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Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, kilimanjaro safaris africa animal kingdom, {"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"breadcrumblist","itemlistelement":[{"@type":"listitem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/attraction\/","name":"attractions"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/attraction\/search\/walt-disney-world\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"walt disney world"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/attraction\/search\/animal-kingdom\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"disney\\'s animal kingdom"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":4,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/attraction\/search\/africa\/all\/all\/all\/","name":"africa"}},{"@type":"listitem","position":5,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/allears.net\/animal-kingdom\/kilimanjaro-safaris-africa-animal-kingdom\/","name":"kilimanjaro safaris"}}]} attractions > walt disney world > disney's animal kingdom > africa > kilimanjaro safaris, recommended by, ride length, motion level, individual attraction selection, ride seating photos & advice, kilimanjaro safaris highlights:.

• Disney Genie+ Attraction
• Animal Kingdom’s flagship attraction — no height requirement!
• 20+ minute safari adventure with real elephants, lions, giraffes, and more!

Introduction | Attraction | Ride Logistics  | Shopping | Interesting Facts

Introduction.

Feel transported halfway around the world to a 100-acre African savanna as you board Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris trucks. This 20+ minute attraction takes you on a tour of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve as you spot real African animals such as elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, gazelle, crocodiles, and more!

Kilimanjaro Safaris is located in the back of Africa, past the Dawa bar and Mombasa Marketplace.

Walking through the queue area you find yourself in the Harambe Reserve .

Soon you arrive at the boarding platform, enter your truck , and head into the animal reserve. Off you go down the bumpy dirt trail and into the reserve!

Your driver will point out the various wildlife for you. Not all the animals are visible all the time. There is a game spotting guide above your heads in the truck that can help you identify the animals you see.

The first section of the reserve is called the Little Ituri Forest.  Bongos are often hiding around the first bend – look quickly or you might miss these shy creatures. Passing the local watering hole you might see the Black Rhino . On the right, the rare Okapi   which is an animal who appears to be wearing zebra pants, but he’s actually related to the giraffe. 

As you continue, you’ll pass through a watering hole where Hippos may be at the base of cascading waterfalls, and you’ll cross a creaky bridge over a group of Nile Crocodiles . 

The Vehicle emerges from thick vegetation into the vast savannah grasslands. In this area you might see Giraffes , Sable Antelope, Thompson’s Gazelles, Ankole-Watusi Cattle, Wildebeest, and more!  To the left, you’ll pass a rocky area where Hyenas or African Wild Dogs may be spotted. The land is very different here and is accented by termite mounds up to 20 feet high.

On the left is a huge rock formation where a Mandrill Baboon family lives (they can be harder to see!).  The ancient baobab trees can be found in this area.

Around the next bend are the Elephants . Greater Flamingoes inhabit a tiny island that’s in the form of a “Hidden Mickey”.

More watering holes, you might see the white rhinos wallowing in the mud. There are other hoofed animals: the kudu , scimitar-horned oryx and the long-horned eland along with sharp-eyed cheetahs up there among the rocks. 

Coming around the next bend, your attention will quickly be drawn to the high rock formation on your left, where the King and Queen of the Savanaah reside…the  Lions!  Lions do spend the majority of their day sleeping; so don’t expect to see much movement.

Past the lion, you’ll see  warthog burrows (and possibly their residents!) to your left. Keep an eye out for the Ostriches as well! 

This is when your safari comes to an end, as the vehicle rejoins the main roads and the Park Ranger Station comes into view.

To take a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris, check out this AllEars TV Video:

RIDE LOGISTICS

Lightning Lane  access for  Kilimanjaro Safaris  is available  with the purchase of Genie+ . If you choose not to purchase Genie+, going first thing in the morning will likely provide you with a lower wait time. 

Time:   The safari lasts 20-30 minutes. The drivers are not allowed to go off the track, so you could experience short delays as animals cross the safari trucks’ path.

Warnings:  For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride.

The ride vehicle is 8 feet off the ground enabling you to wind your way through the grasslands and waterways of the savanna. 32 passengers fit in this all-terrain truck with a driver for your guide. There is some padding on the seat bottoms and tops .

Taller or larger guests may find the seating cramped with confined leg room.

If you want a less bumpy ride, ask to sit in the front of the truck. The ride feels bumpiest in the back. 

Accessibility:  Must transfer to wheelchair. Guests in wheelchairs should follow the signs to head to the special boarding area. You will need to either transfer from your wheelchair to a seat, or transfer to a standard wheelchair.

Video Captioning, Assistive Listening , and Language Translation Devices are available.

Due to the nature of the experience, those with service animals should check with a cast member at the attraction for boarding information.

The drivers are trained to spot the animals along the Safari and point them out to you. Photography, however, is a challenge — if possible the driver will briefly stop for your photo op.

If you have questions about the animals, ASK. Though there is an assigned script, every safari really is different depending on where the animals are and who your driver is.

In general, the best times to ride are morning or at sunset, when it’s cooler. The animals are often out in the rain as well.

When Animal Kingdom is open after dark you can journey through the African savanna amid the “magically extended orange glow” of the setting sun. This is best seen at dusk. Once the sun sets, the savanna is dark, making it difficult to see animals.

REMAIN SEATED AT ALL TIMES!   Because the drivers are not allowed to stop on the ride path, the truck is always moving (the trucks are governed so the maximum speed is only 10 mph, though it feels faster). Animals can move in front of the vehicle at any time causing the driver to slam on the brakes and causing you to go flying. There are many mirrors on the trucks for the drivers, so just because you can’t see an animal doesn’t mean the driver can’t.

If you want to take good pictures sit on the end of the rows, you get better shots. You can also get better shots if you sit in the back row, where you can carefully turn around for photos.

The Mombasa Marketplace is located just before the main entrance of Kilimanjaro Safaris. Here you’ll find unique African goods, as well as Animal Kingdom and The Lion King specific merchandise.

INTERESTING FACTS

You won’t see any visible walls or fences here. Disney has done a remarkable job of hiding all the barriers that keep you and the animals safe.

When building the savanna, landscapers asked that the plants and trees be in place for two years before moving in the animals.

The details of the savanna were carefully crafted to give the illusion that it had “always been there”, right down to the ruts in the road that make the truck jolt and bump!

The hippos are actually the same ones you will sometimes see on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. The hippo barn resides in between Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and the savanna river.

The original version of Kilimanjaro Safaris included a heavy-handed anti-poaching storyline, but it was slowly faded out and by 2012 was gone completely. 

