myrtle beach safari experience

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Myrtle Beach Safari is not planning to cancel any tours. We are also following the CDC guidelines and taking all necessary health precautions. Should you need to reschedule your tour for a later date, please contact us via email or phone.

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Wild Encounters Tour - Day Safari

Wild encounters tour day safari.

• Starts at $389 per person
• Located at our 50 acre wildlife preserve in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Spend your day with an array of wildlife
• Meet the world's largest big cat - the liger
• Hug Bubbles the African elephant
• Interact with exotic cats and wolves
• Get up close to the fastest land animal - the cheetah
• Bucket list interactions with baby chimps & monkeys
• Experience a 500lb bengal tiger run at full speed below your feet
• Play fun games with the chimp brothers
• Animals vary and cannot be guaranteed

This experience is a fully-guided walking tour

• Starts at 9 am sharp and is over at approximately 1:30 pm
• Reservations are required
• Prices higher on peak dates
• Photographers will be with you all day | Digital copy of all photos included
• No personal cell phones, cameras or video cameras allowed
• Price is the same for adults and children
• Amazing encounter rain or shine
• Complimentary snacks and pizza lunch
• Not wheelchair or scooter accessible
• E-mail confirmation with additional details will be sent after purchase

Preview Wild Encounters Tour

Cancellation Policy:

• After 24 hours of purchase your reservation becomes non-refundable. You will be able to reschedule your reservation for up to one year after your original date of purchase. After 12 months tickets expire permanently.
• Any and all changes to your reservation will incur an additional fee. Rescheduling fees vary from $50-$300 per person.

Still Have Questions? >>>

Let's keep in touch, animals you may see:.

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Save The Tigers!

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Myrtle Beach Safari is not planning to cancel any tours. We are also following the CDC guidelines and taking all necessary health precautions. Should you need to reschedule your tour for a later date, please contact us via email or phone.

witness the wild

By signing up, you agree to receive emails with news, special promotions, and messages tailored to your interests. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Wild Encounters Tour - Night Safari

Wild encounters tour night safari.

• Starts at $389 per person
• Located at our 50 acre wildlife preserve in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• An unforgettable experience in the night of the jungle
• Meet a dazzling array of adult Bengal Tigers
• Feed a 500lb tiger a meaty treat
• Hang out with Bubbles the adult African elephant
• Get up-close and personal with amazing monkeys
• Photo opportunities with playful wild-cats
• Learn about our amazing cheetahs
• Roast marshmallows with the Chimp Brothers
• Animals vary and cannot be guaranteed

This experience is located in one central location

• Starts at 6 pm and is over at approximately 9:30 pm (7 pm - 10:30 pm summer months)
• Reservations are required
• Prices higher on peak dates
• Photographers will be with you all day | Digital copy of all photos included
• No personal cell phones, cameras or video cameras allowed
• All ages can attend
• Price is the same for adults and children
• Amazing encounter rain or shine
• Complimentary dinner and dessert bar
• Not wheelchair or scooter accessible
• E-mail confirmation with additional details will be sent after purchase

Cancellation Policy:

• After 24 hours of purchase your reservation becomes non-refundable. You will be able to reschedule your reservation for up to one year after your original date of purchase. After 12 months tickets expire permanently.
• Any and all changes to your reservation will incur an additional fee. Rescheduling fees vary from $50-$300 per person depending on the new date selected.

Still Have Questions? >>>

Let’s keep in touch, animals you may see:.

Our Fans Go Wild

Get a daily dose of what's going on at T.I.G.E.R.S. preserve! Tag your photos with #myrtlebeachsafari and share your experiences with our online community!

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Save The Tigers!

Myrtle Beach Safari Prices: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re considering a visit to Myrtle Beach Safari but are wondering about the costs, you’ve come to the right place. In short, tickets range from around $79 for general admission up to $539 for special behind-the-scenes encounters and overnight stays.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide detailed pricing information on all the different Myrtle Beach Safari offerings, including general admission, add-on encounters like tiger walks and baby tiger playtime, behind-the-scenes photo opportunities, overnight accommodations, annual passes, and more.

