Zoofari at the NC Zoo: Mom's first safari experience
WRAL contributor Tandra Wilkerson and her family tried Zoofari at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro! Here's her firsthand experience.
Going on an African safari is one of my bucket list activities. The thought of observing elephants, felines and other native wildlife in their natural habitat makes my heart beat faster. I can attribute that to excitement and fear.
While building the courage for a more daring excursion, I decided to try the next best and closest thing, Zoofari at the North Carolina Zoo! It was a wildly sufficient adventure for my daughters and practice for me. It was informative, entertaining and I can't believe we hadn't heard of it until earlier this year. If this is news to you, too, read on as I break down the details.
Zoofari at the NC Zoo: What to expect
Gazelles are nature's chicken nuggets? Rhino dung is a form of social media? Horns made of bones?
The world's largest natural habitat zoo is right here in our state. Our beloved North Carolina Zoo is 2,600 wooded acres with 500 developed and counting. The zoo is undergoing major expansions with the Asia continent opening in 2026. My family can't wait to experience it!
Zoofari tours take you through the 40-acre Watani Grasslands. A ''risk agreement'' form must be signed before participating. Ticket sales and loading occur in Junction Plaza, the zoo's center.
You'll ride on a multi-passenger open vehicle accompanied by a zoo educator and hear about necessary safety rules and expectations before entering the heavily gated area.
We really enjoyed listening to our guide, Thomas, who was very comical and engaging and made learning fun for everyone on board.
He taught us that gazelles are the smallest of the antelope species, which is where the chicken nugget reference stems. And some of the animals we saw have horns made of keratin or bone. These, as well as other interesting facts, were unknown to us before experiencing Zoofari. As for rhinoceros dung as their own form of social media, Thomas explains it better than I ever could.
You could also see ostriches and greater greater kudus. There are nine species and close to 100 animals within the grasslands.
We didn't see ostriches, but were lucky to get a distant glimpse of elephants in their habitat. Close encounters with the animals are possible, too. For example, rhinoceroses sometimes walk directly to the vehicle. I'm sure that's an epic experience to have!
Zoofari tour information
Zoofari runs annually from April through October. Public and private tours are available. Private tours are by reservation only at 336-879-7700. This is a wheelchair accessible activity.
Find timing, individual/group ticket prices, service animal information and all other details on the website. Also, know that Zoofari is an add-on to your regular zoo ticket fee. It is not included with it.
Further explore the website to learn about the zoo's conservation efforts, educational opportunities and attractions. There are ways to support through both time and financial donations. Both are undoubtedly beneficial.
Fall activities at the zoo
The end of Zoofari for 2023 is fast approaching. However, if you don't make it this year, hold on to your anticipation for 2024. It's a perfect activity for weekends and especially during school breaks. In the meantime, the zoo has plenty to do this fall in addition to its normal business hours.
- Pumpkin Palooza: Oct. 14-15
- Boo at the NC Zoo: Oct. 21, 22 and 28
- For more events, visit nczoo.org
