Written By: Felecia Causey
Photography: Felecia Photography
I finally made it to The Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain, Georgia—a spot I’ve had my eye on for a while! The drive took about an hour and a half, and while the interstate wasn’t bad, the country roads tested my trust in GPS. Twists, turns, trees, and tiny paths had me nervous, so a heads-up: drive slow near the entrance. You might miss it even with the sign.
🎟️ First Impressions & Getting Started
Don’t expect a gate-side ticket booth—head inside the blue building to handle everything: tickets, rentals, and feed purchases. We arrived about 30 minutes after opening, and while the line wasn’t long, it crawled due to guests ahead of us juggling multiple requests. Only one staffer held it down, but he did his best, and we waited patiently.
We decided to rent one of their safari vans and bought a single brown bag of pellets for the animals. And yes, “riding dirty” takes on a whole new meaning here. Their van wasn’t winning any beauty contests—inside or out—but with animals sporting horns longer than my patience, my own car was off limits.
Adult Tickets: $35.99 each
Safari Van Rental: $30.00
Large Bag of Pellets: $6.25
Was it worth it? Keep reading…
🌞 Inside the Safari Trail
Inside that beat-up van, two pieces of advice kicked in fast:
Don’t dress up. The vehicle’s condition won’t be kind to cute outfits.
Prepare for the heat. On this trip, the sun sizzled like fresh-picked jalapeños.
With every gust of breeze, I whispered, “Lord, thank you.”
Now the animals? They’re not shy. They’ll stroll up, peek in, and one determined fellow even rammed the passenger door to demand attention. We also felt the full weight of a water buffalo leaning in—an unforgettable moment, and another reminder not to bring your fancy vehicle.
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🐃 Scenic Surprises & Standout Encounters
The animals looked healthy and well-fed, and while there were a lot of repeats, the babies stole my heart. The bison were especially stunning up close—huge, majestic, and calm. Camels stayed at a distance with caution signs warning they bite (so, no feeding allowed there).
Hogs, on the other hand, looked downright miserable—overweight. Poor babies.
🎯 Pro Tip: One bag of pellets won’t be enough.
🏃♀️ Post-Safari Walk-About & Final Thoughts
After returning the van keys, we sanitized hands and bags and headed toward the walk-through exhibit. You have to pass through the gift shop (beware: price tags bite harder than the camels). My daughter requested a zebra plush—until I saw the $38.99 sticker and gracefully placed it back.
Unfortunately, the snow cone stand wasn’t open during our visit, and the walk-through portion of the safari left much to be desired. Many of the animals were either unavailable or not visible, and the reptile house was nearly empty. Several areas appeared in need of updates—windows could use a good cleaning, and some enclosures were noticeably overgrown. The bird exhibit, in particular, had cages that made viewing and photography difficult, which was disappointing.
That said, I understand the challenges and costs involved in maintaining a facility like this, so I offer a bit of grace. On a positive note, the sanitizing station at the exit was a thoughtful and appreciated touch—especially for guests planning to spend extra for a close encounter with the sloth. Small gestures like that go a long way in enhancing the overall experience.
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After freshening up at the sanitizing station, we made a quick stop by the car to grab some cold water and regroup from the heat. For those needing refreshments or a break before heading out, the blue building offers a small café, (brown building drink vending machines (starting at $3), and a restroom area—perfect for changing clothes or cooling off before getting back on the road.
🐻 Bear Hugs & Unexpected Smiles
One bright moment from the walk-about? The bear. Fat, fuzzy, and full of charm—he was sprawled out like he owned the place, a total teddy bear mood. I couldn’t help but smile.
✅ Final Verdict: Worth the Price?
Yes—with a few caveats. The safari drive-thru in their dirty van was the highlight. The walk-through and reptile house? Skip-worthy. But the overall experience—the up-close animal encounters, scenic trail, and shared laughter in a beat-up ride—was worth the trip.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. For families, friends, or couples, it’s an adventure that sticks with you. Just be ready for repeated animal types, high temps, and a few quirks.
🧳 Safari Survival Tips
Bring your own drinks and snacks
Pack a battery fan & cool wipes
Wear loose, lightweight clothing
Bring sanitizer and wipes
Rent their vehicle—not yours
And don’t forget your camera—there’s so much to capture!
If you’ve visited The Wild Animal Safari, I’d love to hear your take. Drop me a message and share your experience—was it wild, wonderful, or a little of both?
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