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Insider’s Guide to Taking Kids to the Drive-Thru Safari in Lake Geneva

When our family dreams of where we’ll go after social distancing has ended, we all agree our first stop will be the zoo. The Chicago area is filled with incredible zoos, nature centers, aquariums, and farms. I recently came across information about Safari Lake Geneva in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and it seemed too good to be true: a drive-thru safari within driving distance from our home!

After careful planning to ensure we felt comfortable and prepared to travel with three little kids, we headed north. Our family loved our time at Safari Lake Geneva. Read all about it below, get an inside look from our video, and find out how to make it a safe day trip for your family.

Safari Lake Geneva

Safari Lake Geneva is a conservation park located in Genoa City, Wisconsin, a short 15-minute drive to Lake Geneva. While they usually offer guided tours, social distancing mandates require they suspend the use of their own vehicles. The owners have modified their guest experiences by offering a drive-thru safari adventure, where guests can drive their own cars through the conservation area. Along the way, you’ll spot yak, camels, llamas, zebra, and various other animals. Families can purchase animal feed bowls for an additional fee. As vehicles move through the conservation area, these animals will slowly approach your vehicle for food.

A few extra notes to consider about driving through:

• The gravel road through the conservation area is very uneven and bumpy. Lower sedans could bottom out if you’re driving fast or not watching the road carefully.
• If you or your children get nervous about approaching animals, the staff encouraged us to simply roll up the windows. We did this once, and the animal just moved right along.
• Safari Lake Geneva is not responsible for any damage to your automobile. They will also encourage you to drive past if you are worried about any scratches, especially with their longhorns.
• DO NOT bring food for the animals, as they can only eat what is provided in order to monitor their diets.
• During your time slot, you’re welcome to drive around for as many loops as you’d like.

Video: Inside Look at Safari Lake Geneva

Additional Tips to Put Your Mind at Ease about Social Distancing

• Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time. This was a great way to provide a contactless payment. We simply gave our name at the gate and were let right into the property.
• If you have one, bring a toddler-sized potty for bathroom emergencies.
• Bring sanitizing wipes to clean the outside of the feed bucket, as it was the only thing we touched that others have as well.
• We chose to pack our own food from home and eat it in our car. There is empty grass near the front of parking area that you could ask to use if you’d prefer to picnic.
• To extend your time after a long drive, stop and enjoy a hike. McHenry County is full of beautiful trails and forest preserves. We got out and stretched our legs at Glacial Park before the long drive home. Lake County is further south, and home to Grant Woods , as well as other forest preserves. Here’s a map of state parks in the northeast region of Illinois if you’d like even more options.

Restaurants Nearby

There are a lot of options for curbside pickup at restaurants nearby. Safari Lake Geneva is a 15-minute drive to Lake Geneva, which boasts delicious restaurants. You could grab a to-go meal or ice cream and bring it down by the lake to enjoy. Here’s a guide of restaurants in Lake Geneva offering takeout or curbside pickup . Next time we go, we’ll be stopping at one of our favorite restaurants, Popeye’s on Lake Geneva . . . or maybe for a sweet treat from Kilwins .

If you’d prefer to head back south towards Illinois, there are many restaurants along US Route 12. Upper Crust Pizzeria and Brathaus are closer options.

Safari Lake Geneva has portable bathrooms on the premise. It’s a trailer with flushable toilets and sinks. They were very clean, with both soap and paper products!

Hours of operation are 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, every day from May 1st until November 1st. Last admission is at 4:00 pm. Check their website for holiday hours and schedule changes.

Adult tickets are $18.95, children ages 3-15 are $11.95, while those 2 and under are free. Feed buckets can be purchased for $5 each. Pricing is current as of May 2020 and is subject to change.

Recommended Ages

Due to the interactive nature of this experience, children of all ages can enjoy themselves. Knowing your children’s personalities will help you maximize the fun. Our 6-year-old was the most enthusiastic, but our 1-year-old was excitedly mooing at the animals whenever they came close. Our 4-year-old was excited but nervous, so we encouraged her to roll her window up whenever she felt uncomfortable.

