WDW Prep School

Complete Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom

Complete Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom

Board a safari truck and get your cameras ready! Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom gives you the experience of a real-life African safari, but at Walt Disney World.

As you travel through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve you will learn about conservation, the importance of taking care of animals, and, of course, get the chance to see amazing creatures, like elephants, hippos, and giraffes.

Now, let’s explore our guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris .

In this article

Kilimanjaro Safaris Quick Facts

  • Location : Animal Kingdom, Africa
  • Height Requirement : None
  • Suitable for: Everyonest
  • Attraction Length: 18 minutes
  • Do we recommend? Definitely a high priority attraction you must experience.
  • When to Visit : Typically at opening/within the first hour, or later in the day toward park closing.
  • Lightning Lane Available: Yes
  • Scheduled Refurbishments
  • Tip(s) : Visit first thing in the morning at park open. The line gets really long, really fast, and the animals seem to be out more in the morning. The next best time to visit is at sunset for park closing. Crowds level off earlier at Animal Kingdom, wait times may be reduced, and animals can be out feeding.

Description : You board safari vehicles that are driven by guides who really do drive (no tracks) and are very knowledgeable about the animals. As you make your way through the savanna, the guides provide lots of information based on what you see along the ride. Sometimes have to stop to wait for animals to clear the path.

No two rides are the same as the animals are free roaming and on their own schedule. We would recommend experiencing the safari twice in your park day, if possible.

Everything You Need To Know About Kilimanjaro Safaris

You can find Kilimanjaro Safaris in the heart of Africa. Here’s the location on the map.

kilimanjaro safaris map location

Download the PDF

AK Map Front Mar2023

How to Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris has a Standby Lane and a Lightning Lane. There is no Single Rider Line.

kilimanjaro safaris lightning lane

Like most attractions, standby lines typically are the lowest first thing in the morning and at the end of the evening. The middle of the day will see the longest lines.

Even though it’s not listed as an available attraction for Early Theme Park Entry, sometimes Kilimanjaro Safaris is open during the 30-minute early entry.

kilimanjaro safaris line

Kilimanjaro Safaris Standby Lane wait time jumps quickly after park open and can see sustained wait times well over 60 minutes for most of the park day.

Do I need to use Genie+ at Kilimanjaro Safaris?

Kilimanjaro Safaris is available with Genie+ and we highly recommend using it at this attraction for anyone who has purchased Genie+ or if it’s a must-do.

This is a highly popular ride at Animal Kingdom, given that it is a long ride time and suitable for all ages.

Many park guests make it a top priority of their park day. So unless you do this ride first, right at park open, plan to reserve a Genie+ time for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

If you want to try and experience the Safaris twice in one day, we would recommend using the Standby Lane at park open and then using Genie+ to ride it again later in the day.

Make sure you check out our touring strategies for Animal Kingdom for more Genie+ advice.

Rider Switch/Child Swap

You cannot use  Rider Switch  for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Rider Switch is Disney’s system allowing guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.

There also isn’t Single Rider available here.

What to expect when you ride

The Kilimanjaro Safaris queue is outdoors, with part of it shaded. It paints the scene of an African tour company with its straw, thatched roof.

kilimanjaro safaris queue at animal kingdom

While there isn’t  an interactive queue , the line is themed to the attraction.

kilimanjaro safaris queue at animal kingdom

You can learn the African Swahili names to your favorite animals on displays as you move through the line. You can even hear the safari trucks driving by as you walk through.

Ride vehicles

Kilimanjaro Safaris ride vehicles can fit a total of 35 individuals. Each row can seat three to five guests, depending.

kilimanjaro safaris ride vehicles

There is no seatbelt or safety restraint, but there is a door on the right side of each row that closes for security and safety purposes when you’re on the ride.

Motion Sickness

Kilimanjaro Safaris is far from a thrill ride, but it can get rough at times with the trucks bouncing up and down along the paths and bridges.

Sometimes you might even have to brace yourself, so you don’t slide in your seat.

We have a  guide on motion sickness  that’s filled with information and tips, so feel free to check that out.

Accessibility information

Guests in ECVs or power wheelchairs must transfer to a manual wheelchair. There are wheelchair accessible vehicles with built-in ramps.

Those using an ECV who don’t wish to transfer to a vehicle bench, must transfer to a Disney-provided manual wheelchair.

kilimanjaro safaris accessibility information

You will be seated in Row 1 right behind the tour guide. A bench is located directly next to the wheelchair space and additional companions will be directed to sit in the rows behind the wheelchair space.

Those using ECVs or wheelchairs can remain in their mobility devices until they reach the accessible boarding and unloading area, which is not long after the stroller drop-off area.

kilimanjaro safaris ecv and wheelchair loading area

This area is where ECVS and other mobility devices can be parked. They will be waiting in the same space when guests return from their safari.

Keep in mind that each safari vehicle only holds one occupied wheelchair at a time, so anyone needing this type of access could have an additional wait compared to those who transfer to a vehicle bench.

Handheld captioning , assistive listening, and video captioning is available for guests.

Service animals are also permitted, but with caution.

On the Ride

Spoilers ahead! If you want to go in knowing absolutely nothing about Kilimanjaro Safaris, feel free to skip this section.

After walking through the queue you and your party finally make it to the boarding lanes awaiting your safari tour.

kilimanjaro safaris loading zone

You can’t miss the sound of your safari truck approaching. A warm greeting from your tour guide “Jambo,” which is Swahili for “Hello.”

After boarding your safari truck, your group will take off entering the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

harambe wildlife reserve kilimanjaro safaris

Be alert and have your cameras ready, because these are live, free roaming animals, so you never know what you will see or how close the animals will get.

No tour is ever the same!

You start off in the forest seeing the Okapi, the closet living relative to the giraffe. You’ll next approach a watering hole where you can catch sights of animals like the saddle billed stork, bongo, kudu, and black rhinoceros.

bongo on kilimanjaro safaris

Heading out of the forest your truck will enter a river where you can spot hippopotamus’. The only way to exit the river is by crossing over an old, shaky bridge.

Under the bridge, down low you’ll spot a crowd of Nile crocodiles. But not to fear, you’re with an expert driver and guide! Your truck makes it over the bridge safe and sound.

Exiting the river your safari tour will enter the savanna marked by a big Baobab tree.

giraffe and zebra on kilimanjaro safaris

As your truck makes its way down the savanna you will spot many animals like zebras, African wild dogs, giraffes, wildebeest, and cattle. Some animals may cross in front of or come right up to the truck. Be sure to look out past the truck under trees and in the shaded areas to spot animals.

Leaving the savanna your guide will spot a couple of fallen down trees. That means the mighty elephants are near! On the way to find the elephants you pass a family of Mandrill monkeys.

Your truck approaches another old shaky, bridge, worse than the last one. Your tour guide crosses successfully with care.

elephant on kilimanjaro safaris

In search of more elephants you enter the red clay pit. Sure enough you may be able to catch sight of the elephants! Females are usually found with their young, while the male elephants stick more to themselves. If there are new babies on the tour, your guide will be sure to point them out.

Driving through the watering area of the red clay pit, you will see a flock of flamingo. Did you know flamingos start off gray in color? Be sure to listen to the tour guide to hear what makes flamingos pink!

flamingos on kilimanjaro safaris

Approaching the mud pit you will spy white rhinoceros. Up in the shade you’ll spot a couple of cheetah, the fastest land mammals on earth.

