If you’ve ever dreamed of standing just feet away from a towering giraffe, now’s your chance.
San Antonio Zoo has launched an all-new Conserfari Tour that brings you face-to-face with some of Africa’s most majestic wildlife — including zebras, sitatungas, and yes, giraffes. It’s a one-of-a-kind, open-air adventure that blends education, conservation, and jaw-dropping animal encounters, all in the heart of the Naylor Savanna.
What Is the Conserfari Tour at San Antonio Zoo?
Think of the Conserfari Tour as part wildlife safari, part behind-the-scenes zoo access — all packed into one unforgettable hour.
The tour takes guests on an open-air vehicle ride through the Naylor Family Wildlife Savanna, the zoo’s largest and most immersive exhibit. If you’ve ever been on the Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or driven through Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, this will feel familiar. Instead of viewing animals from a distance, you’ll get to feed giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife as they come right up to the vehicle.
You’re not behind glass or peering over a fence. You’re riding in a specially converted Toyota Tundra — one of two custom safari vehicles transformed by South Texas Outfitters into open-air, adventure-ready tour trucks. These aren’t your average zoo trams. They’re rugged, spacious, and designed to make you feel like you’re cruising through the African savanna.
Guided by expert zoo staff, the tour is filled with fun facts, conservation stories, and opportunities to engage directly with the animals. The stars of the show are definitely the giraffes — elegant, curious, and even more breathtaking when you’re eye-to-eye. But they’re not alone. You’ll also meet sitatungas (a type of swamp-dwelling antelope) and other species that call the savanna home.
What sets this tour apart is its blend of up-close animal encounters and conservation storytelling. Every ticket supports the zoo’s ongoing efforts to protect wildlife both here in Texas and around the globe.
Giraffes Up Close: A Personal Encounter
There’s something magical about meeting a giraffe eye-to-eye — and the Conserfari Tour makes that magic real.
As your safari vehicle rolls to a stop in the heart of the savanna, giraffes begin to wander over with their slow, graceful stride and inquisitive eyes. These gentle giants are incredibly social and curious, and many guests are surprised by how close they’ll come. Some might even lean in for a snack if you’re lucky enough to have a feeding opportunity — which, yes, is often part of the experience.
Fun fact: A giraffe’s tongue can be up to 20 inches long — and it’s a deep purple color to help prevent sunburn while they munch on leaves all day. You’ll definitely get a good look at it if one leans in for a treat during your tour!
The tour is designed to be more than just a “look and snap a photo” moment. Your guide will share incredible insights about giraffe behavior, how they communicate, and what makes them such important contributors to their ecosystem. You’ll learn how the zoo cares for them — from enrichment activities that keep them mentally and physically stimulated, to the detailed diets prepared for each individual giraffe.
And if you’ve got questions? Ask away. The guides are not only passionate animal caretakers but also conservation educators. They love sharing little-known giraffe facts and often tell heartwarming stories about each giraffe’s personality.
It’s intimate, it’s inspiring, and it’s the kind of moment you and your family will talk about long after the tour ends.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Conserfari Experience
Ready to step into the savanna? Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your Conserfari Tour is as smooth, safe, and memorable as possible.
Book Early — Especially for Weekdays
Tours are available Monday through Thursday starting at 10 a.m., and they fill up fast, especially during school breaks. You can reserve your spot directly through our website. At $39.99 per person, the experience is priced more affordably than many comparable tours — especially considering you’ll get to feed giraffes, zebras, and other savanna wildlife up close.
Note: Conserfari Tours are not included with general zoo admission.
Know the Age Requirements
Children must be at least 5 years old to participate in the tour, and anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. That makes it a great pick for families with elementary-aged kids and older.
Bring Your Camera and Your Curiosity
Feeding giraffes and zebras isn’t something that happens every day, so bring your camera (or smartphone) fully charged. But even more importantly, bring your curiosity. Guides love giving behind-the-scenes insight you won’t get from a regular zoo visit.
Get Closer Than Ever at San Antonio Zoo
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience that goes beyond the usual zoo visit, the Conserfari Tour delivers in every way.
From feeding a giraffe to riding through the savanna in a custom safari vehicle, every moment of the Conserfari Tour is designed to help you feel connected
Ready for your front-row seat to the savanna? Book your Conserfari Tour now and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget.