Climb aboard our narrated, ride-through Safari Truck!
Your adventure ride winds through four different paddocks of exotic animals, encompassing twenty-five wooded acres.
This one-hour adventure ride showcases exotic animals from six continents, including bison, zebra, camels, antelope, emu, deer, wild sheep, rugged cattle, and more!
Hop aboard a guided, ride-through Safari Ride, the only one in the mid-Atlantic area.
Truck departs daily at 11:00, 12:00, 2:00 and 3:00.
Departures may be canceled due to poor weather conditions or extreme heat.
Safari Rides are an optional ADD-ON to your General Admission ticket, and cost $17.50 per person.
Safari Ride tickets are only available for purchase at the Preserve admission areas, and seating is limited.
Tickets are sold on a first come, first serve basis. We recommend arriving early in the day to purchase tickets.
For safety reasons:
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- ALL riders must be at least 36″ tall.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Sorry, but Safari Rides are not suitable for guests who are pregnant or have mobility issues. Guests must be able to climb stairs and stand without assistance.
For best availability, arrive early and purchase your Safari Ride ticket with your admission.
1. Choose a Time
Truck departs daily at 11:00, 12:00, 2:00 and 3:00. Departures may be canceled due to poor weather conditions or extreme heat.
A minimum of 10 riders is necessary for the truck to go. You may be offered a different departure time with available seats.
2. Upgrade your ticket at admission
Tickets sell out fast, and the next available departure time may be already filled. Buying the upgrade when you arrive locks in your time.
Occassionally, stand-by seating may be available at the Safari Outpost. Check with a staff member 10 minutes before departure.
3. Be at the loading station 15 minutes before departure time
The Safari Ride loading stations are about a 20-minute walk from the preserve entrance.
Allow ample time for ticketing and arriving at the station so your guide can safely seat everyone and prepare the transport for adventure.
“I wasn’t expecting this zoo to be as big as it was and to have as large and diverse a collection of animals as they had. If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do in the Catoctin area, this is an excellent option.”
Mason S
“My wife and I have been to zoo’s all over the country and they have animals here big city zoo’s do not have!”
Matthew B
“Best up-close & personal with the animals zoo around.”
Tabetha E.
“We love it here! Started coming in 2003 with my girls… now visit with my grand daughters. Wonderful people, animals and preserve.”
Kimberly T.
“Quiet and not overly busy like city zoos – very “in nature” feel.”
Lee Anne J.
“I hadn’t been to this zoo since I was a child, and boy had it changed! It is so much bigger, more animals and a safari ride!! (We had) awesome tour guides on our safari ride. Very knowledgeable about the animals. We will definitely return!”