wild africa trek tour cost

Wild Africa Trek review (cost, is it worth it?)

By: Author Shannon Albert

Published: May 9, 2023 Updated: October 12, 2023

Wild Africa Trek review (cost, is it worth it?)

Tours might be what Walt Disney World does best, and that definitely includes Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom .

I loved my first experience on this tour so much that I recently booked it again.

Here’s what you can expect on the tour…

In this article

Wild Africa Trek is a 3-hour tour that takes place at Animal Kingdom and includes several different backstage elements (more on that below). It’s offered a few times per day, with a very limited number of people allowed on each trek.

How much does Wild Africa Trek cost?

The cost for Wild Africa Trek is $219-$229 per person (tax not included). Price varies by date.

Yes, Wild Africa Trek is on the more expensive side, but you are also getting a pretty cool and unique experience.

There are, however, 15% discounts for select guests that will save you a little bit of money:

Annual Passholders : from $186.15 (plus tax; prices vary by date)
Disney Vacation Club Members : $186.15 (plus tax; prices vary by date)

Remember that to participate in the tour, you must also purchase valid theme park admission and secure a park reservation for that day.

The full payment is due at the time of booking. To receive the discount, you’ll need to be logged into the Disney Website before reserving your tour.

Note: There is a 2-day cancellation policy. The full price will be charged/forfeited if you cancel within 2 days or are a “no show” for the reservation.

Some important details to consider before booking:

In order to participate, guests must be at least 8 years old and guests 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by a participating adult of 18 years or older
Due to height restrictions for specific areas during the tour, guests must meet the minimum height requirement of 48 inches (122 cm) or they 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 they may not participate (yes, they weigh you!)
Expectant mothers cannot participate
For safety, participants should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by the tour
Guests who wish to participate in a less physical journey or a wheelchair-accessible trek may contact Wild Africa Trek operations at (407) 938-1373 for an alternative offering

Reservations can be made online up to 60 days out. Since spots are limited, be sure to reserve ASAP.

Is there a dress code for Wild Africa Trek?

There are certain items you are not allowed to wear and some that are recommended.

Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required. You cannot wear flip-flops.

There is recommended casual attire, including shorts or pants with a comfortable shirt. Skirts or dresses are not recommended.

Small personal items, such as cameras and cell phones, are permitted if they can be securely attached to the safety gear provided. Backpacks are not allowed.

What’s included in the cost?

In addition to getting to experience the savanna in a new way and see the animals up close while learning from the experts, the price of the tour includes the following:

Food and Drinks

You’ll be able to indulge in African-inspired snacks.

To give you an idea of what you might expect, this is a sample menu. What you actually are served may vary:

Chicken curry salad
Sun-dried tomato hummus and mini pita
Marinated tandoori shrimp
Smoked salmon roulade with dill
Air-dried beef and prosciutto
Fresh fruit marinated in mint and ginger

If you have any dietary restrictions, you’ll want to make a note of that when booking online.

Plus, you’ll inform the Disney Cast Member, server, chef, or manager on duty of any dietary restrictions when arriving at the dining location.

One of your guides will capture different moments of you throughout the tour.

Then, at the end of your expedition, you will receive a photo code that you can use to access and download the images.

As a souvenir, you’ll get to keep both your water bottle and name tag. You can see both in the photo below:

Safety Gear

Any necessary safety gear is provided by Disney.

Warning: big spoilers ahead.

Arriving for the tour

This tour starts with checking in right by Kilimanjaro Safaris in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom. Be sure to show up a little early to allow time to sign paperwork, ask questions, etc.

Once the group has arrived, the guides will lead you to a locker and harness area where you can store your items.

You can take sunglasses and phones with you as long as they have a strap, which they’re happy to provide.

The guides will get you connected to harnesses and give you a water bottle that you can fill right in this area.

They will also give you a headset to wear that they’ll use to speak to you throughout the tour.

Parts of the tour

Once you’re ready to get started, the tour consists of a few different parts:

Hippo backstage viewing

Rope bridges with views of crocodiles
Croc viewing
Private safari ride
Snack time at a private pavilion on the savanna

To get to the first step, the group will walk through part of the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and then enter a backstage area from there to get started.

First up, hippos!

After hiking a little ways toward the hippo viewing area, a knowledgeable Cast Member will talk about hippos and attempt to wake the up for a snack.

Lucky for us, the 2 hippos responded and came out for quite a while as the Cast Member taught us about them and answered any questions we had.

Since this is a ledge overlooking the hippos, you are tethered via your harness during this part.

Rope bridges

If you’ve ever been on the Kilimanjaro Safaris and seen people climbing the rope bridges, you might’ve wondered how they got there. This tour is the answer to that!

Wild Africa Trek rope bridge Kilimanjaro Safaris

You’ll be able to climb 2 different rope bridges during this part, with the second one passing over the crocodiles that you see from the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride.

You can kinda take your time walking across the bridges, which comes in handy if you have a fear of heights and/or want to snap some pics.

The guides will take pics of you along the way that can be downloaded afterward.

Croc viewing

While the 2nd rope bridge does include a view of the crocodiles, you’ll get another chance once you’re back on land with another tethered harness view overlooking their area.

Private safari ride

After seeing the crocs, the whole group will head out on a truck that will provide a private safari ride. After this, you may never want to go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride again.

The main perk of having a private ride is the ability to pull over and spend time with active animals, providing lots of chances to take great pics.

On our recent trek, we spent at least 10 minutes in the giraffe area as they were very active after being fed.

Snack time at a private pavilion

The safari truck will eventually make its way to a private pavilion overlooking the savanna.

The view is gorgeous from here and makes for great photo ops. In fact, many proposals have taken place at this spot.

Bathrooms are available, and a light lunch prepared by Tusker House restaurant is provided. Oh, and the popular pog juice (passion fruit, orange, guava) is included as well.

If you have special dietary needs, you’ll be able to email them ahead of time to let them know.

From there, you’ll hop back in the truck and finish out the private safari.

This is also the end of the tour, so you’ll want to pick up your locker belongings before heading out.

Is the Wild Africa Trek worth it?

As mentioned in the intro, Walt Disney World is exceptionally good at tours, so it will not come as a big surprise when I say: yes! Definitely yes.

Though it’s definitely not cheap, it’s 100% worth it, especially if you’re looking for something new or special to do during your trip.

If you’re typically a person who wears sandals or skirts, be sure to pack close-toed shoes and long shorts or pants for this trek.
During hotter months, I’d suggest booking the earliest time possible to avoid afternoon heat.
With the tour overlapping prime touring, be sure to have your Individual Lightning Lane Selections and/or Genie+ Selections booked for afterward.

Tuesday 5th of December 2023

The list of conditions mentions "motion sickness". When would someone have motion sickness on the tour? Just the safari ride portion?

Friday 12th of January 2024

@Regina, That would be due to the rope bridge swaying and the rough ride of the vehicles.

Friday 27th of October 2023

how many people are in a group? we have a group of 11

Caitlin Kelch

Monday 2nd of October 2023

They say no backpacks. Is the locker large enough to store the backpack in??

Shannon Albert

Tuesday 3rd of October 2023

Yes, it is. That's what I did on this tour.

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Nov 28, 2023

What to Expect on Disney's Wild Africa Trek: A Complete Guide and Why It's Worth the Splurge

Updated: Dec 5, 2023

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the African wilderness with Wild Africa Trek located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Discover the wonders of the Animal Kingdom, traverse breathtaking landscapes, and experience the thrill of up-close encounters with wildlife. This complete guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your trek and why this enchanting extra is worth the splurge.

Preparing for the Wild Africa Trek

Before embarking on the Wild Africa Trek, it's important to make some preparations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Firstly, be sure to make a reservation in advance as spots for this popular adventure are limited. You can do this online or by asking your Castle Coach to book your enchanting experience.

Next, it's essential to dress appropriately for the trek. The "African wilderness" aka the Florida heat can be hot and humid, so it's recommended to wear lightweight and breathable clothing. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are also a must, as you'll be walking on uneven terrain. Don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the elements. Keep in mind you won't be able to take a backpack with you or even a small cross-body, these will all be stored in a locker prior to your adventure.

In addition to clothing, it's important to bring a few essential items. A small backpack or bag is handy for carrying personal belongings such as a water bottle, camera, and snacks. It's also a good idea to bring some extra cash or a credit card for any additional purchases during the trek.

Lastly, make sure to arrive at Disney's Animal Kingdom park at least 15 minutes before your scheduled trek time. This will give you enough time to check in and meet your knowledgeable guides who will accompany you throughout the adventure. Now that you're prepared, get ready for an incredible journey through the African wilderness!

Gear and Attire

When it comes to gear and attire for the Wild Africa Trek, Disney provides most of what you'll need. Upon check-in, you'll be given a specialized harness that ensures your safety during the trek. This harness is comfortable and allows you to move freely while exploring the wilderness. You'll also be provided with a headset that allows you to listen to your guide throughout the excursion. The harness/vest also has pockets for accessibility for your cell phone, water bottle, and listening device.

As for attire, it's important to wear comfortable clothing that can withstand the outdoor conditions. Avoid wearing bright colors or patterns that may startle the animals. Don't forget to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes that are suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Skirts and dresses are not recommended for this excursion.

In terms of accessories, it's a good idea to bring a smartphone to capture the incredible moments you'll encounter on the trek. However, for those up-close encounters, Disney's Africa Trek guides provide high-quality images of your adventure in addition to photos of the animals you saw while on the trek. You'll notice your tour guide snapping photos during your trip.

Overall, Disney ensures that you have all the necessary gear and attire to enjoy the Wild Africa Trek safely and comfortably. Just remember to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for the best experience.

Traversing the African Wilderness

Once you're fully prepared and geared up, it's time to embark on your adventure through the African wilderness. The Wild Africa Trek takes you on a guided journey through various landscapes, allowing you to witness the beauty of nature up close.

During the trek, you'll traverse suspension bridges, climb rocky terrain, and navigate through dense vegetation. This thrilling experience will give you a true sense of being in the heart of the African wilderness. Along the way, your knowledgeable guides will share interesting facts and stories about the wildlife and ecosystem, enriching your understanding of the environment.

