This Affordable Mississippi Drive-Thru Safari Starts With An Ostrich At The Gate And Zebras At Your Window

We only pulled off the highway because the kids needed a snack and a restroom. Twenty minutes later, an ostrich was staring through our car window like it expected payment, and a zebra was nudging its nose toward a cup of feed in my son’s hands.

Mississippi has plenty of roadside surprises, but this one turned a hungry detour into the best part of our Saturday. If your family loves animals and a day out that will not drain the wallet, keep reading.

A Drive-Thru Safari Tucked Into Rankin County

Picture a gravel lane rolling past pine trees and open pasture, then a zebra stepping right up to your window. That scene plays out daily at Cypress Point Resort Safari in Brandon, Mississippi.

The park sits at 874 Holly Bush Road in Rankin County.

Getting there is easy for most central Mississippi families. The drive from Jackson usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes heading east, which makes it a realistic half-day trip.

Families from Pearl, Flowood, Canton, and even Meridian may find it a manageable Saturday outing.

What makes the place unusual is the setup. Instead of walking past fenced pens, you stay inside your own car and roll slowly through large fields where animals roam.

More than 200 animals representing over 40 exotic species live on the grounds.

Around the safari, the property works like a small resort. A general store, restaurants, a bakery, a petting zoo, and overnight lodging all share the same campus.

That combination means one parking spot can cover an entire day of animals, lunch, and browsing, which suits families juggling toddlers and grandparents in the same car. You can plan the whole outing around a single stop without hopping between towns.

From McClain Lodge To A New Name

Longtime locals may still call it by its old name. Before becoming Cypress Point Resort, the property was known as McClain Safari and McClain Lodge, and many Mississippi families first visited under that banner.

Why does the history matter? Nostalgia plays a big part in family traditions around here.

Parents who drove through years ago may now bring their own children, or grandparents might remember the early days of feeding animals on the grounds. A 2020 account of the former McClain Lodge describes guests feeding giraffes from a wooden deck, a memory that sticks with plenty of visitors.

The rebrand kept the core idea intact. Guests still drive through pastures, still hand out feed, and still leave with a car full of stories.

The larger resort around the safari has grown to include lodging, dining, and a general store with a butcher counter.

Change can feel strange when a favorite spot gets a new sign out front. Still, the heart of the experience remains familiar: animals, open land, and families laughing inside their vehicles.

For anyone searching online, try both names, since older blog posts and photos often use the McClain title, which can help when researching past visits.

The Ostrich Toll Booth At The Entrance

Nobody warns you that the first greeter has feathers. Right after entry, an ostrich often strolls up to cars and makes it clear that feed is expected before you roll any farther.

Visitors describe it as a kind of toll booth, and the comparison fits. The tall bird peers in with big curious eyes, bobs its head, and waits.

Kids usually burst into giggles, while adults scramble to open the feed cup.

Is it intimidating? For some little ones, it may be at first.

Ostriches are large and can seem surprising up close, so parents might want to hold the cup themselves or crack the window only partway. Older kids tend to love the challenge of offering a handful without flinching.

A practical tip helps here. Since each paid admission includes one cup of feed, try not to spend it all in the first few minutes.

Plenty of animals wait farther down the road, and running out early can lead to disappointed faces in the backseat.

Extra cups cost $5 each, so buying one or two more before you start may keep everyone happy through the whole loop without a return trip to the counter.

Zebras With Big Personalities

Stripes everywhere, and every one of them seems to want your snacks. The zebras here have earned a reputation as the boldest crowd in the pasture.

Guests often describe them moving as a group, trotting alongside cars and nudging their way past other animals to reach open windows first. One visitor compared it to running a gauntlet, and that playful description captures the energy.

Kids tend to shriek with delight as striped noses poke toward the glass.

Up close, you can notice details that zoo glass usually hides. Each zebra has its own stripe pattern, almost like a fingerprint, which makes a fun game for children trying to tell them apart.

Fuzzy manes stand straight up, and their ears swivel constantly toward sounds.

A little caution goes a long way. Keep fingers flat when offering feed, and let younger children watch from a closed window if the crowd feels lively.

