animal kingdom kilimanjaro safari animal list

Kilimanjaro Safaris

• View history
• 3 Animals Seen
• 4 Incidents
• 5 Construction
• 8 References

The ride originally begins as a two-week safari aboard Simba 1 through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve in Harambe , East Africa. It is 800km 2 of natural terrain, including Ituri forest, wetlands of the Safi River valley and the open bush country of the Serengeti Savanna. During most of the ride people view the common African animals including elephants, giraffe, antelopes, gazelles, crocodiles, monkeys, hippos, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, crocodiles, storks, pelicans, flamingos and okapis. The tour guide points out animals and provides entertainment. During the journey, the driver is in radio contact with reserve warden Wilson Matua, who is flying over the reserve on his daily routine. It all takes a turn when poachers are spotted in the reserve, and it's up to Simba 1 and the guests, with support from the air and other rangers, to stop them.

History [ ]

Kilimanjaro Safaris typically operates until sundown. However, during the holiday season of 1998, the safaris were continued at night and dubbed Kilimanjaro Night Safaris. Though many animals were asleep, or unable to be seen at night, the attraction had a completely different script and storyline. This "new" attraction featured additional animal sounds, reflectors hidden in the foliage to resemble animals' eyes, and an actual African dance group, who performed around a bonfire in the area normally occupied by the attraction's elephants. Kilimanjaro Night Safaris only ran during that initial holiday season. After this time, it was deemed that the additional costs, plus the fact that animal visibility was poor (eliciting many Guest complaints), made Night Safaris unfeasible to continue regularly. Cast members can still switch the voice tracks on the trucks to hear the nighttime version of Wilson and Miss Jobson, however it is not considered part of the current Safari storyline.

In 2004, much of the savanna's drainage system had to be replaced. The attraction remained open during the rehab, with green tarps covering the construction sites to keep the animals out.

In 2007-8, work began to extend the trucks with an extra row of seating, allowing the trucks more capacity. Though not all the trucks have the extra row, it is known they will be finished by 2009. Also, the safari script/story, along with the Wilson/Jobson story has significantly changed. There is less of a story about "Little Red", and more about the animals in the Reserve and the need to find a lost elephant at the end.

The ride originally featured a cast member in the role of a gun-toting reserve warden who captured the poachers and saved Big Red and Little Red. This element of the attraction was eventually eliminated. During Cast Previews of Disney's Animal Kingdom, there was a "Dark Ending" in which the safari vehicle encountered the slaughtered corpse of Big Red. This scene proved too shocking for families and children, and thus was eventually changed to give the attraction a happier ending.

On August 15, 2015, at the D23 Expo , an expansion known as Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris , was announced, extending the operating hours of the attraction, as well as adding new landscapes, and two new species of animals, including African wild dogs and hyenas. [1]

Animals Seen [ ]

• Okapi ( Okapia johnstoni )
• Greater kudu ( Tragelaphus strepsiceros )
• White-faced tree duck ( Dendrocygna viduata )
• Northern pintail duck ( Anas acuta )
• Nyala ( Tragelaphus angasii )
• Sable antelope ( Hippotragus niger )
• Greater flamingo ( Phoenicopterus roseus )
• White-bearded wildebeest ( Connochaetes taurinus )
• Pink-backed pelican ( Pelecanus rufescens )
• Bontebok ( Damaliscus pygargus )
• Eland ( Taurotragus oryx )
• Springbok ( Antidorcas marsupialis )
• Yellow-billed duck ( Anas undulata )
• Thomson's gazelle ( Eudorcas thomsonii )
• Yellow-billed stork ( Mycteria ibis )
• Ankole Cattle ( Bos taurus africanus )
• Mandrill ( Mandrillus sphinx )
• Egyptian goose ( Alopochen aegyptiaca )
• Scimitar-horned oryx ( Oryx dammah )
• Red-billed duck ( Anas erythrorhyncha )
• Helmeted guineafowl ( Numida meleagris )
• White-breasted cormorant
• Stanley crane ( Grus paradisea )
• Bongo ( Tragelaphus eurycerus )
• Impala ( Aepyceros melampus )
• Mhorr gazelle
• Yellow-backed duiker
• Saddle-billed stork ( Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis )
• Black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis )
• White rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum )
• Hippopotamus ( Hippopotamus amphibius )
• Nile crocodile ( Crocodylus niloticus )
• Reticulated giraffe
• Masai giraffe
• Plains zebra ( Equus quagga )
• Mountain zebra ( Equus zebra )
• Warthog ( Phacochoerus africanus )
• Ostrich ( Struthio camelus )
• Cheetah ( Acinonyx jubatus )
• African bush elephant ( Loxodonta africana )
• Lion ( Panthera leo )
• Addax ( Addax nasomaculatus )
• African wild dog ( Lycaon pictus )
• Spotted hyena
• Nigerian goat

Incidents [ ]

• Tuesday, July 13, 2004 is known as "Black Tuesday". The final waterfall scene became overfilled due to a drainage block. When many of the trucks went through, it short-circuited the microphone and "puck" system. After a two-hour closing to figure out how to resolve the issue, it re-opened with trucks maintaining a driver, and another cast member standing in the first passenger seating row talking to the guests. Cast members from throughout the park were asked to help if they had knowledge of the animals/safari. Though it created some havoc, it is a story told by and to all cast members of the attraction.
• February 10, 2008, a fire broke out in the engine compartment of one of the ride vehicles.

Construction [ ]

• The attraction features custom-built GMC trucks riding washed-out, rutted roads and a tilting bridge. The roadbed is actually constructed of dark brown-colored concrete embedded with permanent tire ruts.
• The flamingo island is a huge Hidden Mickey .
• Between each ecosystem includes both chain road sensors and bars to prevent animals from venturing between sections. The vehicles drive directly on these obstacles.
• The entire Magic Kingdom park could fit comfortably inside of this single attraction.
• Walt Disney originally wanted the Jungle Cruise to have real animals. So, in a way, the Kilimanjaro Safaris is a spiritual successor to that original idea.
• The music snippet that is heard when driving past the elephant area is called "Hapa Duniani" and is performed by the vocal group, "African Dawn."
• The lions in Kilimanjaro Safaris originally were from an Oregon zoo and had a hard time adjusting to Florida's heat. The animals would often retreat from visitor's view to a shaded area. To counter this problem, Imagineers installed air-conditioning systems around the lion's promontory, thus giving visitors a better chance of seeing the kings of the savannah.
• On the African savanna, acacia trees appear to be the mainstay of the landscape. Kilimanjaro Safaris, however, is pulling a switcha-roo on its residents by carefully trimming Florida's native southern live oaks to mimic flat-topped acacias. Disney claims the giraffes don't mind on the substitutes.
• When you pass the lions on Kilmanjaro Safaris don't worry about being in harms way. Hidden from visitor's view, an 18-foot-deep, 21-foot-wide moat separates the lions from other animals and the rides vehicle path.