Next up, the highlight of every tour, and sometimes the hardest animal to see, are the lions up on the rock. Since lions are nocturnal animals and sleep most of the day, your best chance to see them awake are on safaris later in the day near park closing.

white rhino on kilimanjaro safaris

Are you ready for more? Your tour is still not over! Next up be sure to look out for warthogs, ostrich eggs, and Bontebok antelopes.

Before your safari comes to an end, you’ll see some super adorable Nigerian Dwarf Goats, who are originally from Nigeria and considered to be of high value because of the high protein milk they provide.

lion on kilimanjaro safaris

You leave the reserve and head back to the village of Harambe. After the vehicle comes to a complete stop the doors on your right side will open, allowing you and your party to exit.

Keep in mind that each time you ride is different, because you never know what animals you’ll see or how they’ll act. This makes the attraction super unique.

kilimanjaro safaris animal location map

Is Kilimanjaro Safaris kid-friendly?

Overall, Kilimanjaro Safaris is kid-friendly. After all, it doesn’t even have a height requirement. It should be fun for most kids to see the different animals. And, don’t worry, there aren’t any dark or scary moments.

That said, the ride can get rough at times thanks to the paths, bridges, and the safari vehicle itself. This could be either fun or upsetting to little ones. But, for the most part, the ride is kid-friendly.

Be sure to check out our full guide on several other  things that might scare little ones at Disney World .

Strollers are not allowed on the Kilimanjaro Safaris vehicles. You’ll need to park your stroller in the designated stroller parking area at the attraction entrance.

If you forget to park your stroller or want to take it into the line, you can, but know you’ll have to park it mid-way. There is an area with Cast Members waiting, who will take your stroller and park it for you.

Kilimanjaro Safaris first opened in 1998, the same year as Animal Kingdom. Actually, both the attraction and the park opened on April 22, aka Earth Day.

Animal Kingdom is the largest of all Disney World theme parks. It spreads out over 500 acres, which also gives the animals plenty of room to roam and live.

kilimanjaro safaris savanna

The Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction itself spans 110 acres with the Harambe Wildlife Reserve serving as home to 34 species!

Your guide drives around as they gives facts about the animals you encounter along the way during the 18-minute journey.

kilimanjaro safaris elephant and ride vehicle

When the ride initially opened, there was a poachers storyline and even a rickety bridge that threw some excitement into the mix. But, both of these elements were removed and now there’s more of a focus on the actual animals and the importance of conservation.

Former Imagineer Joe Rohde is responsible and to thank for not only breathing life into Kilimanjaro Safaris, but Animal Kingdom as a whole. Without him, this park wouldn’t be is what is today.

There’s no doubt Kilimanjaro Safaris is a fantastic experience and the closest thing many will ever get to experiencing an African safari.

Other Fun Details

  • If you want an even more in depth and VIP tour of the savanna, you can sign up for the 3-hour guided Wild Africa Trek tour , where you will embark on some adventurous activities and see animals even more up close. This tour is priced separately and must be booked in advanced.

animal tours disney's animal kingdom

  • For an additional price, Up Close with Rhinos is a 60-minute tour giving you the chance to go backstage at Animal Kingdom to meet and learn more about white rhinos, with help from a guide.

up close with rhinos name badge animal kingdom tour

  • Take some time to visit the Gorilla Falls Exploration walking trail, located near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris. It runs along parts of the driving tour and gives another look at many of the animals you saw on the drive, along with different ones like gorillas and meerkats!

gorilla falls exploration trail animal kingdom

  • Pay attention as you drive by the flamingos for a fun Hidden Mickey.

Other Attractions in Africa

  • Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
  • Festival of the Lion King
  • Wildlife Express Train (takes you to Rafiki’s Planet Watch)

simplifyorlando.com

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. 

giraffe with safari vehicle in the background at Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom

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.  

hippo on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom

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!

giraffe with safari vehicle - Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom - everything you need to know

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.  

Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance

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.  

giraffe on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom

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?

ride vehicle sign of animals on the safari ride

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.

animal sign on safari vehicle

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.  

lions on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom

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.

elephant on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom

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.

You can find all our Best Animal Kingdom Tips and Strategies here for having an amazing day in the park!

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!

Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom - must see tips - giraffe on safari

Similar Posts

what to pack in your Disney park bag

What to Pack in a Disney Park Bag (Free Printable List)

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland? Here’s a list of what to pack in a Disney Park Bag with a free printable…

disney characters in front of cinderella castle

Best Disney World Tips for First Timers

Planning a magical trip to the happiest place on Earth? Here’s the Best Disney World Tips for First Timers! Walt Disney World is an amazingly…

Walt Disney World sign

Cheapest Way to Do Disney World – Save Money in 2024

Looking for the Cheapest Way to Do Disney World? We’ve got all the money saving tips and hacks you need to be able to plan…

Mission: SPACE entrance logo

Mission: SPACE

Mission: SPACE is a space simulator based on the premise of training to fly a space shuttle. You can choose one of two experiences upon…

AT-AT walker at Hollywood Studios

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue is a simulator based on a fictional travel company set in the Star Wars universe. Its fun to see…

Slinky Dog Dash rolller coaster

Slinky Dog Dash

Slinky Dog Dash is a fun launched roller-coaster for all ages themed after themed after the Toy Story franchise. You enter a winding queue filled…

Kilimanjaro Safaris

An open-air safari bus drives in a river past 3 elephants

A Truly Wild Adventure

Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to over 30 species living in 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands. Your rugged safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide, who helps point out animals and shares fascinating wildlife facts during this extraordinary 18-minute expedition.

Unique Animal Sightings Spot a lounging hippopotamus nestled in a peaceful pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a towering giraffe grazing on the tall trees or a white rhino relaxing in the cool mud. Other amazing animals you may encounter include cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas, zebras—and so many more!

Since animals have minds of their own, every expedition is a unique and unforgettable experience. Be sure to keep your eyes open and have a camera ready—you never know what you’ll see on a Kilimanjaro Safaris outing.

Discover Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets

animal kingdom animal safari

Related Activities

Wild africa trek, disney animals at walt disney world resort, even more magic – as you wish, safety, accessibility and guest policies, times for kilimanjaro safaris.

AEN Banner

Accommodations

Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, disney private islands, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, disney world reviews, other park 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, lightning lane single pass, lightning lane multi pass, 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!

animal kingdom animal safari

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.

animal kingdom animal safari

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.

animal kingdom animal safari

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. 

animal kingdom animal safari

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 . 

animal kingdom animal safari

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.

animal kingdom animal safari

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.

animal kingdom animal safari

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

animal kingdom animal safari

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. 

animal kingdom animal safari

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.

animal kingdom animal safari

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

animal kingdom animal safari

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.

animal kingdom animal safari

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. 

animal kingdom animal safari

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.

animal kingdom animal safari

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.

animal kingdom animal safari

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

animal kingdom animal safari

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 Lightning Lane Single Pass available for Kilimanjaro Safaris?

No Kilimanjaro Safaris is not eligible for Lightning Lane Single Pass Find Lightning Lane Single Pass attractions

Is Kilimanjaro Safaris included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass?

Yes Kilimanjaro Safaris is included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass Find more Lightning Lane Multi Pass attractions using our search

Follow us on Social!

