Giraffe Ranch near Orlando: Visitors guide

Giraffe Ranch near Orlando offers visitors a chance to see giraffes up close. The animals live in an exhibit with live oaks and open grasslands, and while they're the stars of the attraction, they're not the only animals featured. This working ranch just a little over an hour from Orlando has exotic animals and domestic cattle and horses. Visitors will get a chance to see them and learn about the animals as well as efforts to conserve endangered species.

Here's what you need to know before visiting Giraffe Ranch.

Attractions
Tours are available two times a day, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each one lasts about one to one-and-a-half hours, and they're available by reservation only.

Giraffe Ranch offers several different ways to explore the area.

Safari vehicle
Each vehicle has stadium seating for the best views, and a truck canopy will help shield you from the sun. Along the way, you'll see many different types of animals up close, including ostrich, Grant's zebras, Indian rhinoceroses, pygmy hippos and more. You'll even be able to feed some of the animals from the vehicle.

Camelback
View herds of game animals from atop a camel as you enjoy a 60- to 90-minute tour. You'll be led by two experienced guides, and after your camel carries you on your journey, it returns to its herd in a large pasture. For this method of transportation, you should wear sunscreen, long pants and closed-toe shoes. Kids must be age 3 and up to ride a camel, and those who are age 5 and under must ride with an adult.

Llama trek
Your llama will carry your gear, such as binoculars and snacks, as you lead this gentle and curious animal along on your journey. Participants must be over 9 years old.

Segway
A Segway tour allows visitors a close view of the animals while enjoying an easy ride. The Segways are top of the line and come equipped with all-terrain tires to make your ride easier. To take this type of safari tour, you'll need to be over 14 years of age and weigh over 100 and less than 300 pounds.

Other adventures

Visitors can also enjoy an otter or ring-tailed lemur feeding or rhino encounter.

Tickets
Reservations for tours can only be made by calling 813-482-3400 and securing your reservation with a credit card. Tour prices vary, consult the ranch's website for details. If you want to change or cancel your reservation, you'll need to do so at least 48 hours in advance. Onsite payment is made by cash or check only.

Directions
Giraffe Ranch is located at 38650 Mickler Road in Dade City, 38 miles north of Tampa and 63 miles southwest of Orlando. It can be reached from the following cities:

Tampa
Take I-275 North to I-75 North. Take exit 285 (Hwy. 52) and turn right, going east to Dade City. Turn left going east on Hwy. 101. Go about six to seven miles and turn right onto Mickler Road. Giraffe Ranch is a quarter-mile ahead on the right.

Ocala
Take I-75 South to exit 301 (Hwy. 50.) Turn left going east on Hwy. 50 for three miles. Turn right onto Hwy. 98 for four miles. Turn right on Hwy. 101, and immediately get into the left lane to prepare to turn left on Mickler Road. Giraffe Ranch is a quarter-mile ahead on the right.

Orlando
Take Florida's Turnpike north to Hwy. 50 (Clermont exit.) Go left on Hwy. 50 for about 30 miles. When you reach Hwy. 301, turn left and go about four or five miles, turning left onto Mickler Road. Giraffe Ranch is about a quarter-mile ahead on the right.

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