The new tourist attraction features hundreds of different animals, all displayed in their natural habitats. It’s located near Chattanooga, Tennessee, and it’s one of the first times that visitors will be able to see these species at close range. The landscaping for the park took years to complete, but it was well worth it. It offers a unique experience, as you’ll be able to view these animals from the ground level – or even from inside your car.
There is one major rule though: stay in your vehicle at all times. While there are miles and miles of park area for visitors to explore, there is only a small distance between where you can park and where the animals roam. It’s within these close quarters that many of the most dangerous species in the world reside.
The route taken through the park is carefully monitored to ensure each guest gets an optimal safari experience. Guides are available along the way, but you’re welcome to travel at your own pace. Our only tip would be to skip the helicopter rides, as they just place you in a meta zone and you miss out on most of the activities below. What we really like about the park is that it has something for everyone:
- Penguins with polar bears? Check.
- Zebra with Siberian tigers? Check.
- African lion hung next to an American black bear? Check.
The park is made up of six zones, showcasing animals native to every continent except Antarctica. “We have combined the finest creatures in all of nature,” said Joeseph Cook, head biologist at TSP. “This is the only place you will find lions next to gazelles.”
It goes without saying that this is a relatively dangerous animal, but there’s one detail you might not know:
“Lions are excellent swimmers,” Cook added. “They’re built for speed and power – they can swim half a mile in less than a minute.”
This means that if a lion was placed next to a giant tortoise, you’d be able to see them both in the same view.
“We’ve even spread some of our lions further out along the trails,” Cook said. “So if you’re driving and a lion jumps on your car, we want it to be an amazing experience.”
This is obviously not one of those attractions where you can come face to face with a wild animal – but it’s closest you’ll get from the comfort of your own car.
Remember: you can’t always believe what you see on TV, but these images are very accurate.
“We want you to feel like you’re in the wild,” Cook said. “If we ever catch anyone trying to feed or pet our animals, they will be ejected from the park and prosecuted.”
With that being said, we’ve seen some people reaching out of their vehicles and trying to get a closer look. Before taking this risk, know the rules. If you go in prepared, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t feel safe.
“We can’t wait for everyone to visit,” Cook said. “It will be the experience of a lifetime.”
Important note about animal attractions:
As seen on TV commercials, TSP has many great events. The most common show they run is the “Lion Swim.”
This is an extremely dangerous animal attraction where you can pay $200 to walk out on a catwalk and pet a full grown lion! (Don’t worry, it’s safe as long as you follow all of our rules.)
The park also offers a “Tiger Splash,” which is a lot like the Lion Swim but with tigers instead.
The park also offers a “Beluga Whale Feeding,” where you can pay to swim in an underground cave and feed a beluga whale while it’s temporarily on display at TSP.
There are so many things to do at TSP. In addition to the views, there are a lot of cool animals that you’ll get to see from above or on the river! The sky ride is great for all ages since it’s a very smooth ride with no chance of getting hurt, and you get a great view of all the animals and attractions throughout TSP.
The River Ride is very similar, but it runs slower so if there are certain animals that you want to see, try going on this one instead.
The Sky Tram takes about 25 minutes from start to finish and costs $15 per person. The River Ride takes about 36 minutes, but it’s free!
In addition to the above attractions, there is also a Wildlife Carousel and a petting zoo. It costs $5 per person to get on these two attractions and they’re great for all ages.
The last attraction that we recommend checking out is the African Safari zone. This zone has the most well-known animals such as lions, zebras, and antelope so it’s definitely worth checking out. But be aware that the African Safari Zone is only open on weekends!
One thing to keep in mind is that TSP can get extremely busy during peak season (Memorial Day – Labor Day). If you go on a busy day, make sure to get there ASAP since you’ll want as much time as possible to see all the available attractions. We also recommend going before noon just in case it gets too crowded!
Table of Contents
How much does it cost to get in Tennessee Safari Park?
It’s a little pricey, to be honest. But you get what you pay for.
The general admission to TSP is $100 per person, but if you add in all our add-ons and combos – it can add up really fast! We should also note that the park only takes cash, no credit or debit cards. So be prepared to hit up the ATM on your way in.
