Words by Malika Bowling
What if I told you that you could wake up to exotic animals grazing just outside your window, all without leaving the South? No 17-hour flight, no lost luggage, and no malaria pills. It’s just you and a canopy bed in the middle of the Georgia countryside, where the only alarm clock is the call of the emu or ostrich roaming outside your tent.
Welcome to Georgia Safari Conservation Park in Madison, Georgia, a place where the magic of the Serengeti Plain meets Southern charm. Just an hour outside Atlanta, Georgia, it feels like you’ve been plucked from your busy, inbox-clogged life and dropped into the pages of Out of Africa, except this version includes climate control.
Bringing the African Safari to the South
The heartbeat of this wild oasis is the park’s two-bedroom luxury safari tents, though calling them “tents” feels like calling a lion a “house cat.” These beauties are imported directly from Africa, and every detail invites you to slow down and stare wide-eyed at nature doing her thing.
Stepping inside, you’re met with hardwood floors, a spacious living room, and the kind of king-size canopy bed that makes you want to cancel your plans and nap forever. Wake up to the floor-to-ceiling windows revealing panoramic views of a private savanna, where emus graze with the nonchalance of seasoned locals.
In the bathroom, a soaker tub and rainfall shower patiently wait for you to wash away the day’s dust. Outside, a private deck offers the best wildlife viewing seats in the house, where your only job is to sit, watch, and marvel, preferably with a glass of wine.
A True Safari Experience—No Passport Required
This isn’t glamping with a side of exotic decor. Georgia Safari delivers a real-deal safari experience, the kind you’d expect after flying across the world and dodging airport chaos. Guests embark on guided safari tours led by animal experts who somehow manage to be encyclopedic and entertaining all at once.
One of the highlights is hand-feeding giraffes. Climb to an elevated platform, and meet them eye to eye as they gently swipe lettuce from your hand with long, inquisitive tongues. It’s a moment that feels both surreal and sweet. Yes, the kids will love it, but adults might be even more enchanted.
If you’ve ever wanted a private conservationist to narrate your drive while a zebra photobombs your selfie, this is your chance.
Afterward, hop aboard a specially outfitted open-air safari vehicle for a guided tour through the park’s savanna. Along the way, you’ll spot zebras, rhinos, elands (they look like gazelles), bison, and more, all while learning about their behaviors and the park’s conservation efforts, as well as its mission to protect endangered species. If you’ve ever wanted a private conservationist to narrate your drive while a zebra photobombs your selfie, this is your chance.
And keep an eye out for Cornelius, the park’s resident dancing ostrich—equal parts showman and scene-stealer.
So, go ahead. Trade your scrolling for silence, your schedule for stillness, and your concrete views for a zebra at breakfast. Georgia Safari is not just a destination. It’s a recalibration, a deep breath wrapped in linen and tied with a giraffe’s gentle gaze.
And the best part? It’s just an hour from Atlanta, but it feels like a whole world away. While the park isn’t an all-day theme park or resort, it does offer a well-rounded experience for those looking to disconnect from city life and enjoy a slower pace in a natural setting.
How to Plan Your Visit
Reservations are required for both lodging and tours. Accommodations are limited, so it’s best to book in advance. Spring and fall tend to be the most comfortable seasons to visit in terms of weather.
Visitors should come prepared for a mix of outdoor activity and relaxation. Wear comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and sunscreen on those sunny days. While the tents are fully equipped, the park is located in a rural area, so expect to drive about 15 minutes to downtown Madison for a lovely dinner. We loved Ricardo’s Kouzzina.
If you’re dreaming of a trip that brings the African safari to the South—with elegance, purpose, and a whole lot of wild wonder—Georgia Safari Conservation Park is calling. The animals are waiting.
