Safari Fun

Today, we went to the African Wildlife Safari in Port Clinton, Ohio.  We took the girls last year, and we had a great time, so we decided to go again this year.  First of all, never pay full price for tickets at the door.  They are $22 for adults and not much better for kids.  There are always groupon deals, and Lindsey got in for free since she is still 3 (3 and under are free).  Last year, we got a groupon for $5 each, and this year the best deal I could find was $8 each....but it was still a better deal than paying full price!  If you have zoo membership, you get half off, so it is still best to find a deal on groupon.  I have even seen discount tickets on facebook.  Just remember, it is the least expensive if you go on a weekday, as opposed to a weekend. 

The African Wildlife Safari is about halfway between our house and Rob's parents, so we try and tackle it on the way to their house.  When you pull in, there is a shack where you pay for admission (or redeem your groupon).  You then get a receipt and a ticket for a free "bucket" of feed....but it is really just a large cup.  They also sell carrots, which the animals love, for $5 per bag.  They say you shouldn't bring the $1 a bag carrots that they sell at Marc's...

There is a parking area where you can park and go into a gift shop.  When you walk through there, they have a snack shop and sell ice cream.  There is an area with restrooms where you can walk around.  There are some animals in there (geese, monkeys, capybara, pigs, llama, etc.).  They also offer free rides on the camel for up to 2 kids (there is a weight limit of 100 pounds).  Last year, they could also ride ponies, but they aren't there this year. 

You can then drive through the safari.  When you roll down your windows, the animals will flock to your car.  They will stick their heads in looking for food.  You either hold out the cup of food, or hold out a carrot.  At the very end, there are giraffes and zebra, so be sure to save some food for them!

                                          A Capybara in the "zoo" part of the safari.  You are
                                           not permitted to feed any of the animals in this
                                           section.

                                                    Taking a camel ride...

                                                    Feeding animals from the car.

                                                   Feeding a giraffe via sunroof.

Kaylee and Lindsey Rating: 5/5-the girls loved it this year, and last year as well.  It is a lot of fun!