Gallery [ ]

References [ ]

• ↑ http://www.comingsoon.net/extras/news/472595-d23-disney-reveals-more-star-wars-land-details-plus-toy-story-land-and-avatar#/slide/1
• 3 Mufasa: The Lion King

Ultimate Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When Should you Ride Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What animals are on the safari ride at Animal Kingdom?

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

You’ll see:  

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

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

How bumpy is safari ride at Animal Kingdom?

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

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

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

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

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

Has the Animal Kingdom Safari Ride Changed over the years?

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

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

General Information

Theme Park: Disney’s  Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Area of the Park:   Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kilimanjaro Safaris Video

More Animal Kingdom Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Introduction | Attraction | Ride Logistics  | Shopping | Interesting Facts

Introduction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RIDE LOGISTICS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INTERESTING FACTS

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some animals you may see on Kilimanjaro Safaris:

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

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

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

How long is Kilimanjaro Safaris?

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

Will Kilimanjaro Safaris make me motion sick?

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

Is Individual Attraction Selection available for Kilimanjaro Safaris?

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

Is Kilimanjaro Safaris included in Genie+?

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

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Kilimanjaro Safaris

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 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.

Related Activities

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

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Guests Can Be

Age Interest

Thrill Level

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some animals you may encounter during the tour:

• Black rhino
• Hippopotamus
• White rhino

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

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The Family Vacation Guide

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.

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!

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.

 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

Charmaine Cortes

Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (With Lots of Photos)

In this article, we visit Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This article includes photos of the safari including the wildlife you’ll encounter.

“Come see nature in its wildlife on the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.” That sounds like one of the quotes you might find in the Harambe area of the park.

Unfortunately, most of us haven’t had a chance to take a “real life” safari. For many, Kilimanjaro Safaris is the closest opportunity we’ll ever have to enjoy such an experience.

This attraction represents everything I love about Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Imagineers took an exotic real-life experience, scaled it down, and made it available for people like you and I to experience when we visit the park.

I’m willing to bet this popular attraction has inspired more than a few guests to bite the bullet and plan a trip to Africa. There’s truly nothing like it. Well, not in Florida anyway.

Here are a few quick reference details for the safari ride at Animal Kingdom.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Review

Kilimanjaro Safaris is located in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. After you cross the bridge between Discovery Island and Africa, you’ll continue straight toward the back of the park.

Shortly after, you’ll run into the entrance for stand-by passengers. On this afternoon, the wait for Safaris was only 20 minutes.

Anseparate Lightning Lane entrance sits to the right. Those who purchase Genie+ can elect to use one of their experiences here.

A few photography tips are posted in the queue:

• It is not possible to stop the vehicle for photographs.
• Have your camera ready, animals might appear at any moment.
• Please be considerate and do not block the view of others whilst snapping photographs.

Additionally, there are a few other tips your safari driver will likely share.

• For best results, have your camera set to a sports mode setting or comparable.
• If you have a zoom lens, consider using it for long-range shots.m.

Here is a look at the loading area for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

At least 34 species of animals call the Harambe Wildlife Reserve home. When you board the safari vehicle and take your seat, you might notice a sign above.

This sign will help identify some of the animals you might encounter. Below we see a safari vehicle entering the reserve ahead of us.

After entering the reserve, one of the first animals you’ll usually see is an Okapi. An Okapi is a beautiful animal that appears to resemble a zebra at first glance.

However, the Okapi is part of the giraffe family. For a closer look at an Okapi, make sure to visit Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail after you finish the safari or at some point in your day.

Gorilla Fall’s entrance is on the immediate right when you exit the vehicle at the end of Kilimajaro Safaris. It’s a gorgeous trail full of animal encounters and unique scenery. Obviously, gorillas are involved.

After passing the Okapi, the Bongo is one of the first animals you will likely see on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Here is a look at one that was close to our vehicle.

Black Rhinoceros are usually out toward the beginning of the attraction.

These rhinoceros are on the endangered species list. Unfortunately, they are hunted and poached for their horns.

The most distinguishable difference between the black and the white rhino is their hooked lips. After passing the rhinoceros, you’ll enter into the waters of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Hopefully, you’ll get to see a bloat, which is a group of hippos.

Additionally, you might see a few vultures in this area. They are probably sunbathing if you see them like this with their wings spread out. That helps keep their feathers healthy.

However, don’t get too distracted with the vultures. There might be a hippopatamus doing a little sunbathing too.

From time to time, baby animals are born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to see several.

Below is a picture of a baby hippo named Augustus. He was born a few years back and when old enough he was moved to another zoo.

Right past the hippo area, there’s an area on the left-hand side where you can look down and see Nile crocodiles. They are pretty large, and it is rare to see them moving.

Next, you’ll pass a Baobob tree and the driver will provide a spiel about how it grows upside down. While this is happening, you’ll come out into a large, open savanna.

Here you will find a variety of animals grazing the plains, including giraffes. Often the views are stunning.

Below is the Springbok, my favorite animal on the safari! These little guys are adorable, but don’t let their genteel looks deceive you.

Springboks can reach speeds up to 55 miles per hour. Not only that, they do this thing called pronking.

I’ve only seen them in action once on the safari, and it was amazing. Everyone, including our driver, was blown away.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is home to so many different animals.

Make sure to look all around. Some animals are easy to see, while others are hiding in plain sight.

Check out the massive horns on these Ankole cattle. Fortunately, they aren’t as heavy as they look. Per the safari driver, their similar to honey combs.

When you reach the savanaa, one of the first things you’ll see in an enclosure on the left-hand side. Sometimes hyenas are out in the area.

However, most of the time we see African Painted Dogs. They are usually napping in their den.

Occasionally, you might see a few awake. But from my experience, those times are few and far between.

As you curve your way around the savanna, you’ll see various animals coexisting. When a good number of animals are present, these are some of the best views you’ll see.

Lately, there have been quite a few zebra.

At Kilimanjaro Safaris, the giraffes are Masai giraffes. Several babies were born over the past few months. Did you know that they are up and walking within minutes?