Here are some animals you may see on Kilimanjaro Safaris:

AFRICAN FOREST Black Rhinoceros Bongo Egyptian Goose Helmeted Guineafowl Northern Pintail Nyala Okapi Pink-backed Pelican Saddle-billed Stork Yellow-backed Duiker Yellow-billed Stork

SAVANNAH WEST Hyenas Wild Painted Dogs Grant’s Zebra Greater Kudu Greater Flamingo Impala Mandrill Mhorr’s Gazelle Nile Crocodile Nile Hippopotamus Reticulated Giraffe Sable Antelope White-bearded Wildebeest

SAVANNAH EAST African Elephant African Lion Cheetah Eland Ostrich Scimitar-horned Oryx Warthog White Rhinoceros

How long is Kilimanjaro Safaris?

The ride takes 20 Minutes Find all the attractions by their length

Will Kilimanjaro Safaris make me motion sick?

The motion level is Low. Jeep ride through the animal savannas. You will be jostled on the ride. Near the end, there are some sharp quick turns. Details on handling motion sensitivity on your visit

Is Individual Attraction Selection available for Kilimanjaro Safaris?

No Kilimanjaro Safaris is not eligible for Individual Attraction Selection Find Individual Attraction Selection attractions

Is Kilimanjaro Safaris included in Genie+?

Yes Kilimanjaro Safaris is included in Genie+ Find more Genie+ attractions using our search

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Kilimanjaro Safaris

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Guests Can Be

Age Interest

Thrill Level

Ride in an open-air vehicle for a day or evening tour of a lush African savanna, home to real-live exotic animals.

A Wildlife Adventure Glimpse real African animals in their natural habitats during an 18-minute expedition into the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

Traipse along a picturesque twisting path beyond a lush garden gateway, on your way to rendezvous with Kilimanjaro Safaris, the touring company for your adventure into the wilds. Featuring vivid open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands, the 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Reserve is a spectacular sanctuary dedicated to the protection of African animals.

The Call of the Wild  Board an open-air safari vehicle and brace yourself as you begin a guided tour into the African outback—where over 34 different species of exotic African wildlife roam, cage-free. As your bumpy transportation rides over rugged terrain, look for an array of exotic animals in a variety of unique habitats, your helpful guide providing you with valuable information about the land and its inhabitants.

Unique Animal Encounters  Discover a shy hippopotamus nestled within a still pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a gentle giraffe grazing on a tall tree or wave hello to a swinging baboon. Since each animal behaves differently, every Kilimanjaro Safari expedition is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Here are some animals you may encounter during the tour:

• Black rhino
• Hippopotamus
• White rhino

Be sure to stay alert and have a camera ready! You never know what amazing animals you’ll see on a Kilimanjaro Safaris outing.

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Wild Africa Trek in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

The Wild Africa Trek is a three-hour tour of the Safi River Valley — an area of Animal Kingdom park that is typically unseen by guests.

Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This privately guided tour offers amazing (and close!) views of many of the animals that call Animal Kingdom home . Giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles may all make appearances on the tour, which combines walking and riding in a safari vehicle, including the crossing of an open bridge.

Enjoy tastes of Africa in an array of small plates from a beautiful vantage point on the savanna after your trek. Though menu items may vary, they may include:

• Garlic and leek hummus and pita
• Prosciutto and mozzarella
• Fresh fruit
• Chicken wrap
• Marinated tandoori shrimp

A photographer comes along for the tour to capture the moments, and all tour guests receive complimentary access to the photos.

Read a review of the Wild Africa Trek here!

Check-in takes place at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk just outside of the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris. 

A three-hour guided tour, with full access to tour photos and a small meal at the end of the tour.

Tours are offered multiple times daily, with starting times typically beginning at as early as 8AM and running through 12:30PM. To see all times offered for your preferred date, visit the Disney World Wild Africa Trek page .

$219.00 – $229.00, tax not included. Prices vary by date — visit the Disney World Wild Africa Trek page and Check Availability to find the exact price of your tour of interest.

Additional Information

• Valid Admission into Animal Kingdom Park is required, but not included;
• Due to the physical nature of the trek, Disney provides the following guideline: “For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.” Additionally,  “P articipants must be between 45 and 300 lbs. with the harness gear on. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.”
• Guests must be at least 8 years of age and at least 48 inches tall, and all guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• The walking portion of the tour includes a walk over small hills, foliage, and an unsteady rope bridge. Therefore, closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required.
• Complimentary lockers are provided for personal belongings. Cameras are allowed IF they can be securely fastened to the provided safety vest.
• The trek takes place in rain or shine (with the exception of severe weather or lightning).
• Cancellation must be made at least 24 hours before your tour to avoid forfeiting the entire price of the trek.
• Disney World Annual Passholders , Disney Chase Visa cardholders , and  Disney Vacation Club members may be eligible for a discount.

Click Here to Book Online ; Interested guests may also check for availability in the  My Disney Experience  app.

NOTE: Prices and inclusions are subject to change. Please visit the Disney World Wild Africa Trek Page to confirm information prior to booking.

Click here to see more Disney World Tours

Click here to see more animal kingdom experiences and tours, be sure to join our dfb newsletter to stay on top of all the news about dining in disney world, check out our other ebooks.

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Ultimate Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom)

If you love animals, you are going to love the Disney Animal Kingdom Safari ride.   Kilimanjaro Safaris magically takes you on what feels like a real African Safari in this amazing experience. 

Kilimanjaro Safaris allows guests to explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve in an open air vehicle.  Disney’s wildlife reserve is 110 acres with over 30 species of real animals.  You’ll drive through wide-open plains, forests, and wetlands. 

Each ride vehicle has an expert guide, who shares tons of interesting facts about the creatures you are seeing.   The bumpy ride is about 20 minutes long, making it the longest ride in the Disney parks.  

Kilimanjaro Safaris is a very engaging ride as you never know what animals you’ll get to see up close and what they will be doing as you pass by.  

Disney provides salt licks along the path to attract animals to points where you can see them.  You’ll also pass by watering hole areas as well as great views of a lot of animals on the African savanna.  

Kilimanjaro Safaris is the closest thing to a real African safari.  We’ve ridden this ride many MANY times and it’s always different.  

Different cast member tour guides share different bits of information, the animals are always on the move, so sometimes you get a great view of an animal up close, sometimes there’s new baby animals to see, and sometimes you get to see your favorite animal eat lunch, etc.  

Regardless, you can count on getting a unique experience every time you ride!

When Should you Ride Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris?

Kilimanjaro Safaris is the main attraction of the Africa section at Animal Kingdom, so the lines can get long at times.  

The best time to ride, in my opinion is late morning or late afternoon.  

It’s a bit tricky because the safari doesn’t always open right away, so you can’t count on rope dropping this one first thing in the morning.  

You also want to avoid riding it in the heat of the day because many times the animals are hidden because they are wanting to cool off.

The best thing to do is to get in line right before it opens (Which varies day to day) OR ride it around late afternoon when the lines have gotten shorter.  

