Wild Africa Trek

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

An Exhilarating Safari Adventure

Be awestruck viewing wild animals in their natural habitat on the 3-hour Wild Africa Trek. On this privately guided tour, discover animals of nearly every variety living in the Safi River Valley—an untamed environment that resembles their home turf in Africa.

The Journey Walk along a grassland path, cross a rope bridge and ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna—with a chance to view African creatures including towering giraffes, powerful rhinos, hippos and crocodiles.

Along your journey, your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the majestic animals you’re viewing, as well as details about the park’s dedication to animal conservation.

And as if your safari weren’t memorable enough, you’ll receive a complimentary souvenir as well!

Complimentary Photo Services Enjoy your encounters with the animals of the Harambe Reserve while a trained photographer captures all the action and excitement throughout your adventure—a service that’s included with your tour.

At the end of your expedition, you’ll receive a photo code that you can use to access and download images taken during your Wild Africa Trek experience.

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

Indulge In Gourmet Eats

Work up an appetite during your trek and then enjoy some first-class, African-inspired snacks.

Sample Menu

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

Please note: Menu items are subject to change without notice.

Know Before You Go

  • WARNING: 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 under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
  • Participants must be 8 years of age or older and at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
  • Participants must be between 45 pounds and 300 pounds. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.
  • You must have physical stamina, comfort with heights, and the surefootedness to negotiate small hills, foliage and unsteady rope bridges on this tour. Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at 0800 028 0778 (UK) or 1800 812 678 (Ireland) for alternative programs.
  • Recommended attire includes shorts or pants and a comfortable shirt. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required. No flip-flops will be allowed. Skirts or dresses are not recommended.
  • Complimentary lockers for your belongings will be provided. You will also receive a safety vest and wireless headset so that you can hear your guide at all times. Cameras are allowed as long as they can be securely fastened to the vest.
  • Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of the experience at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction entrance. Late arrivals may not be able to join the experience.
  • 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.

animal kingdom safari walk

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Times for wild africa trek.

Awesome Facts and Secrets About Animal Kingdom Safaris

in Walt Disney World

kilimanjaro safari when animals take over

One of the best things about visiting Walt Disney World Resort is the wide range of Parks that Guests can visit and enjoy. Whether you are stepping into the land of fantasy at Magic Kingdom, traveling the world at EPCOT, entering the movies at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or jumping into the animal world at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, each Park has its own immersive qualities.

mickey and minnie animal kingdom

Related: Disney Removes Jambo House Availability Into 2021

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Guests can truly forget that they are in Central Florida as they enter Africa, Asia, Pandora, and more! Not only is the landscaping at the Park lush, and the attractions are perfectly themed, but Guests can actually go on a safari within the theme park at no extra cost, and it is a jaw-dropping experience.

Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom allows Guests to enter the savannah and see animals of all kinds while having their own personal tour guide show them the way, answering all questions throughout. The animals are roaming free and are not caged, nor are you on a track, so everything that happens here is real.

lion at disney world kilimanjaro safaris

Today, we will dive keep into all of the safari opportunities available at Animal Kingdom . Of course, you will learn how to find Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney’s Animal Kingdom; you will discover all safari types at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as find out the cost of a safari ticket at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Let’s hop into our safari vehicle and explore!

How to find Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Safari Disney's Animal Kingdom

Where are the Kilimanjaro Safaris located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

If you want to experience Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom, you must enter the theme park and head to Africa. The attraction is located in the back of the land and will have yellow signage to indicate its entrance. This means that when you enter the theme park, you will want to make a left at the Tree of Life and follow the pathway all the way back into Africa.

lion at disney's animal kingdom

What are other attractions around the Kilimanjaro Safari?

In Africa, Kilimanjaro Safari is the only “attraction” in the area in terms of feeling the closest to a ride. Still, there are plenty of other offerings that are highly interactive and pair nicely with the other offerings in the last. Firstly, A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King is now available for Guest to enjoy, and it is steps away from the attraction.

Related:  Attraction Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney World

Guests who visit the show will be amazed by the stunning vocals, costumes, acrobatics, and dance numbers. Plus, you will surely be singing along to all your favorite tunes from The Lion King . Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail will allow Guests to walk around on foot and see all of the animals on the trail at their own pace. The animals will be behind glass walls and barricades, unlike the safari option.

tree of life 2

At Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Guests can board a train to meet animals up close and personal. The Conservation Station will allow Guests to see animals close up and watch scientists and veterinarians at work. The Animation Experience, which is in the same room, will allow Guests to learn how to draw a Disney character. My personal favorite, the Affection Section, is where Guests can pet animals such as goats and walk around with them.

What food options are near the Kilimanjaro Safari?

If you are hungry in Africa, we have got you covered! Tusker House Restaurant has African-style cuisine, and it is a character meal where Guests can meet Donald, Mickey, and Goofy! Dawa Bar is right outside of Tusker House, and they make excellent cocktails! Tamu Tamu Refreshments is a great place to grab a cold beverage, and at times, a snow cone. Looking for quick service? Harambe Fruit Market and Harambe Market have many options for Guests to choose from.

Caravan Road

Safari types at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

What are the different types of safaris that you can go on while visiting disney’s animal kingdom.

If you are looking for an animal-filled day at Animal Kingdom, your day does not need to end after getting off Kilimanjaro Safari. There are more safaris and tours available for Guests to enjoy. The only catch is that although Kilimanjaro Safaris is free, the others are not.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Below is a full list of all the different safaris available to Guests. Please be sure to check the Disney World website to see if the safari or tour you’re interested in attending is available during your stay.

