'Interactive and conservation-minded' safari park to open a half-hour from Athens

ga safari conservation park

If a safari has been on your bucket list, soon you'll be able to mark it off at a park just 30 minutes from Athens.

Georgia Safari Conservation Park , which bills itself as "a new interactive and conservation-minded destination wildlife experience," will open in April 2024 in Madison, according to a press release. The park will house plenty of animals and offer a variety of experiences, from family tours to luxury honeymoon stays.

"We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Georgia Safari Conservation Park,” said Bill Kilmer, partner of Georgia Safari Conservation Park, in the release. "Our mission is not only to provide a thrilling and immersive safari experience for our visitors but also to foster a deep appreciation for the natural world and promote active involvement in conservation efforts through education, adventure, and a commitment to sustainability."

Among the animals expected to be seen are: giraffes, white rhinos, Hartmann's mountain zebras, bongos, kudus, two-toed sloths, ostrich, African spurred tortoises, speckled king snakes, addaxes, and more.

The park plans to offer three different levels of "Safari Drive Through Experiences," ranging in price from $39 per person to $2,500 for a group of up to 8 guests.

Travel tips: Georgia destination makes Travel + Leisure's 'The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024' list

Georgia business: Toyota campus in Jackson County expanding with $69 million investment

If you are looking for a more robust experience, Georgia Safari Conservation Park will offer unique overnight stays including:

Luxury Safari Tents , which can accommodate up to four people in the two-bedroom suite, includes private balconies overlooking the park and are "posh, climate-controlled tents feature spacious living areas." Booking the tents includes a drive-through safari tour and an ambassador animal encounter. There is a two-night minimum stay at $790 per night.

The Giraffe Suite , which can accommodate up to four people, and gives a "privileged vantage point to connect with the Park's giraffes," according to the release. This suite comes with a private safari tour and private animal encounters. There is a minimum two-night stay at $1,250 per night.

The   Honeymoon Hideaway , with a marketed "ambiance of romance and indulgence," is a one-bedroom luxury tent with a private deck and and secluded outdoor bathing area. The stay, which has a two-night minimum at $590 per night, includes a safari tour and an animal encounter.

For more information or to book tickets and accommodations, visit www.georgiasafari.com, or check out Georgia Safari Conservation Park on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

95.5 WSB

Sleep next to giraffes, rhinos at new park coming to Georgia

ga safari conservation park

Luxury Safari Tent Georgia Safari Park (PLANETKB/Georgia Safari Park)

Sleep in a suite overlooking giraffes, feed some rhino and experience a safari without leaving the Peach State. That’s what a new conservation park coming to Georgia promises guests on a visit.

The Georgia Safari Conservation Park, a new interactive and conservation-minded destination wildlife experience, is set to open in April 2024 in Madison, about an hour east of Atlanta.

“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Georgia Safari Conservation Park,” said Bill Kilmer, Partner of Georgia Safari Conservation Park. “Our mission is not only to provide a thrilling and immersive safari experience for our visitors but also to foster a deep appreciation for the natural world and promote active involvement in conservation efforts through education, adventure, and a commitment to sustainability.”

Visitors will encounter wild and exotic species including giraffes, white rhinos, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, bongos, kudus, two-toed sloths, ostrich, African spurred tortoises, speckled king snakes, addaxes, and more, according to a press release the facility recently released.

Located on 530 sprawling acres, the park will offer a safari experience during the day, but an option to stay overnight at the park, too.

It’s a project that the Mogan County Citizen website noted that is 10 years in the works. Kilmer told the website that the COVID supply chain issues and price increases slowed the building process, but that they are now on schedule for a 2024 opening.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Giraffe Suite  is a one-of-a-kind experience at the Park, offering a privileged vantage point to connect with the Park’s giraffes. Located on the second floor of the Park’s 10,000-square-foot Giraffe and Rhino Barn, The Giraffe Suite offers expansive views inside the barn.  The suite boasts a well-appointed living room with a full-size sleeper sofa, a dining room, and a kitchenette. The main bedroom boasts a king-size canopy bed and a full bathroom.  From the large picture windows throughout the spacious living areas, you can marvel at the giraffes’ graceful movements, observe their unique behaviors, and witness the intricate social dynamics within the herd.

