Tanganyika Wildlife Park
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Tanganyika Wildlife Park

4.8
·4k reviews·Goddard, United States

Experience up-close animal encounters and all-inclusive fun at Tanganyika Wildlife Park, a family-friendly destination in Kansas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays in Fall

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.

CrowdLow
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Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Best Time

Weekdays in Fall

Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience up-close animal encounters and all-inclusive fun at Tanganyika Wildlife Park, a family-friendly destination in Kansas.

4.8
(4k reviews)

"Absolutely amazing facility! Worth every penny for the amount of stuff you get included."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Encounters Early

Popular animal encounters sell out fast! Book online in advance to secure your spot.

💰 All-Inclusive Value

Tickets often include snacks & drinks. Great value, but consider extra snacks for picky eaters.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meet Baby Mars

Meet Baby Mars

Pygmy Hippo Enclosure

This adorable pygmy hippo is a social media star! Catch him playing in his pool or interacting with keepers.

Lemur Island Encounters

Lemur Island Encounters

Lemur Island

Get up close and personal with these playful primates. Many visitors describe this as a must-do experience.

Giraffe Feeding

Giraffe Feeding

Giraffe Feeding Area

Extend your hand and feed these gentle giants. A truly memorable experience for all ages.

Swim with Penguins

Swim with Penguins

Penguin Exhibit

An unforgettable opportunity to get in the water with these charming tuxedoed birds.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Experiences in Advance

Popular animal encounters, like the penguin swim or sloth experience, sell out quickly. Booking online ahead of time ensures your spot and can sometimes offer discounts. Check the Tanganyika Wildlife Park website for availability and pricing.

All-Inclusive Value

Many visitors rave about the all-inclusive nature of the park, which covers admission, snacks, and drinks. This makes budgeting easier and allows for a more relaxed experience without constant spending. Some reviews suggest bringing extra snacks for picky eaters or specific dietary needs.

Best Times

When
Weekdays in Fall
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Animals are most active, fewer people.
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Evenings
Why
Cooler temperatures, special events.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Just a tired Mars Potato Jones. Vid cred: Keeper Sierra, herself. #mars #keepersierra #babyhippo #pygmyhippo #kansas
@tanganyikawildlifepark
6.1M likes • 39.7M views

🎯 Book Encounters Early

Popular animal encounters sell out fast! Book online in advance to secure your spot. Reddit

💰 All-Inclusive Value

Tickets often include snacks & drinks. Great value, but consider extra snacks for picky eaters. Reddit

“I SAID 5 MORE MINUTES!” -Mars probably #mars #babyhippo #pygmyhippo #kansas
@tanganyikawildlifepark
1.1M likes • 8.1M views
Watch the adorable moment baby pygmy hippo Mars refuses to leave his pond, despite his keepers' best efforts. The video was provided by Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard. Click the link in bio for more 🔗
the.independent
11.2K likes • 361.9K views

☀️ Bring Sun Protection

Shade can be limited in some encounter areas. Hats and sunscreen are a must! Reddit

🐐 Dwarf Goat Feeding

Don't forget quarters for the dwarf goat feeding – it's a visitor favorite! Reddit

Tomorrow we cross a major milestone - over $20,000 donated to Tanganyika Wildlife Park 🦛💚 What started as a meme is now a movement. $MARS is proving that Web3 can create real-world impact, bridging crypto and wildlife conservation one donation at a time. All donations are transparent and traceable on the Solana blockchain. Grateful to share this journey with you Mars 🌍✨ #MarsTheHippo #CryptoFor...
mars.pygmy
732 likes • 5.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Encounters Early

Popular animal encounters sell out fast! Book online in advance to secure your spot. Reddit

💰 All-Inclusive Value

Tickets often include snacks & drinks. Great value, but consider extra snacks for picky eaters. Reddit

☀️ Bring Sun Protection

Shade can be limited in some encounter areas. Hats and sunscreen are a must! Reddit

🐐 Dwarf Goat Feeding

Don't forget quarters for the dwarf goat feeding – it's a visitor favorite! Reddit

📸 Capture Mars Moments

Baby hippo Mars is a star! Keep your camera ready for adorable antics. TikTokInstagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! [:athletic_shoe:]

What Travellers Say

4.8
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tanganyika Wildlife Park is overwhelmingly praised for its exceptional animal encounters and all-inclusive value. Visitors consistently highlight the knowledgeable and passionate staff, the animals' well-being, and the immersive, hands-on experiences. While some minor suggestions for shade or snack variety exist, the park is considered a memorable and highly recommended destination for families and animal enthusiasts alike.

"5 stars is not enough - I need to buy more stars! What an amazing experience! We were able to interact with so many animals with just the basic tickets and was far beyond expectations. The staff is so knowledgeable about the animals and you can tell the animals love them. The food was great and the park is so clean and organized. The day went by so quickly - we were like Mars - we weren't ready to leave! Thank you TWP - it was such a memorable experience and we cannot wait to come back!"