  • A Truly Wild Adventure Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to 34 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 Encounters Spot a shy hippopotamus nestled in a still pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a gentle giraffe grazing on the tall trees or wave hello to a swinging baboon. Other amazing animals you may encounter include rhinos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas and zebras, and 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. Go Wilder at Night Venture onto the savanna for a safari tour after dark—and see the animals in a whole new light. Previously off-limits to visitors after sundown, this unforgettable journey through the reserve allows you to witness rarely seen nocturnal animal behaviors. Strategically placed lighting evokes both the setting sun and rising moon, so you won’t miss a moment. And as always, your friendly safari guide is on hand to share expert knowledge.
  • An Experience You’ll Never Forget Delve into the wondrous world of our Park’s largest inhabitants. During this 60-minute experience, you’ll meet with dedicated animal specialists who provide for the care and wellness of our African elephant herd. They’ll give you a glimpse into their day-to-day responsibilities as they provide fascinating facts about the elephants. African cultural representatives will also be on hand to share stories of Disney’s conservation efforts dedicated to preserving wild populations throughout their homeland. Throughout this experience, you’ll be able to observe the elephants from approximately 80 to 100 feet away. So you’ll enjoy a closer encounter with the elephants than you would during other in-park experiences.
  • A Unique Encounter Get ready for your close-up with the white rhinoceros—Earth’s second-largest land animal. In this 60-minute guided adventure, the rhinos’ keepers will take you backstage to meet these massive creatures as few people ever do. As your guides introduce you to the Park’s white rhinos, they’ll offer fascinating insights into the species’ behavior and biology and discuss the challenges that threaten populations in the wild.

Lion King Sequence to Be Added to Tree of Life Awakenings at Animal Kingdom

Please Note: This tour requires a separate admission ticket to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

Indulge In Gourmet Eats Work up an appetite during your trek, and then enjoy some first-class, African-inspired snacks.

Sample Menu

Air-dried beef and prosciutto Smoked salmon roulade with dill Fig cake with Boursin cheese Brie cheese and apricot Berry yogurt and dried cranberries Fresh fruit marinated in mint and ginger Afternoon

Baby animals Animal Kingdom

What Animal Kingdom safari options work best for children?

If you are traveling with little ones, some safari options are best suited for your group. Kilimanjaro Safari is perfect for kids as there is no walking involved. Caring for Giants and Up Close with Rhinos are both suited for children as well.

Related:  Rhinos Fight At Kilimanjaro Safaris, Bump Into Ride Vehicle

expedition everest animal kingdom

What safari options are best for teens and adults?

Of course, the three I just named are not solely for kids, as they are meant for Guests of all ages. Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience is not meant for kids, so it may be something that teens and adults would enjoy more. Also, it is not a safari, but the Wild Africa Trek is also perfect for adults and teenagers.

disney animal kingdom

Cost of a safari ticket at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

What is the cost range of safari tickets at disney’s animal kingdom.

If you want to do a few of the safari’s available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, below is a full breakdown of the pricing for each location and tour. This could help you see what is in your price range in terms of add-ons, or, perhaps, will let you decide that Kilimanjaro Safari is all you need!

  • Kilimajaro Safaris – Free (included with Park admission)
  • Caring for Giants – $30.00 per person
  • Up Close with Rhinos – $40.00 per person
  • Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience – $169.00 per person
  • Wild Africa Trek – $189.00–$249.00 per person

Baby Rhino at Animal Kingdom

What are some potential additional costs for the Safaris at Animal Kingdom?

If you want to do a safari that costs money at Animal Kingdom, any additional cost will likely be due to added food or drinks on top of your package. Not all tours come with food or drinks, but additional items will be extra for those who do. Please note that all pricing is per person, so the larger your party, the more the tour will cost.

Best time to go on a safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

What is the best time of day to go on an animal kingdom safari.

Because animals have different sleep patterns, different times of the day can be better or worse, depending on the animal you want to see. My safari driver told me in the past that visiting in the early morning is often best as the animals like to come out when the weather is a little cooler. As the temperature rises, some animals may hide or seek shade at times in the day. Sundown is also a great time to check it out, along with when it rains, as well.

That being said, you will always see some form of an animal when you ride Kilimanjaro Safaris!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Entrance

What is the best time of year to go on a Disney safari?

As we previously, mentioned, when the weather is a little cooler out, you are most likely to see the most animals. June through September is when Florida is at its hottest, so visiting at a time aside from then may be your best bet!

Baby rhino at Disney's Animal Kingdom

What is the most time-efficient way to see all of Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

If you want to do everything at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, be sure to strategize. Animal Kingdom is a huge Park that takes a lot to walk through and has a lot to offer, so you must be aware of what is available for you to do and know your way around the Park by studying the map.

Pandora - The World of Avatar

If you want to catch the shows, be sure to know what showtimes are available, so you know when to watch. It is also best to know what rides are near each other. There is no use jumping from DINOSAUR to Flight of Passage in Pandora, as that will take a lot of walking. Try to ride attractions that are close by to each other.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Some attractions, such as Expedition Everest, will have a long line, but there is a Single Rider queue that you can use to cut down on some time! Make a reservation if you want to guarantee to dine, or be sure you have your Mobile Order ready to go on your phone. Look up menus before arriving so you know where you want to eat.

Angolan baby monkey at Disney's Animal Kingdom

If there is a massive line, such as Flight of Passage, do it last—no point in wasting Park hours in line when you could be doing other things. As long as you’re in line before Park close, you will get on the attraction!

What are the parking options at or near Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

At Animal Kingdom, Guests can choose between standard theme Park parking or preferred parking, which will be parked closer to the entrance.

donald duck

So, now you are a safari expert and will be ready to go the next time you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Do you have any tips when it comes to Kilimanjaro Safari? Let us know in the comments below. 

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1-Day Animal Kingdom Itinerary

animal kingdom safari walk

Our 1-day Animal Kingdom itinerary details step-by-step strategy for minimizing wait times & avoiding crowds at the theme park’s most popular rides & shows, including Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and more. This Walt Disney World touring plan covers attractions, restaurants, zoo exhibits, and more.

This single day Disney’s Animal Kingdom (DAK) itinerary has been updated again due to the return of more entertainment and meet & greets, as well as increased crowd levels. We’ve also made seasonal tweaks and accounted for changes in popularity and wait times due to Genie+ and Lightning Lanes. However, this itinerary assumes you will not be buying those line-skipping services–it instead works around them. If you do plan on spending the extra, consult our 1-Day Animal Kingdom Itinerary with Genie+ and Lightning Lanes .

We visit Animal Kingdom frequently “for the sake of research” (and to watch our otter homies hanging out in their grotto), monitoring wait times, testing various approaches, and fine-tuning our strategy as crowds have increased and decreased during that time. This is the revised Animal Kingdom itinerary for 2024 that we’ve devised as a result.