Trending now.

animal kingdom animal safari

This NEW Disney Haunted Mansion souvenir is gonna be popular!

animal kingdom animal safari

Why are Disney Adults booking this 33-year-old Disney World hotel all of a sudden?

animal kingdom animal safari

We think you're going to love this perk at the Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian...

animal kingdom animal safari

The next time you're looking for a Disney World souvenir on a hot day in...

animal kingdom animal safari

We just spotted another permit filed for construction at Test Track in EPCOT!

animal kingdom animal safari

The cutest collection just hit the shelves and it is the apple of our eye!

animal kingdom animal safari

All the new perks available to Disney+ subscribers!

animal kingdom animal safari

The list of documents needed to board a Disney Cruise is CHANGING.

animal kingdom animal safari

There's a new Dapper Dan in town!

animal kingdom animal safari

Let's talk about which Disney World rides former Cast Members Never go on and why!

animal kingdom animal safari

Here's some of the best Disney merch for the home and they're on sale at...

animal kingdom animal safari

Heads up Guardians of the Galaxy fans -- an important date is coming, and EPCOT's...

animal kingdom animal safari

Let's find out if Disneyland will be permanently closing this ride!

animal kingdom animal safari

An EPCOT backstage tour is about to permanently close while another one will be closed...

animal kingdom animal safari

If you feel you've got a handle on Lightning Lane Multi Pass, allow us to...

animal kingdom animal safari

We don't know about you, but we are LOVING the way Disney is totally saying...

animal kingdom animal safari

We asked our readers what their favorite snack is from EACH Disney World park, and...

animal kingdom animal safari

How to score a great deal on airfare to Disney World!

animal kingdom animal safari

An unexpected wait times champion reigned supreme at Walt Disney World yesterday.

animal kingdom animal safari

Let's have a chat about these three projects in EPCOT that Disney canceled!

Click here to subscribe

Shop the Disney Store | AllEars® Merchandise | Shop Amazon | Press Room | Contact Us

Read more About us or Advertise with us . We respect your right to privacy. Please take a moment to review our privacy policy and terms of use .

Copyright ©1996-2024 AllEarsNet, LLC, All Rights Reserved. AllEars.Net, AllEars® Newsletter and any other properties owned by AllEarsNet, LLC are not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of their affiliates. All Disney artwork, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, and trade names are proprietary to Disney Enterprises, Inc. or, its subsidiary, affiliated and related companies. For official Disney information, visit http://www.disneyworld.com

Kilimanjaro Safaris

A safari bus in a river bed near a herd of elephants around a large, bare tree

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.

animal kingdom animal safari

TouringPlans

animal kingdom animal safari

GUIDE ME THROUGH—

animal kingdom animal safari

Questions? Our community can help!

Forums Thoughtful, engaging talk

Chat Quick answers while in the parks

animal kingdom animal safari

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

animal kingdom animal safari

  • Crowd Calendar
  • Disney Springs
  • Transportation

animal kingdom animal safari

  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Early Theme Park Entry
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Extended Evening Hours
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Front-of-Line Service: Lightning Lane
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Character Greetings
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Rider Switch for Small Children
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Special Needs Guests (DAS)
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Live Entertainment & Show Schedules
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Refurbishment Schedule
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Lines Mobile App
  • Attractions, Parades, & Fireworks
  • Height Requirements
  • Touring Plans
  • Attractions & Fireworks
  • Neighborhoods
  • Attractions
  • Cheapest Disney Tickets
  • Park Reservations

animal kingdom animal safari

  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Basics
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Build-Your-Own Plans

Magic Kingdom

  • Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Ratings for All WDW Restaurants
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Overview
  • Magic Kingdom Restaurants
  • EPCOT Restaurants
  • Hollywood Studios Restaurants
  • Animal Kingdom Restaurants
  • Disney Springs Restaurants
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Hotel Restaurants
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Reservations
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Tipping (Gratuities)
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Menu Search
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Disney Dining Plan
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Benefits
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Room Finder
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Compare Hotels
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House)
  • Disney's Beach Club Resort
  • Disney's BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney's Contemporary Resort
  • Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney's Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney's Yacht Club Resort
  • The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
  • Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
  • Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
  • Disney's All-Star Music Resort
  • Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
  • Disney's Art of Animation Resort
  • Disney's Pop Century Resort
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
  • Disney's Beach Club Villas
  • Disney's BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney's Old Key West Resort
  • Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney's Riviera Resort
  • Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
  • The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

animal kingdom animal safari

  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Early Park Admission
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Tickets
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Front-of-Line Service: Universal Express Pass
  • Halloween Horror Nights
  • Rock the Universe
  • Gradventure
  • Special Needs
  • Kids and Babies

animal kingdom animal safari

  • Universal Studios Florida
  • Universal's Islands of Adventure
  • Universal Epic Universe
  • Universal Studios Florida Restaurants
  • Islands of Adventure Restaurants
  • Volcano Bay Restaurants
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> CityWalk Restaurants
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Hotel Basics
  • Hard Rock Hotel
  • Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
  • Loews Royal Pacific Resort
  • Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
  • Universal Helios Grand Hotel
  • Universal Stella Nova Resort
  • Universal Terra Luna Resort
  • Universal's Aventura Hotel
  • Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
  • Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
  • Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
  • Downtown Disney

animal kingdom animal safari

  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Early Entry
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="block text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Rider Switch
  • Lunar New Year
  • Food & Wine Festival
  • Disneyland Park
  • Disney California Adventure Park
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Ratings for All DLR Restaurants
  • Disneyland Restaurants
  • California Adventure Restaurants
  • Downtown Disney Restaurants
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Disneyland Hotel
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> Pixar Place Hotel
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
  • sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo mouseover->sidemenu#activeChildLayerTwo" class="text-black text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-start gap-2 pt-[20px] leading-18"> The Villas at Disneyland Hotel
  • sidemenu#activeChild" class="text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-between pt-3 md:pt-14 leading-30"> Planning Your Cruise
  • sidemenu#activeChild" class="text-base font-eucliarSemiBold flex items-center justify-between pt-3 md:pt-14 leading-30"> Tips for During Your Cruise

Disney Cruise Line Icon

  • common-navbar#activeTab">At a Glance common-navbar#activeTab"> -->
  • common-navbar#activeTab">Touring Tips common-navbar#activeTab"> -->
  • common-navbar#activeTab">You Might Also Like common-navbar#activeTab"> -->
  • common-navbar#activeTab">Wait Times common-navbar#activeTab"> -->
  • common-navbar#activeTab">Our Rating common-navbar#activeTab"> -->

animal kingdom animal safari

  • common-navbar#activeTab">At a Glance
  • common-navbar#activeTab">Touring Tips
  • common-navbar#activeTab">You Might Also Like
  • common-navbar#activeTab">Wait Times
  • common-navbar#activeTab">Our Rating

animal kingdom animal safari

Kilimanjaro Safaris

An Attraction in Animal Kingdom

Last updated: September 13, 2024

At a Glance

Animal Kingdom’s premier zoological attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris offers an exceptionally realistic, albeit brief, imitation of an actual African photo safari. Thirty-two guests at a time board tall, open vehicles and are dispatched into a simulated African veldt habitat. Animals such as zebras, wildebeests, impalas, Thomson’s gazelles, giraffes, and even rhinos roam apparently free, while predators such as lions, as well as potentially dangerous large animals like hippos, are separated from both prey and guests by all-but-invisible, natural-appearing barriers. Although the animals have more than 100 acres of savanna, woodland, streams, and rocky hills to call home, careful placement of water holes, forage, and salt licks ensures that the critters are hanging out by the road when safari vehicles roll by.

Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World author, Bob Sehlinger, says: "Having traveled in Kenya and Tanzania, I (Bob) can tell you that Disney has done an amazing job of replicating the sub-Saharan east-African landscape. As on a real African safari, what animals you see, and how many, is pretty much a matter of luck. We’ve experienced Kilimanjaro Safaris more than 100 times and had a different experience on each trip."

