Emmen: Wildlands Adventure Zoo and Rimbula River Boat Ride

The most unusual part of Wildlands is the Rimbula River boat ride, which carries you through a huge indoor jungle where elephants may be swimming beside the boat. I also like the safari truck, which brings you close to giraffes, zebras, and rhinos without turning the day into a simple walk from enclosure to enclosure.

I like the range here: tropical forest, open savanna, and polar animals all fit into one visit. The main thing to consider is time. Wildlands is built for a full day, and trying to rush through Jungola, Serenga, Nortica, the playground, and the rides will leave you tired rather than satisfied.

Key points to know before you go

• Rimbula River: Sail through the indoor jungle and watch for elephants taking a swim beside the boat.
• Jungola’s Butterfly Temple: Begin among hundreds of exotic butterflies, tropical birds, and plants.
• Serenga safari truck: Get close to giraffes, zebras, and rhinos on the open savanna.
• Nortica polar region: See polar bears, penguins, seals, and sea lions, then take the Arctic 1 virtual flight.
• Animazia playground: Children can burn off energy on rope bridges, treehouses, slides, and boats.
• Full-day value: At $32 per person, the ticket includes zoo admission, attractions, and the playground, but not food or shopping.

Why Wildlands works as a full-day outing

Wildlands Adventure Zoo in Emmen is not a compact city zoo that you can neatly finish in two hours. It is arranged as a series of themed worlds, each with its own animals, rides, and activities.

That layout gives the day a clear rhythm. You move from tropical heat and bright butterflies to the broad savanna, then into the cool polar zone. The change is useful for children, who get a new setting before boredom sets in, and for adults, who are not left walking past similar exhibits all afternoon.

I would allow the full day covered by the ticket. The $32 price is reasonable if you use the attractions and give yourself time in the animal areas. It is less appealing if you only want a quick look at the zoo, since the best value comes from combining the boat, safari truck, Arctic 1, animal presentations, and playground.

Food and drinks cost extra, as does anything you buy in the retail areas. Several restaurants offer hamburgers, salads, pizza, noodles, and poke bowls, so you have more choice than a single snack counter. One family particularly enjoyed the restaurant food and noted that the facilities were clean, which matters when you are spending many hours on site.

Jungola begins with butterflies and tropical forest

Start in Jungola, the indoor jungle area. The Butterfly Temple is a good opening stop because hundreds of exotic butterflies move around you among tropical plants. Walk slowly here. The butterflies are easy to miss if you treat the room as a corridor.

From there, Jungola continues into the large indoor jungle. The sound changes first. You hear rainforest birds and moving water, while thick planting gives the route a more enclosed feel than the open savanna area later in the day.

The main attraction is the Rimbula River boat ride. You sail through the jungle and may see elephants in the water close to the boat. That possibility gives the ride its charm. It is not just transport from one exhibit to another. You are looking for animals from a low position, with the river and jungle forming the setting around you.

Keep your eyes open for tropical birds, ring-tailed lemurs, and black lemurs. You might also spot elephants taking a refreshing swim. The exact animal activity can vary, so do not treat the ride as a guaranteed close encounter. Still, the chance of seeing elephants beside the boat makes this one of the day’s most distinctive experiences.

Jungola also has a Jungle Trail, where you can climb and scramble through the treetops in a way that echoes the movement of the lemurs. This adds an active element to the animal viewing. Children who find a standard enclosure route dull can switch between watching animals and using their own bodies.

The downside is that the indoor jungle can feel busy and warm, especially when families gather around the boat ride and play areas. Give yourself time rather than trying to force every part of Jungola into a quick circuit.

Animazia gives children a proper break

Animazia is more than a small playground beside the exit. It is an indoor XL play area with rope bridges, treehouses, slides, and a sandbox. Children can also pull boats across the play space, which fits the adventure theme rather than feeling like a random add-on.

This is a practical part of the visit. After time on the boat and along the animal paths, younger children may need an active break. Animazia lets them run, climb, and play while adults get a short pause.

The area also includes tropical fish, sea turtles, and naked mole rats. That mix keeps the animal theme going, though the playground is clearly the main reason to stop.

If you are visiting without children, you may spend little time here. For families, however, Animazia can make the difference between a pleasant full day and a day that ends with tired children demanding to leave.

Serenga brings you close to the savanna animals

Serenga changes the pace. Jungola is enclosed, humid, and full of vegetation. Serenga opens out into a broad green savanna where giraffes, zebras, and rhinos move through a more spacious setting.

The safari truck is the central attraction. Climb aboard and ride across the savanna while learning about the animals that live on the plains. You are not simply looking at animals from a distant path. The truck gives you a raised, moving view and can bring you close to the giraffes.

One especially memorable possibility is a giraffe approaching the vehicle. A family visit included giraffes coming close, which is exactly the kind of encounter that makes the truck worthwhile. Keep expectations sensible, though. Animals choose their own distance and direction, so the best moments cannot be scheduled.

