Ever dreamed of a safari where zebras, rhinos, and giraffes roam free, and it’s just a short drive from Columbus?
The Wilds is back for the season on May 1, offering a seriously unforgettable way to explore rare and endangered species up close. Sprawling across nearly 10,000 acres, this conservation center isn’t your typical zoo experience — it’s an open-air adventure built around real science, hands-on learning, and the chance to see nature at its wildest.
So what kind of safari adventure can you go on?
The Wilds has a few different daily tour options to choose from.
The classic Open-Air Safari Tour is a crowd favorite, taking you across the open pastures in a guided vehicle where giraffes might just wander right up to say hello. For something a little more off-road, the Wildside Tour lets you bounce around the property in a four-wheel-drive truck, getting even closer to the action.
There are also some specialty tours to choose from, including the Zipline Safari Tour, a Fishing Safari on one of the many lakes on the property, a Horseback Safari, and more.
And if a day trip just isn’t enough, you can stay the night.
Nomad Ridge offers adults-only yurts perched above the animal pastures, making it the ultimate glamping experience. (Waking up to the sound of rhinos grunting? Kinda iconic.) Families looking for a bigger space can check out the cozy cabins at Straker Lake, which sleep up to six guests.
The Wilds is located at 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May through October. Pricing varies depending on the tour and advance reservations are required. For more information about The Wilds, please visit TheWilds.org.