Animal Kingdom may offer a nighttime version of Kilimanjaro Safaris. Before the first safari truck rolled into the setting sun, Disney spent more than a year acclimating the existing animals, as well as nocturnal species such as hyenas, to life in a theme park. For the nighttime version, Disney also installed a baseball stadium–size wall of graphics displays at the far end of the attraction’s savanna grasslands.

Turned on late in the day, the displays are programmed to simulate a gradually setting sun for hours on end—providing enough light for guests to see the animals that are still roaming around. It’s hard to predict which ones you’re likely to see, however: On one nighttime tour, we found that the rhinos were noticeably more active at night, while other animals, such as hippos, crocodiles, and elephants, became virtual recluses. A Wilmington, Delaware, man had a different experience, though:

Animal Kingdom at night was the hit of our trip, and Kilimanjaro Safaris was great. We saw more animals in action than we had ever seen in the daytime, and the nighttime added just a hint of danger to the entire proceeding that made it fun.
  • Lightning Lane Multi Pass - Second Group
  • Physical Considerations
  • Handheld Captioning
  • Video Captioning
  • Assistive Listening
  • Audio Description
  • Must Transfer to Standard Wheelchair

animal kingdom animal safari

Touring Tips

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of Animal Kingdom’s busiest attractions, along with Expedition Everest and the two Pandora attractions. From a touring standpoint, this is a good thing: By distributing guests evenly throughout the park, those other attractions make it unnecessary to run to Kilimanjaro Safaris first thing in the morning.

Waits for Kilimanjaro Safaris diminish around midafternoon, sometimes as early as 3 p.m. but more commonly somewhat later. We recommend taking the nighttime safari after you’ve experienced the daytime version.

If you want to take photos, note that the vehicle isn’t guaranteed to stop at a given location. Drivers try their best to accommodate guests and stop when big animals come into view, but be prepared to snap at any time. As for the ride, it’s not that rough.

Other attractions you might like Users who like Kilimanjaro Safaris, generally also like:

animal kingdom animal safari

TRON Lightcycle / Run

animal kingdom animal safari

Animal Kingdom

Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

animal kingdom animal safari

Hollywood Studios

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Here's roughly how many minutes you'll wait for Kilimanjaro Safaris at each Animal Kingdom Crowd Level.

animal kingdom animal safari

Download chart to share to social media.

Not to be missed!

animal kingdom animal safari

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Podcast

Learn more about the latest doings at Disney with Len Testa of TouringPlans & Jim Hill of JimHillMedia.com

Learn more about the latest doings at Disney with TouringPlan's Len Testa & Jim Hill of JimHillMedia.com

Copyright ©2024 TouringPlans.com. All rights reserved.

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Additional menu

The Family Vacation Guide

The Family Vacation Guide

The entrance to Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, USA.

Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: The Ultimate Guide

posted by Charmaine Cortes on December 26, 2022 // last updated on June 12, 2023

Are you planning to visit Kilimanjaro Safari Disney World with your family or loved ones and want to learn more about it? Then you have come to the right place!

In this article, we will provide you with an overview of everything you need to know about Kilimanjaro Safaris. This safari ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park will transport you across the globe into an African Wildlife setting.

In this Ultimate Guide, we will cover all the basics from the history of the Safari, how to ride it and some further frequently asked questions about the wildlife park. Read on to find out more!

About Kilimanjaro Safaris

The kilimanjaro safaris ride, kilimanjaro safaris accessibility, interesting facts.

animal kingdom animal safari

Walt Disney had a lifelong dream of adding live animals to his Jungle Cruise. Back then, this was not possible until the Kilimanjaro Safaris opened its gates in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park in April 1998.

The park in Walt Disney World wanted to differentiate itself from a zoo from the beginning. While it had live animals, it was more focused on conservation and experiencing the animals in their (somewhat) natural habitat.

Since 2016, visitors can enjoy special sunset safaris where they get to enjoy African animals after dark.

You will find Kilimanjaro Safaris located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, which is part of Walt Disney World.

Make your way past the Tree of Life to the back of Africa, all the way past Mombasa Marketplace and Dawa Bar. As you cross the bridge, you will get to Kilimanjaro Safaris.

The queue will lead you through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve before you enter your safari vehicle and head out to experience the African Savanna without leaving the States!

animal kingdom animal safari

The Kilimanjaro Safaris vehicles are open-air trucks that can accommodate up to 35 guests. Each vehicle can seat three to five guests in one row.

The Savanna provides a bumpy ride along a dirt trail and is different from the other smooth theme park rides at Disney. So buckle up.

You will be provided with a game-spotting guide. Be on the lookout, as not all wildlife will be visible at all times.

A Kilimanjaro Safaris ride is approximately 20 to 30 minutes long and leads through 100 acres of Savanna. During this time, you will be able to spot about 34 different species. Among these, you will find famous members of the African Animal Kingdom:

  • Hippopotamus
  • Sable Antelopes
  • Thompson’s Gazelles
  • African Wild Dogs
  • Termite Mounds

Each expedition through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve is completely unique. The animals are all free roaming and are, therefore, always in a different place or sometimes in hiding.

If you are looking for a specific unique experience, you can visit Kilimanjaro Safaris at night! During those nighttime safaris, you will be able to experience the wildlife in a completely different setting. Some animals tend to be more active during the night, so we recommend trying out both times.

The ride with Kilimanjaro Safaris is longer than some other rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so factor that into your time at the park, so you don’t miss other rides.

Since you will be dealing with real animals, we recommend behavior that suits the setting. No loud noises or erratic behavior as this can scare the wildlife. Small children are to be watched at all times. In general, this might be a better experience for children above the age of six.

Fastpass/ Lightning Lane:  Yes

Time:  20 -30 minutes

Height Restrictions:  None

Age Restrictions:  None

Handicapped Accessibility:

  • Kilimanjaro Safaris is Wheelchair Accessible

To access the safari ride, you can wheel up a ramp and ride into the truck itself. Your wheelchair will be tied down and secured, so you do not have to worry about bouncing around during the ride through the wilderness.

  • Other guests need to take a small step into the safari vehicle.
  • no high blood pressure
  • no heart, back, or neck problems
  • no motion sickness
  • no other severe conditions

Disney does advise against expectant mothers or people that aren’t in good health riding with Kilimanjaro Safaris, as the rides can get bumpy, and there is also no option for an emergency exit while in the safari vehicle.

Service Animals:

Kilimanjaro Safaris allows service animals to be taken into the premises and on rides. However, the park advises visitors to do so with caution. The animals might be completely new to this wildlife experience and might act differently.

animal kingdom animal safari

 In the beginning, Kilimanjaro Safaris included a lot of information about poaching in their ride and even had a specific section in the park set up to educate about the illegal hunting of wildlife.

These days, Kilimanjaro Safaris is more focused on the educational part of the conservation of the African Savanna and its wildlife.

The ride is designed to be as realistic as possible. Therefore, the roads are quite rough (as mentioned previously in this article). You need to be ready for some rough and rugged terrain during your safari adventure at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

How big is the Kilimanjaro Safari Park?

Including the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, the Kilimanjaro Safaris Park is about 1.5 miles.

While this might not sound too lengthy, keep in mind that you will follow winding roads that are extremely bumpy. On top of that, the Kilimanjaro Safaris area is about 110 acres big. Plus, the safari trucks will drive extremely slow. This is also to ensure you will see enough wildlife.

