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Buena Vista Wildlife Safari & RV Park

Located In Evant, Texas

Weather Alert

We will be closed through Thursday, Feb 2, 2023 due to icy conditions. We expect to reopen Friday, Feb 3, 2023

Drive Through Wildlife Safari

No Passport Needed To Interact With Animals From Around The World

You may be deep in the heart of Texas, but you’ll feel like you’re in an exotic location when driving through Buena Vista on your own Wildlife Safari Tour. This family-favorite experience is included with general admission. Imagine being surrounded by lots of exotic free-roaming animals as you drive thru the park at your own pace. Each vehicle will get a free bag of feed (more available for purchase) which will help you get closer than you ever thought possible to zebras, ostriches, bison and so many more inhabitants of our spacious wildlife park.

Visitor Information & Activities

Admission, Tickets & Operating Hours

Admission, Tickets & Operating Hours

Travel the World - No Passport Needed To See Over 250 Free Range Animals. From Africa to Asia You Can See It All..!

Park Hours & Info

Pricing

Ticket Info

Vehicle Policy

A Note About Our Animals…
At Buena Vista, we LOVE our animals. Because we feed them a high quality diet and give them plenty of room to roam, they don’t have to beg for food. They choose when and whether they want to be sociable. Your experience at Buena Vista will be like a true Safari, where at times you search for the animals. It you want to see the largest amount of animals we recommend coming in the morning or cooler hours.

FAQs & Safety Information

Safari Safety Regs & FAQ's

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions and some general requirements inside our Safari. You can always contact us directly with any other questions!

Buena Vista FAQs

Yes, with the exceptions of Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. We are open all other days.

Our animals are allowed to range through our entire  250+ acre Park. In most cases, animals will approach the cars for feed. However, these animals ARE NOT PETS, and their behavior is unpredictable. In other words, they will follow their instincts. We cannot guarantee that all animals will come to the road during all visits. This means that your experience will be different each time you visit Buena Vista.

Yes; as long as it is our feed. 1 container of animal feed is included with each car entering the Safari. Additional feed for the Safari Drive-Thru are available for purchase at the time of admission. For the safety of our animals, no other outside feed or snacks may be given to the animals.

The entrance and exit to the Safari, as well as a couple of places inside the Safari, are no feed zones. You will see clearly marked signs. This helps traffic flow and ensures the animals don’t leave when you do.

Our animals live outside year-round, so they are out during rain events. However, they may seek covered shelter during heavy downpours. 

Pets are welcome in certain marked, designated areas including the RV Campgrounds, one “pet inclusive cabin” & other common areas. No pets are allowed inside the Safari. This is for your pet’s safety and the safety of our animals.

Yes! We have a very nice RV area including wifi and utilities. Also, we have cabins available for rent. 

You can certainly bring your own food and drinks to consume in the parking areas or designated picnic & play areas at the park. Outside food cannot be brought into the Safari or Petting Zoo areas. 

If you have a group of 15 or more, please contact the office for more information.

No, the animal feed that we use does not contain any peanuts. However, it’s possible that the feed may be manufactured in an agricultural facility that may process peanuts or peanut shells.

Unfortunately, no. We need everyone inside the vehicle at all times. And, for that one person out there…No you may not ride on top of your vehicle either. ☺

Most RVs up to 42′ long can easily make it through the safari without any difficulties. RVs are subject to our verification that no pets are inside the vehicle before entering the Safari.

There are walking paths outside of the Safari, but walking is not allowed inside the safari. We have some large, exotic animals and they can all run faster than you! Lets all agree that staying inside your car is the best option for everyone!

All vehicles must have doors and a top to enter the park. While in the drive-thru area, vehicle doors should remain closed at all times. Softshell/fabric Jeep doors are not substantial protection for the drive-thru and will not be permitted into the safari.

Motorcycles are allowed on the property but are not permitted in the Safari. Some guests do arrive to the Park by motorcycle and enjoy the Safari by riding in a friend’s car.

Yes, we have BBQ grills located in the outer areas of the park.

Flying a drone usage is NOT PERMITTED inside the Safari. This is for the safety of our animals.

