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• Nov 28, 2023

What to Expect on Disney's Wild Africa Trek: A Complete Guide and Why It's Worth the Splurge

Updated: Dec 5, 2023

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the African wilderness with Wild Africa Trek located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Discover the wonders of the Animal Kingdom, traverse breathtaking landscapes, and experience the thrill of up-close encounters with wildlife. This complete guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your trek and why this enchanting extra is worth the splurge.

Preparing for the Wild Africa Trek

Before embarking on the Wild Africa Trek, it's important to make some preparations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Firstly, be sure to make a reservation in advance as spots for this popular adventure are limited. You can do this online or by asking your Castle Coach to book your enchanting experience.

Next, it's essential to dress appropriately for the trek. The "African wilderness" aka the Florida heat can be hot and humid, so it's recommended to wear lightweight and breathable clothing. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are also a must, as you'll be walking on uneven terrain. Don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the elements. Keep in mind you won't be able to take a backpack with you or even a small cross-body, these will all be stored in a locker prior to your adventure.

In addition to clothing, it's important to bring a few essential items. A small backpack or bag is handy for carrying personal belongings such as a water bottle, camera, and snacks. It's also a good idea to bring some extra cash or a credit card for any additional purchases during the trek.

Lastly, make sure to arrive at Disney's Animal Kingdom park at least 15 minutes before your scheduled trek time. This will give you enough time to check in and meet your knowledgeable guides who will accompany you throughout the adventure. Now that you're prepared, get ready for an incredible journey through the African wilderness!

Gear and Attire

When it comes to gear and attire for the Wild Africa Trek, Disney provides most of what you'll need. Upon check-in, you'll be given a specialized harness that ensures your safety during the trek. This harness is comfortable and allows you to move freely while exploring the wilderness. You'll also be provided with a headset that allows you to listen to your guide throughout the excursion. The harness/vest also has pockets for accessibility for your cell phone, water bottle, and listening device.

As for attire, it's important to wear comfortable clothing that can withstand the outdoor conditions. Avoid wearing bright colors or patterns that may startle the animals. Don't forget to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes that are suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Skirts and dresses are not recommended for this excursion.

In terms of accessories, it's a good idea to bring a smartphone to capture the incredible moments you'll encounter on the trek. However, for those up-close encounters, Disney's Africa Trek guides provide high-quality images of your adventure in addition to photos of the animals you saw while on the trek. You'll notice your tour guide snapping photos during your trip.

Overall, Disney ensures that you have all the necessary gear and attire to enjoy the Wild Africa Trek safely and comfortably. Just remember to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for the best experience.

Traversing the African Wilderness

Once you're fully prepared and geared up, it's time to embark on your adventure through the African wilderness. The Wild Africa Trek takes you on a guided journey through various landscapes, allowing you to witness the beauty of nature up close.

During the trek, you'll traverse suspension bridges, climb rocky terrain, and navigate through dense vegetation. This thrilling experience will give you a true sense of being in the heart of the African wilderness. Along the way, your knowledgeable guides will share interesting facts and stories about the wildlife and ecosystem, enriching your understanding of the environment.

One of the highlights of the trek is the opportunity to cross a swinging rope bridge high above a river filled with crocodiles and hippos. This exhilarating experience provides a unique perspective of these magnificent creatures and their natural habitat. Don't worry, the bridge is designed to be safe and sturdy, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views without any worries.

As you continue your trek through the African wilderness, be prepared to encounter various animals such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Your guides will ensure your safety and provide you with interesting information about these animals. Remember to keep a safe distance and follow the instructions of your guides to ensure a respectful and responsible wildlife viewing experience.

Overall, traversing the African wilderness on the Wild Africa Trek is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and witness incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.

Encountering Wildlife

One of the most exciting aspects of the Wild Africa Trek is the opportunity to have up-close encounters with wildlife. As you explore the African wilderness, you'll get a chance to see animals like never before.

During the trek, your guides will lead you to special viewing areas where you can observe animals such as lions, elephants, and rhinos from a safe and respectful distance. These animals roam freely in their natural habitats, allowing you to witness their behavior and interactions up close.

Your guides will provide fascinating information about each animal, including their diet, behavior, and conservation efforts. This educational experience not only allows you to appreciate the beauty of these creatures but also raises awareness about the importance of protecting their habitats.

It's important to remember that the Wild Africa Trek prioritizes the well-being of the animals. The guides will ensure that the encounters are conducted in a responsible manner, respecting the animals' natural behaviors and habitats. By following their instructions and maintaining a safe distance, you can have an incredible wildlife experience while contributing to their conservation.

Prepare to be amazed by the wildlife encounters on the Wild Africa Trek. It's a rare opportunity to witness these majestic animals in their natural environment and gain a deeper understanding of their importance in the African ecosystem.

Lunch with a View

Enjoy scenic views near the BOMA and see the animals in their habitats enjoying the sunshine, bathing in the water, or roaming the safari plains. Lunch is provided by the Wild Africa Trek team, it is catered from one of the many hot spot restaurants at Disney's Animal Kingdom. They arrive in these awesome little tiffins and you can even enjoy everyone's favorite POG juice.