If you would like to see Reticulated Giraffes, you might visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. They have both Masai and Reticulated Giraffes on the resort’s savannas.

Related: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review

Giraffes are known for taking care of each other. It is not uncommon to see them form a group. These groups are called towers.

Here is one of the babies looking out onto the savanna.

Sometimes, they walk right up to your vehicle.

If you don’t see any on the main portion of the savanna, don’t worry. Often, they are all grouped together in this area ahead on the left.

After passing the main giraffe area, you will likely see a lone male elephant.

Male elephants tend to hang out alone, separately from the rest of the herd.

Across the way, you might catch a glimpse of the Mandrills at play. They are on the left-hand side and can be challenging to spot. For example, there are two in the picture below.

Unfortunately, on the safari’s I’ve been on lately, the drivers rarely mention them. Meanwhile, I’m breaking my neck to see if they’re out so I can yell, “Hey, is that a Mandrill?”

Nobody puts the Mandrills in a corner.

Up ahead, you’ll catch up with the rest of the elephant herd.

Usually, there are 4-5 elephants around the water. Below, you can see Stella, the youngest of the herd.

Having the opportunity to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom so often has been a special blessing in my life. I know so many of the babies and have watched them begin to grow up over the past few years.

One of the things that’s not always mentioned on the safari ride is that most of the animals have formal names. I understand how it would be tough to keep them straight. But knowing a few of them and being able to recognize them on the safari feels kind of surreal sometimes.

As you pass the elephants, you will see a watering hole of sorts for the flamingoes. Look closely and you might notice the island is a hidden Mickey.

From time to time, you might see a few newborn flamingoes at the watering hole. You can tell which ones they are because they are covered in grey feathers. When I took these photos, these babies were less than a week old.

After passing the Mickey-shaped island, there are usually some rhinoceros roaming.

One day, a pair of them walked alonside side our vehicle. They were so close, it felt like I could have reached out and touched them.

But of course, that would be very dangerous, and they are so large I couldn’t imagine!

Sometimes when it’s been raining, you might see them wallowing in the mud. Seriously who doesn’t enjoy a little time at the spa?

Next, you’ll come across a large fenced area in the trees. This is where the cheetah’s are located. They are, in my opinion, the most difficult animal to see on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Usually, the cheetahs are lying around in the shade. So look for a pile of spotted fur.

From time to time, you might see one walking around. This would be a good opportunity to use that zoom lens. So far this is the best photo I’ve taken of a cheetah.

After the cheetahs, you’ll approach the lions den, where you’ll get to see–lions. Unfortunately, they’ll probably be sleeping. It’s what they do.

Sometimes you might see a lioness perched high on her rock overlooking the kingdom.

But most of the time, you will see them sleeping. Lions are nocturnal animals. So your best bet for seeing them active is to take a safari later in the day.

Often in the evening, they begin to make a unique noise. So if you have the opportunity and the safari is open later, I’d ride it once during the day and then again before dark.

Here’s the one time I took my zoom lens. I know it’s worth it, but it’s so heavy.

After you pass the lions, there are a few more small encounters. You might see a family of warthogs or more grazing animals. Often, you’ll see rhinoceros and zebra in the area.

A couple of ostriches are usually out and about.

Like this one.

At the very end of Kilimanjaro Safaris, you might see one of the newer animals, Nigerian Dwarf Goats.

Okay, I use the words “usually” and “might” a lot in this article. But the truth is these particular animals are usually in these areas. However, don’t expect to see every one of them on one go around.

For example, I’ve passed the lions den many times without seeing any lions at all. Most of the photos used in this article were take over hundreds of rides.

Here are a few commonly asked questions about this attraction.

How long is Kilimanjaro Safaris?

Disney’s website notes that a safari ride is approximately 18 minutes. That timing is a pretty accurate average with a few exceptions.

Those exceptions are the activity of the wild animals on your safari. For instance, you will stop and wait if an animal walks out in the road.

There have been times I’ve been on a safari that lasted as long as 30 minutes due to animals blocking the road. This is their habitat, and we are only visitors. So the safari drivers will wait on the animals to naturally move out of the way.

What is the best time to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris? 

I’m not too fond of this question because I know the popular answer is early in the morning or later in the evening when it cools off a bit. So yes, animals might typically be more active at these times.

My answer, though, is anytime! These animals are not getting paid to put on a show. They aren’t slacking off in the heat of the day. Every single safari experience is unique and different.

The saying “No two safaris are alike!” is true.

Additionally, one of my favorite times to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris is during a light rain shower. Waits drop and some of the animals are a little more active than normal.

Should we ride Kilimanjaro Safaris at night? 

When and if Kilimanjaro Safaris is available in the evening, I would definitely take advantage of it. As mentioned above, the evening is one of the best times to see the lions active.

However, I would always ride the safari at least once during the daytime. Then ride it a second time in the evening.

You aren’t going to see near as much the darker it gets. However, there is staging with the lighting in areas to help. It’s a completely different and unique experience.

Should you use Lightning Lane to ride Kilimanjaros Safaris?

Yes and no! It depends on what time you plan to ride the safari and how crowded the park is on the day of your visit.

If you’re there during a high crowd time, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of Genie+ and use Lightning Lane for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

However, if you don’t purchase the Genie+ upgrade, I recommend riding the safari as early as possible. Then get in line again later in the day when wait times tend to drop.

When it rains, the wait times for Kilimanjaro Safaris drop significantly. However, during inclement weather, the attraction and queue close.

Additional Animal Experiences at Kilimanjaro Safaris

In addition to Kilimanjaro Safaris there are a few other animal experiences related to the safari. These options are all an extra-cost.

• Caring For Giants provides a more up-close experiences with the elephants. Disney has more details for this tour here on their site.
• Up Close with Rhinos is a similar experience, only with rhinos.
• If you want to go all out and spend a couple of hours on safari, you might elect to book the Wild Africa Trek here .

Whatever you decide, I’m sure you will have an excellent day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Have fun on Kilimanjaro Safaris!

For more planning articles, try the list of attractions at Animal Kingdom . Some of our favorites include:

• Na’vi River Journey in Pandora
• Expedition Everest Roller-Coaster
• Adventurer’s Outpost (Meet Disney Pals)
• Finding Nemo Musical at Animal Kingdom

Additionally, if you’re planning a stay at the Walt Disney World Resort, you might enjoy browsing our Disney World Resort Reviews . For resorts near the Animal Kingdom, try these:

• Disney’s Kidani Village Review
• Coronado Springs Resort Review
• Gran Destino Tower Review
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Review

Off-property options nearby include:

• Orange Lake Resort Review (Kissimmee)
• Fairfield Inn and Suites at Flamingo Crossings
• Residence Inn by Marriott Flamingo Crossings

In the comments:

Have you ridden Kilimanjaro Safaris before? What animal do you hope to see? Share your thoughts about this attraction below in the comments.