We’ve broken things down clearly so you can figure out exactly which option best fits your budget and interests.

General Admission Tickets

Adult ticket prices.

General admission tickets for adults (ages 13 and up) to Myrtle Beach Safari start at $79 for a standard day pass. This gets you access to interactions and encounters with over 100 animal species, as well as shows and exhibits across the 60-acre preserve.

For $30 extra, you can upgrade to a trainer experience and get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to feed and play with baby tiger cubs or chimpanzees. This unique opportunity lets you see how the trainers care for these amazing animals up close.

Children’s Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for children (ages 4-12) are $20 cheaper than adult tickets. Kids can get a standard day pass for $59 , which still includes all exhibits, shows, and encounters across the safari.

Upgrades to a trainer experience with tiger cubs or baby chimps are also offered at $20 less than adult pricing. This discount makes it more affordable for families to create special memories.

Annual Passes

For guests wanting to visit Myrtle Beach Safari frequently, annual passes provide a 40% discount off daily ticket prices. An adult annual pass is $189 and a child’s is $149 .

With an annual pass, you get unlimited admission for a full year to see over 200 exotic animals. You also get free access to special events like the spring baby animal festival. It’s a wildlife lover’s dream!

Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Tours

When visiting Myrtle Beach Safari, visitors have the unique opportunity to go beyond the typical zoo experience and participate in behind-the-scenes encounters and tours. These exclusive experiences allow guests to get up close and personal with some of the most magnificent creatures on the planet.

From walking alongside majestic tigers to playing with adorable baby tigers, there are a variety of unforgettable encounters to choose from.

Tiger Walks

One of the most exhilarating experiences offered at Myrtle Beach Safari is the Tiger Walk. During this encounter, visitors are able to walk alongside a trained handler and a magnificent tiger. Imagine the rush of being just a few feet away from one of nature’s most powerful predators!

As you stroll through the beautiful wildlife preserve, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the tiger’s natural behaviors and learn interesting facts about these incredible creatures. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk side by side with a tiger!

Baby Tiger Playtime

If you’re a fan of cute and cuddly creatures, the Baby Tiger Playtime experience is a must-do. This interactive encounter allows guests to spend time with adorable baby tigers and watch them play and explore their surroundings.

Under the guidance of experienced handlers, visitors can even pet and interact with these playful cubs. It’s a heartwarming experience that will leave you with lifelong memories and plenty of adorable photos to share with friends and family.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, the VIP Tours at Myrtle Beach Safari are the perfect choice. These exclusive tours offer a deeper insight into the world of wildlife conservation and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the care and training of the animals.

VIP guests will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of animals, including tigers, wolves, and elephants. This personalized tour is led by knowledgeable guides who will share fascinating information about each species and their conservation efforts.

For more information about Myrtle Beach Safari and to book your behind-the-scenes encounters and tours, visit their official website at www.myrtlebeachsafari.com . Don’t miss out on the chance to create unforgettable memories and connect with nature in a truly unique way!

Overnight Accommodations

Lodge room rates.

For those looking for a comfortable and convenient overnight stay, Myrtle Beach Safari offers lodge rooms at affordable rates. The lodge rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, comfortable beds, and private bathrooms.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, there are options available to suit your needs. The lodge room rates start at $150 per night, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Glamping Tent Rates

If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous experience, why not try glamping at Myrtle Beach Safari? Glamping tents offer a blend of luxury and nature, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings while enjoying the comforts of a well-appointed tent.

The glamping tent rates start at $200 per night and include amenities such as comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and stunning views. It’s a perfect option for those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience during their stay.

Comparing lodge room rates and glamping tent rates, it’s clear that both options offer comfortable accommodations for overnight stays at Myrtle Beach Safari. While the lodge rooms are more affordable, the glamping tents provide a unique and unforgettable experience for those willing to splurge a little.

Whichever option you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time at this incredible destination.

