Camp Verde: Predator Zip Lines Guided Tour

Flying above lions and tigers gives this Camp Verde adventure its unusual hook. You are not simply zipping over trees: the first four lines look down into Out of Africa Wildlife Park, where you might spot lions, wolves, bears, cougars, hyenas, leopards, and tigers. I especially like the animal-focused guiding and the wide views toward Sedona’s red rocks, Mingus Mountain, and Humphreys Peak.

I also like that the course covers five lines over one mile, giving you more than a single quick ride. Guides including Seth, Aidan, Jared, and Martine have been praised for calm coaching and good humor. The main drawback is physical: nine flights of stairs, heights, and a 270-pound weight limit mean this is not an easy sightseeing ride for everyone.

Key points at a glance

• Five zip lines over one mile: The first four are set up for animal viewing, while the final line focuses on speed.
• Predators below you: Look for lions, tigers, wolves, hyenas, bears, cougars, and leopards inside the wildlife park.
• Guides who coach nervous riders: Seth, Aidan, Jared, and Martine are among the guides praised for patience, humor, and clear instruction.
• Big Verde Valley views: On a clear day, you can see toward Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Jerome, Sedona’s red rocks, Mingus Mountain, and Humphreys Peak.
• Park visit can cost less afterward: The zip line does not require a wildlife park ticket, but you can visit the park afterward and save 20 percent.
• Bring water and closed shoes: High heels and open-toed shoes are not allowed, and cameras, video recording, selfie sticks, and large bags are prohibited.

Why this zip line is different from a standard course

Most zip lines sell you speed, height, or forest scenery. This one adds a living view below. You may look down from a tower and see a lion resting, a wolf moving through its enclosure, or one of the larger cats keeping watch. The animals do not perform on cue, so part of the fun is spotting what is active at that moment.

That unpredictability matters. One person may see most of the animals, while another may catch several napping. The course is best understood as a zip line over a wildlife park, not as a guaranteed animal show from the air.

The first four lines are arranged for viewing. Guides point out animals and share information about their names, backgrounds, and origins. That turns the pauses between rides into part of the experience instead of dead time. You are not just waiting for your turn to launch.

The fifth line changes the mood. After four chances to scan the enclosures, the final run is about moving quickly. This gives the 90-minute tour a useful finish: animal viewing first, a faster thrill at the end.

Checking in at the Out of Africa parking lot

You check in at the Predator Zip Lines office in the Out of Africa Wildlife Park parking lot. The zip line ticket is separate from admission to the park, and you do not need to buy a park ticket to take the tour.

After check-in, the staff supplies the required equipment and prepares you for the course. You are then driven to the starting point. That short transfer helps keep the activity focused, since you do not need to walk from the parking area to the first tower.

Plan to arrive ready for an outdoor activity. Wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes. Bring sunscreen and water, especially in Arizona’s strong sun. Leave large bags, valuables, food, alcohol, and unnecessary items behind. Cameras, professional cameras, video recording, selfie sticks, drones, and flash photography are not allowed.

The no-camera rule may surprise you, particularly since photos are available for purchase. It does make the course easier to manage, and it keeps you from fumbling with equipment while attached to the lines. If photographs matter to you, ask about the available photo option before starting.

Five lines, one mile, and a lot of looking down

The course totals about one mile across five zip lines. You move from tower to tower, with the first four lines offering the best chance to see the animals below.

The towers and stairs are an important part of the outing. One rider found the nine flights of stairs more tiring than the zip lines themselves. That is useful advice if your fitness is limited: the ride may feel smooth, but reaching each launch point still takes effort. Take your time on the stairs and use the rest moments between runs.

At each platform, guides handle the safety equipment and explain what to do. You remain clipped to a safety line while moving around the course, which can help you feel secure on the platforms. The staff also gives instructions for launching, braking, and dealing with a backward start if your ride does not unfold perfectly.

You do not need prior zip line experience. First-time riders have received extra encouragement when they hesitated at the first launch. If you are nervous, tell the guide before stepping off. The most useful part of the staff’s role is not just attaching the harness, but helping you get through that first jump without rushing you.

The animal view from above

The first four lines pass above areas where you can see the park’s large predators. The list includes lions, tigers, wolves, hyenas, bears, cougars, and leopards. The height gives you a different angle than a normal walking visit, with the enclosures spread out below rather than directly in front of you.

Look before you launch, then keep scanning as you travel. Your guide may point toward an animal you would otherwise miss. On the platforms, you can also use the waiting time to watch the park and listen to the animal stories.

The experience is strongest when you care about wildlife as much as the zip line itself. Guides have explained animal names and origins, and several have been praised for treating the creatures and the people in the park with respect. That tone matters. The attraction is built around observing the animals, not feeding them, touching them, or provoking them. Feeding and touching animals are prohibited.

Animal activity will vary. Some may be moving, while others may be sleeping or out of view. That is the honest tradeoff for seeing real creatures rather than a scheduled performance. If you want the best chance of spotting several species, allow time for the full park visit afterward rather than relying only on the few seconds of each zip line.

Wide views beyond the enclosures

The animal pens are the main attraction, but they are not the only view. From the course, you can see across the Verde Valley toward Cottonwood, Clarkdale, and Jerome. The distance opens up the setting and keeps the outing from feeling like a ride inside a closed facility.

You may also see Sedona’s red rocks, Mingus Mountain, and Humphreys Peak near Flagstaff. These landmarks give you something to watch when the animals are resting. Clear conditions will make the distant views more rewarding, but the provided information does not promise a particular visibility level.

