One Hour, an Open-Air Tram, and Up to 24 Big Cats at the National Tiger Sanctuary

SIERRA VISTA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

One Hour, an Open-Air Tram, and Up to 24 Big Cats at the National Tiger Sanctuary

A guided, one-hour Riding Safari in Sierra Vista that takes you by tram through walking-path enclosures and a south cats area to encounter lions, tigers, leopards and ligers.

One Hour, an Open-Air Tram, and Up to 24 Big Cats at the National Tiger Sanctuary.

Duration
1 Hour
Location
Sierra Vista
Operator
National Tiger Sanctuary
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Riding Safari is a guided, open-air tram tour at the National Tiger Sanctuary in Sierra Vista. Over the course of a one-hour circuit you’ll be driven through the sanctuary’s walking-tour paths and an additional south-cats area, with the opportunity to see as many as 24 large felines — from lions and tigers to leopards and ligers.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Up to 24 big cats — lions, tigers, leopards and ligers
THE CATS

Up to 24 big cats — lions, tigers, leopards and ligers

The centerpiece of the Riding Safari is the animals: the tour offers the opportunity to meet up to 24 cats, including lions, tigers, leopards and ligers.

Open-air tram through walking-tour paths and the south cats area
THE RIDE

Open-air tram through walking-tour paths and the south cats area

You ride on an open-air tram while the guide drives you along the sanctuary’s walking-tour paths and into an additional area identified as the south cats area.

Expert-led, hour-long encounters
THE GUIDE

Expert-led, hour-long encounters

A guide accompanies the tram and frames the experience, delivering a one-hour guided safari that focuses on seeing and understanding the animals in the sanctuary setting.

What the day feels like

What the hour feels like

You board an open-air tram for a focused, one-hour loop. As the vehicle moves, the guide navigates the walking-tour pathways and then continues into the south cats area, pausing where appropriate so passengers can observe and appreciate the lions, tigers, leopards and ligers that make up the sanctuary’s big-cat population.

Up to 24 big cats — lions, tigers, leopards and ligers

THE CATS

Up to 24 big cats — lions, tigers, leopards and ligers

The centerpiece of the Riding Safari is the animals: the tour offers the opportunity to meet up to 24 cats, including lions, tigers, leopards and ligers.

Open-air tram through walking-tour paths and the south cats area

THE RIDE

Open-air tram through walking-tour paths and the south cats area

You ride on an open-air tram while the guide drives you along the sanctuary’s walking-tour paths and into an additional area identified as the south cats area.

Expert-led, hour-long encounters

THE GUIDE

Expert-led, hour-long encounters

A guide accompanies the tram and frames the experience, delivering a one-hour guided safari that focuses on seeing and understanding the animals in the sanctuary setting.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this ride suits best.

1
Families with childrenThe Riding Safari includes child pricing categories and an infant policy; children aged 0–3 are free and children 4–12 have a child rate, making it accessible for families with young kids.
2
SeniorsThere is a senior price category (55+), indicating the tour is priced with older adults in mind and is suitable for many seniors who can ride the open-air tram.
3
Wildlife enthusiastsVisitors focused on seeing big cats will find the ride targeted to that interest: the tour highlights up to 24 cats of multiple species.
4
Day visitors and short-stay travelersAt one hour in length, the Riding Safari is a compact, guided experience that fits into a half-day itinerary for travelers wanting a focused wildlife encounter.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The Riding Safari is a one-hour guided tram tour.

Meeting point

The published meeting location for the tour is Saddlebrooke, MO.

Booking note

The trip description encourages reserving a spot in advance.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Riding Safari?

The Riding Safari runs for one hour.

Where is the meeting point?

The published meeting location for the tour is Saddlebrooke, MO.

How many animals will I see?

The tour offers the opportunity to meet up to 24 cats.

What species are on the tour?

The Riding Safari highlights lions, tigers, leopards and ligers.

Is the tour guided and on a tram?

Yes — the experience is a guided tour conducted on an open-air tram.

Are there pricing categories for different ages?

The published rates include adult, senior (55+), child (4–12) and a free policy for children 0–3.