animal kingdom safari facts

9 Awesome Facts & Secrets About Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of our all time favourite attractions at Walt Disney World. We love it so much we rated it 5/5 in our Animal Kingdom attractions guide . With that in mind, here are 9 awesome facts about one of Disney’ most beloved and ambitious rides.

#1 Walt Disney Inspired Kilimanjaro Safaris

While it might seem incredibly unlikely, Walt Disney himself actually played a part in the creation of Kilimanjaro Safaris.

The first plans for the Jungle Cruise actually included real animals but it was quickly discovered that they would be far too unpredictable for the kind of attraction Disney wanted to deliver to park guests.

Fast forward to when Disney’s Imagineers were planning Animal Kingdom and Walt’s original dream became a reality.

#2 That’s One Big Attraction

Kilimanjaro Safaris is the biggest Disney park attraction in the world. Don’t believe us? You could fit the entire Magic Kingdom park in Kilimanjaro Safaris quite comfortably!

Kilimanjaro Safaris is 110 acres whereas the entire Magic Kingdom park comes in at 107 acres. Disney were not messing about with animal welfare when it came to designing this attraction.

The attraction itself makes up 20% of the entire Animal Kingdom park.

#3 The Lion Feels the Breeze Tonight

Though they aren’t always completely visible, the Lions in Kilimanjaro Safaris would be even less visible if it wasn’t for a bit of clever engineering from Disney.

The rocks in which the Lions hang around on for much of the day are actually air conditioned! The Lions originally came from a much cooler zoo in Oregon so Disney had to install air-con into the rock formation. Better yet, if it gets cold they can heat up so the lions can be comfortable all year round!

#4 Every Animal Needs to Rest

At the end of every day, animals throughout the attraction are called in to rest in their enclosures for the night. Each animal has been specially trained to respond to a different sound.

A few examples of this include crocodiles responding to a metal bar being hit underwater, elephants come in to the beat of a drum, giraffes for a cowbell and a duck call is used for the Thompson’s Gazelle.

#5 Free Roaming Animals

While every animal has set space to walk around in (you wouldn’t want the Lions in with the gazelles!), within their space they are free to walk wherever they wish.

That means that they have right of way, even to the Safari trucks that form part of the attraction. If an animal chooses to walk in front of a truck (has happened to us many times) then be thankful as it means you will be able to get up close with those cameras!

Spaces are controlled through a combination of chains in the ground (to stop animals crossing into another area), walls and even deep pits in the case of the lions.

#6 Fake Plastic Baobab Trees

Okay, not plastic but we wanted to sneak in a Radiohead reference… The famous Baobab trees that are scattered around Kilimanjaro Safaris are actually all fake and made of concrete. The real tree has a thick trunk and is very good at storing water during periods of drought.

There was a single real Baobab tree in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Harambe Village but sadly it died during a cold winter a few years ago.

#7 Animals Are Kept Close to Park Guests

Though it would be almost impossible to see on the first few experiences of Kilimanjaro Safaris, Disney actually does a lot to make sure the animals wander as close to guests as possible.

In addition to the air-conditioned rocks we already covered, Disney tactically place hay, grass, salt licks and drinking water close to the roads in which the safari trucks travel. Some of these placements are obvious when you know to keep an eye out but others are really well hidden, how many can you spot on your next safari?

#8 Real Safari Trucks

A lot of guests simply assume that the cast members aboard the great big safari trucks are simply onboard for guest safety and that the attraction is all on a track. This is completely false.

Cast Members go through rigorous training to land the role on Kilimanjaro Safaris and all of the custom built GMC and Ford trucks are free roaming. It is essential that this is the case as on many occasions cast members have had to swerve off course to go round an animal that has decided to settle on the road.

Each night the safari trucks are driven off the road and into a lot where they can be assessed and serviced ready for the next day.

#9 Timing is Everything

Though it is fair to say animals can be seen no matter what time of day Kilimanjaro Safaris is ridden, there are times of day where the animals are most active.

Early in the mornings, just after Disney’s Animal Kingdom has opened, can be a great time to experience the safari due to the cooler temperatures. In addition to this, the animals are all grazing on their breakfasts!

Disney introduced nighttime safaris in 2016 and this also offers a great time to see some of the animals who prefer to be active during the evening. These include Warthog, Hippo, Hyena and African Wild Dog.

Of course every safari is different and we can never guarantee that you will see great views of the animals on every trip.

Want more on Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Be sure to check out the rest of our Animal Kingdom guides .

Ryan has been attending theme parks since as long as he can remember and his first proper memory comes from when he was just three years old sitting in Main Street USA drinking a Nesquik milkshake from a carton while the piano was being played outside Casey’s Corner.

© 2024. ThemeParkTrader.com

Ultimate Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom)

If you love animals, you are going to love the Disney Animal Kingdom Safari ride.   Kilimanjaro Safaris magically takes you on what feels like a real African Safari in this amazing experience. 

Kilimanjaro Safaris allows guests to explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve in an open air vehicle.  Disney’s wildlife reserve is 110 acres with over 30 species of real animals.  You’ll drive through wide-open plains, forests, and wetlands. 

Each ride vehicle has an expert guide, who shares tons of interesting facts about the creatures you are seeing.   The bumpy ride is about 20 minutes long, making it the longest ride in the Disney parks.  

Kilimanjaro Safaris is a very engaging ride as you never know what animals you’ll get to see up close and what they will be doing as you pass by.  

Disney provides salt licks along the path to attract animals to points where you can see them.  You’ll also pass by watering hole areas as well as great views of a lot of animals on the African savanna.  

Kilimanjaro Safaris is the closest thing to a real African safari.  We’ve ridden this ride many MANY times and it’s always different.  

Different cast member tour guides share different bits of information, the animals are always on the move, so sometimes you get a great view of an animal up close, sometimes there’s new baby animals to see, and sometimes you get to see your favorite animal eat lunch, etc.  

Regardless, you can count on getting a unique experience every time you ride!

When Should you Ride Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris?

Kilimanjaro Safaris is the main attraction of the Africa section at Animal Kingdom, so the lines can get long at times.  

The best time to ride, in my opinion is late morning or late afternoon.  

It’s a bit tricky because the safari doesn’t always open right away, so you can’t count on rope dropping this one first thing in the morning.  

You also want to avoid riding it in the heat of the day because many times the animals are hidden because they are wanting to cool off.

The best thing to do is to get in line right before it opens (Which varies day to day) OR ride it around late afternoon when the lines have gotten shorter.  

Many people leave this Disney park early to park hop to another one, which eases up some of those long lines!

Ideally, if you have Lightning Lanes, I would schedule a ride around 10:30 am as the lines are likely long, but the animals are active – you can skip that long line with your lightning lane passes.

If you don’t have that Lightning Lane access – save this ride for late afternoon.