I like this mix of close and far views. You get the immediate thrill of passing above a predator enclosure, then a broader look at the surrounding Arizona country. It makes the course feel tied to Camp Verde rather than interchangeable with a zip line anywhere else.

Guides make the first launch easier

The staff has a large effect on this activity. Named guides have included Seth, Aidan, Jared, and Martine, although your assigned team can vary. Their praised strengths are useful ones: patience with nervous riders, clear safety work, animal information, and a sense of humor that keeps the platforms relaxed.

That support is especially valuable on line one. A first zip can feel more intimidating than the rest because you are still learning the harness, the launch position, and how your body behaves in the air. Once you have completed one line, the next four usually make more sense, but you should not feel pressured to pretend you are comfortable.

The guides also help turn the wildlife setting into a proper visit. They can point out animals and explain what you are seeing. I would pay attention during these pauses, since the animal facts are one of the features that separate this outing from a basic adventure park course.

One practical note: the course can feel rushed if the group ahead runs over its allotted time. A rider missed some advice after a delayed start, though the guides still made the experience enjoyable. If you need an instruction repeated, ask. Safety directions matter more than keeping pace with the group.

What $109 buys you

The price is $109 per person. That is not a bargain-priced amusement ride, but the fee includes the full Predator Zip Line tour, safety equipment, guides, the transfer to the course, and five lines covering one mile.

The value comes from combining two activities in one setting. A standard zip line might give you several rides and scenery. This tour adds guided wildlife viewing and a chance to see animals from above. If you already plan to visit Out of Africa Wildlife Park, the zip line adds a fresh angle to that visit.

You can also visit the wildlife park afterward and save 20 percent. Admission is optional and not required for the zip line, so you can decide based on your time and interest. I would consider the park visit worthwhile if you want a closer look at the animals you saw from the towers, but the ticket price itself is not included in the $109.

Photos cost extra. Since personal cameras and recording devices are not allowed, include that possible purchase in your budget if you want a visual record. The tour works without photos, but the aerial setting is the sort of thing many people will want to remember.

Who should book this experience

This is a good match for an active adult or older child who likes animals, can manage stairs, and is comfortable with height. Children must be at least 8 years old, and minors cannot attend unaccompanied. Riders must weigh between 66 and 270 pounds.

It also suits first-time zip liners. The staff has helped hesitant riders make the first jump, and you do not need advanced zip line skills. People who already enjoy zip lines will appreciate the animal setting, though the course may feel more focused on observation than nonstop speed until the final line.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people afraid of heights, or people with back, heart, respiratory, or other pre-existing medical conditions. It is also not suitable for people with epilepsy, recent surgery, a low level of fitness, or anyone outside the stated weight range. If any of those conditions apply, do not assume the guides can adjust the course for you.

Practical details for a smoother ride

Wear closed, supportive sports shoes. Open-toed shoes and high heels are not allowed. Comfortable clothes are best, since you will be wearing safety gear and moving up stairs.

Use sunscreen before check-in and bring water. Do not bring a large bag, walking stick, walking frame, food, valuables, alcohol, drugs, weapons, or sharp objects. Smoking is prohibited, as are drones, selfie sticks, flash photography, and video recording.

The tour lasts about 90 minutes, but that includes gearing up, the transfer, instruction, platforms, stairs, and all five lines. It is not 90 minutes of continuous flying. That is still a useful length for a course with several launches, but set your expectations properly.

The activity is conducted in English. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting times when booking, since the exact schedule is not fixed here.

Should you book Predator Zip Lines?

Book it if you want a zip line with a real sense of place, especially if lions, tigers, and other predators interest you. The combination of five lines, animal facts, patient guides, and Verde Valley views gives the $109 price a reasonable case.

Skip it if you dislike heights, struggle with stairs, need to carry personal equipment, or want a guaranteed close-up animal encounter. The creatures may be resting, and the course demands more physical effort than the smooth rides suggest.

For most suitable riders, I would add the optional wildlife park visit if time allows. The zip line gives you the aerial view, while the park lets you spend longer with the animals on the ground. That pairing makes the day more complete than choosing either activity alone.

FAQ

Where does the Predator Zip Lines tour meet?

Check in at the Predator Zip Lines office in the Out of Africa Wildlife Park parking lot.

How long does the zip line tour last?

The tour lasts about 90 minutes.

How many zip lines are included?

The course has five zip lines covering about one mile.

Are all five lines focused on animal viewing?

The first four lines are set up for viewing animals in the park. The fifth line focuses more on speed.

Do I need to pay for Out of Africa Wildlife Park admission?

No. Admission to Out of Africa Wildlife Park is optional and is not needed for the zip line tour.

Can I save money on the wildlife park after zip lining?

Yes. You can save 20 percent when visiting Out of Africa Wildlife Park after the tour.

What animals might I see below the zip lines?

Possible animals include lions, tigers, wolves, hyenas, bears, cougars, and leopards.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes, and bring sunscreen and water. Open-toed shoes and high heels are not allowed.

Can I bring a camera or record the ride?

No. Cameras, professional cameras, video recording, selfie sticks, drones, and flash photography are not allowed. Photos are available for purchase.

Is the activity suitable for children?

Children under 8 cannot participate, and minors must not attend unaccompanied. The tour also has a weight range of 66 to 270 pounds and is not suitable for people with several listed medical or mobility conditions.