safari Park?
This is a good fit for visitors who want an animal-focused outing that combines a road trip with walk-through exhibits. The drive-through portion puts the visitor in the car while animals move around the habitat; Safari Village adds closer, on-foot viewing and feeding opportunities. The experience is different from a conventional zoo visit because the safari route is designed to be explored from your own vehicle.[4]
The park is near Natural Bridge, making it possible to pair the safari with a visit to Natural Bridge State Park or other Shenandoah Valley stops. Give the safari enough time: the park allows guests to explore both sections at their own pace, and animals may pause or cross the drive-through road.
Start here
Plan the visit in two stages. First, drive the safari route and follow staff instructions for vehicle safety and animal feeding. Then park and head into Safari Village for exhibits and walk-through experiences. The park says admission includes unlimited access to both areas during the visit; same-day re-entry is permitted if you keep your receipt.[5]
For the drive-through, guests must remain inside their vehicles. The park says windows must be fully lowered to feed animals, feed buckets must be extended outside the vehicle, and animals should not be hand-fed. Motorcycles, convertibles, open-top Jeeps, vehicles without doors and tow-behind trailers are not permitted on the route; the park also lists restrictions for pickup trucks and minivans. Review the full rules before arrival, especially if your vehicle has a nonstandard configuration.[6]
What to see and do
Safari Drive-Thru
Take the gravel safari road by car and watch for animals approaching the vehicle or moving across the route. Park-provided feed is available for purchase; use it only as directed.
Safari Village
Continue on foot among the park’s walk-through exhibits and animal-viewing areas. Plan time to explore at an unhurried pace.
Giraffe feeding
The village’s covered giraffe-viewing platform has a wheelchair-accessible ramp. Romaine lettuce for feeding is sold at the gift shop and platform, according to the park.
Kangaroo Walk-About
Walk through the kangaroo area and observe the animals at close range. Follow posted instructions and give the animals space.
Budgie Adventure Aviary
Step into the aviary to see budgies, also known as parakeets. Feed sticks are sold at the park; confirm opening times on the day of your visit.
Penguin Pool and other village exhibits
Safari Village also includes an African penguin exhibit, a petting area and other animal habitats. Which areas are open may vary, so check current park information.
The park’s Safari Village information describes the giraffe platform, petting area, budgie aviary, penguin exhibit and kangaroo walk-through; individual experiences and operating times may vary.[7]
History and significance
Virginia Safari Park is a privately operated animal attraction in Natural Bridge, in Rockbridge County. Its visitor experience centers on a drive-through safari and a separate walk-through village, rather than a single indoor exhibit route. The park’s official materials describe the drive-through as an approximately three-mile route and identify the park as a local destination in the Shenandoah Valley.[8]
The safari park is distinct from the nearby Natural Bridge landform and state park: those are separate attractions with their own operators, entrances and visitor arrangements. The park also explicitly states that it is not associated with Natural Bridge Zoo, another attraction in the area.[9]
Planning a visit
Location and arrival. The address is 229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, Virginia 24578. The park’s directions page places it near I-81 exits 180 and 180B. Use the official directions and allow time for the drive-through route as well as the village.[10]
Hours and tickets. Operating dates and hours are seasonal, and the park publishes a schedule that includes last-vehicle-out times and holiday closures. Advance ticket purchase is recommended by the park. Ticket prices and any additional feeding or special-experience charges can change; confirm current rates, availability and hours on the official tickets page before travel.[11]
Vehicle and animal rules. Guests must stay in their vehicles throughout the drive-through section. Follow instructions about windows and feeding, and do not bring outside animal feed or pets onto the property. Check the complete vehicle restrictions before arrival; some vehicle types are not allowed on the safari route.[12]
Accessibility. The park identifies a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the giraffe-viewing platform in Safari Village. For questions about other areas, facilities or current accommodations, contact the park before visiting.[13]
Keep the attractions separate. Virginia Safari Park and Natural Bridge State Park are separate destinations. Natural Bridge State Park has its own visitor center, trail access, hours and accessibility information; check its official page when planning a combined visit.[14]
Nearby attractions
Natural Bridge
The area’s celebrated limestone arch and surrounding landscape; check the separate site’s visitor arrangements.
Natural Bridge State Park
Virginia state park with trails leading through the Cedar Creek gorge and beneath the natural arch.
Lexington, Virginia
Rockbridge County’s historic city, a useful additional stop in the area.
Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
A scenic-drive option for extending a trip through Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.
Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon
References
- ↑ Safari Drive-Thru, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Tickets and Hours, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Experiences, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Tickets and Hours, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Tickets and Hours, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Safari Village, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Safari Drive-Thru, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Directions, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Tickets and Hours, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Tickets and Hours, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Safari Village, Virginia Safari Park, Virginia Safari Park. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Natural Bridge State Park, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Commonwealth of Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.