- Attraction: Tennessee Safari Park
- Location: 618 Conley Rd, Alamo, TN 38001
- Industry: Safari Park
- Website: https://www.tennesseesafaripark.com/
Since opening in 2007 on the historic Conley family farm (owned since 1858!), this attraction has transformed what could’ve been just another zoo into an interactive wildlife experience where the animals call the shots.
You’ll traverse a sprawling 7.5-mile drive-through safari in your own vehicle, then explore a 20-acre walk-through area packed with even more critters.
The park sits on a working century farm that still produces cotton, blending conservation efforts with agricultural heritage in a way that makes the whole experience feel authentic rather than manufactured.
The Drive-Through Safari Experience
The Overeager Ostriches: You’ll encounter these prehistoric-looking birds almost immediately, and they don’t mess around when food is involved.
Their heads will plunge right into your vehicle through open windows, competing aggressively with each other for prime feeding position.
Related
More in Tennessee
The Secret To Smyrna’s Best Burger Is The Crispy Crust And Perfect Seasoning
Keep Exploring →They’re messy eaters who leave slobber and pellet remnants everywhere, but watching them up close is absolutely worth the car cleanup later.
Llama Roadblocks: Here’s where things get tactical. The llamas have figured out an ingenious system where they plant themselves directly in front of vehicles, forcing you to stop.
While you’re sitting there wondering what to do, their llama colleagues casually stroll to your windows for their share of the food. It’s like organized crime, but cuter.
Camel Chaos: These strong, persistent animals have mastered the art of bucket theft.
They’ll wrap their lips around your bucket and yank with surprising force, and you’ll likely lose at least one container to their determination. Their velvety-soft noses make for great photo ops when they’re not actively stealing from you.
More in Tennessee
From Garlicky Pizza Dough Bread To Gently Spiced Tomato Soup, Taste The Difference Of Scratch Cooking In Knoxville
Discover MoreZebra Shenanigans: The zebras are equally bold and will reach right into your car to grab what they want. Hold your buckets firmly because these striped bandits know exactly what they’re after.
Many visitors report that the zebra stationed near the end of the drive gets showered with leftover feed, making him one lucky animal.
The Bison Brigade: When present seasonally, these massive creatures can devour half a bucket in just two bites. Their sheer size up close is impressive, though you’ll want to exercise caution as they approach your vehicle with their substantial bulk.
Various Deer, Antelope, and Other Hoofed Wonders: Throughout the drive, you’ll spot numerous species including waterbuck, wildebeest, various deer breeds, and rare antelope.
The park specializes in endangered species conservation, so you’re seeing animals that zoos across the country request for their breeding programs.
Related
More in Tennessee
Find The Famous Sizzling Bi Bim Bop And Spicy Kimchi Burritos Inside This Memphis Gas Station Look-Alike
Keep Exploring →The Walk-Through Zoo
Giraffe Feeding Station: The star attraction here is Jackson, the adolescent male giraffe who absolutely loves carrot snacks.
Purchase carrot sticks from the gift shop and watch as his long neck reaches over the fence to gently take treats from your hand. This encounter consistently ranks as visitors’ favorite moment of the entire trip.
The Sloth Barn: This newer exhibit showcases Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths and prehensile-tailed porcupines in a panoramic viewing area.
The exhibit is seasonal due to temperature requirements, but when open, it provides an up-close look at these South American creatures.
Special sloth encounters are available for an additional fee where you can feed them and learn from knowledgeable handlers.
More in Tennessee
Every Cup Of Coffee Gets The French Press Treatment At This Beloved East Nashville Hangout
Discover MorePrimate Exhibits: You’ll find several species of small primates, lemurs, and squirrel monkeys throughout the walk-through section. The squirrel monkey tunnel offers particularly entertaining viewing as these active animals swing and play overhead.
Parakeet Landing: Free-flight parakeets, doves, and cranes fill this aviary where you can purchase special sticks to feed the birds. They’ll land right on your arms and shoulders for their treats.
Petting Zoo: Friendly pygmy goats roam this area, though they’re often less interested in the feed cups than the drive-through animals. It’s a calmer space perfect for younger children who might have found the aggressive drive-through feeders a bit overwhelming.
Additional Exhibits: Wallabies, kookaburras, foxes, Nigerian dwarf goats, and various exotic birds round out the walk-through experience across the 20 acres of exhibits.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Perfect for All Ages: This attraction genuinely appeals to multiple generations.
Related
More in Tennessee
This Knoxville Zoo Has Welcomed Over 110 Red Panda Cubs, More Than Anywhere Else On Earth
Keep Exploring →You’ll see toddlers giggling at animals, teenagers actually engaged and having fun, and grandparents delighting in the up-close encounters.
The drive-through format means even the youngest family members can participate from the safety and comfort of your vehicle.
Wheelchair Accessible: The park accommodates guests with mobility needs, making it inclusive for families with diverse accessibility requirements.
Group Accommodations: School field trips, church groups, and family reunions receive discounted group rates when booking in advance. An optional guided safari bus tour is available seasonally for an additional flat fee, providing an elevated view perfect for spotting animals and learning from guides.
Picnic Areas: Shaded picnic spots with tables and benches allow you to bring your own lunch or purchase snacks from the on-site options. The gift shop stocks drinks, snacks, and souvenirs.
Seasonal Gem Mining: Kids can try their hand at the gem mining sluice when it’s open seasonally, adding another activity beyond the animal encounters.
Practical Considerations
Budget-Friendly Pricing: At $24 for adults and $16 for children ages 2-12 (with kids under 2 free), the admission is reasonable compared to major zoo experiences.
However, don’t skimp on the feed buckets—they’re $3 each or four for $10, and you’ll want at least 6-8 buckets per car for the full experience.
Budget for extras because you’ll run through them quickly, especially at the beginning when crowds of animals swarm your vehicle.
Time Investment: Plan for 3-4 hours total to fully enjoy both the drive-through (1.5-2 hours) and walk-through sections (30-60 minutes). The slow 5-mile-per-hour speed limit and frequent stops to feed animals mean this isn’t a quick activity. Arrive earlier rather than later since the last cars enter at 4 pm.
The Mess Factor: Animals will make your car messy.
Expect slobber on windows, food pellets scattered inside if you’re feeding through open windows, and possibly some scratches if animals get particularly enthusiastic.
It’s part of the authentic experience, so embrace it or consider taking a vehicle you don’t mind getting dirty.
Payment Methods: The park accepts cash and major credit cards (with a 3.75% surcharge on card transactions). This is a change from earlier years when they were strictly cash-only.
No Pets Allowed: Dogs—including service animals—are not permitted anywhere in the park, even inside your vehicle. The prey animals have an instinctive fear of canines, so this policy protects both your pets and the park residents.
Feed Bucket Strategy: Don’t blow through all your buckets at the start! The beginning of the drive has tons of animals, but pace yourself. Save at least one bucket for the end where the giraffe awaits, and remember that animals appear throughout the entire 7.5-mile route.
Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekends.
The park is open year-round (except Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day) and animals remain active in most weather conditions. If temperatures drop below 50 degrees with heavy rain, some animals will be kept indoors.
Parking: The park has ample parking areas since you’ll be driving your own vehicle through the safari portion. No parking hassles here.
Tennessee Safari Park
📍 618 Conley Rd, Alamo, TN 38001