Hi, I'm Amber the owner of Resorts Gal . We have stayed at every single Disney Resort Hotel. Our philosophy? We believe you can have an incredible time at the resorts without ever setting foot in a theme park. We live near the parks and visit weekly and would love for you to follow along.

How is social distancing being handled on the vehicles?

Hi, One row per group and there are plastic dividers hanging between each open air row.

Excellent article too.✌❤😷

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Kilimanjaro Safaris Guide

On Kilimanjaro Safaris, guests will embark on an African safari in one of the most ambitious attractions ever developed by Walt Disney Imagineering.

Ride Information   Restrictions   Accessibility   Location   Fun Facts   Top 5 Tips

Ride Information

Opening Day: April 22, 1998

Type of Ride: African safari

Age Recommendation: All ages

Duration of Ride: About 20 minutes

Typical Queue Time: Long; often peaks at over one hour

Single Rider Line: No

Chicken Exit Available: Yes

Baby Swap Available: No

Type of Vehicle: Safari truck

Type of Restraint: None

Attraction Open During Early Theme Park Entry: Yes. See our Early Theme Park Entry page for more information.

Ride Photo Available For Purchase: No

Ride Restrictions

Height Requirements: None

Flash Photography or Video Allowed: Yes

Safety, Accessibility, and Guest Policies

Accessibility: 

• Guests must transfer from wheelchairs
• Video Captioning
• Assistive Listening
• Handheld captioning
• Service animals permitted with caution

Guest Policies: Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.

Shopping: Near Kilimanjaro Safaris in the Animal Kingdom’s Africa section, guests can purchase apparel, plush dolls, and collectible ostrich eggs at “Ziwani Traders”; and African wines, art, crafts, and instruments at “Mombasa Marketplace.”

Dining/Refreshment: Dining options abound near Kilimanjaro Safaris. Guests wanting a counter service lunch or dinner can enjoy chicken skewers, vegetable stacks, gyros, fried sausages, and ribs at Harambe Market . Those preferring a sit-down meal should make ADRs for a buffet breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Tusker House . At Tusker House guests can choose between a variety of American and African dishes served amidst entertainment from Donald Duck.

Restroom: Find facilities convenient to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Mombasa Marketplace.

Smoking Location: Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas only. Disney parks are smoke-free.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Fun Facts

Did you know.

• Guests can encounter more than 34 African animal species on Kilimanjaro Safaris, including antelopes, baboons, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, flamingos, gazelles, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, impalas, lions, ostriches, rhinos, warthogs, wild dogs, and zebras. Each safari vehicle is equipped with pictorial guides of all the animals you might encounter during your wildlife adventure.
• The fictitious African village, Harambe, where Kilimanjaro Safaris is located is a homage to real African villages that sit adjacent to vast preserves. Harambe is Swahili for “working together.”
• Kilimanjaro Safaris’ savannah encompasses 110 acres, rendering this single attraction larger than the entire Magic Kingdom park, which only occupies 105 acres.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris’ savannah is called “Harambe Wildlife Reserve.”
• As Kilimanjaro Safaris is located in a theme park, precautionary boundaries, including berms, moats, fences, wires, and chains, are overtly or covertly implanted throughout the savannah to keep the animals in their respective habitats.
• Devices such as air-conditioned rocks, cool breezes, salt licks, cooling or warming waters, and food help guide the animals toward the vehicle routes.
• Guests experience Kilimanjaro Safaris in 10-ton, open-sided GMC trucks, with a camouflage exterior, and seats up to 32 passengers. Cast Members actually drive each vehicle and provide educational commentary throughout the safari.
• The attraction replaces its plants daily to account for the animals’ consumption.
• Guests can experience two related tours, Wild Africa Trek and “Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge,” for an additional cost. The latter experience begins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge , not the Animal Kingdom Park.

• Kilimanjaro Safaris’ 1998 debut marked the realization of Walt Disney’s idea to utilize live animals in an adventure attraction. Disneyland ’s Jungle Cruise originally intended to fill this role in the late 1950s. Animatronic animals replaced the live animals in the version of Jungle Cruise that guests enjoy today.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris’ development entailed much research. In 1990, Imagineer Joe Rhode ventured to Kenya and Tanzania to view animals and experience authentic East African safari tours.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris toned down and then eliminated an overt poaching plotline. First, during the Cast Member previews in 1998, complaints arose over the grotesque depiction of a fake elephant named “Big Red,” who was killed by poachers. Imagineers immediately wrote Big Red out of the attraction. The attraction debuted with a tamer plotline, where poachers kidnap an animatronic baby elephant called “Little Red” and, subsequently, get apprehended. Then, in 2007, this version was altered to limit the dialogue related to poaching between the safari driver and a naturalist named Ms. Jobson. In 2012, the entire poacher storyline, including the related props, were eliminated from the attraction. A zebra habitat replaced the space that the props originally took up. In early 2013 the addax antelope replaced the zebra in this space to allow for better viewing.
• Save for a trial during the 1998 holiday season, Kilimanjaro Safaris ended its tours at sunset, regardless of park closing time, until 2016 because of lighting and animal sleeping issues. Beginning in the summer of 2016, with the debut of nighttime entertainment at the Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safaris will commence extended hours.

Hidden Mickeys:

Top 5 Tips for Kilimanjaro Safaris

• Consider experiencing Kilimanjaro Safaris multiple times as the live animals render each journey different.
• Guests wanting to view the Lions should ride either in the morning or closer to park close when the sun is not as intense.
• Take photos of the savannah and the animals.
• Hang onto your belongings. Anything dropped from the vehicle cannot be retrieved.
• Following Kilimanjaro Safaris, guests can view more African animals, such as gorillas, hippos, naked mole rats, and birds, by walking the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail .

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Animal Kingdom Kilimanjaro Safari Ride

By: Author Kristi

One of the top 5 attractions in Animal Kingdom is Kilimanjaro Safari. This is an open-air safari that takes guests on a trip through the 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Reserve. What is amazing about the Animal Kingdom safari is that you get close to animals in their natural environment.