The rhinos and zebras add variety. Rhinos give the area its weight and power, while zebras make the scene feel active as they move across the open grass. The truck ride also helps children understand the size of the savanna rather than seeing each species as an isolated display.

For the best experience, take your time around Serenga instead of treating the truck as the only reason to visit. The open setting is part of the appeal. You get a useful contrast with the tighter paths and indoor spaces of Jungola.

Nortica cools the day with polar animals

Nortica takes you into the polar region. This is where to see polar bears and penguins, including penguins moving underwater. Their swimming is often more graceful than their walk, so allow time at the underwater viewing areas.

The region also includes seals and sea lions at Nortica Hafen. Their water skills add motion to a section that could otherwise feel quiet and cold. You can watch them swim and then compare their movement with the penguins nearby.

The Arctic 1 attraction offers a virtual test flight over the ice caps. It gives you a sense of traveling across the polar world without requiring another outdoor ride. As with the other attractions, it is most useful as part of the larger route rather than the sole reason to visit.

Nortica is a good late-day choice if you want a change from the warmth of Jungola. It also gives the visit a strong finish, moving from rainforest animals to powerful species adapted to frigid conditions.

Animal presentations add meaning to the visit

Wildlands includes daily caretaker presentations about different animal species. Topics include elephants and baboons, and you can ask questions directly during the sessions.

Check the daily schedule when you arrive. The presentations give structure to the day and help you learn more than you would from walking past signs. They are particularly useful for children, because a clear explanation can turn a quick animal sighting into a better understanding of how the species lives.

The schedule may also help you plan around the boat and truck rides. You do not need to build every minute in advance, but choosing one or two presentations gives your visit a stronger shape.

Food, facilities, and practical comfort

Wildlands is designed for long visits, and the facilities support that. Restaurants serve hamburgers, salads, fresh pizza, noodles, and poke bowls. That range covers quick comfort food and lighter choices, though meals are not part of the $32 ticket.

Wheelchairs are available, and lockers can be reserved. The attraction is wheelchair accessible, but the information advises reserving wheelchairs and lockers in advance. That is worth doing if you need either one.

The zoo operates in rain or shine. Much of Jungola and the polar area provides indoor shelter, but you should still dress for changing conditions because Serenga includes outdoor sections. Comfortable shoes are sensible, especially if you plan to use the full day.

Smoking is not allowed. Pets are also not allowed, with assistance dogs permitted.

Who will get the most from the $32 ticket

Families with children are the clearest match. Animazia, the Jungle Trail, the boat ride, the safari truck, and Arctic 1 give children several ways to stay involved. The day is not limited to quiet animal viewing.

Adults who enjoy zoo design and animal variety should also find enough here for a full visit. The three themed regions offer a sense of travel from tropical forest to savanna to the polar world, all within one attraction.

The ticket is less suited to anyone seeking a small, quiet collection of animals or a short stop between other Emmen activities. Wildlands asks for time. You get the best value when you use several attractions and allow room for animal watching, food, and play.

The zoo is also a good choice in mixed-age groups. Younger children can use Animazia and the Jungle Trail, while older children and adults have the boat, truck, animal presentations, and polar displays.

Booking and timing advice

The ticket is valid for one day, and you should check availability for the available starting times. The experience can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your schedule is still shifting.

Because the day works best at an unhurried pace, avoid planning another fixed attraction immediately afterward. You may want extra time in Jungola, especially if the elephants are active near the river or if children want to repeat the play areas.

The attraction remains open in wet weather, but rain can affect the comfort of the outdoor Serenga section. A rain jacket and practical shoes will make the day easier.

Should you book Wildlands Adventure Zoo?

Book it if you want a full day with animals, rides, and family activities rather than a traditional walk-through zoo. The strongest parts are the Rimbula River boat ride beside the elephants, the safari truck near giraffes and rhinos, and the clear contrast between Jungola, Serenga, and Nortica.

At $32 per person, the value is good when you use the included attractions and playground. I would skip it only if you have limited time, dislike large family attractions, or want a short and quiet animal visit. For everyone else, plan a full day, reserve any needed wheelchair or locker, and let the animal encounters set the pace.

FAQ

Where is Wildlands Adventure Zoo located?

Wildlands Adventure Zoo is in Emmen, in the Drenthe region of the Netherlands.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day.

What does the $32 ticket include?

The ticket includes zoo entrance, the attractions, and the playground. Food, drinks, and retail purchases cost extra.

Is the Rimbula River boat ride included?

Yes. The Rimbula River boat ride is one of the attractions included with zoo admission.

Which animals can I see on the safari truck?

The safari truck route includes giraffes, zebras, and rhinoceroses in the Serenga savanna area.

Can I see elephants during the boat ride?

You may see elephants swimming beside the boat in the Rimbula River area.

Is Wildlands wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Wildlands is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available by reservation.

Are lockers available?

Yes, lockers are available by reservation.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.