This post continues our series of Walt Disney World Park Itineraries & Touring Plans designed to answer the frequently asked question, “ what would you do if you only had one day in ____ Disney park? ” Animal Kingdom is an interesting mix of zoological offerings and traditional theme park attractions requiring a balanced approach that juggles the park’s various types of attractions.

It’s possible to experience what we call “animal fatigue” in this park, which is exactly what it sounds like–losing interest in the surplus of animal exhibits and walking trails. To combat this, we recommend scattering these throughout your day, doing a healthy mix of rides and walkthroughs.

Pandora – World of Avatar helps better achieve this balance, and most people will want spend more time in the rest of Animal Kingdom as a result of that land. Consequently, you  can  spend a full day in Animal Kingdom if you pace yourself to avoid the aforementioned animal fatigue.

Nevertheless, Animal Kingdom is the easiest park to accomplish in a partial day; you can either arrive early or stay late at Animal Kingdom and do the entire park with relative ease. See our recent post: Animal Kingdom Afternoon Arrival Strategy . The same general principles apply when arriving during Early Entry–you essentially just reverse the order of attractions.

So long as you can do major attractions outside of the window between 10 am and 3 pm, Animal Kingdom is pretty easy on normal days at Walt Disney World. It’s gotten to the point that I don’t really see much value in buying Genie+ for Animal Kingdom  at all , even on days you’re Park Hopping to or from another park.

animal kingdom safari walk

This is less about Animal Kingdom not having enough to fill an entire day and more about the aforementioned animal fatigue and poor pacing. The end result is the same; there’s a mass exodus around 3 pm and the park is relatively quiet during the last two hours of the day.

We’ve stressed this in other recent planning resources, but figured it was worth reiterating as there’s a huge difference between early/late wait times and those during the middle of the day. If you want to know which approach is currently best for every park, see our recent Best Time-Saving Strategies at Walt Disney World . That details the best and worst ways to save time in lines, and is really useful if you’re overwhelmed and don’t want to read a dozen others!

Now, on with the 1-day Animal Kingdom itinerary…

animal kingdom safari walk

Zig When They Zag — There’s going to be a lot of temptation to do Pandora — World of Avatar first thing in the morning, but resist that–unless you’re an on-site guest arriving for Early Entry, in which case, you should absolutely do Pandora first.

Even if you’re not at Animal Kingdom for those extended a.m. hours, consider starting with the Avatar rides if official park opening time is 7:30 a.m. and you’re there for that. It’s still early enough that you can beat the crowds and longest wait times for Avatar Flight of Passage.

However, if you’re rolling up at 8 am on a busy day, head elsewhere. Over 90% of guests (literally) will make a beeline for Pandora in the morning, resulting in the longest lines and wait times of the day at Avatar Flight of Passage in the morning hours. At that point, you’re not going to beat the Pandora crowds, so zig when others zag.

Animal Kingdom’s other headliners all should be near-walk ons for the first hour of the day—you don’t even have to arrive at rope drop for this. Sleeping in and showing up 30 minutes late is fine.

animal kingdom safari walk

Start Your Adventure at the Outpost –  If you’re arriving “too late” to start in Avatar land, begin with Adventurers Outpost, which is the Minnie & Mickey Mouse meet & greet in Animal Kingdom. It might seem silly to start here, but this is the 4th longest line in Animal Kingdom on average, and very few people think to do it first. Consequently, it’s slower in the morning and wait times are significantly longer between around 10 am and 3 pm.

There’s also a Lightning Lane to Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost, and once users of that paid FastPass system start using that in large numbers–which usually happens around 9 am–the standby line slows to a crawl. That alone can be unpleasant, which is why we strongly recommend knocking this out in the first hour of the morning. You can be in and out quickly, and on your way to the second stop of the day. (If it’s more convenient, you probably can do this second so long as you’re not visiting on a peak season day.)

animal kingdom safari walk

Two-Week Safari — This is a great option both from a time-savings perspective and for the best possible experience.

The reason we recommend Kilimanjaro Safaris in the morning is because it’s great for animal activity and also for photographing the animals with nice, soft light. From 11 a.m. until around 3 p.m., Kilimanjaro Safaris isn’t nearly as fun, unless you like watching big cats and other creatures sleeping. Late afternoon is also good in terms of light, and has a decent amount of animal activity as everyone on the savanna starts getting hyped for dinner.

animal kingdom safari walk

Kali River Soaking – This rapids rafting ride is a crowd-pleaser that is worth doing if you haven’t done it before. It’s fun and goes through cool environments (albeit lacking show scenes) with a conservationist message.

The potential for getting soaked is incredibly high, so don’t do it if that’s going to be a problem. Conversely, because you’ll get soaked on Kali River Rapids, it’s less popular when the weather is cooler. Heading into the winter, its popularity is dropping again–but it’s still easiest to knock out Kali River Rapids en route to the next stop.

animal kingdom safari walk

Peak XV Summit –  After you’ve gone through the wash cycle on Kali River Rapids, it’s time to air dry on one of Walt Disney World’s best roller coasters. Even an hour or more after official park opening time, Expedition Everest should still have a relatively reasonable wait time. If it’s posted time is under 45 minutes (or you’re fine going in the Single Rider line) do it now. Otherwise, save it for closer to sunset.

Expedition Everest offers fantastic thematic details, one of the best queues, and sweeping views of the park (and beyond). You might want to do it again towards the end of the day, when wait times will be nearly non-existent.

animal kingdom safari walk

See the Awesomest Animals – Everyone knows dinosaurs are the best animals ever. Unfortunately, Dinoland/Dino-rama are unquestionably the most disappointing theme park lands anywhere, ever. The backstory might be good ( debatable ), but unless your preferred way to experience a theme park is “reading,” then the actual land will disappoint you.

However, DINOSAUR is actually a pretty good attraction. Do it, then act like the rest of this blighted area is extinct to you.

animal kingdom safari walk

Start Seeing Shows  – When it comes to a day at DAK, pacing is paramount (that should be the park’s mantra). At this point, you’ve already done several rides, so it’s time for some shows. Since you’re in the neighborhood, it’s a good time to watching the newly-reimagined “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond!” musical. You should be able to catch the first performance at this point, but if you’re late for it, grab a snack and do the second showing.