Capturing Memories on the Wild Africa Trek

The Wild Africa Trek offers countless breathtaking moments that you'll want to capture and cherish forever. Here are some tips for capturing memories during your adventure:

1. Take advantage of the photo opportunities: Throughout the trek, your guides will stop at scenic spots where you can take photos. Make sure to have your camera ready and listen to their instructions for the best angles and shots.

2. Don't forget to enjoy the experience: While capturing memories is important, it's equally important to be fully present and enjoy the adventure. Take the time to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the African wilderness without constantly looking through the lens.

After the trek, you'll have the opportunity to snag some photos taken by your tour guide during the adventure. These high-quality photos are a great way to commemorate your experience and relive the unforgettable moments. You'll receive a card that has a code that you can enter to obtain these photos. Be sure to snap a photo of this code on your phone in case you lose your card during your adventures at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

For this and more enchanting Disney experiences, make sure you follow @Castlecoachestravel and @castle_coach_natalie for more Disney tips and tricks. If you're interested in booking your next Disney Vacation, reach out to your fellow castle coach for more ways to book.

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Get Up Close with African Wildlife on Disney’s Wild Africa Trek

Looking for an epic adventure beyond the typical theme park rides during your Walt Disney World vacation? How about a trek through the African savanna, encountering incredible wildlife like hippos, giraffes, and even lions? Then the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the perfect option for you and your family!

Related- What Makes Kilmanjaro Safaris a Fan-Favorite Attraction

Wild Africa Trek is part of Walt Disney World’s Enchanting Extras Collection, offering unique experiences beyond standard park attractions. This trek is ideal for families with kids aged 8 and above who crave a challenge and enjoy the outdoors!

Related- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Welcomed a New Abdim’s Stork

The trek includes a professional photography service, capturing your family’s unforgettable adventure. Take a break from the cell phones and let the trained photographers work their magic! At the end of your trek, you’ll receive a photo code to download all the amazing pictures taken during your exploration.

After your exciting journey through the Safi River Valley, you and your family can enjoy a delicious snack while observing the animals in their natural habitat. It’s a perfect way to unwind and chat about the incredible sights you’ve experienced. This entire experience is sure to create lasting memories that your tweens and teens will cherish for years to come!

Walt Disney World theme park admission is required to participate in the Wild Africa Trek. To learn more about this thrilling adventure, check out the video below for an ultimate guide to Wild Africa Trek! Click here to book your tour today!

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Everything You Need to Know About Wild Africa Trek

by Mickey Blog · May 31, 2019

Do you love animals? Are you the adventurous sort? Do you feel fashionable in a flak jacket? Would you like to experience something that few Disney guests ever do? I’m here to tell you about one of the best tours at Walt Disney World. Here’s everything you need to know about Wild Africa Trek.

What Is Wild Africa Trek?

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the most novel of all theme parks in the company’s empire. When you visit the fourth gate at Walt Disney World, you’ll interact with some of the animals at various attractions.

I’ve previously described Kilimanjaro Safaris as the backbone of Animal Kingdom. I feel this way because the giant vehicle transports guests through dozens of animal habitats. It’s one of the best ways to experience the hallmark achievement that is this theme park. It’s not THE best way, though.

Wild Africa Trek is like the deluxe version of Kilimanjaro Safaris . It’s a paid guided tour of many of the same habitats. The difference is that you walk rather than ride. Also, you get to go to places where standard park visitors cannot.

For example, when you’ve ridden Kilimanjaro Safaris, you may have noticed people walking across rope bridges high above the ground. Those lording above you aren’t cast members. Well, most of them aren’t. They’re people enjoying the benefits of the Wild Africa Trek.

The price of the tour is $189-$249 per person. That’s on the high side of tours at Walt Disney World. As you’re about to see, Disney has priced it extremely reasonably, though.

What Do You Need to Know about Wild Africa Trek?

You should think about Wild Africa Trek like a school trip to the zoo…combined with an African safari. You’ll be one of a group of “students” seeking to learn more about animal behavior. The trek will take you across much of the Animal Kingdom campus.

Your adventure will consist of several phases. During one part, you’ll walk through and even over some animal habitats. Many of these views are ones that you’ve had during Kilimanjaro Safaris, only from a different angle. You’ve paid for the privilege of getting up close and personal with the residents of Animal Kingdom. In some instances, you’ll stand closer to animals than you could at a zoo!

Animal interactions are a critical part of Wild Africa Trek. Have you ever wanted to feed a hippopotamus? You can play real-life Hungry Hungry Hippos on this tour! All you’ll need is to get strapped in (more on that in the next section) and start tossing food. If you’re lucky, you may even see some birds fly to the mouths of the hippos, who are known to share dinner with their avian friends.