Driving slowly gives everyone time to take photos without rushing.

Did you know? Scientists still debate why zebras have stripes, with theories ranging from confusing biting flies to helping them stay cool.

That little fact can spark a great conversation on the drive home.

Giraffe Moments Worth The Wait

Long eyelashes, a purple tongue, and a neck that seems to go on forever. Few animals get kids as excited as a giraffe leaning down for a snack.

Giraffe feeding ranks among the moments families mention when talking about this park. Earlier accounts from the McClain Lodge days describe guests feeding giraffes from a raised wooden deck, which put visitors right at eye level with these gentle giants.

The safari animals in general are known for approaching guests to be fed, so encounters can feel wonderfully close.

Since setups can change over time, check with staff when you arrive about where giraffe feeding happens that day. Asking at the front counter usually clears up any questions and helps you plan your route.

For children, seeing a giraffe tongue wrap around a treat is pure magic. That tongue can stretch surprisingly far, and its dark color is thought to help protect it from sunburn while the animal eats leaves high in the trees.

Kids love hearing that detail.

Bring a camera ready to go. Giraffes move slowly and pose beautifully, giving even shaky toddler photographers a decent shot at a memorable picture to show friends at school.

Bison, Longhorns, And Other Big Beasts

Size catches people off guard on this part of the drive. Bison and longhorn cattle wander the fields, and seeing them from a car seat makes their bulk hard to forget.

Visitors often describe the scale as breathtaking. A full-grown bison carries a massive shaggy head and humped shoulders, while longhorns show off sweeping horns that can stretch wider than a car door.

Children tend to go quiet for a moment, then start pointing and asking questions.

Compared with the zippy zebras, these heavyweights usually move at a slower, steadier pace. That calmer rhythm gives families time to observe behavior, like grazing, resting in the shade, or swishing tails at flies.

It can be a nice breather after the busier feeding stops.

Here is a quick history bit to share. The American bison is the national mammal of the United States, and herds once roamed across huge stretches of the country.

Longhorns, meanwhile, carry a big place in Southern and Western ranching stories.

With more than 40 species on the property, you may spot other surprises along the way too. Keeping a simple checklist in the backseat can turn the drive into a fun scavenger hunt for kids.

Jeep Rentals For An Open-Air Ride

Want the wind in your hair instead of air conditioning on your face? Jeep rentals offer a different way to see the safari.

For an extra $35 plus the regular safari admission for each rider, families can take a self-drive jeep through the park. The open-air feel adds a sense of adventure, and many kids say it feels more like a real expedition than riding in the family minivan.

Of course, the choice depends on your crew. During the steamy Mississippi summer, your own car with cool air may win out, especially with babies or older relatives.

On a mild spring or fall morning, though, the jeep can make the trip feel special.

Remember that the no-exit rule still applies. Guests are not permitted to leave their vehicles during the drive-thru safari, whether that vehicle is a jeep or your own sedan.

That rule keeps both people and animals safe.

Jeeps also save your car from curious noses and feed crumbs. Zebras and ostriches can leave smudges on windows, so letting a rental take the brunt might appeal to parents who just washed the car.

Ask about availability when you arrive, since rentals may be limited.

Petting Zoo Paths For Little Hands

After an hour in the car, small legs need to stretch. The petting zoo walking trail gives kids a chance to move around and meet animals on foot.

Best of all, the trail is stroller and wheelchair accessible. That detail matters for families bringing infants, toddlers who tire quickly, or grandparents who use mobility aids.

Everyone can share the same path together without splitting up.

Families often list the petting zoo right alongside the safari as a highlight. Kids get to see animals at their own height, and the slower pace lets shy children warm up.

Visitors have also mentioned otters on the property, which tend to be crowd favorites with their playful antics.

One rule to know ahead of time: service animals are not permitted in the petting zoo or on the safari tour. The policy exists for the safety of all the animals living there, so plan accordingly if a family member relies on one.

Wash hands after visiting, and bring wipes for the car ride home. Restrooms and changing tables are available on the grounds, which makes cleanup simpler for parents with little ones in diapers.

