Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari
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Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

4.8
·1k reviews·Jacksonville, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
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Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"We absolutely loved it! There is a risk for them scratching your car but that is too be expected."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 1,450 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Feeding the Zebras

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 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

Baby Animal Sightings

Various enclosures

Visit during baby season for adorable encounters with young bison, zebras, and other newborns.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for Animal Encounters

Animals at Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari are semi-wild and can be very interactive. Be ready for them to approach your vehicle, and consider buying extra feed at the gate for a more engaging experience. Remember, the safari releases responsibility for vehicle damage.

Best Times for Fewer Crowds

Weekdays, especially mornings, tend to be less crowded than weekends or holidays. This allows for a more relaxed drive-thru experience and better opportunities for animal interactions without feeling rushed.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for driving
Crowd
Medium
When
Baby animal season
Why
Adorable newborns to see
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I’M SO DEAD. Highly reccomend😭 #couple #safaripark #fyp #bf #dateideas
@rach_isthename
3.3M likes • 23.5M views

🚗 Buy Extra Feed!

Many visitors recommend buying extra feed at the gate; it's worth it for the animal interactions! Reddit+1

🛡️ Protect Your Car

Animals can scratch or bite vehicles. The safari releases responsibility, so be mindful. TikTokReddit

Drive Thru Safari 🤣🤣 #fyp #PrimeDayDreamDeals #drivethrusafari
@lornnnaa
2.9M likes • 15.9M views
Spring Break 2025 is going to be a blast at Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari! Make plans now to come get in on the fun! Our critters cannot wait to see you! #Springbreak #safari #fun #familyfun #adventure
cherokeetrace
13 likes • 485 views

😂 Prepare to Laugh

Expect hilarious moments as animals get up close and personal with your car. TikTok+1

⏰ Go on a Weekday

Weekdays are less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience. Reddit

We just got back from a trip to the Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari in #JacksonvilleTX. 🐪 Hazel had a blast & loved feeding the animals. I had a scare when a zebra tried to eat my ear & another when the camel tried to put its head in our car. Ryan was attacked by an emu. It was wild, but so much fun for our crew. 10/10. Definitely recommend to do in #EastTexas! 🦓
maeworthcreative
19 likes • 854 views

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! Reddit+1

🛡️ Protect Your Car

Animals can scratch or bite vehicles. The safari releases responsibility, so be mindful. TikTokReddit

😂 Prepare to Laugh

Expect hilarious moments as animals get up close and personal with your car. TikTok+1

⏰ Go on a Weekday

Weekdays are less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience. Reddit

📸 Capture the Fun

Bring your phone or camera for unforgettable photos and videos of your safari adventure. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

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

Interactive animal feeding
Funny animal encounters
Family-friendly fun

What People Dislike

Potential vehicle damage

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Yes, Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari is often open on holidays, including Memorial Day, offering a great way to celebrate with family. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Admission generally includes access to the drive-thru safari route. The opportunity to purchase animal feed is separate but highly encouraged for interaction. Reddit

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. Instagram

The safari releases itself from responsibility for any damage to vehicles caused by the animals. Visitors should be aware of this risk. Reddit

🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of exotic and endangered species, including zebras, camels, bison, ostriches, and more. Instagram+1

Yes, feeding the animals is a major highlight! You can purchase feed at the gate to interact closely with many of the species. InstagramReddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok

Absolutely! It's a fantastic family activity. Kids often have a blast interacting with the animals, and the experience is filled with laughter. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

Everywhere! The drive-thru route offers constant opportunities. Close encounters with zebras and camels are particularly photogenic. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

Morning and late afternoon offer softer, more flattering light. Midday sun can be harsh, but the interactions with animals often make up for it. Instagram

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