Another part of the tour is the driving section. This part will feel familiar to Kilimanjaro Safaris fans, although the setup is closer to Jungle Cruise, just not a cruise. You’ll get into a special rectangular vehicle with a giant square for its seating area. No matter where you sit, you’ll have a wonderful perspective of the Animal Kingdom habitats. During your tour, you’ll listen as a cast member relays detailed information about the animals.

Photo credit: Kent Phillips, Photographer

This brings me to a different point. Communication is integral to the Wild Animal Trek experience. During the crowded park part of your walk, you’ll receive a headset. It will allow you to hear your tour guide even in the most congested (i.e. loudest) parts of Animal Kingdom. When you’re riding in the special tour vehicle, however, you won’t need it. A cast member will literally sit with you and point out all the wonders that you should behold.

This part of the experience differs from Kilimanjaro Safaris . The cast member doesn’t have to drive as well. Someone else provides that duty. You have a zoology expert at your disposal, and they’ll display an encyclopedic knowledge of everything related to the park and its denizens.

Just as importantly, you’ll travel on different paths than during the safari. You’ll go onto roads that are historically reserved for cast members in charge of the care of the animals. You’re seeing the hidden parts of Animal Kingdom!

Disney throws in lunch during Wild Africa Trek. And the consensus opinion is that the food options are stellar. You’ll start with Jungle Juice, the legendary concoction made famous at restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge . This meal even includes an edible flower! Unless you’re a foodie, you won’t have familiarity with many of the flavors. As long as you like fruits, meats, and curries, you’ll be fine.

The other phenomenal aspect of the tour is the photography. Should you prefer to watch the proceedings, you won’t need to capture images. A cast member will do that for you! Once your tour ends, Disney will provide a code that allows you to look at the pictures from your trip in My Disney Experience.

The Magic Jacket at Wild Africa Trek

You’ll know that you’re doing something unusual when you arrive. One of the first things that will happen when you check in for the Wild Africa Trek is that you’ll be given a jacket. This vest isn’t there to protect you from the elements. It’s there to keep you comfortable and save you from disaster. Don’t get me wrong. Disney wouldn’t place you in harm’s way during a tour. The jacket is there for precisely this reason.

At various points during your tour, you’ll enter situations that are slightly precarious without some kind of support. Your jacket has hooks on it. Their purpose is to harness you. In the event that you stumble or fall, the harness will prevent you from anything untoward happening. And I have to say that I’ve watched a LOT of Wild Africa Trek videos. EVERYONE trips at some point. I even saw a cast member who works on Kilimanjaro Safaris take a dive and scrape up her leg.

Why is tripping so likely? At times, you’ll cross rope ladders. The steps on these ladders are spaced out a fair amount. And the people creating Wild Africa Trek videos are often more focused on their phones than their next step. I struggle to understand this behavior since some of the walks are literally above crocodile ponds. Friendly suggestion: don’t film your walk across a rope bridge. That’s how you become a cautionary tale in an Indiana Jones movie and/or crocodile food.

The vest does more than save you from falling into a den of crocodiles. It also secures your belongings. Even though you shouldn’t whip out your phone as you cross a bridge, you will still want it with you in case of emergency texts. Okay, let’s be honest. It’s probably dating drama. Whatever the reason, your jacket has a hook that will connect to your cellphone, too! No matter what happens, your device is safe, just like you.

Finally, the vest comes with a water canteen, one that you’ll get to keep as a souvenir! Anyone who has spent any time at Animal Kingdom understands that this area is humid. You must stay hydrated during your three-hour tour. Disney officials know this and throw in the water bottle to maximize your comfort. You should secure the canteen to the vest. Otherwise, you could lose your water while climbing stairs, something else that happens a lot.

By the way, if you doubt me about the tripping/livestreaming, watch this video . I’ve queued it to a spot where the person crosses the bridge. You’ll see what it looks like and what kind of view is possible during your trek. Then, you’ll understand why you shouldn’t livestream it.

Wild Animal Trek is one of the best tours available at Walt Disney World. It allows you to see and experience Animal Kingdom in a way that’s otherwise impossible. You’ll feel like a cast member when you enter restricted areas. At other times, you’ll lean on the expertise of one of the most informed people at the park, allowing you to ask all of the things that you’ve wondered about it over the years. It’s THE best way to appreciate the brilliance of Disney’s most impressive theme park.

PS: You can feel good about your VIP tour of Animal Kingdom. Disney directs part of the money that you spend on Wild Africa Trek to a charity. In fact, you get to pick which charity out of several options. A cast member will ask you to choose your favorite from the list. You’re not just having the time of your life on Wild Africa Trek! You’re also helping with animal conservation! It’s just another reason why you should book this tour!

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Wild Africa Trek – An In-Depth Review of the VIP Backstage Tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney describes the Wild Africa Trek as “[a] privately guided VIP expedition offering close encounters with exotic African wildlife in their native habitat.” In other words, the Wild Africa Trek is a tour that builds upon the experience of Kilimanjaro Safaris by taking you to areas of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve that you may have seen on Kilimanjaro Safaris, but only from afar. This article takes an in-depth look at the Wild Africa Trek experience, details the cost associated with the tour, responds to possible FAQs from those considering the tour, and, ultimately, attempts to the answer the question: Is the Wild Africa Trek worth its cost?