In this reimagined stage show, fish tell Nemo’s story in this updated 25-minute show, incorporating live performers, puppets, and screen-based visuals. The refreshed production takes place in the Finding Dory  timeline and features beloved songs and numbers from the original Finding Nemo: The Musical, including “In the Big Blue World” and “Go With the Flow.”

animal kingdom safari walk

Snack Time  – If you’re getting hungry, it’s a good time for a pit stop at Dino-Bite Snacks. This location serves a variety of, as the name suggests, snacks. Without a doubt, the highlight is their ice cream sandwiches. The options vary by season, but the shared commonality is that they use freshly-baked, house-made cookies. As a result, they’re all excellent.

If you find yourself on the other side of the park, Creature Comforts Coffee Shop and Bakery is Animal Kingdom’s Starbucks location, and they also have some crazy animal cupcakes. They have a rotating lineup of Lion Cub, Zebra, White Chocolate Elephant or Cotton Top Tamarin cupcakes that are each like 3 feet tall (slight exaggeration) .

animal kingdom safari walk

Otter Odyssey – At this point, you can reasonably slow down and start enjoy walk-through trails and animal-centric attractions while “waiting out” the crowds.

One we’d direct your attention to that’s easily overlooked is Otter Grotto (near the aforementioned Starbucks). It’s just around the corner from Creature Comforts and features some of Animal Kingdom’s most fun and rambunctious critters.

Strategically, there is no good or bad time for any of the various animal trails and exhibits, but you’ll want to space them throughout your day at Animal Kingdom to avoid fatigue of the park’s zoological features.

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Lunch – Animal Kingdom really brings it when it comes to dining. For lunch, we recommend slowing down and having a table service meal. Animal Kingdom gets pretty hot midday, and this is a great time to escape that heat with a longer, relaxing meal. Currently, our #1 pick for those wanting an exceptional, fine dining caliber (in a realized setting) meal is Tiffins . The best meal at Animal Kingdom, and one of the best overall at Walt Disney World.

If you don’t want something fancy, opt for the excellent Yak & Yeti instead . You can’t go wrong with either of these for table service dining in Animal Kingdom. If you want a character meal, Tusker House has also returned as a family-style meal, although our experience there was not the best .

animal kingdom safari walk

Flights of Fancy – Previously known as UP! A Great Bird Adventure, this show is now called Feathered Friends in Flight and has mercifully cut Russel and Dug from Up . It’s still a bird show targeted towards families with small children, but it no longer feels dumbed down to a 3 year old level. No offense to the characters from Up –a movie we love–but this show is much better without them.

Before or after the bird show, explore trails or watch various animals in the park. From fully-fledged attractions like Pangani Forest Exploration Trail to smaller exhibits around the Oasis, Animal Kingdom has a lot to see that’s often overlooked. Slow down and take the time to explore, discovering various animals and details tucked away in quiet corners. Stumbling upon these hidden gems is very rewarding!

animal kingdom safari walk

Maharajah Jungle Trek – This is another animal trail that you could really do whenever. Regardless of when you choose to do it, we strongly recommend that you don’t skip this one.

Maharajah Jungle Trek is another under-appreciated Animal Kingdom attraction, as this walk-through exhibit has some beautifully imagineered environments. Definitely don’t skip it, but you also don’t necessarily need to do it in this spot.

animal kingdom safari walk

Festival of the Lion King – Acrobats, singers, and other performers in tribal attire and vibrant costumes, plus parade floats with Lion King characters and other creatures enact scenes inspired by the Lion King in a very lively theatrical show. There’s a lot of stuff going on, in what basically amounts to a lot of audio-visual stimulation. The show just flat out works, and the almost abstract nature allows the audience to just sit back and enjoy the wow-inducing performers.

Festival of the Lion King is an exceptional show–a relaxing, indoor way to break up the day. It’s now entirely back to normal, which means the tumble monkeys and aerial acrobats have returned. For lower crowds and shorter waits, we recommend one of the late afternoon shows.

animal kingdom safari walk

Winged Encounters – Periodically, there’s a show directly in front of Tree of Life called “Animal Kingdom: Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight.” If you can’t find showtimes for this, ask a Cast Member around the Tree of Life when it’s scheduled to occur.

This is not a major show, but it’s a magical one that is absolutely worth seeing. Try weaving it into your itinerary as you head back towards the front of the park. Also make an effort to see the other birds and critters around the Oasis, which are otherwise easily overlooked.

animal kingdom safari walk

Insect Interlude – It’s Tough to Be a Bug is a good option to round out the middle of the afternoon here. It’s a fun 3D show housed inside the park’s iconic Tree of Life, which is arguably the coolest thing about the experience.

With that said, you can truly do It’s Tough to Be a Bug whenever. No strategy required for this one, so slot it in whenever is convenient for you.

animal kingdom safari walk

Two-Week Sunset Safari – We’ve already gone to different corners of the globe, scaled the Earth’s highest mountain (a couple of times), and now, we’re going to do a few weeks worth of safaris. That’s more impressive than going around the world at Epcot in a day!

For this ride aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris, we recommend waiting until late afternoon, getting closer to sunset time. Along with the early morning, the animals are most active in mid to late afternoon, so this experience should be different from the first but equally eventful.

animal kingdom safari walk

Unwind at Dinner Time – One of the biggest “problems” you’ll have with visiting Animal Kingdom is that there are too many good places to eat. I guess that’s a good problem to have. On the one hand, there’s Satu’li Canteen in Pandora – World of Avatar . This counter service restaurant has inventive, high-quality, and even healthy cuisine that is excellent.

On the other hand, Flame Tree BBQ is a good option if you’re looking for something unhealthy and distinctly carnivorous. One of the things this brings to the table is stunning views of Everest from the seating area. The food is also really good at Flame Tree BBQ , but we think it’s gone downhill in recent years with higher portion sizes.

animal kingdom safari walk

Travel 4.4 Light Years Away… – The final stop of your day needs to be Pandora – World of Avatar. Right now, we recommend arriving to the land around 90 minutes before park closing. At that point, Na’vi River Journey should have a posted wait time of 55 minutes or less, with an actual wait time usually around 30 minutes. (Adjust your arrival accordingly based on the wait time in My Disney Experience.)