One of the highlights of the trek is the opportunity to cross a swinging rope bridge high above a river filled with crocodiles and hippos. This exhilarating experience provides a unique perspective of these magnificent creatures and their natural habitat. Don't worry, the bridge is designed to be safe and sturdy, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views without any worries.

As you continue your trek through the African wilderness, be prepared to encounter various animals such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Your guides will ensure your safety and provide you with interesting information about these animals. Remember to keep a safe distance and follow the instructions of your guides to ensure a respectful and responsible wildlife viewing experience.

Overall, traversing the African wilderness on the Wild Africa Trek is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and witness incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.

Encountering Wildlife

Hippo Friends Encountered on Wild Africa Trek

One of the most exciting aspects of the Wild Africa Trek is the opportunity to have up-close encounters with wildlife. As you explore the African wilderness, you'll get a chance to see animals like never before.

During the trek, your guides will lead you to special viewing areas where you can observe animals such as lions, elephants, and rhinos from a safe and respectful distance. These animals roam freely in their natural habitats, allowing you to witness their behavior and interactions up close.

Your guides will provide fascinating information about each animal, including their diet, behavior, and conservation efforts. This educational experience not only allows you to appreciate the beauty of these creatures but also raises awareness about the importance of protecting their habitats.

It's important to remember that the Wild Africa Trek prioritizes the well-being of the animals. The guides will ensure that the encounters are conducted in a responsible manner, respecting the animals' natural behaviors and habitats. By following their instructions and maintaining a safe distance, you can have an incredible wildlife experience while contributing to their conservation.

Prepare to be amazed by the wildlife encounters on the Wild Africa Trek. It's a rare opportunity to witness these majestic animals in their natural environment and gain a deeper understanding of their importance in the African ecosystem.

Lunch with a View

Castle Coaches enjoying a little scenery while on the Wild Africa Trek

Enjoy scenic views near the BOMA and see the animals in their habitats enjoying the sunshine, bathing in the water, or roaming the safari plains. Lunch is provided by the Wild Africa Trek team, it is catered from one of the many hot spot restaurants at Disney's Animal Kingdom. They arrive in these awesome little tiffins and you can even enjoy everyone's favorite POG juice.

Capturing Memories on the Wild Africa Trek

The Wild Africa Trek offers countless breathtaking moments that you'll want to capture and cherish forever. Here are some tips for capturing memories during your adventure:

1. Take advantage of the photo opportunities: Throughout the trek, your guides will stop at scenic spots where you can take photos. Make sure to have your camera ready and listen to their instructions for the best angles and shots.

2. Don't forget to enjoy the experience: While capturing memories is important, it's equally important to be fully present and enjoy the adventure. Take the time to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the African wilderness without constantly looking through the lens.

After the trek, you'll have the opportunity to snag some photos taken by your tour guide during the adventure. These high-quality photos are a great way to commemorate your experience and relive the unforgettable moments. You'll receive a card that has a code that you can enter to obtain these photos. Be sure to snap a photo of this code on your phone in case you lose your card during your adventures at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

For this and more enchanting Disney experiences, make sure you follow @Castlecoachestravel and @castle_coach_natalie for more Disney tips and tricks. If you're interested in booking your next Disney Vacation, reach out to your fellow castle coach for more ways to book.

Embark on a magical journey with Castle Coaches Travel, your dedicated Disney travel experts! As seasoned travel agents, we understand that planning the perfect Disney vacation requires careful attention to detail and insider knowledge. Whether you're dreaming of meeting your favorite characters, exploring enchanting lands, or experiencing the thrill of iconic attractions, Castle Coaches Travel is here to make your Disney dreams come true. Our passion for all things Disney, combined with our expertise in travel planning, ensures a seamless and unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. Let us take the stress out of planning, so you can focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime. Reach out for a personalized quote today, and allow Castle Coaches Travel to be your trusted partner in crafting the Disney vacation of your dreams. Your happily ever after begins with us!

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Wild Africa Trek – An In-Depth Review of the VIP Backstage Tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney describes the Wild Africa Trek as “[a] privately guided VIP expedition offering close encounters with exotic African wildlife in their native habitat.” In other words, the Wild Africa Trek is a tour that builds upon the experience of Kilimanjaro Safaris by taking you to areas of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve that you may have seen on Kilimanjaro Safaris, but only from afar. This article takes an in-depth look at the Wild Africa Trek experience, details the cost associated with the tour, responds to possible FAQs from those considering the tour, and, ultimately, attempts to the answer the question: Is the Wild Africa Trek worth its cost?

Checking (and Strapping) In

Check-in for Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek takes place next to the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris. When you arrive, a cast member will verify your registration, inform you that there will be no restrooms available for the first two hours or so of the Trek, and subtly suggest that you take advantage of the the restrooms available around the corner before suiting up.

Once through the initial check-in, you’ll get a locker to store everything you cannot securely attach to your vest and/or harness. The “attached to the vest” restriction can be confusing with respect to cameras, but – according to the cast members with whom we talked – a camera strap that hangs around your neck will suffice. During this phase, cast members will also provide croakies for your glasses or sunglasses, a nametag, and a keepsake water bottle that clips to your vest.

After your belongings are secured in the locker, a cast member will fit you with a vest and harness. The harness fits snugly, through and around your legs. For this reason, and also probably because the trek includes walking across exposed bridges, Disney recommends that women do not wear skirts or dresses for the Wild Africa Trek. Based on her experience with the harness straps, my wife would also recommend that women do not wear very short shorts.

Once you are all strapped into your harness, you are weighed to verify compliance with the 300 lb weight limit (those of you who are scale-shy shouldn’t worry; there are no giant flashing numbers), provided a radio earpiece to hear the guides, and encouraged to take advantage of the available sunscreen and bug spray.

Starting the Tour

The first part of the tour involves walking through what our charming guides referred to as “some of the most dangerous animals in the wild:” homo sapiens. Basically, you walk from the Wild Africa Trek check-in location to the entrance of Pangani Forest Exploration Trail . On the Pangani Trail, you follow the same path as any guest, including winding through the aviary and quickly walking past the naked mole rats. Even with the additional and humorous insights provided by the Wild Africa Trek guides, this part of the tour might leave you wondering when the real tour is going to start. Thankfully, near the end of Pangani Trail, the fun really begins.

Over the River and Through the Woods

Toward the end of the Pangani Trail, your guides lead you up into the woods. This is where the real Wild Africa Trek experience begins. After a brief trail walk, you arrive at an overlook that extends out above the hippopotamus pool. Your guide will clip you (via your harness) to a support railing that allows you to move up to the edge of the overlook without fear of falling into the hippos’ gaping maws. The primary guides provide some hippo insight, but the group is also joined by a “hippo expert”, who provides you with information about feeding habits and the hippos’ relationships with one another, and, most importantly, brings large quantities of lettuce to coax the hippos closer to the overlook.

Next comes the rope bridge across the crocodiles. Those who have experienced Kilimanjaro Safaris have driven under this bridge (really two bridges connected by a platform tower) and may have noticed cast members or Wild Africa Trek groups traversing it. The rope bridge is not particularly difficult to navigate, though it was a little more wobbly than I had expected and I appreciated the fact that I was clipped into a safety line. Every member of the group will go across the bridge individually, and you are free to stop along the way to take pictures (assuming you have the courage to let go of the railings).

Since the bridge takes you literally over the crocodiles (don’t fall!), it shouldn’t be much surprise that the next stop is to view the crocodiles a little more closely. Just as with the hippopotamus overlook, you are attached to a safety rail so that you can inch up to the edge, and you are joined by a crocodile expert with interesting tidbits of information. Now is a great time for pictures: apparently natural models, crocodiles will hold a given pose (such as showing off their jaws) for quite some time.

Riding (and Stopping) in the Savannah

After you wave goodbye to the crocodiles, you’ll also say goodbye for to your vest, harness, and earpiece, and hello to back of a safari truck. The Wild Africa Trek vehicles are different from those on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Your vehicle for the Trek features benches along the outer edge of the bed of the truck, with a wide open area in the middle. This allows for everyone to face one another, and the guides, while riding through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, and, more importantly, provides a nice empty space for everyone to stand when the truck stops. Yes, unlike Simba–1 on Kilimanjaro Safaris, this truck will stop, and your guides allow you to stand to get a better view of the animals on the reserve. If you are a photographer, this fact alone might make the Wild Africa Trek worth its price.

Other than the truck’s configuration and the opportunity to stop for several minutes at various places along the tour, what you see during the ride through the Harambe Wildlife Preserve is nearly identical to what you would experience on Kilimanjaro Safaris. This includes views of the springboks, giraffes, elephants, and other savannah animals. However, since you have so much more time, you hear much more information. Our guides were very knowledgeable and the other guests had great questions. For example, we learned that one of the giraffes was pregnant, and it appears that Disney’s Animal Kingdom (or Animal Kingdom Lodge) will have another baby giraffe sometime in 2015.

When you are about two thirds of the way through the traditional Kilimanjaro Safaris trail, near the flamingo pool, the Wild Africa Trek again diverges from the standard experience. It is at this point that you stop at a boma for a meal and more animal-viewing. Note that boma simply means an area for outdoor meals and parties, and you are not going all the way to Boma , the restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The boma on the Wild Africa Trek is a large, beautiful observation deck with views of substantial sections of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. The front of the observation deck, where there are tables and chairs, has fantastic views of the elephants, the flamingo pond, and the grasslands populated with many other animals; the rear of the observation deck provides a (binocular-assisted) view of the rock formation that the lions call home.

The meal provided at the boma is specially prepared by the kitchen at Tusker House and differs depending on the time of day (i.e. breakfast for morning tours, lunch for afternoon tours.) For example, a breakfast meal includes brie, various fruits, and yogurt with granola, while lunch features items such as smoked meats, salmon roulade, and shrimp. If any of that sounded appetizing to you, then you are in for a treat on the Trek. The food is excellent, and, as our guides pointed out, the boma on the Wild Africa Trek is the only place at Walt Disney World to get these items. With classic Disney Magic touch, even the flower accompanying the meal is edible and tasty.

