Unique Experiences
Photo Safaris
Capture your own one-of-a-kind photos of our residents
Capture breathtaking photographs of wild species like lions, tigers, leopards, and wolves!
Photo Safaris at the Animal Park are thrilling experiences and an opportunity to go behind the scenes to take your very own one-of-a-kind images of our animals. Regardless of your photography experience, it’s always a fun adventure!
A Photo Safari puts you in charge—you set the pace and dictate the time you spend photographing each species. To ensure you get the perfect shot no matter where our residents are located in their habitats, you’ll be given safe access to areas off the regular tour path under the supervision of a trained staff member.
Details
- For safety purposes, ALL participants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Please note that to ensure safety, only 1 or 2 individuals may be permitted to take photos at an enclosure at a time.
- Need a hand with your equipment? You can rent our golf cart (including a driver) for an additional $10/hour. No charge for ADA needs.
- We require an $80 deposit for your Photo Safari.
- After submitting your sign-up form, we will reach out to confirm the date and then send the payment link.
- We need at least 1 week notice to book this unique experience.
Price: $80/hour (+tax)
- Ages 18+ only
- Tour length: 1-3 hours
- Group Size: 3 people total
- Discount available for Carolina Nature Photography Association members
Price: $60/hour (+tax)
- Ages 18+ only
- Tour length: 1-3 hours
- Group Size: 3 people total
- Discount available for Carolina Nature Photography Association members
Price: $25/hour (+tax)
- Ages 18+ only
- Tour length: 1-3 hours
- Group Size: 3 people total
TIPS FOR SHOOTING
If you have not visited us before, we highly recommend coming out for one of our regularly scheduled public tours first so you will have an idea of where you’d like to spend your Safari time most.
Photographers often ask us what lenses we suggest they bring. One of our staff photographers recommends the following:
“When I go out to shoot, I bring my 28-80mm just in case, but usually stick with my 70-300mm for the majority of the session. Of course, our animals do move around and so there may be moments when they are too close for you to use the 70-300, but I have found that I am more successful overall while using that lens. Using anything longer than a 70-300 is usually way too close to capture successful shots. My lens diameters are 58mm, which is successful on enclosures where I may not have easy access to a photo hole. Typically anything wider is great for our photo holes, but can be a little more difficult if trying to shoot through standard sized chain link.”
Many people come on this with their cell phone cameras or point-and-shoot cameras which also do an amazing job capturing the experience.
Book Your Photo Safari
Important Information
Know Before You Go
More info about your visit to the Animal Park at the Conservators Center.
Accessibility, Safety, and Pets
The Animal Park is not wheelchair accessible; however, accessibility accommodations are available for visitors with mobility issues. Please note that we are not able to allow unauthorized vehicles, including scooters or motorized wheelchairs, in the park. Find more information about disability accommodations and access in the Tour FAQ on our Plan Your Visit page.
If you are planning to visit the Animal Park, please take a moment to review your confirmation email and text to complete our online tour waiver. Waivers will also be available in the gift shop for visitors to complete during check-in.
For safety reasons, the Animal Park cannot allow visitors to bring pets on site. Any visitor who brings an animal to the Park will be asked to leave immediately. No animals may be left unattended in a vehicle.