The suite has accommodations for up to four people, and the two-night minimum stay ($1,250 per night) includes a private, guided safari tour in a VIP safari vehicle, private giraffe and rhino encounter, with feeding and photo opportunities, an intimate behind-the-scenes tour of the giraffe and rhino barn, a special extended animal encounter with an animal ambassador, and complimentary souvenirs.

Luxury Safari Tents  (two-bedroom) are set amidst the Park’s wild beauty, with private balconies overlooking the savanna.  Accommodating up to four guests, the posh, climate-controlled tents feature spacious living areas with luxuriously appointed furnishings, two large bedrooms, including one with king-size canopy beds, a full bathroom with a soaker tub and tiled shower, and private outdoor spaces to relax and unwind.

With accommodations for up to four guests, the two-night minimum stay ($790 per night) includes a guided safari drive-through tour with one of the expert guides, a Keeper Chat, an ambassador animal encounter with one of the park’s animal ambassadors, and complimentary souvenirs.  Additional touring options, including giraffe and rhino encounters with a photo and feeding opportunity and a behind-the-scenes tour inside the giraffe and rhino barn, can be added to reservations for an additional charge.

The Honeymoon Hideaway  was curated to create an ambiance of romance and indulgence.  This luxury one-bedroom safari tent for two ­guests features a kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, coffee station, spacious living and dining areas, and a full indoor bathroom.  Adjacent to the bedroom, glass doors open onto a private deck with a secluded outdoor bathing area.  An additional private balcony opens from the main living area, offering breathtaking views of animals roaming the open savanna.

The two-night minimum stay ($590 per night) includes a guided Safari drive-through tour with an expert guide, Keeper Chat, a visit to the giraffe and rhino barn area, and an animal encounter with an animal ambassador.

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Three different Safari Drive Through Experiences offer access to the park for visitors ranging from individuals, families, and small groups to exclusive eight-person VIP experiences.

The Safari Drive-Through Experience (90 minutes) is a fun, expert-led safari adventure designed as an actual African game drive.  A customized safari vehicle will transport guests as they come face-to-face with herds of majestic antelopes, zebras, and other iconic African hoofstock roaming the open savanna. The experience includes a one-hour drive-through safari and a 30-minute up-close animal encounter with ambassador animals.  The rate is $39 per person for ages three and up; children two years and younger are free.

The Safari Drive-Through Experience + Giraffe and Rhino Encounter (150 minutes) includes everything in the Safari Drive-Through Experience as well as an up-close giraffe and rhino encounter, including feeding and photo opportunities with a keeper in the giraffe and rhino barn. The rate is $125 per person ages three and up; children two years and younger are free.

A Private VIP Tour (180 minutes) is the ultimate safari adventure experience. This exclusive three-hour adventure is designed for up to eight guests to immerse a small group into the wonders of the animal kingdom.  This experience includes a private, guided safari tour for up to eight in a VIP safari vehicle, a private giraffe and rhino encounter with feeding and photo opportunities, a behind-the-scenes tour of the giraffe and rhino barn, a special extended animal encounter with an animal ambassador, and complimentary souvenirs. The rate is $2,500 for a group of up to 8 guests.

©2023 Cox Media Group

Your browser does not support HTML5 audio.

Georgia Bulldogs Coverage

Georgia teammates eager to see Damon Wilson blossom after impressive offseason improvements

Georgia teammates eager to see Damon Wilson blossom after impressive offseason improvements

Georgia basketball coach Mike White: ‘Let’s go do the same thing to Ohio State’ in NIT quarterfinals

Georgia basketball coach Mike White: ‘Let’s go do the same thing to Ohio State’ in NIT quarterfinals

Kirby Smart provides clarity on Will Muschamp’s role with the Georgia football program

Kirby Smart provides clarity on Will Muschamp’s role with the Georgia football program

Sign up below to be added to our mailing list for the latest news updates, access to exclusive contests, and more!

mobile apps

Everything you love about wsbradio.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!