Many people leave this Disney park early to park hop to another one, which eases up some of those long lines!

Ideally, if you have Lightning Lanes, I would schedule a ride around 10:30 am as the lines are likely long, but the animals are active – you can skip that long line with your lightning lane passes.

If you don’t have that Lightning Lane access – save this ride for late afternoon.

What animals are on the safari ride at Animal Kingdom?

Here’s a list of the animals you will see on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

You’ll see:  

• African Wild Dogs
• Ankole Cattle
• Black Rhino
• Common Eland
• Hippopotamus
• Nigerian Dwarf Goat
• Nile Crocodiles
• Pink-Backed Pelican
• Saddle-Billed Stork
• Scimitar Oryx
• Spotted Hyena
• White Rhinos 

 This list does change from time to time, but in general, you can expect to see a LOT of different animals on this amazing ride.

How bumpy is safari ride at Animal Kingdom?

The ride vehicles for Kilimanjaro Safaris are open-sided safari vehicles.  Your tour guide drives his/her big custom made safari truck over fairly rough terrain.  

The safari driver does their best to avoid potholes, but the path is pretty rough and bumpy.  

Disney advises that guests need to be in good health, no high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems.  

They also say that expectant mothers should not ride as there can be unexpected jolts on the ride.

In addition, Disney warns that this could cause motion sickness.   For what it’s worth, my son and I are prone to motion sickness and neither one of us have ever had a problem on this ride.  

Has the Animal Kingdom Safari Ride Changed over the years?

Kilimanjaro Safaris has definitely changed over the years.  If you remember riding it many years ago, you might remember a Poacher storyline.  

Over time, Disney dropped that storyline in favor of not scaring child with imaginary poachers and instead, giving you more information about the amazing animals on this ride.

General Information

Theme Park: Disney’s  Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Area of the Park:   Africa

Age Range Appeal:  all ages – Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults

Queue Description:   The standby queue for the Disney Animal Kingdom Safari Ride is fairly simple. It can get very hot as it is outdoors. Lines can get long mid-morning and mid-day.  

Queue Length:   This ride often opens up later in the morning, not always at rope drop.  Lines tend to grow mid-morning to mid afternoon.  Then lines tend to drop as early as 3:30pm.

Ride Height Requirements:   No heigh requirement but kids under age 7 must be with a person age 14 years or older.

Pregnant mothers and those with health conditions are advised not to ride due to the bumpy nature of the ride.  

Scary Factor:   Low – it’s a slow ride, but there are unexpected bumps and jolts as you ride along on the rough terrain.

Official URL:   https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/kilimanjaro-safaris/

Kilimanjaro Safaris Video

More Animal Kingdom Information

Want to learn more about Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Be sure to check out our other articles.

You can find all the best rides at Animal Kingdom here. We outline all the details on the must-do rides and of course, the one ride you should avoid.

Eating gluten free? You can find all the best Gluten Free Dining Options at Animal Kingdom here.

You’ll want to learn all about Avatar Flight of Passage here. This is such an incredible ride in the World of Pandora section of Animal Kingdom.

Be sure to check out our handy list of Disney’s Ride Height Requirements . Find out before you go, which rides your kids are able to ride.

Learn all about the Best Souvenirs at Disney World here. So many cool ideas for a memento of your amazing Disney vacation.

If you are in the thick of starting to plan your trip, be sure to read Best Day of the Week to visit Disney World .

And of course, don’t forget to grab our free printable Disney World Packing List . Everything you need to remember to pack for the perfect Disney vacation!

Be sure to pin the image below to save this Disney Animal Kingdom Safari Ride info for later!

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Africa at Animal Kingdom (Kilimanjaro Safaris, Festival of the Lion King)

By: Author Allyson Koerner

Published: October 31, 2022 Updated: September 7, 2023

Animal Kingdom is the youngest park at Walt Disney World. It’s also one of the most unique thanks to its zoo-like atmosphere.

Even though there are a variety of animals to see, including giraffes, zebras, and elephants, it’s far different than a zoo.

Animal Kingdom is known for having some of the best park food on property, thrilling attractions, exciting tours, and much, much more.

As the biggest Disney World theme park, there’s  a lot  to see and do, so why not take a deep dive into each land?

Here we take a closer look into Africa , one of the most vibrant and entertaining lands at Animal Kingdom.

This land celebrates African culture, food, animals, and so much more. From unique merchandise, to phenomenal entertainment, to seeing animals on the savanna, Africa is one land that you certainly shouldn’t overlook.

In this article

Location : Animal Kingdom Restaurants : 8 Quick Service ( Mahindi , Tamu Tamu Refreshments , Harambe Market , Harambe Fruit Market , Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery , Dawa Bar , 2 Snack & Drink Carts); 1 Table Service ( Tusker House ) Shops : Africa Hub Cart, Kilimanjaro Safaris Cart, Zuri’s Sweet Shop, Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders, Mariya’s Souvenirs Entertainment : Kora Tinga Tinga, Tam Tam Drummers, Harambe Village Acrobats, Festival of the Lion King, Dino-Bash Flotilla, Discovery Island Drummers Flotilla, Discovery River Character Cruise, Adventurer’s Flotilla — Disney Ducks, Adventurer’s Flotilla –  Up Animals : Seen on Kilimanjaro Safaris (Bongos, Okapi, Nyala, Bontebak, Black Rhino, Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, Giraffes, Sable Antelope, Gazelles, Ankole-Watusi Cattle, Wildebeest, Hyenas, African Wild Dogs, Mandrill, Elephants, Greater Flamingos, White Rhinos, Greater Kudu, Scimitar-Horned Oryx, Long-Horned Eland, Impala, Cheetahs, Lions, Addax, Warthogs, Ostriches, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Zebras); Seen on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (Okapi, Yellow-Backed Duikers, Colobus Monkeys, Naked Mole Rats, Snakes, African Birds, Hippos, Gerenuk, Meerkats, Zebras, Western Lowland Gorillas) Attractions : Kilimanjaro Safaris Tours : Wild Africa Trek, Caring for Giants, Up Close with Rhinos, Savor the Savanna Trails : Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail Characters : None Popular snacks and drinks : Simba Sunset (Tamu Tamu Refreshments), Grilled Corn on the Cob (Harambe Fruit Market), Lost on Safari (Dawa Bar), Ngumu Jungle Juice (Dawa Bar) Not-to-miss : Kilimanjaro Safaris, Festival of the Lion King, Tusker House, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, Harambe Village Acrobats

• Check out our DinoLand, U.S.A. deep dive

Africa’s Table Service offering is a popular character meal location that has some fantastic food offerings. You can also find great African flavors at the Quick Service restaurants. Plus, Dole Whip .