Finishing out the Tour

After relaxing at the boma, and taking in the views from both sides of the observation deck, it is time to pile back into the safari truck to finish the tour. As before, the truck travels a route similar to that of the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride vehicles, but it has the benefit of stopping and allowing you to stand and take pictures of the animals along the way.

The tour ends at the same place that Kilamonjaro Safaris concludes. At this time, the tour group and guides all must walk back to the lockers, where personal belongings were stored approximately three hours prior, and say your tearful goodbyes.

During most of the year, the Wild Africa Trek costs $201.29 per person. During peak times, however, the price tag jumps to $265.00. Peak times include: the weeks of Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Easter, and a period Disney defines as “spring break” (which changes from year to year and has not yet been set for 2015.) You must pay for your tour, in full, at the time of booking, and if you have to cancel, you must do so more than two days in advance if you wish to receive a refund. The tour takes place rain or shine, so it would be a good idea to pay attention to the weather forecast if the thought of experiencing the Wild Africa Trek in the rain does not appeal to you.

Through October 25 of this year (2014), Disney is offering a $50 discount, per person, on “afternoon” tours (i.e. tours that start at 11:30 AM or later.) At nearly 25% of the cost of the tour, this is a fairly substantial discount. Of course, if you are traveling in July or August, saving $50 per person might not be enough to make a three hour tour in the Florida heat (or afternoon thunderstorms) enjoyable.

At the time of publication, the cast members I spoke with informed me there is no current Annual Pass discount available for the Wild Africa Trek. When I booked my tour earlier this year, however, I received a discount of $50 per person that the cast member handling the booking attributed to my status as an Annual Passholder. Consequently, I encourage Annual Passholders to ask for any potential discounts when booking their tours.

How do I book a reservation for the Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek? Reservations for the Wild Africa Trek made by calling (407) WDW-TOUR (i.e. (407) 939–8687.)

What should I wear on the Wild Africa Trek? Sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable walking shoes (but they don’t have to be made for hiking – I did just fine in sneakers and my wife wore Converse), and breathable materials in temperature appropriate styles.

What should I not wear on the Wild Africa Trek? Flip flops (or other shoes that could easily slide off), dresses, skirts, or any clothing that would be uncomfortable when you are in the vest and harness. Take a look at the harnesses used in mountain climbing and ropes courses to see where the straps of the harness hit the body, and do what you can to avoid chafing.

What are the physical demands associated with the Wild Africa Trek?

THE WALK: The total walking on the tour probably clocks in just under 2 miles (through the prohibition against non-vest-attached cellphones meant I didn’t get a precise calculation.) I would suggest taking a couple trips around Epcot’s World Showcase to gauge how comfortable you feel walking that distance over 90 minutes or so.
THE BRIDGE: As I noted above, the rope bridge is a little more wobbly than I anticipated it would be. Additionally, some boards are “missing” from the bridge which means that you have to step over sizable gaps (though I didn’t have a measuring tape with me, I would guess the largest gap was around 16–18 inches, and there is a safety net under the entire bridge which is visible through the gaps). Despite the wobbliness and the gaps, my wife Elyssa, who is not particularly fond of heights, and the rest of the our group had no real issues traversing the bridge. Ultimately, it comes down to your particular sense of balance and your comfort with being approximately two stories off the ground.
THE BATHROOMS: There are no restroom facilities for the first two hours or so of the tour. A cast member will most likely remind you of that fact before you are strapped in the harness, but it is probably a good idea to hit up the restrooms in Harambe Village before you check-in. There is a bathroom once you get to the boma about two thirds of the way through the Trek.

Should I bring my camera (smartphone or stand alone?)

This depends on how much of the experience you want to capture. The guides will take pictures of the group and the animals frequently throughout the Trek, and I felt our particular guides did a good job of getting shots of each individual party within the overall group. After the tour, you receive access to a website that allows you to download the guides’ photos and a “greatest hits” set of photos from other tours. I probably would have been content had the guide photos been all I received.

I was happy, however, that I brought my own camera. It allowed me to take more candid shots of my wife enjoying the experience than the guides did. As noted earlier in the post, you do have to either attach your camera to your vest or hang it around your neck to be allowed to bring it. Though smartphone photographs would probably be sufficient to get the extra documentation you may want from your Wild Africa Trek experience, the requirement of attaching your phone to your vest might make it easier to go with a compact camera. I found it much easier to find a suitable camera strap for my camera than to find an iPhone case/strap that would keep my phone connected to my vest while I took pictures.

Does the Wild Africa Trek photo download include other Disney Photopass photos from the rest of my vacation? No. In fact, you go to a special website – which appears to be separate from the Disney Photopass site – to download your images.

Is it Worth it?

The Wild Africa Trek is fantastic. Both my wife and I enjoyed it thoroughly, and, but for the cost associated with the Trek, would love to take the tour each and every time we go to Walt Disney World. Of course, in reality, the more than $200 per person price tag must be factored into the decision. Thankfully, Disney packs a lot into the Trek to justify the $200 cost, including: access to areas of Disney’s Animal Kingdom not available to regular guests, up-close encounters with animals not available through any other Disney attractions, a meal available only on the tour, full photographic documentation of the experience, and, of course, your awesome water bottle.

If you have never experienced the Wild Africa Trek, have at least a passing interest in animals, and think you might enjoy the experience described above, then the answer is simple: Yes. Go on the tour. If, however, you still have questions about whether you would enjoy three hours walking and driving mostly in the Florida sun, then you might have to think a little harder about whether this experience is right for you. The goal of this post is to provide enough detail for you to make a well-informed decision.

When my wife and I look back on our last few trips to Walt Disney World, it is the Wild Africa Trek that we list as our “Number One Highlight.” For us, the Wild Africa Trek was definitely worth its price tag.

After reading about the Wild Africa Trek, are you interested in going on the tour? What other Disney VIP tours have you been on? Let us know what you think in the comments.

15 thoughts on “ Wild Africa Trek – An In-Depth Review of the VIP Backstage Tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ”

what is the age requirement?

8 years and at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.

See https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/wild-africa-trek/

Thank you, after visiting the link you posted, I measured my 8 year old and found out that she is exactly 48 inches….. and we will be doing this on our next visit!!!

I am interested in knowing is an AM or PM tour better due to animal activity, etc. Heat doesn’t bother us.

Good question, and even better timing. Today, Disney published findings from a study it performed on animal activity at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The result? Time of day does not significantly change the probability of spotting animals. (You can read more details here: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/07/wildlife-wednesday-myth-busters-whens-the-best-time-to-see-your-favorite-animals-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/ )

So, if you believe Disney’s study, an AM or PM tour should not result in different levels of animal activity. One alternative factor you may wish to consider: Would you rather eat the brie, various fruits, and yogurt with granola they serve at breakfast, or the smoked meats, salmon roulade, and shrimp they serve at lunch?

We did an 8am tour in August 2012. Rather than “Check-in takes place next to the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris”, because our tour started before the park opened we had to check-in just outside the main turnstiles.

Our group was of 12 people, I assume this is the maximum. The cast members were fantastic. Disney supplied a total of 187 photos (in 2012 it was on a PhotoCD that arrived in the post a few weeks later), the vast majority were our of tour rather than being stock photos. At the boma the CMs were happy to oblige by taking numerous individual and family/group photos.

My kids still remember eating the flower during the meal! We threw the souvenir water bottles away as the screw lids kept getting cross-threaded.

We didn’t do the normal Kilimanjaro Safaris ride, there seemed little point when the tour offered so much more. It was definitely worth the money.

Adding this to my Disney Bucket List immediately! Looks like a must-do, especially for been-there, done-that types like our family. Thanks for all the information and photos!

I booked this tour a few days ago for my husband and myself in September, and with the discount it was just under $300 for the two of us including tax. We’ve been going to WDW every year for several years and this is our first tour, and I’m very excited. One question – is the meal a full meal or more like a snack? We’re doing the 1:30 tour and have dinner reservations at 7:30. I’m just wondering if we’ll be too full to enjoy dinner.

I would classify it as a “light lunch.” If you need more details than what I put in the review, Disney’s official explanation of the meal (available here: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/02/wild-africa-trek-you-cant-feed-the-animals-but-you-get-to-eat/ ) has another picture of what you will be served.

If I was taking the 1:30 PM tour, I would eat something light for lunch around 12:00-12:30 PM before going on the tour, and have the meal on the tour around 3:15-3:30 PM, and then I would be ready for dinner at 7:30 PM. If I was really concerned about maximizing my value when it comes to dinning options, I might not schedule a buffet or similar “all you care to enjoy” meal for that 7:30 PM reservation.

Again, that is based on my eating habits, but hopefully it gives you a little more insight. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Thank you for your more than through review. I think I am putting this on my list for October.

My family of 4 and another family of 4 are doing this together this August. This will be our 4th trip to the World but our first Wild Africa Trek. I am looking forward to this tour the most out of our entire trip. We got the $50 per person discount and are taking the 11:45 tour. For all 8 of us that’s a $400 savings – so we’ll tough it out in the Florida heat. Can’t wait!

My wife and I did this tour in 2011, and it was great. (To be fair, we’re the kind of people who will stand in line and ride Kilimanjaro Safaris 2 or 3 times in one trip.) It’s definitely not for Disney-on-a-budget, but if you can afford it, it’s not going to let you down.

As for the weight limit, I think it used to be 250, and when I did it I was probably about 230, but they never brought out the scale to check. I’d imagine that 300 is closer to the actual safety rating of the equipment, which is why they need to break out the scale now.

This is on my Disney bucket list. Thanks for the great article. I think when the trek first started, the weight limit was lower, I remember thinking that I wouldn’t qualify. (I’ve lost weight, so it is not any issue any way now for me.) If I ever do a solo trip to WDW, this will be my big slurge.

