If you’re driving up I-17 toward Sedona, you’ve probably seen the signs for the massive animal park in Camp Verde. It's hard to miss. Most people call it the Camp Verde animal park, but it’s officially Out of Africa Wildlife Park, and honestly, it’s nothing like a traditional zoo. If you walk in expecting manicured concrete paths and animals behind double-paned glass, you're going to be surprised. It’s dusty. It’s rugged. It’s basically a slice of the Serengeti dropped into the Arizona high desert, and that’s exactly why it works.
People always ask if it's worth the stop.
The short answer? Yes. But there's a lot of nuance to how you should actually spend your time there. You can’t just wander aimlessly and expect to see the "magic" that people talk about in reviews. You have to understand the rhythm of the place. Unlike a city zoo where animals are often on display 24/7 in small enclosures, the Camp Verde animal park uses massive acreage. If a tiger wants to nap under a bush far from the fence, he’s going to do it. You might see nothing but dirt for twenty minutes if you don't time your visit with the events.
Why Out of Africa Isn't Your Standard Zoo
The philosophy here is different. It was founded by Dean and Prayeri Harrison, who moved the park from Scottsdale to Camp Verde back in 2005. They’ve always pushed this idea of "interspecies relationship," which sounds kind of hippie-dippie until you see it in person. It’s not about animals performing tricks for food. It’s about the staff actually interacting with these predators in a way that feels surprisingly personal.
Take the Tiger Splash show.
This is the park's claim to fame. It’s not a circus act. There are no hoops of fire. Basically, it’s just a bunch of caretakers playing with Bengal and Siberian tigers in a large pool area using toys and balloons. The tigers jump, they splash, and they genuinely seem to be having a blast. It’s raw. Sometimes the tigers don't feel like jumping, and the keepers just roll with it. That’s the charm. You’re seeing the animal's actual personality, not a programmed response.
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The African Bush Safari
Most people's first stop is the safari bus. It’s included with admission, which is a relief because Arizona tourism can get pricey fast. You hop on an open-air bus, and a guide drives you through large paddocks where giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roam.
Here’s a pro tip: buy the giraffe food.
It’s a few extra bucks, but having a giraffe named Kipele wrap her huge, purple tongue around a pellet right in front of your face is the kind of thing you don't forget. The guides are usually local experts or enthusiasts who know these animals by name. They’ll tell you about the hierarchy of the zebra herd or why the ostriches are acting moody that day. It’s educational but feels more like a chat with a knowledgeable friend than a lecture.
Living in the Camp Verde Heat
Let's talk about the weather because it matters. Camp Verde is lower in elevation than Sedona or Flagstaff, meaning it gets hot. Really hot. If you visit in July, you’re going to sweat. The animals feel it too. During the heat of the day, the lions and leopards are going to be dead to the world, napping in the shade.
To see the park at its best, get there the minute they open.
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Early morning is when the predators are active. You might hear the lions "woofing" to each other across the park—a sound that vibrates in your chest. By 2:00 PM, the energy levels drop significantly. If you’re visiting in winter, it’s a different story. The animals love the crisp air, and you won't feel like you're melting into the pavement.
The Predator Zip Line
For the adrenaline junkies, there’s the Racing Raptor zip line. You fly over the enclosures. It’s a separate fee, and honestly, it’s a bit of a polarizing feature. Some people love the view of the bears and hyenas from above. Others think it’s a bit distracting from the "wildlife" vibe. If you’ve never zipped before, the view of the Verde Valley from the towers is actually pretty spectacular, even if you’re too nervous to look at the lions directly underneath your feet.
Behind the Scenes and the "Unspoken" Rules
If you really want to understand the Camp Verde animal park, you have to look at their rescue efforts. A lot of these animals come from private owners who realized too late that a "pet" tiger is a bad idea, or from closing zoos. The park doesn’t buy or sell animals. It’s a sanctuary environment.
There’s also the Unset Wildlife Preserve aspect. This isn’t a place with paved walkways everywhere. Wear boots. Or at least sneakers you don't mind getting dusty. If you show up in flip-flops, you’re going to regret it by the third hour. Also, bring water. They sell it, obviously, but staying hydrated is the difference between a great day and a heat-exhaustion-induced meltdown.
Practical Logistics for Your Visit
Don't just plug "Camp Verde animal park" into your GPS and hope for the best.
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The park is located at 3500 N. Cherry Rd. It’s right off the Highway 260 exit. If you’re coming from Phoenix, it’s about a ninety-minute drive. From Sedona, it’s maybe thirty.
- Admission Prices: Expect to pay around $40-$45 for adults. Kids are cheaper. It feels steep until you realize the cost of feeding a pride of lions.
- Food: There’s a snack bar called the Jungle Mac, but it’s pretty standard park fare—burgers, hot dogs, sodas. If you’re a foodie, eat a big breakfast in Cottonwood or Camp Verde before you arrive.
- The Tram: Use the shuttle. The park is big. Your legs will thank you.
The Reality of Conservation
Is every enclosure perfect? No. Some of the older sections of the park feel a bit dated compared to the multi-million dollar exhibits at the San Diego Zoo. But there’s a transparency here that’s refreshing. You can talk to the keepers. They’ll tell you about the medical struggles of an aging leopard or the quirks of the grizzly bears. It feels honest.
The park also runs the "Wonders of the Wild" show, which is more of a seated presentation. It’s great for getting off your feet, but the real value is the Q&A sessions. You can ask the things you actually want to know, like how much a tiger eats (about 15-20 pounds of meat a day, by the way) or how they keep the animals warm during those rare Arizona snow flurries.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that this is a "drive-through" safari like Bearizona in Williams. It isn't. You can't take your own car through the lion enclosures. You have to take their bus. People show up thinking they’ll stay in their air-conditioned SUV the whole time, and they’re disappointed when they realize there’s walking involved. Embrace the walking. The best views of the black leopards and the hyenas are from the raised boardwalks and trails, not the bus window.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To get the most out of your time at the Camp Verde animal park, follow this specific flow. Arrive at 9:30 AM sharp. Head straight for the Tiger Splash arena to get a good seat for the morning show; it’s the highlight of the day and fills up fast. Once the splash is over, hop on the African Bush Safari. By the time you finish the safari, the midday heat will be setting in, which is the perfect time to hit the gift shop or grab a quick bite.
Check the schedule for the "Predator Feed" if it's happening during your visit. Watching a hyena crush a bone is a sobering reminder of why these animals aren't pets. If you have extra time, drive five minutes down the road to Montezuma Castle National Monument afterward. It’s a perfect pairing of natural history and wildlife for a full Camp Verde day trip. Pack extra sunscreen, leave the "zoo" expectations at the gate, and just enjoy the wildness of it all.