Quick Service Restaurants

Mahindi is a popcorn stand that you’ll see first thing as soon as you cross the bridge into Africa from Discovery Island. You can also usually purchase seasonal and limited-time popcorn buckets here.

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Tamu Tamu Refreshments is located in the heart of Africa.

In addition to a range of breakfast options , this is the stand to visit if you’re in need of a cold treat. You can even order pineapple Dole Whip here.

There are also special Dole Whip menu items, including Simba’s Sunset (pineapple Dole Whip with strawberry), Lion’s Lair (pineapple Dole Whip topped with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum and sour apple), and King’s Cooler (pineapple Dole Whip with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum), to name a few.

Next to Tamu Tamu Refreshments, there’s a partially covered seating area.

Harambe Market

The Harambe Market has a wide range of African-inspired dishes . This is a good place to grab a bite if you want something healthier or lighter.

From salads, to a rice and chicken bowl, to a ribs bowl, to a plant-based bowl, there are several options. Plus, kids can choose from a peanut butter and jelly Uncrustable, chicken nuggets, or a chicken bowl.

The market area has a big outdoor section with tables and chairs for guests. You can also place Mobile Orders, which we always recommend taking advantage of to make life easier.

The theming here is on point and you can even find the famous “You Are Most Beautiful Wall” tucked back in the corner.

“You Are Most Beautiful” wall location:

Harambe Fruit Market

The Harambe Fruit Market is a small outdoor stand where you can order snacks, including the ever-so- popular Grilled Corn on the Cob (with or without African spices).

Yes, the corn is messy, but we’ve heard it’s worth having the corn get caught in between your teeth.

There is also fruit, chips, Mickey Pretzels, hot dogs, bottled beverages, and more available here for purchase.

• More about dining at Walt Disney World

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery is located across from the Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders.

It’s easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled, because this stand has some great menu items .

From breakfast options including sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit and a pistachio honey croissant, to flatbreads, to house-made chips, there are some unique offerings here that are usually pretty delicious.

The Dawa Bar is a fun spot to grab a drink, take a rest, and watch the Tam Tam Drummers and Harambe Village Acrobats.

There’s a small list of beer, wine, and cocktails available , including specialty beverages like the Lost on Safari (Starr African Rum and Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum with Pangani Punch) and the Ngumu Jungle Juice (Snow Leopard Vodka, Bols Peach Schnapps and Tusker’s famous Jungle Juice).

There is a spacious covered area with tables and chairs, too.

Snack & Drink Cart

Across from the Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders, there is a snack and drink cart if you want ice cream, chips, or a bottled beverage.

As you walk the path from Africa to Pandora , you’ll come upon a snack and drink cart selling ice cream, snacks, and bottled beverages.

Table Service Restaurant

Tusker house.

Tusker House is the only character meal at Animal Kingdom — and it’s a great one.

In addition to a buffet serving African dishes (with many kid-friendly choices), you get to meet Safari Donald, Mickey, Goofy, and Daisy!

This is one of the best character dining options and is super fun. You can book it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

• Check out the best character meals at Disney World

Seating Areas

Here are the different seating areas you can find around Africa.

Near Tusker House and Dawa Bar:

By the Harambe Fruit Market:

Next to Tamu Tamu Refreshments:

At Harambe Market:

There are several shops that you should definitely take the time to explore while you’re in Africa.

Africa Hub Cart

The Africa Hub Cart is next to Mahindi and across from Tamu Tamu Refreshments. There is a small offering of pins, hats, and other Disney merchandise.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Cart

This cart has different Animal Kingdom and Disney souvenirs, including plushes.

Zuri’s Sweet Shop

Zuri’s Sweet Shop is connected to the Mombasa Marketplace and Ziwani Traders. While you can buy different souvenirs here, you can also pick out Disney desserts from the bakery case.

There are typical Disney treats, like caramel apples and cookies. But, if you want to try something unique, order the Mickey Dark Chocolate with Chili Pepper. You can only find it at Zuri’s.

Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders

Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Tarders is the main gift shop in Africa. There are so many fantastic items available for guests to take home.

Yes, there are shirts, plushes, and even National Geographic souvenirs, but there are special offerings, including jewelry and other items made my artisans from Africa.

You can even visit the wood carver outside, who transforms wood into beautiful one-of-a-kind wooden animals and more.

Mariya’s Souvenirs

Mariya’s Souvenirs is found near the Harambe Theatre, where Festival of the Lion King plays. You can browse hats, plushes, snacks, toys, and more.

There are 4 popular animal-related tours that you can book up to 60 days in advance. You’ll check in for all of these tours at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk located near Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Here’s a brief breakdown of each tour. Click the link for more information, including pricing.

• Wild Africa Trek : A privately-guided, VIP expedition full of close encounters with exotic African wildlife.
• Caring for Giants : Get a closer look at African elephants and learn what it takes to care for them.
• Up Close with Rhinos : Meet and learn about rhinos in a special viewing area backstage.
• Savor the Savanna : Enjoy the savanna with a private safari, African-inspired tapas, beverages and more.

Attractions

There is only one attraction in Africa, but it is a popular and worthy ride. This is a must-do if you’re visiting Animal Kingdom.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris is the ride at Animal Kingdom allowing you to see all kinds of African animals.

You board a Safari truck and head out on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve as if you’re going on an actual safari.

The attraction spans 110 acres and is home to 34 species! The ride is also 22 minutes giving you the chance to see elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, lions, and so many more amazing creatures.

There is a Standby Line and a Lightning Lane available.

• Here are best Genie+ choices at Walt Disney World

Entertainment

Africa has some of the best entertainment. The land wouldn’t be the same without the following.

Kora Tinga Tinga

Kora Tinga Tinga plays a hand-crafted African harp with 21 strings, aka the “kora,” outside the Harambe Market. It’s a beautiful performance. Find daily showtimes in the My Disney Experience app.

Tam Tam Drummers

The Tam Tam Drummers play on the stage across from Dawa Bar. You won’t be able to stop dancing to the African rhythms the drummers deliver. Find daily showtimes in the My Disney Experience app.

Harambe Village Acrobats

You don’t want to miss the Harambe Village Acrobats. They either perform by the stage across from Dawa Bar or near the Harambe Market. They are beyond amazing. You won’t believe what the acrobats they’re capable of. Find daily showtimes and location in the My Disney Experience app.

Festival of the Lion King

Festival of the Lion King tells the story of The Lion King with some of the most talented and best performers at Disney.

You’ll hear songs from the film performed, along with standout acts, like a fire dancer, the Tumble Monkeys, and the gorgeous flying blue bird.

You can either wait in the Standby Line or use the Lightning Lane. Regarding the latter, using Genie+ here isn’t totally necessary, because the theater holds a lot of people.

