If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure that gets you just out of the desert heat without a long road trip, this is it. Nestled in Camp Verde, the Out of Africa wildlife park makes for an easy and exciting day trip from Mesa or anywhere in the Greater Phoenix area.
From East Mesa, it’s just under a 2-hour drive—close enough to be totally doable with kids, but far enough to feel like a mini escape. And here’s the bonus: Camp Verde is typically a bit cooler than the Valley. For example, on a late March day when Mesa is hitting 102°, Camp Verde might be around 90°. Not exactly sweater weather—but definitely a more comfortable way to beat the heat (even if just a little). There is a some beautiful scenery on the drive up too!
What’s Included with General Admission
Your ticket includes a full day of activities and shows:
- African Bush Safari Tour
Mon–Fri: 10am–4pm | Sat–Sun: 10am–12pm, 3pm & 4pm - Wildlife Preserve Tram Shuttle (runs all day until 4pm; Sat until 3pm)
- Creature Feature: 11:30am
- Tiger Splash Show: 1:15pm
- Giant Snake Show: 2:15pm
- Predator Feed: 3pm (Wed, Fri, Sun only)
- Wonders of the Wildlife Show: 3pm (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat)
Schedules can change seasonally, so check ahead before you go.
Our Experience: From Giraffe Kisses to Tiger Encounters
We started our day with the African Bush Safari Tour, and honestly—it set the tone for everything. You hop onto a bus and get a piece of acacia to feed the giraffes. You can hand it to them… or, if you’re feeling brave, hold it in your mouth and go in for a giraffe kiss (yes, really—they even sell “I kissed a giraffe” shirts in the gift shop 😄).
My daughter tried both—hand feeding and the mouth method—but avoided a full-on giraffe lick, which I think was exactly her comfort level.
The guide kept things fun and engaging with jokes and interesting facts, and the animals come right up to the bus. It’s the kind of experience that gets kids instantly excited. If you’re lucky, you can snag a selfie with a Giraffe too!
Gift Shop & Getting Around
After the tour, we wandered into the gift shop. It’s on the smaller side but packed with fun finds. My 9-year-old picked out a multitool-style toy (compass, flashlight, magnifier—basically explorer essentials), and I grabbed a spiral lollipop paired with a stuffed animal for my 5-year-old.
From there, we started walking toward the Animal Encounter area when one of the park’s old-school buses pulled up and offered us a ride. These little shuttles run throughout the park and add a fun, slightly quirky charm to the whole experience.
The driver even gave us commentary along the way—pointing out animals and joking that if we were lucky, we might spot a unicorn.
Reptiles, Lemurs & Little “Wow” Moments
We made our way to the reptile exhibit next, and I was genuinely impressed. There are some very large snakes, and the enclosures make them easy to see up close.
I read facts off the signs to the kids as we walked. Most of them went in one ear and out the other—but every so often, something would click and spark a “Whoa, that’s cool!” moment. That’s kind of the magic of places like this.
One unexpected highlight? The lemurs. We happened to catch them right after feeding time, and watching them munch and chirp was adorable. They’re incredibly curious and came right up to the enclosure. The mesh is tight (probably for good reason—they seem like they’d nibble if given the chance), but you can get close enough to feel them sniff your finger.
Naturally, my daughter asked if we could get a pet lemur. (Still working on that one… 😂)
Lunch + Creature Feature
Next up was the Creature Feature, conveniently located near the food area with plenty of shade.
We grabbed lunch and watched a porcupine wander around while the keepers shared facts. It was relaxed, interactive, and a nice break from walking.
Afterward:
- The kids got snow cones (and yes, they are huge—my daughter insisted I mention that)
- I grabbed a coffee… which was classic Folgers with powdered creamer and sugar
Not exactly a craft coffee moment—but honestly? It hit the spot after waking up at 5am to get there early. If you’re a coffee lover, you may want to bring your own.
Tigers Up Close & Show Time
Seeing the Bengal tiger up close was one of my personal favorite moments. There’s something surreal about being that near such a powerful animal—it felt a little magical.
We continued exploring before heading to the Tiger Splash Show. While we didn’t get a dramatic splash that day, the tigers were playful and active, and the team did a great job making it entertaining and educational.
Wrapping Up the Day
After the show, we caught one of the shuttle buses back to the front and headed home. Even with a full day, we were back in Mesa by around 4pm.
I was actually chaperoning a field trip for this visit, so I didn’t control the schedule—but honestly, the pacing worked really well. And riding in a Greyhound-style bus instead of driving? Highly recommend if you ever get the option.
Why This Makes a Great Day Trip
✔ Beat the Heat (a little)
Camp Verde is usually about 10° cooler than the Valley.
✔ Easy Drive
Under 2 hours each way from East Mesa.
✔ Kid-Friendly
Tons to see, interactive experiences, and just enough structure to keep the day flowing.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
⏰ Leave Early
Aim to leave by 8–9am. If you leave later than 9, you may miss the 11:30am Creature Feature.
🎉 Birthday Deal
They offer $12 admission during your birthday month—definitely worth taking advantage of!
- Daypack
- Reusable water bottles
- Snacks (especially if you want healthier options)
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Optional: your own coffee if you’re picky 😉
So Much More to Do
If you have more time (or want to go back), there’s a lot we didn’t even get to:
- Giant Reptile Show
- Wonders of Wildlife Show
- Predator Feed
- Reptile Resort
- Racing Raptor Zipline
- Feed a Tiger
- VIP Behind-the-Scenes Tours
- Sloth Encounters
- Rhino Encounters
- Tortoise Feeding
- Campouts (select days)
- Expedition Passport activities
Final Thoughts
Out of Africa Wildlife Park is one of those places that hits the sweet spot between fun and memorable. It’s not overly polished—and that’s part of its charm. It feels a little rugged, a little unexpected, and full of those small moments your kids will talk about later.
If you’re in Mesa or the Phoenix area and looking for a unique way to spend the day, this is absolutely worth adding to your list—especially when the desert heat starts creeping up.
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