Kilimanjaro Safari

The Kilimanjaro Safari is a 20-minute ride in an open-air truck. The truck has bench seating and if you have a party of less than 5 you will all be able to sit together in one row.

The best seats are always the outside seats. Either side will provide a great view of the wildlife, but I always prefer to sit on the far left.

The safari takes you on a ride through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. This part of Animal Kingdom is the largest in all of Disney World.

 At 110 acres, it is larger than all of Magic Kingdom.

Animals are sectioned off into different areas of the reserve and your Animal Kingdom Safari driver will explain different animals and their habitats as you approach them.

There is also a spotting guide posted at the front of the seating area.

The key about enjoying the Kilimanjaro safari ride is to have low expections.

You never know which animals you are going to see. Some animals might be hiding or sleeping during your time in the reserve.

The animals you will see are free roaming. This means they could be up close to your vehicle or farther away.

You may find that your vehicle even has to stop to let animals pass!

How to Avoid Lines for Kilimanjaro Safari

The lines for the ride can be ridiculously long. If you don’t want to wait in a long line, the best things to do are either ride it when you arrive at the park or get a Lightning Lane pass for it.

If you do have to stand in the line, it is covered and shaded with fans located sporadically.

When is Best time to Ride the Kilimanjaro Safari?

Each time you go on the Animal Kingdom Safari you can have a different experience. This is because animals have different eating and sleeping schedules throughout the day.

Some believe that best time to go on the Kilimanjaro Safari is first thing in the morning or before dusk. We have done the safari both morning and afternoon.

What I can tell you is that we saw animals up close both times, but often they were different animals.

During the summer in the late afternoon, we saw an amazing amount of wildlife, but certain animals (like the lions) were in the shadier areas where they are not easily visible from the safari vehicle.

Semi Private Safari Tours in Animal Kingdom

If you want an even closer experience with the animals in Animal Kingdom, you can always pay for a semi-private tour. These are a few that you can choose from:

Wild Africa Trek Tour

If you are a big fan of Kilimanjaro Safari, you should consider the Wild Africa Trek Tour . On this private tour, you will embark on a guided expedition that takes you up close with exotic wildlife species.

This tour is only available to children 8 and older. You will get a private safari ride and photo CD.

Caring for Giants

During this 60-minute experience, get to meet with those who care for the African elephant herd. They’ll give you a glimpse into their day-to-day responsibilities as they provide fascinating facts about the elephants.

While you will not get to touch them, you will get closer to them than any other place in the park.

Up Close with Rhinos

On this hour-long guided adventure, the rhinos’ keepers will take you to see these massive creatures as few people ever do.

You will learn about the species’ behavior and biology and discuss the challenges that threaten populations of white Rhinos in the wild.

Have you been on Kilimanjaro Safari? What was your favorite part of the trip?

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Kilimanjaro Safaris – The African Savannah at Animal Kingdom

Located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Kilimanjaro Safaris is a safari in an African Savanna with dozens of animals to see and meet.

On this post

On this guided tour through the African savannah, you'll see a variety of free-living animals spread across the vast expanse.

The attraction opened in 1998 and has been running ever since.

There are more than 800km² filled with animal and plant nature throughout the land.

In this way, it works like a photographic safari, in which you have contact, albeit from afar, with the animals that live there.

The place, called the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, is home to more than 34 species.

There are 110 acres of land and breathtaking landscapes.

Recently, the adventure could also be done at night, after sunset, when you can see the behavior of the animals without being in the morning light. Isn't it amazing?

The Kilimanjaro Safaris tour

The vehicle you are going to ride will have an experienced guide, who will talk a little about the wildlife, as well as show you his knowledge of the animals that inhabit there.

The car is open on the sides, which makes it possible to have a very wide view of the animals.

More or less 30 people will be able to go at a time in each vehicle that is a kind of bus.

The journey lasts, on average, from 18 to 22 minutes, the difference is that vehicles may need to stop for an animal to cross the path and the driver has complete control over the car.

Even so, the whole adventure is made in a slow way, so that it is possible to take many pictures and enchant with the landscape.

That is, there is no need to be afraid, the animals are free, but there is no risk.

It is truly impressive how Disney has managed to reflect the animal life of the African continent inside a theme park.

That's why the park is so well-liked by visitors.

Some animals are very common to be seen on Kilimanjaro Safaris, such as: lions, giraffes, zebras, flamingos, wild boars, hippos, ostriches, rhinos, cheetahs, elephants, crocodiles and many others.

This attraction is highly recommended for children who like animals.

One of the most sought after animals during the tour is, without a doubt, the lion.

A big recommendation, if possible, make the tour have the highest chances of seeing most of the animals awake.

In addition, it is interesting that you arrive early and do the safari as soon as the park opens, as it is a popular attraction and always has moderate to long lines.

Of course, if that is your priority, as the park has more popular attractions than this one, such as the Flight of Passage Avatar and the Yeti roller coaster .

So don't leave this experience to the last minute.

Plan well to get the most out of it.

Recommendations for Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris is for all ages with no minimum height requirement.

There is all necessary security, as well as accessibility for visitors.

The opening hours of the safari are from 8am to 7pm, when the night tour takes place.

To go to the attraction, just arrive at the park and go to the Africa area, which is on the left of the site, in the background.

Check out the Animal Kingdom map to locate.

Depending on the season, queues can exceed the wait of more than an hour.

That is, so that you can go to other attractions in the park – which are many! -, select a day that is not a public holiday and/or weekend as these are usually the busiest days.

In fact, Kilimanjaro Safaris is still one of the main attractions in the park, which is why so many people want to experience the adventure.

However, you can use the Genie+ , the Disney line-cutter, in this attraction.

With it you guarantee shorter times in the queue.

Animals Found On Kilimanjaro Safari

The amount and variety of Animals seen in this Safari is really impressive.

Naturally, it is not possible to easily see all the animals at all times, after all they are living beings, so they eat and sleep at different times of the day.

That said, as soon as you get into the attraction vehicle, you can see all the animals that are part of the ride on a “strip” that runs from the top of your vehicle. In the photo below you can see it well:

But since everything here on the blog is made to help you, dear travelers, here's a brief list of some of the animals you can find there!

• White rhino
• Black rhino
• Hipoppotamus

The driver of your car is your guide and he will always talk about the animals that are in sight during your journey.

Of course, it is necessary to know how to speak English to understand the information given by the driver.

Is it worth doing the Kilimanjaro Safari?

Quite directly, yes!

