Kilimanjaro Safari- Animal Kingdom Must Do

Animal Kingdom is a very under appreciated park. This park does have a lot to offer and I love its’ dedication to educating people about animals and how we can help them. The Kilimanjaro Safari is my number one Animal Kingdom Must Do experience!  I have to do this attraction every time because it is different every time. No two rides are the same.

What is Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safari?

The Kilimanjaro Safari is located in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. When you enter the park, you will want to make a left at the Tree of Life and follow the pathway all the way back into Africa.

The safari is included in the price of your ticket but you may want to purchase Genie+ to get a Lightning Lane return time to reduce the your wait.

At this attraction you will explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to 34 species living in 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands.

Fun Fact – The rutted road on Kilimanjaro Safaris is part of the landscape design. The Walt Disney Imagineering design team matched concrete with the surrounding soil, then rolled tires through it, and tossed stones, dirt and twigs into it to create an appropriately bumpy experience duplicating a remote African road.

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. Sometimes the safari is a bit longer as animals run the show and may stand in the road and delay you.

Don’t worry, you are safe from any animals that may be dangerous. It may look like everything is open and free but there are hidden fences, water barriers, and more behind the our field of vision.

Is the Safari Plus-Size Friendly?

Yes, Kilimanjaro Safari is plus-size friendly! The ride vehicles for Kilimanjaro Safaris are open-air safari trucks. Each row seats 3 to 5 guests depending on size and consist of a lightly padded bench with a back. There are no safety restraints. Guests are required to take a small step up into the vehicle.

Fun Fact – Since environmental protection is of huge important at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the safari jeeps used on this attraction run on liquid propane to keep emissions low.

What Animals Might Your See on the Kilimanjaro Safari?

• Antelope
• Mandrill
• Black Rhino
• Cheetah
• Crocodile
• Elephant
• Flamingo
• Gazelle
• Giraffe
• Hippopotamus
• Lion

• Okapis
• Ostrich
• Warthog
• White Rhino
• Wildebeest
• Zebra

Kilimanjaro Safari Tips

Watch the Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Before your vacation, watch the Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Disney Plus. First, this will give you a greater appreciation for the park but it will also introduce you and your family to some of the animals. Then when you are on the safari you can keep your eyes peeled for your favorite animals.

Genie+ Reccomendation. Get a Lightning Lane time for this experience with Genie+, unless you plan on making Kilimanjaro Safari your first attraction. This should be your first selection if you are using Genie+.

If you are not using Genie+ for the safari, no worries. Though the line can get long the line queue is shaded so you are out of the sun.

Go on the Safari Early. The animals are more active in the morning, especially in the summer.

Ride More than One Time. Since this is a real live safari unlike the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom, each ride is different. I like riding in the morning and at dusk as different animals are active at different times.

Ask Lots of Questions. Though the Cast Member Guide has a “script” to follow they are very knowledgable about the animals on the preserve and can answer all your questions. One time my husband asked a question that stumped the guide and afer the ride, they asked around and got the answer.

What Seat is the Best? Photographers will want to sit on the outside seats; and even though both sides of the vehicle offers views of the animals the left side is best as many of the animals like the lions and tigers are on the left. For a less bumpy ride, the front may be a better option.

Is the Kilimanjaro Safari one of your Animal Kingdom Must do experiences? What is your best Kilimanjaro Safari memory?

Thank You for Spreading the Pixie Dust!