Snorin' Safari

Experience the North Carolina Zoo after hours at one of our overnight family camping adventures.  Complete with an evening walk through the Zoo, S'mores by a campfire, and engaging activities.  Adults with children 6yrs and older only.

Fall 2026 Family Dates 

North American Adventures

Our North American Adventure is sure to be a howlin’ good time! Guests will take an evening walk through North America and see if we can get our American Red Wolves to howl! Campers will learn all about this critically endangered canine and what the Zoo does to ensure the red wolves’ and many other species survivals. (See below for itinerary)

Dates: 

• Friday, September 4, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
• Friday, September 25, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
• Friday, October 16, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
• Saturday, October 24, 2026 (SOLD OUT) 
• Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (SOLD OUT) Veterans Day Campout for veterans and their families!  

African Adventures

Ever wonder what the North Carolina Zoo’s African animals do at night? Come campout at the Zoo and find out! Participants will learn about our African animals, engage in some activities on how the Zoo helps save African species, and eat a S’more or two by the campfire.(See below for itinerary)

Dates:

• Sunday, September 6, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
• Saturday, September 12, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
• Friday, September 18, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
• Friday, October 2, 2026 (SOLD OUT) 
• Friday, October 30, 2026 (SOLD OUT)

Fees: 

• $80 per person (ages 6 and up) Under 6yrs not allowed for safety reasons. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult over 21.  
• Food restriction substitution options: $3 for gluten free, $3 for vegan/vegetarian (veggie burger), and $5 for no red meat substitution (grilled chicken).
• North Carolina Zoo Member?  Email us to get your discount code!

Tickets:

     Fall Family Snorin' Safari Tickets                           

Time: 5:00 p.m.– 9:00 a.m.

Additional Program Information:

• Meals included: dinner (all beef hamburgers and hotdogs with all the fixings, tater tots, cookies, sweet tea and water), breakfast (scrambled eggs, waffles, potatoes, sausage, fresh fruit, juice, coffee and water) and S'mores. Include any dietary restrictions and purchase food substitutions during checkout.
• Please provide your own camping equipment. (A limited number of tent rentals are available during checkout.) Camping equipment recommendation are below.
• Quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Please Note:

• Bathroom facilities do not include showers.
• Snorin' Safari tickets do not include admission to the Zoo before or after your campout.
• Participants must be at least 6 years old to participate for safety reasons.
• Each program has a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 30 people. We will notify you a week before the program if there is low registration.
• Ticket sales end two weeks before the event. 

Family Notification: If you would like to be notified when future family dates become available please email and we will add your name to our notification list.

If you have any questions, please email us.

Experience the North Carolina Zoo after hours at one of our overnight adult-only camping adventures! Designed for adults 18 and older. 

Fall 2026 Adult Only Dates 

North American Adventure

Our North American Adventure is sure to be a howlin’ good time! Guests will take an evening walk through North America and see if we can get our American Red Wolves to howl! Campers will learn all about this critically endangered canine and what the Zoo does to ensure the red wolves’ and many other species survivals. (See below for itinerary)

Date:

• Saturday, September 26, 2026 (SOLD OUT)

African Adventures

Ever wonder what the North Carolina Zoo’s African animals do at night? Come camp out at the Zoo and find out! Participants will learn about our African animals, engage in some activities on how the Zoo helps save African species, and eat a S’more or two by the campfire. (See below for itinerary)

Date: 

• Saturday, September 5, 2026 (SOLD OUT)
• Saturday, October 31, 2026 (SOLD OUT)

Fees:

• $100 per adult (age 18+)
• Food restriction substitution options: $3 for gluten free, $3 for vegan/vegetarian (veggie burger), and $5 for no red meat substitution (grilled chicken).
• North Carolina Zoo Member?  Email us to get your discount code!

Tickets:

       Fall Adult Only Snorin'Safari Tickets 

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Additional Program Info:

• Meals included: dinner (all beef hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches with all the fixings, potato salad, cookies, sweet tea and water), breakfast (scrambled eggs, waffles, potatoes, sausage, fresh fruit, pastries,  juice, coffee and water) and S'mores. Include any dietary restrictions and purchase any substitutions during checkout.
• Please provide your own camping equipment. (A limited number of tent rentals are available during checkout.) Camping equipment recommendations are below.
• Quiet hours from 11:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Please Note:

• Bathroom facilities do not include showers.
• Snorin' Safari tickets do not include admission to the Zoo before or after your campout.
• Each program has a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 25 people. We will notify you a week before the program if there is low registration.
• Ticket sales end two weeks before the event. 