Can you pet animals at Kilimanjaro Safaris?

This is a clear no. You are dealing with wildlife from the African animal kingdom at Kilimanjaro Safaris. These animals are wild. They are no pets. A direct encounter with lions is to be treated with respect and can end in a dangerous situation should you mistake them for a house cat.

Should you or your children wish to pet animals, we recommend visiting the petting zoo at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Are all animals real at Kilimanjaro Safaris?

Yes, the animals are all real. The tour however does include some fake elements, such as:

  • Ostrich Eggs
  • Moonlight during the safari ride after sunset
  • Termite mounds

When Is The Best Time To Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris?

We recommend purchasing your Harambe Wildlife Reserve pass early in the morning and heading straight to the open-air safari experience. The animals tend to be more active during the morning hours as well as after sunset.

During midday, most animals will hide in the shade or be less active because of the heat. It will also be more strenuous on visitors, as this is an open-air vehicle and you might not feel too comfortable in the hot climate.

Does the Weather influence the Safari?

Kilimanjaro Safaris is an open-air safari. So the rides are in some way influenced by the weather. The animals might not be bothered by the rain, but they might be less active in extreme heat. So plan your visit accordingly.

Since this is an open-air safari, we recommend dressing for whatever weather you might encounter. If there is a possibility of rain, dress warm and take a raincoat. Should the weather be pleasant with sunshine, we recommend a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Check your forecast and come with the necessities to make the ride enjoyable.

More about our TFVG Author

animal kingdom animal safari

Charmaine Cortes

A person floating on a lazy river in a resort with palm trees around on an afternoon.

Magic Insiders - Insider Info for Disney World Travel

The Best Time to go on Kilimanjaro Safaris

by Chad Kennedy | Aug 6, 2018 | Animal Kingdom , Parks

kilimanjaro safaris best time disney

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of Animal Kingdom’s most popular rides and a unique Disney World experience, taking you on a journey to see some of Africa’s amazing wildlife. With so many different areas and animals on the safari, it can be hard to see them all in one ride. Choosing the right time of day will give you the best chance to see as many animals as possible.

This really is one of the most unique and entertaining rides Disney World has to offer. That’s why it’s high on my list of 110 Disney World Must Do’s .

What is the best time to go on Kilimanjaro Safaris?

The best time to go on Kilimanjaro Safaris is first thing in the morning or right at sundown. Certain animals are more active during specific times of the day or even at night, so choosing a time close to sunrise or sunset is best for animal activity with enough sunlight for you to comfortably see.

I’ve been on Kilimanjaro Safaris more times than I can count. The beauty of the ride is that it’s always a different experience. There are just so many species of animals running around inside the preserve that it’s impossible to predict exactly where they’ll be at any given time. The large size of the preserve also factors in to the unpredictability.

P.S. – We also have a big list of Animal Kingdom tips and secrets . It’s extremely helpful for planning and getting the most out of your trip.

kilimanjaro safaris wildebeest

It’s worth noting that Central Florida gets very, very hot, especially during summer afternoons. Many animals will take this hottest time of day as an opportunity to relax and escape the sun. On the flip side, some animals are simply more likely to make their way to the water during the hottest hours.

It’s almost impossible to pinpoint the perfect time to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris, but from my personal experience, your safest bet will usually be early or late in the day. My best advice would be to enjoy the ride at several different times. You’ll be surprised at how different one safari ride can be from another.

All that said, don’t stress yourself too much over timing. There may be “optimal” times to enjoy the ride, but there isn’t a “bad” time. These animals are accustomed to people and many drivers will tell you that the animals will often “show off” for the tour. You’ll get to see plenty of action no matter what time of day you choose to ride.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Tips

  • Ride first thing in the morning:  A morning ride is good for two reasons. First, the animals tend to be a little bit more active early in the morning. Second, you’ll avoid peak wait times. Kilimanjaro Safaris is very popular and wait times are often very high from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
  • Ride right at sunset:  A sunset ride is great for seeing animals. Many of the animals start moving around a little more as the sun starts to go down. This time of day strikes a nice balance between active animals and enough daylight for good visibility.
  • Ride late at night:  Even though the darkness can limit your overall visibility, nighttime is one of my favorite times to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris. It’s worth noting that nighttime rides are only available with special tours, which makes it even more exciting. Many areas of the preserve are partially lit, so it’s not like you’re going to be totally blind. This is often the best time to see more activity from the lions and other somewhat nocturnal species.
  • Don’t avoid the rain:  With Kilimanjaro Safaris, rain is usually your friend. Most of the animals love the rain and become far more active when it’s raining. So don’t avoid Animal Kingdom just because it’s raining. The Safaris’ trucks have large roofs, so don’t worry too much about getting wet. If you want to stay totally dry and comfortable, simply come equipped with some good rain gear. (Click to see some of our rain gear recommendations)
  • Sit on the left side of the truck:  Many of the best areas on the safari will be seen off the left side of the truck. You can’t always control where you end up, so don’t worry about it too much if you can’t get to the left side. But if you can, try to put yourself in a position to slide all the way to the left side of the truck. Keep in mind that you’ll be entering your truck row from the right side of the vehicle.
  • Don’t forget your camera: If there is a Disney World ride that’s especially awesome for photography, it’s Kilimanjaro Safaris. Make sure to bring a good camera, like the ones we recommend in our Disney World Gear Guide . There are so many cool opportunities to get interesting, unique shots during the ride. A camera with a good zoom lens and image stabilization will be a big help to you while you try to capture the perfect moments.

kilimanjaro safaris lions animal kingdom

Kilimanjaro Safaris Highlights

  • Lions:  It’s not surprising that the lions are the most popular part of Kilimanjaro Safaris. The problem is that, like most cats, they sleep a lot. Rides during the early morning, dusk, and especially nighttime will give you the best chance to see the lions up and about.
  • Elephants:  In my experience, seeing the elephants is usually the most hit or miss part of the ride. Sometimes they are all right out in the open. Other times they are nowhere to be found. They are one of the most interesting animals in the preserve and it’s fun to watch them play in the water.
  • Giraffes:  The giraffes are one of the least timid animals on the preserve. They’re also one of the most reliable species on the ride. You’ll almost always see a big group of giraffes interacting with each other, often very close to the truck.
  • Cheetahs:  The cheetah enclosure has a fairly heavy amount of foliage, making it somewhat difficult to see the cheetahs if they aren’t walking around. If the cheetahs are up and about, they’re usually pacing around in the front of the exhibit and you shouldn’t have a problem spotting them.
  • Black and white rhinos:  The rhinos are one of the most interesting animals in the more “open” part of the safari. The areas they inhabit allow you to get a better view than many of the other popular animals. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a chance at seeing a rhino extremely close to the truck.
  • Hippos:  You’ll see the hippos early on in the ride. They’re most often sitting still in the water, but it’s really cool to see them when they are walking around outside of the water.
  • Ostriches:  The ostrich is one of the more comical animals running around in the open part of the safari. I’ve been on the ride a number of times where an ostrich came very close to the truck for and gave everyone a show.

Jill

This was very helpful for our trip planning! I’ve read lots of basic things about this attraction, but this gave me more insight to help plan. My kids are the most excited about seeing the animals. Thank you.

Magic Insiders

Thanks Jill! Kilimanjaro Safaris is definitely one of the “can’t miss” rides at Animal Kingdom (and at Disney World in general). There’s really not a bad time to ride, but it’s always nice to avoid some of the peak crowds and have the best shot at seeing more animals. No two trips through the Harambe Preserve are the same, so you’ll almost always have something unique that stands out from ride to ride.