My wife and I have looked very carefully at this adventure and are scheduled to take the Trek on Sep 5 in the morning. We too believe this will be the highlight of our next visit. I was a bit disappointed in the reservation process. You call and give your credit card info (charging the full amount) and all you get in return is a number. No email no hard copy. We were told to ask at check in about our DVC or Disney Visa card discount. There was no discount available at the time of reservation. Then the reservation does not link to My Disney Experience. You can only make a note. Something for the Mouse to work on! Really looking forward to the experience though!

My 11-year-old daughter (who loves animals) & I did the Trek in Oct 2013. I agree that it was totally worth the cost! It was a wonderful experience that tops anything else we’ve done at Disney. Although we were both nervous about the bridges, being harnessed made it a very safe-feeling experience & ended up being one of the highlights of the experience (I will warm that short-legged people will have to stretch to make a couple of the gaps based on my 5-foot-tall daughter’s experience, but she says that was part of the fun). Being able to stop during the drive portion of the safari was great as well—but do be alert & listen to the guides as you may need to suddenly sit back down to move along quickly should the animals take an extra interest in you (they are wild animals!)—we had an up-close encounter with the rhinos when they decided to come check us out! The trek was definitely worth every penny & we would love to be able to do it again.

Wild Africa Trek

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Wild Africa Trek - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Wild Africa Trek

Valid admission required. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type.

An Exhilarating Safari Adventure

Be awestruck viewing wild animals in their natural habitat on the 3-hour Wild Africa Trek. On this privately guided tour, discover animals of nearly every variety living in the Safi River Valley—an untamed environment that resembles their home turf in Africa.

The Journey Walk along a grassland path, cross a rope bridge and ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna—with a chance to view African creatures including towering giraffes, powerful rhinos, hippos and crocodiles.

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

And as if your safari weren’t memorable enough, you’ll receive a complimentary souvenir as well!

Complimentary Photo Services Enjoy your encounters with the animals of the Harambe Reserve while a trained photographer captures all the action and excitement throughout your adventure—a service that’s included with your tour.

At the end of your expedition, you’ll receive a photo code that you can use to access and download images taken during your Wild Africa Trek experience.

Theme park admission is required, but not included in the price of this tour. Theme park reservations are also required.

Indulge In Gourmet Eats

Work up an appetite during your trek and then enjoy some first-class, African-inspired snacks.

Sample Menu

Garlic and leek hummus and pita
Prosciutto and mozzarella
Fresh fruit
Chicken wrap
Marinated tandoori shrimp

Please note: Menu items are subject to change without notice.

Know Before You Go

WARNING: For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.
Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
Participants must be 8 years of age or older and at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
Participants must be between 45 pounds and 300 pounds. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.
You must have physical stamina, comfort with heights, and the surefootedness to negotiate small hills, foliage and unsteady rope bridges on this tour. Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at (407) 938-1373 for alternative programs.
Recommended attire includes shorts or pants and a comfortable shirt. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required. No flip-flops will be allowed. Skirts or dresses are not recommended.
Complimentary lockers for your belongings will be provided. You will also receive a safety vest and wireless headset so that you can hear your guide at all times. Cameras are allowed as long as they can be securely fastened to the vest.
Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of the experience at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction entrance. Late arrivals may not be able to join the experience.
Excursion occurs rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather or lightning.
Tour itinerary, content, duration and availability are subject to change without notice.
There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

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Wild Africa Trek in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

The Wild Africa Trek is a three-hour tour of the Safi River Valley — an area of Animal Kingdom park that is typically unseen by guests.

Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This privately guided tour offers amazing (and close!) views of many of the animals that call Animal Kingdom home . Giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles may all make appearances on the tour, which combines walking and riding in a safari vehicle, including the crossing of an open bridge.

Enjoy tastes of Africa in an array of small plates from a beautiful vantage point on the savanna after your trek. Though menu items may vary, they may include:

Garlic and leek hummus and pita
Prosciutto and mozzarella
Fresh fruit
Chicken wrap
Marinated tandoori shrimp

A photographer comes along for the tour to capture the moments, and all tour guests receive complimentary access to the photos.

Read a review of the Wild Africa Trek here!

Check-in takes place at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk just outside of the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris.

A three-hour guided tour, with full access to tour photos and a small meal at the end of the tour.

Tours are offered multiple times daily, with starting times typically beginning at as early as 8AM and running through 12:30PM. To see all times offered for your preferred date, visit the Disney World Wild Africa Trek page .

$219.00 – $229.00, tax not included. Prices vary by date — visit the Disney World Wild Africa Trek page and Check Availability to find the exact price of your tour of interest.

Additional Information

Valid Admission into Animal Kingdom Park is required, but not included;
Due to the physical nature of the trek, Disney provides the following guideline: “For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.” Additionally, “P articipants must be between 45 and 300 lbs. with the harness gear on. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.”
Guests must be at least 8 years of age and at least 48 inches tall, and all guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
The walking portion of the tour includes a walk over small hills, foliage, and an unsteady rope bridge. Therefore, closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required.
Complimentary lockers are provided for personal belongings. Cameras are allowed IF they can be securely fastened to the provided safety vest.
The trek takes place in rain or shine (with the exception of severe weather or lightning).
Cancellation must be made at least 24 hours before your tour to avoid forfeiting the entire price of the trek.
Disney World Annual Passholders , Disney Chase Visa cardholders , and Disney Vacation Club members may be eligible for a discount.

Click Here to Book Online ; Interested guests may also check for availability in the My Disney Experience app.

NOTE: Prices and inclusions are subject to change. Please visit the Disney World Wild Africa Trek Page to confirm information prior to booking.

Click here to see more Disney World Tours

Click here to see more animal kingdom experiences and tours, be sure to join our dfb newsletter to stay on top of all the news about dining in disney world, check out our other ebooks.

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Wild Africa Trek

Valid admission required. A theme park reservation may be required based on admission type.

An Exhilarating Safari Adventure

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

And as if your safari weren’t memorable enough, you’ll receive a complimentary souvenir as well!

At the end of your expedition, you’ll receive a photo code that you can use to access and download images taken during your Wild Africa Trek experience.

Theme park admission is required, but not included in the price of this tour. Theme park reservations are also required.

Indulge In Gourmet Eats

Work up an appetite during your trek and then enjoy some first-class, African-inspired snacks.

Sample Menu

Garlic and leek hummus and pita
Prosciutto and mozzarella
Fresh fruit
Chicken wrap
Marinated tandoori shrimp

Please note: Menu items are subject to change without notice.

Know Before You Go

WARNING: For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.
Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
Participants must be 8 years of age or older and at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
Participants must be between 45 pounds and 300 pounds. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.
You must have physical stamina, comfort with heights, and the surefootedness to negotiate small hills, foliage and unsteady rope bridges on this tour. Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at 0800 028 0778 (UK) or 1800 812 678 (Ireland) for alternative programs.
Recommended attire includes shorts or pants and a comfortable shirt. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required. No flip-flops will be allowed. Skirts or dresses are not recommended.
Complimentary lockers for your belongings will be provided. You will also receive a safety vest and wireless headset so that you can hear your guide at all times. Cameras are allowed as long as they can be securely fastened to the vest.
Please check in 15 minutes prior to the start of the experience at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, located across from the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction entrance. Late arrivals may not be able to join the experience.
Excursion occurs rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather or lightning.
Tour itinerary, content, duration and availability are subject to change without notice.
There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.

Safety, Accessibility and Guest Policies

Times for wild africa trek.

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Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom A Behind the Scenes Tour

Disney’s Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom had been a special experience we had our eye on for some time. So after going to Walt Disney World annually for the last few years, we decided it was time to try something outside of the box. Going Behind the Scenes at Animal Kingdom, up close with wildlife and lunch on the savanna? Yes, Please. We absolutely loved the idea of upgrading our vacation with something extra special. With so many tours, VIP experiences and parties, how do you know which one to choose? The Disney Animal Kingdom Wild Africa Trek Tour offers something more. Here’s what made us pick this Disney Special Experience over all the others.

1 Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom Tour Details
2 Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom Review
3 Wild Africa Trek Tour Stops
4 Wild Africa Trek Lunch on the Savanna
5 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Conservation
6 Wild Africa Trek Tour at Animal Kingdom Tips
7 Is the Wild Africa Trek Tour Worth it?

Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom Tour Details

The Wild Africa Trek at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Park is a unique experience to go behind the scenes at Animal Kingdom. With opportunities to chat with animal caretakers, and see a part of AK that you didn’t know existed, this 3-hour tour is perfect for families, with children 8 and up. Here are the details to know before you go.

Tour Length: 3 Hours
Cost: $220-$230 per person
Times: 8:45 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:45 AM, and 12:30 PM
Age Minimum: 8 years old
Height Minimum: 48″
Weight Minimum: 45lbs
Maximum Weight: 300lbs
Lunch: Included. Allergy free, and Plant Based options available.

How Long Does the Wild Africa Trek Take?

The Wild Africa Trek Tour at Animal Kingdom Park is a 3-hour tour. Featuring Animal Kingdom Behind the Scenes activities that incorporates a chat with the Animal Care team, a look at secret spaces, like a rackety bridge, and lunch on the savanna.

How Much Does the Wild Africa Trek Cost?

The cost for Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom is between $220-$230 per person (tax not included). Price varies by date. There are 15% discounts for select guests that will save you a little bit of money:

Annual Passholders : from $186.15 (plus tax; prices vary by date). Check out all the Disney Annual Passholder Perks
Disney Vacation Club Members : from $186.15 (plus tax; prices vary by date)

Wild AFrica Trek Safari at Animal Kingdom

Do you Need an Animal Kingdom Park Ticket for Wild Africa Trek?

Yes. In addition to the cost of the tour, all guests need a valid park ticket for Animal Kingdom in order to enter the park.

How Strenuous is Wild Africa Trek?

Disney’s Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom is moderately strenuous. While you will not be hiking for 3 hours, this event does include navigating small spaces, a rickety bridge, walking for long periods, and being okay with heights. This is the notice on Disney’s website.

You must have physical stamina, comfort with heights, and the surefootedness to negotiate small hills, foliage and unsteady rope bridges on this tour

What Times is the Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom Offered?

