Emmen: Wildlands Adventure Zoo and Rimbula River Boat Ride

The most unusual part of Wildlands is the chance to travel through a huge indoor jungle by boat. On the Rimbula River, elephants may swim beside you, while tropical birds call from the trees and lemurs hide among the greenery. I like that the zoo gives you several ways to see animals, from the water and a safari truck to underwater viewing areas. I also like the strong mix of animal exhibits and family play spaces.

The main drawback is simple: one day can feel busy if you try to see every animal, ride, presentation, and playground. Food and drinks cost extra, and the park operates rain or shine, so sensible clothing matters. Still, at about $32 per person, the range of experiences makes this a solid full-day choice for families and animal lovers.

Wildlands highlights at a glance

• Rimbula River boat ride: Sail through Jungola’s indoor jungle and watch for elephants, tropical birds, and lemurs.
• Safari truck across Serenga: Get close to giraffes, zebras, and rhinoceroses in the savanna area.
• Nortica’s polar animals: See polar bears, penguins, sea lions, and seals, including underwater views.
• Animazia indoor play world: Use rope bridges, treehouses, slides, boats, and a sandbox when children need a break from animal exhibits.
• Butterfly Temple and Jungle Trail: Begin in a warm tropical setting, then climb and scramble through treetop-style paths.
• All-weather day out: Indoor jungle areas, polar exhibits, restaurants, and play spaces help keep the visit going in poor weather.

Start with butterflies in Jungola

Wildlands divides its animal world into three main areas: Jungola, Serenga, and Nortica. Jungola is the tropical section, and it makes a strong first impression with its indoor Butterfly Temple.

Hundreds of exotic butterflies flutter around you here. The setting is warm, leafy, and full of flowers, so take your time rather than rushing toward the boat ride. I find this kind of opening useful because it eases you into the park at a gentle pace. You can watch the butterflies, enjoy the flowers, and get children interested in looking closely before moving on.

Jungola then opens into the indoor jungle. The flowers and tropical planting add color without making the area feel like a simple greenhouse. Look up and listen as well as you look ahead. Tropical birds may be easier to hear than see, and lemurs can appear among the vegetation if you pay attention.

This section is especially useful on a wet or cold day in Drenthe. You still get a proper tropical setting without relying on good weather. The warmth can feel welcome in winter, though some people may find the indoor climate humid after a while.

Ride the Rimbula River beside elephants

The Rimbula River boat ride is the signature experience in Jungola. You travel through the indoor jungle by boat, with animal enclosures and tropical plants forming the route around you.

The biggest moment comes when elephants enter the water. They may swim or take a refreshing dip near the boat, giving you a view that feels different from a standard land-based enclosure. You cannot count on an elephant appearing at exactly the right moment, but the possibility adds a little suspense to the ride.

This is not a long expedition, but it adds movement and variety to the day. You are not simply walking from one exhibit to another. You are sitting low on the water, surrounded by rainforest sounds, and looking for birds and other animals from a new angle.

Keep your eyes open for black lemurs and ring-tailed lemurs. The animals may not always be in the most obvious spot, so children often enjoy turning the ride into a search game. The boat ride is also a welcome rest if small legs are tiring.

The attraction has broad appeal, but it may not be the best part of the day for someone seeking a long, intense ride. Think of it as a calm wildlife trip with one excellent possibility: elephants swimming next to your boat.

Climb through the Jungle Trail and Animazia

After the boat ride, the Jungle Trail gives you a more active way to experience Jungola. Children can climb and scramble through treetop-style paths rather than simply watching animals from behind a barrier.

The trail includes bridges and elevated play sections. It is a good counterpoint to the quieter Butterfly Temple and boat ride. I like this kind of layout because it gives children something physical to do while adults continue to enjoy the setting.

Animazia takes the play element further. This indoor XL play area includes rope bridges, treehouses, slides, a sandbox, and boats that children can pull across. It is not an afterthought. For families with young children, it can make the difference between a pleasant full day and an early departure caused by tired or restless children.

Animazia also includes tropical fish, sea turtles, and naked mole rats. Those smaller exhibits give the play area an animal focus instead of turning it into a generic indoor playground.

There is one practical point to keep in mind: children may want to spend far longer in Animazia than you expect. If your main goal is to see the large animals, agree on a rough plan before entering. If you are visiting with young children, though, this stop is a major part of the park’s value.

Cross Serenga by safari truck

Serenga is Wildlands’ savanna area, where the safari truck provides a closer look at the larger African animals. The ride takes you across the green savanna and gives you a moving viewpoint over the animal areas.

Giraffes, zebras, and rhinoceroses are the main draw. Giraffes may come particularly close to the truck, which creates memorable views without requiring a long walk between separate enclosures. Rhinos give the ride weight and scale, while zebras add movement across the open spaces.

The truck ride works well for anyone who enjoys the feeling of a safari but does not want a long, complicated excursion. It is also helpful for families because you can sit back for part of the experience. You are still moving through the zoo, but the ride gives your feet a break.

Animal behavior is never scheduled for your convenience. Giraffes may approach, or they may remain farther away. That uncertainty is part of the point, but it is worth setting expectations for children. The truck is a chance to see animals in a broad setting, not a guarantee of a close encounter with every species.

Serenga also helps break up the indoor sections. After the warm jungle and busy play areas, open sky and wide animal spaces provide a change of pace. Since the activity runs in all weather, bring clothing that can handle rain or cooler conditions.

Meet polar bears and penguins in Nortica

Nortica shifts the mood from warm jungle to the cold regions of the world. Here you can see polar bears and penguins, with underwater views that show how these animals move below the surface.

Penguins can be entertaining to watch above and below water. Their underwater speed and direction changes are often more impressive than their walk on land. Polar bears provide the scale and drama of the section, while sea lions and seals show off their swimming ability at Nortica Hâfen.