Checking (and Strapping) In

Check-in for Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek takes place next to the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris. When you arrive, a cast member will verify your registration, inform you that there will be no restrooms available for the first two hours or so of the Trek, and subtly suggest that you take advantage of the the restrooms available around the corner before suiting up.

Once through the initial check-in, you’ll get a locker to store everything you cannot securely attach to your vest and/or harness. The “attached to the vest” restriction can be confusing with respect to cameras, but – according to the cast members with whom we talked – a camera strap that hangs around your neck will suffice. During this phase, cast members will also provide croakies for your glasses or sunglasses, a nametag, and a keepsake water bottle that clips to your vest.

After your belongings are secured in the locker, a cast member will fit you with a vest and harness. The harness fits snugly, through and around your legs. For this reason, and also probably because the trek includes walking across exposed bridges, Disney recommends that women do not wear skirts or dresses for the Wild Africa Trek. Based on her experience with the harness straps, my wife would also recommend that women do not wear very short shorts.

Once you are all strapped into your harness, you are weighed to verify compliance with the 300 lb weight limit (those of you who are scale-shy shouldn’t worry; there are no giant flashing numbers), provided a radio earpiece to hear the guides, and encouraged to take advantage of the available sunscreen and bug spray.

Starting the Tour

The first part of the tour involves walking through what our charming guides referred to as “some of the most dangerous animals in the wild:” homo sapiens. Basically, you walk from the Wild Africa Trek check-in location to the entrance of Pangani Forest Exploration Trail . On the Pangani Trail, you follow the same path as any guest, including winding through the aviary and quickly walking past the naked mole rats. Even with the additional and humorous insights provided by the Wild Africa Trek guides, this part of the tour might leave you wondering when the real tour is going to start. Thankfully, near the end of Pangani Trail, the fun really begins.

Over the River and Through the Woods

Toward the end of the Pangani Trail, your guides lead you up into the woods. This is where the real Wild Africa Trek experience begins. After a brief trail walk, you arrive at an overlook that extends out above the hippopotamus pool. Your guide will clip you (via your harness) to a support railing that allows you to move up to the edge of the overlook without fear of falling into the hippos’ gaping maws. The primary guides provide some hippo insight, but the group is also joined by a “hippo expert”, who provides you with information about feeding habits and the hippos’ relationships with one another, and, most importantly, brings large quantities of lettuce to coax the hippos closer to the overlook.

Next comes the rope bridge across the crocodiles. Those who have experienced Kilimanjaro Safaris have driven under this bridge (really two bridges connected by a platform tower) and may have noticed cast members or Wild Africa Trek groups traversing it. The rope bridge is not particularly difficult to navigate, though it was a little more wobbly than I had expected and I appreciated the fact that I was clipped into a safety line. Every member of the group will go across the bridge individually, and you are free to stop along the way to take pictures (assuming you have the courage to let go of the railings).

Since the bridge takes you literally over the crocodiles (don’t fall!), it shouldn’t be much surprise that the next stop is to view the crocodiles a little more closely. Just as with the hippopotamus overlook, you are attached to a safety rail so that you can inch up to the edge, and you are joined by a crocodile expert with interesting tidbits of information. Now is a great time for pictures: apparently natural models, crocodiles will hold a given pose (such as showing off their jaws) for quite some time.

Riding (and Stopping) in the Savannah

After you wave goodbye to the crocodiles, you’ll also say goodbye for to your vest, harness, and earpiece, and hello to back of a safari truck. The Wild Africa Trek vehicles are different from those on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Your vehicle for the Trek features benches along the outer edge of the bed of the truck, with a wide open area in the middle. This allows for everyone to face one another, and the guides, while riding through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, and, more importantly, provides a nice empty space for everyone to stand when the truck stops. Yes, unlike Simba–1 on Kilimanjaro Safaris, this truck will stop, and your guides allow you to stand to get a better view of the animals on the reserve. If you are a photographer, this fact alone might make the Wild Africa Trek worth its price.

Other than the truck’s configuration and the opportunity to stop for several minutes at various places along the tour, what you see during the ride through the Harambe Wildlife Preserve is nearly identical to what you would experience on Kilimanjaro Safaris. This includes views of the springboks, giraffes, elephants, and other savannah animals. However, since you have so much more time, you hear much more information. Our guides were very knowledgeable and the other guests had great questions. For example, we learned that one of the giraffes was pregnant, and it appears that Disney’s Animal Kingdom (or Animal Kingdom Lodge) will have another baby giraffe sometime in 2015.