Offered a few times a day, you can book your Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom Park at 8:45 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:45 AM, and 12:30 PM.

What is the Weight Limit for the Wild Africa Trek?

Participants must be between 45 pounds and 300 pounds. This is due to the safety harness capability. As a result the safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating. That said, just be aware of it before you arrive.

What is the Height Requirement for Wild Africa Trek?

Wild Africa Trek Participants must be 8 years of age or older and at least 48 inches tall.

What Should You Wear for Disney’s Wild Africa Trek?

As a vigorous hike and activity at Animal Kingdom, you should plan on shorts or pants and a comfortable shirt. Closed-toe shoes with a back strap or hiking boots are required. No flip-flops will be allowed. Skirts or dresses are not recommended. Be sure to pack everything you need.

Where do you go in Animal Kingdom to Check In for the Wild Africa Tour?

Finding the location to meet your tour group is not as difficult as you may think. We were instructed to check in by the Kilimanjaro Safari line. Chances are if you are like us you know the Kilimanjaro Safari ride well. Because let’s face it when we’re tired of walking and just want someone to drive us around, this is the ride we find. And wouldn’t you know it? Lo and behold, you can see the Wild Africa Trek sign right on the sign above. We have seriously never, ever noticed this before. The Wild Africa Trek Check-in is on the right of the Safari line at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk. You can’t miss it. Note, you MUST check in 15 minutes prior to the start of the experience. Late arrivals may not be able to join the tour.

Is Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom Good in Hot Weather?

Let’s face it, Florida is hot most of the time. Luckily, most of the “behind the scenes” activities on the Wild Africa Trek tour at Animal Kingdom are located in very nicely shaded areas! Add that and the fact that they give you a cooling towel as part of your experience and we couldn’t be happier. So for the most part we were able to stay cool throughout the 3 hours.

Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom Review

Animal Kingdom is one of our favorite places so convincing ourselves it was time to try out the Wild Africa Trek was fairly easy. Of course the fact that a special lunch was included helped. But really, it was all about the animals, and seeing all this amazing wildlife up close. How could we choose any other experience? As such it comes as no surprise that this Disney wild africa trek review is glowing. Luckily, Disney was offering $50 off the Trek during the dates we were planning.

Thankfully, this sweetened the deal given this vacation upgrade runs about 200 dollars per person normally. However, as this is for a 3 hour immersion experience in Animal Kingdom, we think that may actually be worth it. Let’s dive in. Here’s everything you need to know about Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World.

What Happens First? You Get your Wild Africa Trek Gear

After we checked in, we were given all of our gear. You get a stainless steel water bottle with the Wild Africa Trek logo on it. So fun! And we LOVE a good free souvenir. A name badge and an ear piece so we could hear what was being said by the guides. And you also get fitted for a harness vest. You will get weighed ( always fun) so you can get the best vest for you, and they will help you attach it to yourself.

Do you really need the harness?

On the Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom Tour you have to go over some “scary bridges,” but it’s by no means a zipline experience. And, frankly, we’re not big on being dangled from things, from any height. The harness is merely a safety feature and the reason that kids have be at least 9 years old to go on this tour. And ll kids 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. So if sending your teen on this tour alone sounds a good way to get some “me” time; rethink that plan.

Something to know ahead of time. The harnesses are supposed to be fairly snug. And your guide and helper cast members will continue to tighten them throughout the entire tour. Don’t loosen them. Seriously, don’t do it.

Where Do You Put Your Disney Day Bag? And everything else?

Since the Wild Africa Trek tour is very active, there really isn’t room for a purse or anything. In fact, Backpacks are Not Allowed. As a result, you are given a Locker to put your things in. You also aren’t allowed to take anything with you that can’t be attached to the vest. This is a safety measure for the animals mostly, and so your items don’t easily fall into the animal habitats. You can bring a camera if it has a strap or if it can be attached to the vest. But we wouldn’t recommend it. You can take sunglasses and phones with you as long as they have a strap, which the Cast Members are happy to provide

Can I take Photos of Wild Africa Trek at Disney?

As a perk for being on this tour, you get access to some amazing high quality photos taken during your tour. And they can all be downloaded once the tour is over. You can also ask the tour guides to take any photo of you and your party. We loved this perk, as navigating rope bridges and trying to take photos of the crocodiles below, should never be a thing you’re doing.

Do you Get a Disney Wild Africa Trek Souvenir?

YES! As a souvenir, you’ll get to keep both your water bottle and name tag from the tour, and then of course have access to all those amazing photos too!

Wild Africa Trek Tour Stops

Ok, lets get into the nitty gritty of what you’re paying for here! Once the group was together and harnessed up, we were introduced to our guides. They gave us a little intro, took a group photo and we learned a few Swahili words. Wild Africa Trek actually starts with walking through the main area of Animal Kingdom.

What do you do on Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom?

The Wild Africa Trek includes a visit with an Animal Caregiver to learn more about the animals, a harnessed trip on a rope bridge, a guided tour through the savanna, with detailed animal info and times for questions. And it finishes with a unique African Lunch on the Savanna. A truly special experience you can only get on this tour at Disney World.

Hike the Grasslands

Visit with an Animal Caretaker, Hippos

Rope Bridge Crossing over Crocodiles

Private Savanna Safari Tour
See the Animals and Ask questions

The beginning of the tour is simply a light walk to Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail where you enter a backstage area. Leading you to spaces of the savanna that the animal care team usually frequent. As Behind the Scenes at Animal Kingdom Guests you too get to see what goes on behind those walls, and trees. During this time the tour guide will point out certain things of interest as you make your way to the first stop.

Visit with an Animal Caretaker at Hippos

Along your journey, your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the majestic animals you’re viewing, as well as details about the park’s dedication to animal conservation. At one point in this journey you will exit the public park area and enter a woods like area. Your first animal stop will probably be the hippos. At the hippo habitat you will stop, learn some things, and be very close to these amazing animals. You’ll get a chance to talk to the hippo caretaker and ask as many questions as you like. Seriously, this was the coolest thing.

This is the Wild Africa Trek Tour Part Where you Have to Cross a Bridge, Made of Ropes, and Boards that are Breaking. After the soothing, lovely, experience of the Hippo Habitat, you get to feel what it’s like to be Indiana Jones over at the rope bridge. Your guide takes you through more woodsy areas and eventually to a pair of rope bridges that cross over the crocodile habitat. Okay. So the bridge looks pretty shady. And if you have any fear of heights or worry, just remember…this is the Walt Disney Company…they make movie props for a living. The boards are broken and some of them are even missing. Questionable, right?!

Did we mention there are 2 Rope Bridges to Cross

Thankfully, Everything is perfectly safe. The guide even mentioned to us at one point that if your legs aren’t long enough to stretch across the broken boards, you can put your full weight on the rope net that is directly under the boards and it would support you. So that was neat. And further, if by some weird chance that didn’t work, the harness would keep you from falling. Again, its Disney. They’ve got this. Plus, you get some pretty awesome photo ops on that bridge.

Ostrich on Kilimanjaro Safari Animal kingdom Ride

Private Savanna Safari Tour Animal Kingdom

After that terrifying experience, you will have the chance to talk to some more cast members about the crocodiles. Again, very cool. Then its time for a break! And food! We all took off our gear and headed to a “special” jeep, which would take us through the savanna that would normally be seen on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride. But, since this is a special experience you get to go at a slower pace and with more up close opportunities of the animals. A true Private Savanna Safari Tour at Animal Kingdom with your own guide. As such this safari tour at animal kingdom allows you to meander in the safari truck at a slower pace.

See the Animals

One of the best parts of the Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom is seeing the animals. For our Animal Kingdom Safari Trek we were also given binoculars and a magic towel ( which we were allowed to keep) to cool off. Which let us just say, was amazing by 12:30 pm in the hot Florida sun. The Savanna guides were great as they gave us info about the animals and the park in general. And they were always on the lookout for great photo ops. Also tons of opportunities to ask questions here!

Wild Africa Trek Lunch on the Savanna

Did you know the Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom serves lunch on the savanna as part of the experience! Such a treat! After that we headed to a beautiful hut type structure for lunch. Set right on the Savanna! Here you could find a water bottle refill station as well as restrooms. We were given our food and Jungle Juice, which is the same juice as POG juice at Ohana. And one of our absolute favorite beverages at Disney World. Yummy enough that we’ve even made a Popsicle recipe out of POG just so we could have this at home.

The food was really great too, and supplied by the Tusker House Restaurant. It came in a tin and consisted of chicken curry salad, sun-dried tomato hummus and pita, tandoori shrimp, smoked salmon roulade with dill, air-dried beef and prosciutto and ginger and mint marinated fruit. You could also ask for vegetarian or vegan options here, which we loved! Truthfully, we’d do the tour again, just to get this lunch. It was light, amazing flavors, unique Disney foodie options you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Conservation

Part of the profits from the Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom go to conservation. So, on the way back to civilization, the guides educated us about the c onservation efforts happening at Animal Kingdom and informed us that part of our admission cost would go to the conservation effort of our choice. Which was also a neat perk, because at the end of the tour you get to place your token in a box towards your favorite cause.

Wild Africa Trek Tour at Animal Kingdom Tips

Wait for a deal if you can . Ok, so we paid $130 per person with the coupon; and prices vary depending on the season. But we wanted to give you a little bit of an idea price-wise because sometimes the pricing is hard to find!

If you go in the summer, choose the earliest time possible. They do their best to keep you cool, but it gets very hot. We were there in late September and by the time got our magic towel, we were really needing it to cool off. Its Florida, it gets hot. Be prepared.

Don’t let special dietary needs sway your opinion. When you book your tour, they actually ask if you have special dietary needs. If you do, they will accommodate most every need. And since all the food is packaged separately in tins, there’s no chance for cross contamination.

One of the Best Wildlife Experiences in Orlando?

We think so! Looking for other Wildlife adventures in Florida? Check out this article for a roundup all the Best Animal Encounters in Orlando!

Is the Wild Africa Trek Tour Worth it?