The underwater viewing areas are valuable because they reveal behavior you would miss from a dry land viewpoint. You can watch animals swim, turn, and move through the water rather than seeing them only while they are resting.

Nortica also includes the Arctic 1 virtual test flight over the ice caps. This adds a visual, ride-like element to the polar section. It does not replace seeing live animals, but it gives the area another layer and can hold the attention of children who are ready for something more active.

The polar area is a good place to slow down. Watch the animals for a few minutes instead of moving immediately to the next attraction. The best moments here come from seeing how differently each species uses the water and space.

Animal presentations add useful context

Animal caretakers give daily presentations about species including elephants and baboons. These talks let you hear more about the animals and ask questions directly.

Presentation times are part of the park’s daily rhythm, so check the schedule when you arrive. If you want to attend a particular talk, build your route around it rather than hoping to catch it by chance.

I value these talks because they give purpose to the exhibits. A large animal is impressive on its own, but learning about its habits can help you notice more during the rest of your visit. The talks also give children a reason to pause and listen after the excitement of rides and play areas.

No guide names are provided for this experience, and the animal staff lead the talks rather than a dedicated tour guide. That makes the day flexible. You explore at your own speed, with presentations available when they fit your plan.

Food, rest stops, and the cost of a full day

The admission price is about $32 per person and includes the zoo, attractions, and playground. Food, drinks, and shopping are separate costs.

The value depends on how long you stay. If you use only one exhibit and leave after a short visit, the price may feel high. If you spend most of the day moving through Jungola, Serenga, and Nortica, then add the boat ride, safari truck, presentations, and play areas, the admission covers a substantial amount of time.

Wildlands has several restaurants with choices such as hamburgers, salads, pizza, noodles, and poke bowls. That range matters when a family cannot agree on one type of meal. A family of seven can also benefit from having multiple food styles in one place rather than needing to leave the zoo to find lunch.

The food is not included, so add it to your budget before booking. A restaurant stop can also serve as a useful reset between the animal sections. The park is clean and offers indoor places to eat, which is especially helpful when the weather turns wet.

Shopping is also extra. You can skip the retail areas without losing any of the main animal or ride experiences.

Who will enjoy Wildlands most

I would recommend Wildlands most strongly to families with children, especially those who need both animals and active play during a full day out. Animazia and the Jungle Trail give children room to move, while the boat ride, safari truck, and animal areas give adults plenty to see.

It also suits adults who like zoos with different settings rather than rows of enclosures. Jungola, Serenga, and Nortica each have a distinct feel, and changing from jungle to savanna to polar region keeps the visit from becoming repetitive.

The experience is also a good choice for mixed-age groups. A young child may prefer the slides and boats in Animazia, while an older child may focus on the safari truck or Arctic 1. Adults can choose the calmer pace of the Butterfly Temple, river ride, or animal presentations.

You should plan more carefully if you dislike indoor attractions or prefer a quiet wildlife reserve. Some areas are designed around rides and play, not just animal observation. The park also has enough to do that a quick visit will leave out major sections.

Practical planning for your day

Your ticket is valid for one day, with availability and starting times shown when you book. Since the visit is not built around a fixed guided group, you can shape the day around your interests.

I would start by checking the animal presentation schedule and any timing details for the rides. Then choose your first area based on your group. Families with small children may want to reach Animazia earlier, while animal-focused visitors may prefer to begin with Jungola or head toward the safari truck.

Allow time for all three main zones. Jungola alone includes the Butterfly Temple, indoor jungle, Rimbula River, Jungle Trail, and smaller animal areas. Serenga and Nortica each deserve more than a quick pass if you want to watch the animals properly.

Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for mixed conditions. The experience takes place rain or shine, and some sections are indoors while others are outside. Smoking is not allowed, and pets are not permitted, although assistance dogs are allowed.

Wheelchairs are available by reservation, and lockers can also be reserved. The activity is wheelchair accessible, but arranging these items ahead of time is sensible if you need them.

The cancellation policy is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans around Drenthe are still changing.

Is Wildlands Adventure Zoo worth booking?

Book Wildlands if you want a full-day attraction with live animals, rides, indoor areas, and substantial play space. The swimming elephants beside the Rimbula River boat are the most distinctive feature, while the close giraffes from the safari truck and the polar animals give the day a strong second and third act.

I would be less enthusiastic if you want a tightly scheduled tour led by a guide or a quiet nature walk. This is a large, active zoo experience, and you need to choose your priorities.

At $32 per person, the ticket makes the most sense when you stay for much of the day and use the included attractions. Families should budget separately for meals and shopping, but the combination of Jungola, Serenga, Nortica, Animazia, and the rides gives you plenty to fill the visit.

FAQ

How long is the Wildlands Zoo ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day. Check availability for the starting times offered when you book.

What is included in the price?

Admission to Wildlands, the attractions, and the playground are included. Food, drinks, and retail purchases are not included.

Is the Rimbula River boat ride included?

Yes. The attractions are included with entrance to the zoo, and the Rimbula River is one of the main experiences in Jungola.

Can I see elephants from the boat?

You may see elephants swimming or taking a dip beside the Rimbula River boat. Animal behavior cannot be guaranteed at a particular time.

Which animals can I see from the safari truck?

The safari truck route provides views of giraffes, zebras, and rhinoceroses in the Serenga savanna area.

Does Wildlands have polar animals?

Yes. Nortica includes polar bears and penguins, as well as sea lions and seals at Nortica Hâfen.

Is the zoo suitable for children?

Yes. Children can use the Jungle Trail and the indoor Animazia play area, which has rope bridges, treehouses, slides, boats, and a sandbox.

Is Wildlands wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available by reservation.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.