When you are about two thirds of the way through the traditional Kilimanjaro Safaris trail, near the flamingo pool, the Wild Africa Trek again diverges from the standard experience. It is at this point that you stop at a boma for a meal and more animal-viewing. Note that boma simply means an area for outdoor meals and parties, and you are not going all the way to Boma , the restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The boma on the Wild Africa Trek is a large, beautiful observation deck with views of substantial sections of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. The front of the observation deck, where there are tables and chairs, has fantastic views of the elephants, the flamingo pond, and the grasslands populated with many other animals; the rear of the observation deck provides a (binocular-assisted) view of the rock formation that the lions call home.

The meal provided at the boma is specially prepared by the kitchen at Tusker House and differs depending on the time of day (i.e. breakfast for morning tours, lunch for afternoon tours.) For example, a breakfast meal includes brie, various fruits, and yogurt with granola, while lunch features items such as smoked meats, salmon roulade, and shrimp. If any of that sounded appetizing to you, then you are in for a treat on the Trek. The food is excellent, and, as our guides pointed out, the boma on the Wild Africa Trek is the only place at Walt Disney World to get these items. With classic Disney Magic touch, even the flower accompanying the meal is edible and tasty.

Finishing out the Tour

After relaxing at the boma, and taking in the views from both sides of the observation deck, it is time to pile back into the safari truck to finish the tour. As before, the truck travels a route similar to that of the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride vehicles, but it has the benefit of stopping and allowing you to stand and take pictures of the animals along the way.

The tour ends at the same place that Kilamonjaro Safaris concludes. At this time, the tour group and guides all must walk back to the lockers, where personal belongings were stored approximately three hours prior, and say your tearful goodbyes.

During most of the year, the Wild Africa Trek costs $201.29 per person. During peak times, however, the price tag jumps to $265.00. Peak times include: the weeks of Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Easter, and a period Disney defines as “spring break” (which changes from year to year and has not yet been set for 2015.) You must pay for your tour, in full, at the time of booking, and if you have to cancel, you must do so more than two days in advance if you wish to receive a refund. The tour takes place rain or shine, so it would be a good idea to pay attention to the weather forecast if the thought of experiencing the Wild Africa Trek in the rain does not appeal to you.

Through October 25 of this year (2014), Disney is offering a $50 discount, per person, on “afternoon” tours (i.e. tours that start at 11:30 AM or later.) At nearly 25% of the cost of the tour, this is a fairly substantial discount. Of course, if you are traveling in July or August, saving $50 per person might not be enough to make a three hour tour in the Florida heat (or afternoon thunderstorms) enjoyable.

At the time of publication, the cast members I spoke with informed me there is no current Annual Pass discount available for the Wild Africa Trek. When I booked my tour earlier this year, however, I received a discount of $50 per person that the cast member handling the booking attributed to my status as an Annual Passholder. Consequently, I encourage Annual Passholders to ask for any potential discounts when booking their tours.

How do I book a reservation for the Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek? Reservations for the Wild Africa Trek made by calling (407) WDW-TOUR (i.e. (407) 939–8687.)

What should I wear on the Wild Africa Trek? Sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable walking shoes (but they don’t have to be made for hiking – I did just fine in sneakers and my wife wore Converse), and breathable materials in temperature appropriate styles.

What should I not wear on the Wild Africa Trek? Flip flops (or other shoes that could easily slide off), dresses, skirts, or any clothing that would be uncomfortable when you are in the vest and harness. Take a look at the harnesses used in mountain climbing and ropes courses to see where the straps of the harness hit the body, and do what you can to avoid chafing.

What are the physical demands associated with the Wild Africa Trek?

• THE WALK: The total walking on the tour probably clocks in just under 2 miles (through the prohibition against non-vest-attached cellphones meant I didn’t get a precise calculation.) I would suggest taking a couple trips around Epcot’s World Showcase to gauge how comfortable you feel walking that distance over 90 minutes or so.
• THE BRIDGE: As I noted above, the rope bridge is a little more wobbly than I anticipated it would be. Additionally, some boards are “missing” from the bridge which means that you have to step over sizable gaps (though I didn’t have a measuring tape with me, I would guess the largest gap was around 16–18 inches, and there is a safety net under the entire bridge which is visible through the gaps). Despite the wobbliness and the gaps, my wife Elyssa, who is not particularly fond of heights, and the rest of the our group had no real issues traversing the bridge. Ultimately, it comes down to your particular sense of balance and your comfort with being approximately two stories off the ground.
• THE BATHROOMS: There are no restroom facilities for the first two hours or so of the tour. A cast member will most likely remind you of that fact before you are strapped in the harness, but it is probably a good idea to hit up the restrooms in Harambe Village before you check-in. There is a bathroom once you get to the boma about two thirds of the way through the Trek.

Should I bring my camera (smartphone or stand alone?)

This depends on how much of the experience you want to capture. The guides will take pictures of the group and the animals frequently throughout the Trek, and I felt our particular guides did a good job of getting shots of each individual party within the overall group. After the tour, you receive access to a website that allows you to download the guides’ photos and a “greatest hits” set of photos from other tours. I probably would have been content had the guide photos been all I received.