Best Days/Times to Go

On a beautiful weekend day, things can get crowded. As you wait in line to enter the animal exhibit, you can get stuck behind other cars or an animal in the path. It’s better to go whenever you’d anticipate fewer cars to compete with for the animals’ attention.

Special Needs Accommodations

One of the bathrooms is wheelchair accessible.

Discounts for Safari Lake Geneva

Earlier this spring, there was a Groupon available. Check their profile on Groupon to see if it has reactivated before you purchase tickets.

Looking for more outdoor fun ? Check out our guide now that nice weather is finally on the way.

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Thanks for sharing! Did you leave your 1 year old in the car seat or were you comfortable driving slow and holding them.

We took him out and he sat with me in the backseat. We were never driving more than 5 mph.

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Explore the Wild Side of Lake Geneva with Safari Lake Geneva

Safari Lake Geneva is a unique and exciting adventure located ten minutes from downtown Lake Geneva, WI. This top attraction offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with wild animals in a drive through safari experience that should not be missed!

Safari Lake Geneva offers visitors an unforgettable experience by providing up close encounters with some of the wildest animals in a drive-thru safari. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just seeking an exciting escapade, you’re guaranteed to walk away with memories that will last a lifetime.

After this post you will know all about the best safari experience in Lake Geneva and what to expect during your drive-thru safari tour. Get ready to discover the wild side of Lake Geneva!

This post is all about Safari Lake Geneva.

The Best Safari Experience in Lake Geneva

The drive-thru experience at Safari Lake Geneva is set on a 250-acre ranch, with over 50 different species of animals roaming freely. From the comfort of your own car you will get to see animals such as bison, zebras, elk, llamas, camels, giraffes and more. The animals are accustomed to humans, and come up to your vehicle to say hello (and hope you have some food for them!).

The best part of Safari Lake Geneva is the flexibility it offers. You get to explore the safari at your own pace, making stops along the way to take photos or observe the animals. It’s a perfect way to connect with nature and try something new. I like it because it gives my husband and I a break to just sit and relax in the car while doing a fun family activity!

Drive-Thru Safari: What to Expect

During your drive-thru safari at Safari Lake Geneva, you should expect to see animals in their natural habitat as they roam freely on the land. The sights and sounds of nature surround you as you slowly make your way through the park. The animals are curious and may even approach your vehicle looking for food!

Online tickets are required to be purchased in advanced and fair warning- this attraction get booked out quickly during peak spring/summer months, so if you have a specific date in mind book early. Here is the link to purchase tickets .

You reserve tickets for a set time and have to arrive within the hour to start your tour. So you if purchase 9am tickets, you have to get there between 9 and 10am and can take unlimited loops through the safari after entering (however 1 was enough for us and plenty of fun!).

The cost is per person, not per vehicle and prices are below (confirm on their website to ensure no changes).

Adult (Ages 16 and older):  $21.95 Child (Ages 3-15):  $14.95 Infant (Ages 2 and younger):  FREE

Bowl of Animal Feed (42oz.) available for $5

Insider tip: I felt that some of the animals, especially the ostriches, can get a bit aggressive. Nothing to bad, but they stuck their whole head in the car to grab the food so I would have an adult hold the feed (and not a small child).

There are 2 fancy port a potty type bathrooms onsite but no food or drink . I suggest stopping for a coffee before hand because not much is around if you need some caffeine before getting started. Click here for all the best coffee shops around!

As you drive through the safari, keep your camera ready to capture the rare and unique creatures you’ll see. From zebras and giraffes to bison and elk, you’ll get to see a wide variety of animals that you wouldn’t typically find in Lake Geneva. 

Safari Lake Geneva is an excellent opportunity to explore your adventurous side while getting up close and personal with wild animals in a safe, controlled environment. With tons of exciting encounters to experience, this attraction is a must-see for anyone visiting Lake Geneva. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Safari Lake Geneva adventure today!

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Safari Lake Geneva

Enjoy Wisconsn's only Drive-Through Safari!  Experience Safari Lake Geneva’s game reserves from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle! Enhance your interaction with these amazing animals by purchasing a bucket of grain to feed them from your window. The Drive-through Safari Adventure allows you to drive your own vehicle through the reserves as many times as you like — so how long you visit with the animals is up to you! Your reservation guarantees entry to the park, and is valid for the entire day. The average guest is here 1.5 to 2 hours.