It's one of the attractions we love to do at Animal Kingdom.

We know that many people have issues with animals in captivity as if it were a zoo, however, all Disney animals receive extreme care and many of them are rescue animals that cannot be released into the wild.

There's even a really cool series on Disney+ that shows how the vets and caregivers of these animals interact with them, her name is " Animal Kingdom Disney Magic “.

It is an incredible attraction especially for those who love animals and for children.

Every time we do Kilimanjaro Safaris we see super happy and excited children throughout the journey seeing some animals they had never seen in person.

Of course, it's not every day that you have the opportunity to see animals so close up, the Giraffes for example sometimes stop in the middle of the way and you'll have to wait for them to leave to be able to pass and the car passes very close to them!

Technical information

• Location:   Animal Kingdom? Africa
• Minimum Height:   There is not
• Attraction duration:   18 minutes
• Recommended for:   All ages
• Do you accept Genie+?:  Yes

We have already made a one-day itinerary at Animal Kingdom and we are sure it will help you when putting together your travel plan.

So, how about checking it out? Click on here to see our tips and have a more than fantastic experience.

Finally, be sure to enjoy the attraction and have fun in the park!

I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook , Instagram or Youtube channel. In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!

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Five Things to Know About Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris is an open-air safari through 110 acres called the Harambe Wildlife Preserve. Think of your trip as more of a photo safari during which you have an opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife roaming “freely” through forests, grasslands, and savannas.

The wonderful (and sometimes frustrating) aspect of Kilimanjaro Safaris is that no two journeys are alike. You may see a lot of animals, or sometimes only a few! Here are the five things to know before you head for the savannah.

(If you’re in a hurry and just want details like where it is and how long the ride lasts, click here to jump straight to the Nuts and Bolts section.)

1. It Really Looks Like a Safari

What I have learned from the animal world, and what anyone will learn who studies it, is a renewed sense of kinship with the earth and all its inhabitants. – Walt Disney

Long before the Animal Kingdom existed, Walt wanted to create a ride featuring live animals at Disneyland. He originally proposed the idea while Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise was being designed. The impracticality of using animals soon became apparent and was shelved in favor of using animatronics.

Later, Disney World would offer something Disneyland couldn’t. Walt said, “Here in Florida, we have something special we never enjoyed at Disneyland… the blessing of size. There’s enough land here to hold all the ideas and plans we can possibly imagine.” So, in a sense, Walt’s dream of a ride featuring live animals came true when Kilimanjaro Safaris opened with Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998.

Animal Kingdom, headed by lead designer Joe Rohde, was revolutionary in that this park was alive – but it didn’t feel like a zoo. Incredible care was taken to ensure it looked like an actual African reserve. Equally important was that the animals be afforded an environment in which they could thrive. This attention to detail and respect for the animals that you see on Kilimanjaro Safaris is a big part of what makes this park different.

An overhead sign in the queue puts it best: “These lands preserve a portion of Africa’s vanishing wildlife. Please show respect to all animals you meet. Your care will ensure their survival. Asante Sana – Thank You.”

2. Looks are Deceiving

“You can’t just let nature run wild.” – Walt Disney

All the animals appear to be roaming freely. Which is true, to a degree. The Imagineers have strategically placed camouflaged barriers built into the savanna, woodland, and rocky hills. This is done to prevent predators like lions, or potentially dangerous animals like hippos, from wandering where they shouldn’t. (It keeps guests safe, too!)

But don’t worry – your ride experience will still be more than a tame drive through the woods. You’ll see a wide variety of landscapes and different terrains, all designed as homes for African animals. Since animal behavior is unpredictable, you never know which animals you’ll see on your safari. This makes it a different experience each time you take the journey!

For the list-makers, some of the 34 species roaming about include giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, elephants, antelope, impalas, gazelles, crocodiles, lions, rhinos, and cheetahs! Your guide will point out which animals are visible as you drive through and provide facts about them. Like the Jungle Cruise, this ride is different every time as your guide’s information is unique to your trip.

To maximize the number of species you may be able to spot on your safari, the Imagineers have taken a few steps to encourage them to appear. Water holes, forage areas, and salt licks are placed in spots that “tempt” animals to be in sight near your path when your safari truck passes along.

Bonus fact: the rocks in the preserve can provide the animals with air conditioning during extreme heat. They can also be heated when it gets colder than it should be for the animals.

3. It’s Real, Which Means It’s Not Perfect

“I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the park. I want them to feel they’re in another world.” – Walt Disney

Kilimanjaro Safaris is intended to be as realistic as possible to an actual safari. The entire experience is designed to help you feel as if you’re on the real thing. Truth be told, it accomplishes this goal very nicely.

However, as a consequence of the devotion to making the experience as real as possible, the roads are bumpy! As you travel through the preserve, you can be guaranteed that you’ll hit some potholes and bumps in the path that will cause your safari truck to bounce and lurch around.

Bonus fact: The ride vehicles for Kilimanjaro Safaris are custom-built trucks. They aren’t attached to a track or predetermined route of any sort. Your guide is actually driving the truck over the rough terrain. They do their best to miss any really bad dips and divots in the road, but there’s only so much room to maneuver on the paths.

As you attempt to take photos, it’s important for you to know that the vehicle isn’t guaranteed to stop at any given location. Drivers will try to accommodate guests and stop the truck when animals are visible from the path, but be prepared to click your shutter without having time to frame the perfect shot. I have a whole roll of film (yeah, it was a while ago) of blurry images as we tried our best to take pictures of wildebeests or lions to no avail.

For the best possible pictures, sit toward the outside of the seats (and Cast Members will probably recommend that little ones be seated on the inside). Even though both sides offer views of the animals, the left side is considered the best by some.

4. The Queue is a Sharp Contrast

“Whenever I go on a ride, I’m always thinking of what’s wrong with the thing and how it can be improved.” – Walt Disney

I’m totally guessing that Walt would have suggestions to improve the queue area for Kilimanjaro Safaris. To be honest, there’s not a lot to see as you wait in what is a really long queue. At one point, you pass through the “booking office.” It made me think about the plethora of details in the Jungle Cruise queue area “office.” I wished that something with similar interest and fun had been done here at the very least.

In the final stretch of your line, overhead screens show clips about the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Frankly, there’s not a lot else to see as you wait. And because it’s an open-air queue, it’s not all that comfortable on a hot, humid Florida day despite the overhead fans.

