You’ve picked your date, made it to the booking page, and now comes the fun part: Which safari adventure is right for you?
At Global Wildlife Center, you can explore the same incredible 900 acres in three different ways—and each tour offers its own kind of experience. Prices vary, group sizes matter, and how up-close-and-personal you want to get with the animals can definitely help make the decision.
It really comes down to three things: How many people are in your group? What do you want to spend? And just how excited are you about the possibility of a giraffe sticking its head into your vehicle? 🦒
Here’s a simple look at each tour option, what makes it special, and what you can expect along the way.
The Three Tours at a Glance
| SAFARI WAGON | SEMI-PRIVATE PINZ | PRIVATE PINZ | |
| Your Ride | Canopy-covered safari wagon pulled by a tractor | Pinzgauer 4×4 | Pinzgauer 4×4 |
| Who’s On Board? | You’ll share the adventure with other guests | Shared with one or more small parties | Just you and your crew! |
| Minimum Group | None | None | Typically 4 guests |
| Where You’ll Go | Travels along our established safari pathways | Can venture off the established pathways | Can venture off the established pathways |
Chance of Giraffes | Good chance, but never guaranteed | Even better chance | Your best chance for that unforgettable up-close moment |
| Perfect For | First-time visitors, families, larger groups, budget-friendly adventures & guests with mobility needs | Couples, solo adventurers & groups of 2–3 | Celebrations, photographers & anyone with “GET ME TO THE GIRAFFES!” energy |
The Safari Wagon Tour
The Safari Wagon Tour is the classic Global Wildlife Center experience—and a favorite for first-time visitors. Climb aboard a canopy-covered wagon and get ready for a 75-minute safari adventure through the preserve. The ride moves at an easy pace, with plenty of opportunities along the way to stop, look around, and, of course, feed the animals!
And this isn’t a look-but-don’t-touch kind of safari. There’s no glass separating you from the adventure.
Deer, bison, llamas, alpacas, antelope, and more can stroll right up to the wagon—especially when they realize you’re the one holding the feed cup!
Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the different species roaming the preserve and share fun facts about their behaviors, habitats, and unique personalities. It’s part safari, part animal encounter, and a whole lot of “Did that really just happen?!” moments.
The Private Pinz Tour
If you’re looking for a safari that feels a little more up-close, adventurous, and all yours, the Private Pinz Tour is the way to go. Pinzgauers—or Pinz, as we call them—are rugged 4×4 vehicles that let you explore Global Wildlife Center beyond the traditional safari pathways.
And that’s where the fun really begins! A Pinz can venture off the beaten path, traveling through wooded areas, across the lake, and into more remote parts of the preserve to help find where the animals are hanging out that day. Every trip is a little different because the animals help decide the itinerary!
Private Pinz Tours are perfect for smaller groups, typically four to eight guests, with a four-person minimum to book. Best of all, the vehicle and guide are dedicated to your group. That means more opportunities to ask questions, linger a little longer when something amazing is happening, and enjoy an experience that feels much more personal.
Have an animal your family just can’t get enough of? Let your guide know! While wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, the flexibility of the Private Pinz gives your guide more freedom to make your safari one your group won’t soon forget.
The Semi-Private Pinz Tour
Want the Pinz adventure without needing a group of four? Say hello to the Semi-Private Pinz Tour—a great option for smaller parties who still want that off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
Added by popular request, the Semi-Private Pinz gives solo adventurers, couples, and groups of two or three the chance to experience the freedom of a Pinz without booking the entire vehicle. You’ll share the ride with another small party while enjoying the same ability to venture off the established pathways in search of the animals.
That means more flexibility to explore the preserve, get closer to the action, and see where the day—and the animals—take you. No four-person minimum required!
So, if there are only one, two, or three of you, don’t count the Pinz out. The Semi-Private Pinz might be just the safari adventure you’re looking for.
What to Know Before You Book
No matter which safari you choose, a little planning can help make your day even better!
● Book ahead! Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially for weekends and other busy days. We’ll always do our best to accommodate walk-up guests, but tour availability isn’t guaranteed. Booking ahead means less worrying and more time getting excited about your safari!
● Check pricing for your date. Tour prices may vary throughout the year, with separate rates for adults, children, and seniors. For the most accurate pricing, check the rates for your specific visit date when booking.
● Don’t underestimate the feed! Those buckets can disappear surprisingly fast—especially when excited kids and hungry animals are involved! Consider purchasing a little more than you think you’ll need so the fun doesn’t run out too soon. 🦒
● Keep an eye on the weather. Because this is an outdoor adventure, weather can sometimes change our plans. Tours may return early at a manager’s discretion during inclement weather, and refunds or rainchecks are not available once a tour has begun. If lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius of the property, tours are canceled for everyone’s safety.
● Have allergy or accessibility questions? Animal feed ingredients are available at the Box Office and on our website so families can review them before visiting. Although, pets are not allowed, service animals are accommodated in accordance with ADA guidelines. If you have questions before your visit, we’re happy to help you plan ahead.
Ready for Your Wild Adventure?
Pick your tour, grab your feed, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories! We can’t wait to be part of your Global Wildlife Center adventure, so book today! 🦓🦒