Adult Only Notification: If you would like to be notified when future adult-only dates become available, please email us and we will add your name to our notification list.  

If you have any questions please email us.

Sensory Friendly Family Snorin' Safaris are designed for families with autism, ADHD or other sensory needs. A smaller group size and a more structured event will make this a unique, inclusive experience for families!  Adults with children 6 years and older only.

Fall 2026 Sensory Friendly Family Date 

African Adventures

Ever wonder what the North Carolina Zoo’s African animals do at night? Come campout at the Zoo and find out! Participants will learn about our African animals, engage in some activities on how the Zoo helps save African species, and eat a S’more or two by the campfire. (See below for itinerary)

Date:

• Saturday, October 3, 2026 (SOLD OUT)

Fees: 

• $80 per person (ages 6 and up)  Under 6yrs not allowed for safety reasons.  All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult over 21. 
• Food restriction substitution options: $3 for gluten free, $3 for vegan/vegetarian (veggie burger), and $5 for no red meat (grilled chicken).
• North Carolina Zoo Member?  Email us to get your discount code!

Tickets:

      Fall Sensory Friendly Snorin'Safari Tickets

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Additional Program Information:

• Meals included: dinner (all beef hamburgers and hotdogs with all the fixings, tater tots, cookies, sweet tea and water), breakfast (scrambled eggs, waffles, potatoes, sausage, fresh fruit, juice, coffee and water) and S'mores. Include any dietary restrictions and purchase any substitutions during checkout.
• Please provide your own camping equipment. (A limited number of tent rentals are available during checkout.) Camping equipment recommendation are below.
• Quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Staff will have sensory bags on hand with noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools and other sensory resources.  Let us know if there is anything else you need to make this event a great experience for everyone!

Please Note:

• Bathroom facilities do not include showers.
• Snorin' Safari tickets do not include admission to the Zoo before or after your campout.
• Participants must be at least 6 years old to participate for safety reasons.
• Each program has a minimum of 6 people and a maximum of 15 people. We will notify you a week before the program if there is low registration.
• Ticket sales end two weeks before the event. 

Sensory Friendly Family Notification: If you would like to be notified when future sensory friendly family dates become available please email and we will add your name to our notification list. 

If you have any questions please email us.

Private Group Programs 

Private group programs are specifically for groups with 10-30 people (adults and youth). You will camp at the Zoo and experience a fun night of activities. This private program is great for any group (e.g., scout groups, church groups, family reunions, school groups, company retreats, etc.). The program is available Friday and Saturday nights or weekdays by request. (See below  for itineraries for each campout option to see what is entailed.)

General Program Information

• Participants must be at least 6 years old to participate for safety reasons.
• We require a minimum of 1 chaperone for every 5 youth. This program can be booked for adult only groups.
• Meals included - dinner (all beef hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixings, tater tots, cookies, sweet tea and water), breakfast (scrambled eggs, waffles, sausage, potatoes, fresh fruit, juice, coffee and water) and S'mores. Include any dietary restrictions and purchase any substitutions during checkout when paying your balance.
• Admission to the Zoo before or after your campout is not included in the fee.
• Please bring your own camping equipment. See recommend list of things to bring below.
• Maximum group size is 30 and a minimum group size of 10 is required.
• Fees:
  • A base fee of $750 covers the 10 person minimum and $75 for each additional person up to the 30 maximum.  A $375 (half the $750 base fee) non-refundable deposit is due at booking to secure the date. The balance and final headcount will be due four weeks before your campout date.
  • Food restriction substitution options: $3 for gluten free, $3 for vegan/vegetarian (veggie burger), and $5 for no red meat (grilled chicken). This will be paid during your balance payment.
  • Optional fees- $3/Snorin' Safari patch and $30/tent rental

To register for a private group program: Please contact the Zoo's Education Department at 336.879.7716 or email your request.

