Emmen: Wildlands Adventure Zoo and Rimbula River Boat Ride

The most unusual part of Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen is the Rimbula River boat ride, which carries you through a huge indoor jungle. Elephants may swim beside the boat, tropical birds call from the trees, and lemurs hide among the plants. It feels less like walking past animal enclosures and more like moving through a series of carefully built worlds.

I especially like the close-up safari truck ride, where giraffes, zebras, and rhinos share the open savanna setting. I also like the range of activities beyond animal viewing, from the Jungle Trail and Animazia play area to the Arctic 1 virtual flight and roller coaster. The main drawback is simple: at $32 per person, the ticket is best value if you plan to spend most of the day here.

Key points

• Rimbula River boat ride: Sail through Jungola’s indoor rainforest, with elephants, tropical birds, and lemurs along the route.
• Three very different zones: Move from warm Jungola to the open savanna of Serenga, then into the polar world of Nortica.
• Safari truck access: Get close to giraffes, zebras, and rhinos without relying only on distant viewing areas.
• Strong family facilities: Animazia has rope bridges, treehouses, slides, boats, fish, sea turtles, and naked mole rats.
• Good wet-weather choice: The indoor jungle, polar exhibits, play areas, and restaurants keep the day moving in rain.
• Full-day value: The ticket includes zoo entry and attractions, but food, drinks, and shopping cost extra.

Starting in Jungola’s indoor butterfly temple

Wildlands is designed as a full-day outing rather than a quick walk around a traditional zoo. You move through three main worlds: Jungola, Serenga, and Nortica. Each has a different climate, animal mix, and pace, so the day feels varied instead of repetitive.

Jungola is the warmest and most theatrical section. Your visit begins in an indoor butterfly temple, where hundreds of exotic butterflies flutter around you. This is a gentle opening, but it sets the tone well. You are not simply looking at animals from behind glass. You are surrounded by plants, sound, heat, and movement.

Take your time here. Butterflies often settle on flowers or leaves, and the details are easy to miss if you hurry toward the boat ride. The tropical setting also makes Jungola a useful part of the day when the weather outside is poor.

From the butterfly area, the route continues into the large indoor jungle. Wildlands describes it as the world’s largest indoor jungle, and the scale is one reason this section takes time. You may hear birds before you see them, and the plant-filled paths give the place a sense of discovery without requiring a long outdoor walk.

The Rimbula River boat ride and swimming elephants

The Rimbula River ride is the signature experience in Jungola. You board a boat and travel along an indoor water route while tropical plants rise around you. The ride is included with admission, so you do not need to budget for a separate ticket.

The most memorable possibility is an elephant appearing near the water. Elephants may take a refreshing swim close to the boat, giving you a view that is very different from watching them on dry ground. That moment is not guaranteed, but the design of the ride places you near the animals in a way that feels special when the timing works.

Look and listen as you travel. Tropical birds may be high in the foliage, while ring-tailed lemurs and black lemurs can be found around the jungle setting. The boat ride itself is fairly easy and restful, which gives you a break from walking without taking you away from the animal displays.

I would make this one of your first major stops, especially if you are visiting with children. It gives the day a clear start and helps you understand how Jungola is arranged. If a line forms, you can spend time nearby looking for birds and lemurs rather than treating the boat as the only reason to visit this zone.

The Jungle Trail for climbing and scrambling

The Jungle Trail adds a physical element to Jungola. Instead of simply following the main paths, you can climb and scramble through the treetops in a course designed to echo the movement of the lemurs.

This is a useful contrast to the boat ride. One is slow and scenic, while the other asks you to move, balance, and explore. Children who lose interest during animal viewing have a clear activity here, and adults can join in or watch from nearby.

The trail may not suit every age or ability, so use it as an optional part of the visit rather than a required attraction. Wildlands is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available by reservation. That means you should plan ahead if someone in your group needs one.

Animazia, Wildlands’ indoor play world

Animazia is more than a small playground beside the zoo route. It is an indoor XL play area with rope bridges, treehouses, slides, and boats that children can pull across a sandbox. If your family enjoys active play, you may spend longer here than expected.

The setting keeps the jungle theme going, but the appeal is practical. Children can burn off energy while adults get a break from walking. Animazia is also useful when rain changes your plans, since it gives you a substantial indoor activity rather than a short shelter.

There are animal displays here too, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and naked mole rats. Those smaller creatures add variety after the larger jungle animals. I would schedule Animazia for the middle or later part of the day, when younger children need a change of pace.

Wildlands also has a roller coaster, so the park is not limited to quiet animal observation. The combination of rides, climbing areas, and wildlife makes the ticket more useful for families with different interests.

Crossing the Serenga savanna by truck

Serenga changes the mood. After the warm indoor jungle, you move into a broad savanna setting with animals that are easier to understand when viewed across open ground. The safari truck is the key attraction here.

From the truck, you can get close to giraffes, zebras, and rhinoceroses. A giraffe may come near enough to make the scale of the animal clear, while zebras add movement and pattern across the open area. Rhinos provide the heavier, more powerful presence.

The truck ride is especially helpful for people who do not want to walk every path or who find large outdoor areas tiring. It also gives children a clear story to follow: climb aboard, cross the savanna, and look for the next animal.

The ride is not a private safari and should not be treated like a guarantee of constant close encounters. Animals move on their own schedule. That is part of the appeal, but it also means the experience can vary. Sit where you can see comfortably, keep your attention outside the vehicle, and enjoy the changing views rather than waiting for one perfect photograph.

