On This 7.5-Mile Tennessee Safari Drive, Exotic Animals Literally Lean Into Your Car

Imagine driving through a park where zebras poke their heads into your car, camels try to steal your food buckets, and giraffes lean down for a snack right from your hand. Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo offers exactly this kind of wild adventure on a 7.5-mile drive-through route where over 400 animals roam freely and aren’t shy about getting up close and personal.

This isn’t your typical zoo experience—it’s an interactive wildlife encounter that brings laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories to families, animal lovers, and anyone looking for a unique Tennessee attraction.

Welcome to Tennessee Safari Park: A Drive-Through Wildlife Adventure in Alamo

This wildlife and safari park operates Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with Sunday hours starting at noon, giving families plenty of opportunities to plan their visit.

More than 80 species call this park home, ranging from antelope to zebras, and guests can interact with them in ways traditional zoos simply don’t allow. The park combines a drive-through safari experience with a walk-through zoo section, creating multiple ways to connect with animals.

What sets this place apart is the direct interaction—animals approach your vehicle without hesitation, creating photo opportunities and memories that last a lifetime.

The 7.5-Mile Safari Route Where Animals Come Right Up to Your Car

The drive-through portion stretches 7.5 miles through carefully designed habitats where animals roam freely and confidently approach vehicles. Unlike watching wildlife from a distance, this route puts you right in the middle of the action as creatures walk alongside your car, peer through windows, and wait for their next treat.

The journey takes longer than you might expect—not because of traffic, but because you’ll want to stop frequently to feed and photograph the enthusiastic residents.

You control the pace entirely, moving slowly through areas where animals congregate or pausing when a particularly friendly giraffe catches your attention. The park allows you to experience wildlife on your own schedule, whether you prefer a quick 30-minute drive or a leisurely two-hour adventure.

Meet the Exotic Animals That Literally Lean Into Your Vehicle

Zebras have earned a reputation as the park’s most enthusiastic—and sneaky—visitors, known for literally stealing entire buckets of food right out of cars. Reviews consistently warn about these striped bandits who aren’t afraid to reach deep into vehicles for a snack, creating hilarious and sometimes chaotic moments.

Ostriches act like security guards, rushing toward cars with determination that can seem almost aggressive, though they’re harmless and just eager for treats. Llamas and alpacas provide gentler interactions, though visitors caution they sometimes spit involuntarily, and the smell isn’t pleasant.

The gentle giant giraffes steal hearts with their sweet demeanor, though their drool can be impressive. Buffalo, antelope, and emus round out the cast of characters, each bringing unique behaviors that keep the drive entertaining from start to finish.

What It’s Like to Drive Through the Park (And Why Kids Love It)

Children absolutely adore the surprise of animals appearing at windows, creating squeals of delight and wide-eyed wonder that parents cherish. They enjoy feeding these large, exotic creatures, gaining confidence and connection with wildlife they’d normally only see in books or behind barriers.

Expect your vehicle to get messy—kibble will scatter across seats and floors, and animal slobber will decorate your windows in abstract patterns.

Feeding Time: What You Can and Can’t Feed the Animals

The park sells buckets of specially formulated grain perfect for all the drive-through animals, priced affordably at four cups for ten dollars. These buckets become hot commodities that animals recognize immediately, triggering enthusiastic responses the moment they spot the white containers.

Purchase more feed than seems necessary—the route is longer than it appears, and running out halfway through leaves both you and the animals disappointed. Three to five buckets work well for most families, ensuring enough treats last until the final stretch.

Only use park-provided food to ensure animal health and safety, keeping everyone happy and healthy.

Best Tips for Visiting Tennessee Safari Park Safely and Comfortably

Hold onto those feed buckets tightly—animals are smart, strong, and determined to grab the whole container if given half a chance. Keep windows rolled down enough to feed comfortably but maintain some control over how far animals can reach inside your vehicle.

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty, and accept that your car will need vacuuming afterward.

Don’t be alarmed by the ostriches’ aggressive approach—they’re harmless despite their intimidating rush toward vehicles. Watch your hats, wigs, and loose items, as giraffes have been known to accidentally grab them with their long, sticky tongues. Arrive when the park opens for smaller crowds and more active animals who haven’t been fed all day.

When to Visit, How Long It Takes, and What to Expect

Plan for at least two to three hours to fully enjoy both the drive-through safari and the walk-through zoo sections without feeling rushed. The park opens at 10 AM most days, with Sunday hours beginning at noon, and closes at 5 PM, giving visitors a comfortable window for exploration.

Weekdays typically offer lighter crowds than weekends, allowing more relaxed interactions and shorter waits at popular animal areas. Spring and fall provide ideal weather conditions—not too hot for animals or visitors, creating the most comfortable experience for everyone involved.

The walk-through section deserves equal attention, featuring a sloth house you can enter, a goat petting area with sweet-natured residents, and beautifully constructed enclosures with plenty of space. Many visitors arrive thinking they’ll spend an hour and end up staying much longer because the experience exceeds expectations, so clear your schedule and allow flexibility for this delightful detour.

Why Tennessee Safari Park Is One of the Most Unforgettable Drives in the State

The park creates memories that stick with families for years—stories about Kevin the aggressive ostrich, battles with bucket-stealing zebras, and giraffe drool incidents become legendary family tales.

Traditional zoos keep visitors separated from animals by glass and barriers, but this park breaks down those walls, creating genuine connections between humans and wildlife. The experience works beautifully as a planned destination or spontaneous road trip addition, sitting conveniently off major routes through western Tennessee.

Whether you’re a Tennessee native looking for local adventures or a traveler passing through the state, this 7.5-mile drive delivers an unforgettable experience that justifies the journey to Alamo.