Morgan

What is the latest time to ride the safari in June? My family will be eating dinner at Boma at 6:45 and will go to Animal Kingdom for Rivers of Light. We hope to ride the Safari before Rivers of light at 9:15 (using fast pass).

Hey Morgan!

To my knowledge, Disney hasn’t released the official June hours for Kilimanjaro Safaris yet, but I would guess that it would operate until 8:30PM. My advice would be to check into Boma 15 minutes early (or earlier, if they’ll allow it). That way, you’ll give yourself a little bit of extra time. If you can make it to Animal Kingdom by 8:00, I think you’d probably be safe to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris and still make it to your Rivers of Light FastPass. Try to find a FastPass for Kilimanjaro Safaris in the time slot before Rivers of Light!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WELCOME TO MAGIC INSIDERS

Magic Insiders Owner

Hi, I'm Chad. I'm a Disney World local, fortunate enough to be constantly up close and personal with all things Disney. Thousands of hours at parks, resorts, and restaurants have given me a special connection to the magic. I built Magic Insiders in order to share my years of experience with you.

Just FYI...

Just a heads up, we will occasionally link to products we like from Amazon or other sites. This means we get a little something if you buy through our links. No extra cost to you, just a good way for us to keep the magic alive. Thanks for your support!

animal kingdom animal safari

Behind-the-scenes look at Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - When you hop on the Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll ride through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, and you’ll see over 30 different species and more than 100 animals as you travel through open plains, shady forest landscapes, and rocky wetlands.

During the ride, FOX 35 saw elephants, lions, rhinos, cheetahs, mandrills, zebras, hippos, and more, all while our guide, Mollie Taylor, was sharing facts about them along the way. 

No 18-minute ride is the same either as you’ll see different animals and learn different facts.

"This is one of the biggest games of hide and seek I've ever played in my life because I never know where they’re going to be, like that elephant that just moved to the right," Taylor pointed out during the ride.

Some of the animals are endangered or threatened. The terrain is designed to look and feel like African habitats, so the animals feel at home.

MORE DISNEY NEWS:

  • Disney World moving manatee, three dolphins from EPCOT's 'Nemo & Friends' attraction
  • Disney announces Villains Land at Magic Kingdom, Monsters, Inc. land at Hollywood Studios and more

"There's not many places that you can go, except for actual safaris in Africa, to be able to have those interactions," said Taylor. "By seeing the animals, by interacting with the guests, letting the guests know how these animals interact with one another, how they feed in the wild, how they move and roam around, and how we can help impact their environments with the actions that we do."

Taylor hopes she can inspire others, especially the younger generation.

"Hoping that a child will come up and be like, hey, I would love to know more about the zebras," Taylor explained. "To help them get into more of an environmental action program. Maybe they want to become a zookeeper."

Taylor has dreamed of becoming a safari guide since she visited Animal Kingdom when it first opened in 1998. Now, she’s grateful to share her knowledge of these animals every day.

"I love when guests ride my truck and then get off at the end and they're coming up. They're like, can I ask you a question? That's such a big part of my day, knowing that I'm helping to make a difference in the guests' lives as well as the animals."

Behind-the-scenes look at Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

9 Awesome Facts & Secrets About Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of our all time favourite attractions at Walt Disney World. We love it so much we rated it 5/5 in our Animal Kingdom attractions guide . With that in mind, here are 9 awesome facts about one of Disney’ most beloved and ambitious rides.

#1 Walt Disney Inspired Kilimanjaro Safaris

While it might seem incredibly unlikely, Walt Disney himself actually played a part in the creation of Kilimanjaro Safaris.

The first plans for the Jungle Cruise actually included real animals but it was quickly discovered that they would be far too unpredictable for the kind of attraction Disney wanted to deliver to park guests.

Fast forward to when Disney’s Imagineers were planning Animal Kingdom and Walt’s original dream became a reality.

#2 That’s One Big Attraction

Kilimanjaro Safaris is the biggest Disney park attraction in the world. Don’t believe us? You could fit the entire Magic Kingdom park in Kilimanjaro Safaris quite comfortably!

Kilimanjaro Safaris is 110 acres whereas the entire Magic Kingdom park comes in at 107 acres. Disney were not messing about with animal welfare when it came to designing this attraction.

The attraction itself makes up 20% of the entire Animal Kingdom park.

#3 The Lion Feels the Breeze Tonight

Though they aren’t always completely visible, the Lions in Kilimanjaro Safaris would be even less visible if it wasn’t for a bit of clever engineering from Disney.

The rocks in which the Lions hang around on for much of the day are actually air conditioned! The Lions originally came from a much cooler zoo in Oregon so Disney had to install air-con into the rock formation. Better yet, if it gets cold they can heat up so the lions can be comfortable all year round!

#4 Every Animal Needs to Rest

At the end of every day, animals throughout the attraction are called in to rest in their enclosures for the night. Each animal has been specially trained to respond to a different sound.

A few examples of this include crocodiles responding to a metal bar being hit underwater, elephants come in to the beat of a drum, giraffes for a cowbell and a duck call is used for the Thompson’s Gazelle.

#5 Free Roaming Animals

While every animal has set space to walk around in (you wouldn’t want the Lions in with the gazelles!), within their space they are free to walk wherever they wish.

That means that they have right of way, even to the Safari trucks that form part of the attraction. If an animal chooses to walk in front of a truck (has happened to us many times) then be thankful as it means you will be able to get up close with those cameras!

Spaces are controlled through a combination of chains in the ground (to stop animals crossing into another area), walls and even deep pits in the case of the lions.

#6 Fake Plastic Baobab Trees

Okay, not plastic but we wanted to sneak in a Radiohead reference… The famous Baobab trees that are scattered around Kilimanjaro Safaris are actually all fake and made of concrete. The real tree has a thick trunk and is very good at storing water during periods of drought.

There was a single real Baobab tree in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Harambe Village but sadly it died during a cold winter a few years ago.

#7 Animals Are Kept Close to Park Guests

Though it would be almost impossible to see on the first few experiences of Kilimanjaro Safaris, Disney actually does a lot to make sure the animals wander as close to guests as possible.

In addition to the air-conditioned rocks we already covered, Disney tactically place hay, grass, salt licks and drinking water close to the roads in which the safari trucks travel. Some of these placements are obvious when you know to keep an eye out but others are really well hidden, how many can you spot on your next safari?

#8 Real Safari Trucks

A lot of guests simply assume that the cast members aboard the great big safari trucks are simply onboard for guest safety and that the attraction is all on a track. This is completely false.

Cast Members go through rigorous training to land the role on Kilimanjaro Safaris and all of the custom built GMC and Ford trucks are free roaming. It is essential that this is the case as on many occasions cast members have had to swerve off course to go round an animal that has decided to settle on the road.

Each night the safari trucks are driven off the road and into a lot where they can be assessed and serviced ready for the next day.

#9 Timing is Everything

Though it is fair to say animals can be seen no matter what time of day Kilimanjaro Safaris is ridden, there are times of day where the animals are most active.

Early in the mornings, just after Disney’s Animal Kingdom has opened, can be a great time to experience the safari due to the cooler temperatures. In addition to this, the animals are all grazing on their breakfasts!

Disney introduced nighttime safaris in 2016 and this also offers a great time to see some of the animals who prefer to be active during the evening. These include Warthog, Hippo, Hyena and African Wild Dog.