A quick snack break afterward can help reset tired moods.

Buffet Plates, Steakhouse Dinners, And A Bakery

Hungry kids and a long drive home rarely mix well. Luckily, food options sit just steps from the safari entrance.

The buffet draws plenty of attention, with an all-you-can-eat spread featuring Southern favorites. Diners have mentioned dishes like fried chicken, catfish, cabbage, turnip greens, and warm rolls.

One tip from families: the price may feel steep for picky eaters who only nibble, so consider your crew before choosing.

For a sit-down meal, the steakhouse offers a more relaxed dinner with nice decor. Guests have praised tender steaks, warm rolls, and bread pudding for dessert.

It tends to be priced like a nicer steakhouse, so it may fit a special occasion better than a quick lunch.

A bakery and a market also operate on the grounds. Those can be handy for grabbing a sweet treat or a quick snack before heading out, without committing to a full meal.

Friendly staff members often come up in conversations about the dining rooms. Several guests note that team members were accommodating with special requests, including dietary needs, which can make a difference for families managing allergies or sensitive stomachs during a long day out.

General Store Browsing And A Butcher Counter

Old-fashioned general stores still hold a special charm in Mississippi. The one at Cypress Point adds a relaxed browsing stop to the day.

Shelves offer a mix of groceries and goods, and a butcher counter inside is known for solid choices at competitive prices. Parents sometimes use the visit to pick up meat for Sunday supper, turning a fun outing into a practical errand too.

Kids usually gravitate toward the gift shop side. Stuffed animals, small toys, and souvenirs give children a way to remember the zebras and giraffes they just met.

Setting a budget before walking in may save a few negotiations at the register.

Restrooms inside the main building tend to be larger and more comfortable than smaller facilities elsewhere on the grounds. That makes the store a smart place to regroup, change a diaper, or cool off in air conditioning after the safari loop.

Grandparents often enjoy this part as much as anyone. Wandering the aisles has a slower, nostalgic rhythm that recalls country stores from decades past.

It pairs nicely with a treat from the bakery before loading everyone back into the car and heading down Holly Bush Road toward home.

Hours, Prices, And Weather Rules

Fifteen dollars per person gets you through the gate, and that price includes a cup of feed. Children ages 2 and under ride free, which helps families with babies stretch their budget.

The Drive-Thru Safari runs Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Last entry happens at 5:30 PM, so plan to arrive with enough time to enjoy the loop.

The safari is closed to the public in January and February, and hours may shift for holidays, seasons, and time changes.

Extras add up slowly. Additional feed cups or carrots cost $5 each, and jeep rentals run $35 plus admission per rider.

A family of four could plan a simple visit for around $60 plus a couple of extra feed cups.

Rain does not automatically cancel the fun. The tour takes place outdoors and stays open in wet weather, but admission may pause if lightning is detected within five miles.

Summer heat in Mississippi can be intense. Arriving close to opening time often means cooler air and more active animals, since many creatures rest in shade during the hottest afternoon hours.

Bring water bottles for everyone in the car.

A Soft Verdict For Saturday Planners

Some outings fade from memory by bedtime. A zebra poking its nose through the car window tends to stick around a lot longer.

For central Mississippi families, this safari offers a rare blend of value and wonder. Admission stays reasonable, feed comes included, little ones under 3 get in free, and the drive from Jackson is short enough for a spontaneous weekend plan.

Few places let kids hand-feed exotic animals without ever unbuckling.

Planning ahead can make the day smoother. Pick a morning in spring or fall if possible, grab an extra feed cup or two, and save time for the accessible petting zoo trail.

Decide beforehand whether lunch will be the buffet, the steakhouse, or a bakery treat, so hungry moods do not take over.

Mix in the general store, and the trip becomes a full day with very little driving between stops. Grandparents can ride along comfortably, toddlers can nap between pastures, and older kids can play spot-the-species.

Families searching for a Saturday answer to the question of what to do near Jackson may find it right here, waiting at the end of Holly Bush Road with an ostrich collecting tolls.