Audio Temporarily Unavailable

You may be offline. Please check your connection and try again using the Retry button.

ga safari conservation park

ga safari conservation park

  • Things to Do
  • Park Hours & Directions
  • Tickets and Passes
  • Animal Encounters
  • FAQs & Animal Gallery
  • Special Events
  • Zootube & Conservation
  • Park Information
  • Wild Animal Safari – Pine Mountain, Georgia
  • Wild Animal Safari – Strafford/Springfield, Missouri
  • Aggieland Safari, Bryan-College Station, Texas
  • Investor Relations
  • About Us & Employment

FAQs (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS) Wild Animal Safari – Pine Mountain™

Are you ready to meet new animal friends? Our team of Zookeepers and Staff is happy to welcome you and your party to the park. Below is a list of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) that may be valuable to ensuring a great experience. Enjoy the Wild Animal Safari – Pine Mountain ™ !

Park Information Details

• 40 Minutes N of Columbus, GA • 65 Minutes SW of Atlanta Airport • 95 Minutes NE of Montgomery, AL • 2 ½ Hours SW of Athens, GA • 3 Hours S of Chattanooga, TN • 3 ½ Hours W of Agusta, GA • 3 ½ Hours N of Valdosta, GA • 4 ½ Hours NE of Savannah, GA

  • Wild Animal Safari – Pine Mountain ™  is open daily 7 days a week at 10:00 AM. We have extended hours several weekends such as Spring Break, various holidays, and Summer months. Please check the park operating hours calendar when planning your visit. All Drive-Thru Safari guests must enter the park at least 1 hour prior to closing.  The park is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
  • See the park operating calendar for daily park hours.

Zero. Parking is FREE.

• The last car is admitted into the Drive-Thru Safari one hour prior to closing. It is strongly recommended that you arrive at the park earlier in the day, so you have enough time to see everything your party wants to see. All guests must leave the park at closing. We recommend 3-4 hours to enjoy the whole park. • Refunds will not be provided under any circumstance for failure to allow enough time to complete both sections of the park before closing time.

  • You may bring your wheelchair. See the ADA Park Information .
  • Some areas of the Walkabout Adventure Zoo ™  are represented by gravel and natural dirt pathways like you would experience in the wild.

Yes. Wild Animal Safari ™ – Pine Mountain has a full indoor airconditioned restaurant serving the highest quality foods including 100% Sirloin Hamburgers, Chicken Tenderloins, 100% Beef Hebrew National Hot Dogs, Nacho Platters, Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, succulent Buffalo Wings, Fresh-made Pizza with par-baked crust, and Fresh made Salads. We serve Coca-Cola products, giant New York Style Pretzels, Churros, and hand-dipped ice cream.

Permitted Items

No. Only feed sold on-site may be used for feeding experiences. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in immediate eviction from the park with no refund. Please understand that we have a strict feeding policy to protect the health and safety of our animal residents. We thank you for following our feeding policy.

Smoking and vaping are NOT permitted on the park grounds or inside any building.  We do have designated smoking areas in and/or near the parking lot.

You may bring your own food and drinks to consume in the parking lot or designated picnic areas at the park outside the main building. Outside food cannot be brought into the Walkabout Adventure Zoo™ areas.  Private parties and groups may arrange to bring their own food on a situational basis.  If you, or a member of your group, have specific allergy concerns please call and speak to a customer service representative before your visit.

Yes. Wagons and/or strollers may also be available to rent at our ticket counter, subject to availability.

Yes, however, certain policies have been implemented to ensure the safety of our animals and your service animal. Please see the Service Animal policy .

Weather Protocols

The park will remain open, rain or shine, in most circumstances. In cases of severe weather, the park may elect to close all or portions of the park for the safety of our guests and animals. If the park closes early due to severe weather, snow, or ice, you will receive a raincheck to return another day.

Updates regarding a rare park closure are announced on our Facebook page and our website.

No, ticket sales are final. If the park closes early due to severe weather, snow or ice, you will receive a raincheck to return another day.