What animals are on the safari ride at Animal Kingdom?

Here’s a list of the animals you will see on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

You’ll see:  

• African Wild Dogs
• Ankole Cattle
• Black Rhino
• Common Eland
• Hippopotamus
• Nigerian Dwarf Goat
• Nile Crocodiles
• Pink-Backed Pelican
• Saddle-Billed Stork
• Scimitar Oryx
• Spotted Hyena
• White Rhinos 

 This list does change from time to time, but in general, you can expect to see a LOT of different animals on this amazing ride.

How bumpy is safari ride at Animal Kingdom?

The ride vehicles for Kilimanjaro Safaris are open-sided safari vehicles.  Your tour guide drives his/her big custom made safari truck over fairly rough terrain.  

The safari driver does their best to avoid potholes, but the path is pretty rough and bumpy.  

Disney advises that guests need to be in good health, no high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems.  

They also say that expectant mothers should not ride as there can be unexpected jolts on the ride.

In addition, Disney warns that this could cause motion sickness.   For what it’s worth, my son and I are prone to motion sickness and neither one of us have ever had a problem on this ride.  

Has the Animal Kingdom Safari Ride Changed over the years?

Kilimanjaro Safaris has definitely changed over the years.  If you remember riding it many years ago, you might remember a Poacher storyline.  

Over time, Disney dropped that storyline in favor of not scaring child with imaginary poachers and instead, giving you more information about the amazing animals on this ride.

General Information

Theme Park: Disney’s  Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Area of the Park:   Africa

Age Range Appeal:  all ages – Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults

Queue Description:   The standby queue for the Disney Animal Kingdom Safari Ride is fairly simple. It can get very hot as it is outdoors. Lines can get long mid-morning and mid-day.  

Queue Length:   This ride often opens up later in the morning, not always at rope drop.  Lines tend to grow mid-morning to mid afternoon.  Then lines tend to drop as early as 3:30pm.

Ride Height Requirements:   No heigh requirement but kids under age 7 must be with a person age 14 years or older.

Pregnant mothers and those with health conditions are advised not to ride due to the bumpy nature of the ride.  

Scary Factor:   Low – it’s a slow ride, but there are unexpected bumps and jolts as you ride along on the rough terrain.

Official URL:   https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/kilimanjaro-safaris/

Kilimanjaro Safaris Video

More Animal Kingdom Information

Want to learn more about Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Be sure to check out our other articles.

You can find all the best rides at Animal Kingdom here. We outline all the details on the must-do rides and of course, the one ride you should avoid.

Eating gluten free? You can find all the best Gluten Free Dining Options at Animal Kingdom here.

You’ll want to learn all about Avatar Flight of Passage here. This is such an incredible ride in the World of Pandora section of Animal Kingdom.

Be sure to check out our handy list of Disney’s Ride Height Requirements . Find out before you go, which rides your kids are able to ride.

Learn all about the Best Souvenirs at Disney World here. So many cool ideas for a memento of your amazing Disney vacation.

If you are in the thick of starting to plan your trip, be sure to read Best Day of the Week to visit Disney World .

And of course, don’t forget to grab our free printable Disney World Packing List . Everything you need to remember to pack for the perfect Disney vacation!

Be sure to pin the image below to save this Disney Animal Kingdom Safari Ride info for later!

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Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: The Ultimate Guide

posted by Charmaine Cortes on December 26, 2022 // last updated on June 12, 2023

Are you planning to visit Kilimanjaro Safari Disney World with your family or loved ones and want to learn more about it? Then you have come to the right place!

In this article, we will provide you with an overview of everything you need to know about Kilimanjaro Safaris. This safari ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park will transport you across the globe into an African Wildlife setting.

In this Ultimate Guide, we will cover all the basics from the history of the Safari, how to ride it and some further frequently asked questions about the wildlife park. Read on to find out more!

About Kilimanjaro Safaris

The kilimanjaro safaris ride, kilimanjaro safaris accessibility, interesting facts.

Walt Disney had a lifelong dream of adding live animals to his Jungle Cruise. Back then, this was not possible until the Kilimanjaro Safaris opened its gates in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park in April 1998.

The park in Walt Disney World wanted to differentiate itself from a zoo from the beginning. While it had live animals, it was more focused on conservation and experiencing the animals in their (somewhat) natural habitat.

Since 2016, visitors can enjoy special sunset safaris where they get to enjoy African animals after dark.

You will find Kilimanjaro Safaris located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, which is part of Walt Disney World.

Make your way past the Tree of Life to the back of Africa, all the way past Mombasa Marketplace and Dawa Bar. As you cross the bridge, you will get to Kilimanjaro Safaris.

The queue will lead you through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve before you enter your safari vehicle and head out to experience the African Savanna without leaving the States!

The Kilimanjaro Safaris vehicles are open-air trucks that can accommodate up to 35 guests. Each vehicle can seat three to five guests in one row.

The Savanna provides a bumpy ride along a dirt trail and is different from the other smooth theme park rides at Disney. So buckle up.

You will be provided with a game-spotting guide. Be on the lookout, as not all wildlife will be visible at all times.

A Kilimanjaro Safaris ride is approximately 20 to 30 minutes long and leads through 100 acres of Savanna. During this time, you will be able to spot about 34 different species. Among these, you will find famous members of the African Animal Kingdom:

• Hippopotamus
• Sable Antelopes
• Thompson’s Gazelles
• African Wild Dogs
• Termite Mounds

Each expedition through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve is completely unique. The animals are all free roaming and are, therefore, always in a different place or sometimes in hiding.

If you are looking for a specific unique experience, you can visit Kilimanjaro Safaris at night! During those nighttime safaris, you will be able to experience the wildlife in a completely different setting. Some animals tend to be more active during the night, so we recommend trying out both times.

The ride with Kilimanjaro Safaris is longer than some other rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so factor that into your time at the park, so you don’t miss other rides.

Since you will be dealing with real animals, we recommend behavior that suits the setting. No loud noises or erratic behavior as this can scare the wildlife. Small children are to be watched at all times. In general, this might be a better experience for children above the age of six.

Fastpass/ Lightning Lane:  Yes

Time:  20 -30 minutes

Height Restrictions:  None

Age Restrictions:  None

Handicapped Accessibility:

• Kilimanjaro Safaris is Wheelchair Accessible

To access the safari ride, you can wheel up a ramp and ride into the truck itself. Your wheelchair will be tied down and secured, so you do not have to worry about bouncing around during the ride through the wilderness.

• Other guests need to take a small step into the safari vehicle.
• no high blood pressure
• no heart, back, or neck problems
• no motion sickness
• no other severe conditions

Disney does advise against expectant mothers or people that aren’t in good health riding with Kilimanjaro Safaris, as the rides can get bumpy, and there is also no option for an emergency exit while in the safari vehicle.