Visitation is currently by online reservation only. You can book online on the  Tickets & Gift Cards  page. The online reservation calendar indicates in real-time the number of spaces remaining for any given Drive-through Adventure time-slot.

Dogs are permitted on safari as long as they remain within the vehicle with the windows up for the duration of your visit. Barking dogs can scare our animals and are not permitted.

For a list of other fun things happening in the Lake Geneva, visit the  Best of Lake Geneva's Event Calendar.

Safari Lake Geneva -What to Know Before You Go

By: Author Teresa

Posted on Last updated: March 6, 2020

Categories Travel with Kids

If you are heading on a family getaway to Lake Geneva you will not want to miss Safari Lake Geneva. It’s one of the top things to do in Lake Geneva with Kids. Nestled only 5 miles out of downtown you’ll find an 800-acre animal safari that will make you feel like your on the plains of Africa.

This conservation-focused ranch guides visitors in safari wagons to view the over 50 animals living virtually free range on the ranch. Kids and adults will love how close they get to the animals and learning all about how they live.

Safari Lake Geneva is on the top of our list of fun things to do in Lake Geneva WI with kids. Find out what you need to know before you go on your safari adventure.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . If you choose to buy something using my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see my disclaimer here .

Safari Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Safari lake geneva address.

The safari is located in the Village of Bloomfield right outside of Lake Geneva. When you use GPS the address will come up as Lake Geneva. There is a gravel parking lot when you arrive.

GPS Address: W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva WI

Lake Geneva Safari Tickets

Your tickets to the safari will include a 1 hour guided tour of the Safari and 1 cup of feed. This can be used to feed the animals on your tour.

Visitors will also have access to the Boma which is an enclosure filled with goats the kids can pet and feed. You can also purchase additional feed at the check-in desk.

Ticket prices – The prices for 2020 range from $26.95 for adults and $24.95 for Kids 15 and younger. Infants age 2 and younger are free.

Hours – The Safari is open every day May 1st through November 1st from 10am -5pm.

Groupon Codes and Coupons

Before you buy tickets through Safai Lake Geneva make sure to check Groupon and local coupon deals. We found a great deal on Groupon for our visit.

What to Expect

Visitors should arrive early to make sure they get a seat on the Safari Wagon. You’ll start by walking through the Boma gated area with goats, sheep, llama, and ducks roaming free. (pictured above)

Then walk over to the Safari Wagon platform to wait to board your ride. The wagon is made up of 2 long benches on either side of the wagon. So no matter where you sit you will have a good view as the wagon drives around the 800-acre safari.

On the one hour tour, a very knowledgable guide will tell you all about the conservation ranch and the animals. We were really impressed with their knowledge and how great they were at answering all of our questions.

As you ride around the ranch animals will come up to your wagon and eat right out of the feed cups in your hand. Our kids were so excited to feed these huge animals and see them up so close. This really was the highlight of our trip to Lake Geneva!

Animals on the Ranch

So what animals will you see on your safari adventure? There are over 50 animals from 5 different continents roaming the safari grounds. Often they are together in herds with similar animals but they also mix up as the wagon comes by.

Some of the animals you will see are Bison, Ankole-Watusi Cattle, Plains Zebras, Ostrich, Domestic Yak, Arabian Camel, Minature Donkey, Llamas, Alpaca, and more. We loved the variety of animals to observe as you ride around.

Tips for Your Visit

• You do not need a stroller. You will be either riding the safari wagon or walking in the small Boma enclosure.
• Dress for the weather. There is a roof on the wagons but the sides are all open. There is not much to block the wind on the wide-open grass area you travel.
• Wear Closed-toe shoes to walk through the goat area
• They do have port potties available for visitors
• Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to take lots of pictures.
• Plan to spend an hour on the ride and 20 minutes in the Boam enclosure.

More Lake Geneva Attractions

Looking for more fun things to do in Lake Geneva with kids . We have a great list of can’t miss attractions for families from historical museums, to hanging at the beach and strolling historic downtown.

