Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in San Antonio

In one moment, your car is surrounded by friendly and hungry wildebeests. In another, you spot a herd of majestic antelopes grazing under the shade of a live oak tree while a group of ostriches wanders nearby. Take it all in and you would think you're on a trek through the wilds of Africa. Nope! You're at the 500-acre, six-mile drive-thru safari at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in San Antonio, which boasts hundreds of animals from over 40 species.

Beautiful Texas Hill Country scenery provides a serene home to hundreds of animals. See, interact with, and even feed some of these creatures from over 40 species during your very own self-guided Texas-style safari. Promising plenty of educational, family-friendly fun, a visit to this San Antonio attraction is ideal for youngsters and the young at heart alike.

The Self-Guided Safari

Your African safari in Texas starts behind the wheel of your very own car. With a handy guidebook that will help you identify and learn about all the ranch's animals, you'll cruise along the scenic winding roads spotting American bison, Arabian Oryx, Gemsbok, African crowned cranes, and much more. Don't drive too fast, as some of these animals will walk right up to your vehicle — an ideal time to roll down your window and toss out a handful of food (or strike a pose for a truly wild selfie).

Guided and Private Tour Options

Although your self-guided safari could fill up most of your day, it is by no means the only thing to do at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, hop aboard a Guided Tour, where a Safari Tour Guide takes the wheel and shares facts and stories along the way. For the most personalized and educational experience, the ranch also offers a Private Guided Tour for your own group. Your private Safari Tour Guide will take your family and friends on an unforgettable journey to learn more about the over 500 animals that roam the ranch. Schools and other groups can also book a dedicated Educational Tour, tailored for everything from daycares to college classes.

You're also able to get face-to-face with towering giraffes — meet one of the ranch's three resident giraffe herds — and majestic rhinos with the Giraffe Private VIP Experience and Rhino Private VIP Experience, respectively (the rhino experience includes a visit with Truda, a young rhino born at the ranch who has learned to push her way in for some extra attention). In addition to feeding and brushing these beautiful animals, you'll learn all about the conservation efforts — including partnerships with organizations like Save the Giraffes, the International Rhino Foundation, and several cheetah conservation groups — that go into ensuring the survival of their species.

Monkey'n Around and the Aviary Experience

Be sure to go wild at Monkey'n Around, the ranch's primate area and playground, where you'll meet gibbons, lemurs, and enjoy an amazing playground for kids! Bird lovers shouldn't miss the Aviary Experience either, where you can head inside and hand-feed budgies with food on popsicle sticks (guests must be 3 years or older to enter).

Dining and Shopping

Spend enough time exploring the ranch and you'll likely work up an appetite as big as the Serengeti, so herd your flock over to the Safari Camp Grill. The eatery's menu features fare both light and robust, as well as a dessert selection that includes the famous Zebra a la Mode — a warm, gooey brownie topped with Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream and drizzled with stripes of white and milk chocolate. Speaking of dessert, you can also stop by the Safari Sweet Spot for some homemade fudge or a cold beverage. Order whatever your taste buds crave, then sit on the covered patio and watch the giraffes meander by – it beats people watching by a mile. Think you're done yet? Not a chance! After all, what would a visit to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch be without a souvenir? Pay a visit to the Safari Trading Post for a unique memento, such as a t-shirt, cup, silver giraffe pendant, or even an ostrich egg.

Visiting the Ranch

Opened in 1984 and recognized as a Texas Land Heritage property for generations of agricultural use by the same family, the ranch continues to grow its offerings — including annual passes for guests who want to visit again and again throughout the year. Embark on an African Safari, Texas Style, and enjoy a remarkable day out with the whole family!