Yes. Absolutely yes. If you’re someone who loves Animal Kingdom, wildlife, conservation, and learning more about all of those things, then you will LOVE this Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom Tour. While we haven’t been on too many Disney tours to compare it to, this one was in depth, and showed us Behind the Scenes at Animal Kingdom spaces we never would have seen otherwise.

We loved the immersive experience and the opportunity to learn more about the park, animals and conservation efforts. Lunch was fantastic and it was so luxurious to sit and watch the animals while we ate. While the Wild Africa Trek Cost is pricey, if you look at it like a once-in-a-lifetime tour, then you can justify it. We think this tour is fun, inspiring and a great way to spend a morning at Animal Kingdom! Highly Recommended.

Thanks so much for reading all about this Disney Africa Trek, hopefully it’s inspired you to check it out. Even with this cost on this special experience we really do think it was worth it, and such a great way to spend an afternoon at Animal Kingdom. Definitely consider adding it to your plans on your next Disney Vacation. If you want to book your Wild Africa Trek, just call 407-WDW-TOUR. More information regarding the Wild Africa Trek can be found on Disney’s Website.

Wild Africa Trek Animal Kingdom Walt Disney World

Melanie Renee

Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .

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Review of the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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If you’re looking for some adventure and behind the scenes Disney magic on your next trip to the World, consider embarking on the VIP Tour through Animal Kingdom, Wild Africa Trek . This tour will bring you up close and personal with the animals of the Harambe Reserve as you journey through the off-road trails and conquer obstacles such as wobbly bridges over crocodile infested waters. Below is a brief synopsis of my experience on the trek.

At the start of the trek we received a safari mesh vest, a canteen water bottle, a unique wild Africa trek name tag, and an ear piece to hear the guides. We were also assigned a locker to keep personal belonging. After everyone gets suited up, the walking tour will begin.

The Wild Africa Trek walking tour begins along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. This part of the tour can be explored with regular admission; however, it is valuable to have both a guide who can provide additional information and answer questions, and a photographer to capture candid moments of both you and the animals. We were lucky enough on our tour to see a baby gorilla, so small he could barely walk.

Next, we veered off the guest pathway for a secret behind the scenes trail. After walking through the woods, we came to a clearing where the hippopotamuses were swimming in the water below. Our safety gear was hooked up to a sturdy pole so we could lean over the cliff to get a closer look of the hippos. The guides provided some great info about the hippos while they fed them and took awesome individual pictures with the hippos in the background.

As we were walking away from the area, we heard the hippos making loud trumpeting noises and flapping around in the water. Per our guides the hippos were performing a mating call that is rarely heard in captivity. We were also able to catch a glimpse of one walking around on the shore.

Once we reached the first suspension bridge, we were hooked up to the safety gear and individually walked across the bridge. One of the guides went ahead first to capture our terrified faces on camera. The initial steps onto the bridge are very daunting. I could feel myself wobbling and it took a few moments to regain my balance and catch my breath. It was tempting to stare down at my feet the entire time, (especially since there were quite some large gaps in between the boards) but I tried to look around and take in all of the scenery, such as the Kilimanjaro safari trucks driving by, the buzzards below, and the safari out in the distance.

After completing the first bridge I felt like a champ, until I got onto the next bridge and there was something much scarier than dirt below, crocodiles. This was the first time I really started to panic, looking down at the live crocs and thinking of all the things that could go wrong. Then I remembered that I was at Disney World and relief came flooding back.

The bridge over the crocs was by far the most exhilarating portion of the trek and also the most adrenaline inducing walk I’ve ever taken. Once our feet were firmly back on the ground, we got a closer look at the crocs via the same method used to view the hippos. The photographer took pictures with the crocodile’s toothy grins lurking in the background.

The second portion of the trek starts with a truck ride through the savanna. The advantages to this ride, over the regular safari ride are vast. The truck can make more frequent stops and pause for a longer period of time as there are no trucks behind, rushing you along. The truck can also go off the regular path in an attempt to get closer to the animals. The photographers are there to get great pictures of both you and the animals. On our trip, we were particularly lucky, and all three advantages came into play when a herd of giraffes came walking past our truck. One walked by so close that I could’ve reached out and touched it. Not only was it very beneficial to be have the ability to stop the truck, every single guest on-board was able to get a group shot with a giraffe in the back ground.

If you’ve ridden on the Kilimanjaro Safaris, you have most likely seen the lunch pavilion in the distance. The African inspired meal is served exclusively for the trek and consisted of dried meats, fresh fruits, tomato humus, curried chicken salad, spiced shrimp, a smoked salmon, and even an edible flower. After eating, the photographer captured some great shots of our party on the pavilion with the savanna in the background. Binoculars are also provided on the pavilion for viewing of the elephants and lions. When the lunch portion concluded, we got back on the truck for a drive through the remaining trails. Again, like the Kilimanjaro Safaris, we traveled past rhinos and ostriches.

Sadly, this concluded the VIP safari tour. Before we departed, our guides reminded us that a portion of the funds spent on the safari will go to the Disney conservation fund and gave us an opportunity to vote on what we would like our funds allotted too. If your are interested in learning more about the animals of Africa and crave out of the ordinary thrills, the Wild Africa Trek tour might be the perfect addition to your Animal Kingdom trip.

Have you experienced the Wild Africa Trek tour? Tell us about your adventures in the comments below!

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Disney Wild Africa Trek Review

Thinking about different ways to have a unique experience at Disney World? Does the idea of an African Safari excite you (but not the cost or 12+ hour flight) or do you like animals in general? Been to Disney World before and always wanted to have more time to take in Kilimanjaro Safaris? Well, the Disney Wild Africa Trek may be just what you’re looking for. In this article, we’ll provide our complete Disney Wild Africa Trek review, where we’ll show you pictures, talk about some requirements that you MUST know about, hit the highlights on food, animals and more.

Some might say our review could be a little spoilery, but when you’re going to drop some serious dough on this backstage tour, we figure you want to have a good idea of what your signing up for. So, if you don’t want to see some detailed images of the tour, you may want to turn back now.

If you’re still with us, let’s get to our Disney Wild Africa Trek review!

What to Know About the Disney Wild Africa Trek Before You Go

The Wild Africa Trek will run you $189 during the off season and $249 during peak season (before tax) per person. There is no lower price available for kids. Remember that you must also have a valid park admission to get to the Wild Africa Trek.

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Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Modified: Jun 18, 2019 by Stefanie Fauquet · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

The Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom is an incredible behind-the-scenes adventure that will get you up close to the park's African wildlife. Learn more about the Disney Wild Africa Trek and why it's worth the splurge.

I'm not sure I can put into words just how awesome the Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom is. There's not a single adjective that could do the adventure justice. Is it pricey? Yes. But it's worth every penny for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of getting up close to exotic wildlife, typically only found on an African Safari .

Here's a peek at what you can expect on the Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The 3-hour guided safari tour starts at the Harambe Village, where you get fitted for a harness, vest (complete with a water bottle) and earpiece to use throughout your adventure.

All personal belongings are left behind in lockers for the duration of the trek (though I was able to take my cellphone with a provided strap). Once suited up, you begin your journey— led by two wild Africa trek guides — walking through behind-the-scenes areas of the Animal Kingdom, which includes a bushwalk with winding pathways through dense fern, bamboo and vine forests.

The hike is just enough to get your blood pumping— but the reward is worth it! The first stop on the safari is at a riverbank, where your harness is clipped to a safety line, allowing you to look down at a family of hippos just 10-feet below.

Trekking a little further into the Pangani Forest will lead you to two rope bridges.

Once again, you're attached to a safety line before you cross — as you look down, there's a pack of crocodiles.

While on the ground again, your guides take you a little closer to those hungry crocs. Here's a look at how the tether system works.

And off you go again for another hike, until you board a custom open-air safari vehicle for a guided tour of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

This is where the animals really come out. The safari truck is similar to the ones on the Kilimanjaro Safaris Expedition ride (minus rows of seats), but the route is completely different. The Wild Africa Trek driver gets you much closer to the animals and the guides let you stand up and walk around the vehicle, once stopped, for photos.

Giraffes, elephants and zebras are just a few of the animals you'll see on the safari.

Related Reading: Wild Elephant Safari

After the guided tour, everyone stops for an African-inspired snack at the "Boma" (private safari station).

Different food items are served in the morning and afternoon. My mid-day trek included two camp tins with bresaola and prosciutto, fruit salad, curried chicken salad, salmon roll, sun-dried tomato hummus & tandoori and barbecued shrimp. The snack was served with passion-orange-guava juice. Everything was delicious!!

After the break, which includes more photo opps, you get back into the safari truck and head back to camp.

Wild Africa Trek is scenic from beginning to end.

At the end of the adventure, each trekker gets to choose an animal in which Disney will make a contribution on your behalf.

The whole experience was up there as one of the best I've ever had at Disney. Outside of visiting Africa , this is absolutely the closest I will ever come to this type of wildlife. The trek was both fun and educational, and I left with a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation.

At first glance, the price tag for each participant may seem high, but when you break down everything that's included and the length of the tour, it's totally worth the splurge.

How Much is The Wild Africa Trek

Disney Wild Africa Trek pricing varies seasonally and starts at $189 per person. Theme park admission is not included in the price of the Wild Africa Trek.

How Long is Disney Wild Africa Trek

The Animal Kingdom Wild Africa Trek experience is three hours from start to finish.

Disney Wild Africa Trek Photos

One of the best perks of the Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom is all photos are INCLUDED in the price of the tour. A Disney photographer captures your experience throughout the trek. At the end of your expedition, you’ll receive a photo code that you can use to access and download images taken during your Wild Africa Trek experience. The photos in this post are examples of what you will receive.

Wild Africa Trek Attire

Closed-toe shoes are required. I would suggest longer shorts or pants as the walking trail is surrounded by foliage— absolutely no skirts or dresses because you will be wearing a harness during part of the excursion. Yoga pants or capris are a good choice for women. Complimentary lockers are provided so you can change back into shorts and flip-flops or sandals once the trek is over.