Jennifer Lamb

"Absolutely amazing facility (coming from another zookeeper here!)
Yes, $150 sounds like a lot…but it is ABSOLUTELY worth it for the amount of stuff you get included. I would say for the grab and go snacks, a mini fridge with fruits or veggies would be a nice addition. However… the cookies are delish.
It is glaringly obvious that this facility deeply cares for the animals wellbeing and gives them choices and respects when the animal says no. Enclosure are LARGES and kept very clean and natural looking.
While a lot of encounters are being offered, these animals have multiples opportunities to or to not engage with the public and are not forced to do anything they don’t want to do. After talking with a keeper, I learned that there are lots of animals behind the scenes because they don’t like to be in the public eye (cheetah and snow leopard breeding facilities)
The staff are extremely knowledgeable and passionate for what they do and that goes a long way when attending these private encounters. They generally have 2 keepers in an encounter, one to train the animal and focus only on their behavior. The other keeper to educate the guests, answer questions etc.

One last bit of advice (besides healthy snacks) is more shade is needed in the area you stand during hippo encounter! But I love my Posie nose print❤️"

Madison Carr

"We had a super fun time. The workers all really care about the animals and are very helpful and friendly, explaining things and answering questions. We loved feeding the giraffes and visiting the lemurs. Bring lots of quarters to feed the dwarf goats! We did the swim with penguins which was really fun and the main reason we came. I recommend the fall during the weekday as it felt like we almost had the place to ourselves"

Ashley Young

What People Like

Up-close animal encounters
All-inclusive value
Knowledgeable and caring staff

What People Dislike

Limited shade in some areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tanganyika Wildlife Park is located in Goddard, Kansas. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. Many visitors make it a day trip from nearby cities like Wichita. TikTok

Absolutely! Tanganyika Wildlife Park is a popular day trip destination, especially from cities like Tulsa and Wichita. You can easily spend a full day exploring the park and enjoying the animal encounters. Reddit

The park offers convenient on-site parking for visitors. There are no specific mentions of parking fees, suggesting it's typically included with admission. TikTok

Public transportation options to reach Tanganyika Wildlife Park are limited due to its location in Goddard, Kansas. It's primarily designed for visitors arriving by car. TikTok

Yes, Tanganyika Wildlife Park offers unique lodging options like Hawkins Estate, an Airbnb with a cheetah view, allowing for an extended, immersive experience. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific prices can vary, reviews indicate that a $150 price point for an all-inclusive experience is considered absolutely worth it for the amount of activities and inclusions. It's best to check the official Tanganyika Wildlife Park website for the most current ticket prices and package details. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, it's always a good idea to check the park's official website or search for 'Tanganyika Wildlife Park coupons' before your visit. Some social media posts hint at potential discounts or special offers. TikTok

Many visitors highlight the all-inclusive nature of the park. This typically includes admission, unlimited breakfast, lunch, snacks, fountain drinks, and access to various animal encounter stations. TikTokReddit

While it's generally recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for popular encounters, it's likely that tickets can be purchased at the gate. However, booking ahead ensures availability for specific experiences. TikTok

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the official Tanganyika Wildlife Park website for the most up-to-date hours of operation for your planned visit date. TikTok

🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience

Baby pygmy hippo Mars is a huge draw, often featured in TikToks and Reels. Visitors also love interacting with the lemurs on Lemur Island, feeding the giraffes, and the unique swim with penguins experience. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

Yes, Tanganyika Wildlife Park is renowned for its up-close and hands-on animal encounters. Popular options include feeding giraffes, interacting with lemurs, and even swimming with penguins. Booking these in advance is highly recommended. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Families consistently rate Tanganyika Wildlife Park as a top destination, with kids even preferring it over places like Disney World. The interactive experiences and knowledgeable staff make it a hit. Reddit

The park is designed for easy viewing, and many animals are visible and interactive. Visitors often report seeing every animal they intended to. Planning your day around specific encounter times can help maximize your experience. Reddit

Weekdays in the fall are recommended for the lowest crowds, offering a more intimate experience. Weekends and summer days can be busier, but the all-inclusive nature means many visitors are spread out enjoying various activities. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The park's all-inclusive tickets typically cover breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Visitors have praised the cookies, and while some suggest a mini-fridge for fruits/veggies would be a nice addition, the food is generally considered good. Reddit

While the park offers all-inclusive food and drinks, it's not explicitly stated whether outside food is permitted. Given the all-inclusive nature, it's likely encouraged to utilize the park's offerings. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan is not detailed. However, with snacks and meals included, there are likely some basic options available. It's advisable to inquire upon arrival if you have strict dietary needs. Reddit