Of course every safari is different and we can never guarantee that you will see great views of the animals on every trip.

Want more on Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Be sure to check out the rest of our Animal Kingdom guides .

Ryan

Ryan has been attending theme parks since as long as he can remember and his first proper memory comes from when he was just three years old sitting in Main Street USA drinking a Nesquik milkshake from a carton while the piano was being played outside Casey’s Corner.

© 2024. ThemeParkTrader.com

Disney Schedules Animal Kingdom Theme Park Demolition, Gives Fans Time To Say Goodbye

in Walt Disney World

The Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park in front of a clear blue sky.

Walt Disney World Resort just filed a construction project that will change Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park as we know it. The filing comes weeks after D23 Fan Expo 2024 , where Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro detailed updates coming to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT , Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park saw some of the most significant announcements at the Southern California fan event. D’Amaro revealed that DinoLand U.S.A. would officially close to make way for Pueblo Esperanza, a previously announced “Tropical Americas” expansion including Indiana Jones and Encanto  (2021) rides. The new land will sit between Asia and Discovery Island.

But that’s not all. D’Amaro also revealed that a previously announced Zootopia  (2016) 3D movie would premiere inside the Disney park’s icon, the Tree of Life, in the winter of 2025. The show, “Zootopia Better Zoogether,” will replace “It’s Tough To Be A Bug,” which has operated since 1998.

Official concept art for “Zootopia Better Zoogether” features Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, Gazelle, Chief Bogo, Flash, and more. An animatronic Officer Clawhauser, similar in appearance to one at Shanghai Disney Resort, appears to take the stage.

Official poster for "Zootopia Better Zoogether." It features Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and Officer Clawhauser wearing 3D glasses in front of the Tree of Life.

D’Amaro said “Zootopia Better Zoogether” will feature biomes familiar to Zootopia  fans and never-before-seen animated areas. He didn’t reveal any details about the 3D film’s story.

On September 5, 2024, Buena Vista Construction Company filed a permit with the Orange County Comptroller on behalf of Walt Disney World Resort. The permit states intent to “provide labor, material and/or electrical for construction.”

Concept art for “Zootopia Better Zoogether” at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

The address on the filing suggests that Buena Vista Construction Company will work on the Tree of Life. Though Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t announced an official closing date for “It’s Tough To Be A Bug,” they previously stated the Discovery Island attraction would close sometime in 2024.

Disney Parks fans were excited to see that construction would soon begin on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park’s iconic Tree of Life.

“I can’t wait for this,” said Redditor u/East-Teacher1755 . “I hope it uses at least some animatronics, or maybe like 1-2 like in Bugs Life.”

The Hopper animatronic in It's Tough to Be a Bug

“I hope they get rid of the seating and find some other way to add the 4d element to spice things up,” u/Terrible-River-3245 replied.

Follow Inside the Magic for updates on the final performance of “It’s Tough To Be A Bug” and the grand opening of “Zootopia Better Zoogether” in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Are you looking forward to this Zootopia  retheme at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic in the comments.  

  • Help Center
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Places to Stay
  • Youth Programs
  • Student & Youth Groups
  • Events & Catering
  • Live Cameras
  • Our Mission

Plan Your Visit

Let us answer your questions and help create your day at the Safari Park!  Search our extensive FAQ, or chat with our 24-hour virtual assistant.  

tree kanagroo with joey

Safari Park Hours

Directions & Parking

Directions & Parking

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027-7017

From Interstate 5 (Orange County, Los Angeles), take the State Route 78 East exit at Oceanside, proceed east to Interstate 15 South, exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27) and follow the signs to the Park. From Interstate 15 (Riverside), exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27) and follow the signs east to the Park.

From State Route 163 (downtown San Diego, Mission Valley) proceed to Interstate 15 North to the Via Rancho Parkway exit (Exit 27). Go east and follow signs to the Park. From Interstate 5 or 805 (Mexico), proceed to State Route 163, then to Interstate 15 North, and then exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27). Follow signs east.

From Interstate 8 (Imperial County, Arizona) take Interstate 15 North to the Via Rancho Parkway exit (Exit 27). Follow the signs east to the Park.

General parking (automobiles and motorcycles): $20 per vehicle. RV parking: starting at $38. Preferred parking: starting at $38. First come, first served; there are no in and out privileges.

For more information about bus and train schedules, please call 511 (San Diego's traffic and transit information service) or visit gonctd.com.

Hand holding a phone showing the San Diego Zoo Safari Park app

San Diego Zoo Safari Park App

park app icon

Apple iOS download here. Android download here.

Visiting the Park has never been easier, with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park app! Discover dining, activities, and more with the GPS-enabled map. Get ready for your visit by importing tickets and memberships to the digital wallet, adding your must-see wildlife to the day planner, viewing today's schedule, and much more.

park map preview

Safari Park Map

View the San Diego Zoo Safari Park's classic illustrated map on your mobile or desktop browser. Find your favorite wildlife, plan your visit, and check out all the San Diego Zoo Safari Park has to offer.

Download the PDF here

Three children with a kangaroo

Guest Services

Our Guest Services office is located at Park Base.

Open daily to closing.

For information on the services and assistance we provide our guests on Safari Park grounds, click here.

Grandparents watch a kangaroo with their grandchild

Guests with Disabilities

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes all guests. We have several services to help guests with disabilities enjoy their visit. The Safari Park provides special parking, restrooms, and access to shows, tour buses, and exhibits for guests with disabilities. Please note there are steep grades in parts of the Safari Park. A complimentary ADA shuttle service operates inside the Safari Park for guests with mobility-related disabilities. Guests who use mobility assistive devices may also refer to the  map for ADA pathways and elevators. 

For full guest disability services and policies,  click here.

Click here to download our Accessibility Map (PDF)

Rex's Roar bronze lion in front of San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

The San Diego Zoo is the Safari Park's sister park to the southwest in San Diego. Distance between the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 35 miles. Please allow 45 minutes to 1 hour travel time.

Purchase a two-park pass here

ShopZoo Safari Summer on the Savanna

Outfit Your Herd for Adventures

SDZWA adventures monarch butterfly

Travel with us to see Monarchs

Hotel with pool

PREFERRED HOTELS

2024 Food Wine & Brew

Picture Your Special Day at the Park!

Savor the Savanna

Valid admission required. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type.

See the Savanna in a New Light

Immerse your senses during a privately guided journey and explore the sights and sounds—and tastes—of Africa. Welcome to Savor the Savanna, a premium tour where you can discover the wonders of the continent’s most amazing creatures… and so much more!

Special Access to the Savanna Your safari begins with a journey deep into the heart of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. You’ll soon find yourself within one of the most secluded and breathtaking private viewing areas the savanna has to offer.

Listen along as your guide tells tales of the unique residents who inhabit the reserve. Don’t hesitate to ask questions as your guide shares insightful information about the wildlife and the special care they’re provided at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Premium Eats, Drinks and More While savoring the savanna scenery, you’re invited to indulge in a sampling of African-inspired cuisine too, paired with a selection of regional beer and wine offerings.

Pricing Prices range from $189 to $199—plus tax. Prices vary by date. Advanced reservations are required. Book your Savor the Savanna experience online today!

  • Theme park admission is required, but not included in the price of this tour. Theme park reservations are also required.