That should be a sufficient buffer to finish the boat ride and make your way to the park’s headliner, Avatar Flight of Passage, with 15-30 minutes left in the day. At this point, the posted wait for Flight of Passage will likely be over an hour (it might even be triple digits!), but the actual wait time will be significantly lower than that. If you don’t arrive within the first 30 minutes Animal Kingdom is open, these will be the shortest waits of the day at both Pandora attractions.

animal kingdom safari walk

On your way out, be sure to watch the Tree of Life Awakenings , which are brief montages that play on the Animal Kingdom park icon. That should mark the conclusion to a satisfying day at Animal Kingdom. While the park is still relatively relaxed and less stressful of a touring experience than Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Hollywood Studios (especially after the 3 pm mass exodus), you should still follow this strategy to avoid the few headaches that do exist at Animal Kingdom.

Even a few years after Pandora – World of Avatar opened, wait times for both Avatar attractions can still be quite long, especially at rope drop, so pack your patience! If you want to experience other attractions besides those we’ve listed, make sure to check out our Animal Kingdom Park & Attractions Guide , which rates and reviews all attractions.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews . To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

What would you include in your ideal day in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? If you’ve been back to DAK since Genie+ and Lightning Lanes launched, what was your experience with crowd patterns and wait times? Did you do Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage first, last, or somewhere in between? What did you think of Pandora – World of Avatar? If you haven’t visited Walt Disney World, what do you plan on doing during your day in Animal Kingdom? Any questions? Share your questions and thoughts in the comments!

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Written by Tom Bricker

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my wife and I will be visiting Orlando in April for a couple of weeks. She loves animals and this is on our list of things to. Unfortunately, because she had a stroke some years ago, she can’t tolerate rides and I was wondering if there’s enough to do for a day here without having to do rides? She should be fine on one the tour buses or river boats as long as they’re slow and gentle. I’d appreciate any advice from those of you whom have already been.

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Hi Peter, yes there is plenty to do aside from rides. Kilimanjaro Safari is amazing, it’s a slow bus tour of the Safari but its a little jerky in places so not sure if it would be OK for your wife. Ask the Cast Members, they are all amazing and helpful. Animal Kingdom has lots of Animal exhibits, walk through attractions and shows so I think you will love it. Have fun!

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BEST PLAN EVER!!! I went on a super crowded day and was able to do every activity without genie pass. I just purchased the lightning pass for avatar as I went on new year… which was one of the busiest day in the park. Thanks a ton!!!!

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Ellen, All roller coaster and rides and motion-based rides have a motion sickness warning. That’s just common sense and you should know better. The parents that complain about their children being scared or “freaking out” are just bottom line poor parents who blame others for not knowing what their own kids are and are not capable of handling. Try to take accountability for being a parent, please?

As for the itinerary, nicely explained. Thanks!

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Has more “smaller” entertainment returned to Animal Kingdom, or is it mainly the large shows at this point that have returned?

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Oh, this is helpful for my trip planning, although I’m sorry it happened to you. Can I ask what time of day this happened to you during?

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Not getting the Genie+ at AK was a big mistake. Wait times at Avatar and safari far exceeded the posted times and at the safari line, the Genie+ holders kept streaming past us while we literally didn’t move. I had never experienced that on any of the attractions at Magic Kingdom. Wait times at Everest and DINOSAUR were also really long and we would have loved to have been able to skip those lines. We were also really disappointed that at Avatar, there was no mention, until we were literally getting on the “ride” that if you have a fear of heights or inclination to motion sickness that you may want to skip it. My daughter started freaking out after she got strapped in due to a fear of heights)but they quickly closed the door and there was nothing we could do. The simulation was amazingly beautiful but i quickly had to close my eyes as I was getting nauseous.

Oh, this is helpful for my trip planning, although I’m sorry it happened to you. Can I ask what time of day this happened to you during and for what attractions?

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I’m pretty sure there is a sign posted at the entrance of the line about motion sickness.

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This was my experience as well. I closed my eyes and waited for the Avatar experience to be over. It was also very loud. Vertigo and Nausea prone people, please skip this adventure.

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WDW Prep School

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

By: Author Allyson Koerner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this article

africa panoramic photo

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

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

africa map animal kingdom

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

Quick Service Restaurants

mahindi popcorn cart africa

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

mahindi popcorn cart africa animal kingdom

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

tamu tamu refreshments animal kingdom africa

Tamu Tamu Refreshments is located in the heart of Africa.

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

tamu tamu refreshments africa animal kingdom

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

tamu tamu refreshments seating area

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

Harambe Market

harambe market animal kingdom

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

harambe market dining animal kingdom

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

harambe market dining animal kingdom

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

harambe market seating area animal kingdom

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

you are you most beautiful wall harambe market

“You Are Most Beautiful” wall location:

you are most beautiful wall animal kingdom location

Harambe Fruit Market

harambe fruit market animal kingdom africa

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

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

grilled corn on the cob harambe fruit market

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

  • More about dining at Walt Disney World

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery

kusafiri coffee shop and bakery animal kingdom

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

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

kusafiri coffee shop and bakery spiced potato hand pies

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

dawa bar animal kingdom

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

dawa bar animal kingdom

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

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

Snack & Drink Cart

snack and drink cart africa animal kingdom

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

snack and drink cart africa animal kingdom

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

Table Service Restaurant

Tusker house.

tusker house animal kingdom

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

tusker house animal kingdom character dining

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

safari mickey tusker house animal kingdom

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

  • Check out the best character meals at Disney World

Seating Areas

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

Near Tusker House and Dawa Bar:

dawa bar seating area animal kingdom

By the Harambe Fruit Market:

harambe fruit market seating area

Next to Tamu Tamu Refreshments:

tamu tamu refreshments seating area

At Harambe Market:

harambe market seating area animal kingdom

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

Africa Hub Cart

africa hub cart pins animal kingdom

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

africa hub cart pins animal kingdom

Kilimanjaro Safaris Cart

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

Zuri’s Sweet Shop

zuri's sweet shop animal kingdom

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

zuri's sweet shop animal kingdom

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

Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders

mombasa marketplace africa animal kingdom

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

african beaded jewelry mombasa marketplace animal kingdom

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

national geographic merchandise mombasa marketplace

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

african wood carver animal kingdom

Mariya’s Souvenirs

Mariya's Souvenirs africa animal kingdom

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

Mariya's Souvenirs africa animal kingdom

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

animal kingdom safari walk

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

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

Attractions

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

Kilimanjaro Safaris

kilimanjaro safaris animal kingdom lightning lane

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

kilimanjaro safaris queue

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

kilimanjaro safaris ride vehicle

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

elephant kilimanjaro safaris animal kingdom

There is a Standby Line and a Lightning Lane available.