Lake Geneva is also known for its delicious restaurants. Families can enjoy casual dining or a fancy lakeside dinner. Plan your trip with our favorite Lake Geneva Restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Safari Lake Geneva is truly a unique experience when visiting Lake Geneva Wisconsin. It was one of our kid’s favorite things to do in Lake Geneva on our last trip and we highly recommend it for your family. You won’t be disappointed.

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Safari Lake Geneva: Immersive drive-thru zoo wild for guests

Safari lake geneva drive-thru zoo.

Ranked as one of the most exciting things to do in the city, Safari Lake Geneva offers guests an up-close-and-personal look at exotic animals.

LAKE GENEVA, Wis. - Ranked as one of the most exciting things to do in the city, Safari Lake Geneva offers guests an up-close-and-personal look at exotic animals.

"Jungle" Jay Christie, the founder of family-owned business, has had a love for animals since he was a boy.

"(My) parents tell me that ‘zoo’ was the first word I learned how to read," Christie said. "It wasn’t until I was 10 or 11 that I kept coming back to this idea, flipping the zoo concept on its head and allowing animals to roam at liberty about the property and caging the customers in their cars."

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Decades later, Safari Lake Geneva was born. The immersive experience includes dozens of animals, including giraffes, water buffaloes and zebras.

"It’s expensive. It's hard to find a property, and (it's) a lot of work, but it paid off," said Maggie Madden with Safari Lake Geneva.

Safari Lake Geneva

Brhett feeds the ostriches, which she's mentioned she's terrified of...

From giraffe encounters to feeding endangered animals, guests are guaranteed an unforgettable experience while supporting the preservation of wildlife.

"We do support wildlife conservation in Asia," Christie said. "We also support the Giraffe Conservation Foundation which helps saves giraffes in multiple African countries, as well as the Cheetah Conservation Fund , which helps saves cheetahs throughout Africa."

Lake Geneva Safari

From ostrich to bison and giraffes, let Jungle J take you around Wisconsin's original drive-thru zoo.

Wisconsin's original drive-thru zoo just five miles from Lake Geneva.

Guests should register for their safari online in advance. And while going on a safari isn't everyone's dream, creating the experience was a dream for Christie.

"The realization from a childhood dream is something I realized is not something everyone is fortunate enough to do," he said.

Safari Adventures make excellent gifts! Grab an E-Gift Card here!

Educational Field Trips for Safari Kids

Quick Details

• Calendar Available: Group Adventures are only available on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays at 9:00 AM
• Info Notice: Please be advised that these tours require a 2-week advance notice to book.

Join Us On A Educational Safari Expedition

Visiting with a registered school or camp?

Climb aboard one of our customized safari wagons for a one-hour unforgettable educational adventure! Our Educational Safari Expedition rates* start at $240.00, which includes admission for up to 20 students and two chaperones, plus one bowl of animal feed per person. Additional participants may be added for only $12.00 per person. Scheduled school and camp groups enjoy one free chaperone for every ten paid children. Scheduled school and camp groups enjoy one free chaperone for every ten paid children. 

This safari for kids and adults is limited to a maximum of 50 participants. Visiting with a non-profit entity? Your group safari tickets are eligible for tax exemption.*  Click on the “Book Now” button to view available Educational Safari Expedition dates.

*Please note: You will be asked to provide your group’s tax-exempt number in order to receive this rate.

EDUCATIONAL SAFARI EXPEDITION IS ONLY AVAILABLE ON TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND SUNDAYS AT 9:00 AM. Please be advised that these Safari Lake Geneva tours require a two-week advance notice to book.

Related Activities

Guided safari tours for groups.

Looking for a fun group activity in the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin area? Leave the driving to us and embark on a Guided Safari Adventure that is great for both kids and adults!

• Online Reservations Required

Drive-Through Animal Park General Admission

Experience Safari Lake Geneva from the comfort of your vehicle. Purchase a bowl of grain and feed animals from your window. Drive-through as many times as you’d like. The animals roam free, so each time is a unique adventure. Get your ticket today and enjoy a safari from your car !