I was happy, however, that I brought my own camera. It allowed me to take more candid shots of my wife enjoying the experience than the guides did. As noted earlier in the post, you do have to either attach your camera to your vest or hang it around your neck to be allowed to bring it. Though smartphone photographs would probably be sufficient to get the extra documentation you may want from your Wild Africa Trek experience, the requirement of attaching your phone to your vest might make it easier to go with a compact camera. I found it much easier to find a suitable camera strap for my camera than to find an iPhone case/strap that would keep my phone connected to my vest while I took pictures.

Does the Wild Africa Trek photo download include other Disney Photopass photos from the rest of my vacation? No. In fact, you go to a special website – which appears to be separate from the Disney Photopass site – to download your images.

Is it Worth it?

The Wild Africa Trek is fantastic. Both my wife and I enjoyed it thoroughly, and, but for the cost associated with the Trek, would love to take the tour each and every time we go to Walt Disney World. Of course, in reality, the more than $200 per person price tag must be factored into the decision. Thankfully, Disney packs a lot into the Trek to justify the $200 cost, including: access to areas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom not available to regular guests, up-close encounters with animals not available through any other Disney attractions, a meal available only on the tour, full photographic documentation of the experience, and, of course, your awesome water bottle.

If you have never experienced the Wild Africa Trek, have at least a passing interest in animals, and think you might enjoy the experience described above, then the answer is simple: Yes. Go on the tour. If, however, you still have questions about whether you would enjoy three hours walking and driving mostly in the Florida sun, then you might have to think a little harder about whether this experience is right for you. The goal of this post is to provide enough detail for you to make a well-informed decision.

When my wife and I look back on our last few trips to Walt Disney World, it is the Wild Africa Trek that we list as our “Number One Highlight.” For us, the Wild Africa Trek was definitely worth its price tag.

After reading about the Wild Africa Trek, are you interested in going on the tour? What other Disney VIP tours have you been on? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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John is on the long list of attorneys who are also huge Disney fans. He likes to think there's more to him to that, but the jury's still out. John's love and fandom for Disney is only rivaled by his love for his wife Elyssa and his fandom for the Boston Red Sox. Though they live in North Carolina, John and Elyssa try to visit Disney World whenever possible - especially for runDisney events, holidays, special occasions, vacations, and days that end in the letter "y". John can be found on Twitter at @kivus.

15 thoughts on “ Wild Africa Trek – An In-Depth Review of the VIP Backstage Tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ”

what is the age requirement?

8 years and at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.

See https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/wild-africa-trek/

Thank you, after visiting the link you posted, I measured my 8 year old and found out that she is exactly 48 inches….. and we will be doing this on our next visit!!!

I am interested in knowing is an AM or PM tour better due to animal activity, etc. Heat doesn’t bother us.

Good question, and even better timing. Today, Disney published findings from a study it performed on animal activity at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The result? Time of day does not significantly change the probability of spotting animals. (You can read more details here: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/07/wildlife-wednesday-myth-busters-whens-the-best-time-to-see-your-favorite-animals-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ )

So, if you believe Disney’s study, an AM or PM tour should not result in different levels of animal activity. One alternative factor you may wish to consider: Would you rather eat the brie, various fruits, and yogurt with granola they serve at breakfast, or the smoked meats, salmon roulade, and shrimp they serve at lunch?

We did an 8am tour in August 2012. Rather than “Check-in takes place next to the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris”, because our tour started before the park opened we had to check-in just outside the main turnstiles.

Our group was of 12 people, I assume this is the maximum. The cast members were fantastic. Disney supplied a total of 187 photos (in 2012 it was on a PhotoCD that arrived in the post a few weeks later), the vast majority were our of tour rather than being stock photos. At the boma the CMs were happy to oblige by taking numerous individual and family/group photos.

My kids still remember eating the flower during the meal! We threw the souvenir water bottles away as the screw lids kept getting cross-threaded.

We didn’t do the normal Kilimanjaro Safaris ride, there seemed little point when the tour offered so much more. It was definitely worth the money.

Adding this to my Disney Bucket List immediately! Looks like a must-do, especially for been-there, done-that types like our family. Thanks for all the information and photos!

I booked this tour a few days ago for my husband and myself in September, and with the discount it was just under $300 for the two of us including tax. We’ve been going to WDW every year for several years and this is our first tour, and I’m very excited. One question – is the meal a full meal or more like a snack? We’re doing the 1:30 tour and have dinner reservations at 7:30. I’m just wondering if we’ll be too full to enjoy dinner.

I would classify it as a “light lunch.” If you need more details than what I put in the review, Disney’s official explanation of the meal (available here: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/02/wild-africa-trek-you-cant-feed-the-animals-but-you-get-to-eat/ ) has another picture of what you will be served.

If I was taking the 1:30 PM tour, I would eat something light for lunch around 12:00-12:30 PM before going on the tour, and have the meal on the tour around 3:15-3:30 PM, and then I would be ready for dinner at 7:30 PM. If I was really concerned about maximizing my value when it comes to dinning options, I might not schedule a buffet or similar “all you care to enjoy” meal for that 7:30 PM reservation.