Here are all the combos offered at TSP, if you want to avoid standing in line:
- Combo 1 “African Adventure” – $20 (Vehicle Parking) + $100 = $120 total per person
- Combo 2 “North American Safari” – $10 (Vehicle Parking) + $100 = $110 total per person
- Combo 3 “African Wildlife Safari” – $20 (Vehicle Parking) + $50 (Helicopter Ride) + $200 = $280 total per person. This is the best way to do all of the attractions, plus you get an amazing helicopter ride to the top of the mountain for panoramic views.
- Combo 4 “South American Safari” – $20 (Vehicle Parking) + $100 (River Ride) + $50 (Sky Tram) = $180 total per person. This is a big combo, so be prepared to take a long hike to get to the river ride. The guides will take your picture at the end and give it to you free of charge!
- Combo 5 “Asian Safari” – $20 (Vehicle Parking) + $50 (Sky Tram) + $100 (River Ride) = $190 total per person. This is another great combo with some cool views and animals, but it’s a very long hike to get down to see the river. So be prepared!
- Combo 6 “African Luxury Safari” – $20 (Vehicle Parking) + $50 (Helicopter Ride)* + $100 (River Ride) + $50 (Sky Tram) + $200 (Lion Swim)* = $610 total per person. This is all the combos with an extra lion swim after your helicopter ride if you’re feeling adventurous!
*This only increases the cost by $50, but it’s still included in Combo 6.
What happens during the “Tiger Splash” show at Tennessee Safari Park?
There are usually only one or two shows throughout the day, but it could be random. You need to check their schedule before coming! (See below.)
The animal attraction starts 30 minutes after each feeding session, which is right next to the Pool Deck.
The show is a little expensive, but it’s worth the experience. The tigers jump from platform to platform and splash into a pool of water on cue! It can get very wet if you sit in the front row.
There are only 20-30 seats available, so try to go early before they run out!
What kind of attractions does Tennessee Safari Park have?
The park has a mix of land and water attractions, so we recommend you come prepared for all types of weather.
We suggest arriving early in the morning before it gets too hot to be outside! But even if you do get stuck waiting in line in the heat, don’t worry – the animals and shows are worth it.
We recommend the Lion Safari only in the late afternoon or early evening when it’s not so hot outside! Just be mindful of bug bites. The lions do not have access to any shelters at TSP, so you’re completely exposed to whatever they want to do – including biting your legs. So remember to bring long pants if you don’t want to be bleeding.
What’s the Second and Third Street Tour in Tennessee Safari Park all about?
There are several attractions at TSP that require a separate fee, but it can add up quickly if you really want to try everything.
The zoo is divided into different areas: African Safari, North American Safari, Asian Safari, South American Safari, and Exotic Wildlife.
The Second Street Tour is the only one that takes you around all five zones, but it’s also the most expensive at $100 per person. The Third Street Tour is three zones for $75 per person, but the African Safari Zone isn’t included.
What are some other attractions at Tennessee Safari Park?
The Sky Tram and River Ride are probably the coolest attractions you can do at TSP. In addition to the views, there are a lot of cool animals that you’ll get to see from above or on the river! The sky ride is great for all ages since it’s a very smooth ride with no chance of getting hurt, but the river ride can get a little wild depending on what animals are around. The river has been known to have its fair share of crocodiles, so everyone MUST be wearing their life jacket or you will not get on the boat!
The Sky Tram does not take reservations, but they usually only run a few cars at a time and it never takes too long. The River Ride takes longer since you need to wait for the animals to come down to the river, so be sure to check out their schedule before going!
There are a lot of other animal attractions at Tennessee Safari Park that require a separate fee. Some include:
- Train Ride – $5 per person
- Camel Ride – $5 per ride
- Elephant Ride – $8 per person
- Hyena Feeding – $5 per person
What are some dangers at Tennessee Safari Park?
The deadliest animal at TSP is definitely the crocodile, but it’s unlikely that you’ll run into one.
Every open-top vehicle is equipped with a radio so they can communicate with each other if there is a dangerous animal nearby.
Some animals are easier to provoke than others, but you definitely need to keep your eyes peeled at all times!
Are the animals Tennessee Safari Park are from north American or African safari?
Most of the animals at TSP are from North America, so it’s a good place to go if you want to see a lot of predators in a nice open space.
However, there is an African Safari Zone with lions, zebras, and gazelles! But they’re separated by very tall fences (so you can’t get to them) and crocodiles in the river!
Is it possible to go to Tennessee Safari Park just for a day?
