Lions and tigers and bears and more, just north of Phoenix

Location and Overview

Located about two hours from most places in Phoenix, the Out of Africa Wildlife Park spans over 100 wilderness acres at the base of the Mingus Mountain range in Camp Verde, Arizona. The park’s climate and terrain closely resemble that of the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania. This environment is ideal for its inhabitants, including bears, tigers, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wolves, deer, and more. The primary goal of the park is to provide a natural habitat for the animals while allowing visitors to enjoy and appreciate them. Owned by Dean and Prayeri Harrison, it offers a unique wildlife experience compared to typical zoos.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park functions as a wildlife refuge, showcasing the beauty of numerous creatures that are not typically found in the arid Arizona landscape. Approximately half of the animals at the park are rescues, and their habitats vary in size from about half an acre to over six acres.

Ten Things To Know Before You Go

1. Visitors can easily allocate 4 to 5 hours at Out of Africa to enjoy all the tours and shows available on a given day.
2. Check the schedule for available shows, as not all are offered every day. Visit the schedule for details.
3. The Tiger Splash show is the park’s most popular attraction, having taken several years to return after the move to Camp Verde. Since the animals are not trained, audience members can expect a variety of unpredictable antics. There is ample seating available, but most seating is on concrete steps, with few benches.
4. Animals roam freely in their spacious habitats, making them hard to spot at times. Patience is key, so try returning later in the day if you do not see them right away.
5. While Camp Verde is about 2,000 feet higher than Phoenix and cooler, remember that summer temperatures can still be high. Prepare adequately!
6. Out of Africa welcomes all ages, but it is important to note that traditional petting zoo experiences are minimal. There are opportunities to feed a tiger (for an extra charge) or to feed a giraffe or camel, alongside limited hands-on activities.
7. Visitors should be ready for uneven walking paths and dirt surfaces throughout the park.
8. You may only ride on the African Bush Safari, though walking is encouraged in the wildlife preserve, where diverse wildlife, including big cats and bears, can be observed.
9. Snack bars near the Tiger Splash Arena offer reasonably priced food. It’s advisable to visit the gift shop after your tour to lighten your load.
10. Out of Africa has a rustic charm: it is not a glitzy theme park. Vehicles for tours may not include extravagant features, and there are no carnival rides—only trams and tour buses to explore the wildlife.

Special Tours

The Unimog Tour is tailored for smaller groups, accommodating participants age five and older, and offers a personal one-hour tour through the park, including the African Bush Safari where animals approach the vehicle. Additionally, Out of Africa provides a Behind the Scenes VIP Tour as well as a Zipline Tour, with various packages available. Reservations are necessary, and pricing varies for these experiences.

Predator Zip Line

Experience an exhilarating 2-1/2 hour adventure with five zip lines starting from a 75-foot high platform overlooking the wildlife park. Participants must be at least 8 years old, weigh between 60 and 250 pounds, and be in good health. Please note that phones and cameras are not allowed during the zipline experience. Admission to the park is not included, so separate tickets will need to be purchased if you plan to explore the wildlife park as well. Previous zipline experience is not necessary. Both daytime and nighttime zipline tours are available. Visit Predator Zip Line online for pricing, additional information, and reservations.

Practical Information

Out of Africa is open seven days a week, 363 days a year, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with ticket sales concluding at 4 p.m. The park is open on holidays except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Originally located just outside Fountain Hills, Out of Africa relocated to Camp Verde in 2005 and is approximately 90 minutes from Phoenix.

_{As is common in the industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary visit for review purposes. While it has not influenced this article, iBestTravel believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy. All prices and offerings mentioned herein are subject to change without notice.}