A Note About Our Animals…
At Buena Vista, we LOVE our animals. Because we feed them a high quality diet and give them plenty of room to roam, they don’t have to beg for food. They choose when and whether they want to be sociable. Your experience at Buena Vista will be like a true Safari, where at times you search for the animals. It you want to see the largest amount of animals we recommend coming in the morning or cooler hours.

Other Park Activities

Meet The Animals At Buena Vista Wildlife Safari

Learn a little about all the animals you might see during your very own Wildlife Safari!

Alapca

Alpaca

Vicugna pacos
From South America

Just like their llama cousins, the average lifespan of an alpaca is 20 years. Unlike most livestock, alpacas are quite clean and easy to care for.

Angora Goats

Angora Goats

Capra aegagrus hircus
From Southwest Asia

Each Angora goat is shaved twice yearly to collect the fiber. Adult Angora goats produce about 10.6 pounds of mohair annually. Angora goats are the only goat that produces hair

Pot Bellied Pig

Pot Bellied Pig

Sus scrofa domesticus
From Vietnam

Like all pigs, potbellied pigs have sensitive skin and they will get sunburned just like we do!
Potbellied pigs are smart and are very trainable. They can be taught to do tricks and respond to commands, just like dogs!

Sulcata Tortoise

Sulcata Tortoise

Centrochelys sulcata
From Africa

Sulcata tortoise can reach 24 to 36 inches in length and 100 to 200 pounds in weight. They have thick skin that is usually golden brown or sand-colored. They can live to be 150 years old?

Axis Deer

Axis Deer

Cervus axis
From India

Axis deer are indeed larger than whitetail deer. Adult axis deer bulls can weigh up to 400 pounds, while the largest whitetail bucks rarely exceed 250 pounds. In addition to their size difference, axis deer also have a reddish-brown coat with white spots. Axis deer are herd animals and behave more like elk. 

American Bison

American Bison

Bison bison
From North America

The American bison was named the national mammal of the United States on May 9, 2016. This majestic animal joins the ranks of the Bald Eagle as the official symbol of our country -- and much like the eagle, it’s one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time.

Black Hawaiian Sheep

Black Hawaiian Sheep

Ovis gmelini
From North America

The Black Hawaiian is primarily a browser, feeding on weeds and occasionally tender grass shoots. They shed their woolly undercoat in winter months so do not require shearing like most other sheep.

Blackbuck

Blackbuck

Antilope cervicapra
From India

The most striking feature of blackbucks is the long, spiraling horns of the adult male which have ridges from the base to almost the tips. They can grow as long as 20-24 inches. The longest horns on record measure more than 28 inches! Females do not possess horns.

Blue Wildebeest

Blue Wildebeest

Connochaetes taurinus
From Africa

Wildebeest are Playful and Intelligent Animals. They are always moving and never stay in one place for too long. Wildebeest like to graze around during the day or night. They also like taking naps, while some keep watch for potential predators

Dall Sheep

Dall Sheep

Ovis dall
From North America

Do you have an airbag in your head? The Dall Sheep has one so let's meet them. Dall sheep spend most of their lives on the jagged slopes of mountains. Their cloven hooves with rough pads help them cling to cliff edges and broken ledges, where they flock to elude predators.

Common Eland

Common Eland

Taurotragus oryx
From Africa

The cow-like eland is the world's largest antelope. However, it has the endurance to maintain a trot indefinitely and can jump a 1.5 meter (4 feet) fence from a standstill. Both males and females have horns that spiral tightly

Emu

Emu

Dromaius novaehollandiae
From Australia

Emus can run at speeds of 50 kilometers per hour. On average, though, they usually run at speeds of around 48 kilometers per hour. When walking, an emu can cross a full meter in a single step. They have a max weight of 60 kilograms. 

Fallow Deer

Fallow Deer

Dama dama
From Southwest Asia

Fallow deer communicate with body language, vocalizations and smells. They have very good vision and can see the tiniest details at great distances. The antlers of males can measure as much as 27 inches long.

Llama

Llama

Lama glama
From South America

Llamas are quite sure-footed and easily navigate rocky terrain at high altitudes. They are smart and easy to train. Llamas have been used as guard animals for livestock like sheep or even alpacas in North America since the '80s.

