Billie Swamp Safari

Yes, I know... Billie Swamp Safari isn't in Miami--it's actually a bit of a drive. But it's important for city folk to venture out into the countryside (which in Florida are the Everglades' swamps) and reconnect with nature and an alligator or two. Also, I just figure this blog will have lots more interesting content if I include things outside of the immediate Miami area, but within driving distance. There is only so much sand and concrete a girl can take.

Well, Billie Swamp Safari was a blast to visit. It's a great, unique way to spend the day: there are walking trails on a boardwalk over the water, airboat rides (the absolute funnest thing), swamp buggie rides (this would be great to get around Miami traffic!), shows, animal enclosures, and you can even spend a night in a Chickee for about $35 (I didn’t do that, but I plan to soon!). What's a Chickee? It's a raised platform hut with some cots. No air conditioning or running water here.

Other things I did that day... ate alligator (soooo yummy! Tastes like a mix between chicken and fish) and fed an ostrich (who bit my hand hard!).

The drive there is part of the fun because it's a great opportunity to see the everglades, not see any buildings, and breathe some fresh air. But here is a piece of advice: Do NOT speed through Clewiston, which is the Indian reservation where Billie Swamp Safari is located. Once you start to see houses, make sure to slow down to the appropriate speed limit. Tony and I got pulled over =(

There are a bunch of other things to do that I haven’t mentioned so for more details visit the official website: http://www.seminoletribe.com/safari

Here's the address:

Billie Swamp Safari
HC-61, Box 46
Clewiston, Florida 33440

But, that probably won't help you...they've got directions posted on their site.

Take Alligator Alley (I-75) from either Ft. Lauderdale or Naples to exit 49 (Mobile Service Plaza) then go north 19 miles to the park entrance.

Those 19 miles are the fun driving part!