But, you will want to plan accordingly, because this is the most popular show at Animal Kingdom.

Find daily showtimes in the My Disney Experience app.

Note about the following cavalcades: All of the character flotillas can be seen sailing around the Discovery River. They have set showtimes that are posted in the My Disney Experience app and we recommend checking the schedule ahead of time. You usually have to be in the right place at the right time to catch them (crossing a bridge, walking a trail, dining at Nomad Lounge or Flame Tree Barbecue, or taking a break in the Discovery River Amphitheater).

Dino-Bash Flotilla

• Features : Goofy and Pluto

Discovery Island Drummers Flotilla

• Features : Discovery Island Drummers

Discovery River Character Cruise

• Features : Pocahontas and Meeko from  Pocahontas   or  Timon and Rafiki form  The Lion King

Adventurer’s Flotilla — Disney Ducks

• Features : Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad McQuack

Adventurer’s Flotilla –  Up

• Features : Russell and Dug from  Up
• More about characters and cavalcades in Animal Kingdom

There is one trail in Africa and it’s a must. Plus, you get to see a ton of animals and what’s better than that at a park all about animals?

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is located next to Kilimanjaro Safaris and gives guests the chance to see and learn about different animals.

Keep reading for more information about the trail and its animals.

You can find a range of animals in Africa when you walk the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and ride Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Tip : You can also find select animals in the My Disney Experience app under the “attractions” category .  Plus, at the park entrance next to the  park guide map , there should be literature on the animals and their locations.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Animals

Below is a list of the animals you may see when riding Kilimanjaro Safaris.

• Black Rhino
• Nile Crocodiles
• Sable Antelope
• Ankole-Watusi Cattle
• African Wild Dogs
• Greater Flamingos
• White Rhinos
• Greater Kudu
• Scimitar-Horned Oryx
• Long-Horned Eland
• Nigerian Dwarf Goats

Save this map for future reference when you ride Kilimanjaro Safaris:

We say “may see,” because depending on the animal, the time of day, the weather, or the time of year, certain animals might not be out.

What makes Kilimanjaro Safaris so fun is it’s a different ride every time. You never know what animal you’ll see.

Save this map for future reference as you explore the Africa animal trail:

The Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail is located near Kilimanjaro Safaris and features a range of animals. The star of the trail are the gorillas, of course, but there are also other animals not to be missed.

Note : There are no shortcuts or exits mid-way for this trail. Once you enter, you have to walk through all of it in order to exit. The time it takes to walk through depends on how long you linger and watch the animals. But, overall, it’s not super lengthy.

Here are the main animals you can see as you walk the trail.

Yellow-Backed Duikers

Colobus Monkeys

Naked Mole Rats & More

In the “Research Center,” you’ll find Naked Mole Rats, snakes, mice, and more creatures.

African Birds

Western Lowland Gorillas

There are a few activities in Africa that little ones, especially, will love.

Coin Press Machines

You’ll find one coin press machine in Africa near the Dawa Bar and Tusker House dining areas.

This machines has Animal Kingdom and The Lion King designs. You can purchase 1 for $1.00 or all 3 for $3.00.

This drum area is located across from Tamu Tamu Refreshments and is a great spot for kids.

• Check out other fun things for little ones at Disney World

Disney PhotoPass Photographer

While not officially listed in the My Disney Experience app, you should be able to find a PhotoPass photographer on the bridge leading into Africa.

Don’t forget to ask if they have any fun Magic Shots!

Sometimes your photo may even include Expedition Everest in the background, making for a stunning picture.

Remember : unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker Day One, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.

• Read more about PhotoPass and Memory Maker

Near the stage in the center of Africa there are a set of restrooms.

You’ll also find restrooms past the Festival of the Lion King as you take the path from Africa to Pandora.

Africa Checklist

• Download PDF version

*****************

What’s your favorite thing about Africa in Animal Kingdom? Tell us in the comments!

Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort Area

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Age Interest

Tweens, Teens, Adults

Accessibility and Other Information - Opens Dialog

Accessibility

• Must Transfer from Wheelchair/ECV

Behind the Scenes, Animal Encounters

Set out on an immersive safari adventure reminiscent of a nighttime drive through an African game reserve!

As the Sun Sets, the Savanna Awakens

Climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle and feel the rush of night air as you rumble through lush scenery, scanning the horizon for over 30 species of African wildlife!

The Nightlife of Wildlife To make the most of your animal-viewing extravaganza, Guests will be provided with a night vision device! You’ll be astounded by what you can see: zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and antelopes—plus ostriches and over 20 other exotic African species that freely roam across the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge .

Reservations and Important Details Reservations can be made on this page or in the My Disney Experience app .

This nighttime tour lasts approximately one hour. It’s available exclusively to Guests 8 years of age or older. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult who is 18 years of age or older.

Know Before You Go

• Warning: This experience features a ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna. For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.
• Late arrivals after the start of the tour will not be accommodated.
• Check in at the porte-cochere at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Valid photo ID will be required to check in.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.
• Guests must be at least 8 years of age to participate in Starlight Safari, and Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
• Guests using an ECV must leave their mobility devices behind at the Resort. They will retrieve them upon conclusion of the tour. This experience requires Guests in ECVs to transfer into an available wheelchair in order to participate in the tour.
• Nontransferable wheelchair Guests may remain in their wheelchair throughout this experience, however due to limited capacity on board the safari vehicle, all accommodation requests must be confirmed by calling (407) 666-6400.
• While safari vehicles are equipped for rain and wet terrain, experiences may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
• All aspects of the tour are subject to change without notice.
• Starlight Safari is a night experience, and Guests are responsible for transportation to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village.
• Allow up to 1.5 hours to travel to your destination within Walt Disney World Resort.

Savor the Savanna

Take off on a private safari through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve and indulge in premium eats and drinks.

Sunday, April 28, 2024

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Five Things to Know About Africa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Once you cross into Africa in the Animal Kingdom, you cannot help feeling that you’ve been transported to another continent. With interesting buildings, live entertainment, animals, eats, and even a train station, there’s plenty to explore on your safari in the largest of Animal Kingdom’s lands.

1. Harambe Village is an authentic gateway to many adventures.

You enter Africa through Harambe, a Disneyfied version of a current-day rural African town. What distinguishes Harambe is its understatement: although clearly rural, it has an authentic, lived-in feel. Of all the lands you can visit in the Animal Kingdom, Africa and Harambe offer the most “urban” environment, but they are still a far cry from the completely modern cities that can be found in the real-world Africa.

Think of Harambe as a town that’s welcoming you to Africa. (Harambe is Swahili for “let us all pull together.”) While the buildings in Harambe are architecturally simple and more idealized than the real thing, they’re certainly authentic. As you walk through the village, you’ll see nods to its “history” such as the walls of the ancient fort and canyons behind the Dawa Bar.

