English| EUR
Suggested for you
More currencies
Choose a language
Central Florida's only drive-through safari sits 45 minutes south of downtown Orlando in Kenansville. Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park opened its safari loop in 2018, turning 85 acres of wetland and pasture into a free-roaming habitat for zebras, watusi cattle, bison, and ostriches. Visitors drive their own vehicles through the property, with animals approaching open windows for close encounters.
Quick answer
Yes, there is a drive thru safari in Orlando—Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park in Kenansville, located at 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, approximately 45 minutes from downtown Orlando. The safari operates Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is closed Sundays. Adult admission is $35 and includes access to the Alligator Park.
Wild Florida opened its drive-through safari in 2018 as an extension of its established airboat tour and gator park operation. The safari loop runs approximately one mile through open pasture and cypress wetland, divided into zones that separate predator species from grazers. Vehicles move at idle speed, stopping wherever animals congregate near the road. The property houses over 100 animals across 15 species, most native to Africa and North America. Zebras, watusi cattle with six-foot horn spans, American bison, and emus roam freely within their designated zones. Smaller enclosures near the entrance hold axis deer and blackbuck antelope. The safari's design allows animals to approach vehicles on their own terms—no barriers separate visitors from zebras that lean through open windows or ostriches that pace alongside passenger doors. Is there a drive thru safari in Orlando proper? Technically no—the park sits in Kenansville, a rural corridor 12 miles south of St. Cloud. The drive from International Drive takes 50 minutes via the Florida Turnpike, passing cattle ranches and citrus groves that define Osceola County's interior. Most visitors combine the safari with an airboat ride on Lake Cypress, which shares the same entrance gate and operating hours. The loop takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on animal activity and traffic within the park. Staff recommend arriving during the morning window when temperatures stay below 85 degrees and animals remain active near the road. Afternoon heat sends many species into shaded rest areas away from the vehicle path. The Alligator Park, included with safari admission, adds another 45 minutes and features live gator feeding demonstrations, a petting zoo with Florida whitetail deer, and a breeding marsh visible from an elevated boardwalk. Visitors exit the safari loop directly into the gator park's main plaza, where the gift shop and Chomp House Grill anchor the guest services area.
“The safari's design allows animals to approach vehicles on their own terms—no barriers separate visitors from zebras that lean through open windows.”
Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park operates on a set weekly schedule for guests. The facility remains closed on Sundays.
Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park is located at 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739. It is situated south of Orlando, and driving is the most practical way to reach this remote destination.
US-192 East to Canoe Creek Road
Florida Turnpike to exit 240
Direct service from Orlando area
Follow signs for Lake Cypress Road as you approach the final turn. Ample on-site parking is available near the entrance to the drive-thru safari.
The best arrival window is 09:00–11:00. Arriving early helps you avoid afternoon heat and ensures you have sufficient time to complete the full safari loop.
Pleasant, 75°F–85°F
Animals are active during cooler morning hours. Comfortable weather for driving through the park.
Hot and humid, 90°F+
Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent. Early arrival is essential to avoid peak heat.
Mild, 70°F–80°F
Temperatures begin to drop, increasing animal visibility. Weekdays offer the quietest experience.
—
The shortest wait times for entry occur when gates open at 09:00.
Verdict: Visit Tuesday to Thursday, arriving at 09:00 during the months of April or October for optimal conditions.
Review these steps before heading to Wild Florida's drive-thru safari to ensure a smooth visit.
Everything you need to know about is there a drive thru safari in orlando
Yes, Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park features a safari experience located near Orlando. Many visitors search for an answer to is there a drive thru safari in orlando and find this destination to be the primary local option.
You can observe various exotic species, including giraffes, zebras, and elands, from the comfort of your own vehicle. This unique encounter provides a close look at wildlife within a protected habitat setting.
The entry fee is 35 USD per adult. This price is a common inquiry for those asking is there a drive thru safari in orlando for their travel budget.
The best arrival window is 09:00–11:00 to avoid afternoon heat and ensure enough time to complete the safari loop. Planning your arrival early helps you maximize your experience during the summer months.
No, the park is closed on Sundays. Please plan your trip between Monday and Saturday when the facility is open to the public.
Yes, the drive thru safari ticket includes general admission to the Alligator Park. This allows you to explore the wider grounds after you finish your self-guided vehicle tour while wondering if there is a drive thru safari in orlando that offers additional value.