Safari-Style Animal Adventures in Atlanta: Where to Go and What to Expect

When people search for “Safari Atlanta,” they’re usually looking for places in or near the city where they can see wildlife up close, have a safari-like experience, or plan a day trip that feels like an adventure. While Atlanta doesn’t have a true African-style wilderness safari, it does offer zoo experiences, drive-through wildlife parks nearby, animal encounters, and themed attractions that scratch that “safari” itch.

This guide focuses on what’s realistically available in Atlanta and within an easy drive of the city, so you can plan the kind of safari-style outing that fits your schedule, budget, and interests.

Safari-Style Options in and Around Atlanta: Quick Overview

Below is a simple comparison of the main “Safari Atlanta” experiences people consider:

1. Zoo Atlanta: The City’s Closest “Safari” Experience

If you’re staying inside the city and want the most complete animal experience, Zoo Atlanta is the closest thing to a traditional safari that you’ll find without leaving Atlanta.

What You’ll See

Zoo Atlanta offers large, well-designed habitats where you can see:

• African animals like elephants, giraffes, zebras, meerkats, and lions
• Giant pandas (a major draw for many visitors)
• Gorillas, orangutans, and other primates
• Reptiles, birds, and smaller mammals

While it’s not a drive-through safari, walking through the African Savanna and other zones gives you a safari-like viewing experience with good visibility and educational signage.

Location & Basics

• Address: Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Area: Grant Park neighborhood, just southeast of downtown
• Parking: On-site parking deck and surrounding street parking (paid)
• Good to know: Tickets are typically timed entry, so many visitors plan ahead online to avoid gate delays.

Tips for an Atlanta Local or Visitor

• Best times to go:
  • Cooler mornings, especially in summer, when animals are more active.
  • Weekdays if you want to avoid larger crowds.
• Budget tip: Watch for Atlanta resident discounts, membership options, or bundled tickets if you plan to return multiple times.
• With kids: There are play areas, a carousel, and train rides that make it easy to spend most of a day there.

2. Wild Animal Safari (Pine Mountain): Drive-Through Safari Near Atlanta

If you’re looking for a true drive-through safari experience near Atlanta, many locals and visitors choose Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain, Georgia, as their “Safari Atlanta” day trip.

What to Expect

This is a drive-through wildlife park where you can:

• Drive your own car or rent a park vehicle along a set route
• See animals like bison, antelope, zebras, giraffes, and other hoofed species
• Often feed some animals from the vehicle (following park rules)
• Move at your own pace, taking photos and pausing when you like

The experience is more loosely structured than a zoo visit and can feel closer to a “safari” because animals often walk right up to vehicles.

Location & Drive Time

• Address: Wild Animal Safari, 1300 Oak Grove Rd, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
• Distance from Atlanta: Roughly 1.5 hours southwest of downtown Atlanta by car, depending on traffic
• Nearby attractions: The area also includes Callaway Resort & Gardens, which some people pair with a safari visit for a full weekend getaway.

Planning Tips

• Car choice: Some visitors prefer using a rental park vehicle to keep their own car cleaner and avoid potential scratches.
• Weather: Experiences can change a lot with weather; animals may be more active on cooler days.
• Timing: Weekends, holidays, and school breaks can be busy, so expect longer lines at peak times.

For Atlanta residents, this can be a fun single-day or overnight trip that offers a very different feel from city attractions.

3. Nature & Wildlife Experiences Around Atlanta

If you’re open to a broader definition of “safari” as going out to observe wildlife and nature, Atlanta has several local spots that are easier to reach than a full safari park.

Chattahoochee Nature Center (Roswell)

The Chattahoochee Nature Center is often recommended to locals seeking native wildlife and outdoor exploration rather than exotic animals.

• Address: 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, GA 30075
• Approx. drive from Midtown Atlanta: About 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic
• What you’ll find:
  • Trails and boardwalks along wetland and river habitats
  • Birds of prey, turtles, and other rehabilitated native animals
  • Educational displays and seasonal events

This is a low-key, nature-forward alternative if you’d like a relaxed outing rather than a big attraction.

State Parks and Preserves Near Atlanta

Several parks around the metro area allow you to spot native wildlife:

• Panola Mountain State Park – Southeast of Atlanta
• Sweetwater Creek State Park – West of the city
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park – Northwest

Here you’re not getting a curated safari, but you may see deer, birds, turtles, and smaller mammals while hiking or walking. For many locals, these parks function as a “Georgia wildlife safari” in your own backyard.

