animal kingdom trek tour

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.

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Times for wild africa trek.

Wild Africa Trek review (cost, is it worth it?)

By: Author Shannon Albert

Published: May 9, 2023 Updated: October 12, 2023

Tours might be what Walt Disney World does best, and that definitely includes Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom .

I loved my first experience on this tour so much that I recently booked it again.

Here’s what you can expect on the tour…

In this article

Wild Africa Trek is a 3-hour tour that takes place at Animal Kingdom and includes several different backstage elements (more on that below). It’s offered a few times per day, with a very limited number of people allowed on each trek.

How much does Wild Africa Trek cost?

The cost for Wild Africa Trek is $219-$229 per person (tax not included). Price varies by date.

Yes, Wild Africa Trek is on the more expensive side, but you are also getting a pretty cool and unique experience.

There are, however, 15% discounts for select guests that will save you a little bit of money:

• Annual Passholders : from $186.15 (plus tax; prices vary by date)
• Disney Vacation Club Members : $186.15 (plus tax; prices vary by date)

Remember that to participate in the tour, you must also purchase valid theme park admission and secure a park reservation for that day.

The full payment is due at the time of booking. To receive the discount, you’ll need to be logged into the Disney Website before reserving your tour.

Note: There is a 2-day cancellation policy. The full price will be charged/forfeited if you cancel within 2 days or are a “no show” for the reservation.

Some important details to consider before booking:

• In order to participate, guests must be at least 8 years old and guests 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by a participating adult of 18 years or older
• Due to height restrictions for specific areas during the tour, guests must meet the minimum height requirement of 48 inches (122 cm) or they may not participate
• Due to weight restrictions for specific areas during the tour, participants must weigh between 45 and 300 lbs (20.14-136 kg) or they may not participate (yes, they weigh you!)
• Expectant mothers cannot participate
• For safety, participants 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 the tour
• Guests who wish to participate in a less physical journey or a wheelchair-accessible trek may contact Wild Africa Trek operations at (407) 938-1373 for an alternative offering

Reservations can be made online up to 60 days out. Since spots are limited, be sure to reserve ASAP.

Is there a dress code for Wild Africa Trek?

There are certain items you are not allowed to wear and some that are recommended.

Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required. You cannot wear flip-flops.

There is recommended casual attire, including shorts or pants with a comfortable shirt. Skirts or dresses are not recommended.

Small personal items, such as cameras and cell phones, are permitted if they can be securely attached to the safety gear provided. Backpacks are not allowed.

What’s included in the cost?

In addition to getting to experience the savanna in a new way and see the animals up close while learning from the experts, the price of the tour includes the following:

Food and Drinks

You’ll be able to indulge in African-inspired snacks.

To give you an idea of what you might expect, this is a sample menu. What you actually are served may vary:

• Chicken curry salad
• Sun-dried tomato hummus and mini pita
• Marinated tandoori shrimp
• Smoked salmon roulade with dill
• Air-dried beef and prosciutto
• Fresh fruit marinated in mint and ginger

If you have any dietary restrictions, you’ll want to make a note of that when booking online.

Plus, you’ll inform the Disney Cast Member, server, chef, or manager on duty of any dietary restrictions when arriving at the dining location.

One of your guides will capture different moments of you throughout the tour.

Then, at the end of your expedition, you will receive a photo code that you can use to access and download the images.

As a souvenir, you’ll get to keep both your water bottle and name tag. You can see both in the photo below:

Safety Gear

Any necessary safety gear is provided by Disney.

• Warning: big spoilers ahead.

Arriving for the tour

This tour starts with checking in right by Kilimanjaro Safaris in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom. Be sure to show up a little early to allow time to sign paperwork, ask questions, etc.

Once the group has arrived, the guides will lead you to a locker and harness area where you can store your items.

You can take sunglasses and phones with you as long as they have a strap, which they’re happy to provide.

The guides will get you connected to harnesses and give you a water bottle that you can fill right in this area.

They will also give you a headset to wear that they’ll use to speak to you throughout the tour.

Parts of the tour

Once you’re ready to get started, the tour consists of a few different parts:

Hippo backstage viewing

• Rope bridges with views of crocodiles 
• Croc viewing 
• Private safari ride 
• Snack time at a private pavilion on the savanna 

To get to the first step, the group will walk through part of the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and then enter a backstage area from there to get started.

First up, hippos!

After hiking a little ways toward the hippo viewing area, a knowledgeable Cast Member will talk about hippos and attempt to wake the up for a snack.

Lucky for us, the 2 hippos responded and came out for quite a while as the Cast Member taught us about them and answered any questions we had.

Since this is a ledge overlooking the hippos, you are tethered via your harness during this part.

Rope bridges

If you’ve ever been on the Kilimanjaro Safaris and seen people climbing the rope bridges, you might’ve wondered how they got there. This tour is the answer to that!

You’ll be able to climb 2 different rope bridges during this part, with the second one passing over the crocodiles that you see from the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride.

You can kinda take your time walking across the bridges, which comes in handy if you have a fear of heights and/or want to snap some pics.

The guides will take pics of you along the way that can be downloaded afterward.

Croc viewing

While the 2nd rope bridge does include a view of the crocodiles, you’ll get another chance once you’re back on land with another tethered harness view overlooking their area.

Private safari ride

After seeing the crocs, the whole group will head out on a truck that will provide a private safari ride. After this, you may never want to go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride again.

The main perk of having a private ride is the ability to pull over and spend time with active animals, providing lots of chances to take great pics.

On our recent trek, we spent at least 10 minutes in the giraffe area as they were very active after being fed.

Snack time at a private pavilion

The safari truck will eventually make its way to a private pavilion overlooking the savanna.

The view is gorgeous from here and makes for great photo ops. In fact, many proposals have taken place at this spot.

Bathrooms are available, and a light lunch prepared by Tusker House restaurant is provided. Oh, and the popular pog juice (passion fruit, orange, guava) is included as well.

If you have special dietary needs, you’ll be able to email them ahead of time to let them know.

From there, you’ll hop back in the truck and finish out the private safari.

This is also the end of the tour, so you’ll want to pick up your locker belongings before heading out.

Is the Wild Africa Trek worth it?

As mentioned in the intro, Walt Disney World is exceptionally good at tours, so it will not come as a big surprise when I say: yes! Definitely yes.

Though it’s definitely not cheap, it’s 100% worth it, especially if you’re looking for something new or special to do during your trip.

• If you’re typically a person who wears sandals or skirts, be sure to pack close-toed shoes and long shorts or pants for this trek.
• During hotter months, I’d suggest booking the earliest time possible to avoid afternoon heat.
• With the tour overlapping prime touring, be sure to have your Individual Lightning Lane Selections and/or Genie+ Selections booked for afterward.

Tuesday 5th of December 2023

The list of conditions mentions "motion sickness". When would someone have motion sickness on the tour? Just the safari ride portion?

Friday 12th of January 2024

@Regina, That would be due to the rope bridge swaying and the rough ride of the vehicles.

Friday 27th of October 2023

how many people are in a group? we have a group of 11

Caitlin Kelch

Monday 2nd of October 2023

They say no backpacks. Is the locker large enough to store the backpack in??

Shannon Albert

Tuesday 3rd of October 2023

Yes, it is. That's what I did on this tour.

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Your Guide To Wild Africa Trek At Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Do yourself a favor and book the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during your next visit! This 3 hour private tour takes you up close with the exotic African wildlife where you can discover animals of nearly every variety living in the Safi River Valley.

Related – Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World

Your private guide will take you to walk along a grassland path, cross a rope bridge and ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna where you will have the chance to see giraffes, rhinos, hippos and crocodiles! All of this while learning details about the animals and Animal Kingdom’s dedication to animal conservation.

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

Relax and enjoy the encounters with the animals of the Harambe Reserve while a trained photographer captures the moment! This is a service included with your tour so you can be in the moment and get fully immerse in this wild experience.

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.

After all of this fun, you will for sure wake up your appetite, but don’t worry, you will be able to enjoy some first class African inspired snacks while watching animals in their natural habitat. This is a sample menu:

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

Looks amazing right? This is a great activity for families with older kids, all guests must be 8 years old or older to participate and at least 48 inches tall. Guests must also weight between 45 and 300 pounds to enjoy this experience. You can check all the requirement at the Walt Disney World website.

Have a wild time!

Credit: Disney Parks

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Guide to H2O Glow After Hours at Walt Disney World

Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Popular Wild Africa Trek

by Lisa Mendillo , Sr. Manager, Digital Integration

Looking for something  out of the wild  to do with your older kids while vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort? Perhaps an exploration that includes hippos, giraffes, and even lions? Then look no further than the  Wild Africa Trek  at  Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park ! 

Join  planDisney  panelist  Jenna J . as she shares her tips on this amazing safari adventure and why her kids always include this on their must-do Disney list.

What an amazing activity for families with older kids! Wild Africa Trek is part of Walt Disney World’s  Enchanting Extras Collection . The collections include everything from fireworks dessert parties to animal adventures like this one. As Jenna mentioned this adventure is for those who are up for a bit of a challenge and enjoy the outdoors. Guests must be 8 years of age or older to participate and at least 48 inches tall. Guests must also weigh between 45 and 300 pounds to enjoy this Enchanting Extra. A list of  all requirements can be found on the Walt Disney World website. 

Guests taking part in this expedition will also enjoy a photo service, included in the price of the trek. We know tweens love those phones, but as Jenna mentioned, pack those away and let trained photographers take care of all of your photo needs. At the end of your trek, guests will receive a photo code to access and download all photos taken during the experience.

And if this journey through the Safi River Valley with your family wasn’t enough, guests will also enjoy a tasty snack while watching animals in their natural habitat. This is an experience that will create memories of a lifetime and probably have your tweens and teens asking when they can do it again!

Remember, theme park admission is required to participate in this experience.

If the call of the wild is shouting your name, be sure to visit  planDisney.com  where our panelists can answer all of your questions about Wild Africa Trek and planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation with your older children. You can also follow us on Instagram at  @planDisneyPanel . And be sure to check out more tweens and teens tips on the  Walt Disney World website .

Panelists receive compensation for their participation on planDisney.

Topics: planDisney , Vacation Planning

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• Animal Kingdom / News / Walt Disney World

‘Wild Africa Trek’ Tour Returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on February 6, 2022

by Whitney Littlejohn · December 16, 2021

More exciting news for guests this morning! Disney just announced that the ‘Wild Africa Trek’ in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is returning on February 6, 2022. So many fun experiences returning to the park next year. 

Photo credit: Kent Phillips, Photographer

On the Wild Africa Trek, guests will get the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals. Walking along a grassland path, crossing a rope bridge, and riding in a rugged safari vehicle through the open savanna will be on the agenda for this tour. 

Credit: Disney

Along the way, guests will learn amazing info about all of the animals as well as Disney’s conservation efforts.

Image Credit: Disney

Guests will also receive a complimentary souvenir and photo services. A trained photographer captures all the excitement throughout your adventure so you can bring home those awesome memories!

If you are too excited to eat before your journey, don’t worry, there will be food! Take a look at what’s offered.

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
• Chicken curry salad
• Sun-dried tomato hummus and mini pita
• Marinated tandoori shrimp

Check out this video that gives you a glimpse into the adventure that is the Wild Africa Trek.

The trek leaves at certain times during the day. Here are some example times that may be available:

Reservations can be made for the Wild Africa Trek by contacting your travel agent or reach out to Disney directly at 407.WDW.TOUR.  The cost to attend is $189 – $249 per person depending on the season.  

Disney also announced this morning that the ‘ Keys to the Kingdom ‘ tour in Magic Kingdom will be returning as well. So many amazing experiences are returning!

Thinking about a Disney getaway? 2021 packages are available for booking and 2022 packages are now open! Fill out our form below or contact me today for your FREE, no-obligation quote for a Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line or Adventures By Disney vacation! My magical planning services are included at no extra cost. Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at [email protected]  or follow along on  Facebook  and  Instagram .

Source: Disney

Tags: Disney's Animal Kingdom Tour Wild Africa Trek returns

Whitney Littlejohn

Whitney is a wife and mom of 2 princesses of her own. She has grown up visiting Disney World and has turned her passion into a career. When she's not at the parks, she can be found planning her client's vacations with MickeyTravels and sharing advice with readers at MickeyBlog. Please reach out for a free, no-obligation quote at 843-288-1130 or [email protected].

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Wild Africa Trek in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

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

Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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

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

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

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

Read a review of the Wild Africa Trek here!

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

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

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

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

Additional Information

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

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

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

Click here to see more Disney World Tours

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

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

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

Important Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

Caring For Giants

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

Length: 1 hour

Cost: $35 per person

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

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

Elephant seen during Caring For Giants tour

Up Close With Rhinos

Availability: Daily, typically at 11:00AM

Cost: $45 per person

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

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

Savor the Savanna

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

Length: 2 hours

Cost: $174 per person

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

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

Wild Africa Trek

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

Length: 3 hours

Cost: $199 per person

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

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

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

Hippo encounter during the Wild Africa Trek tour

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

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Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom

By:  Bekah Beliveau , a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent

When the news broke that Disney's tour experiences would be returning in February this year, I know I wasn't the only one rejoicing! The news couldn't have come at a more perfect time personally. I was headed to Disney World for a late February/early March girls' trip with my sister. We were so excited to add the Wild Africa Trek to our itinerary for our first time.

3-Hour Tour (oh my!):

This is where you can enter your 3-hour tour, Gilligan's Island joke. One of our guides, Jason, appreciated my nod to the classics but said that marketing wise, a 2-hour & 59-minute tour just doesn't have the same ring. Ha!! But I digress, back to our 3-hour tour. This tour definitely takes up a good portion of your day. Now that being said, would I recommend it for a first-time guest? No, I actually wouldn't. There's so much to do, see and enjoy in Animal Kingdom between the rides, animal trails, shows and delicious food. However, if this isn't your first visit and you are looking for something new to try, I couldn't recommend the Wild Africa Trek more!

They ask that you check in 15 minutes before your scheduled time. You will find the Check-In kiosk right across from the Kilimanjaro Safari entrance in Africa. The cast members and guides will get you checked in, help you get all your personal items stowed in a complimentary locker and get you fitted in your trek gear. They will deck you out with a harness, vest, a name tag, earpiece and even a water bottle that is yours to take home. We got introduced to our guides, took a few group photos (a small group of 12 total), and even learned a few words in Swahili; including Jambo (a greeting similar to Hello in English) and Asante Sana (Thank you).

We headed first to see and learn more about Animal Kingdom's resident Hippo males, Hans and his father, Henry. We got to see them up-close and personal, watch them get some lettuce snacks and learn all about their dental health. The awesome part of this tour is also the time that our guides and the animal keepers take in sharing all the info about the animals and answering any questions the group has.

Next up, we headed across 2 rope bridges and headed to see the crocodiles. In fact, you get to walk right over the crocodiles. You also cross over a road the Kilimanjaro Safari vehicles use. Definitely take a few moments to stop and enjoy the views from up there. Very cool!! Note: it's not a good idea to look around or down while walking...you might miss a step. You'll just have to trust me on that one

From there we were off to the savanna! What differs this portion from the Kilimanjaro Safari ride is the vehicle. The bench seating wraps all the way around the edge of the back of the truck; ensuring everyone has an awesome view. They also pull over and stop periodically to answer questions or discuss the various animals more in depth.

We were lucky enough to also see the two male baby rhinos: Ranger & Mylo. The newest; baby female rhino, Logan, is still backstage with her mom, Lola. How cute are they?!

Snack Time:

In the middle of our savanna tour, we also stopped at a Boma (an open-air private pavilion) for our African inspired snacks. Every item is prepared specifically for the Wild Africa Trek- which means you won't find the items anywhere else in the parks. And man, were they delicious!! Like always with Disney, they make allowances for dietary restrictions. I had a gluten-free tin filled with safe snacks and another member of our group had a vegan tin.  Make sure you note any dietary restrictions with your travel agent or when you book the tour.  Also, if you've never had it; try the Jungle Juice. If you have had it, I'm sure you will be happy to hear it's included!!  It's the best! Jungle Juice is also known as POG juice at the Polynesian Resort and 'Ohana Restaurant. It quickly became a favorite of mine! YUM!

  Also Included in This Tour:

Complimentary Photo Service- Your guides are not only walking and talking animal encyclopedias, but also trained photographers. They are both taking pictures of not only you and your party but also the animals. At the end of your tour, you will receive access to download all the photos. No extra purchase necessary!! You can also enjoy the moment and still have it beautifully documented. This doesn't mean you can't bring your cellphone and take your own photos/video footage.

Important Things to Note:

• Theme Park admission isn't included with the price of the trek. You must have valid park admission tickets and at this time a Park Reservation for Animal Kingdom.
• Keep in mind the physical aspects of the tour. For example, the rope bridges. If a fear of heights is a worry, this may not be the tour for you. However, you are expertly hooked into a harness. There's also protective netting under the steps. At no point of the tour, did I feel unsafe. It's also recommended that you can physically handle the walking paths and hike up short hills.
• You must wear closed-toe shoes and shorts/pants. Opened toe shoes or/and dresses are not permitted. You don't want to be turned away due to your clothing.

Pricing details:

The price is currently $199.00 per person (tax not included) and you must be 8 years old or older to participate.

**This is just ONE of the tour experiences offered at Animal Kingdom. Reach out to an agent to discuss adding this VIP Expedition or one of the other animal tours. We can assist you in planning your trip and finding the perfect fit for your family! 

  Thank you to our guides, Jason and Josh- you both were fantastic! And a BIG thank you to Disney for offering these opportunities to their guests so that we can continue learning about wildlife, and animal conservation.

Have you done Animal Kingdom's Wild Africa Trek? I’d enjoy hearing if you loved it as much as I did. Asante Sana for reading!

Please reach out to Bekah , an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact  Marvelous Mouse Travels.

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Love Animals? Check out These Cool Things To Do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Posted: May 8, 2024 | Last updated: May 8, 2024

Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. Explore the wildlife of Africa and Asia and come face to face with dinosaurs and mythical creatures like the legendary yeti. Animal Kingdom has a lot of great opportunities for guests to get up close and personal with some of the park’s animals.

Visitors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom can observe a diverse range of animals from around the world. The 580-acre park is well-known for its exceptional attention to detail and landscaping. Animal Kingdom is dedicated to the theme of the natural environment and animal conservation, a concept that Walt Disney himself introduced and championed.

Where To See Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

When you enter Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you can visit all the animals for no additional cost. The animals are spread throughout the park and can be easily accessed through beautifully landscaped pathways.

Upon entering Animal Kingdom , you will find yourself in The Oasis, a beautiful landscape filled with tropical gardens and gentle waterfalls. While exploring The Oasis, you will encounter various animals, including anteaters, babirusas, barking deer, wallabies, and spoonbills.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Africa’s wildlife by taking a stroll along the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail or embarking on a tour of the Kilimanjaro Safari. You will encounter gorillas, zebras, and meerkats on the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.

The Kilimanjaro Safari takes you on an African safari ride through vast wildlife habitats. Here, you will see popular African animals such as lions, giraffes, hippos, and rhinos.

The Maharajah Jungle Trek is located in the Asia area of the park, where you can see Asian tigers, gibbons, water buffalo, and Komodo dragons. The aviary is home to more than 50 species of birds soaring free. Make a point to see the Feathered Friends in Flight show, which takes place at the Anandapur Theater.

Discovery Island

Discovery Island is home to the iconic Tree of Life in the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Explore the Discovery Island Trails, featuring tranquil pathways and incredible animals like flamingos, kangaroos, lemurs, otters, tamarins, vultures, and more. This immersive experience will take you close to some of the park’s most fascinating creatures and allow you to appreciate their beauty.

Animal Encounters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Take a closer look at the animals with unique animal encounters throughout the park. These attractions are educational and awe-inspiring and are included in the admission price.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

The main attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Africa land is Kilimanjaro Safaris. This ride takes you on a 20-minute-long expedition through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve with a wildlife expert. Covering an area of 110 acres, the Harambe Wildlife Reserve is home to over 30+ species of African wildlife.

Its design replicates the animals’ natural habitats, including savannas, wetlands, and forests. During the trip, you will see popular African animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos. You will also see unique creatures like painted dogs and okapi.

Feathered Friends in Flight

“Feathered Friends in Flight” is a 35-minute stage show in the Anandapur Theater. It features an animal behavior specialist who works with the free-flying birds that reside in Animal Kingdom. The show showcases these birds’ natural behaviors and trained skills as they soar around the theater.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an animal oasis only accessible by train. There are two animal encounters at Rafiki’s Planet Watch: the Conservation Station and the Affection Section.

At the Conservation Station, you can observe veterinary procedures and how animals’ meals are prepared. In contrast, the Affection Section is a large petting zoo where you can interact with sheep, goats, cows, donkeys, pigs, and llamas.

Animal Tours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Several behind-the-scenes tours are available at Animal Kingdom, all offering up-close experiences with selected animals. These four tours are an additional expense but give guests a one-of-a-kind animal encounter. Theme park admission is required in addition to the price of this tour. 

Wild Africa Trek

The Wild Africa Trek is a three-hour private tour that includes a ride in a safari vehicle through the open Savanna and a walk along a rope bridge high above animal enclosures. During the tour, you will have towering views of giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles.

As a guest, you will receive a complimentary souvenir and photos of your encounters with the animals. The tour concludes at a pavilion overlooking the Savanna, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks.

Savor the Savanna

During the Savor the Savanna tour, you’ll board a special Kilimanjaro Safari truck and embark on a guided tour of the savanna. Along the way, you’ll stop and meet a keeper who will tell you how they care for the animals that live there.

You will then be treated to delicious food in a pavilion overlooking the savanna as you enjoy the stunning views and refreshments.

Up Close With Rhinos

The “Up Close with Rhinos” tour takes you on a quick ten-minute bus ride to a backstage viewing area where you can observe the White Rhinos. During the tour, a knowledgeable guide will provide information about them and their care.

The guide will primarily focus on answering your questions and addressing your curiosities about these magnificent creatures.

Caring for Giants

The Caring of Giants Tour takes you on a ten-minute drive to a viewing area in the back of the African Elephant enclosure. From this area, you can view the elephant herd from 80-100 feet away.

The guide will provide you with information about the elephants and answer any questions you may have.

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What To Know: A First-Timers Guide to Animal Kingdom

Planning for and taking a trip to Walt Disney World can be stressful – especially if it’s your first visit . You want to stretch your vacation budget, and make sure that everyone enjoys their time. Animal Kingdom, the newest and largest Walt Disney World theme park, is its own unique puzzle. Only a few attractions have long lines – you’ll need to know how to fill your day with characters and rides and shows and animals.

So what is important to know when you visit Animal Kingdom for the first time? There are lots of resources to help you with that (The Unofficial Guide  is one of our favorites). But here we’ll share some special tips and tricks that I wish  I knew on my very first trip to Animal Kingdom. You might also give it a skim if you’ve visited before, but haven’t been back in 5 or 10 years.

Animal Kingdom Geography 101

Animal Kingdom is divided into six “lands” (themed areas) spread throughout the park. Similar to Magic Kingdom, most of the lands are arranged around a park hub that houses the park’s icon. In this case, the hub is Discovery Island, and the park icon is the 145-foot-tall Tree of Life. Leading from the park entrance to Discovery Island is the Oasis, a series of meandering pathways with animal exhibits. It’s the anti-Main Street that gets you in the mood for exploring and wandering.

Clockwise around Discovery Island, you’ll first find Pandora – World of Avatar. Home to Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey and floating mountains, this is absolutely the first land you should explore in the morning when you arrive in the park. Continuing clockwise, you’ll find Africa. Within Africa you’ll find Kilimanjaro Safaris, Gorilla Falls Trek, Festival of the Lion King, as well as dining and entertainment options. You’ll also find the gateway to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, with a train ride to Affection Section and Conservation Station.

Further along our clockwise tour of the park is Asia, anchored by Expedition Everest, along with more entertainment, animals, and attractions. Finally, you’ll find Dinoland USA. Shockingly, no live animals are in this area. But there are two attractions, roadside games, characters, and another show.

It’s Nahtazu

Back when Animal Kingdom first opened, there was a large marketing campaign all about how it was “Not a Zoo.” And, truthfully, it  is  so much more than a zoo. But now over two decades later, what you may most appreciate about Animal Kingdom is that out of all of the crowded and line-filled Walt Disney World theme parks, it is the least zoo-like. From a crush of humanity perspective.

Days at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, especially, have to be planned and executed carefully so that you don’t wind up in hours-long queues for popular attractions. At Animal Kingdom, the emphasis is more on exploring and discovering than planning and waiting. Does this mean you should show up without any prior knowledge? No. But good news, you’re already reading this, so you’re ahead of the curve. There are a few key things to know, but otherwise, Animal Kingdom is yours to enjoy.

Starting the Day Right

If you make good use of the very beginning of your Animal Kingdom day, everything else will fall into place smoothly. If you show up late or head in the wrong direction in the morning, you could be setting yourself up for some ugly waits for attractions (or less active animals) later in the day.

Frequently, Animal Kingdom is the park that opens the earliest. If you have access to early entry, you should arrive with the other (relatively) few early birds at least 45 minutes before official park opening – which is at least 15 minutes before early entry begins. Give yourself time to get through security and be lined up at the tapstiles. Once the park opens, hustle through the Oasis, onto Discovery Island, and take the left toward Pandora. If you don’t know where you’re going – just follow almost everybody else.

If you want to ride Flight of Passage, this is the time to do it. Go immediately to the queue. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Line up. And, uh, fly. If the park still hasn’t officially opened when you get off the ride, try Na’vi River Journey next. It gets long waits, and opinions vary on whether it’s worth waiting more than 20 minutes for.

Then, as close to actual park opening as possible, make your way back to Africa to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris. Lines will be shortest this early in the day, and the animals will be at their most active. After the Safari, the rest of your day should be smooth sailing.

Starting Your Day … Late

Because most people at this point know that starting early is the key to enjoying a Disney theme park, and because Animal Kingdom doesn’t have as many “rides” as other parks, a lot of the crowds don’t stick around for a full day exploring everything that Animal Kingdom has to offer. That means that wait times start decreasing here earlier than they do at any other park.

Animal Kingdom also typically closes much earlier than any other park, so plenty of people will take the opportunity to go back to their resort midday before hitting another park, or hop away early in the afternoon instead. That gives you the opportunity to go against the flow and not show up until the afternoon. You won’t have as much time to experience everything, but wait times may start going down by around 2 pm. And if you take one of the very last Safaris of the day, that’s when the carnivores start getting more active, so you’ll have a very different experience than the morning rides do.

Alternatively, you could make Flight of Passage your very last ride of the day, entering the queue about 5 minutes before the park closes. The posted wait time will be high to try to scare people out of joining the line, but you’ll have one of the shortest waits of the day.

To Genie+ or Not to Genie+

Animal Kingdom is the park where Genie+ is always the least expensive. So many people are tempted to purchase it as a “good value” for skipping lines. Unfortunately, there really that many attractions where Genie+ is going to save you a decent amount of time compared to waiting in the Standby queue. Na’vi River Journey and Kilimanjaro Safaris are the big wins. But because the Safaris don’t open until regular park opening anyway, it’s possible to “rope drop” both of them – Na’vi River Journey during early entry and Kilimanjaro Safaris at regular opening time. If you are willing and able to take advantage of early entry, that eliminates the need for Genie+ at the two attractions where it saves a lot of time compared to standby.

The other available attractions, like Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, and DINOSAUR can be helpful – but typically only on the very most crowded days of the year. Otherwise, if you just stay ahead of “the pack” by working your way through these attractions after taking a Safari in the morning, you still won’t have much of a wait at any of them. And you certainly don’t need to use Genie+ at any of the shows in Animal Kingdom.

Flight of Passage isn’t included in Genie+ – instead, it’s only available via an Individual Lightning Lane purchase. If you don’t have early entry, or don’t want to wake up early, and you don’t want to stay late and get in line at the last minute, this is one of the most worthwhile Individual Lightning Lane purchases that you could make during your Walt Disney World vacation. It can save an incredible amount of time during peak hours.

Animal Kingdom has some of the highest-rated dining of any Walt Disney World Theme Park – especially when it comes to counter-service food. There are still some places you should probably avoid, and locations that we recommend seeking out. But the foodie highlights at this park easily beat out those offered at Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, and put Animal Kingdom up with EPCOT for best theme park dining.

Some reliably good options include:

Table Service

• Yak & Yeti (93%) – Asia
• Tiffins (92%) – Discovery Island
• Tusker House (91%) – Africa

Counter Service

• Satu’li Canteen (96%) – Pandora
• Harambe Market (94%) – Africa
• Flame Tree BBQ (94%) – Discovery Island
• Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes (93%) – Asia

A special shout-out goes to Nomad Lounge , which serves a lot of the same food and drinks as the signature restaurant next door, Tiffins. There are also “secret” off-menu chicken nuggets that are probably the best chicken you’ll get in any park. The Lounge is available by walk-up only, and is popular. Your best bet for getting a seat is before noon and in the last hour before the park closes. You can read more about Nomad Lounge here .

The Wilderness Must Be Explored!

One of the best ways to explore the Animal Kingdom is by participating in the Wilderness Explorers program. This park-wide “scavenger hunt” is themed to the troop that Russell participates in during the move Up.

After signing up for the program at one of many marked kiosks throughout the park, you’ll visit specially-marked locations as you tour during the day and earn “badges” (stickers) for completing various activities.

Cast members that run these kiosks and special locations are some of the very best that Disney has to offer, and they’re trained to tweak their content to any age group. We’ve seen parties of adults all enjoy learning something new and collecting badges, and the tiniest little two-year-olds toddle up to a cast member who will kneel down to their level and get them excited about the topic at hand.

You can learn all about the Wilderness Explorers program here .

Let the Music Play

Animal Kingdom has some of the best entertainment of any park, whether musical or educational. Often both! Three big stage shows with their own theaters or amphitheaters headline the offerings:

• Festival of the Lion King – Africa
• Feathered Friends in Flight – Between Africa and Asia
• Finding Nemo: the Big Blue … and Beyond – Dinoland USA

Of these, Festival of the Lion King is undoubtedly the most popular. Make sure to line up for it at least 15-20 minutes early. Feathered Friends in Flight teaches all about birds and their behaviors, and Finding Nemo has some of the most impressive puppets you’ll see in any park.

Beyond the big shows, though, are other acts that you can find around the park. Many of these musical acts are some of the highest-rated “attractions” in the park. The musicians are truly talented:

• Viva Gaia Street Band! – Discovery Island
• Kora Tinga Tinga – Africa (I personally rate this one as do-not-miss)
• Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe – Africa
• Chakrandi – Asia

Having a Plan is Key

Most first-time visitors to Animal Kingdom will head into the park without any plan. They’ll wander about the Oasis and take pictures of the (admittedly impressive) Tree of Life before arriving at Flight of Passage and being shocked by its already-terrible wait, and then end up eating at the first place they come to without a long line to order. Probably Pizzafari, which has the worst satisfaction in the park.

A little research and a plan can make an Animal Kingdom day more relaxing and fulfilling than any other theme park day. Plus it can include a good meal or two and some great snacks! If you’re a TouringPlans subscriber, you can check out some of our pre-made Animal Kingdom Touring Plans . Or you can  create a personalized plan  of your own and see what the optimizer recommends. Either method will give you an idea of the best way to approach your day.

If you’re an Animal Kingdom veteran, what tip would you share with a rookie? And if you’re planning your first visit, what questions do you have?

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Becky Gandillon

Becky Gandillon was trained in biomedical engineering, but is now a full-time data and analytics nerd. She loves problem solving and travelling. She and her husband, Jeff, live in St. Louis with their two daughters and they have Disney family movie night every Saturday. You can follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-gandillon/ or instagram @raisingminniemes

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Decoding Disney’s Massive Animal Kingdom Expansion Announcement

There are some major CHANGES coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Disney confirmed a while back that DinoLand, U.S.A. will be converted to a Tropical Americas-themed land , and we’re intrigued. We’ve seen concept art for the new addition, and now we’re breaking down the announcements to see what’s coming soon!

What Has Been Confirmed

During the 2024 Shareholders Meeting, Disney confirmed that Animal Kingdom will be home to a new “Tropical Americas” land, replacing DinoLand. It was revealed that Disney Imagineers have been visiting the Tropical Americas for inspiration, checking out places like pyramids in Mexico.

At the time of the announcement, no specific IPs or attractions had been confirmed, though Disney has previously thrown out ideas like  Encanto  and  Indiana Jones  when the project was in its Blue Sky phase.

But even though we don’t have many details, there are some things we can infer from the concept art!

Breaking Down the Concept Art

When the announcement was made, Disney shared a look at the concept art for the new land. (Keep in mind that concept art can change!) Based on this artwork, we have some ideas about what could come to Animal Kingdom.

Let’s dig deeper!

Casita from  Encanto

The first thing that drew our eye in this concept art is the building in the top left of the picture — it looks an awful lot like Casita from  Encanto ! It’s unclear whether this would be a walkthrough or a ride, but the replica is uncanny.

Encanto  was incredibly popular when it premiered on Disney+, and additions themed to the movie have been well-received so far in the parks, so we wouldn’t be surprised if Disney added it to this land.

In the bottom left corner of the concept art, there’s what looks like a carousel-type ride. The round pavilion could also be something similar to Mad Tea Party — it’s hard to tell since we only see the top.

A smaller “kiddie” ride like a carousel or a spinner would be a fitting replacement for TriceraTop Spin , which is DinoLand’s current ride for little ones.

An  Indiana Jones  Ride

When Disney first mentioned  Indiana Jones  IP as a possibility for Animal Kingdom, most people’s immediate thought is that DINOSAUR will be made over to match Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye in Disneyland.

The two attractions share the same ride system, so Disney wouldn’t have to start from the ground up. The concept art for DINOSAUR’s current location looks similar to the  Indiana Jones  temple.

Rethemed Shops and Restaurants

And of course, the restaurants and shops will be rethemed to match Tropical Americas! Based on the concept art, it looks like we’ll get updates to Restaurantosaurus and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures.

We can’t wait to see these updates in person, and to get more information between now and then! Stay tuned to AllEars for the latest.

Click Here to Learn More About the New Land!

What do you hope Disney puts in the Tropical Americas land? Tell us in the comments!

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Kilimanjaro Safaris

A Truly Wild Adventure

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

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

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

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