4:45pm - Arrival:  Meet your educator at Africa Bus/RV parking lot #1 (last lot closest to Africa entrance) by the Meet Here sign.  Your educators will give you a parking pass to put in your dashboard for the night and caravan you in your vehicles over to the campsite area. Please turn on your hazard lights while we caravan you over to the campsite so we will not lose anyone from the group.

5:00pm - Introductions:  Meet your staff for the event, go over rules and the evening’s  itinerary, and tour of area.

5:15pm - Setup:  Set up tents, staff can help as needed.

6:00pm - Activities:  Meet at Hippo Beach pavilion for name tags and activities before dinner.

6:30pm - Dinner: Dinner at Hippo Beach pavilion.

7:15pm - African Safari Walk: Meet at Hippo Beach pavilion for African Safari Walk!  Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate attire.  Adults will be given red flashlights to use on the walk, no other flashlights allowed for animals’ and campers’ eye well-being!   Educators will have sensory bags and first aid kits with them if needed on the walk.

8:45pm - Return to Camp: Back to campsite for bathroom/free time break.

9:00pm - Night Activities:  Meet educators for some nighttime activities.

9:30pm - Campfires:  S’mores by the campfire!

10:30-11:00pm - Ready for Bed:  Free time and get ready for bed.

11:00pm-6:00am - Quiet time! All guests in tents and being respectful of other campers who may be trying to sleep.

7:00am - Wakeup:  Rise and shine!  All guests get up and pack up all gear and load into vehicles.

7:45am - Breakfast:   Breakfast at Hippo Beach pavilion.

8:30am – Animal Ambassadors:  Meet our animal ambassadors (weather dependent).

9:00am – Program Conclusion:  Educators will collect your parking pass and caravan you out of the area over to Africa parking. Please DO NOT leave without staff as you are in a restricted area.  Guests can either go home or go into the Zoo (guests will need to buy your own tickets either at the entrance or in advance at nczoo.org or call 336-879-7700).

*** Please know that these times are just estimates and are subject to change***

4:45pm: Meet your educator at Africa Bus/RV parking lot #1(last lot near Africa entrance) by the Meet Here sign. Your educator will give you a parking pass to put in your dashboard for the night and caravan you in your vehicles over to the campsite area.  Please turn on your hazard lights while we caravan you over to not lose anyone from the group.

5:00pm: Meet your staff for the event, go over rules and the evening’s itinerary, and tour of   area.

5:15pm: Set up tents, staff can help as needed.

6:00pm: Meet at Hippo Beach pavilion for name tags and animal ambassadors (weather dependent) before dinner. 

6:45pm: Dinner at Hippo Beach pavilion.

7:30pm:  Meet at Hippo Beach for African Safari Walk!  Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate attire.  We will provide red flashlights to use on the walk; no other flashlights allowed on walk for the animals’ and campers’ eye well-being!

9:00pm: Back to campsite for bathroom/free time break.

9:30pm: S’mores by the campfire and Zoo Trivia!

10:30pm: Free time and get ready for bed.

11:30pm-6:00am: Quiet time!  All guests are in tents and being respectful of other campers who may be trying to sleep.

6:45am: Rise and shine!  All guests get up and pack up all gear and load into vehicles.

7:30am:  Breakfast at Hippo Beach pavilion.

8:15am: Educators collect parking passes, load into vehicles and caravan over to North America parking lot by Stedman Education building.

8:30am: Load onto Zoofari bus in front of Stedman building.

8:45am: Zoofari Ride!

10:00am: Guest can either go home or go into the Zoo (guests will need to buy your own      tickets either at the entrance or in advance at nczoo.org or call 336-879-7700).

*** Please know that these times are just estimates and are subject to change***

4:45pm:  Meet your educators at North America parking Lot I (Iguana) near our Solar Pointe picnic area.  Your educators will give you a parking pass to put in your dashboard for the night.

5:00pm: Meet your staff for the event, go over rules and the evening’s itinerary, and tour of   area.

5:15pm: Set up tents, staff can help as needed.

6:00pm: Meet at Solar Pointe pavilion for name tags and activities before dinner.