For more information on lodge room rates and glamping tent rates, you can visit the official Myrtle Beach Safari website www.myrtlebeachsafari.com .

Photo Packages

For those looking for a quick and fun way to capture memories at the Myrtle Beach Safari, the selfie package is a great option. This package allows visitors to take their own photos with the amazing animals at the safari.

Whether it’s a selfie with a tiger, an elephant, or a monkey, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures. Don’t forget to smile and strike a pose!

Professional Photos

If you want high-quality, professionally taken photos to remember your experience at the Myrtle Beach Safari, the professional photo package is the perfect choice. Our team of skilled photographers will capture stunning shots of you and the animals in their natural habitat.

These photos can be a wonderful keepsake or even a great addition to your portfolio. Let our talented photographers capture your special moments at the safari.

Photography Tours

For photography enthusiasts or those looking to improve their photography skills, the photography tour package is an excellent option. Led by experienced wildlife photographers, these tours provide a unique opportunity to learn and capture amazing shots of the animals at the Myrtle Beach Safari.

You’ll be guided through the safari, learning about composition, lighting, and techniques to capture the perfect wildlife photograph. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, this tour will leave you with stunning images and newfound knowledge.

It’s important to note that prices for the photo packages may vary, so it’s recommended to check the official Myrtle Beach Safari website for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, availability may be limited, so it’s advisable to book your photo package in advance to secure your spot.

For more information about the Myrtle Beach Safari and its photo packages, visit their official website: www.myrtlebeachsafari.com .

We hope this outline gives you a better sense of what a visit to Myrtle Beach Safari costs. As you can see, there are options ranging from affordable general admission to special splurge-worthy encounters. No matter what you choose, an unforgettable experience with exotic animals awaits.

Use the pricing details above to choose the ticket package that fits your budget. And don’t forget – advanced booking is highly recommended as many encounters do sell out, especially in peak season. Have a wonderful time exploring Myrtle Beach Safari!

Jennifer Morris is an avid solo travel adventurer who founded Solo Traveller after many years of journeying on her own around the world. She has backpacked through over 50 countries across 6 continents over the past decade, striking up conversations with locals along railway platforms, learning to cook regional dishes in home kitchens, and absorbing a global perspective while volunteering with various community initiatives.

With a Masters in Tourism and Hospitality, Jennifer is passionate about responsible and meaningful travel that fosters cultural exchange. Whether trekking through the Atlas Mountains, sailing to Komodo National Park, or taking an overnight train across Eastern Europe - she is always seeking her next epic destination.

When not globetrotting, Jennifer calls Vancouver, Canada home. There she enjoys kayaking local waters, curling up with books on faraway places, and gearing up for her next solo backpacking trip. As the founder of SoloTraveller, she hopes to motivate and inform fellow solo explorers from all walks of life to take the leap into their own adventures.

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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Myrtle Beach Safari is not planning to cancel any tours. We are also following the CDC guidelines and taking all necessary health precautions. Should you need to reschedule your tour for a later date, please contact us via email or phone.

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Safari Lodge Photo Encounters

Experience the wildside of myrtle beach.

Meet our Animal Ambassadors

Still have questions >>>.

• Starts at $200 for one person
• Located at our 50 acre wildlife preserve in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Brief photo encounter with 3 animals
• Meet a chimpanzee, an african-cat and more!
• Animals vary and cannot be guaranteed

This experience is not a tour of our facility

• Photo encounters last for approximately 3-5 minutes
• Reservations are required
• Photographers will be with you during your encounter | Digital copy of all photos included
• No personal cell phones, cameras or video cameras allowed
• All ages can attend
• Price is the same for adults and children
• Amazing encounter rain or shine
• Chips, Soda and Ice cream included
• Accommodations may be made for wheelchair or scooter; please contact us
• E-mail confirmation with additional details will be sent after purchase

Cancellation Policy: After 24 hours of purchase your reservation becomes non-refundable. You will be able to reschedule your reservation for up to one year after your original date of purchase. After 12 months tickets expire permanently.