Service Animals:

Kilimanjaro Safaris allows service animals to be taken into the premises and on rides. However, the park advises visitors to do so with caution. The animals might be completely new to this wildlife experience and might act differently.

 In the beginning, Kilimanjaro Safaris included a lot of information about poaching in their ride and even had a specific section in the park set up to educate about the illegal hunting of wildlife.

These days, Kilimanjaro Safaris is more focused on the educational part of the conservation of the African Savanna and its wildlife.

The ride is designed to be as realistic as possible. Therefore, the roads are quite rough (as mentioned previously in this article). You need to be ready for some rough and rugged terrain during your safari adventure at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

How big is the Kilimanjaro Safari Park?

Including the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, the Kilimanjaro Safaris Park is about 1.5 miles.

While this might not sound too lengthy, keep in mind that you will follow winding roads that are extremely bumpy. On top of that, the Kilimanjaro Safaris area is about 110 acres big. Plus, the safari trucks will drive extremely slow. This is also to ensure you will see enough wildlife.

Can you pet animals at Kilimanjaro Safaris?

This is a clear no. You are dealing with wildlife from the African animal kingdom at Kilimanjaro Safaris. These animals are wild. They are no pets. A direct encounter with lions is to be treated with respect and can end in a dangerous situation should you mistake them for a house cat.

Should you or your children wish to pet animals, we recommend visiting the petting zoo at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Are all animals real at Kilimanjaro Safaris?

Yes, the animals are all real. The tour however does include some fake elements, such as:

• Ostrich Eggs
• Moonlight during the safari ride after sunset
• Termite mounds

When Is The Best Time To Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris?

We recommend purchasing your Harambe Wildlife Reserve pass early in the morning and heading straight to the open-air safari experience. The animals tend to be more active during the morning hours as well as after sunset.

During midday, most animals will hide in the shade or be less active because of the heat. It will also be more strenuous on visitors, as this is an open-air vehicle and you might not feel too comfortable in the hot climate.

Does the Weather influence the Safari?

Kilimanjaro Safaris is an open-air safari. So the rides are in some way influenced by the weather. The animals might not be bothered by the rain, but they might be less active in extreme heat. So plan your visit accordingly.

Since this is an open-air safari, we recommend dressing for whatever weather you might encounter. If there is a possibility of rain, dress warm and take a raincoat. Should the weather be pleasant with sunshine, we recommend a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Check your forecast and come with the necessities to make the ride enjoyable.

More about our TFVG Author

Charmaine Cortes

Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom

In this post we give an overview of Kilimanjaro Safaris, a safari ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World. We cover the basics of the ride, how to ride it, and our thoughts on the experience before closing with an FAQ. Read on to learn more!

Related Posts

This post is a quick guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris, but we have related content that dives deeper into topics. Our Animal Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lane post covers Lightning Lane strategy in deep. The Animal Kingdom Rides and Entertainment Guide gives brief introductions to all the park’s offerings. For putting together your day at the park, we have a One Day Plan for Animal Kingdom .

If you’re really into animals, you might also want to check out our reviews of the Caring for Giants and Up Close With Rhinos reviews.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Basics

Kilimanjaro Safaris is a safari ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Kilimanjaro Safaris:

does not have a height requirement

does not offer rider switch

has an Lightning Lane as part of Genie+

does not have a single rider line

is not a part of Early Entry at Animal Kingdom

is about 20 minutes long (varies)

Disney warns that persons not in good health and expectant mothers should not ride. (People ask why this is. Keeping in mind we do not at all discount this warning, we assume it is because the ride can get quite bumpy. That said, it very well may have to do with the wildlife on the ride, or even the fact that the drive gets you somewhat remote from the rest of the park. That’s all speculation, but you can be sure there’s some good reason for the warning.)

Where is Kilimanjaro Safaris located?

Kilimanjaro Safaris is located in the Africa land of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Entering the park, you’ll want to pass the Tree of Life on the left, passing Pizzafari and Creature Comforts (the Animal Kingdom Starbucks) . Cross the bridge and head straight to the back of the land to get to Kilimanjaro Safaris.

How to Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris

If you use Genie+ at Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safaris will probably be your second Lightning Lane pick (after Na’vi River Journey).

Since Kilimanjaro Safaris (as of this update) is not a part of Early Entry, guests without Early Entry have a good chance at a short wait if they start there. Of course, there might still be a line of people who had Early Entry ahead of you.

As with most rides, waits will peak midday. But another good reason to avoid midday safaris is because the animals are less active in the heat. Kilimanjaro Safaris usually closes before the rest of the park. Check the hours in the app or at the ride.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is probably the highlight of a day at Animal Kingdom with a small child . It has no notably scary parts , but it is a 20-minute long experience. This has never been a problem for us because the animals have kept Zoe entertained enough.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Ride Experience

The Kilimanjaro Safaris queue is mostly outdoor, and while there are a few themed spaces (the theme being that you’re going on a safari at the Harambe Wildlife Reserve), nothing stands out to us.

The ride itself is unique and amazing. During an approximately 20 minute journey, you’ll take a safari through varying landscapes filled with real animals. You can view a video of the ride here.

Past thematic elements—a story of poachers, a broken bridge—have been abandoned, and the ride is basically a straightforward safari experience now.

Your experience may vary. I don’t think I’ve ever been on a “bad” safari, but some are notably better than others—more active animals, animals coming right up to the vehicle, and so on. Personally we think the cliche advice that morning safaris are better is cliche because it’s correct, but we also don’t make a habit of afternoon safaris.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is a long experience, something you’ll want to keep in mind when planning your day. If you head there early, waits on everything else will be longer by the time you finish. If you have a Lightning Lane or dining reservation, don’t let a long safari cause you any conflicts.

Kilimanjaro Safaris FAQ

How many miles is the kilimanjaro safaris path.

Looking at Google Maps, I believe the path is only about 1.5 miles. That’s not too long, but keep in mind you’ll be moving slowly and making lots of stops (not getting out), so the ride will take about 20-30 minutes.

Do you pet animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris?

No. There is a petting zoo as part of Rafiki’s Planet Watch. And, if it’s the same as pre-closure, the Up Close With Rhinos tour can but doesn’t always include a portion where you pet a Rhino.

Are the animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris real?

Yes, but there are a few fictional elements. It frustrates me to no end, but at least the termite mounds, ostrich eggs, and tusk marks in the clay appear to be fake. The animals are real, though.

When is the best time to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris?

Earlier is better, but if you’re not on by, say, 11AM it will usually be best to wait until after 3PM / 4PM. The animals are more active when it’s cooler.

All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered

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Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide! If you're still picking dates, we've got everything you need to know about Disney World crowd calendars . For picking your hotel, check out our Walt Disney World hotels guide.

