Just a few hours from Kansas City, Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kansas, is an absolute must-visit for animal lovers! My husband and I spent a weekend there, and it was pure magic—think up-close animal encounters, behind-the-scenes adventures, and a whole lot of “Did that really just happen?!” moments.
From feeding rhinos to swimming with penguins, this place isn’t just a wildlife park—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
A Spotless & Stroll-Worthy Escape
From the moment we walked in, we couldn’t help but notice how immaculately kept Tanganyika is. No trash, no clutter—just stunning landscapes, well-maintained pathways, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes exploring a joy. The park is super walkable, making it easy for visitors of all ages to get around. Whether you’re popping in for the day or making it a full weekend adventure, there’s no shortage of fun, hands-on animal encounters to keep you entertained.
Unforgettable Animal Encounters You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
What makes Tanganyika truly stand out is the one-of-a-kind experiences. Every admission includes five hands-on animal feedings, but if you really want to level up your visit, you can choose from 16 once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
The amazing team at Tanganyika put together a perfect itinerary for our weekend—just the right balance of thrills, downtime, and time to explore. We had plenty of time to walk the park, grab a bite to eat, and soak in the experience. And if you’re bringing kids, there’s room in the schedule to let them run wild at the playground or cool off at the splash park.
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Face-to-Face with Big Cats & More!
For me, the Big Cat Feeding was an absolute thrill ride. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be face-to-face with a full-grown lion—let alone feeding one! It was a total adrenaline rush, and getting to observe their unique personalities up close made it even more fascinating. Learning about their family dynamics and watching them interact gave me a whole new appreciation for these majestic creatures.
Believe it or not I didn't even zoom in for this picture, we were this close to them during the Big Cat Feeding experience!
Meanwhile, my husband was completely blown away by the Indian Black Rhino encounter. Imagine standing next to a 6,000-pound behemoth—bigger than our SUV! Seeing it up close, feeding it, and even petting it was absolutely surreal. These animals look prehistoric, and for a second, we both wondered if we’d stepped into Jurassic Park. It was hands down one of the most mind-blowing encounters we’ve ever had.
And now I want a pet rhino! These big guys were sweet and happy to interact with visitors.
Swimming with Penguins—Because, Why Not?!
Another unexpected highlight of our trip was the Penguin Swim. Tanganyika is the only place in the U.S. where you can swim with African penguins, and trust me, it’s just as amazing as it sounds!
Spending 30 minutes in the pool with these quirky little birds was an absolute blast. They have huge personalities—almost cat-like in the way they chased after floating toys and were mesmerized by anything shiny. Some zipped through the water like tiny torpedoes, while others waddled up curiously before darting away again. Watching them play and interact felt like we were part of their world, and we couldn’t stop laughing at their goofy antics.
Tanganyika provides everything you need—wetsuits, towels, and water shoes—so all you have to do is show up ready to dive in. The experience is open to visitors ages 8 and up, and while flotation devices aren’t allowed, younger guests must be able to swim or tread water. Spectators can also watch from the sidelines and enjoy the fun.
This was easily one of the most fun and unique animal encounters we’ve ever had—if you’re heading to Tanganyika, don’t skip it!
Pesto the Penguin is that you?! Loved the opportunity to cuddle the fluffiest baby penguin.
Capybara Cuddles: The Cutest Meet-and-Greet Ever
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to hang out with the world’s chillest animal, the Capybara Meet-and-Greet is a must-do! When we visited, the capybaras were still babies, making them even more adorable as they waddled up for snacks and pets. But don’t be fooled by their tiny size—these little cuties will grow into the largest rodents in the world, reaching up to 150 pounds!
For now, they were extra cuddly and playful, happily munching on snacks and letting us snap some of the cutest photos ever. They lounged around soaking up attention, their little noses twitching as they checked us out. If you’re looking for a laid-back, feel-good experience, this is the perfect way to wrap up your Tanganyika adventure!
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A Year-Round Adventure
We visited in late fall as the park was winding down for the season, but it’s clear Tanganyika has something for every time of year. If you’re visiting between Memorial Day and Labor Day, make sure to check out Tanganyika Falls Splash Park—the perfect way to cool off between animal encounters.
A Family-Owned Business with Heart
What makes Tanganyika Wildlife Park truly special isn’t just the incredible animal encounters—it’s the family behind it. Unlike large, corporate-run attractions, Tanganyika is privately owned, and you can feel the difference. Owner Matt Fouts shared with us how his grandparents started the park decades ago with a mission to preserve endangered species and create meaningful connections between people and wildlife.
That vision is alive and thriving today, making Tanganyika a world-class destination with more up-close animal encounters than anywhere else. Their dedication to protecting endangered species—from cheetahs to pygmy hippos—is woven into everything they do. They believe that the best way to inspire conservation is through real connections, and trust me, feeding a rhino or swimming with penguins is about as real as it gets!
With exciting expansions in the works, including immersive safari experiences and glamping, Tanganyika is just getting started. As one of the few privately owned wildlife parks in the country, they have the freedom to create truly unique experiences that put visitors closer to the animals than ever before.
If you haven’t been yet, put it on your bucket list—you won’t regret it!
Pro Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit:
✔️ Don’t forget your swimsuit—Whether you’re swimming with penguins or enjoying the water park, be prepared to get wet!
✔️ Plan ahead—Work with the Tanganyika team to craft the ideal weekend for your visit. They can help you schedule encounters and make recommendations based on your interests.
Final Thoughts: A One-of-a-Kind Wildlife Experience
Tanganyika Wildlife Park isn’t just a zoo—it’s an interactive, unforgettable adventure. Whether you're feeding rhinos, swimming with penguins, or coming face-to-face with lions, it’s impossible to leave without feeling amazed.
This family-owned park is changing the game when it comes to wildlife conservation and hands-on experiences. If you're looking for an up-close, heart-pounding, and totally unique wildlife experience, Tanganyika should be at the top of your list!
Would We Go Back? Absolutely!
We left already planning our next visit—and this time, we’re bringing friends! If you’re looking for an unforgettable weekend getaway, Tanganyika Wildlife Park is unlike anything else out there. Where else can you hand-feed a rhino, swim with penguins, and come face-to-face with a lion—all in one place?
Mark your calendar—Tanganyika reopens March 15th for the 2025 season! Go. Feed a rhino. Swim with a penguin. Have your own ‘Did that really just happen?!’ moment. Trust us, you’ll be so glad you did!
Start planning your adventure now at TWPark.com!