The most popular and must do attraction is the Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom. On this attraction, your party will embark on a ‘fourteen day’ safari through the lush African savanna, 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Reserve. On your journey, you will see over 34 different species of exotic African wildlife including lions, giraffes, hippos, gazelle and lots more.
Length of Ride: Approximately 20 minutes.
Height Requirement: None.
Scare Factor: It can be quite bumpy for little ones.
Rider Switch (for small kids): No
Weather Procedure: If it is a light drizzle or it is just after a rain, head straight to this ride as that is one of the times when the animals are the most active.
Ride Photo: No.
Flash Photography: Yes.
Queue: As you walk through the queue, you’ll find yourself in the Harambe Reserve. Listen closely to what they are saying on the televisions.
Extra Magic Hours: Open for Morning Magic Hours (but sometimes it doesn’t open until 30 minutes after Magic Hours start so make sure you ask a Cast Member).
Fastpass: Yes.
When to Ride: Early in the morning or after a light rain. That is when the animals are the most active. At the end of the day, the driver stops for more photo opps.
Our Touring Strategy: We usually head straight back here in the mornings but grab a Fastpass and tour Pangani Forest Exploration Trail while we wait for our window to open.
Secrets/Tips and Tricks:
- Look up during the ride. There is a chart of the animals located above your head to make it easy to identify them!
- Make sure you seat your kids on the inside. This will keep them from reaching out and touching the vegetation that comes very close to the vehicle.
- Sit on the outside of the row if you plan to take pictures.
- Flamingo Pond is shaped like Mickey.
- The safari sometimes closes earlier than the rest of the park. Be sure to check for the last safari ride time of the day.
- The animals are the most active early in the morning, but if you can time your ride just after a rain storm you might see more activity.
- Each species of animal in AK have their own sound that they are trained to come back to be fed when they hear it played over the loudspeakers.
- The lions stay on Pride Rock on the Safari ride because there are holes in it and they push cold air thru it.
- The Kilimanjaro Safaris is 110-acres and has 34 different species of African wildlife.
- The best seat in the ride vehicle is the back row. You can turn around and look at any animals you might have missed.
- Each animal has a special auditory signal that will call them backstage to the keepers. Sounds include duck calls, cow bells and even a triangle.
- The Baobab trees on the safari are not real. The trunks are used to store necessary gear including extra feed and lawnmowers.
Random Facts:
- Each species of animal in AK have their own sound that they are trained to come back to be fed when they hear it played over the loudspeakers.
- The lions stay on Pride Rock on the Safari ride because there are holes in it and they push cold air thru it.
- The Kilimanjaro Safaris is 110-acres and has 34 different species of African wildlife.
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Linda says
I also found out while on Animal Trek that the eggs are fake so that the ostrich can lay thief eggs there and the staff removes them. As ostrich all put their eggs together
Allison says
I work at Safaris and we actually do not have a rider switch since children of all ages are allowed to ride and there is no height requirement. We have seen newborns on the trucks. Also, we very seldom will not open when it’s magic hours. I’ve worked there for a few years and there has only been 2 times we didn’t open right at magic hours but did within 15 mins. Also another tip I would suggest is check the “Last Safari” time. During summer hours especially when the park is open later we will sometimes close an hour or two before the park actually closes.
Jennifer L. says
My family had a great experience on the safari. While we were waiting for the rope drop a cast member came up, started chatting with us, and invited us to be the first ones on safari that day. We got our own personal tour! What a magical way to start the day!
Amy says
Unfortunately they recommend that expectant mothers not ride. :( Disney is not quite as magical when you’re in your last trimester. :)
Ashley says
I’m a college program intern at Kilimanjaro safaris and we’re actually more worried about earlier pregnancies.
Sara says
I was fine riding on mpy first trimester
Ana says
That proves absolutely nothing. Is better to avoid those bumpy rides if you are pregnant