When it comes time to book we’ll help you find discount Disney World tickets . Decide whether you need a dining plan in our Complete Guide to Disney World Dining Plans ! And don't forget to book those Disney World Advance Dining Reservations !

Don't forget to master your Disney World Genie+ and Lightning Lane strategy a few months in advance. We'll keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes , Epcot Genie+ and Lightning Lanes , Animal Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes , and Hollywood Studios Genie+ and Lightning Lanes .

Know what to ride with our guides to: Magic Kingdom rides , Hollywood Studios rides , Epcot rides , and Animal Kingdom rides ! Plus learn about the water parks with our guide to Blizzard Beach and our guide to Typhoon Lagoon ! And for some some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World .

Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip . And if you're interested in saving, there's no better list than our 53 Ways to Save on your Disney trip from start to finish .

Complete Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom

Board a safari truck and get your cameras ready! Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom gives you the experience of a real-life African safari, but at Walt Disney World.

As you travel through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve you will learn about conservation, the importance of taking care of animals, and, of course, get the chance to see amazing creatures, like elephants, hippos, and giraffes.

Now, let’s explore our guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris .

In this article

Kilimanjaro Safaris Quick Facts

• Location : Animal Kingdom, Africa
• Height Requirement : None
• Suitable for: Everyonest
• Attraction Length: 18 minutes
• Do we recommend? Definitely a high priority attraction you must experience.
• When to Visit : Typically at opening/within the first hour, or later in the day toward park closing.
• Lightning Lane Available: Yes
• Scheduled Refurbishments
• Tip(s) : Visit first thing in the morning at park open. The line gets really long, really fast, and the animals seem to be out more in the morning. The next best time to visit is at sunset for park closing. Crowds level off earlier at Animal Kingdom, wait times may be reduced, and animals can be out feeding.

Description : You board safari vehicles that are driven by guides who really do drive (no tracks) and are very knowledgeable about the animals. As you make your way through the savanna, the guides provide lots of information based on what you see along the ride. Sometimes have to stop to wait for animals to clear the path.

No two rides are the same as the animals are free roaming and on their own schedule. We would recommend experiencing the safari twice in your park day, if possible.

Everything You Need To Know About Kilimanjaro Safaris

You can find Kilimanjaro Safaris in the heart of Africa. Here’s the location on the map.

Download the PDF

How to Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris has a Standby Lane and a Lightning Lane. There is no Single Rider Line.

Like most attractions, standby lines typically are the lowest first thing in the morning and at the end of the evening. The middle of the day will see the longest lines.

Even though it’s not listed as an available attraction for Early Theme Park Entry, sometimes Kilimanjaro Safaris is open during the 30-minute early entry.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Standby Lane wait time jumps quickly after park open and can see sustained wait times well over 60 minutes for most of the park day.

Do I need to use Genie+ at Kilimanjaro Safaris?

Kilimanjaro Safaris is available with Genie+ and we highly recommend using it at this attraction for anyone who has purchased Genie+ or if it’s a must-do.

This is a highly popular ride at Animal Kingdom, given that it is a long ride time and suitable for all ages.

Many park guests make it a top priority of their park day. So unless you do this ride first, right at park open, plan to reserve a Genie+ time for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

If you want to try and experience the Safaris twice in one day, we would recommend using the Standby Lane at park open and then using Genie+ to ride it again later in the day.

Make sure you check out our touring strategies for Animal Kingdom for more Genie+ advice.

Rider Switch/Child Swap

You cannot use  Rider Switch  for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Rider Switch is Disney’s system allowing guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.

There also isn’t Single Rider available here.

What to expect when you ride

The Kilimanjaro Safaris queue is outdoors, with part of it shaded. It paints the scene of an African tour company with its straw, thatched roof.

While there isn’t  an interactive queue , the line is themed to the attraction.

You can learn the African Swahili names to your favorite animals on displays as you move through the line. You can even hear the safari trucks driving by as you walk through.

Ride vehicles

Kilimanjaro Safaris ride vehicles can fit a total of 35 individuals. Each row can seat three to five guests, depending.

There is no seatbelt or safety restraint, but there is a door on the right side of each row that closes for security and safety purposes when you’re on the ride.

Motion Sickness

Kilimanjaro Safaris is far from a thrill ride, but it can get rough at times with the trucks bouncing up and down along the paths and bridges.

Sometimes you might even have to brace yourself, so you don’t slide in your seat.

We have a  guide on motion sickness  that’s filled with information and tips, so feel free to check that out.

Accessibility information

Guests in ECVs or power wheelchairs must transfer to a manual wheelchair. There are wheelchair accessible vehicles with built-in ramps.

Those using an ECV who don’t wish to transfer to a vehicle bench, must transfer to a Disney-provided manual wheelchair.

You will be seated in Row 1 right behind the tour guide. A bench is located directly next to the wheelchair space and additional companions will be directed to sit in the rows behind the wheelchair space.

Those using ECVs or wheelchairs can remain in their mobility devices until they reach the accessible boarding and unloading area, which is not long after the stroller drop-off area.

This area is where ECVS and other mobility devices can be parked. They will be waiting in the same space when guests return from their safari.

Keep in mind that each safari vehicle only holds one occupied wheelchair at a time, so anyone needing this type of access could have an additional wait compared to those who transfer to a vehicle bench.

Handheld captioning , assistive listening, and video captioning is available for guests.

Service animals are also permitted, but with caution.

On the Ride

Spoilers ahead! If you want to go in knowing absolutely nothing about Kilimanjaro Safaris, feel free to skip this section.

After walking through the queue you and your party finally make it to the boarding lanes awaiting your safari tour.

You can’t miss the sound of your safari truck approaching. A warm greeting from your tour guide “Jambo,” which is Swahili for “Hello.”

After boarding your safari truck, your group will take off entering the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

Be alert and have your cameras ready, because these are live, free roaming animals, so you never know what you will see or how close the animals will get.

No tour is ever the same!

You start off in the forest seeing the Okapi, the closet living relative to the giraffe. You’ll next approach a watering hole where you can catch sights of animals like the saddle billed stork, bongo, kudu, and black rhinoceros.

Heading out of the forest your truck will enter a river where you can spot hippopotamus’. The only way to exit the river is by crossing over an old, shaky bridge.

Under the bridge, down low you’ll spot a crowd of Nile crocodiles. But not to fear, you’re with an expert driver and guide! Your truck makes it over the bridge safe and sound.

Exiting the river your safari tour will enter the savanna marked by a big Baobab tree.

As your truck makes its way down the savanna you will spot many animals like zebras, African wild dogs, giraffes, wildebeest, and cattle. Some animals may cross in front of or come right up to the truck. Be sure to look out past the truck under trees and in the shaded areas to spot animals.

Leaving the savanna your guide will spot a couple of fallen down trees. That means the mighty elephants are near! On the way to find the elephants you pass a family of Mandrill monkeys.

