The Wild Safari at Six Flags Great Adventure has always been a huge draw for families, with 1,200 animals to see from the windows of your car, sometimes so close you felt you could touch them (but don’t!).
This season, the safari has been revamped for the 50th anniversary of the theme park, so instead of driving yourself through the 350-acre grounds you’ll board a large safari truck and get to see the sights from up above.
What’s great is that you can come with a large group to experience the safari together. Your tour guide will provide really cool info about the animals, such as how zebras circle around each other to make their stripes look hypnotic, or how kangaroos can jump up to 30 feet in the air, or how the male ostrich sits on the egg (and how the shell is so strong, a human could stand on it!). The guides are highly trained, and will answer all your questions about the rhinos, gnus, Bengal tigers and elk who live in the park. And of course, they’ll throw in some animal puns, like how they’re yakking about yaks.
The truck stays mainly on the designated path, but sometimes you’ll literally go off-road, like when you drive along a path to get a closer look at the lions (listen closely to hear them growl and roar). Or, if the giraffes’ gate is open, they’ll come very close to the truck. It’s fun to watch the antelope and oryx run alongside you – especially if they know it’s dinnertime. If you remember the days of the baboons jumping on the roof of your car, this is similar to that – without any of the destruction to your car’s antenna.
You’ll also get to see the brand-new luxury glamping cabins at the Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa. Since all of the kids like to yell out when they see they’re favorite animals, it’s quite funny when a rider yells out, “Humans!” when they see people sitting on their balcony. It will make you want to book an overnight stay to enjoy a private suite and giraffe feeding time.
Since you’re riding in an open-air vehicle, make sure you have sunglasses and a hat, and apply suntan lotion; some parts of the truck will be in direct sunlight for the majority of the 35- to 45-minute drive.
What’s great is that you can take the ride every time you visit Six Flags, since it will be a new adventure depending on what animals are out and what tips your tour guide shares – plus, depending on where you sit, there will be different views.
You can access the truck load station from the Wild Safari Base Camp, which is located outside of the theme park near where the usual safari entrance is.
Kids can spend time at the playground, order Dippin’ Dots, and visit the Reptile House. Even though it’s outside of the theme park, you still need a valid season pass or safari ticket.
There is also shuttle service to the Base Camp available from the Main Shuttle Station in the theme park parking lot, from 10:30 am through 3 pm.
Or, if you’re already having fun on the rides inside Great Adventure, head to the Frontier Adventures Station across from the Runaway Mine Train for boarding information.
Wait times can be up to 2.5 hours, so try to make this your first attraction of the day, if possible.
Six Flags Great Adventure is located at 1 Six Flags Blvd. in Jackson Twp. Check the safari and theme park schedules for dates and times. Riders must be at least 54 inches tall to get on the truck.
You can also visit Hurricane Harbor for water attractions during the warm weather. And mark your calendar for Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park, coming up in the fall.
Check out the animals on our Instagram page.
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
Six Flags Great Adventure is Open For Its 50th Anniversary Season
A New Family Coaster and Safari Glamping Are Coming to Great Adventure
Hurricane Harbor is Open For The 2024 Season
