Category: Exploring the Parks

For the past few years, I have stared longingly at those rope bridges every time I rode Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I love Animal Kingdom, and I really love the safari (I usually ride it at least twice each time I’m in the park), and the Wild Africa Trek has been at the top of my Disney Bucket List for a couple of years now. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out that my husband had booked it for me as an early birthday gift! I was positively giddy that I was going to get to cross those bridges! I’d be up close with the animals, and I’d be eating breakfast while overlooking the Savannah. The only downside was that I’d be going alone – as much as he wanted to join me, we’d be traveling with just our youngest child, so I’d have to fly solo. But I don’t mind adventuring alone, so off I went!

I met up with the group at the gates of the park, which wasn’t open yet. A guide escorted us (through a totally empty Harambe!) back to an area beside Kilimanjaro Safaris. We were given complimentary lockers and asked to stow all of our belongings. We weren’t even allowed to wear our Magic Bands – there are very strict rules on what may be brought on the tour. Sunglasses may be worn (and a strap provided), and cameras or phones may be brought, if they’re attached to you. I purchased this strap from Amazon for my phone. However, I would definitely encourage you to just enjoy the sights and not worry too much about taking your own pictures. One of the guides was taking pictures the entire time, so every moment will be captured!

We signed waivers, got our name tags, and (literally) weighed in. But don’t worry – no one will see your weight, even you! This is just another safety precaution. We were fitted with vests, harnesses, and ear pieces, and given a souvenir water bottle. After introductions and going over a few instructions, we began our tour!

Walking Portion: Hippos, Crocs, and Rope Bridges! 

We began by walking through a portion of the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. This is not a backstage area, but the park wasn’t yet open, so we had the entire space to ourselves. Even though this was an area I’d walked through many times, it was really cool to hear new things about it, and even learn the names of some of the animals. After this, we headed backstage and through the “forest” down to an overlook by the hippos. The harnesses I mentioned earlier were used to clip us onto a bar that allowed us to safely move to the edge of the overlook.

We were met there by one of the keepers who had some snacks for the hippos. I was fascinated to learn that they are currently trying to breed these two hippos, AND they previously  had a baby (who is all grown up  now, and had been the hippo we saw earlier, covered in tiny fish). I loved watching the hippos eat the watermelon, and a brave duck that tried to grab some, too! Our guide did a great job of posing each person for a picture with the hippos. Being this close was AMAZING!

After walking a bit further, we came to the part I’d been waiting for: the rope bridges! We were given a quick demonstration on how we’d be secured, and then one of our guides crossed first so she could photograph the rest of us. For safety purposes, there can only be two people on the bridge at a time, and there was no rush. And let me tell you – it was worth the wait! It was absolutely exhilarating to be up there. I tried to savor every moment and take in every sight. I still get excited when I think about how it felt!

When I crossed to the second bridge, the crocodiles seemed so close! As I passed over, the ones behind me began splashing and causing quite a ruckus! The guide called to me not to be worried, that it had nothing to do with me. I assured her I wasn’t worried – this was AWESOME!

After everyone crossed, we met with one of the keepers of the crocodiles. We were again clipped on to a safety rail and allowed to get a little closer to the animals while she told us about them and answered our questions.

Riding Portion: Savannah! 

After leaving the crocs, we boarded our very own safari vehicle (smaller than the ones used on Kilimanjaro Safaris, with benches on the sides instead of in the middle) to head over to the Savannah. Waiting for us on board were binoculars and cooling towels, which were much appreciated! As we drove across the Savannah, we were able to stop several times for a closer view. As we passed the elephant habitat, we noticed there were no elephants out yet, but there were keepers driving around and dropping food in various places. Our guides told us that we might get to see the elephants entering their habitat a little later!

We stopped for breakfast at a scenic overlook with an amazing view of all the animals roaming the plains. My favorite part was when the elephants made their appearance – we got to watch them parade out, and the baby (Stella) was running to keep up.

Our breakfast was presented in a camping-style tin, and included air-dried beef and prosciutto, smoked salmon roulade with dill, fig cake with Boursin cheese, Brie cheese and apricot, berry yogurt and dried cranberries, and fresh fruit marinated in mint and ginger.  It was delicious! I’m not a big meat eater, but I enjoyed almost all of it, especially the fruit. There was also carafes of water and the delicious juice that is served at ‘Ohana and Tusker House. This was also the only bathroom break on the trek!

After eating, we were able to walk around and take pictures and enjoy the view. The photographers offered to take pictures of all of us, and there were also walkways behind the enclosure where we could wander by ourselves and see the animals. It was so serene and beautiful! I could’ve easily stayed there all day.

All too soon it was time to board our vehicle and continue our journey. Along the way, we got a great view of the white rhino – so cool!

The three-hour tour seemed like it flew by, and before I knew it, it was time to say “kwaherini”. As we exited the tour, we were each given a stone. We learned that a portion of the ticket price for the trek is donated to the Walt Disney Conservation Fund. They went a step further and let us choose which branch of the fund our money went to, by placing the stone in the corresponding box.

We were also given a code which allowed us to download all of the photos that the guides had taken on the tour. This is included in the price of the trek, and the photos were amazing!

Final Thoughts and Tips for Future Trekkers

If I was giddy with excitement before the tour, I was even more so afterward. It was such a wonderful experience, and one that I can’t wait to do again! The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. They made sure that everyone in the group felt included, and they clearly loved the animals. The cost of the tour is $189 – $249, depending on the time of year, and worth every penny. Annual passholders do get a discount, and there is also a summer special that offers $50 off of afternoon tours.

I would highly recommend the early morning tours (they begin at 8:00), and you’ll want to make sure you wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes. I also suggest wearing comfortable pants or shorts – remember, you’ll have a harness around the tops of your legs! After talking to some experienced trekkers, I chose to wear athletic capris, which worked out great.

I am already planning to do this tour again! I’m sure every trek is different, since you can’t predict what the animals will do or where they’ll be. If you love going on Kilimanjaro Safari and want an even closer look, I can’t recommend this tour enough! It is an unforgettable Disney adventure.