Darren Wittko 2/26/22 Darren Wittko 2/26/22

A Disney World Must-Do - Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park!

Wild Africa Trek is one of the best tours available at Walt Disney World. Here are some of the highlights from my recent expedition at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Wild Africa Trek is back at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and my son and I were among the first to head out on the trail.

This is one of the most popular guided tours offered at Walt Disney World Resort because it allows you to get up close to the animals.

Wild Africa Trek is a three hour adventure that takes you on foot and by truck through hidden trails, suspension bridges, and scenic overlooks.

You’ll also make a stop for lunch right in the middle of the savanna and enjoy breathtaking views of the animals.

We had an amazing time on this tour, it was worth every penny and although the animals were spectacular, it was our guides that really made this tour special.

They were truly excited to take us out on the savanna. It’s obvious that they really love the animals and and doing these tours.

Below you can view some of my favorite parks of Wild Africa Trek. If you have any questions about the tour, use the comments section below, I’d be happy to answer them.

If you have a reservation booked with me and would like to include Wild Africa Trek in your itinerary, please send me an email, I’ll show you some options.

After checking in at the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris, we met our guides and the other members of group. There were about 10 of us in all.

Our guides reviewed some rules and assisted with the gear we needed for our trek.

We were given safari vests, a ear piece so we could hear our guides, and a water bottle.

We were allowed to bring our phones for photos, but everything else had to be stored in lockers.

After a safety briefing, we were off right away, starting with the Gorilla Falls Expedition Trail.

There’s a secret entrance on the trail that leads you to the savanna. You would never spot it in a million years!

We soon made our way into the woods heading towards the savanna, stopping to see some of the animals from unique viewing locations.

My favorite animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are the meerkats, they are so funny - cute too! They were surprised to see us appear from a backstage area.

We were joined by some of the hippo caretakers who shared some fun facts with us. They brought some lettuce and watermelon with them so we could watch them enjoy a snack.

Hippos eat a whole watermelon with the same effort as a person eating a cookie. It’s remarkable to see.

To get up close and personal, our guides locked us in to a tether strap that allowed us to walk right the edge (without falling in).

It’s pretty cool to see part of Kilimanjaro Safaris from a different angle. This is the noisy bridge the safari vehicles go over.

Back on the trail again. As were walking, our guides are talking to us through our headphones. They definitely keep you engaged throughout the entire tour.

We arrived at this tower, the starting point of the suspension bridge. After a quick safety spiel and a check of our gear, we started to climb up.

This was, to me, the highlight of Wild Africa Trek! An “Indiana Jones” style bridge that has seen better days. Yes, it bounces and sways as you go over.

Our guides locked us in with a harness so there was no chance we could fall.

This is the first of 2 bridges. First you’ll pass over more hippos. The second bridge takes you over the crocodile habitat.

You have to be ok with heights here and you should be reasonably steady on your feet. The bridge bounces and sways as you walk across it. 2-3 people are allowed to cross at one time.

You can go at your own pace and stop as often as you like for photos.

After making it to the other side of the bridges, we had an opportunity to get up close to the crocs.

We were once again wearing a tether so we didn’t accidentally fall in and become a snack.

Continuing on the trail, this time we were headed to a special safari vehicle.

We drove onto the savanna following the same road as the regular safari, but we pulled over a lot take in the views, and the animals.

Our guides were answering our questions along the way.

We stopped for lunch in right on the savanna.

Lunch comes in metal tiffins, it’s like a compartmentalized lunch box.

Inside we found chicken curry salad, sun-dried tomato hummus and mini pita, marinated tandoori shrimp, smoked salmon roulade with dill, air-dried beef and prosciutto, and fresh fruit marinated in mint and ginger.

My son and I are not foodies, so it was a little adventurous for us. But we actually enjoyed it!

I’m told it was an authentic safari lunch.

While our guides were preparing lunch we were able to photograph the animals and take photos.

When you ride Kilimanjaro Safaris, you don’t get to spend a lot of time on the savanna, it’s more of a summary of the savanna..

But when you’re here for a while, you can really appreciate just how magnificent the animals are. I didn’t know they wander all over and that they are actually very playful.

That’s not something you can really observe while on the safari ride. The animals tend to do stand still for 5-10 minutes at a time, followed by bursts jumping around and chasing each other.