Longhorn

Longhorn

Bos taurus
From North America

Do you want to meet the state of animal of Texas? Then say howdy y'all to the Longhorn. They have thick hooves that are good for walking trails. The largest set of horns ever measured were over 10 feet! 

Ostrich

Ostrich

Struthio
From Africa

Ostriches can't fly, but no birds can match their speed on land. Ostriches are the fastest running birds in the world! Scientists have seen ostriches run continuously at speeds of 30-37 mph and sprint up to 43 mph. With their long, strong legs ostriches can cover more than 10 feet in a single stride.

Pere David

Pere David

Elaphurus davidianus
From China

This is no ordinary deer. With giant antlers atop a head shaped like a horse, the animal has a donkey's tail, and hooves like a cow but with webbing between the toes for swimming.

Plains Zebra

Plains Zebra

Equus quagga
From Africa

Plains Zebras are are classified as Endangered. They can run up to 65km per hour. Their stripes are unique like fingerprints and help camouflage them. New-born foals can stand after six minutes.

Red Deer

Red Deer

Cervus elaphus
From Europe

The red deer is the UK's largest deer. Males have large, branching antlers, increasing in size as they get older. During the autumnal breeding season, known as the 'rut, males bellow to proclaim their territory and will fight over the females, sometimes injuring each other with their sharp antlers.

Scimitar-Horned Oryx

Scimitar-Horned Oryx

Oryx dammah
From Africa

Egyptians used to bind the horns of oryx together to make them appear like they had one horn. Soon their horns would grow together. This may be where the unicorn myths began.
Oryx can go without water for several days, which is a great adaptation for a desert dweller.

Sicilian Miniature Donkey

Sicilian Miniature Donkey

Equus africanus asinus
From Greek Islands

They are only 28 to 38 inches tall at the withers (shoulder) and weigh between 250 to 450 pounds. They eat hay, grass, oats and grain and graze from dawn until late morning and then again in late afternoon.

Watusi

Watusi

Bos taurus indicus
From Africa

The Watusi, unlike most cattle, have evolved on their own to be adaptive to the harsh dry seasons. The hardiness of the cattle is one of the reasons why the animals are much valued and loved. 

White Tail Deer

White Tail Deer

Odocoileus virginianus
From North Africa

One would think that such a cute animal would prefer to live in large groups, but the white-tailed deer is generally a solitary creature. They tend to live alone, especially during the summer months, and males and females only interact during mating season. 

groups love Buena Vista Wildlife Safari

An exciting wildlife reserve and RV Campground are sure to leave everyone in awe. Enjoy all kinds of wildlife in spacious, natural environments that foster memorable and educational encounters with animals. Buena Vista Wildlife Safari has a wide variety of animals from across the globe. We not only offer on-premises activities but also cool RV camping opportunities that will give you an exciting way to experience wildlife from the comfort of an RV or cabin.

Sweet Reviews From Visitors

Jim T.

Google Reviews

We spent 5 nights in our travel trailer and thoroughly enjoyed the park. It is an absolute must for small children. P-Cay, the office manager, is very friendly and is ready to assist campers in every way possible. The rv sites are spacious, water pressure is perfect. The park has a petting zoo that holds a variety of adorable animals. The office will provide you with a free bag of feed and the animals readily recognize their meal treats as you approach their pens. I was very impressed with the park's restroom/shower facilities....super neat and clean. Also, the park has a wonderful game room, and again, it is kept super neat and clean. The game room has a wonderful pool table, available free of charge for park customers. We hope to visit again! READ MORE

Bearded RV Tech

Google Reviews

I past this place about 6 months ago decided right then I want to bring my RV and stay here. Best decision I've made in months. My granddaughter and I have spent 3 days here. We've been inside the fence 🙂 4 times. Today was our final trip through this visit something occurred to me. These animals do NOT count on visitors to feed them, they are well taken care of and will eat it out of your hands but it's not like other parks I've been to where the animals almost fight to get to the food. The staff is super friendly! The rv site is gravel but level. There are pads with picnic tables. Overall if say great experience we will be back. Thanks for making my granddaughters visit one I know she'll remember for a long time. READ MORE

Merry K.

Google Reviews

What a great trip again!!! I am a repeat visitor and will be coming back again!!! Have camped in my RV and this time I stayed in the cabins and they are so cute and worked great for us, the kids loved the loft!!!! Wake up to great views of the Bison and other wonderful animals!!!!