Any and all changes to your reservation will incur an additional fee. Rescheduling fees vary from $25-50 per person depending on the new date selected.

Animals You May See:

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Our Myrtle Beach Safari Experience & 7 Things You Should Know

When looking at our line up of Myrtle Beach activities, the one I was most excited about was the Myrtle Beach Safari . I knew it would be good (how can it not be when you get to be around animals) BUT it surpassed everything I had imagined. We loved it. So much so that each and every one of us walked away saying that it was the highlight of our trip. Actually, it goes beyond that…It was one of the best things we have been able to experience as a family, ever.

We loved the T.I.G.E.R.S. Wild Encounters Day Safari Tour so much that even as I write this post, I fear that my words won’t be able to do the experience justice. Not only is the staff knowledgeable, it is obvious that they LOVE what they do. They love these animals and they are super friendly. But the starts of the experience are the animals (of course).

The Liger is massive! Not only do you get to see one up close and personal, you also get to take a picture with one. Not beside it but right in front of one (which was good enough for me). No joke, as we were in front of the liger it kept turning back to stare me down. I thought maybe I was reading too much into it, but other people noticed and one of the trainers even said he must have liked my pink jacket. Needless to say, that jacket stayed off for the rest of my time there.

You will get so much time (and pictures) with various tigers. We loved being able to snuggle up with them, even if briefly. They are absolutely adorable.

Our monkey interaction wasn’t long enough (we wanted more time with them) but left us wanting to bring them home with us. They were too cute!!!

I was in no prepared for meeting Bubbles so when I saw her headed our way, I was speechless (yes, that happens sometimes). She is so smart and does some “tricks” that make you fall in love with her.

Please note that I am leaving the specifics out of each encounter so that you can be surprised when you go for yourself. But feel free to contact me directly (or leave a comment on this post) and I can answer any specific questions you may have. Plus, there are a few other animal encounters I didn’t tell you about.

Here’s what you should know about your Myrtle Beach Safari experience:

• Schedule at least 4/4.5 hours of your day for this activity and while that may seem like a lot, it really isn’t. As they say, time flies by when you are having fun and wee did not want it to end.
• You are provided with snacks and lunch.
• You aren’t allowed to bring cell phones or cameras with you and while that might seem like the unthinkable (or maybe that was just for me), I am so glad I didn’t have any distractions because it allowed me to be completely immersed in the experience. All that to say that you should buy their photo package. You’re going to want these pics, trust me.
• If you suffer from allergies, you may want to bring some medication because you are outside and you are around animals. You may not need it but it is best to be prepared.
• Their address does not appear in GPS but they will email you instructions before the Safari that has the correct address and all the info. you need so be on the lookout for that and make sure you use the correct address so that you do not miss out on the safari.
• Their website indicates it a 3+ hour walking tour but don’t worry, you don’t spend the entire time walking, we actually spend a lot of it sitting down.
• Because you are outside, sitting on the floor and holding the animals, you may want to wear pants but that is totally about preference.

Out of all our adventures, the Myrtle Beach Safari was by far the best experience. Looking at these pictures make me smile because it surpassed all of our expectations. It was truly an experience we will never forget. If you are ever in Myrtle Beach, I highly suggest you do this. It is a little pricey BUT totally worth it!!!!! You can book your reservation on their website by clicking HERE . They also have a night safari available that I want to go to.

Here are some more of my favorite Myrtle Beach Safari pictures.

Thinking about going, want to know more or add this adventure to your bucket list? Be sure to Pin it for later.

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Oh my gosh what a wonderful experience. I would so love this!

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Touching Tigers: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Safari Experience in South Carolina (As Seen on Tiger King)

There are certain experiences that are so bucket list worthy they’re virtually life changing. Interacting with exotic animals is one of those things. While you may think you need to go to Thailand to meet elephants or Africa to experience lions in the wild, in fact, you just need to go to South Carolina to find a protected tiger reserve.

