Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure

If you’re thinking about adding a wildlife-themed adventure to your trip near New Jersey, the Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru is worth considering. This experience promises a chance to see over 1,200 animals—including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes, and lions—without leaving your vehicle. It’s a convenient way to enjoy a safari-like atmosphere, especially if traveling with young kids or if you don’t have access to a car.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is its simplicity and accessibility—a straightforward drive-through means you can explore at your own pace without the need for long walks or guided tours. However, a notable drawback is that there are no restroom facilities or food options along the route, which can be inconvenient for longer visits or if small children get hungry.

This tour is best suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or travelers looking for a fun, low-stress activity. If you’re after a more immersive or in-depth experience, you might find this a bit limited. But for a quick wildlife fix, it offers decent value, especially with the added perk of hotel pickup in the Philadelphia area.

Key Points

• Affordable price point makes it accessible for families and groups.
• No bathrooms or food stops during the drive—plan accordingly.
• Great for carless travelers with pickup options available.
• Animal viewing can be impressive, but the experience may feel rushed or limited.
• No touching or feeding animals, ensuring safety but reducing interaction.
• Duration varies widely depending on how long you spend observing animals, typically 1-4 hours.

What To Expect from the Safari Drive

The core of this experience is a 4.5-mile paved route through a safari park, where you’ll sit comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle. The length of your adventure really depends on how long you linger to watch the animals, with most visitors spending around 1 to 4 hours. The pace is slow—about 5 mph—and designed to let you take in the wildlife from your own car.

Most gates along the route are manned by staff, who may close gates temporarily if animals get too close or for safety reasons. This means your drive might experience brief pauses, but staff are generally attentive and will reopen gates as soon as it’s safe. We’ve seen reviews noting that these stops can be frustrating if you’re eager to move along, but they are necessary for safety.

Important to note: there are no restroom stops, gas stations, or food outlets along the route. Bathrooms are available before and after your safari, and food and souvenirs are sold at the end of the experience. This setup might be inconvenient for longer drives or for travelers with small children.

The Animal Encounters

The safari boasts a diverse collection of animals, with some reviewers noting the animals appear lively and healthy. Visitors can expect to see bears, lions, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, tigers, rhinos, and more. The reviews are mixed on the overall impact: some found the animals impressive, while others felt the experience was less engaging.

A Tripadvisor reviewer mentioned, “The animals were impressive, the stay was less so,” hinting that while the animals themselves are a highlight, the overall experience might lack some excitement or behind-the-scenes insight. Another review noted that moving along swiftly (around 5 mph) allows for completing the drive in about an hour, making it a quick, straightforward activity.

On the flip side, some visitors expressed disappointment, describing the experience as “a waste of money,” highlighting that the attraction no longer offers a continuous drive-through but instead involves waiting in lines, which can reduce the spontaneity and fun.

Staff, Guides, and Safety

While the experience is primarily self-guided, staff members are present at gates to manage safety and animal behavior. One review praised staff for being friendly and attentive, which can make a difference, especially if you’re unsure about the route or safety procedures. Because you’re not allowed to feed or touch the animals, the experience is safer but also less interactive, which might be a downside for those hoping for a more personal encounter.

Practicalities and Value

At $35 per person, the cost is relatively modest—especially considering the size of the park and the number of animals you get to see. When you factor in the convenience of hotel pickup within the Philadelphia area and an air-conditioned vehicle, it offers good value for a family or small group.

However, reviews suggest the experience might not be as thrilling as some expect, with complaints about long lines, the lack of drive-through animal viewing (some reviews mention it’s no longer possible to drive through as before), and the absence of food or restroom amenities.

You should also consider the duration—while the drive itself can be quick, spending extra time observing animals or waiting for gates to open can extend the visit. It’s best to set aside at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours, depending on your interest level.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This safari is a good pick for families with young children, as it offers a fun, safe way to see animals up close without the risks of direct contact. It’s also suitable for those without a car, given the pickup service, and for travelers looking for a low-effort wildlife adventure.

However, if you’re expecting a highly interactive or immersive experience, or if you prefer to explore with guides sharing details about animals, this might not fully meet your expectations. It’s more of a quick, straightforward animal viewing rather than a deep dive into wildlife education.

Final Thoughts

The Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure provides a convenient, family-friendly way to see a large collection of animals in a safe, vehicle-based setting. The experience is straightforward with a reasonable price point, and the vehicle comfort adds to the ease of the outing. Still, it’s important to manage expectations—some visitors have found the overall experience less engaging due to delays, limited interactivity, and the absence of additional amenities on-site.

If you’re after a quick wildlife fix or traveling with young kids, this can be a good choice, especially with the convenience of hotel pickup. Just remember to bring your own snacks and plan for bathroom breaks beforehand since those aren’t available along the route.

For nature lovers who enjoy observing animals from a safe distance and don’t mind the lack of detailed guided commentary, this safari offers a decent value option. But if your idea of a safari involves more interaction, longer viewing times, or educational content, you might want to look elsewhere or set your expectations accordingly.

FAQ

Is there a guided tour or commentary during the safari?
No, this experience is self-guided in your vehicle, with staff present mainly to manage safety at gates.

Are there restroom stops along the route?
No, there are no bathrooms during the drive. Restrooms are available before and after the safari, so plan accordingly.

Can I feed or touch the animals?
No, feeding or touching the animals is not allowed to ensure safety for both visitors and animals.

How long does the safari take?
The drive-through itself can be completed in about an hour if moving quickly, but most people spend 1 to 4 hours observing and enjoying the animals.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from select hotels within the Philadelphia area is offered, making it easier for those without a car.

What should I bring?
Bring bottled water (included), snacks or food if desired, and a sense of patience for potential delays at gates.

To sum it up, the Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure can be a fun, budget-friendly outing for families and wildlife fans willing to accept its limitations. It delivers a straightforward, vehicle-based animal viewing experience, perfect for those wanting a quick, stress-free activity. Just be sure to plan for bathroom breaks and bring extra snacks—your safari adventure will be better for it.