Inspired by the real island town Lamu off the east coast of Kenya, the Swahili-style structures tell the story of a village that has learned to benefit by conserving nearby natural resources and become a tourist destination. The buildings have been adapted to accommodate the tourist trade by including a bar, a restaurant, and other necessary facilities.

The village also serves as your entrance to the African veldt habitat which you can tour on Kilimanjaro Safaris. The queue for the attraction is next to a baobab tree that acts as a visual “wienie,” the carrot on the stick that draws you visually and physically forward, much like Cinderella Castle on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. The roof over the entrance was woven by thirteen thatchers from Zululand in South Africa. It doesn’t get much more authentic than that.

Speaking of Kilimanjaro Safaris …

2. You can tour the veldt and get up close with the animals.

The main attraction in Africa is  Kilimanjaro Safaris. For 20+ minutes, you ride in specially built jeep-like vehicles through 110 acres. This Harambe Wildlife Reserve is home to 34 different species of animals, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, lions, and more. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot most of them.

But there’s more to Africa than the safari. Near to the safari entrance is the   Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail,  a self-guided walking tour. The gorillas are the stars, but for my money, the birds are every bit as fascinating.

Want to get up close and personal with animals? There are four different guided tours you can book in advance, for a price. You check in for all of them at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk across from the safari entrance.

• Caring for Giants is an hour-long experience that takes you as close as 80 to 100 feet away from the elephants who live here.
• Savor the Savanna is a private tour of areas you cannot see here any other way – plus food and refreshing adult beverages are included.
• Up Close with Rhinos also lasts 60 minutes, but here the featured animal is – you guessed it – these armored unicorns.
• Wild Africa Trek is a 3-hour walking tour through an open savanna that ends with some African-inspired snacks.

Lastly, between Harambe Market and the Kilimanjaro Safaris, you can board the Wildlife Express Train to ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, where the Conservation Station, petting zoo and some environmental exhibits await.

3. There’s plenty of entertainment, not just the flora and fauna.

One big draw in Africa is the live-action stage production of the Festival of the Lion King. Staged inside the Harambe Theatre, it’s located behind and to the left of the Tusker House restaurant. (And the production quality is excellent.)

That’s a major attraction, but the streets of the Harambe village are alive with performances as well. Among them are the Harambe Village Acrobats and the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe.

And then there are the flotillas. Floating along on the Discovery River are favorite characters, including Goofy and Pluto, Scrooge McDuck, Pocahontas, and even Russell and Dug from Up. Viewing a flotilla depends on your timing and location along the river, but what a great surprise when one comes into view!

4. Eats, treats, and a nice boutique.

In Harambe Village, you’ll have your choice of snack stands, Quick Service stops, and a full-serve experience.

Grab a breakfast biscuit or croissant and specialty coffee at the Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, right across from the Mombasa Marketplace. Looking for fresh fruit and juice? In addition to hot dogs, pretzels and corn on the cob, Harambe Fruit Market has a great selection. Tamu Tamu Refreshments has a great selection of options at breakfast, but the star here is the Dole Whip in various iterations that’s offered later in the day, including adult drinks made with rum or hard cider.

For more substantial fare, the Quick Service Harambe Market offers a terrific selection of African-inspired dishes for lunch and dinner. Disney Imagineers modeled Harambe’s marketplace setting after a typical real-life market in an African nation during the 1960s colonial eras, so the food and atmosphere are great. But if you take the time to look at some of the posters, as you eat, you’ll see the Disney touch at work.

Tusker House Restaurant is the Table Service location and the only character meal in Animal Kingdom. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they offer a prix fixe buffet menu and you can meet Safari Mickey and others. There’s often last-minute availability, so check the Walk-Up Waitlist if you’re inspired to eat here as you tour.

Zuri’s Sweets Shop is filled with typical Disney treats, but there are some African finds, too. It’s connected to Mombasa Marketplace, where you’ll find Kilimanjaro Safaris souvenirs and apparel, but also items made by African artisans.

Finally, the Dawa Bar near Tusker House serves cocktails you can enjoy in a great sitting area. It’s a nice stop to relax while you’re waiting for a meal at Tusker House, or just on its own.

5. The secrets of Africa.

⭐ One of the largest hidden Mickeys at Disney World can be viewed while riding Kilimanjaro Safaris. The flamingo habitat is designed as a pond with a small island – an island in the shape of the huge Mickey.

⭐ While over at Harambe Market, you’ll find a not-so-hidden picture of Mickey on the wall. Underneath are the words, “Fichwa! Fellow”. “Fichwa” is Swahili for “hidden,” reminding you that there are Mickeys hidden throughout Animal Kingdom (and all of Disney World).

⭐ A few steps away is a gate decorated with metal cutouts of Simba and Nala from the Lion King. Above them are the words, “Unaweza kuhisi upendo usiku wa leo” which translates to, “Can you feel the love tonight?” in Swahili.

⭐ Tucked in back at Harambe Market is the “You Are Most Beautiful” wall, a popular spot for taking pix for your social posts.

⭐ Inside Tusker House, on your way to the restrooms, look up to see a sign on the wall reading, “Jorodi’s masks and beads.” Underneath is a sign “earrings.” This is a salute to imaginer Joe Rohde, a creative force behind the creation of Animal Kingdom, who wears a large dangling earring on his left ear.

The Bottom Line.

Harambe Village is much more than a hallway to get to Kilimanjaro Safaris and Festival of the Lion King. There’s so much more to enjoy that we recommend you leave a little time to take it in. The amazing architectural details, the street performers, the cuisine, and even the sitting areas are worthy of your attention. The village is alive with activity and the atmosphere created by Imagineers is immersive. While you may never travel across the ocean, Harambe Village and this land of Africa give you at least a tiny peek into the wonders the African continent holds.

Have you visited Africa in Animal Kingdom? What was your favorite thing to do or see? Let us know in the comments.

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Bob Jacobs lives in Wisconsin where he retired as Editorial Director for a well-known catalog company. He and his wife Cristie have four children, seven grandchildren and a cocker spaniel named Penny the Dog. They’ve visited Walt Disney World regularly since 1992.

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Walking Trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

I am willing to bet that anyone reading this who has visited Animal Kingdom Park is familiar with the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction, Dinosaur!, Expedition Everest, It’s Tough to Be a Bug, The Lion King, and the Nemo stage shows, as well as the newest additions, Flights of Passage and Navi River Journey. Those of you with kids more than likely know about the rides in Dinoland.  But certain attractions are considerably less well known; among these are the two walking trails known as Gorilla Falls Expedition and Maharajah Jungle Trek.  Neither trail is very long or difficult to maneuver through. If you have passed on these experiences before I hope this blog will convince you to give them both a try next visit.