Your truck approaches another old shaky, bridge, worse than the last one. Your tour guide crosses successfully with care.

In search of more elephants you enter the red clay pit. Sure enough you may be able to catch sight of the elephants! Females are usually found with their young, while the male elephants stick more to themselves. If there are new babies on the tour, your guide will be sure to point them out.

Driving through the watering area of the red clay pit, you will see a flock of flamingo. Did you know flamingos start off gray in color? Be sure to listen to the tour guide to hear what makes flamingos pink!

Approaching the mud pit you will spy white rhinoceros. Up in the shade you’ll spot a couple of cheetah, the fastest land mammals on earth.

Next up, the highlight of every tour, and sometimes the hardest animal to see, are the lions up on the rock. Since lions are nocturnal animals and sleep most of the day, your best chance to see them awake are on safaris later in the day near park closing.

Are you ready for more? Your tour is still not over! Next up be sure to look out for warthogs, ostrich eggs, and Bontebok antelopes.

Before your safari comes to an end, you’ll see some super adorable Nigerian Dwarf Goats, who are originally from Nigeria and considered to be of high value because of the high protein milk they provide.

You leave the reserve and head back to the village of Harambe. After the vehicle comes to a complete stop the doors on your right side will open, allowing you and your party to exit.

Keep in mind that each time you ride is different, because you never know what animals you’ll see or how they’ll act. This makes the attraction super unique.

Is Kilimanjaro Safaris kid-friendly?

Overall, Kilimanjaro Safaris is kid-friendly. After all, it doesn’t even have a height requirement. It should be fun for most kids to see the different animals. And, don’t worry, there aren’t any dark or scary moments.

That said, the ride can get rough at times thanks to the paths, bridges, and the safari vehicle itself. This could be either fun or upsetting to little ones. But, for the most part, the ride is kid-friendly.

Be sure to check out our full guide on several other  things that might scare little ones at Disney World .

Strollers are not allowed on the Kilimanjaro Safaris vehicles. You’ll need to park your stroller in the designated stroller parking area at the attraction entrance.

If you forget to park your stroller or want to take it into the line, you can, but know you’ll have to park it mid-way. There is an area with Cast Members waiting, who will take your stroller and park it for you.

Kilimanjaro Safaris first opened in 1998, the same year as Animal Kingdom. Actually, both the attraction and the park opened on April 22, aka Earth Day.

Animal Kingdom is the largest of all Disney World theme parks. It spreads out over 500 acres, which also gives the animals plenty of room to roam and live.

The Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction itself spans 110 acres with the Harambe Wildlife Reserve serving as home to 34 species!

Your guide drives around as they gives facts about the animals you encounter along the way during the 18-minute journey.

When the ride initially opened, there was a poachers storyline and even a rickety bridge that threw some excitement into the mix. But, both of these elements were removed and now there’s more of a focus on the actual animals and the importance of conservation.

Former Imagineer Joe Rohde is responsible and to thank for not only breathing life into Kilimanjaro Safaris, but Animal Kingdom as a whole. Without him, this park wouldn’t be is what is today.

There’s no doubt Kilimanjaro Safaris is a fantastic experience and the closest thing many will ever get to experiencing an African safari.

Other Fun Details

• If you want an even more in depth and VIP tour of the savanna, you can sign up for the 3-hour guided Wild Africa Trek tour , where you will embark on some adventurous activities and see animals even more up close. This tour is priced separately and must be booked in advanced.

• For an additional price, Up Close with Rhinos is a 60-minute tour giving you the chance to go backstage at Animal Kingdom to meet and learn more about white rhinos, with help from a guide.

• Take some time to visit the Gorilla Falls Exploration walking trail, located near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris. It runs along parts of the driving tour and gives another look at many of the animals you saw on the drive, along with different ones like gorillas and meerkats!

• Pay attention as you drive by the flamingos for a fun Hidden Mickey.

Other Attractions in Africa

• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
• Festival of the Lion King
• Wildlife Express Train (takes you to Rafiki’s Planet Watch)

Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris – The Ultimate Guide Updated

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Want to know more about the Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris?

One of the most immersive of all the Animal Kingdom rides, the Disney Kilimanjaro Safari takes you on a journey through the African planes.

In Orlando Florida.

This highly unique experience is one of the highlights of any trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It truly is an adventure that you cannot find anywhere else in North America.

Discover what you need to know about Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris so that you and your family can get the most out of this immersive attraction.

Disney Kilimanjaro Safari Guide

The Disney Imagineers have successfully created the Harambe Wildlife Reserve in Animal Kingdom park.

Walt Disney himself always wanted to have live animals incorporated into his theme parks.

Whilst in Disneyland this dream was kind of realized in Jungle Cruise (Walt originally wanted real animals for this attraction), Disney’s Animal Kingdom finally achieved that dream.

The area where your Kilimanjaro Safari Bus will take you is vast.

110 acres of vast.

And it is home to 34 different species of animal including lions, hippos, giraffes, and elephants.

What is the Disney Kilimanjaro Safari Ride Like?

The first experience of any Disney ride is the line area!

The advantage of the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride is that the queue is well-shaded.

There are some things to look at along the way, including some videos about conservation. But mostly the best thing about this line is that it is in the shade!

It can get very very hot in Orlando and it can be a challenge to wait in line at the height of the heat. There are a few spots where you can even sit down on a small wall which gives your feet a bit of a rest!

This is one reason not to ride Kilimanjaro Safari in the heat of the day – the queue will be a lot easier to deal with if it is a bit cooler.

A short way into the line you will have to put your stroller in the parking place.

A Cast Member will be there to guide you to the exact spot.

Then by the time you get back, your stroller will have moved of course!

Photo Credit

The Disney Animal Kingdom Safari ride vehicles are custom-built GMC and Ford trucks.

Lots of guests think that Kilimanjaro Safaris is on a track, but it isn’t. Those safari vehicles are true off-roaders controlled by the Cast Members!

Each ride vehicle holds up to 32 guests in 9 rows each seating up to 4. There is no height requirement for this Animal Kingdom ride.

It is very much for families, but as I discuss below, it is very bumpy.

Take notice of the warnings.

If you have a health condition or are pregnant give Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris a miss!

Is there a best place to sit on the Disney Kilimanjaro Safari ride?

There really aren’t any bad seats, but the best is the front and the back row.

However, be aware that the further towards the back you get, the bumpier the ride!

If you have small children they should not be at the edge.

In front of you, there are signs which help you recognize which animals you may see on your safari.

The most popular sitings are those of elephants, giraffes, gazelles, rhinos, crocodiles, hippos, and lions.

The safari guides always make sure that they keep you entertained as well as educated. And they will try their best to point out the sometimes very well camouflaged animals.

If you can be organized enough it is a great idea to take some High Powered Binoculars with you.

I went on the safari ride for years before I actually did this. It made a huge difference to what you can see.

