
Animal Encounters
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 34 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Animal Encounters worth booking?
Animal Encounters is a 1.3-hour experience in Fredericksburg, United States, from $125 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 34 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (34)
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- From
- $125 per person
This Animal Encounter offers a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife on a 75-minute animal encounter tour. Located on over 100 acres in Texas, guests can meet and feed the tower of 5 giraffes, get up close and touch one of the 3 resident rhinos while engaging with animal care specialists who share insights on conservation efforts. This memorable experience includes animal feedings, photo opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art animal care facilities. Perfect for families and small groups, this tour fosters a deeper understanding of wildlife and the importance of conservation. - Interact with resident giraffes and rhinos. - Guided by animal care specialists with Q&A sessions - Limited to 12 participants for a personalized experience - Daily tours at 11am and 2pm on weekends - RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
What you get
About this experience
This Animal Encounter offers a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife on a 75-minute animal encounter tour. Located on over 100 acres in Texas, guests can meet and feed the tower of 5 giraffes, get up close and touch one of the 3 resident rhinos while engaging with animal care specialists who share insights on conservation efforts. This memorable experience includes animal feedings, photo opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art animal care facilities. Perfect for families and small groups, this tour fosters a deeper understanding of wildlife and the importance of conservation. - Interact with resident giraffes and rhinos. - Guided by animal care specialists with Q&A sessions - Limited to 12 participants for a personalized experience - Daily tours at 11am and 2pm on weekends - RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
What's included
Included
- Animal Encounters
What you'll see and do
Step behind the scenes for an unforgettable encounter with our ambassador animals. Guests will meet and interact with giraffes and rhinos while hearing fascinating stories and learning about their care from our expert team. This intimate experience is both fun and educational — and every visit supports wildlife conservation through the Longneck Manor Foundation. Fun for all ages!
75 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Fredericksburg
Come to the Longneck Manor gate and call for the daily entry code. Reservations required. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before tour time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Come to the Longneck Manor gate and call for the daily entry code. Reservations required. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before tour time.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Longneck Manor
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 34 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
34 verified traveler reviews for Animal Encounters. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Exclusive experience
It was an exclusive private experience that included a guide and two feedings. A introduction to the rhino with touch encounters and then visit to giraffe barn and feeding. Finally a feeding at the platform. A great visit
via Tripadvisor
Do this!!
This was an amazing experience! The land and animals are beautiful, the zookeepers were so friendly and educational, and the encounters with the animals were just so fun. We loved every minute of it and are newly dedicated to helping conservation efforts.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
OMG, best experience every! Learning about the Rhinos and the Giraffes, so interesting and educational. The best part was getting to pet Justin the Rhino and feeding the Giraffes. Our tour guide was amazing, she has been @ Longhorn Manor for a year plus. She very knowledgeable ask her anything. Thank you so much. Oh and stop by the gift shop, priceless treasures Your donation help the animals, so excited for their future animals. For sure going back.
via Viator
A lot of fun
It's a bit expensive, but my son loved it, and the money goes to a great cause so I didnt mind paying it
via Viator
Wine and animals
Aurora was super friendly! We enjoyed our animal encounter!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Animal Encounters: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fredericksburg.
How much does Animal Encounters cost?
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Prices start at $125 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Fredericksburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Animal Encounters take?
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Plan for about 1.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Fredericksburg is not rushed.
Is Animal Encounters worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 34 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Fredericksburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Animal Encounters?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Animal Encounters suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Animal Encounters?
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Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Fredericksburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Fredericksburg and add a light layer if any part of the 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Animal Encounters start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Fredericksburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Fredericksburg?
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Fredericksburg sells Texas Hill Country wine tours with tastings and transport, Enchanted Rock hikes, distillery stops, WWII Pacific War Museum visits and wildflower drives. On Outty we rank every Fredericksburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include All-Inclusive Social Wine Tour, Fredericksburg Historic District Narrated Tour, Boutique Winery Experience in the Fredericksburg Texas Hill Country. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Fredericksburg?
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March to May for bluebonnets, September to November for harvest. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Fredericksburg?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Animal Encounters?
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Included: Animal Encounters. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Animal Encounters?
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Come to the Longneck Manor gate and call for the daily entry code. Reservations required. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before tour time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Animal Encounters offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Animal Encounters?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Animal Encounters wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Animal Encounters if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Fredericksburg. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Animal Encounters?
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Across 34 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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