Let’s start with Gorilla Falls Expedition. This trail opened when the Animal Kingdom debuted in April of 1998.  It was renamed Pangani Forest Exploration Trail a few months later, and then the original and current name was restored in 2016.  The trail itself is 3/8 of a mile long, and along the way you will encounter many types of wildlife.  It is located just to the left of the exit of the Safari attraction in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom.  There is a huge sign with the name of the trail and images of gorillas as well as an okapi, a hippo at the entrance.  The trail is self-guided, and there are no Fast Passes available, just walk right in.

When you first enter there is a sign telling you not to: bring food inside; feed the animals; litter; leave the trail. This is for the safety of the animals as well as your own well-being.  Next, you will see a welcome sign that has a touching saying etched into it: “We do not inherit the World our parents left us- we only borrow it from our children.” There are other signs as well, some “real” like the one in the previous sentence, and some, although realistic looking, are clearly part of the Imagineering story for the trail.  For example, one sign says “Do not wander into the deep brush or forest—this area has Leopards, Cape Buffalo, and other dangerous animals (in reality neither leopards nor cape buffalo are anywhere on the trail, and of course all the dangerous animals are not allowed to roam free).  The same sign says “Nests, trails and recent kills will tell you animals are nearby.”  I don’t think I have to tell you that you don’t have to worry about coming across any “recent kills” on the trail (unless someone just swatted a mosquito 😊 ).  There are a number of interesting signs along the trail, some real and some imagined.  I suggest you check them all out; some are educational, some are fun.

One of the first animals you will see on the Gorilla Falls Expedition is an okapi. These are about the size of a small horse and are related to giraffes.  In addition to seeing a live okapi, this area has a skull of a giraffe next to one of an okapi, and a board with drawings that explains in detail how the animals are alike and how they differ.

Soon you will enter a building that has smaller animals, as well as reptiles.

There are snakes, lizards, tortoises, mice, and the very interesting naked mole rats.  The mole rats can be seen behind glass in a burrow they dug. They have made tunnels in the burrow and can often be seen scurrying around inside.  When I visited last week, there was one area in the tunnel full of baby mole rats; all snuggled together sleeping.  I must tell you that if you are not a fan of mice or rodents you might want to skip this. The naked mole rats are truly hairless, have buck teeth, and I think some people might find them a little creepy looking. I think they are fascinating, especially watching them tunnel.

The next area you reach is the home to a number of beautiful birds.

Guides (large and laminated and which must be returned when you leave the bird area) are provided to help you identify the various species. One of the coolest birds is called the Weaver Bird. These small sized birds were really busy when I visited.  They gather pieces of twigs and grass and literally weave them together to build a long oval nest with a large opening on the top. Weaver birds are quite pretty; they have very bright yellow feathers.

Continuing along, you will come across an area with zebras, and not long after that is a colony of meerkats.

It’s a lot of fun to watch the meercats scurrying around doing their digging, as well as seeing them when they “stand” to get a better view. Often there are babies who are always a delight to watch play. Even the grownups seem very playful with one another, chasing and jumping about. It’s easy to spend a long time here; the meerkats are very entertaining.

Finally, we reach the spot most guests seem to find the most enthralling—the Gorillas.  These are lowland gorillas, and, similar to the meerkats, it is really enjoyable to watch them interact.  Depending on when you arrive, you may see just two or three gorillas, or you may see more.  When I visited, I saw a female who had recently given birth. She was holding her baby dearly, and although she was right up front in the exhibit, it was not easy for me to get a good picture of her baby, she kept it hidden for the most part. Others have been luckier and got great shots of the new baby.  The mom is named Kashata, and she was bred with Gino, a male chosen through the Species Survival Plan. This is a program that many zoos and aquariums take part in, the purpose being to avoid inbreeding and increase genetic diversity. This helps keep endangered species healthier.  The new baby is a female, and her name is Grace.  There were two other gorillas out at the same time; both were smart enough to keep a respectable distance from the protective new mom and her baby. The Cast Members rotate which gorillas are out at any one time, so there is no guarantee which gorillas you will see, but unless something very unusual is going on you will see gorillas.

The final exhibit is of Angolan Black and White Colobus Monkeys. Again, lots of fun to watch as they play and chase each other around. There is a sign outside the enclosure that will give you informative information about the monkeys, such as while all the monkeys groom one another the dominant male gets groomed the most by the others in the group.

And now it’s off to Asia and the Maharajah Jungle Trek.

Located just past the entrance to the Kali River Rapids, this trail’s highlights are its tigers.  It is shorter than the Gorilla Falls Expedition, about 1/3 of a mile in total. The first animal you will encounter is a huge monitor lizard, off the trail on the left side.

There are guides to borrow that help you identify the animals in the area; these also tell you a bit about each of those animals and how they live their lives. The guides are to be returned before you go on to the next area, a building which houses bats.  There is a sign making it clear that if you want to see bats enter the doors on the left if you are not interested then go straight ahead and exit the building on the other side.

While I find bats very intriguing, some people are not fans of them, hence the warning.  If you do enter, you will see some very large bats (behind glass), usually hanging upside down from their perches. There is a board telling guests about the bats and how they are important to the ecosystem of forests.  Inside the same room with the bats are a few small reptiles to observe in their habitats.

When you exit the bat area, if you are lucky, you will see your first tigers.

While the entire trail is themed to look like former hunting grounds for a rich Maharajah, the tiger area clearly is the most well-themed spot. You will see “crumbling” walls and buildings, many with colorful murals dedicated to the Maharajahs that changed the hunting ground into the wildlife preserve we see today.  Bits of cloth that resemble pennants are hanging in the area, these represent the variety of religious cultures in Asia.

The tiger area is behind glass and is quite large. As they are wild animals there is no guarantee where or even if you will see tigers. More often than not they are visible, but not always.  In December of 2017, two tiger cubs were born here, a male and a female.  My friend and I were lucky enough to be walking the trail the very first day the babies were on display with their mom.  Now they are fully grown, and as they are old enough to breed they had to separate the siblings. I noticed one alone and he appeared to be making a cry of some sort so I asked one of the Cast Members about it.  Sadly, she said he was unhappy to be taken away from his sister and mom, and could probably still smell them.  However, although I felt bad, I did understand that inbreeding is very bad for the species and they did what they had to do.  My hope is the male will be sent elsewhere so he can breed and not be alone any longer, or they will bring a female to the Animal Kingdom who he can safely mate with.