There is usually plenty of time to take photos of the animals. Your Cast Member guide will do their best to point out the best photo ops.

Animal Kingdom Safari Ride Fun Facts

Don’t worry. Of course, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has things well designed so that you are not going to get up close and personal with a lion. Big trenches separate humans from the dangerous animals.

Jurassic Park this is not.

Disney has some great tricks to keep the animals visible and happy.

Ever wonder why the lions are always sitting out on the rocks? Yes, they are mimicking what they do in the wild, but what most people don’t know about the rocks is that they are air-conditioned!

The lions originally came from a much cooler park in Oregon, so they needed a little help cooling down in the hot Florida sun. If it ever gets too cold, the rocks can be heated too!

Disney also knows how to get the animals as close as possible to you. How do they do this? The usual incentive for food and water.

They place food, watering holes, and salt licks close to the vehicle paths.

The emphasis is on safety both for humans and animals.

You might think you can reach out and touch that giraffe but there is a large system of trenches, bridges and fences on all the savannas to keep humans from the animals and to keep the animals from predators.

Many years ago there was a story about poachers with a graphic illustration of the fate of Little Red, a baby elephant. This storyline has not been seen for almost a decade as many considered it too upsetting for a Disney attraction.

Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris Best Time To Ride

What is the best time to ride the Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris? This Animal Kingdom ride is popular. And popular means lines.

The best tactic for the best time to ride Disney Kilimanjaro’s Safari? Arrive early. I know that’s always the advice, but it works.

If you can arrive at the Animal Kingdom at rope drop and then go straight to Kilimanjaro Safaris you will most likely be beating the crowds. Even better is if you have Early Entry at 8 am. You can really get ahead of the crowds.

The attraction is right at the back of the park. If you plan to be there early look at a map of Animal Kingdom so you get your bearings as to where you are going.

There are plenty of signs in the park, but it is always good to have an overall view.

There is another great reason to ride Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safari as early as possible. The animals are much more active in the morning.

You are more likely to see a greater selection of active animals than in the afternoon when it is hotter.

 Kilimanjaro Safaris Wait Time

The Disney Kilimanjaro Safari wait times will vary from anywhere between 10 minutes to 120 minutes, This depends on the time of day as well as whether it is peak season or not.

As we have said, the lowest wait time will be as soon as the park opens.

If you leave it until 11 am you are likely to hit the peak wait times of at least 70 to 90 minutes.

Really try and avoid that time of day as it is likely to be the worst.

If you don’t get to the attraction early in the day, the next best time to ride Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris is usually around 3 pm onwards.

A lot of people head for the attraction earlier in the day and have cleared that area by mid-afternoon.

The wait times for this Animal Kingdom attraction are somewhat better now that Disney’s Animal Kingdom has extended opening hours. It used to only ever be open 9 am until 5 pm.

Now the hours are often extended into the evening so this also gives a chance to experience the safari ride at night.

Kilimanjaro Safaris at Night

Now the hours are often extended into the evening so this also gives a chance to experience the Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris at night.

This is a very different experience from touring during the day.

If possible you should try and ride once in the early morning and then go back late in the evening.

The least busy times will be just before the park closes.

Adapting the experience for nighttime was not an easy task. Disney had to spend more than a year preparing the animals and the environment for the nighttime Kilimanjaro Safaris.

They introduced some new animals, such as the nocturnal hyenas, to be better suited to the nighttime experience.

They also added a huge wall of graphic displays to enhance the Kilimanjaro Safaris at night. This is so that guests can actually have enough light to see the animals.

The graphics cleverly mimic a gradually setting sun over an extended period of time.

This is so that the animals can adjust to the environment and the guests can actually still see the animals which are up and about in the evening.

The Kilimanjaro Safaris at Night is definitely a different experience than during the day. Ideally, you should do both. If you have to choose just one though, I would say go in the morning. You are likely to see more active animals.

Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris For Pregnant Ladies

I visited Disney World many times while pregnant. It’s a very pregnant lady-friendly place!

However, there are some Disney World rides that recommend that if you are pregnant you should not ride.

Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safari Ride very clearly states that pregnant ladies should not ride.

This is going to be very much an individual decision. There are some rides at Disney World where it is very obvious that a pregnant woman should not ride.

You probably aren’t going to want to sign up to ride Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, or Rock N Roller Coaster when you are pregnant.

That’s obvious.

But Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of those Disney World rides where you are thinking shall I or shan’t I?

My personal experience is that when I was pregnant with my youngest son I did go on the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride. After about 10 seconds I realized that for me, it was the wrong decision. Kilimanjaro Safari is bumpy!

I remember just wanting it to end almost as soon as it started.

I am fortunate and have experienced the Animal Kingdom Safari Ride many times. However, at that time I really wished I hadn’t. It’s fine normally to speed through the African planes in your safari vehicle over all the bumps, but when pregnant I just wanted to be somewhere else!

Will you be experiencing Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris on your next visit to the Animal Kingdom?

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Disney Animal Kingdom Rides - EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Saturday 17th of August 2019

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Kilimanjaro Safaris

A Truly Wild Adventure

Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to over 30 species living in 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands. Your rugged safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide, who helps point out animals and shares fascinating wildlife facts during this extraordinary 18-minute expedition.

Unique Animal Sightings Spot a lounging hippopotamus nestled in a peaceful pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a towering giraffe grazing on the tall trees or a white rhino relaxing in the cool mud. Other amazing animals you may encounter include cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas, zebras—and so many more!

Since animals have minds of their own, every expedition is a unique and unforgettable experience. Be sure to keep your eyes open and have a camera ready—you never know what you’ll see on a Kilimanjaro Safaris outing.

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Related Activities

Wild africa trek, disney animals at walt disney world resort, even more magic – as you wish, safety, accessibility and guest policies, times for kilimanjaro safaris.

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Kilimanjaro Safaris Guide

On Kilimanjaro Safaris, guests will embark on an African safari in one of the most ambitious attractions ever developed by Walt Disney Imagineering.

Ride Information   Restrictions   Accessibility   Location   Fun Facts   Top 5 Tips

Ride Information

Opening Day: April 22, 1998

Type of Ride: African safari

Age Recommendation: All ages

Duration of Ride: About 20 minutes

Typical Queue Time: Long; often peaks at over one hour

Single Rider Line: No

Chicken Exit Available: Yes

Baby Swap Available: No

Type of Vehicle: Safari truck

Type of Restraint: None

Attraction Open During Early Theme Park Entry: Yes. See our Early Theme Park Entry page for more information.

Ride Photo Available For Purchase: No

Ride Restrictions

Height Requirements: None

Flash Photography or Video Allowed: Yes

Safety, Accessibility, and Guest Policies

Accessibility: 

• Guests must transfer from wheelchairs
• Video Captioning
• Assistive Listening
• Handheld captioning
• Service animals permitted with caution

Guest Policies: Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.

