SALLEY, S.C. – Tucked away in rural Aiken County lies one of South Carolina’s most unexpected treasures — Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, a hidden gem that has quickly become a must-visit destination for families, animal lovers, and curious travelers alike.
Founded by Mark Nisbet, Eudora is the Palmetto State’s first drive-thru safari park, offering visitors the rare chance to encounter more than 300 exotic animals from the comfort of their own vehicles. It’s the kind of place that, once discovered, leaves guests wondering how they didn’t know about it sooner.
For Nisbet, Eudora has been a dream decades in the making. With over 30 years of experience caring for exotic animals, he launched the park with a mission to blend education, conservation, and community enrichment. The park opened to the public in May 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic — a bold move that ended up being perfectly timed.
“We expedited everything to open for Mother’s Day,” Nisbet recalled. “We figured a few cars might come through, but by the next day, word-of-mouth had exploded. We had 800 cars lined up. It was overwhelming, in the best way.”
Today, Eudora Wildlife Safari Park continues to grow — and surprise those who find it. Guests can drive through the sprawling parkland and hand-feed animals such as zebras, emus, water buffalo, and camels. The experience is both thrilling and serene, making it a favorite for repeat visitors.
And there’s more to come. The park is currently developing a walk-thru trail that will showcase lemurs, kangaroos, African servals, binturongs, and tortoises. While animal interaction isn’t part of the trail just yet, benches and quiet areas provide a peaceful space for guests to enjoy nature and watch the animals in a more traditional zoo-like setting.
Eudora remains very much a family operation. Nisbet’s three children — Travis, Tristan, and Shelby — work in various leadership roles, ensuring the park runs smoothly and continues to evolve. A dedicated staff and team of volunteers also help maintain the animals’ well-being and enhance the visitor experience.
What began as a hopeful idea has become a beloved destination — one that’s drawing crowds from across the Southeast, yet still feels like a well-kept secret.
If you’re looking for a weekend escape, a unique family outing, or just a chance to reconnect with the natural world, Eudora Wildlife Safari Park is well worth the drive.
Eudora Wildlife Safari Park is located at 219 Salem Lane in Salley, SC. For hours, tickets, and more information, visit www.eudorafarms.net.
