You’ve likely been to a zoo where you visit animals as you walk through exhibits. But North Georgia Wildlife and Safari Park (also called NOGA-WILD) is a wildlife refuge where you get to interact with animals in ways you’ve only dreamt of – as if you’re truly meeting them. NOGA-WILD is your approachable and compassionate destination just under 2 hours from Atlanta waiting to welcome you into its family of animals found around the world. From safari tours to yoga with penguins, check out these 5 reasons to plan your visit to NOGA-WILD right here in Georgia – no transcontinental voyage required.
- Drive-Thru Safari
You’ll create new core memories with your family when zebras, wildebeest, and camels walk right up to your car’s path as you drive along the NOGA-WILD habitat. If you’re feeling adventurous enough to roll down your window, you’ll get even more up close and personal with intricate details of these marvelously large animals – straight from the horse’s (or actually zebra’s) mouth. Don’t forget to snap some pictures when you see a water buffalo in your rearview mirror or backup camera! - Interactive Wildlife Experiences
The safari route’s ending ushers in the opportunity for more interactive experiences once you put your car in park. Stop by the petting farm to feed and pat mini, rare, and exotic creatures including tortoises, parakeets, and sloths.
Meet baby capybaras in the splash pool, learn how to train otters in their habitat, feed a Scottish Highland calf a bottle, or cuddle a piglet – the options to meld and strengthen the bond between humans and animals are seemingly limitless at NOGA-WILD. - Special Events and Tours
While NOGA-WILD welcomes animal enthusiasts year-round, a late summer or early fall visit brings particularly special events and tours. VIP Safari Tours offered on August 17th or September 13th are an extended time with some of the establishment’s most beloved creatures. Walk at your own pace through the park to accommodate the littlest members of your crew during Family Nights on September 6th, October 4th, and November 1st.
Wild America tours are a patriotic salute to alligators, owls, wolves, and many other animals that claim US citizenship for the whole family to partake in as the summer winds down, too. - Educational and Seasonal Programs
NOGA-WILD takes conservation and humanitarian efforts seriously for all animals in their park. They’re proud to be accredited by the USDA, DNR, and USDI. You’ll be educated about these efforts by highly knowledgeable zookeepers throughout the park, and you’ll be at peace knowing these animals are respected and cared for to the utmost while at NOGA-WILD.
Educational and seasonal programs further these initiatives while heavily delivering fun! GOGA in the Wild programs are incredibly popular among animal lovers. These programs allow you to reach a new state of euphoria from the combination of yoga sequences with penguins or capybaras wandering in your midst, have mindful moments with sloths or otters, and even paint while animals do the same for an unforgettable artwork souvenir. - Scenic Setting and Family Fun
Located at 2912 Paradise Valley Road in Cleveland, NOGA-WILD is primely situated to comingle numerous must-see Helen, GA attractions with your visit. Enjoy an authentically German meal at Bodensee Restaurant, treat the kids at Scoop De Scoop Ice Cream Parlour, play a round at Alpine Mini Golf Village, delve into our Sautee Nacoochee culture, or take a magically misty hike to our breathtaking Anna Ruby Falls –family fun in our quaint Bavarian town is only limited by the amount of time you can stay away from home.
NOGA-WILD: Your Premier Animal-centric Destination
Just like our roaming residents, you’ll have freedom to plan your visit around your family’s schedule. NOGA-WILD is open from 11AM – 3 PM on Tuesdays (Family Discount Days) and 10 AM – 5 PM Thursdays-Sundays in August. Schedules for special programs open one to two months in advance.
A trip to NOGA-WILD isn’t just a trip to see the animals; it’s an invitation to experience them as they are without traveling the world over. For more on logistics as well as a complete listing of encounters, visit their website. Don’t forget to check out other local Helen area accommodations to make a roaring family trip out of your visit to NOGA-WILD, too!