Shopping: Near Kilimanjaro Safaris in the Animal Kingdom’s Africa section, guests can purchase apparel, plush dolls, and collectible ostrich eggs at “Ziwani Traders”; and African wines, art, crafts, and instruments at “Mombasa Marketplace.”

Dining/Refreshment: Dining options abound near Kilimanjaro Safaris. Guests wanting a counter service lunch or dinner can enjoy chicken skewers, vegetable stacks, gyros, fried sausages, and ribs at Harambe Market . Those preferring a sit-down meal should make ADRs for a buffet breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Tusker House . At Tusker House guests can choose between a variety of American and African dishes served amidst entertainment from Donald Duck.

Restroom: Find facilities convenient to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Mombasa Marketplace.

Smoking Location: Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas only. Disney parks are smoke-free.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Fun Facts

Did you know.

• Guests can encounter more than 34 African animal species on Kilimanjaro Safaris, including antelopes, baboons, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, flamingos, gazelles, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, impalas, lions, ostriches, rhinos, warthogs, wild dogs, and zebras. Each safari vehicle is equipped with pictorial guides of all the animals you might encounter during your wildlife adventure.
• The fictitious African village, Harambe, where Kilimanjaro Safaris is located is a homage to real African villages that sit adjacent to vast preserves. Harambe is Swahili for “working together.”
• Kilimanjaro Safaris’ savannah encompasses 110 acres, rendering this single attraction larger than the entire Magic Kingdom park, which only occupies 105 acres.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris’ savannah is called “Harambe Wildlife Reserve.”
• As Kilimanjaro Safaris is located in a theme park, precautionary boundaries, including berms, moats, fences, wires, and chains, are overtly or covertly implanted throughout the savannah to keep the animals in their respective habitats.
• Devices such as air-conditioned rocks, cool breezes, salt licks, cooling or warming waters, and food help guide the animals toward the vehicle routes.
• Guests experience Kilimanjaro Safaris in 10-ton, open-sided GMC trucks, with a camouflage exterior, and seats up to 32 passengers. Cast Members actually drive each vehicle and provide educational commentary throughout the safari.
• The attraction replaces its plants daily to account for the animals’ consumption.
• Guests can experience two related tours, Wild Africa Trek and “Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge,” for an additional cost. The latter experience begins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge , not the Animal Kingdom Park.

• Kilimanjaro Safaris’ 1998 debut marked the realization of Walt Disney’s idea to utilize live animals in an adventure attraction. Disneyland ’s Jungle Cruise originally intended to fill this role in the late 1950s. Animatronic animals replaced the live animals in the version of Jungle Cruise that guests enjoy today.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris’ development entailed much research. In 1990, Imagineer Joe Rhode ventured to Kenya and Tanzania to view animals and experience authentic East African safari tours.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris toned down and then eliminated an overt poaching plotline. First, during the Cast Member previews in 1998, complaints arose over the grotesque depiction of a fake elephant named “Big Red,” who was killed by poachers. Imagineers immediately wrote Big Red out of the attraction. The attraction debuted with a tamer plotline, where poachers kidnap an animatronic baby elephant called “Little Red” and, subsequently, get apprehended. Then, in 2007, this version was altered to limit the dialogue related to poaching between the safari driver and a naturalist named Ms. Jobson. In 2012, the entire poacher storyline, including the related props, were eliminated from the attraction. A zebra habitat replaced the space that the props originally took up. In early 2013 the addax antelope replaced the zebra in this space to allow for better viewing.
• Save for a trial during the 1998 holiday season, Kilimanjaro Safaris ended its tours at sunset, regardless of park closing time, until 2016 because of lighting and animal sleeping issues. Beginning in the summer of 2016, with the debut of nighttime entertainment at the Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safaris will commence extended hours.

Hidden Mickeys:

Top 5 Tips for Kilimanjaro Safaris

• Consider experiencing Kilimanjaro Safaris multiple times as the live animals render each journey different.
• Guests wanting to view the Lions should ride either in the morning or closer to park close when the sun is not as intense.
• Take photos of the savannah and the animals.
• Hang onto your belongings. Anything dropped from the vehicle cannot be retrieved.
• Following Kilimanjaro Safaris, guests can view more African animals, such as gorillas, hippos, naked mole rats, and birds, by walking the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail .

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Kilimanjaro Safaris – 8 Fun Facts You May Not Know

Kilimanjaro Safaris is an attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park where guests will board a safari truck that takes them into the Harambe Wildlife Reserve to view free-roaming animals. Every safari is different, and guests may see hippos, giraffes, elephants, lions, and more during this ride. Have your camera at the ready and hang on because it can get a little bumpy! Here are eight fun facts about the Kilimanjaro Safaris Attraction.

8 – Walt’s Vision Comes to Life

When Walt Disney was designing the original concept for the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland, he wanted to use real animals. This idea was quickly scrapped in favor of audio-animatronics versions of the animals due to the many factors involving the use of live animals. Decades later when Imagineers began the concepts for Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, they knew they would finally have an opportunity to bring Walt’s vision and love of animals to life with Kilimanjaro Safaris.

7 – Size

Kilimanjaro Safaris is the largest attraction at Walt Disney World. So large in fact that the entire Magic Kingdom could fit inside the attraction.

6 – Hidden Mickey

If you are looking for hidden Mickey’s, take a look at the island that the flamingos congregate on. This will be just past the elephants and located on the left-hand side of the truck. The island is shaped like Mickey if you look at it from above.

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5 – Storyline Has Changed from Original Concept

The storyline of the attraction led guests on an adventure to stop poachers who had trespassed onto the Harambe Wildlife Preserve and rescue “Little Red,” a baby elephant. Before the park opened, the attraction included a scene where “Big Red” the mother elephant, killed by poachers could be seen. This was removed from the attraction before opening due to negative responses during tests.  The storyline to save Little Red remained, with guests finding her rescued at the end of the attraction. Eventually, the storyline was removed, and the focus of the attraction is the animals themselves and a conservation message.

4 – Yes, They Are Real Trucks

The safari vehicles are GMC trucks that have been converted to run on propane.  These trucks are actual free-moving vehicles, and they do not run on a track, the driver is responsible for your safety as well as the safety of the animals while out on safari. This is why from time to time your ride vehicle may stop unexpectedly. If an animal is on the ride path, the driver must wait for the animal to clear the area before proceeding. This causes all trucks behind this vehicle to stop as they must remain at a safe distance from each other.  At the end of the day, the trucks are driven off the ride and parked in a lot where they can be serviced before the next day.