Daily animal presentations add another useful layer. Caretakers talk about animals such as elephants and baboons, and you can ask questions. Check the schedule when you arrive, since a presentation may help you plan your route and break up the day.

Nortica’s polar bears, penguins, and sea lions

Nortica takes you into the coldest part of the park. The temperature and atmosphere shift after Serenga, and the animal collection focuses on polar and marine life.

Polar bears and penguins are major draws. You can watch penguins underwater, where their speed and control are easier to appreciate than on land. The polar bears have a different kind of presence, with their size and strength on display even when they are simply moving through the water or resting.

Nortica Hâfen adds sea lions and seals. Their swimming skills provide constant motion, making this a good area for children who enjoy watching animals move rather than remain still. If your group has spent much of the day looking across land enclosures, the underwater views create a welcome change.

The Arctic 1 attraction offers a virtual test flight over the ice caps. It is not a replacement for seeing real polar animals, but it adds an interactive element to the zone. You can treat Nortica as a short visit or spend longer at the underwater viewing areas, depending on your group’s interest.

Restaurants and breaks during a full day

You will need to plan food breaks because the ticket does not include meals or drinks. Wildlands has several restaurants, with choices that include hamburgers, salads, fresh pizza, noodles, and poke bowls.

That range matters when a group cannot agree on one type of meal. You can choose something quick and familiar, or go for a lighter option. One particularly positive detail is the restaurant’s cleanliness, which can make a difference during a long family day.

I would not try to rush through Wildlands without a proper break. The park covers several distinct zones, and young children may need time to sit down before continuing. Build food into the schedule rather than treating it as an interruption.

Retail purchases are also not included. Set a budget before entering any shop, especially if children are drawn to animal-themed souvenirs.

What the $32 ticket is worth

At $32 per person, Wildlands is not a bargain if you only have an hour or two. It becomes stronger value when you use the full day and include the boat ride, safari truck, play areas, roller coaster, animal presentations, and all three themed worlds.

The price includes zoo admission and attractions, so you are not paying separate fees for each major area. That makes it easier to plan your spending. You still need to cover food, drinks, and retail purchases, but the core activities are part of the entry price.

For a family of seven, the total cost adds up quickly. The best way to judge the value is to ask how many people in your group will use the rides and play spaces, not just look at animals. A family with children who enjoy Animazia, the Jungle Trail, and the roller coaster is likely to get more from the ticket than a group seeking only quiet wildlife viewing.

The high rating attached to this experience fits its broad appeal, but you should keep expectations realistic. Wildlands is a designed zoo experience with themed areas and attractions. It is not a wilderness safari, and the animals may not always appear at close range. What you get is a well-planned day with many ways to stay interested.

Practical planning for your visit

The ticket is valid for one day, and you should expect the park to take most of that day if you want to see the main areas without rushing. Check available starting times when booking.

The activity operates rain or shine. That is a real advantage in the Netherlands, where weather can change quickly. Jungola, Animazia, Nortica, restaurants, and other indoor spaces give you places to go when rain arrives, while Serenga provides the outdoor portion of the day.

Wheelchair access is available. Wheelchairs and lockers can be reserved, so arrange those before arrival if you need them. Smoking is not allowed, and pets are not permitted. Assistance dogs are allowed.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you keep your plans flexible. Those terms are useful if your wider schedule depends on changing weather or family plans.

Who will enjoy Wildlands most

I would recommend Wildlands most strongly to families who want more than animal enclosures. The combination of Animazia, climbing trails, a roller coaster, and the boat and truck rides gives children several ways to take part.

It also suits adults who enjoy themed zoo design and want a full-day activity in Drenthe. Jungola is the strongest section for atmosphere, while Serenga offers the best large-animal viewing and Nortica provides a cooler, more unusual change of scene.

You may want to choose another activity if you prefer a small, quiet zoo that can be seen in a couple of hours. Wildlands is spread across several themed areas, and its attractions are part of the point. The day works best when you accept that mix from the start.

Should you book Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen?

Book it if you want a full day that combines wildlife, rides, indoor play, and carefully built environments. The Rimbula River boat ride, elephant viewing, and safari truck are the strongest reasons to go, while Animazia and the roller coaster help keep children involved.

At $32, I would only book if you can give the park enough time. Plan for food, reserve a wheelchair or locker if needed, and expect some animal encounters to depend on timing. For families and mixed-age groups, Wildlands offers enough variety to justify the day. For a short animal-focused visit, the price may feel harder to defend.

FAQ

Where is Wildlands Adventure Zoo located?

Wildlands Adventure Zoo is in Emmen, in the Dutch province of Drenthe.

How long is the Wildlands ticket valid?

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

Is the Rimbula River boat ride included?

Yes. The ticket includes entrance to the zoo and its attractions, including the Rimbula River boat ride.

What animals can I see during the safari truck ride?

The safari truck travels through the Serenga savanna, where you can see giraffes, zebras, and rhinoceroses.

Can I see elephants during the boat ride?

Elephants may swim close to the boat during the Rimbula River ride. Animal movements and sightings can vary.

Is Wildlands wheelchair accessible?

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

Are food and drinks included in the ticket?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Wildlands has restaurants serving hamburgers, salads, pizza, noodles, and poke bowls.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.