Myrtle Beach Safari (Doc Antle’s place from Netflix’s cult phenomenon Tiger King) is a completely unique animal experience where you get to interact with some of the rarest species on earth. Home to 100+ creatures (most of which are big cats), you can cuddle baby tigers, hug wolf cubs, watch tigers swim, play ball with monkeys, feed an elephant, see a falconry demonstration, and even meet a 900 lb. liger (Napoleon Dynamite was right, they do exist. And just further proof you can’t help who you fall in love with).

The animal ambassadors at Myrtle Beach Safari are virtual celebrities. They make regular appearances on the Late Show and have starred in big-name blockbusters like Ace Ventura , Dr. Doolittle (fun fact: Eddie Murphy is scared of animals), and a number of commercials. If you’ve seen any sort of animal on the silver screen, it’s very likely it came from Myrtle Beach Safari. The trainers have produced shows with National Geographic, Animal Planet, and all the major networks to showcase these majestic creatures in all their glory, which certainly lends itself to their credibility as premier animal experts.

What is the Animal Tour at Myrtle Beach Safari Like?

You’re ushered into an immaculate safari lodge that looks just like you stepped into Africa. There are video screens highlighting the team’s conservation efforts and shows the animals have been featured on. You’re given Cuban coffee and the ground rules are explained. The liger appears through the glass window, signaling the start of the adventure. For almost five hours, you’re paraded around the compound in your photo group to different habitats in what I can only describe as part animal show (with some truly terrible puns), part animal meet and greet.

You’re brought up to the giant liger who wows with his massive size. A cheetah and a few other predators are brought out to marvel at. Everyone is sat in a circle as baby tigers crawl across your lap. The wolf cubs and bigger pack animals are paraded around. Then it’s off to the races to watch as the big cats show off their grace and run speed. A falconry demo takes place. You take turns feeding Bubbles the elephant and watching her indulge in candy and Kool-Aid. Monkeys hit beach balls back and forth and finger paint t-shirts (a cool, completely unexpected souvenir). Tigers swim with the trainers in an elaborate glass aquarium.

It’s a well orchestrated production, with plenty of snack breaks and photographers following you around to snap every possible interaction. The animals are kept on leashes under the watchful eye of trainers equipped with toys, snacks, and bottles of milk they hand feed.

Is Myrtle Beach Safari Worth the Price?

According to reviews, most people would say it is absolutely worth the price. It’s not cheap (tours start at $299), but it is definitely one of those experiences you’ll remember forever (and certainly more affordable than flying to Africa). Is it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Absolutely. Could I look at baby animals all day, every day? Of course.

Were there were things I didn’t like? Yes. Not being able to bring in cell phones or personal cameras for one, and the strict clothing guidelines, both supposedly for safety reasons.

It is also very methodical, you line up, see each animal, take a picture, and they’re onto the next person. There’s not a lot of opportunity for genuine engagement or freedom to roam, also presumably for safety reasons (I have other theories). Because of that, it isn’t a very personal experience (more one-on-one time with the animals starts at $5,000) so make sure you know what you’re signing up for.

Is Myrtle Beach Safari Ethical?

People will always have issues with animals being kept in captivity just like they have contention for animals being kept in a zoo. Thinking about animals being locked up is just icky, no matter how nice the facility appears. As the staff explained, this is a captive breeding facility more than anything else. A lot of these species can’t survive in the wild anymore and they truly believe they’re doing important conservation work. Whether you believe that’s true is up to you to decide.

There’s no doubt that everyone here is passionate about animal conservation. The trainers live and breathe with the animals 24/7 in order to develop that close, familial bond. They sleep together and grow up around one another. Of course, they all wish these animals could survive on their own in the wild, but it’s just unrealistic with human poachers and other environmental factors causing extinction. We’re at the tipping point of some of these species being wiped out forever so whatever you think about the ethics of what they’re doing, they’re ensuring these species exist for future generations. Is it playing god? Maybe, but so are the horrible humans who do the killing for completely selfish reasons.

