Sanaa Review: African Flavors and Savanna Views

Nestled within the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, Sanaa offers a unique dining experience that combines the rich, vibrant flavors of African cuisine with the intricate spices of Indian cooking. From the moment you step into the warmly lit restaurant, you’re transported to an exotic savanna oasis, complete with stunning views of roaming wildlife just outside the window. Sanaa promises an unforgettable meal that delights the senses and offers a front-row seat to the captivating beauty of the savanna. Join me as I share my detailed review of this culinary gem, highlighting everything from the renowned Indian-style Bread Service to the incredible animal sightings that make Sanaa a must-visit on your next Walt Disney World vacation.

Sanaa resturant name in yellow letters with wood and wicker circles in the background

You are welcome to dine at Sanaa, even if you are not staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. To get to Sanaa from other Disney resorts, you can use Uber/Lyft or take a bus to Animal Kingdom Park, transfer buses to Animal Kingdom Lodge, and then get off at the Kidani bus stop.

Sanaa is a Disney dining location that is VERY popular, so I highly recommend booking this restaurant at your 60-day reservation window. If you are a client of mine, no worries; I got you. I will reserve this for you as part of my concierge planning services. You can make reservations via the Disney website, your MyDisneyExperience app, or by calling Disney Dining.

Checking into Sanaa is so simple. You will get a push notification if you have them enabled that your dining time is approaching, and you can check in on the app. You can also walk up to the check-in desk and check-in. I like checking in at the desk at this restaurant so I can request a table by the windows. Unfortunately, I requested a table near the windows, and it was going to be another 75-minute wait so we decided to forgo that option.

Even though my party was not at a window table, we had amazing views of the animals outside the window. I think getting there earlier (20-30 minutes) would have given us a better chance for the window seats.

a view from a Sanaa window with a giraffe standing outside

Sanaa smells amazing as soon as you walk in. We dined right around sunset, the room was filled with soft golden-hour lighting. The seating is plus-size and wheelchair-friendly. The chairs can be easily moved to accommodate a wheelchair. A few chairs have arms, but many are without, so a chair could be swapped out if the arms squeeze you too much.

a view of the tables and chairs at sanaa with African inspired accents

Once we were seated and met our server, we let him know we were on the Disney Dining Plan. He gladly went over the menu with us, showing us what was included in the dining plan. With the Disney Dining Plan, we could order one drink (alcoholic, specialty, or regular beverage), one entree, and one dessert. I was disappointed to learn that the famous bread service was not included. We ordered it anyway and just paid out of pocket for it.

My colleague with me is vegan, and the server also pointed out everything vegan on the menu. Anytime you have a question about something on the menu at any Disney dining location, the servers are more than happy to answer your questions. I also like that at Sanaa there is a glossary on the menu of the common terms of African and Indian cuisine.

So let’s discuss the amazing bread service!! My vegan colleague was able to enjoy this offering with vegan naan bread. I had garlic ginger naan bread, and we were able to share all the wonderful accompaniments. The spreads were Cucumber Raita, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney, Tomato-Date Jam, Tamarind Chutney, Coriander Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Red Chile Sambal, and Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle. This appetizer is an experience, not just food. If you are a foodie, order this!

2 pieces of naan bread on a blue and black triangle plate

rectangle board platter with 9 metal bowls filled with sauces with little metal spoons in each bowl on a wood table

For my cocktail, I got the African Mai Tai which consists of STARR African Rum, Bols Amaretto liqueur, Pineapple Juice, and house-made tamarind simple syrup. I am a fan of sweet cocktails and this fit the bill. Sweet, fruity, and not strong at all.

a cocktail glass raised up with an orangeish, yellow drink with a pineapple wedge

My colleague got the prickly pear mule, which is a mix of VUSA African Vodka, Belle de Brillet Pear Liqueur, Prickly Pear, Ginger Beer, and Lime. She loved this drink!

a copper cup with a metal insert with an iced mule drink, a lime slice on stop and a straw

My main dish was the Samaki Upma Peri Peri. The fish was wonderfully cooked and flavorful. The upma, a thick porridge made from dry-roasted semolina or coarse rice flour, was delicious. It has a thick grit texture, and the flavor was great but not spicy. There was a sauce on the plate that was from the bread service, I believe it was the red chile sambal. That is spicy hot!

a piece of fish, corn relish on top, sitting on a bed of upma

My colleague chose the plant-based Potjie where she picked out the Rajma Masala and Lentil Daal served with Scented Basmati Rice. She liked the daal better than the masala, but the bread service was so much food for us so she took a lot of her meal to go.

3 metal bowls on a green platem one filled with rice, once with masala, and one with lentil daal

For dessert, I had the Black Sesame Sundae. I didn’t taste the sesame in the ice cream but the roasted spice pineapple and the tea caramel were amazing!! I don’t especially care for pineapple and I could have eaten a whole bowl of just the pineapple. The caramel was so good and not overly sweet. The raspberry crisps and the milk crumble added some needed texture. All the flavors mixed were a symphony of flavors!

a silver bowl with speckled ice cream with carmelized pineapple chunks, milk crumble, dried rasberry bits, and a chickpea decor on top

My colleague got the plant-based Ankole Cake. This vegan cake is one of the most popular desserts. It is a Spiced Chocolate Cake, Baobab Curd, Coconut Gel, Meringue ‘Horns,’ STARR African Rum-macerated Citrus.

small piece of chocolate cake with peeled citrus wedges on the side the cake had meringue horns and a coconut gel on top

Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is more than just a meal; it’s an immersive experience that combines exceptional cuisine with breathtaking views of the savanna. If you are a foodie, this is a must-do experience. Picky adult palates may find this restaurant somewhat difficult. If you are staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you will become addicted and want to grab the Sanaa To-Go service all the time.

Sanaa Dining Tips

Make Advanced Reservations. Reservations can be made 60 days ahead of time. The best time to reserve is around sunset or early evening. The weather is a touch cooler and the animals are more active.
Ask to Be seated Near a Window. Though the wait was much too long for us, maybe the wait will be shorter for you.
Get the Bread Service! You will not be disappointed.

Have you dined at Sanaa before? Share your experience in the comments below! For more Disney dining reviews, travel tips, and magical moments, be sure to follow my blog and stay connected on Facebook.

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