A zoo day in Drenthe that feels like four trips. At Wildlands, you get the world’s largest indoor jungle, plus the Rimbula River boat ride with elephants that may swim right by you. My favorite part is how the themes actually change the pace of your walk, but one thing to plan for is that you’ll likely want multiple ride/walk cycles, so build in extra time rather than trying to rush.

I also love how close you can get without doing anything risky, especially on the safari truck for giraffes, zebras, and rhinoceroses. For rainy days, the fact that so much is indoors (jungle, polar, and the playground) makes this a reliable outing. The only real drawback is that food is not included, so a family can spend more than the ticket if you buy meals on-site.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• World’s largest indoor jungle (Jungola): Walk through staged rainforest worlds and a Butterfly Temple before you ever reach the river.
• Rimbula River boat ride: You’re in for the possibility of swimming elephants along the route.
• Safari truck close-ups: Get face-to-face with savanna animals like giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
• Nortica polar region: Cool off with polar bears and penguins, plus sea lions and seals.
• Animazia indoor playground: A included indoor play paradise means kids have an outlet between animal zones.
• Daily animal presentations: Animal caretakers share short talks you can use to spot more during your roaming.

First Stop: Jungola’s Butterfly Temple and Indoor Jungle World

You start in Jungola, the indoor rainforest area, and it’s designed to make you look up early. The indoor Butterfly Temple is your first taste: hundreds of butterflies flutter around you, which sets the tone fast and gives you something to photograph immediately.

From there, you move deeper into the world’s largest indoor jungle. You’ll hear the rainforest sounds as you go, and that matters because it makes the experience feel like more than a hallway of exhibits. If you like hands-on movement, the Jungle Trail is a great option, with a chance to climb and scramble through the treetops like the animals do.

What I like most is that Jungola doesn’t only show animals; it teaches you how to notice them. Keep an eye out for ring-tailed lemurs and black lemurs if you look closely enough along the paths, and take your time near the river area because that’s where the action ramps up.

The Rimbula River Boat Ride: Where Swimming Elephants Can Happen

Next comes the Rimbula River boat ride, and this is one of the biggest reasons people plan their day around Jungola. You’re sailing through the indoor jungle, and the route is designed so elephants might refresh themselves in the water right next to the boat.

Even if you don’t get the exact moment of an elephant swim, the ride still works because it changes your viewpoint. From the water, you see the jungle in layers, and you get a different kind of animal spotting than you do on foot. You’ll also likely spot tropical birds along the river corridor, so bring your eyes as well as your camera.

One practical tip for your sanity: don’t think of the boat ride as a quick add-on. It’s a centerpiece, so plan your pacing around it and stay nearby afterward if you want to keep the momentum going while you’re still in that jungle mindset.

Animazia Indoor Play Paradise: Burn Energy Without Leaving the Zoo

If your group includes kids, Animazia is a huge win. This indoor XL playground gives you rope bridges, treehouses, and slides, plus sandbox play and the chance to pull boats across like an adventurer.

What you get here is a built-in reset button between animal zones. Adult time in a zoo can become a slow shuffle if you have active kids; Animazia turns the day into something you can manage, because the kids can burn off energy without you having to step outside the attractions.

Animazia also includes animal-focused features that are easy to like even for non-enthusiasts. You can see tropical fish, impressive sea turtles, and naked mole rats while you’re there, so it isn’t just noise and slides.

There’s also the mention of a roller coaster in the zoo’s lineup. That means if your family likes thrills, you may find one more way to break up the day without losing the animal theme.

Safari Truck Through the Savanna: Up Close With Giraffes, Zebras, and Rhinos

After the indoor jungles, the safari truck is your change of speed. You hop on the truck and drive across the savanna area, where the animals roam freely on the green plains. It’s the kind of ride that feels like a guided preview of what you’d miss if you walked only on foot.

You’ll get close to giraffes, zebras, and rhinoceroses, and that closeness is the main appeal. It turns distant exhibits into real interactions, because you can actually see details like posture and behavior rather than just spotting shapes from a distance.

The other value is learning. The zoo experience includes education tied to the safari setup, so you can connect what you’re seeing with what you’re hearing from the day’s presentations. For many families, this becomes the moment they feel the money is justified, because the animals look less like background and more like main characters.

Nortica Polar Region: Polar Bears, Penguins Underwater, and Arctic 1

To cool off, head to Nortica, the polar region inside Wildlands. This zone is all about feeling the climate shift, and it works because you’re meeting polar animals in a purpose-built setting rather than a static “cold-themed” display.

You can come face to face with polar bears and penguins, and the standout behavior here is the penguins’ underwater antics. If you’ve ever watched penguins at an outdoor exhibit, you’ll know how quickly they move; indoor viewing and staged activity help you catch the action without waiting around all day.

In addition to polar bears and penguins, Nortica includes Nortica Hâfen for sea lions and seals. You also have the Arctic 1 option, described as a virtual test flight over the ice caps. That’s a nice “brain break” between animal moments, especially if your legs are tired.