Again, that is based on my eating habits, but hopefully it gives you a little more insight. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Thank you for your more than through review. I think I am putting this on my list for October.

My family of 4 and another family of 4 are doing this together this August. This will be our 4th trip to the World but our first Wild Africa Trek. I am looking forward to this tour the most out of our entire trip. We got the $50 per person discount and are taking the 11:45 tour. For all 8 of us that’s a $400 savings – so we’ll tough it out in the Florida heat. Can’t wait!

My wife and I did this tour in 2011, and it was great. (To be fair, we’re the kind of people who will stand in line and ride Kilimanjaro Safaris 2 or 3 times in one trip.) It’s definitely not for Disney-on-a-budget, but if you can afford it, it’s not going to let you down.

As for the weight limit, I think it used to be 250, and when I did it I was probably about 230, but they never brought out the scale to check. I’d imagine that 300 is closer to the actual safety rating of the equipment, which is why they need to break out the scale now.

This is on my Disney bucket list. Thanks for the great article. I think when the trek first started, the weight limit was lower, I remember thinking that I wouldn’t qualify. (I’ve lost weight, so it is not any issue any way now for me.) If I ever do a solo trip to WDW, this will be my big slurge.

My wife and I have looked very carefully at this adventure and are scheduled to take the Trek on Sep 5 in the morning. We too believe this will be the highlight of our next visit. I was a bit disappointed in the reservation process. You call and give your credit card info (charging the full amount) and all you get in return is a number. No email no hard copy. We were told to ask at check in about our DVC or Disney Visa card discount. There was no discount available at the time of reservation. Then the reservation does not link to My Disney Experience. You can only make a note. Something for the Mouse to work on! Really looking forward to the experience though!

My 11-year-old daughter (who loves animals) & I did the Trek in Oct 2013. I agree that it was totally worth the cost! It was a wonderful experience that tops anything else we’ve done at Disney. Although we were both nervous about the bridges, being harnessed made it a very safe-feeling experience & ended up being one of the highlights of the experience (I will warm that short-legged people will have to stretch to make a couple of the gaps based on my 5-foot-tall daughter’s experience, but she says that was part of the fun). Being able to stop during the drive portion of the safari was great as well—but do be alert & listen to the guides as you may need to suddenly sit back down to move along quickly should the animals take an extra interest in you (they are wild animals!)—we had an up-close encounter with the rhinos when they decided to come check us out! The trek was definitely worth every penny & we would love to be able to do it again.

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The Wild Africa Trek At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wild Africa Trek in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

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

Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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

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

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

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

Read a review of the Wild Africa Trek here!

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

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

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

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

Additional Information

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

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

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

Click here to see more Disney World Tours

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

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Wild Africa Trek

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

An Exhilarating Safari Adventure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indulge In Gourmet Eats

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

Sample Menu

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

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

Know Before You Go

• WARNING: For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.
• Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
• Participants must be 8 years of age or older and at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
• Participants must be between 45 pounds and 300 pounds. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.
• You must have physical stamina, comfort with heights, and the surefootedness to negotiate small hills, foliage and unsteady rope bridges on this tour. Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at 00 800 2006 0809 for alternative programs.
• Recommended attire includes shorts or pants and a comfortable shirt. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required. No flip-flops will be allowed. Skirts or dresses are not recommended.
• Complimentary lockers for your belongings will be provided. You will also receive a safety vest and wireless headset so that you can hear your guide at all times. Cameras are allowed as long as they can be securely fastened to the vest.
• Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of the experience at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction entrance. Late arrivals may not be able to join the experience.
• Excursion occurs rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather or lightning.
• Tour itinerary, content, duration and availability are subject to change without notice.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

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Wild Africa Trek

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

An Exhilarating Safari Adventure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indulge In Gourmet Eats

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

Sample Menu

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

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

Know Before You Go

• WARNING: For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.
• Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
• Participants must be 8 years of age or older and at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
• Participants must be between 45 pounds and 300 pounds. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.
• You must have physical stamina, comfort with heights, and the surefootedness to negotiate small hills, foliage and unsteady rope bridges on this tour. Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at (407) 938-1373 for alternative programs.
• Recommended attire includes shorts or pants and a comfortable shirt. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required. No flip-flops will be allowed. Skirts or dresses are not recommended.
• Complimentary lockers for your belongings will be provided. You will also receive a safety vest and wireless headset so that you can hear your guide at all times. Cameras are allowed as long as they can be securely fastened to the vest.
• Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of the experience at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction entrance. Late arrivals may not be able to join the experience.
• Excursion occurs rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather or lightning.
• Tour itinerary, content, duration and availability are subject to change without notice.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Make a reservation, times for wild africa trek.

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Guests Injured After Wild Animals Attack at Disney

in Disney , Featured , Walt Disney World

The diverse assortment of animals at Disney is an integral part of the magical experience visitors encounter. To witness a fascinating array of wildlife up close, Disney’s Animal Kingdom stands out as a prime destination within the renowned Walt Disney World Resort.