Yes, but you will be missing out on some of the best attractions. The Sky Tram is only open until 5 pm (and has no shade at all!) so that’s your last chance to see it.
If you also want to go on the River Ride, then you’ll have to be there by 3 pm.
The last train ride of the day is at 4 pm. You may not make it in time for the African Safari zone since they are closed down after 5 pm.
What are some food options at Tennessee Safari Park?
There are plenty of food stops in the different areas, but the best ones are in North American Safari. You can get burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches etc. in this zone.
There is also a small snack stand in African Safari Zone with some drinks and candy bars if you’re really in need!
What are the hours of Tennessee Safari Park?
Tennessee Safari Park is open from 10 am to 5 pm, but you will want to get there early because the later it gets, the more likely that they’ll close earlier!
TSP is open every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Each attraction at TSP has different hours, so be sure to check out their website before your visit!
Is Tennessee Safari Park worth the money?
Yes! It is highly recommend it since there are so many different attractions.
The only thing that you might want to do is bring a lot of water and sunscreen just in case it gets too hot or too crowded. If you have any questions, be sure to leave them in the comments below!
Where is Tennessee Safari Park?
Are you looking for a fun and exciting activity that’s not too far from Memphis? If so, go to TSP (Tennessee Safari Park) in Pigeon Forge, just a short commute from downtown Memphis!
Tennessee Safari Park is a great place to visit if you want to see some big and dangerous predators in an open space. There are many different kinds of animals from North America, Africa, and Asia! Here’s some useful information about TSP:
Is Tennessee Safari Park ethical?
Tennessee Safari Park is an ethical place to visit since they are dedicated to the animals’ well-being. Their animals all roam freely over a large space so it’s not like you can miss them!
The animals at TSP also have different habitats, so you’ll see some different species in Africa than North America. Each animal has its own habitat and they only go where they need to.
Who would enjoy Tennessee Safari Park?
Who wouldn’t want to see these animals in an open space! There are so many different kinds of animals at TSP that you’ll definitely find some that interest you.
There are predators and prey, big and small, friendly and dangerous. If you like the zoo but hate the crowds (and being stuck in a cage), Tennessee Safari Park is the place for you!
What are some benefits of Tennessee Safari Park?
There are many different attractions that you can go on at TSP. You can see the animals in their natural habitats, ride on the Sky Tram (the longest free-standing observation tower lift in America), eat at some delicious food stops, and even enjoy live entertainment!
The most important benefit that you’ll get is to see some amazing animals in their natural habitats. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Why should you go to Tennessee Safari Park?
Tennessee Safari Park is a great place for people of all ages. You can see the animals in an open space, do some fun activities like ride on the Sky Tram or play mini golf, eat at one of many snack stops, and enjoy live entertainment!
Since TSP has so many fun activities for people of all ages, it’s a great place to bring the kids on a hot summer day. Just be sure to ask them to help you spot some of the animals!
Can you feed the animals at Tennessee Safari Park?
You can only feed some of the animals at TSP so be sure to do your research before going.
You can feed the water buffalo, reindeer, and llama in North American Safari Zone as well as some of the small animals that are not predators. However, you cannot feed the bears or the big cats!
Can you ride an animal at Tennessee Safari Park?
It’s definitely not recommended to try riding an animal at TSP! There are zip lines and ATV tours available for you to ride on, but no animals.
If you want to see some wild animals up close then you can do that at TSP! Just remember that the animals are free to roam wherever they please, so there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to pet an animal.
What should you wear to Tennessee Safari Park?
It’s recommended that you dress comfortably when going to TSP. Since the animals are outside, it might get hot and humid. Therefore, make sure to bring sunscreen and water!
If you’re planning on using the zip lines or riding on an ATV, it’s recommended to wear some tough-soled sneakers.
It might rain so it’s also important to bring an umbrella! Just remember that alligators like to curl up in regular puddles, so be aware of your surroundings.
What is the best time of year to go to Tennessee Safari Park?
You can go to TSP any time of the year! However, spring is one of the most popular times because all of the baby animals are more active. Therefore, it’s a good idea to go some time from March 30 to May 14.
In summertime, be sure to bring sunscreen and water since it’s going to be hot and humid. Fall is another popular time to go since it gets very chilly during the month of October, so you get to see some animals in their winter coats!