Know Before You Go

  • Savor the Savanna features a ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna teeming with wildlife.
  • 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.
  • Guests must be at least 8 years of age to participate in this experience.
  • Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
  • This experience requires Guests in ECVs to transfer into an available wheelchair to participate in the tour.
  • Please check in 15 minutes prior to start of experience at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction entrance. Late arrivals will not be able to join the experience.
  • This excursion occurs rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather or lightning.
  • Tour itinerary, content, duration and availability are subject to change without notice.
  • 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 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please keep a valid form of identification on hand at all times to verify your age.

animal kingdom animal safari

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Make a reservation, times for savor the savanna.

animal kingdom animal safari

Pet Pal Animal Shelter

Save a life… adopt or volunteer today

Until there are none, adopt one, come and visit us tuesday – saturday 11:00 am to 4:30 pm, 405 22nd st. s., st. petersburg, fl 33712 727-328-7738.

animal kingdom animal safari

Make a donation online or mail a check to: Pet Pal Animal Shelter 405 22nd Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33712

Estate Planning

animal kingdom animal safari

Leave a legacy of love and caring for animals. It is easy to remember the shelter animals in your will. For an informational packet, please email [email protected] . Download our  Estate Planning Brochure  for more information.

animal kingdom animal safari

Thursday, September 12   6pm to 8pm Pinellas Ale Works 1962 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg

Our mission is to rescue dogs and cats from shelters that may otherwise be euthanized due to time limitations, illness, injuries or lack of socialization and training. We are dedicated to educating the public about the pet overpopulation crisis, the importance of spaying/neutering and responsible pet ownership.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELPFLA, OR VIA THE INTERNET AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Charity registration number: CH15036. All donations benefit the shelter animals that are in the care of Pet Pal Animal Shelter.

If needed, our EIN Number is: 59-2967819

IMAGES

  1. Top 10 Attractions at Disney World's Animal Kingdom

    animal kingdom animal safari

  2. Kilimanjaro Safaris

    animal kingdom animal safari

  3. Kilimanjaro Safaris

    animal kingdom animal safari

  4. Best Animal Kingdom Attractions & Ride Guide

    animal kingdom animal safari

  5. Giraffe Models Walt Disney World Orlando, Disney World Rides, Disney

    animal kingdom animal safari

  6. Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom 2022 Experience in 4K

    animal kingdom animal safari

VIDEO

  1. Kilimanjaro Safari l Disney's Animal Kingdom

  2. Animal Kingdom @Safari

  3. Animal Kingdom #safari 

  4. Safari at Animal Kingdom 7th July 2024

  5. Safari Animal kingdom Disney

  6. Animal kingdom Safari. Can you spot all the animals? PT:2

COMMENTS

  1. Wild Africa Trek

    For Walt Disney World dining, please book your reservation online. 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Take the Wild Africa Trek and view African wildlife on a privately guided VIP safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

  2. Animal Kingdom Attractions

    7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Glimpse real African animals in their natural habitats during an 18-minute open-air safari tour in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida.

  3. Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

    For assistance with your Walt Disney World vacation, including resort/package bookings and tickets, please call (407) 939-5277. For Walt Disney World dining, please book your reservation online. 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Disney's Animal Kingdom park is a ...

  4. Complete Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom

    History. Kilimanjaro Safaris first opened in 1998, the same year as Animal Kingdom. Actually, both the attraction and the park opened on April 22, aka Earth Day. Animal Kingdom is the largest of all Disney World theme parks. It spreads out over 500 acres, which also gives the animals plenty of room to roam and live.

  5. Ultimate Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom)

    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.

  6. Animal Kingdom Attractions

    For assistance with your Walt Disney World visit, please call 0800 028 0778 (UK) or 1800 812 678 (Ireland). Glimpse real African animals in their natural habitats during an 18-minute open-air safari tour in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida.

  7. Kilimanjaro Safaris

    Kilimanjaro Safaris is a safari attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom on the Walt Disney World Resort property in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It simulates an open-sided safari ride through the savanna of East Africa.

  8. Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom

    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 ...

  9. Kilimanjaro Safaris

    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.

  10. Kilimanjaro Safaris

    At a Glance. Animal Kingdom's premier zoological attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris offers an exceptionally realistic, albeit brief, imitation of an actual African photo safari. Thirty-two guests at a time board tall, open vehicles and are dispatched into a simulated African veldt habitat. Animals such as zebras, wildebeests, impalas, Thomson ...

  11. Attraction Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney World

    The Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction owes a lot to legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde who headed up the design for Disney's Animal Kingdom and worked on the attraction, getting it ready for the parks ...

  12. Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom: The Ultimate Guide

    A Kilimanjaro Safaris ride is approximately 20 to 30 minutes long and leads through 100 acres of Savanna. During this time, you will be able to spot about 34 different species. Among these, you will find famous members of the African Animal Kingdom: Hippopotamus. Lions.

  13. The Best Time to go on Kilimanjaro Safaris

    Kilimanjaro Safaris Tips. Ride first thing in the morning: A morning ride is good for two reasons. First, the animals tend to be a little bit more active early in the morning. Second, you'll avoid peak wait times. Kilimanjaro Safaris is very popular and wait times are often very high from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM.

  14. Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

    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.

  15. Kilimanjaro Safaris Morning Ride Experience in 4K

    Enjoy a morning ride on the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom! A lot of the animals are naturally more active during the morning hours, so this ...

  16. Disney's Safari Ride

    [4K] A full ride through of Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. "Set off in an open-air vehicle for a guided tour of an Afri...

  17. Kilimanjaro Safaris FULL Ride Experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom in

    Enjoy a complete ride experience vide on the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 4K UHD 60fps! I made sure to film just about every part of my ...

  18. Behind-the-scenes look at Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom

    - When you hop on the Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom, you'll ride through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, and you'll see over 30 different species and more than 100 animals as ...

  19. 9 Awesome Facts & Secrets About Kilimanjaro Safaris

    You could fit the entire Magic Kingdom park in Kilimanjaro Safaris quite comfortably! Kilimanjaro Safaris is 110 acres whereas the entire Magic Kingdom park comes in at 107 acres. Disney were not messing about with animal welfare when it came to designing this attraction. The attraction itself makes up 20% of the entire Animal Kingdom park.

  20. Drive-Through Safari & Adventure Park

    Lion Country Safari is situated on nearly 600 acres of natural area and is home to over 900 animals roaming in open, naturalistic habitats. ... Lion Country Safari Roars into First Place in Top 10 Animal Encounter Awards. READ MORE. 08/24 Lion Country Safari Celebrating World Lion Day.

  21. Disney Schedules Animal Kingdom Theme Park ...

    Walt Disney World Resort just filed a construction project that will change Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park as we know it. The filing comes weeks after D23 Fan Expo 2024, where Chairman of ...

  22. Plan Your Visit

    2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. The San Diego Zoo is the Safari Park's sister park to the southwest in San Diego. Distance between the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is 35 miles. Please allow 45 minutes to 1 hour travel time. Purchase a two-park pass here.

  23. Archives: Animal Kingdom opens at Disney!

    THROWBACK: This week in 1998, Disney opened Animal Kingdom! Take a trip back in time with Greg Fox WESH. | The Walt Disney Company, Animal Kingdom

  24. Savor the Savanna at Animal Kingdom

    For Walt Disney World dining, please book your reservation online. 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Savor the Savanna is a separately ticketed tour featuring a private safari and African cuisine at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park near Orlando, Florida.

  25. Home

    Safari-scaled. Come and visit us! ... 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-328-7738 . Donate. Donate Now. Make a donation online or mail a check to: Pet Pal Animal Shelter 405 22nd Street South ... APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Charity registration number: CH15036. All donations benefit the shelter animals that are in the care ...