One improvement has been made to the attraction, at least in my opinion. The earliest script for the safari included a plotline about poachers. The experience could be a little intense – even a bit scary – at times. I remember in particular one part that involved crossing a rickety bridge that appeared to almost collapse while we were on it. Honestly, I didn’t mind when either of these parts of the story were removed.

5. The Nuts and Bolts

Kilimanjaro Safaris is located at the rear of the Africa section in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. The ride lasts 20 minutes, plus or minus. Bonus fact: It’s the longest ride in the parks that’s not a movie or show.

The safari trucks are open-air vehicles, providing you with the widest possible range of vision. Each can hold 35 guests with 3-5 guests in a row. As you might expect, the seats aren’t easy chairs and consist of a slightly padded bench with a back.

To board, you have to take a small step up into the vehicle. There are no height restrictions for Kilimanjaro Safaris. Guests in an ECV must transfer to a standard wheelchair.

There are some significant health advisories for Kilimanjaro Safaris. Disney advises that for safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back, or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. The reason for all of these is the previously discussed bumpy terrain.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of Animal Kingdom’s busiest attractions, along with Expedition Everest and the two Pandora attractions. Waits diminish in the late afternoon, sometimes as early as 3:30 p.m. The ride does operate when it’s raining, if possible, but it may close if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

To make the safari accessible to as many as possible, the following aids are available from Guest Services with a refundable deposit: Handheld Captioning , Video Captioning , Assistive Listening Devices, and Audio Description Devices .

Lastly, Lightning Lane via Genie+ is available.

The Bottom Line

Walt said, “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”

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

How many times have you taken the safari? Which animals were you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below. Asante!

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

2 thoughts on “ Five Things to Know About Kilimanjaro Safaris ”

This will be my frist time on the safari at Disney world I’m so excited about the ride and I can’t wait to ride it and I love the African aminals because I’m part African

If you enjoy the Safari, I would also recommend doing the Wild Africa Trek to anyone that has a chance to do so! This experience was fantastic and goes into places that the Safari doesn’t and is a much more “up close and personal” tour of the area.

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

By: Author Allyson Koerner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this article

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

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

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

Quick Service Restaurants

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

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Tamu Tamu Refreshments is located in the heart of Africa.

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

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

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

Harambe Market

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

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

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

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

“You Are Most Beautiful” wall location:

Harambe Fruit Market

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

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

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

• More about dining at Walt Disney World

Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snack & Drink Cart

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

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

Table Service Restaurant

Tusker house.

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

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

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

• Check out the best character meals at Disney World

Seating Areas

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

Near Tusker House and Dawa Bar:

By the Harambe Fruit Market:

Next to Tamu Tamu Refreshments:

At Harambe Market:

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

Africa Hub Cart

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

Kilimanjaro Safaris Cart

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

Zuri’s Sweet Shop

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

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

Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders

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

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

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

Mariya’s Souvenirs

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

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

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

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

Attractions

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

Kilimanjaro Safaris

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

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

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

There is a Standby Line and a Lightning Lane available.

• Here are best Genie+ choices at Walt Disney World

Entertainment

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

Kora Tinga Tinga

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

Tam Tam Drummers

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

Harambe Village Acrobats

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

Festival of the Lion King

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

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

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

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

Find daily showtimes in the My Disney Experience app.

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

Dino-Bash Flotilla

• Features : Goofy and Pluto

Discovery Island Drummers Flotilla

• Features : Discovery Island Drummers

Discovery River Character Cruise

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

Adventurer’s Flotilla — Disney Ducks

• Features : Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad McQuack

Adventurer’s Flotilla –  Up

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

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

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

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

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

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

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

Kilimanjaro Safaris Animals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yellow-Backed Duikers

Colobus Monkeys

Naked Mole Rats & More

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

African Birds

Western Lowland Gorillas

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

Coin Press Machines

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

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

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

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

Disney PhotoPass Photographer

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

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

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

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

• Read more about PhotoPass and Memory Maker

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

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

Africa Checklist

• Download PDF version

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

The Best And Worst Time To Go On Animal Kingdom's Popular Safari

There's more to Disney's Animal Kingdom than just Pandora — The World of Avatar. In terms of wait times, Kilimanjaro Safaris is right up there with Avatar Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey as one of the park's most popular attractions. This is where Animal Kingdom lives up to its name and shows you some real live animals as you board a truck for a bumpy ride through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. With all the other animal-free rides like Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom , it would be easy to lose sight of the fact that it's as much a zoological park as it is a theme park. Kilimanjaro Safaris puts you in touch with both sides of that, letting riders see over 30 different species in their element, provided you catch them at the right time.

Unlike other Animal Kingdom attractions, Kilimanjaro Safaris isn't just subject to the whims of tourist crowds or the fickle malfunctions that sometimes cause Disney rides to break down. Even when the safari trucks are up and running, the best and worst time to ride one may depend on the animals' habits. Sometimes, they could appear to be hiding simply because they're resting out of sight somewhere in the 110-acre wildlife reserve. With hippos and crocodiles, for instance, you might only catch a glimpse of their heads above water. It helps to know when the animals are generally most active so you can maximize your sightings of them on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Plan around the Florida sun for Kilimanjaro Safaris

Like South Florida's Lion Country Safari, Kilimanjaro Safaris offers a savanna tour where you might momentarily forget you're in the Sunshine State, not Africa. Technically, it's Animal Kingdom's version of Africa, where the "Festival of the Lion King" show also takes place. As you cross the bridge into it, you might see tourists posing in front of Africa signs. Yet this is still Florida, and the weather here factors into how the safari animals behave. When it's too hot, they're more likely to be cooling off in the shade.

That's one reason why you'll hear frequent visitors recommend early morning, late afternoon, or early evening as the best time to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris. Aim for when the sun is lower and the animals are out feeding, like our giraffe friend above. It's a tip backed up by panelists at planDisney, who suggest visiting first thing after the park opens or later in the day before it closes. Keep in mind, Animal Kingdom usually closes earlier than Disney's other parks, with Kilimanjaro Safaris often ending its tours before sunset.

Conversely, the worst time to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris — especially in Florida's summertime heat — could be mid-day. This is true not only for animal sightings but potentially for your own comfort, as you'll be riding 20 minutes outdoors in an open-air truck. The tour's resident lions may actually be more comfortable than you since Disney reportedly built air conditioning into the rocks where they lounge.