At this exceptional theme park, guests have the opportunity to embark on thrilling safaris through the African savanna on the Kilimanjaro Safari, an adventure that brings them face-to-face with majestic creatures in their natural habitats. Beyond the safaris, guests can explore the park’s various themed areas, such as Asia and Pandora – The World of Avatar, where encounters with exotic mythical creatures and experiences await around every corner.

Related: Swarm of Wild Animals Overtake Disney World Attraction

Wildlife at Walt Disney World Resort

Additionally, the park offers the renowned Wild Africa Trek , a guided tour offering a more intimate and educational wildlife experience for those seeking a deeper connection with the animal kingdom. The park’s dedication to conservation and education shines through in every encounter, making it an unparalleled destination for animal lovers of all ages.

However, not all animal encounters are monitored as closely as these ones. Due to Walt Disney World Resort ‘s location in Central Florida, numerous wild animals also call the resort property home . Due to their unique environment and circumstances, these animals can sometimes be threatening to guests.

Wild animals in Florida are a common sight due to the state’s diverse ecosystem. When it comes to nature encounters at Disney, many are timid, but some are unfortunately more severe.

This has raised concerns about the safety protocols in place at Disney properties, particularly in locations like theme theme parks and the various resorts within Walt Disney World. The juxtaposition of the magical world of Disney with the unpredictability of wild animals has created a unique challenge for both guests and Disney cast members .

In the history of Walt Disney World Resort, numerous incidences of animal attacks have been documented, raising concerns about the safety of guests. One of the most unforgettable and heart-wrenching episodes occurred in June 2016, when a devastating incident transpired outside the enchanting backdrop of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. On one fateful day, a toddler fell victim to a fatal encounter with an alligator .

Such occurrences have underscored the unpredictable nature of the surrounding wildlife, unveiling the inherent risks that come with inhabiting a region where encounters with dangerous wild animals are a stark reality. In the midst of the magic and wonder that Disney aims to provide, the presence of untamed creatures brings a sobering reminder of the delicate balance between the allure of nature and the potential dangers it poses to unsuspecting guests.

This absolutely tragic event alerted many Disney theme park guests to the very real risk of wild animals at Disney. On a much smaller scale, another guest was even bitten by a snake outside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge just last week .

What To Do if You’re Attacked at Disney?

While these events are unrelated, they do prove to many that animal attacks can happen unprovoked and at any time. While Disney does its best to limit attacks of this nature by installing no swimming or fishing ordinances on its lakes and rivers, there is only so much it can do to protect each individual guest.

If an attack does happen at Disney, they are closely monitored and managed by trained staff members, ensuring the safety of both guests. While the occasional animal-related incident may occur, Disney continuously improves its safety procedures and guest education to minimize risks. Always refer to professionals for advice if you worry you may be infected by rabies or another animal-carried disease or infection.

The theme park also collaborates with animal services to maintain the well-being of the wildlife in their car and in the area. Last year, when a wild bear found its way into Magic Kingdom Park, wildlife officials were quickly called into action .

Thanks to the swift response and expertise of the wildlife team, the bear was successfully and safely removed from the area, mitigating any potential risks to both guests and the animal. This proactive approach to wildlife management underscores the park’s commitment to upholding the well-being of both its visitors and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the vicinity.

Guests visiting Disney must always pay close attention to and follow the instructions given by Disney cast members. These guidelines are in place not only for the safety of the guests but also for the well-being of the animals inhabiting the various wildlife-themed areas across Disney properties.

Adhering to these rules ensures a harmonious coexistence between visitors and wildlife, fostering a positive and safe environment for all. By being mindful of these guidelines and remaining vigilant throughout their Disney experience, guests can immerse themselves in a truly enchanting and enlightening journey through the animal kingdom that Disney has meticulously curated for their enjoyment.

Wild Africa Trek

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

An Exhilarating Safari Adventure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indulge In Gourmet Eats

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

Sample Menu

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

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

Know Before You Go

• WARNING: For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.
• Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
• Participants must be 8 years of age or older and at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
• Participants must be between 45 pounds and 300 pounds. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.
• You must have physical stamina, comfort with heights, and the surefootedness to negotiate small hills, foliage and unsteady rope bridges on this tour. Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at 0800 028 0778 (UK) or 1800 812 678 (Ireland) for alternative programs.
• Recommended attire includes shorts or pants and a comfortable shirt. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required. No flip-flops will be allowed. Skirts or dresses are not recommended.
• Complimentary lockers for your belongings will be provided. You will also receive a safety vest and wireless headset so that you can hear your guide at all times. Cameras are allowed as long as they can be securely fastened to the vest.
• Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of the experience at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction entrance. Late arrivals may not be able to join the experience.
• Excursion occurs rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather or lightning.
• Tour itinerary, content, duration and availability are subject to change without notice.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Times for wild africa trek.