One consideration: if you’re traveling with kids, Nortica can feel like the place where the schedule matters most. Try not to time it so late that your group is too tired to enjoy the underwater viewing moments.

Animal Caretaker Talks and How to Use Them

One thing I really appreciate at Wildlands is the built-in layer of education through daily animal presentations. Animal caretakers share talks about different species, including elephants and baboons.

This is more useful than it sounds. When you hear a short talk before you move on, you spot things differently during the zoo walk. You’re not just looking for animals; you’re looking for behavior that matches what you just learned.

If you’re planning your day, I suggest you treat these talks as time anchors. Pick one presentation you care about, then build your route around it so your stops feel intentional rather than random.

Food at Wildlands: Plan for On-Site Meals

Food and drinks aren’t included in the ticket price, so you’ll want a simple plan. Wildlands has several restaurant options, including hamburger, healthy salad, fresh pizza, and noodles and poke bowls.

This variety helps, especially for mixed groups where one person wants something familiar and another wants a lighter option. I also like the idea of not hunting for food outside the attraction, because when your plan is packed, time spent commuting is time you can’t get back.

My practical advice: if you’re traveling with kids, snack strategically. Use the playground breaks and short rests to keep energy steady, then commit to a full meal when you naturally finish a major zone like Jungola or Nortica.

Pricing and Value for a 1-Day Wildlands Pass

The ticket price is $32 per person, and for most families that’s the heart of the decision. What makes it feel like value is the amount of distinct experiences you’re buying in one day: Jungola’s indoor jungle and Butterfly Temple, the Rimbula River boat ride, the safari truck, the polar-themed Nortica region, plus the included playground Animazia.

You’re also getting extra “time sinks” that keep kids engaged, which matters because a cheaper zoo that’s over in two hours can end up costing more in babysitting energy and extra stops elsewhere. Here, the day naturally stretches, and that’s where the price starts to feel fair.

One note: the pass is valid for 1 day, but starting times can vary, so you’ll want to align your day with the experience windows you care about most. If swimming elephants are your top draw, prioritize that timing and work the rest around it.

Rain-Proof Fun for Drenthe: Why This Works So Well in Any Weather

Wildlands is rain or shine, and that’s not a small detail. If you visit in the Netherlands when the weather is unpredictable, you want a day plan that doesn’t fall apart when the sky changes.

The biggest advantage is how much of the core experience is indoor: the indoor jungle, the polar region, and the included play area. You still get outdoor savanna vibes through the safari truck, but you’re not forced into all-weather waiting in queues outside.

If you like a plan that keeps stress low, this is one of those attractions where you can be flexible. When you can stay warm and entertained across multiple themed zones, you’re less likely to feel like you’re “making do.”

Who Should Book Wildlands in Emmen (and Who Might Not)

This is a strong fit for families with kids, especially if your group likes animals but also needs movement breaks. The combo of animal experiences plus Animazia makes it easier to manage different energy levels in the same day.

It’s also great if you’re a “see it all” type who enjoys themed settings: indoor jungle, savanna safari, and a polar region are a rare mix in one zoo. If you’re traveling with grandparents or anyone who prefers not to do long outdoor walks in cold weather, the indoor-heavy design helps.

The main reason you might skip is if your group hates structured attractions or prefers a classic quiet zoo stroll only. Wildlands is more of a themed adventure day, with rides and zones designed to keep you moving.

Should You Book Wildlands Adventure Zoo and the Rimbula River Ride?

Yes, if you want a one-day ticket that feels like several different attractions working together. The best reasons are practical: the indoor jungle and polar region keep the day on track, the Rimbula River boat ride brings a signature moment (swimming elephants might happen), and the safari truck gives you close animal encounters without a complicated plan.

Book it if your family needs both animal time and an indoor outlet for kids. Book it sooner if you’re visiting during a period when timing choices matter, since the day is valid for 1 day and starting times may differ.

If you’re deciding last-minute, this is the kind of place where weather-proof design and multiple themed zones usually pay off, even if you don’t get every single action moment.

FAQ

How long is the Wildlands experience?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. Starting times can vary, so check availability for the time slots.

What does the ticket include?

Your ticket includes zoo entrance plus the attractions, including the playground.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Is there an indoor playground?

Yes. Animazia is an indoor XL playground and it’s included.

What animals can you see in the Jungola area?

In Jungola, you can see animals such as ring-tailed lemurs and black lemurs, and you’ll also have bird-spotting opportunities along the indoor jungle route.

What happens on the Rimbula River boat ride?

You sail along the Rimbula River through the indoor jungle. Elephants might swim right next to the boat, depending on what they’re doing during your ride.

Is the polar region part of the visit?

Yes. Nortica is the polar region area, where you can see polar bears and penguins, plus sea lions and seals in Nortica Hâfen.

Is the zoo open in rain?

Yes. The experience takes place rain or shine. You can also use lockers (available upon reservation).

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