6:30pm: Dinner

7:15pm:  Meet at Solar Pointe pavilion for North American Safari Walk!  Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate attire.  Adults will be given red flashlights to use on the walk, no other flashlights allowed for animals’ and campers’ eye well-being! Educators will have sensory bags and first aid kits with them if needed on the walk.

8:45pm: Back to campsite for bathroom/free time break.

9:00pm: Meet educators for some nighttime activities.

9:30pm: S’mores by the campfire!

10:30-11:00pm: Free time and get ready for bed.

11:00pm-6:00am:  Quiet time! All guests in tents and being respectful of other campers who  may be trying to sleep.

7:00am: Rise and shine!  All guests get up and pack up all gear and load into vehicles.

7:45am:  Breakfast at Solar Pointe pavilion.

8:30am: Meet our animal ambassadors (weather dependent).

9:00am:  Educator will collect your parking passes.  Guests can either go home or go into the Zoo (guests will need to buy your own tickets either at the entrance or in advance at nczoo.org or call 336-879-7700).

*** Please know that these times are just estimates and are subject to change***

4:45pm:  Meet your educators at Lot I (Iguana) parking lot in North America by our Solar Pointe picnic area. Your educator will give you a parking pass to put in your dashboard for the night.

5:00pm:  Meet your staff for the event, go over rules and the evening’s itinerary, and tour of area.

5:15pm: Set up tents, staff can help as needed.

6:00pm: Meet at Solar Pointe pavilion for name tags and activities before dinner.

6:30pm: Dinner

7:15pm: Meet at Solar Pointe pavilion and load onto buses.

7:30pm: Start your evening Zoo walk for a howlin’ good time!  Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing.  We will provide red flashlights for the walk, no other flashlights allowed for the animals’ and campers’ eye well-being!             

9:00pm: Back to campsite for bathroom/free time break.

9:30pm: S’mores and trivia by the campfire!

10:30pm: Free time and get ready for bed.

11:30pm: Campfires out.

11:30pm-6:00am:  Quiet time!  All guests in tents and being respectful of other campers who may be trying to sleep.

7:00am:  Rise and shine!  All guests get up and pack up all gear and load into vehicles. Give parking passes back to educators.

7:45am:  Breakfast at Solar Pointe.

8:30am: Walk to Kidzone for behind-the-scenes tour of Animal Ambassador area.

9:15am:  Walk back to outside North America entrance and guests are released for the day Guests can either go home or go into the Zoo (guests will need to buy your own tickets either at the entrance or in advance at nczoo.org or call 336-879-7700).

***Please know that these times are just estimates and are subject to change***

Adults & Families

If we have to cancel the program for any reason including low attendance (under 10 people registered) or severe weather, we will help you register for another date or provide a full refund. We will notify you a week in advance if there is low registration at that time or a day or so in advance if severe weather. 

If you must cancel for any reason you will be refunded your entire registration fee (minus processing fees) if you cancel at least 2 weeks before the event. After the 2 week mark if you cancel or fail to show-up there will be no refund.

Private Groups

If we must cancel or you must cancel your private group event, we will work with you to reschedule another date or you can opt for a refund, minus your non-refundable deposit. 

This program goes on rain and shine, so please dress for the weather. In the event of heavy rain the camping locations have covered shelters to set your tents up under.  If severe weather, we will make the call to cancel at least 1-2 days beforehand.

Please provide your own camping gear. We have a limited number of tents available for an additional rental fee.

Recommendations include:

• Tent
• Pillow
• Sleeping bag, pad, and/or air mattress
• Weather appropriate clothing and sleepwear including layers for night time
• Comfortable closed toe walking shoes
• Refillable water bottle
• Bug spray
• Hand towel & wash cloth
• Personal items (toiletries, cosmetics, etc.)
• Medications
• Camera
• Small backpack
• Flashlights and/or lanterns for camping area
  • We will provide red flashlights for the adults to use on the evening walk, no other flashlights will be used while walking around animal habitats.
• Camp chairs

Please Don't Bring:

• Flip flops or backless shoes, heelys, or light-up shoes
• Pets
• Electronics
• Valuables
• Alcohol
• Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, Vapes, or other products that produce vapor or smoke