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POINT OF INTEREST

African Safari Wildlife Park

267 S Lightner Road, Port Clinton, Ohio

Embark on a safari adventure without the long-haul flight at Ohio’s African Safari Wildlife Park. Drive across more than 60 acres (24 hectares) of land to see hundreds of animals roam free and get a close-up view of giraffe, zebra, bison, alpaca, elk, and more. The animals may even approach the car to be fed.

Upon entry, visitors receive a cup of grain with which to feel the animals as they drive. As well as a drive-through safari, the park has a walk-through section, called Safari Junction, where you can see such creatures as the red river hog, warthog, tortoise, and rare white alligator. The park also offers a variety of additional activities, such as kangaroo feeding, camel rides, and educational animal shows featuring a variety of animals including a 10-foot-long (3-meter-long) Burmese python.

  • African Safari Wildlife Park is a must-visit for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

  • You are only allowed to feed the animals from the cup, not your hand. Petting animals is not permitted.

  • Visitors are requested to keep doors closed at all times as they drive through the park; windows can be open.

  • There is a gift shop in the park. Sales from certain handcrafted items benefit wildlife organizations.

African Safari Wildlife Park is located on Lightner Road in Port Clinton, Ohio. It’s a 20-minute drive northwest of Sandusky and a 55-minute drive east of Toledo. Driving from Cleveland will take between an hour and a half and two hours.

Opening hours vary throughout the year; not all of the activities are available outside of summer, and some animals may not be exhibited during colder weather. The park is open daily in spring and fall from midmorning to late evening, with extended hours in summer. Check the website for exact season dates.

The Safari Cafe (only open during full park operation and extended weekends) and the Grill both serve items such as cheeseburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and corn dogs. There is also a snack bar serving soft pretzels, nachos, popcorn, and ice cream from the Toft Dairy, Ohio's oldest dairy.

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