Tickets, Annual Passes, & Memberships

Tickets are valid for one year from the purchase date.  If you purchased your ticket(s) for a select day and are unable to attend, your ticket(s) will still be valid for use for one year.

Tickets may be presented at the gate either on printed paper or on a smartphone.

No. Our staff can look up your purchase on-site via the last name of the purchaser or by the confirmation number.

No, all ticket sales are final.

Annual Passes / Memberships are now sold both online and at the park.

  • If you wish to purchase an Annual Pass on-site, you do not have to purchase a ticket in advance for entry. You will be immediately directed to our Ticket Counter to complete your purchase(s).
  • If you already purchased a ticket for entry, you may apply the cost of that ticket toward the cost of an Annual Pass / Membership during your visit…we call this an upgrade. An upgrade must be completed on the same day as you used the original ticket.

Annual Passes / Memberships are for individual use only. Each member of the family who wishes to visit the park multiple times should purchase an Annual Pass / Membership.

No, each person must have their own Annual Pass / Membership.

Drive-Thru Safari

Our animals are free-range throughout the 250+ acres of pasture and woods. In most cases, animals will come near the cars for feed. However, these animals ARE NOT PETS, and their behavior is unpredictable.  In other words, they will follow their instincts. We cannot guarantee that all animals will come to the road during every visit. The joy of our Drive-Thru Wild Animal Safari ™  is that your experience will be different each time you visit the park.

  • Yes, guests can enjoy the Drive-Thru Safari in their own vehicles.
  • Tour Buses - Guests may opt to ride in one of the provided Tour Buses, which are operating at full capacity. Tour Buses are first come, first served, and depart once an hour, or once every 20- 30 minutes depending on the park attendance levels. There is no charge to ride the Tour Buses, however, they run seasonally, so please check our park operating calendar when planning your visit.
  • Rental Vans – The park has rental vans for up to 6 and up to 12 passengers for rent. These are windowless vans you can drive versus using your own cars. Rental vans can frequently have a 30 min to 1 ½ hour waiting list. It is best to get to the park just prior to opening to put your name on the list. There is a small fee to rent the safari vans. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have personal auto insurance.
  • Guests typically will put their name on the van rental waiting list then proceed to enjoy the Walkabout Adventure Zoo ™ , have some snacks or lunch, prior to having the rental Van reservation available. Rental Vans have a shorter wait time on weekdays.

Only fully enclosed vehicles are permitted. Large RVs and buses are not permitted without prior authorization by the management team. The following vehicles are not allowed under any circumstance:

  • Motorcycles
  • Convertibles
  • Open Top Jeeps
  • Vehicles without Doors
  • Tow behind trailers

No, riding in the bed of a pick-up truck or in the trunk of a car is not permitted. Hanging out of windows or sunroofs is also not allowed.

  • The last car is admitted into the Drive-Thru Safari is one hour prior to park closing. It is strongly recommended that all guests arrive earlier to allow enough time to complete the Drive-Thru and Walkabout Adventure Zoo ™ . All guests must leave the park at the posted closing times. We recommend 3-4 hours to enjoy the whole park.
  • Refunds will not be provided under any circumstance for failure to allow enough time to complete both sections of the park before closing time.

It can take anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours, depending on the number of guests in the Drive-Thru, your speed and animal feeding preferences.

Yes. You may experience the Drive-Thru Safari as many times as you would like during your visit! Many guests enjoy the Drive-Thru first, then visit the Walkabout Adventure Zoo™, eat lunch while enjoying the nature and amenities of the park, and then return to the Drive-Thru Safari again before leaving for the day.

Animals are typically most active in the morning hours of 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, then again in the late afternoon from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  Animals are typically less hungry in the afternoon.  Every visit is a different experience.

  • Yes, the Drive-Thru Wild Animal Safari ™  feed is available for purchase at the Ticket Booth and Gift Shop upon arrival. ONLY THE PROVIDED FOOD MAY BE FED TO THE ANIMALS. PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN FEED.
  • All animals in the pastures that the roads travel through can be fed. There are other pastures and paddocks visible from the roads that do not allow public access. Guests ARE NOT permitted to exit their vehicles to feed these animals.
  • We recommend throwing the park-provided animal feed to the ground in front of the animal in the Drive-Thru Safari. This will entice the animals to come close to your vehicle.  DO NOT hand feed the zebras, EMUs, or the ostrich.  These species may accidentally bite thinking your fingers are food.
  • Feeding animals is optional and at your own risk.