  • Here are best Genie+ choices at Walt Disney World

Entertainment

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

Kora Tinga Tinga

kora tinga tinga animal kingdom

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

Tam Tam Drummers

tam tam drummers africa animal kingdom

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

Harambe Village Acrobats

harambe village acrobats at animal kingdom

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

Festival of the Lion King

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

harambe theatre festival of the lion king

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

festival of the lion king animal kingdom

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

bird - festival of the lion king

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

Find daily showtimes in the My Disney Experience app.

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

Dino-Bash Flotilla

goofy and pluto on dino-bash flotilla at animal kingdom

  • Features : Goofy and Pluto

Discovery Island Drummers Flotilla

discovery island drummers animal kingdom

  • Features : Discovery Island Drummers

Discovery River Character Cruise

meeko and pocahontas animal kingdom cavalcade from flame tree barbecue

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

Adventurer’s Flotilla — Disney Ducks

Adventurer's Flotilla — Disney Ducks at Animal Kingdom

  • Features : Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad McQuack

Adventurer’s Flotilla –  Up

up flotilla at animal kingdom

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

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

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

gorilla falls exploration trail animal kingdom

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

gorilla falls exploration trail animal kingdom

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

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

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

Kilimanjaro Safaris Animals

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

lion kilimanjaro safaris animal kingdom

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

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

kilimanjaro safaris animal location map

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

cheetah kilimanjaro safaris animal kingdom

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

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

gorilla falls exploration trail animal map

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

gorilla falls exploration trail animal kingdom

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

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

okapi gorilla falls exploration trail animal kingdom

Yellow-Backed Duikers

yellow backed duikers gorilla falls exploration trail

Colobus Monkeys

Colobus Monkeys gorilla falls exploration trail

Naked Mole Rats & More

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

naked mole rats gorilla falls exploration trail animal kingdom

African Birds

african birds gorilla falls exploration trail

Western Lowland Gorillas

gorillas gorilla falls exploration trail

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

Coin Press Machines

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

coin press tusker house dawa bar animal kingdom

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

drum area africa animal kingdom

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

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

Disney PhotoPass Photographer

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

africa photopass animal kingdom

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

africa photopass magic shot animal kingdom

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

expedition everest from africa animal kingdom

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

  • Read more about PhotoPass and Memory Maker

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

restrooms africa animal kingdom

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

restrooms africa animal kingdom

Africa Checklist

  • Download PDF version

africa checklist

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

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

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The  Adventures Of Life-Spontaneous Travel, Food and Fun

The Wild Africa Trek At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

animal kingdom safari walk

Quickly, you find yourself off the beaten path and on the Pangani Forest trail.  You are immediately struck by how the outside world all but vanishes, the sudden stillness, and you totally forget that 5 minutes before you were amid the hustle and bustle of Animal Kingdom. Our guides were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. As it turned out, Jenny, one of our two guides was until recently from Sacramento, which is located 90 miles east of me. It truly is a small world after all.

 Each trip is tailored to the needs of the individual group, in our case ranging from children to a couple in their seventies and of course my own limited mobility challenges.   Even with our diverse group, they managed to find a happy medium of not too fast, but not too slow.

Caring For Giants Disney's Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World

 Along the path, you will be educated on the history of Animal Kingdom as well as the animals and wait awaits you ahead.

At the hippo pool, you will be greeted by a naturalist who along with your guides will educate you on the hippos that call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home as well as the ones in the wild. And if you happen to be a Disney regular, then you’re already one step ahead as we all know that you only have to worry when hippos wiggle their ears-or do you…

Next up it’s time to get up close and personal with the Nile Crocodiles. Once again,  you will be tethered to a track and yes, you are able to lean out as far as you dared.

Wild-Africa-Trek-Disney's Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World

Unlike the cuddly hippos, most of us were slightly more cautious approaching the edge to catch our first glimpse of these powerful creatures, especially once we found out that they were only 10 feet below us.

One of the many things we learned about these amazing creatures is that while it appeared that the crocodiles were “smiling” at us, keeping their mouths open was actually part of their natural cooling system. Our guides also joked with us that while we were  tethered, it was still possible for us to slip over the edge if we ventured out too far and while the tether would not necessarily save us, it would make it easier for them to remove our remains from the croc pit so it wouldn’t scare the next group of adventurers! You will quickly discover that your walk on the wild side is almost like a real-life version of the world-famous Jungle Cruise with no joke left untold. 

Take A Walk On The Wild Side-The Wild Africa Trek At Disney's Animal Kingdom

After a leisurely 45-minute meal, it will sadly be time to complete the last leg of our journey.

Once again, you will reboard your vehicle and you be guided through an area where you discover many more animals from rhinos to big cats and more and again, you will have the unique opportunity to be in the heart of them all. 

Disney is meticulous in the camouflage techniques that unless they are pointed out to you, they would be undetectable. Animals are separated from one another by almost invisible fences, rocks, and moats. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World Disney Conservation Fund

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Gayle is an educator, storyteller and lifelong learner with a passion for spontaneous travel. Here you’ll find practical tips and creative hacks with the hope of helping you to create your own extraordinary life experiences - without breaking the bank.

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Wild Africa Trek

A woman with a harness smiles as she crosss a rope bridge

Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Walt Disney World® Resort

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

Age Interest

Tweens, Teens, Adults

Accessibility and Other Information - Opens Dialog

Accessibility

  • Must Be Ambulatory
  • The harness on this experience may prohibit guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.

What's New, Behind the Scenes, Animal Encounters

Embark on a privately-guided, VIP expedition full of close encounters with exotic African wildlife!