Wild Africa Trek Food

An African-inspired food tasting is INCLUDED with the tour cost, and arrangements can be made in advance for trekkers with food allergies. Here's a sample menu:

Morning Trek Menu

Air-dried beef and prosciutto Smoked salmon roulade with dill Fig cake with Boursin cheese Brie cheese and apricot Berry yogurt and dried cranberries Fresh fruit marinated in mint and ginger

Afternoon Trek Menu

Chicken curry salad Sun-dried tomato hummus and mini pita Marinated tandoori shrimp Smoked salmon roulade with dill Air-dried beef and prosciutto Fresh fruit marinated in mint and ginger

Additional Wild Africa Trek Information

Each Disney Wild Africa Trek participant must be 8 years or older and at least 48 inches tall.
Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult (18 years of age or older).
Participants must be between 45 and 300 lbs. with the harness gear on. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.
Tour groups are kept small, consisting of no more than 12 trekkers per safari.
The Wild Africa Trek Excursion occurs rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather or lightning.
A donation will be made on your behalf to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

Special thanks to Walt Disney World for providing this experience. All opinions are my own.

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Reader Interactions

Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy

May 23, 2012 at 5:26 pm

I loved the trek -- so much fun!

May 23, 2012 at 6:46 pm

What a wonderful experience!

Dee @ Cocktails with Mom

May 23, 2012 at 8:24 pm

From all the awesome pics you took, it really looks like a great adventure. We're heading to Orlando in a couple of weeks....can't wait!

May 23, 2012 at 9:17 pm

That looks like such an amazing adventure, rope bridges scare me though!

Carrie with Children

May 23, 2012 at 9:35 pm

I agree with you regarding the cost - when you break it all down, it really is a fantastic value... and totally worth it! It was a fantastic experience!

Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell

May 23, 2012 at 10:39 pm

Aren't we lucky that we were able to do that? Anyone who chooses to go would NEVER regret it!

May 24, 2012 at 4:53 am

It looks like a wonderful time!

Anne - Mommy Has to Work

May 24, 2012 at 7:46 am

That looks totally awesome!

May 24, 2012 at 10:09 am

LOVE the tether system. I'm scared of heights and that would do so much for my peace of mind.

Canadian Mom Blogger

May 24, 2012 at 11:46 am

Great pictures! It looks like you had an amazing time.

Jenn @therebelchick

May 24, 2012 at 12:30 pm

This looks like such a fun adventure!

Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins

May 24, 2012 at 12:55 pm

Looks like you had a great time!

May 24, 2012 at 2:34 pm

Love the pictures......I want to go! ~lol~ 🙂

May 24, 2012 at 3:28 pm

I totally enjoyed this experience too! I want to go back!

April 21, 2015 at 1:35 am

Your trek looked super awesome, glad you had fun.

Wild Africa Trek At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Review

The first part of the tour starts with a gentle hike into the safari grounds. Along the way the guides will stop at various look out points and provide some interesting information about different plants and the safari in general. The hike ends at a rope bridge. Trekkers walk across the bridge one at a time and have the opportunity to get a very close view of the hippos and crocodiles.

This is the view from the bridge

Once each family has had the opportunity for a photograph, the entire group loads into a jeep. The jeep follows the normal Kilimanjaro Safaris road, but you get a much more personal view of the animals and stay for a lot longer at different spots than you would during the normal ride. This gives you plenty of time to take as many pictures of the various animals as you would like. Throughout the ride the guides provide interesting commentary on the animals and their personalities.

The trek ends at a lookout station over the savannah. Here each guest is given a beautifully presented snack and a chance to take a few more pictures. After about 30-45 minutes here, you are all taken back via jeep and it’s time take off the safety gear and say goodbye to the guides.

Our tour guides were Paola and Karen. They were both personable, perky and were especially good with children. They were very knowledgeable about the various animals and kept everyone interested and engaged throughout the trek. They happily answered questions and were a lot of fun. Throughout the trek, several trainers joined the group at different times and provided in-depth information about the hippos and crocodiles as well as some of the other animals.

Up close with the Hippos

The guides also took pictures, a lot of pictures – almost 150 of them to be exact. It was good mix of candid and staged shots. You are welcome to take your own pictures on the tour (be sure to have a neck strap for your camera) but it’s nice to be able to experience some parts of the tour without worrying about getting a great shot. As the family photographer, I was thrilled to be in the pictures too! These pictures are included in the cost of the trek and are accessible via an access code that is communicated to you at the end of the experience.

If you are interested in learning more about the safari animals, you will not be disappointed by the Wild Africa Trek. We paid full price for the tour, no discounts – these are all my opinions and I highly recommend it! If you have tried this tour – I’d love to hear what you thought! ~ Monica

This review was written by Monica Loberto

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‘Wild Africa Trek’ Tour Returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on February 6, 2022

by Whitney Littlejohn · December 16, 2021

More exciting news for guests this morning! Disney just announced that the ‘Wild Africa Trek’ in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is returning on February 6, 2022. So many fun experiences returning to the park next year.

Photo credit: Kent Phillips, Photographer

On the Wild Africa Trek, guests will get the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals. Walking along a grassland path, crossing a rope bridge, and riding in a rugged safari vehicle through the open savanna will be on the agenda for this tour.

Credit: Disney

Along the way, guests will learn amazing info about all of the animals as well as Disney’s conservation efforts.

Image Credit: Disney

Guests will also receive a complimentary souvenir and photo services. A trained photographer captures all the excitement throughout your adventure so you can bring home those awesome memories!

If you are too excited to eat before your journey, don’t worry, there will be food! Take a look at what’s offered.

Sample Menu

Air-dried beef and prosciutto
Smoked salmon roulade with dill
Fig cake with Boursin cheese
Brie cheese and apricot
Berry yogurt and dried cranberries
Fresh fruit marinated in mint and ginger
Chicken curry salad
Sun-dried tomato hummus and mini pita
Marinated tandoori shrimp

Check out this video that gives you a glimpse into the adventure that is the Wild Africa Trek.

The trek leaves at certain times during the day. Here are some example times that may be available:

Reservations can be made for the Wild Africa Trek by contacting your travel agent or reach out to Disney directly at 407.WDW.TOUR. The cost to attend is $189 – $249 per person depending on the season.

Disney also announced this morning that the ‘ Keys to the Kingdom ‘ tour in Magic Kingdom will be returning as well. So many amazing experiences are returning!

Thinking about a Disney getaway? 2021 packages are available for booking and 2022 packages are now open! Fill out our form below or contact me today for your FREE, no-obligation quote for a Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line or Adventures By Disney vacation! My magical planning services are included at no extra cost. Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at [email protected] or follow along on Facebook and Instagram .

Source: Disney

Tags: Disney's Animal Kingdom Tour Wild Africa Trek returns

Whitney Littlejohn

Whitney is a wife and mom of 2 princesses of her own. She has grown up visiting Disney World and has turned her passion into a career. When she's not at the parks, she can be found planning her client's vacations with MickeyTravels and sharing advice with readers at MickeyBlog. Please reach out for a free, no-obligation quote at 843-288-1130 or [email protected].

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Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom

By: Bekah Beliveau , a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent

When the news broke that Disney's tour experiences would be returning in February this year, I know I wasn't the only one rejoicing! The news couldn't have come at a more perfect time personally. I was headed to Disney World for a late February/early March girls' trip with my sister. We were so excited to add the Wild Africa Trek to our itinerary for our first time.

3-Hour Tour (oh my!):

This is where you can enter your 3-hour tour, Gilligan's Island joke. One of our guides, Jason, appreciated my nod to the classics but said that marketing wise, a 2-hour & 59-minute tour just doesn't have the same ring. Ha!! But I digress, back to our 3-hour tour. This tour definitely takes up a good portion of your day. Now that being said, would I recommend it for a first-time guest? No, I actually wouldn't. There's so much to do, see and enjoy in Animal Kingdom between the rides, animal trails, shows and delicious food. However, if this isn't your first visit and you are looking for something new to try, I couldn't recommend the Wild Africa Trek more!

They ask that you check in 15 minutes before your scheduled time. You will find the Check-In kiosk right across from the Kilimanjaro Safari entrance in Africa. The cast members and guides will get you checked in, help you get all your personal items stowed in a complimentary locker and get you fitted in your trek gear. They will deck you out with a harness, vest, a name tag, earpiece and even a water bottle that is yours to take home. We got introduced to our guides, took a few group photos (a small group of 12 total), and even learned a few words in Swahili; including Jambo (a greeting similar to Hello in English) and Asante Sana (Thank you).

We headed first to see and learn more about Animal Kingdom's resident Hippo males, Hans and his father, Henry. We got to see them up-close and personal, watch them get some lettuce snacks and learn all about their dental health. The awesome part of this tour is also the time that our guides and the animal keepers take in sharing all the info about the animals and answering any questions the group has.

Next up, we headed across 2 rope bridges and headed to see the crocodiles. In fact, you get to walk right over the crocodiles. You also cross over a road the Kilimanjaro Safari vehicles use. Definitely take a few moments to stop and enjoy the views from up there. Very cool!! Note: it's not a good idea to look around or down while walking...you might miss a step. You'll just have to trust me on that one

From there we were off to the savanna! What differs this portion from the Kilimanjaro Safari ride is the vehicle. The bench seating wraps all the way around the edge of the back of the truck; ensuring everyone has an awesome view. They also pull over and stop periodically to answer questions or discuss the various animals more in depth.

We were lucky enough to also see the two male baby rhinos: Ranger & Mylo. The newest; baby female rhino, Logan, is still backstage with her mom, Lola. How cute are they?!

Snack Time:

In the middle of our savanna tour, we also stopped at a Boma (an open-air private pavilion) for our African inspired snacks. Every item is prepared specifically for the Wild Africa Trek- which means you won't find the items anywhere else in the parks. And man, were they delicious!! Like always with Disney, they make allowances for dietary restrictions. I had a gluten-free tin filled with safe snacks and another member of our group had a vegan tin. Make sure you note any dietary restrictions with your travel agent or when you book the tour. Also, if you've never had it; try the Jungle Juice. If you have had it, I'm sure you will be happy to hear it's included!! It's the best! Jungle Juice is also known as POG juice at the Polynesian Resort and 'Ohana Restaurant. It quickly became a favorite of mine! YUM!

