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
|