No, these animals are not pets. For the safety of our guests, direct contact is prohibited.

No. As stated above, we cannot guarantee that all the animals will be on the road at all times of the day.  You can return to the Drive-Thru Safari as many times as you would like (before one hour prior to park closing) to finish your feed!

Walkabout Adventure Zoo TM

Our park has a large and diverse variety of animals on exhibit for you to enjoy. We also have various off-exhibit animals that may make brief appearances when appropriate. To promote exceptional animal husbandry and welfare, there may be times when certain animals are not on display.

The Walkabout Adventure Zoo ™  takes a minimum of one hour to complete. However, it often takes longer depending on your interests, feeding experience participation, and time spent reading the provided information about the individual animals. It all depends on the preferences of your party and where they would like to go.

Guests may enter the Walkabout Adventure Zoo ™  any time from park opening to park closing. However, all guests must exit the park by park closing. Refunds will not be provided for failure to allocate enough time to complete both sections of the park.

  • Participating in Animal Feeding Experiences is elective and at your own risk.
  • You may feed park-provided lettuce to the giraffes and Sulcata tortoises. Lettuce fed to the tortoises should be placed on the ground in front of them in lieu of feeding them by hand.  Tortoises may accidentally snap little fingers if you get too close.  Lettuce is available for purchase in the Gift Shop or at the ticket counter.
  • You may feed the barnyard/farmyard animals small feed pellets from your hand provided that your hand is flat. Feed is available for purchase in the Gift Shop, at the ticket counter, or at coin-operated feeders in the Walkabout Adventure Zoo ™ .
  • Feeding animals is at your own risk.
  • No other animals in the park may be fed under any circumstances. The Walkabout Adventure Zoo ™  animals are not to be fed any feed from the Drive-Thru Safari.

Groups, Company Outings, and Schools Field Trips

  • Yes, Wild Animal Safari ™   accommodates all types of groups, family reunions, birthday parties, company outings, bus tours, and school field trips.
  • Complete the Group Contact Form on our website and a park Group Coordinator will contact you.
  • Call the park and request to speak to a Group Coordinator.

Drive-Through Safari Gallery

  • Walkabout Gallery

We have more safari park information posted throughout the site. As always, if you have more questions we are here to help. Contact us to learn more about our animal park.

Footer Menu

Pine mountain safari.

  • Home & About Us
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Drive-through Gallery

Springfield Safari

  • Ticket and Pricing

Aggieland Safari

GA (706) 663-8744 1300 Oak Grove Rd Pine Mountain, GA 31822 [email protected]

MO (417) 859-5300 124 Jungle Rd Strafford, MO 65757 [email protected]

TX (979) 599-5440 18075 FM 974 Bryan, TX 77808 [email protected]

© 2024 animalsafari .

All rights reserved.

IMAGES

  1. Georgia Safari Conservation Park, Madison

    ga safari conservation park

  2. WELCOME TO the GEORGIA SAFARI CONSERVATION PARK (Madison, GA) Georgia

    ga safari conservation park

  3. Take a Drive on the Wild Side at Wild Animal Safari in Georgia

    ga safari conservation park

  4. Georgia Safari Conservation Park

    ga safari conservation park

  5. Safari Park

    ga safari conservation park

  6. A fascinating trip to the wildlife world with a safari park in

    ga safari conservation park

COMMENTS

  1. Home

    Commitment To Conservation. At Georgia Safari Conservation Park, we are building a regional zoological culture dedicated to conserving threatened and endangered wildlife. We believe in the power of knowledge and strive to inspire our guests to become ambassadors for conservation. Through our interpretive programs, guided tours, and interactive ...

  2. Georgia Safari Conservation Park

    Georgia Safari Conservation Park, Madison, Georgia. 17,260 likes · 95 talking about this · 411 were here. The 530 acre Georgia Safari Conservation Park is being developed in Madison, Georgia.

