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ORLANDO ATTRACTIONS
Region: South Florida

Billie Swamp Safari

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Contact Information:
Big Cypress Seminole Reservation - between Ft. Lauderdale and Naples, off I-75 exit 14
Clewiston, FL 33440

Local Phone: 863-983-6101
Toll Free U.S.: 800-949-6101
Toll Free U.S./Canada: 800-949-6101
E-mail: safari@semtribe.com

Directions:
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.

For Reservations:
Yanet Valdes
(800) 949-6101 or (863) 983-6101
Fax: (863) 983-9396
E-mail:safari@semtribe.com
Special Tour Operator, Educational and group rates are available.

Description and Activities:
For centuries, nature has persevered in fashioning one of the world's most intriguing environments: Big Cypress, the water shed of the Florida Everglades, borne of the Seminole Indians and Billie Swamp Safari.

The Seminoles clearly understand the importance of their land and rich heritage. The idea of presenting a safari experience here on the Reservation was developed as many people traveled through our reservation looking for native village chickees and Indian culture, however, they couldn't find it. We planned Billie Swamp Safari and opened it up to visitors from around the world.

Billie Swamp Safari opens 2,200 lush acres of its Big Cypress Reservation to the public. This is an unparalleled opportunity to experience, first-hand the majesty of nature. Billie Swamp Safari offers daily tours into reservation wetlands, hardwood hammocks and sloughs where wildlife abounds, sightings of deer, water buffalo, bison, wild hogs, hawks, eagles other rare birds and alligators are common - there are even Florida panthers in the area.

Tours are provided aboard swamp buggies, customized motorized vehicles specially designed to provide visitors with an elevated view of the frontier while comfortably riding through the wetlands and cypress heads. Also, visitors may choose to take an exhilarating airboat ride or take a walk through our cypress dome boardwalk nature trail. Or, if history is your preference, there is Sam Jones Camp, recreated for and named after the medicine man and leader who led the Seminole resistors in the second Seminole War.

Complete camping facilities with all amenities are available on the Reservation just a short ride from the safari. There is also a Camp Store and Gift Shop to supply all your necessities in case you pack in a hurry or want to purchase souvenirs for those at home.

This adventurer's paradise is laden with out-of-this-world activities. From bird watching to studying snakes in the Herpetarium, alligator wrestling to listening to stories at the campfire chickee or just pulling up a rocking chair on the Swamp Water Cafe's porch. You'll experience Native Florida like never before.

Enjoy dining in our full service restaurant, the Swamp Water Café, and sample Seminole specialties such as gator nuggets, frog legs, catfish and fry bread with honey, or make a selection from our regular American-style menu.

Overnighters can reserve a package that includes accommodations in a native-style chickee hut, day and evening swamp tours, and fascinating campfire stories about the history and legends of the unconquered Seminoles.

Other Ammenities:
-Storytelling
-Alligator & Snake Educational Show

Chickee Rental:
Small - $35 per night; sleeps 2 comfortably (extra cot rental - $10)
Dorm - $65 per night; sleeps up to 8 or 12
Linens, lanterns, blankets and bath towels included. Extra cot rental: $10

Website:
www.seminoletribe.com/safari