In the same area, separated from the tigers of course, are a few species of deer. Once you have passed the tigers, walking further on the trail you will see gibbons (a type of monkey), and there is a really nice aviary with a huge variety of birds. Although this trail is the smaller of the two I have been discussing, the bird area is bigger at this one. If you are a birder you can sit on a bench for hours and observe the many species of birds eating, flying and interacting. There is a bird guide here so you can find out exactly what you are seeing, but if you can’t seem to figure it out there are friendly Cast Members ready to assist.  There are interesting stone statues here as well, in my opinion the entire area is beautifully themed.  When you exit the bird area you have completed the trail.

Both trails are wheelchair accessible. They are great to decompress from the noise and excitement of the theme park, as both are off the beaten path and generally very quiet.

On busy park days these trails are excellent to get away from the crowds, and since there is Fast Pass option you walk right in with no wait. I mentioned this elsewhere in the blog, but I want to remind you that there are Cast Members in multiple places on both trails. Do not hesitate to ask them any question you may have, that’s why they are there! Talking to Cast Members will often lead you to learn things you may not have thought of, such as interesting information about animals, the back story to the attraction, or where to locate Hidden Mickeys! I find both trails very relaxing and interesting; I hope those reading this will take the time to explore one or both.

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Behind-The-Scenes Tours: Reviews, Breakdowns, and Know-Before-You-Go

Animal Kingdom has a number of behind-the-scenes tours available, all of which give you private, up-close experiences with a select set of animals. In this article, you’ll find a breakdown of each of the four tours, as well as general information on how the tours work, what you can expect, and important items to know before you go!

Important Information

To start with the basics: All of the tours offered require separate theme park admission and until January 2024, a park pass reservation for Animal Kingdom (or a park hopper for the later tours). All tours occur rain or shine, but may be cancelled or adjusted in the event of thunderstorms. And all tours do not technically guarantee that you’ll see animals, since animals are never forced to do anything or go anywhere at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It would be extremely unlikely (we’d say borderline impossible) that you are unable to see any animals during your tour, but that is a disclaimer that Disney gives!

Tour check-in is at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Be sure to arrive early, as late arrivals typically cannot be accommodated and you’ll usually need to fill out a waiver before heading out!

Different tours have different levels of “backstage” viewing. For Wild Africa Trek and Savor the Savanna, you go into areas of Kilimanjaro Safari that most guests can’t see, but you’re still onstage. For Caring for Giants and Up Close with Rhinos, you do go into a fully backstage area, so just something to keep in mind with little ones! Note that when you are in a backstage area, no photos or videos are allowed.

All tours typically have discounts available for Annual Passholders and/or DVC members and are available to book 60 days before the start of your trip. This means that if you’re staying from Friday to Tuesday at an on-property resort, you can book for your entire stay starting 60 days from Friday, even though Tuesday is 64 days out. If nothing is available, keep checking back – sometimes, tours aren’t posted until 30-45 days out!

Savor the Savanna and Wild Africa Trek both have food components. They are able to accommodate any dietary restrictions, you’ll just let them know at check-in. Alcoholic beverages are also provided for anyone over the age of 21.

Now let’s go over key info for each of the individual tours:

Caring For Giants

Availability: Daily, typically at 9:00AM, 10:00AM, 1:00PM, and 2:00PM

Length: 1 hour

Cost: $35 per person

Restrictions: Guests must be 4 years of age or older and guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

On this tour, you’ll hop on a bus and take a quick 10 minute drive to a viewing area in the back of the African Elephant enclosure, where you’ll be able to view the herd from 80-100 feet away. Throughout the tour, the guide will provide information about the elephants and their care at Animal Kingdom. The tour is extremely freeform and is heavily based around the questions asked, so definitely come prepared with a few!

Elephant seen during Caring For Giants tour

Up Close With Rhinos

Availability: Daily, typically at 11:00AM

Cost: $45 per person

Similar to Caring for Giants, on this tour, you’ll take a quick 10-minute bus ride to a backstage viewing area for the White Rhinos. During the tour, the guide will provide information about the White Rhinos and their care at Animal Kingdom, focused primarily on answering your questions (so be sure to bring some!) While most of the tour will be from a distance, the tour does end with getting to touch a rhino in their enclosure!

Two important things to note about this tour: 1. Since it only runs once per day, it is typically the hardest to book 2. The tour takes place entirely backstage, so no photos and videos are allowed at all throughout the tour.

Savor the Savanna

Availability: Daily, typically at 3:15PM and 4:30PM

Length: 2 hours

Cost: $174 per person

Restrictions: Guests must be 8 years of age or older and guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

This tour is the most relaxing of the four! You’ll hop on a special Kilimanjaro Safari truck and take a special safari tour, stopping part of the way to meet with a keeper who will tell you about how they care for the animals on the savanna. Then, you’ll make your way to a pavilion at the top of the savanna, where you’ll have food from Tusker House and Tiffins waiting for you, as well as alcoholic beverages. You’ll get to sit and enjoy your refreshments while you learn about the animals and their care (including asking questions!), before finishing off the safari at the end.

Wild Africa Trek

Availability: Daily, typically at 8:45AM, 10:15AM, 11:45AM, and 12:30PM

Length: 3 hours

Cost: $199 per person

Restrictions: Guests must be 8 years of age or older and at least 48 inches tall. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All participants must be between 45 and 300 pounds with the harness gear on.

This tour involves many parts! You’ll receive a harness and everything will need to be strapped to you – if your cell phone as a case, you can get a phone holder to bring and they’ll provide a new water bottle that you can keep at the end of the tour. Small cameras that hang around the neck are also allowed, as are hats, ears, and sunglasses. Anything else will need to be stored in a locker!

During the tour, you’ll watch a hippo feeding, cross two suspended bridges over a hippo enclosure and a crocodile enclosure, and get a special crocodile viewing. The guides have lots of prepared information to share, but are also happy to answer any questions! You’ll then finish by going to the same pavilion as Savor the Savanna to enjoy food from Tusker House and Tiffins, as well as alcoholic beverages.

Hippo encounter during the Wild Africa Trek tour

All of the tours at Animal Kingdom are incredible – we’ve done all except Up Close with Rhinos, and plan to do that soon as well! It’s hard to say which is “best”, as it really depends on what you’re looking for. Our recommendation for someone just starting out with tours would be Caring For Giants, and if you’re a huge Animal Kingdom-lover, Wild Africa Trek!

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Maharajah Jungle Trek

Explore a Mystical Forest

Cross towering footbridges, roam around jungle bends, behold cascading waterfalls and stand in the shadow of a palace frozen in time. Hop into a chirping aviary where over 50 species of birds soar free.

In addition to the graceful Asian tigers, you may encounter:

• Komodo dragon
• Malayan flying fox
• Water buffalo
• Over 50 species of birds

Legend has it that the Anandapur Royal Forest was once the hunting ground of wealthy maharajahs; today it’s a lush tropical paradise you can explore on a self-guided tour.

Beware—it’s a jungle out there!

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