Are animals like this meant to be cuddled and fawned over for photos? Of course not, but how could you resist that face? These animals, in particular, were raised by humans and this is what they know. From what I saw, they were so distracted with food and toys they barely noticed there were even people around. It’s their norm, and they didn’t appear to be any worse off because of it. That said; people have strong opinions about animal experiences. If you’re thinking about participating in any form of animal tourism, do your homework and decide for yourself whether you believe is right.

Special thanks to Visit Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach Safari for providing this experience. All photos belong to Myrtle Beach Safari. All opinions are my own.

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When my third grade teacher told me I should be a writer, I laughed because that was so basic. After all, my best friend was aspiring to be a princess. Lo and behold, 20 years later, here I am, biting my tongue.

A Chicago native, a Denverite by choice, and now an accidental Texan, I've made it my mission to see as much of the world as possible because life is short, but sweet for certain. Subscribe to follow the (mis)adventures.

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The Myrtle Beach Safari Is a ‘Bucket List’ Experience

There is no end to the fun attractions and cool things to do when you’re vacationing at North Beach Plantation in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. And with so many great options clamoring for your attention, it can be difficult to decide among them. The beach, the Boardwalk and the amusements are all great choices, but if you want a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, then you should check out Myrtle Beach Safari.

The safari tour takes place at a preserve operated by T.I.G.E.R.S., The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species, a conservation and preservation organization dedicated to protecting endangered animals worldwide. The T.I.G.E.R.S. preserve in Myrtle Beach is a lush 50-acre tropical garden where you can see rare and beautiful animals living as though they were still in the wild – and almost all the animals at T.I.G.E.R.S. have been rescued and rehabilitated by the organization.

Imagine actually seeing a cheetah with the space and freedom to run at 60 mph! The books all say they can do it, but you’ll never get to see it happen in a zoo enclosure. You can see it at T.I.G.E.R.S., though! Ramses the resident cheetah loves his morning sprint!

Additional members of the animal family at T.I.G.E.R.S. include a 9,000-pound African elephant named Bubbles, an African fish eagle, and a liger, a cross between a lion father and a tiger mother. Ligers are huge cats! Hercules, the liger at T.I.G.E.R.S., is 900 pounds and stands at over 11 feet tall when he stretches up on his hind legs! Ligers are rare both in the wild and in captivity. There are thought to be only a handful in existence worldwide, and even rarer is the opportunity to see a liger living in something resembling its natural habitat!

The safari tour also includes a chance to see and interact with the baby tigers and wolves who have been born at the preserve. The babies are just like their domesticated counterparts – rolling, playing and full of fun!

You can meet the gibbon, an endangered species of ape, and marvel at the chimpanzees, who share 98% of our DNA and are our closest relatives in the animal world. You’ll also be able to see the T.I.G.E.R.S. chimps, who make usable tools out of items they find in their wild habitat and can even communicate using American Sign Language!

Your safari tour will be professionally photographed and videotaped so that not a single moment of this amazing adventure is missed, and you will certainly have some incredible memories to take home with you.

The safari tour has a minimum age of 6 years old to attend. For families with younger children, check out the T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. Also supported by T.I.G.E.R.S., the Preservation Station features a number of different tiger breeds, including the world’s rarest breed, the Golden Tabby tiger. You can get nose-to-nose with these huge cats, and even get a photo op!

Proceeds from both the tour and Preservation Station are used to support the continued effort to provide sanctuary and to protect these magnificent species from further decline and extinction.

The Myrtle Beach Safari tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, giving you a perspective on these beautiful endangered animals that you can’t get anywhere else – and you’re supporting a great cause at the same time! Visit myrtlebeachsafari.com to book your tour during your next South Carolina getaway at North Beach Plantation!

Myrtle Beach Safari – A Once in Lifetime Hands-On Wildlife Experience

A visit to Myrtle Beach Safari is a once in a life experience, we learned during our hosted visit. Unlike a zoo, you are able to meet and interact with animals instead of just watching them from a distance. Play with tiger cubs, meet wolf cubs, play ball with a chimpanzee, hug and elephant, and see a Liger. There are several different animal experiences to choose from, and your family will    make lifelong memories while supporting wildlife conservation through T.I.G.E.R.S., the organization behind Myrtle Beach Safari.