A giraffe watches the approach of a truck carrying Guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

An Exhilarating Safari Adventure

The Journey Walk along a grassland path, cross a rope bridge and ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna—with a chance to view African creatures including towering giraffes, powerful rhinos, hippos and crocodiles.

Along your journey, your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the majestic animals you’re viewing, as well as details about the park’s dedication to animal conservation.

And as if your safari weren’t memorable enough, you’ll receive a complimentary souvenir as well!

Complimentary Photo Services Enjoy your encounters with the animals of the Harambe Reserve while a trained photographer captures all the action and excitement throughout your adventure—a service that’s included with your tour.

At the end of your expedition, you’ll receive a photo code that you can use to access and download images taken during your Wild Africa Trek experience.

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

Two stainless-steel food carriers holding different kinds of breakfast foods

Indulge In Gourmet Eats

Sample Menu

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

Please note: Menu items are subject to change without notice.

Close-up of 2 rhinos grazing on dried grass

Know Before You Go

  • WARNING: 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 under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
  • Participants must be 8 years of age or older and at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
  • Participants must be between 45 pounds and 300 pounds. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.
  • You must have physical stamina, comfort with heights, and the surefootedness to negotiate small hills, foliage and unsteady rope bridges on this tour. Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at (407) 938-1373 for alternative programs.
  • Recommended attire includes shorts or pants and a comfortable shirt. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required. No flip-flops will be allowed. Skirts or dresses are not recommended.
  • Complimentary lockers for your belongings will be provided. You will also receive a safety vest and wireless headset so that you can hear your guide at all times. Cameras are allowed as long as they can be securely fastened to the vest.
  • Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of the experience at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction entrance. Late arrivals may not be able to join the experience.
  • 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.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

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Walking Trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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

sign for the Gorilla Fall Expedition

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

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

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

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

reptile house at Animal Kingdom

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

mole rats

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

birds at Animal Kingdom

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

Weaver Bird from the Animal Kingdom

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

zebras from the Animal Kingdom

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

meercats at the Animal Kingdom

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

Gorillas at the Animal Kingdom

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

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

Maharajah Jungle Trek

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

Lizard at the Animal Kingdom

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

bat building at the Animal Kingdom

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

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

tiger from the Animal Kingdom

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

painting of a tiger from Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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

painting of a tiger from Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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

bird guide

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

peacock from the Animal Kingdom

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

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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 safari walk

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 safari walk

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 safari walk

 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 safari walk

Charmaine Cortes

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I recommend it! - Safari Hostel

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I recommend it!

There is no breakfast, but the kitchen is very good!! Also, they have very friendly and helpfull staff. The guests over there are very nice and respectable. The place is very well located - close to supermarket and Red Square. More

  • Cleanliness

Dear Freddy! Thank you for your review! We really appreciate it and waiting for you in our hostel! Take care and good luck in your next trips! Cheers, SafariHostel team

animal kingdom safari walk

  • Room service

animal kingdom safari walk

We stayed at Safari Hostel for three nights. The hostel itself is very clean, they also provide free tea and coffee and the living area is spacious and well-kept. We were a bit put off in the beginning as we were walking to the hostel. It's in a bit of a dingy alleyway and doesn't look like it's going to be as nice as it actually was inside. Close to the Krelmin - around ten minutes to walk maximum, and just across the road from a local supermarket which was very handy. Biggest problem I found was that there was no aircon or fans in any of the rooms. The rooms themselves are very small and cramped for space (we were four people in the four bed dorm) and so it can get very very hot at night and hard to sleep. I ended up sleeping in the living area one morning after waking up in the baking heat of Moscow in the height of Summer. Apart from this, no major complaints and would recommend the hostel as these things are not major issues.

  • Sleep Quality

Dear Maxine! Thank you for your review about our hostel! We admit that we should have thought about the aircons in the rooms when it started being so hot in the city. We hope you enjoyed Moscow and it won't be long when you come there again! We are always waiting for you! Cheers, SafariHostel team.

We stayed for 3 nights in a private room - extremely clean and of reasonable size. The shower facilities were also very clean and for the most part were available to use as you wanted them in the mornings. Staff were very helpful and their spoken English was excellent. Kitchen facilities were brilliant and the coffee/ tea making station was a lovely extra! Location-wise the hostel is also well situated; a ten minute walk from Red Square! Would definitely recommend!

Dear Miriam! Thank you a lot for such high estimation of our hostel! We are always waiting for your coming back! Cheers, SafariHostel team.

Arrived before daylignt, we have been welcome by a nice young lady who speaks good English. The place is lovely and absolutely safe and clean. The beds are comfortable. Close to Kremlin. Staff friendly and efficient, English spoken. Can arrange transfers for you( station, airports). Reasonable price. We would be deligthted to come back ! Anne-Marie + Jarig

A friend and I stopped just the one night. We had a 4 bed dorm to ourselves. This is a clean Hostel, with very friendly staff and useful facilities. It is well located and reasonably priced. The only off-putting thing was its appearance from the outside; but do not judge a book by its cover! Well done Safari for your part in making our visit to Moscow so pleasant.

animal kingdom safari walk

I've been staying at the hostel safari for 4 nights during a Congress in Moscow. It was perfect also if I was in Moscow on a business trip. Toilets and showers were always available and extremely clean, the whole hostel was extremely clean, the cleaning woman or the staff of the hostel never stopped cleaning around. The most excellent point were the staff itself, extremely helpful in all situations, they spoke and understood English very well, which is not very common in Moscow, and they helped me since the very first day of my stay. I would totally recommend it.

Wild Africa Trek

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

An Exhilarating Safari Adventure

Be awestruck viewing wild animals in their natural habitat on the 3-hour Wild Africa Trek. On this privately guided tour, discover animals of nearly every variety living in the Safi River Valley—an untamed environment that resembles their home turf in Africa.

The Journey Walk along a grassland path, cross a rope bridge and ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna—with a chance to view African creatures including towering giraffes, powerful rhinos, hippos and crocodiles.

Along your journey, your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the majestic animals you’re viewing, as well as details about the park’s dedication to animal conservation.

And as if your safari weren’t memorable enough, you’ll receive a complimentary souvenir as well!

Complimentary Photo Services Enjoy your encounters with the animals of the Harambe Reserve while a trained photographer captures all the action and excitement throughout your adventure—a service that’s included with your tour.