Yes, there is merchandise available, including items related to the popular baby hippo, Mars. You can find links for new merch online. TikTok

Reviews generally describe the food as good, with specific mentions of delicious cookies. The all-inclusive aspect makes it convenient and enjoyable for most visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Baby hippo Mars is a prime subject for photos, with many adorable moments captured on TikTok and Instagram. Other great spots include Lemur Island, giraffe feeding, and the penguin encounters. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos during animal encounters. Some encounters even result in unique souvenirs like a hippo nose print. Reddit

No specific restrictions on general photography have been mentioned. However, always be mindful of the animals' well-being and follow any instructions from park staff during encounters. TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. For those interested in capturing more detailed shots of the animals, a zoom lens can be beneficial. TikTok+1

You can find many photos and videos on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram by searching for #TanganyikaWildlifePark and related hashtags. The park's official social media accounts also share a lot of content. TikTokInstagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tanganyika Wildlife Park is a dream destination for families. The all-inclusive tickets mean you don't have to worry about constant spending on food and drinks, making it budget-friendly for a full day of fun. Reddit Kids will be thrilled with the up-close animal encounters, from feeding giraffes to visiting Lemur Island. Reddit The park's staff are known for being engaging and knowledgeable, adding an educational and entertaining element for younger visitors. Don't miss the chance to see baby hippo Mars, who is a guaranteed hit with children! TikTokInstagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Tanganyika Wildlife Park offers incredible value through its all-inclusive ticket packages. TikTokReddit With admission covering meals, snacks, and drinks, you can significantly reduce your on-site expenses. This allows you to focus on enjoying the numerous animal encounters without worrying about additional costs for food. While some specialized encounters might have separate fees, the core experience is designed to be comprehensive and cost-effective. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Animal Lovers

Couples and dedicated animal lovers will find Tanganyika Wildlife Park to be a truly special place. The emphasis on ethical animal care and the opportunity for intimate encounters create a unique bonding experience. Reddit Imagine a romantic afternoon feeding giraffes or a thrilling swim with penguins. The knowledgeable keepers provide fascinating insights into animal behavior, enriching the experience for those with a deep appreciation for wildlife. Reddit Consider booking a unique stay at Hawkins Estate for an unforgettable overnight with a cheetah view. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Baby Mars

Baby pygmy hippo Mars has become an internet sensation, thanks to numerous TikTok and Instagram videos showcasing his playful antics. From refusing to leave his pool on hot summer days TikTokInstagram to interacting with keepers like Sierra and Ellie,TikTok+4 Mars captures hearts with his stubbornness and adorable moments. Visitors often express their adoration for this little hippo, with some even calling him the most stubborn pygmy hippo they've ever met. TikTok The park even offers merchandise featuring Mars, allowing fans to take a piece of his charm home. TikTok

Mars's story highlights the park's commitment to animal welfare and public engagement. Keepers are shown training him and ensuring his comfort, even when he's being a bit difficult. TikTok+1 The park actively shares updates and encourages questions about Mars, fostering a strong connection between the public and its youngest residents. TikTok His popularity underscores the park's success in making conservation efforts engaging and accessible through social media. TikTok

Interactive Animal Encounters

Tanganyika Wildlife Park distinguishes itself with its emphasis on up-close, hands-on animal encounters. Unlike traditional zoos, visitors often report being able to interact with a wide variety of animals, even with basic admission. Reddit Popular experiences include feeding giraffes, visiting Lemur Island where you can get close to playful primates,TikTokInstagram and the unique opportunity to swim with penguins. Reddit

These encounters are facilitated by knowledgeable and passionate staff who clearly care for the animals' well-being. Reddit They ensure that animals have choices and are not forced into interactions, respecting their boundaries. Reddit This approach creates a more authentic and ethical experience for visitors. The park also offers specialized experiences like sloth encounters, with animals like Chewbacca and Molasses being mentioned. Reddit Booking these encounters in advance is highly recommended as they are a major draw and can sell out quickly. Reddit

All-Inclusive Value and Family Appeal

A significant draw for Tanganyika Wildlife Park is its all-inclusive model, which many visitors find to be exceptional value. The admission price typically covers not just entry but also unlimited breakfast, lunch, snacks, and fountain drinks. TikTokReddit This eliminates the need to constantly budget for food and beverages, allowing families to relax and fully immerse themselves in the park experience. Reddit

This all-inclusive approach, combined with the engaging animal encounters, makes the park a top choice for families. One reviewer even stated their child preferred it over Disney World! Reddit The staff's friendly and knowledgeable demeanor further enhances the family-friendly atmosphere, making everyone feel welcome and informed. Reddit The park's commitment to animal welfare and interactive experiences creates memorable moments that resonate with visitors of all ages, solidifying its reputation as a premier family destination. Reddit

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