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Nearby Events & Attractrions

Of course, the staff and all the animals at Buena Vista Wildlife Safari & RV Park are always happy to see you, no matter when you visit.

When you combine a great visit to Buena Vista with some of the other things going on in Central Texas, it makes it a Win-Win-Win!

A few handy links are listed on this page to help you plan your visit. Plus, you can click the button below to see a list of a few of our favorite places around Evant.

Events Listed On Eventbrite

See all the listed events on Eventbrite.

Top Rated On Yelp

After you visit the animals, check these out!

Top Rated In Tripadvisor

Lots of great food in our neck of the woods!

Welcome To Buena Vista Wildlife Safari

An exciting wildlife reserve and tropical paradise are sure to leave everyone in awe. Enjoy all kinds of wildlife in spacious, natural environments that foster memorable and educational encounters with animals. Buena Vista Wildlife Safari has a wide variety of animals from across the globe. We not only offer on-premises activities but also cool RV camping opportunities that will give you an exciting way to experience wildlife from the comfort of an RV or cabin.

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Some Of Our Favorite Activities Around Evant

The Last Drive-In Picture Show

 

The Last Drive-in Picture Show is a twin screen drive-in theater located in Gatesville, Texas which is in the middle of the state located about half way between Dallas and Austin. The Last Drive-in Picture Show is one of the oldest drive-ins remaining in Texas. It was opened in 1950 originally named the Circle S. It went through several name changes over the years but was renamed the Last Drive-in Picture Show in 1989. It is also a “MoPed” – an instance where there is both a drive-in and walk-in cinema (which was added in 1972) on the same premises. The drive-in is open year round, seven nights a week (except for Christmas Eve). They charge $10 a carload so it is a great bargain. The same family has been running the drive-in for the last 40+ years and they do not show R rated movies here. Online Link.

The Red Wing Dove Winery

The Red Wing Dove Tasting Room and Patio are open for all tastings, glasses and bottle sales. We now feature charcuterie trays with Boar’s Head cheeses and meats, jalapeno stuffed olives, crackers, dark chocolate almonds and more.

We have restarted our wood fired pizza oven on Saturdays from 4:00 until 6:30. Our individual sized pizzas are the traditional Neapolitan style and every week we also offer a special wood pizza such as Locally Grown Microgreen Toppings, Buffalo Chicken, Fajita Chicken, Fajita Beef, and Reuben.

Join us for Burger Friday on the first Friday of each month for Prime Rib Steak specialty burgers. The choices vary from week to week with Old Fashion Bacon Cheese, Mushroom Swiss with Grilled Onions, Avocado Bacon Bleu, Frito Black Bean burger selections.

Tamale Friday is back on the last Friday of each month. Featuring Cream Cheese and Jalapeno, Pork and Chicken Tamales with toppings of chili and cheese. Chips and Salsa are also included. Online Link

The Grainery Drafthouse

It’s time to try nicely cooked chicken steaks, fried chicken and hamburgers. Delicious beer is waiting for you at this bar. The cozy atmosphere of The Grain Drafthouse & Eatery allows customers to relax after a hard working day. Many reviewers find the staff efficient. If you want to experience prompt service, you should visit this place. According to the guests’ opinions, prices are fair. Spectacular decor is here to attract more visitors. Google gives it 4.3 so you can choose this spot to spend a good time here. Online Link

Pearl Bluegrass Jam

Generations have passed through the halls of this old schoolhouse. Online Link

The original log building from 1884 still stands outside the newer, 115yo building that has served as the Pearl Community Center since 1958 when the school was consolidated with Evant.

Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend is the outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. With over 5,300 acres of un­spoiled wil­der­ness, the park offers plenty of ways to enjoy nature. From a two-hour visit to a full three-day weekend, you will never run out of things to do. Colorado Bend offers over 35 miles of trails. Trails drain well, so they are rarely closed. All trails are open to hikers and bikers unless otherwise posted. The park’s trails vary in terrain and difficulty, so you can choose your experience! Visit us online & download or pick up our trails map before you set out, or explore the trails on our Interactive Trails Map. Online Link