Also Included in This Tour:

Complimentary Photo Service- Your guides are not only walking and talking animal encyclopedias, but also trained photographers. They are both taking pictures of not only you and your party but also the animals. At the end of your tour, you will receive access to download all the photos. No extra purchase necessary!! You can also enjoy the moment and still have it beautifully documented. This doesn't mean you can't bring your cellphone and take your own photos/video footage.

Important Things to Note:

Theme Park admission isn't included with the price of the trek. You must have valid park admission tickets and at this time a Park Reservation for Animal Kingdom.
Keep in mind the physical aspects of the tour. For example, the rope bridges. If a fear of heights is a worry, this may not be the tour for you. However, you are expertly hooked into a harness. There's also protective netting under the steps. At no point of the tour, did I feel unsafe. It's also recommended that you can physically handle the walking paths and hike up short hills.
You must wear closed-toe shoes and shorts/pants. Opened toe shoes or/and dresses are not permitted. You don't want to be turned away due to your clothing.

Pricing details:

The price is currently $199.00 per person (tax not included) and you must be 8 years old or older to participate.

**This is just ONE of the tour experiences offered at Animal Kingdom. Reach out to an agent to discuss adding this VIP Expedition or one of the other animal tours. We can assist you in planning your trip and finding the perfect fit for your family!

Thank you to our guides, Jason and Josh- you both were fantastic! And a BIG thank you to Disney for offering these opportunities to their guests so that we can continue learning about wildlife, and animal conservation.

Have you done Animal Kingdom's Wild Africa Trek? I’d enjoy hearing if you loved it as much as I did. Asante Sana for reading!

Please reach out to Bekah , an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.

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Wild Africa Trek review (cost, is it worth it?)
5 Reasons Why Wild Africa Trek is Worth the Price
Disney World Wild Africa Trek Tour
Wild Africa Trek review (cost, is it worth it?)
Wild Africa Trek Disney Tour at Animal Kingdom Behind the Scenes
Wild Africa Trek Disney Tour Review • WDW Vacation Tips

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Wild Africa Trek at #AnimalKingdom at #WaltDisneyWorld #Disney #DisneyParks

COMMENTS

Wild Africa Trek
Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at (407) 938-1373 for alternative programs. ... Tour itinerary, content, duration and availability are subject to change without notice. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within ...
Wild Africa Trek review (cost, is it worth it?)
Wild Africa Trek is a 3-hour tour that takes place at Animal Kingdom and includes several different backstage elements (more on that below). It's offered a few times per day, with a very limited number of people allowed on each trek. How much does Wild Africa Trek cost? The cost for Wild Africa Trek is $219-$229 per person (tax not included).
What to Expect on Disney's Wild Africa Trek: A Complete Guide and Why
Where your journey begins! Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the African wilderness with Wild Africa Trek located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Discover the wonders of the Animal Kingdom, traverse breathtaking landscapes, and experience the thrill of up-close encounters with wildlife. This complete guide will provide you ...
Everything You Need to Know About Wild Africa Trek
They're people enjoying the benefits of the Wild Africa Trek. The price of the tour is $189-$249 per person. That's on the high side of tours at Walt Disney World. As you're about to see, Disney has priced it extremely reasonably, though.
Ultimate Guide to Disney's Popular Wild Africa Trek
Wild Africa Trek is part of Walt Disney World's Enchanting Extras Collection. The collections include everything from fireworks dessert parties to animal adventures like this one. As Jenna mentioned this adventure is for those who are up for a bit of a challenge and enjoy the outdoors. Guests must be 8 years of age or older to participate and ...
Wild Africa Trek
Disney describes the Wild Africa Trek as "[a] privately guided VIP expedition offering close encounters with exotic African wildlife in their native habitat." In other words, the Wild Africa Trek is a tour that builds upon the experience of Kilimanjaro Safaris by taking you to areas of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve that you may have seen on Kilimanjaro Safaris, but only from afar.
Wild Africa Trek
Wild Africa Trek. Join the ultimate animal adventure! Journey deep into Pangani Forest on a thrilling, privately guided expedition featuring close encounters with exotic wildlife species. Get closer than you ever dreamed possible to Nile crocodiles and massive hippos. Venture on to a VIP safari across an open savanna teeming with native African ...
Wild Africa Trek
You must have physical stamina, comfort with heights, and the surefootedness to negotiate small hills, foliage and unsteady rope bridges on this tour. Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at (407) 938-1373 for alternative programs.
A Disney World Must-Do
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.
Wild Africa Trek in Disney World's Animal Kingdom
To see all times offered for your preferred date, visit the Disney World Wild Africa Trek page. Price. $219.00 - $229.00, tax not included. Prices vary by date — visit the Disney World Wild Africa Trek page and Check Availability to find the exact price of your tour of interest. Additional Information
Wild Africa Trek
For assistance with your Walt Disney World visit, please call 0800 028 0778 (UK) or 1800 812 678 (Ireland). Take the Wild Africa Trek and view African wildlife on a privately guided VIP safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Disney's Wild Africa Trek
In August, we did the Wild Africa Trek tour at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This is one of a series of backstage tours available at the park, and it provides two...
Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom A Behind the Scenes Tour
With opportunities to chat with animal caretakers, and see a part of AK that you didn't know existed, this 3-hour tour is perfect for families, with children 8 and up. Here are the details to know before you go. Tour Length: 3 Hours. Cost: $220-$230 per person. Times: 8:45 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:45 AM, and 12:30 PM.
Review of the Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom
The Wild Africa Trek walking tour begins along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. This part of the tour can be explored with regular admission; however, it is valuable to have both a guide who can provide additional information and answer questions, and a photographer to capture candid moments of both you and the animals.
Disney Wild Africa Trek Review
On the day of your Wild Africa Trek tour you need to be at the trek entrance 20 minutes prior to the prescribed time. Note that this is not the park entrance, but the actual tour entrance. Make sure you allow for a 15 minute or so walk to get through security and back into the park where the entrance is.
The Wildest Experience at Walt Disney World: Wild Africa Trek
This experience is costly at around $200 per person, but it is entirely worth the price for animal enthusiasts and guests searching for a respite from attraction hopping, including teens disillusioned with characters and crowds. It is a chance to venture where most guests don't get to travel without shattering Disney's magical immersion.
Review: Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom
The Wild Africa Trek tour is $189-$249 per person plus tax (depending on time/day you go). From now until October 22, 2016 they offer $50 off afternoon tours. ... Our agents will assist you in booking the perfect Disney getaway, all at no extra cost to you. Get the most out of your dream vacation by letting us assist you with dining and park ...
Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Here's a peek at what you can expect on the Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The 3-hour guided safari tour starts at the Harambe Village, where you get fitted for a harness, vest (complete with a water bottle) and earpiece to use throughout your adventure. All personal belongings are left behind in lockers for the duration of the ...
Wild Africa Trek At Disney's Animal Kingdom Review
The Wild Africa Trek begins by the main entrance of the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride where you check in, meet your guides and the other guests on this VIP tour. Safety is always a priority with Disney and this tour is no exception. Bags, backpacks and hats are stored away in a locker and Trekkers are given a vest and harness to wear, along with a ...
Wild Africa Trek Tour Review
The Wild Africa Trek is a tour at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This tour takes guests behind the scenes of the park's signature attraction - Kilimanjaro Safaris. Wild Africa Trek is offered daily to guests who have park admission, although making a reservation in advance is a must-do. The tour generally costs around $200 but they do offer ...
Disney's Wild Africa Trek
We share our experience on Disney Animal Kingdom Wild Africa Trek tour. We review our experience and food. What do we recommend and what limitations may effe...
'Wild Africa Trek' Tour Returns to Disney's Animal Kingdom on February
Reservations can be made for the Wild Africa Trek by contacting your travel agent or reach out to Disney directly at 407.WDW.TOUR. The cost to attend is $189 - $249 per person depending on the season. Disney also announced this morning that the ' Keys to the Kingdom ' tour in Magic Kingdom will be returning as well.
Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Pricing details: The price is currently $199.00 per person (tax not included) and you must be 8 years old or older to participate. **This is just ONE of the tour experiences offered at Animal Kingdom. Reach out to an agent to discuss adding this VIP Expedition or one of the other animal tours.

Wild Africa Trek review (cost, is it worth it?)

How much does Wild Africa Trek cost?

Is there a dress code for Wild Africa Trek?

What’s included in the cost?

Food and Drinks

Safety Gear

Arriving for the tour

Parts of the tour

Hippo backstage viewing

Rope bridges

Croc viewing

Private safari ride

Snack time at a private pavilion

Is the Wild Africa Trek worth it?

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What to Expect on Disney's Wild Africa Trek: A Complete Guide and Why It's Worth the Splurge

Preparing for the Wild Africa Trek

Gear and Attire

Traversing the African Wilderness

Encountering Wildlife

Lunch with a View

Capturing Memories on the Wild Africa Trek

Recent Posts

Wild Africa Trek – An In-Depth Review of the VIP Backstage Tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Checking (and Strapping) In

Starting the Tour

Over the River and Through the Woods

Riding (and Stopping) in the Savannah

Finishing out the Tour

Is it Worth it?

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Wild Africa Trek in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom

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Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom A Behind the Scenes Tour

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Do you Need an Animal Kingdom Park Ticket for Wild Africa Trek?

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What Should You Wear for Disney’s Wild Africa Trek?

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Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom Review

What Happens First? You Get your Wild Africa Trek Gear

Do you really need the harness?

Where Do You Put Your Disney Day Bag? And everything else?

Can I take Photos of Wild Africa Trek at Disney?

Do you Get a Disney Wild Africa Trek Souvenir?

Wild Africa Trek Tour Stops

What do you do on Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom?

Hike the Grasslands

Rope Bridge Crossing over Crocodiles

Visit with an Animal Caretaker at Hippos

Private Savanna Safari Tour Animal Kingdom

See the Animals

Wild Africa Trek Lunch on the Savanna