ZooNew Jersey, US

Six Flags Great Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable wildlife journey at Six Flags Great Adventure's Wild Safari.

About

Embark on an unforgettable wildlife journey at Six Flags Great Adventure's Wild Safari. This sprawling 350-acre preserve is home to over 1,200 animals representing six continents, offering an immersive experience unlike any other theme park. It's a unique blend of adventure and conservation, inviting guests to connect with incredible species in expansive, naturalistic habitats.

The centerpiece of the animal experience is the Safari Off-Road Adventure, where guests board rugged, open-air vehicles for a guided tour. Prepare to witness majestic African elephants, towering reticulated giraffes, powerful white rhinoceros, and herds of Grant's zebra roaming freely. The journey also introduces you to fascinating creatures like American bison, Roosevelt elk, Asian water buffalo, and the adorable new brown bear cub, JJ, alongside his mother.

Beyond the tour, the Safari Base Camp provides opportunities for closer encounters with smaller animals, educational exhibits, and a chance to learn about conservation efforts. Whether you're captivated by the serene grace of a bongo or the playful antics of olive baboons, Six Flags Great Adventure's safari provides memorable moments and a deeper appreciation for global wildlife. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

The Wild Safari at Six Flags Great Adventure boasts a rich history, originally opening as a drive-through safari park on July 4, 1974, alongside the theme park. For decades, visitors could drive their own vehicles through the expansive animal habitats. In 2012, Six Flags announced a transformation, and in 2013, the attraction reopened as the "Safari Off-Road Adventure," a guided tour experience utilizing open-air vehicles, integrating it more closely with the main theme park. Following a temporary return to a self-drive format during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 due to its popularity and social distancing benefits, the Safari Off-Road Adventure reverted to its guided tour format for the 2024 season. This reintroduction also brought a new "Safari Base Camp" entrance, allowing guests to access the safari independently of the main park for a comprehensive animal-focused visit. Six Flags Great Adventure, encompassing the theme park, Wild Safari, and Hurricane Harbor, is now recognized as the second-largest theme park in the world, spanning 510 acres.

What to do here

Enjoy the guided Safari Off-Road Adventure tour. Explore the Safari Base Camp for up-close animal views and educational insights. Look for special animal presentations or feeding times often hosted by expert animal educators. Consider staying at the adjacent Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa for exclusive VIP tours and giraffe feeding opportunities.

Seasonal info

Animals may be more active in cooler weather or early mornings. Summer can be hot, making early visits ideal. The safari operates during the park's main season, typically from late March to early November.

Accessibility

Six Flags Great Adventure is committed to accessibility, and their Safari Off-Road Adventure is designed to accommodate guests with disabilities. Guests using wheelchairs can typically go on the Safari Off-Road Adventure. It's advisable to check the park's official accessibility guide for specific details and any updates.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: The Safari Off-Road Adventure guided tour itself lasts approximately 35 minutes. To fully experience the Safari Base Camp, view exhibits, enjoy any animal encounters, and allow for leisurely observation, plan for at least 2-3 hours for the safari portion alone. If combining with the theme park, a full day or even two days is recommended.
Best time to visit: The early morning, ideally right after opening, is often the best time to see the animals at their most active. Animals tend to be more lively before the midday heat. Weekdays during the operating season typically offer lighter crowds than weekends.
Location: New Jersey, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families With Children Of All AgesAnimal Enthusiasts And Wildlife PhotographersAdventure SeekersEducational Trips

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Safari Off-Road Adventure

The main attraction, offering a guided tour through vast habitats with over 1,200 animals. Look out for African elephants, white rhinoceros, reticulated giraffes, and Grant's zebras.

Safari Base Camp

A new entry point offering closer encounters with smaller animals, educational displays, food, and retail.

Black Bear Ridge

Keep an eye out for black bears, including the recently introduced cub, JJ.

The Americas Section

Discover Roosevelt elk, American bison, and Greater rheas.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Canada Goose

Painted Turtle

Killdeer

Great Blue Heron

Snapping Turtle

Asian Lady Beetle

Common Grackle

Garter Snake

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive early

** Animals are often most active and visible in the cooler morning hours.

Wear comfortable shoes

Even for the safari tour, there might be walking involved at the Safari Base Camp.

Bring binoculars

Enhance your viewing experience by getting a closer look at distant animals.

Charge your camera/phone

You'll want to capture plenty of photos of the diverse wildlife.

Stay hydrated

Especially during warmer months, carry water bottles, or plan to purchase drinks at the Safari Base Camp.

Listen to your guide

The safari guides offer fascinating facts and insights about the animals and conservation efforts.

Frequently asked questions

: For the 2024 season and currently, Six Flags Great Adventure offers the Safari Off-Road Adventure, which is a guided tour in open-air vehicles. While it briefly reverted to a self-drive experience during the pandemic, the primary way to experience the safari now is through the guided tour, often included with theme park admission or accessible via the new Safari Base Camp for a separate ticket.
: Yes, olive baboons are among the many species that can be seen at Six Flags Great Adventure's Wild Safari.
: Generally, feeding animals by guests is not permitted for their safety and well-being. However, exclusive VIP experiences at the Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa may offer opportunities for giraffe feeding as part of their unique offerings.