The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S.) was founded in 1983 by  Mahamayavi Bhagavan “Doc” Antle to promote global conservation education. Doc’s idea is to give visitors the ability to interact and meet wild animals (many of whom are endangered) and educate the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and what they as citizens of the earth can do to help.

Before Booking a Tour

The wild encounters tour allows you to get up close and interact with the animals so to keep both you and them safe, there are several rules that must be followed. The tours are non-refundable so be sure you follow the guidelines so you have a great experience.

• Children under the age of 6 are NOT allowed on the tour
• No still cameras or video cameras are allowed
• cell phones are not allowed
• Do not wear bracelets, chains, long necklaces (anything that dangles)
• Avoid wearing white clothing on the tour
• Closed toe shoes are requires (no sandals or flip-flops)

Tours are offered three times a week and tour group size varies with the season. My family visited in mid-March and there were 26 people in our group. Tours during the summer can have up to 60 people per group. Regardless of the size, everyone will get up close and personal with all the animals.

Arrival and Check In Process

Once you book and pay for your tour you will receive an email with directions that include landmarks making Myrtle Beach Safari very easy to locate. The instructions explicitly asked us to stay in our car until we were asked to exit by a staff member. The check in process was quick and everyone who participates must sign a waiver before going on the tour.

There are bathrooms available at the check-in hut in the parking lot and at the lodge which is the first stop on the tour. It is definitely worth stopping to use the facilities.

Cameras and cell phones are not allowed; instead there are professional photographers and a videographer who come along with the group and capture every moment. There is an extra charge for a CD and DVD of your experience, but it is cheaper if you purchase it in advance, and in my opinion, worth the expense to have images of your visit. Our family had over 150 images on our CD plus video, which you are given the rights to print and share.

Part of the way through the tour we stopped for a snack and drink, and later, a simple lunch was provided. While we were never hungry, be sure to eat breakfast before you go.

Meeting the Animals

On the wild encounters tour you get up close and personal with a variety of species throughout your visit, which lasts approximately five hours.

In zoos, animals of different species rarely intermingle. The animals at the Safari are raised side by side so it was no surprise that 20 years ago, the first Liger was born on the property. The mother is a tiger and the father is a lion. The resulting offspring can get up to 900 pounds and stand 12 tall when on their back feet. The gene that controls growth is in the male tiger and the female lion so it is missing in a liger which explains its size. These giant cats have been lovingly raised and interact regularly with humans so we were able to get close but the Liger was one of two animals we didn’t get to touch.

Baby Tigers

According to reports, there were  less than 4000 tigers left in the wild in 2016 . Myrtle Beach Safari is working to ensure these numbers go up and not down. They are actively breeding tigers to preserve DNA so if the wild population continues to decrease, there will still be tigers alive in captivity to prevent full extinction.

During the tour we were able to play with six different baby tigers of various ages. Not only was it fun for us, it is also good for the tigers and helps them socialize and learn to meet new people. Tours are given a maximum of three times per week to keep the experience fun and engaging for the animals.

African Elephant

Bubbles has lived at Myrtle Beach Safari since she was a baby. Bubbles, an African elephant, was saved by Doc when most of her herd was killed in the 1980s. He flew her home on a 747 and then drove her to the preserve in his truck. She grew up side by side with humans and enjoys playing with people. During the tour our family fed Bubbles a snack and even got to hug her trunk.

African Fish Eagle

Robert Johnson is the resident falconer. It took him two years to earn his certification and he is only the 56th person in the state of South Carolina to earn a license. The Eagle we saw was going to be killed by farmers in Africa because of overpopulation in the area. Instead, she and several others were captured and transported to Myrtle Beach Safari to educate the public.

I love watching Gibbons in the zoo. They are very active and always seem to have a great time playing with each other. This was the first time I’ve been this close to one. We even discovered they are ticklish!

