I’ve often said that I would pay for an experience. Growing up, my family traveled extensively, my folks often took us to important events, historical sites, zoos, museums, etc. Now that I’m a dad, it is my desire to do the same thing for my young son. I drag him around from site to site, museum to museum, zoo exhibit to zoo exhibit and even though he is still young, I have tried to start introducing him to the world around him. One of the experiences I have always dreamed of having is that of going on safari in Africa. I have numerous African friends who have volunteered to take me, but I have as yet, been unable to make to the supposedly dark continent. And while it’s not the same as making the journey to Africa first hand there is another alternative.
Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari is located just east of Jacksonville on a three hundred acre wooded preserve. Visitors are invited to drive through the park at their own pace, take photographs, and leave pellets for the animals. If visitors prefer a guided tour, and open air van will take them on a two hour tour of the entire park including areas normally off limits to attendees on self guided tours. Guided tours also offer patrons the opportunity to interact more with the animals primarily by feeding them from the van. There are also designated areas for guests to picnic.
The park features over a dozen different exotic and endangered animal species from several continents. There are of course also domestic animals normally, observed in the wilds of North America. A few of the park’s animal attractions include: the Asian Axis deer, the Indian Blackbuck antelope, the Canadian Wood Bison, the Dromedary Arabian Camel, the Rocky Mountain Elk, the Fallow Deer, found in the area of Iraq and Iran, (my personal favorite), the Highland Cattle, and many, many others.
As a last note of interest, on a five acre corner of the park there are two cabins that serve as a bed and breakfast. They have large porches, fire pits and outdoor grills. Guests can sit on the porch in the evenings and listen to the sounds of the park around them. Overnight guests also have greater access to the park then the general public. To read more about Cherokee Trace Drive- throu Safari, visit their website at www.cherokeetrace.org