  3. Georgia Safari Conservation Park Announces April Opening

    As part of phase I, The Georgia Safari Conservation Park is constructing a giraffe barn that will include a private, one-bedroom suite overlooking the enclosure. The Georgia Safari Conservation Park, a new interactive and conservation-minded destination wildlife experience, is set to open in April 2024 in Madison.

  4. Georgia Safari Conservation Park to open in Madison, Ga. in 2024

    Georgia Safari Conservation Park, which bills itself as "a new interactive and conservation-minded destination wildlife experience," will open in April 2024 in Madison, according to a press ...

  5. Georgia Safari Conservation Park

    Georgia Safari Conservation Park. Location: Madison. The 530-acre zoological park is located in Morgan County, one hour east of Atlanta. When fully developed, it will offer three distinct experiences on one site: A guided safari drive-through experience; wildlife walkthrough experiences featuring a variety of animals; and Treetop Lodging.

  6. Georgia Safari Conservation Park to open in April in Madison

    The Georgia Safari Conservation Park, a new interactive and conservation-minded destination wildlife experience, is set to open in April in Madison. Located on 530 sprawling acres, this groundbreaking safari adventure park offers a unique and immersive experience that combines the excitement of a safari adventure with a strong commitment to conservation and sustainability.

  7. New African Safari Park Experience Coming to Georgia in 2024

    A new African safari park experience is coming to Georgia just a short drive from Atlanta. Organizers of this latest project say you can get that unique experience starting in April 2024. The Georgia Safari Conservation Park will be located about an hour from Atlanta. "We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Georgia Safari ...

  8. Morgan County grants Georgia Safari Conservation Park one-year

    The Georgia Safari Conservation Park (GSCP) is pushing back its highly-anticipated grand opening again, ... Madison, GA 30650 Phone: 706-342-7440 Email: [email protected]. Sections News; Sports; Opinion; Obituaries; Legal Notices; Lake Oconee Living; Multimedia ...

  9. Sleep next to giraffes, rhinos at new park coming to Georgia

    The Georgia Safari Conservation Park, a new interactive and conservation-minded destination wildlife experience, is set to open in April 2024 in Madison, about an hour east of Atlanta ...

  10. Prepare for the Prowl: Madison's Safari Opening Could be Georgia's

    Georgia Safari Conservation Park has been in the works for a while, but it's looking like a Q1 2024 opening will be the event of the year! Located in Madison, animal encounters and a drive-through safari offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with both exotic and endangered animals. Board one of their custom safari vehicles and ...

  11. North Georgia Wildlife Park

    North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park. Care, Connect, Conserve! Alligators, kangaroos, otters, wolves, monkeys and more. A large variety of animals, immersive animal experiences with animals like capybara, wolves, otters, kangaroos & more. ... Cleveland, GA 30528 (706)348-7279 ...

  12. Georgia Safari Conservation Park

    The Georgia Safari Conservation Park (GSCP, LLC) is a safari drive-through experience that will allow guests to get up close and personal with exotic and endangered animals while aboard one of the ...

  13. ADA

    Georgia Safari Conservation Park. complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state/local laws regarding Service Animals. Guests traveling with a Service Animal will not be charged a pet fee, also known as a pet cleaning fee. Charges may be incurred, however, should a Service Animal damage or soil the Hotel. ... Madison, GA ...

  14. YEAR IN REVIEW: Georgia Safari Conservation Park picks up speed in 2023

    After nearly a decade of planning, the Georgia Safari Conservation Park made progress in 2023 after long delays in previous years due to the coronavirus pandemic, the stalling supply chain, ... Madison, GA 30650 Phone: 706-342-7440 Email: [email protected]. Sections News; Sports; Opinion; Obituaries; Legal Notices; Lake Oconee Living ...

  15. 500-acre Georgia safari park planned

    A zoo and safari attraction is planned on roughly 500 acres off Interstate 20, about an hour east of Atlanta. Called the Georgia Safari Conservation Park, the attraction would feature a drive ...