Chimpanzees

Did you know that chimps like to paint? I didn’t. Two young male chimps came to visit while we were finishing our lunch and demonstrated their painting skills with non-toxic paint on T-shirts. The chimpanzee brothers completed their masterpieces and we played a rousing game of catch with several large beach balls.

These are just the highlights from our visit. I don’t want to spoil all the fun so I’ve left quite a bit of our visit out so you get to enjoy the surprise and delight that we felt as we moved from one area of the safari to another. Trust me when I say you will never forget your day.

Additional Opportunities for Animal Experiences

The wild encounters tour is only the beginning. If you have a passion for animals, consider a more intimate experience. You can even go on safari in Africa with the staff and see these majestic animals and more in their native habitat.

Swim with Bubbles the Elephant

During the summer, you can take a private tour and go swimming with Bubbles in her favorite watering hole. She loves to pick up her companions with her trunk and put them on her back to jump off into the water.

Night Safari Tour

This new tour started in the fall of 2017 and it includes dinner and drinks.

Go on Safari in South Africa with the T.I.G.E.R.S. Trainers

Travel to South Africa and experience the animals you met at the Myrtle Beach Safari park in the wild led by experienced guides. The trip includes a visit to  Kruger National Park  in South Africa.  The next tour leaves the U.S. in November (2018).

Myrtle Beach Safari Essay Contest

Tours start at $299 per person, which may be out of reach for families. If you want to experience a wild encounters tour, and can’t afford it, Myrtle Beach Safari is offering families the chance to win a free tour by writing an essay and entering it in their monthly essay contest.  Click to read the full requirements and guidelines.

Fees Support Conservation

This adventure is probably the most expensive that I have ever reviewed. As I hope I’ve conveyed, it is a once in a lifetime experience, and there are few, if any other locations, were you can get this close to animals. There are people that travel internationally to Myrtle Beach just to take the Wild Encounters Tour. It is not comparable to a visit to a zoo.

So, why is it so expensive? The tours are small to ensure every visitor gets to interact with the animals. There are also only a few tours a week so the animals enjoy meeting visitors and the experience does not become a chore for them. It is a very intimate experience unlike anywhere else in the United States, if not the world.

The money earned goes directly to preservation efforts all over the world through the Rare Species Fund. So far over fifty different projects have been funded. In most instances, money is not sent directly to other countries. Instead, villages in need make specific requests, and then the items and equipment is purchased and then personally delivered so the money doesn’t disappear along the way in the form of bribes, and taxes in third world countries. Recently,  the Rare Species Fund rebuilt Soraya Research Station in the forests of Sumatra , which is home to tigers, orangutans, rhinos, elephants, as well as numerous other species.

Your family will never forget their wild encounters tour. My kids have been talking about it daily for several weeks now and I don’t expect that to stop anytime soon.

Family Fun Facts

Doc Antle’s Myrtle Beach Safari ( Website )

Location: Myrtle Beach, SC (for the safety of the animals the exact location is only shared once you have booked a tour)

Tour Schedule: Tours run from March 3, 2018 to October 8, 2018. You can also tour Oct. 13, Oct 20, Oct 27, Nov. 4, Nov. 11, Nov. 24. Click  HERE  to book a tour.

Thank you to Myrtle Beach Safari for hosting our visit so that we could share this amazing experience with our readers. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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Lauren is a transplant from Texas and has become a local tourist exploring the area with her two children. She loves to discover new places in Nashville to share with others.

2 thoughts on “Myrtle Beach Safari – A Once in Lifetime Hands-On Wildlife Experience”

Did you do both the day and night tours? Is there a difference? Is one better than the other? My husband and I are thinking about doing it for an anniversary trip.

Yes, there are two different tours. The day tour is the one that is highlighted in the article. The evening tour is dinner on a large patio and the animals come to visit you before and after your meal. I haven’t done the night tour so I can’t give you more specifics, but I can tell you if you love animals, both would be amazing experiences.

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