Try to catch the Kilimanjaro Safari after it rains

One mistake to avoid when planning your next Florida trip is expecting all sunshine and no rain. The same is true of Animal Kingdom, where cooling rain can draw out the animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris after the downpour stops. When I was there with family one summer, we got caught in a typical afternoon rainstorm and ducked into Pizzafari. Later, I kicked myself for getting tied up there instead of heading straight for the real safari when the rain let up.

Understanding Lightning Lane can also help you strategize with Kilimanjaro Safaris since it's one of the attractions that service covers. You can always keep an eye out for special offerings on Disney's list of Enchanting Extras, too. One previous offering was a private Kilimanjaro Safaris ride, combined with a meal at Tiffins Restaurant and VIP seating for "Festival of the Lion King." When we did it, we had the safari truck mostly to ourselves, with only our guide and a few other guests.

If you don't mind paying for an add-on like that, the next best one that's often available is the Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. It offers the rare chance for a night safari at Disney (again, with real animals, as opposed to the fake ones you'd see on the Jungle Cruise at night). Otherwise, just keep the beginning or end of the day in mind as your best bet for spotting the most animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

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10 Awesome Animals to See on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Safari

January 22, 2024 3 Comments

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a fascinating combination of a zoo, amusement park, and museum all rolled into one. My favorite attraction at Animal Kingdom has always been Kilimanjaro Safari. You can ride it a hundred times and never have the exact same experience. Here are 10 awesome animals to see on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Safari. Can you spot them all on your next ride?

On the Kilimanjaro Safari, guests board safari-style all-terrain vehicles and take a simulated trek through over 100 acres of Eastern Africa while never leaving Central Florida. Many great Savannah creatures roam through the fictional Harambe wildlife preserve, but the ones on this list are definitely the best ones to see!

Disney World now offers night safaris, so you can see different animals out during the day and night! So be sure to try both day and night safaris!

All of the pictures in this article are from my family’s many rides on Kilimanjaro Safari.

1.  Bongo

These beautiful animals are the largest of the African antelopes. They are sometimes referred to as the “Ghost of the Forest” because they move through their surroundings almost silently.

Many people in the western world weren’t able to view them until around 1960.

2. White Rhino

One of the biggest animals to see on the safari is the white rhino. They are definitely a crowd favorite.

These guys look innocent enough, but they put on quite the show for us on one morning safari. We were lucky enough to be on the first truck out of the gate, and these rhinos were extremely active. They butted heads and horns for a few minutes to the delight (and fear) of the people on our truck.

Then suddenly, they decided that their breakfast was more interesting than sparring, and they walked away.

3.  Nile Crocodile

When you come up on these prehistoric predators, you can’t help but feel your skin crawl a little.

There’s a pretty large group on display in this area, so there are always plenty of different ones to see. It’s amazing how even when you are pretty close to them, they really blend into their surroundings.

If you’ve ever watched Disney’s The Lion Guard on Disney Junior, you might have heard of the okapi before.

These guys are solitary and extremely shy, so they are very elusive in the wild.

Most people think they are relatives of the zebra, but they are actually cousins of the giraffe.

5. Watusi Cattle

These are my personal favorite because they aren’t your typical livestock.

A symbol of wealth among Rwandan tribes, they were traditionally sacred and only used for milk and status.

Blood circulates through their horns to be cooled, and then it returns back into the body to give them a built-in cooling mechanism.

You usually get a great view of these remarkable bovines.

6. African Elephants

Who doesn’t love elephants, especially baby elephants?!?! There’s always a herd around on the safari.

Disney is committed to elephant conservation. The Disney Conservation Fund has contributed over $1.2 million in funds for elephant protection world-wide.

7.  Warthog

This is a pretty cool picture of a warthog relaxing in his burrow. You never know, this might be one of Pumbaa’s relatives!

While the warthogs are not always visible on the safari, if they are out, you will get a pretty good view of them.

8.  Giraffes

Giraffes are the type of animals that could stop traffic anywhere. On the Harambe preserve, it happens so often that the staff refer to it as a “giraffe jam!” We have seen these several times! They aren’t shy about coming close and are in no hurry to clear the path.

This picture shows a group running away, which was quite a sight.

The giraffes can also be a bit pushy to the other animals. We have seen them kick at the Watusi cattle because they were relaxing in a place the giraffes didn’t like. One time, we saw one run an ostrich away from a tree.

9.  Hippos

I included this picture to show how interesting it is to see these animals in their simulated natural habitat. Below that water are a few hippos. The bird in the picture is standing on a hippo, not a rock.

Hippos, even though they look lazy and somewhat cute, are known to be ruthlessly aggressive and ill-tempered.

Imagine being on a real safari and wandering up on this watering hole. You would literally be on top of the hippos before you even knew they were there!

10.  Lions

Thankfully, the king and queen of the jungle are positioned a good, safe distance away so they don’t have access to your safari truck! 

Just like Simba on Pride Rock, this lioness is perched on her throne area.

The lions can be a bit difficult to spot at times but sometimes you’re rewarded with a shot like this one. And if you are really lucky, you will catch the male lion roaring! That’s an awesome sight to see!

Most of us will never get the opportunity to take a real African safari. However, thanks to Disney World, we can get the same experience without ever leaving the United States. Kilimanjaro Safari allows you to ride across the savannah and view some of the most beautiful animals in the world.

How many of these 10 awesome animals to see on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Safari can you find on your next trek? Good luck!

Want more ideas on what to do in Animal Kingdom? If so, read magical must-do’s in Animal Kingdom , Pandora , where to find the animals , and great photos at Animal Kingdom . And discover the best times to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris .

For help planning your Disney World trip, read my step-by-step guide , best resources , and quick tips . 

Check out my plan to avoid the stroller and the secret to a great trip for tips to improve your Disney World trip. 

To plan your Disney World trip, visit Disney’s website .

Happy travels!

P.S.  Are you planning a trip to Disney World and not sure what you need to do or when? Do you feel completely overwhelmed by it all? My  Disney World Trip Planning Checklist  can help! It will guide you through every step of the planning process! And it’s FREE! Grab yours in the box below!

August 16, 2016 at 8:01 am

My son and I read this post together the night before we went to Animal Kingdom. After we read it, he made it his mission to see all 10 animals listed in this post! We had an absolute blast on the Safari, and looking for certain animals made it even better! Pay close attention to Christy and Chris’ posts – they know what they are talking about when it comes to DISNEY!

August 16, 2016 at 1:57 pm

Thanks for your comment Mary! Glad you all had fun hunting for the animals on our list. It was fun seeing you at Disney! Talk to you soon. -Christy

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