If you really want to observe their playful side, WIld Africa Trek is the best place to see that.

I was really surprised to see how many animals wander all over the savanna. Whenever I was on the ride, I just assumed the animals had their little zone and pretty much stayed in one place. Not true!

Many of them migrate by nature, so they need to be able to roam the savanna.

We has a such a great adventure on Wild Africa Trek. Everyone made it back, no one was eaten by the crocs.

This was definitely one of the best tours we’ve ever been on at Disney World.

Wild Africa Trek concludes near the Wildlife Express Train.

Our guides pointed out a hidden reference to Joe Rhode. He was the principal designer of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and a brilliant Imagineer. Joe retired recently and was given a little credit here for his work on Animal Kingdom park.

Wild Africa Trek, Good to know:

Wild Africa Trek requires reservations.

The cost of the tour ranges from $185 - $250 per person, depending on the time and date you choose.

There are usually 2 -3 tours offered daily. To book a tour, contact your travel agent or visit the Disney World website (disneyworld.com).

Separate Valid Admission and Park Reservation for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is required.

Guests must be at least 8 years of age to attend this experience.

Due to height restrictions for specific areas during the tour, participants must meet the minimum height requirement of 48 inches (122 cm) or may not participate.

Due to weight restrictions for specific areas during the tour, participants must weigh between 45 and 300 lbs (20.14-136 kg) or may not participate.

Excursion occurs rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather or lightning.

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a ***Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent***. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.

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Darren Wittko 12/17/21 Darren Wittko 12/17/21

Popular Tours are Returning to Walt Disney World

Celebrate the Return of Select Fan-favorite Tours from the Enchanting Extras Collection at Walt Disney World Resort in 2022

It seems like every week now we get news from Walt Disney World that more experiences are returning. We now know that many special tours and experiences will be returning on February 6, 2022.

Disney World Tours are Returning — Many tours and experiences will return February 6, 2022 to Walt Disney World Resort

My personal favorite, “Keys to the Kingdom” tour is on the list. If you’re a Disney World fan, this is your chance to go down into the Utilidor system. “Wild Africa Trek” is a big one on my list too.

The Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot was not mentioned but hopefully it will be coming back soon.

Here’s a complete list of tours and experiences that will be returning to Walt Disney World this winter.

Wild Africa Trek

Perhaps my personal favorite, Wild Africa Trek combines action, adventure and education into a three-hour exhilarating safari adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where nature is truly alive with magic.

Cross a swinging rope bridge near crocodiles and view towering giraffes, powerful rhinos and hippos as Guests ride across the open savanna in a rugged safari vehicle.

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

Savor the Savanna

Is all of this excitement making you hungry? Then explore the sights, sounds – and TASTES – of Africa on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park’s Savor the Savanna tour.

Indulge in a sampling of African-inspired cuisine, paired with a selection of regional beer and wine offerings, as Guests gaze out across the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

And listen as a private guide shares tales of the unique residents who inhabit the reserve and the special animal care provided at the park.

Disney’s Key to the Kingdom Tour returns Feb 6, 2022

Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom

Unlock the fascinating history of Magic Kingdom Park, where fantasy reigns, and gain backstage access to legendary hidden areas on this five-hour walking tour!

Access the underground “Utilidor” service tunnels, learn hidden secrets of classic attractions, enjoy a delicious lunch and so much more on this backstage tour of the most iconic theme park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Up Close with Rhinos

Want to get even closer to nature? This 60-minute tour takes Guests backstage to meet our planet’s second-largest land animal in ways few people can.

As each guide introduce Guests to the white rhinos at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, they’ll offer fascinating insights into the species’ behavior and biology, and discuss the challenges that threaten populations in the wild.

Caring for Giants

Delve into the wondrous world of the largest inhabitants of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park during this 60-minute tour for an experience Guests will never forget.

Meet with a knowledgeable guide who will provide insight into the inner workings of our African elephant herd and share a glimpse into the day-to-day care for these amazing animals.

Learn how Disney’s conservation efforts are dedicated to the preservation of wild elephant populations around the world as Guests observe these gentle giants from a private, backstage viewing area!

Advance bookings are highly recommended for all tours. Experiences located at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park require valid theme park admission and reservations.

To learn more about how you can add these experiences to your Disney World vacation package, contact me today.

Start planning your Walt Disney World vacation now!

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