At the end of your expedition, you’ll receive a photo code that you can use to access and download images taken during your Wild Africa Trek experience.

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

Indulge In Gourmet Eats

Work up an appetite during your trek and then enjoy some first-class, African-inspired snacks.

Sample Menu

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

Please note: Menu items are subject to change without notice.

Know Before You Go

  • WARNING: 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 under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
  • Participants must be 8 years of age or older and at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
  • Participants must be between 45 pounds and 300 pounds. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.
  • You must have physical stamina, comfort with heights, and the surefootedness to negotiate small hills, foliage and unsteady rope bridges on this tour. Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at 00 800 2006 0809 for alternative programs.
  • Recommended attire includes shorts or pants and a comfortable shirt. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required. No flip-flops will be allowed. Skirts or dresses are not recommended.
  • Complimentary lockers for your belongings will be provided. You will also receive a safety vest and wireless headset so that you can hear your guide at all times. Cameras are allowed as long as they can be securely fastened to the vest.
  • Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of the experience at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction entrance. Late arrivals may not be able to join the experience.
  • 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.

animal kingdom safari walk

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Times for wild africa trek.

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

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  3. Kilimanjaro Safari Tour: The biggest tour in Disney's Animal Kingdom

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  4. Kilimanjaro Safaris

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  5. Absolute Best Rides at Animal Kingdom

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  1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Safari

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  6. DISNEY ANIMAL KINGDOM SAFARI

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. Wild Africa Trek

    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. Visit Disney.com. ... Disney's Animal Kingdom Hours. 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Hours. ... Walk along a grassland path, cross a rope bridge and ride in a rugged ...

  3. Awesome Facts and Secrets About Animal Kingdom Safaris

    Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom allows Guests to enter the savannah and see animals of all kinds while having their own personal tour guide show them the way, answering all questions ...

  4. Disney's Animal Kingdom: Africa Walking Tour in 4K

    Join us on this unforgettable journey through Disney's Animal Kingdom Africa! Join us on an exhilarating 4K morning walking tour as we explore the vibrant an...

  5. 1-Day Animal Kingdom Itinerary

    Pinterest. Our 1-day Animal Kingdom itinerary details step-by-step strategy for minimizing wait times & avoiding crowds at the theme park's most popular rides & shows, including Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and more. This Walt Disney World touring plan covers attractions, restaurants, zoo exhibits, and more.

  6. Africa at Animal Kingdom (Kilimanjaro Safaris & more)

    Africa at Animal Kingdom (Kilimanjaro Safaris, Festival of the Lion King) Animal Kingdom is the youngest park at Walt Disney World. It's also one of the most unique thanks to its zoo-like atmosphere. Even though there are a variety of animals to see, including giraffes, zebras, and elephants, it's far different than a zoo.

  7. The Wild Africa Trek At Disney's Animal Kingdom

    In April 2011, Disney opened one of its most exclusive experiences-the Wild Africa Trek in Disney's Animal Kingdom. During this three-hour tour, safari goers pick their way through the wooded overgrowth, peer over a cliff at pools of hippos, cross a rickety bridge high above Nile crocodiles and dine in a safari style camp on five-star cuisines.

  8. Wild Africa Trek

    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. ... Walk along a grassland path, cross a rope bridge and ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna—with a chance to view African creatures including towering giraffes ...

  9. Walking Trails at Disney's Animal Kingdom

    It was renamed Pangani Forest Exploration Trail a few months later, and then the original and current name was restored in 2016. The trail itself is 3/8 of a mile long, and along the way you will encounter many types of wildlife. It is located just to the left of the exit of the Safari attraction in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom.

  10. Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom

    Kilimanjaro Safaris is a safari ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Kilimanjaro Safaris: does not have a height requirement. does not offer rider switch. has an Lightning Lane as part of Genie+. does not have a single rider line. is not a part of Early Entry at Animal Kingdom. is about 20 minutes long (varies) Disney warns ...

  11. 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.

  12. Disney's Animal Kingdom 2023

    To celebrate Animal Kingdom's 25th Anniversary, let's take a full tour of Disney's Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in 2023! We'll see the most...

  13. Disney's Animal Kingdom Complete Walkthrough Walt Disney ...

    Take a complete walkthrough tour of Disney's Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, FL.In this video we visit all the themed areas of D...

  14. Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

    Disney's Animal Kingdom park is a Walt Disney World theme park with daily and nightly attractions and experiences, including Pandora - The World of Avatar. ... Walk through a fascinating path, offering views of incredible animals—including the world's largest primates. ... Take off on a private safari and enjoy African-inspired tapas ...

  15. Review of Safari Hostel, Moscow, Russia

    Safari Hostel: I recommend it! - See 123 traveler reviews, 96 candid photos, and great deals for Safari Hostel at Tripadvisor.

  16. Georgii Daneliia. I Walk Around Moscow (1964)

    Daneliia's delightful film about young people in early 1960s Moscow is distilled into this final scene, in which the young Nikita Mikhalkov sings the lighthe...

  17. Wild Africa Trek

    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. Visit Disney.com. Skip Navigation. Europe (English) ... Disney's Animal Kingdom Hours. 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Hours. ... Walk along a grassland path, cross a ...

  18. Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

    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. Starlight Safari is a VIP tour through an African game reserve at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge in Walt Disney World Resort, near Orlando, Florida.

  19. Walking Tour: Central Moscow from the Arbat to the Kremlin

    Or at the bottom of Tverskaya right opposite Kremlin entrance, stop in at Grand Cafe Dr Zhivago for a taste of Imperial Russian food and decor.. Take a walk around the Kremlin and Red Square, perhaps visit Lenin's Tomb. Then, duck into GUM, Moscow's department store from the 1800s.Wander through the legendary food hall, Gastronome No. 1. These days, it may stock fine food imports from all ...

  20. Amazing Journey around Moscow, Kremlin Wall; Russia

    #Sancharam #Siberia #SafariTV #Santhosh_George_Kulangara #Lal_JoseStay Tuned : https://www.safaritvchannel.com Enjoy & Stay Connected With Us !!---...

  21. Animal Kingdom Events & Tours

    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. View all events and tours featured at ...