4. Georgia Aquarium: An “Underwater Safari” in Downtown Atlanta

While not a safari in the traditional sense, many Atlanta visitors use “Safari Atlanta” to look for large animal experiences in general, and the Georgia Aquarium is one of the biggest draws.

Why It’s Worth Considering

The aquarium provides an immersive “journey through habitats,” which can feel like an underwater safari:

• Sharks, rays, and whale sharks viewed through massive viewing windows
• Sea lions, penguins, and dolphins in dedicated exhibits
• Themed galleries that mimic different aquatic environments

Location & Basics

• Address: Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Area: Downtown, near Centennial Olympic Park and the World of Coca-Cola
• Parking: On-site deck and nearby paid parking options

This is ideal if you’re staying downtown or want a climate-controlled option for extremely hot, cold, or rainy days.

5. Smaller Safari-Themed & Animal Attractions Around Atlanta

Atlanta and its suburbs also have smaller venues that offer hands-on animal encounters or safari-themed experiences. These can be good for:

• Birthday parties
• Short outings with younger kids
• People who want up-close interactions rather than full-day attractions

Types of experiences you may find in the metro area include:

• Petting zoos featuring goats, sheep, and other small farm animals
• Reptile houses or mobile reptile shows that visit events or schools
• Indoor butterfly or insect exhibits
• Seasonal pop-up attractions at fairs, malls, or festivals

These offerings change more often than major institutions, so if you’re in Atlanta, it’s helpful to:

• Check local event calendars
• Look at county park and recreation programs
• Explore children’s museum or science center schedules for special “wildlife” days

Because these can be more temporary or private-business based, always verify current hours, location, and safety rules before visiting.

6. Choosing the Right “Safari Atlanta” Experience for You

When deciding what kind of safari-style outing makes sense in or near Atlanta, consider:

1. How Far You Want to Travel

• Staying inside the city or nearby:
  • Zoo Atlanta
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • Chattahoochee Nature Center and local parks
• Willing to drive 1–2 hours:
  • Wild Animal Safari – Pine Mountain
  • Other regional animal farms or drive-through parks beyond the metro

2. Your Group and Interests

• With young kids:
  • Zoo Atlanta for recognizable animals and amenities
  • Smaller animal attractions or petting zoos for short outings
• Adults, older kids, or day-trip adventurers:
  • Wild Animal Safari for a more unusual, road-trip-style experience
  • Nature preserves and state parks for hiking and wildlife spotting

3. Budget and Time

• Half-day in the city:
  • Zoo Atlanta or Georgia Aquarium
• Full day or weekend:
  • Wild Animal Safari plus nearby attractions like gardens or parks
• Low-cost, outdoorsy option:
  • Local parks, free or low-fee nature preserves, and self-guided wildlife spotting

7. Practical Planning Tips for Safari-Style Outings Around Atlanta

To make the most of any “Safari Atlanta” experience, locals and visitors often pay attention to:

Weather and Season

• Summer:
  • Expect heat and humidity; early morning or late afternoon visits are usually more comfortable.
  • Animals may be less active in the hottest part of the day.
• Fall and spring:
  • Often considered the best times for animal activity and pleasant walking conditions.
• Rainy days:
  • Zoos and outdoor safaris run in light rain, but check for weather alerts.
  • The Georgia Aquarium is a strong backup when outdoor plans fall through.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes for zoo and park visits
• Water, snacks, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• Camera or smartphone for photos
• Hand sanitizer – especially if you plan on petting or feeding animals
• Layers or rain gear if weather is unpredictable

Safety and Etiquette

• Follow posted rules on feeding, touching, or approaching animals.
• Keep hands and arms inside vehicles at drive-through parks.
• Supervise children closely, especially near fencing, railings, or open areas.
• Respect quiet areas and designated trails in nature preserves.

8. If You’re New to Atlanta or Visiting for the First Time

If you’re visiting Atlanta and searched for “Safari Atlanta” to plan your trip:

• For a first-time visit with family, pairing Zoo Atlanta with Georgia Aquarium gives you two major animal experiences without leaving the city.
• If you have an extra day and a rental car, consider adding Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain as a day trip for a more unusual, up-close animal encounter.
• If you prefer a calmer, outdoorsy feel, explore Chattahoochee Nature Center or one of the state parks within an hour of Atlanta.

Atlanta may not have a traditional African savanna on its doorstep, but with zoos, drive-through wildlife parks, aquariums, and nature centers, you can put together a safari-style experience that fits your schedule and interests without traveling far from the city.