
Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari
A 300-acre drive-thru safari in East Texas where you can feed exotic and endangered animals right from your car.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 300-acre drive-thru safari in East Texas where you can feed exotic and endangered animals right from your car.
"We absolutely loved it! There is a risk for them scratching your car but that is too be expected."

🚗 Buy Extra Feed!
Many visitors recommend buying extra feed at the gate; it's worth it for the animal interactions!
🛡️ Protect Your Car
Animals can scratch or bite vehicles. The safari releases responsibility, so be mindful.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 1,450 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Feeding the Zebras
Zebra enclosure
Get up close and personal with these friendly zebras; they're known for being very interactive and love a good snack!

Camel Encounters
Camel enclosure
Watch out for these clever camels! They're known to be bold and might even try to sneak a bite or two.

Baby Animal Sightings
Various enclosures
Visit during baby season for adorable encounters with young bison, zebras, and other newborns.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Animal Encounters
Best Times for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Buy Extra Feed!
Many visitors recommend buying extra feed at the gate; it's worth it for the animal interactions!
🛡️ Protect Your Car
Animals can scratch or bite vehicles. The safari releases responsibility, so be mindful.
😂 Prepare to Laugh
Expect hilarious moments as animals get up close and personal with your car.
⏰ Go on a Weekday
Weekdays are less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Buy Extra Feed!
Many visitors recommend buying extra feed at the gate; it's worth it for the animal interactions!
🛡️ Protect Your Car
Animals can scratch or bite vehicles. The safari releases responsibility, so be mindful.
😂 Prepare to Laugh
Expect hilarious moments as animals get up close and personal with your car.
⏰ Go on a Weekday
Weekdays are less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.
📸 Capture the Fun
Bring your phone or camera for unforgettable photos and videos of your safari adventure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari for its fun, interactive animal encounters and the sheer entertainment value. Many highlight the joy of feeding the animals, especially the friendly zebras, and the hilarious moments created by the bolder creatures like camels. While the risk of vehicle damage is noted, most agree the experience is well worth it for the unique memories made.
"This was so fun!
We came here for the first time today, and everything was great. The staff was friendly, the little shop was cute, the toilets were clean - and most importantly, getting to see and interact with the animals was awesome.
We are already looking forward to coming back and bringing some other family members with us."
Vivi-Anne Johns
"I’ve been wanting to go to this place for quite some time after my family had mentioned it and I finally went there very impressed. Love the animals, especially since you get to feed them."
Clean Away 360 A
"We absolutely loved it! There is a risk for them scratching your car but that is too be expected. They are wild animals. Overall, we love it and our son had a blast."
Brook Eakins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari is located at 1200 CR 4405, Jacksonville, TX 75766. It's a popular East Texas adventure.
The safari is best accessed by car. It's a drive-thru experience, so having your own vehicle is essential. Check your GPS for the most direct route to the address provided.
For many in East Texas, it's a short drive. One visitor mentioned it was only an hour from home, making it a convenient day trip.
Operating hours can vary, especially seasonally. It's always best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari is often open on holidays, including Memorial Day, offering a great way to celebrate with family.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. While specific costs aren't always listed online, reviews suggest purchasing extra feed at the gate is highly recommended and worth the cost for the experience.
Typically, drive-thru safaris do not require advance booking for general admission. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. However, for special events or group visits, it's wise to check their policy.
Admission generally includes access to the drive-thru safari route. The opportunity to purchase animal feed is separate but highly encouraged for interaction.
Information on discounts isn't widely publicized. It's best to check their website or contact them directly for any potential deals, especially for groups or during specific promotions.
The safari releases itself from responsibility for any damage to vehicles caused by the animals. Visitors should be aware of this risk.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of exotic and endangered species, including zebras, camels, bison, ostriches, and more.
Yes, feeding the animals is a major highlight! You can purchase feed at the gate to interact closely with many of the species.
The animals are semi-wild and can be unpredictable. While generally friendly when fed, they can be aggressive, especially camels. Visitors should maintain a safe distance and follow all guidelines.
Bring your camera or phone for photos, snacks and drinks for yourself (though not for the animals unless purchased there), and be prepared for a fun, interactive experience.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic family activity. Kids often have a blast interacting with the animals, and the experience is filled with laughter.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The drive-thru route offers constant opportunities. Close encounters with zebras and camels are particularly photogenic.
Generally, you must remain in your vehicle for safety reasons while driving through the safari. Photos are taken from inside or with windows down at your own risk.
A smartphone with a good camera is usually sufficient for capturing the fun moments. If you have a zoom lens, it can be helpful for capturing animals further away.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but always be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography directly at animals if it seems to disturb them.
Morning and late afternoon offer softer, more flattering light. Midday sun can be harsh, but the interactions with animals often make up for it.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit