Jambo! We find ourselves at Disney’s Animal Kingdom today, and knowing that many of you have been trapped far away from the parks, I thought you might appreciate a little adventure.
When you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, it’s my opinion that your trip doesn’t really count unless you take a tour on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. Look, I don’t make the rules— that’s just how it is. Luckily, my son Johnny and I love seeing all the animals in the wild-like Harambe Wildlife Reserve from the comfort of a safari vehicle.
I just can’t help photogramming the animals. Which ones? All of them! So, let’s put these photos to good use. Ready to join us on a Kilimanjaro Safari?
Safari Time!
Kilimanjaro Safaris is huge! It is 110 acres and houses 34 different species. It’s large enough to fit almost all of Magic Kingdom inside the Safari. Your trip takes roughly 25 minutes, though the length can vary depending on the visible animals and how often the vehicles must stop.
The safari is in two sections, the forest and the Savannah.
The Forest
It can sometimes be a bit of a game of hide and seek to find the animals in the forest area. Can you see the Okapi hiding along the fence?
The Savannah
As you enter the Savannah, you can usually see a few different animals.
A Close Encounter
While this is technically an attraction, you are literally traveling through the animal habitats. Many of the animals are able to get close to and even cross the dirt roads. When they get too close, the vehicles will stop until the animals are at a safe distance away.
A Little Ride Information
Kilimanjaro Safaris was an opening day attraction to Animal Kingdom park on April 22, 1998. The ride was different then, with a storyline about poachers. There was even a bridge that would shake and drop as you drove across it. Over the years the story changed to what it is now, a photo safari with interesting facts on the wildlife you encounter on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.
But could changes be on the way? This new themed hut has just appeared on the route. . .
Can’t Get Enough of the Animals?
If you’re like me or Johnny, disembarking from the safari vehicle is a bittersweet moment. It’s incredible to see a wildlife reserve set in a theme park, but it’s sad the encounter is fairly constrained. Luckily for you, here are a few ways to learn more about the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and more!
First, if you go to the My Disney Experience app, there’s a mini-series, “Disney Parks Wild Sights,” that details some of the different animals and how they interact with their keepers. It’s a fun way to spend some time in queues to look forward to your trip on Kilimanjaro Safaris.
And if you’re looking for something a bit more in-depth, there’s an option for you too! Last month, Disney shared an inside look at the animal care at Walt Disney World through a new Disney+ docuseries, “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.” Detailing animals from primarily Animal Kingdom (and a few other parks) and narrated by Josh Gad, you’ll learn a lot in prep for your next time on Kilimanjaro Safaris. For more information about the series, take a look at our review below!
Lions, and Tigers, and Sharks, Oh My! The Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Disney+
Time To Make New Magic
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Give your family something to look forward to:
Let’s Hear From You
I hope that you enjoyed today’s outing on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. Have you taken this tour on the wild side of Walt Disney World? Do you have an animal you’re always on the lookout for while at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Kwaherini – Go well!
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