3 – The Landscape Isn’t Always Real

While you are on Kilimanjaro Safaris, the landscape looks incredibly real. You may forget for a moment that you are actually in central Florida. The flat-top Acacia trees that are common on the African Savannah are actually just Southern Live Oak trees that they trim to look like Acacias. The animals do not seem to mind though. And the Baobab trees, which have massive trunks and look as if they are upside down as their branches are leafless and resemble roots are not real trees. The ones on the attraction are made of concrete; however, you can see a real one near the Tusker House restaurant in Harambe Village before you enter the ride.

2 – Animals Are Real, But Are Contained

While the animals you see on Kilimanjaro Safaris appear to be free-roaming, they are contained to their specific ecosystem by camouflaged walls, water barriers, and cattle guard chains on the ground. The lions are kept in their location by an 18-foot deep and 21-foot wide moat that separates them from the ride vehicles. Disney has done an incredible job of hiding many of these features, so it appears the animal habitats are connected. Animal keepers place food and toys in areas where the animals will be seen from the ride path, this way guests have the best chance of viewing the animals while on safari.

1 – Animals Get Time to Rest

The animals do not stay on the attraction overnight. Each night they return to their barn located behind the scenes to rest and receive veterinary care.  The Animal Keeper team has trained each animal to return to the barn when it hears a specific sound, some returning to a tambourine, a triangle or a bell, among many other sounds.  The animals also do not go out on the safari every day as they rotate to allow each animal proper time for rest, care, and enrichment.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park offers many different animal viewing attractions and locations, but one of the best attractions is the Kilimanjaro Safaris. While many guests make this the first stop of the day while visiting the park, animals are active and can be seen throughout the day. This popular attraction can have a long wait time and is now one of the Disney Genie+ attractions.  If you’ve been on Kilimanjaro Safari, what animal was your favorite?

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.

Behind the Scenes of Kilimanjaro Safari at the Animal Kingdom

By: Author Erin Bassett

Posted on Last updated: March 1, 2023

Jambo! If you are planning your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, then you have to start with the parks main attraction, Kilimanjaro Safari! Animal Kingdom is often overlooked because people consider it to be basically like a zoo you would have back home. This is Disney. There is more than animals and wildlife, there is a story and you are part of it when you visit.

Let’s take a further look into the star of the show, Kilimanjaro Safari.

Kilimanjaro Safari is the focal point of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This attraction opened with the park in 1998. The story goes that the Harambe Wildlife Reserve was for game hunting but when conservation became a focus that all changed. The reserve transformed into a safe place for the animals and only photo tours were allowed.

What is Kilimanjaro Safari?

If you have ever dreamed of traveling the world to adventure in the great savannah of Africa, look no further! Kilimanjaro Safari takes you and your family, (no height restrictions!), through the various habitats in Animal Kingdom to see animals as they are in their day-to-day lives. Your tour guide Cast Member will fill you in on all of the different animals, fun facts about them, as well as the plant life within the habitats and their purpose to the animals.

What Animals can you Spot on the Kilimanjaro Safari?

Your tour guide will take you through 110 acres of land to see up to 34 different species of animals. Some of the animals seen are:

• Greater Kudu
• White-faced Tree Duck
• Sable Antelope
• Greater Flamingo
• White-bearded Wildebeest
• Pink-backed Pelican
• Yellow-billed Stork
• Ankole Cattle
• Egyptian Goose
• Scimitar–horned oryx
• White Breasted Cormorant
• Stanley Crane
• Mhorr Gazelle
• Saddle-billed Stork
• Black Rhino
• White Rhino
• Hippopotamus
• Nile Crocodile
• Reticulated Giraffe
• Masai Giraffe
• Plains Zebra
• Mountain Zebra
• African Bush Elephant
• African Wild Dog
• Spotted Hyena
• Nigerian Goat

These are just what we’ve seen, you could see someone different! Tell us in the comments who your favorite was!

Kilimanjaro Safari Fun Facts

• Kilimanjaro Safari is almost the same size as all of the Magic Kingdom at 110 acres.
• Disney had to plant all the vegetation 18 months before they could even bring in the animals.
• On the savannah, you will notice dozens of beautiful live oak trees. These were actually on the land prior to building the Animal Kingdom. They were so beautiful Disney dug them up and kept them safe while they built the attraction and then replanted to where we see them today.
• Ever wonder how they get the animals back home at night? All the animals are trained to audio cues to come into their pens. This allows them to do routine medical checks among other things.
• The tire tracks along the path that you drive along are actually carefully placed to keep show water from mingling with the animals drinking water.
• Be on the lookout for hidden feeders the Imagineers placed through the ride. You can normally spot them by logs, rocks, or even up in some of the trees.
• When you drive by the area of flamingos take a close look at the island they are on. It’s a giant hidden Mickey!

When is the Best Time to Ride Kilimanjaro Safari

This is an often debated subject amongst Disney fans and even with those who work on the attraction. Of course, you have to keep in mind that the animals run the show. Much like you may experience with your animals at home you never know what is going to happen or when that nap time is going to hit. Though I must say with my cats, that nap is pretty strong all day long. Consistently I find the best time is to go later in the day closer to sunset. Depending on the time of year this can be between 5 pm – 7 pm. I think this has a lot to do with the animals knowing that at sunset I normally get to end the work day and have some dinner. Of course with Animal Kingdom’s extended hours things have changed a lot. This, however, has been the time that we have seen the otherwise sleeping cats up and running around. I recommend trying to ride the safari more than once, if the lines are not too long.

History of Kilimanjaro Safari

While Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, the idea for the Kilimanjaro Safari started back in 1964 with Walt Disney. After traveling through South America in the 1940s and seeing all of the exotic animals, he wanted to share the knowledge and thrill with the rest of the world.

Disney initially was trying to plan a mini safari or boat ride right in Adventureland in Disneyland. Mind you, Disneyland is smaller than the Magic Kingdom. Of course, Walt Disney had to compromise his vision because they didn’t have the space for such an attraction, (or the funds). That is how we ended up with the beloved Jungle Cruise, but that’s an article for another day!

Fast forward 40 years when an eccentric Disney Imagineer put forth the idea for a theme park designed all about animals and helped teach conservation. Initially the board of directors dismissed the idea stating that it would be boring. Imagineer Joe Rhode came back to the board to pitch the idea again, but this time, he brought a live tiger to walk behind their chairs!

They all agreed that animals were not boring and Animal Kingdom opened on Earth day in 1998.

A Park for the Animals

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is truly a place built for the animals as it was intended. Long before Disney’s other parks did away with straws you may have noticed how Animal Kingdom never had any. Or maybe you noticed that Animal Kingdom does not sell balloons. Or perhaps you wondered why Animal Kingdom is the only park to not have a nighttime spectacular with fireworks.

All of these things have the animals in common. The Imagineers thought through all of the details of the park so that the animals would live with minimal stress. Straws can cause major digestive trauma should an animal find one. Balloons and their metallic backing can not only be dangerous if swallowed, they can cause a great deal of stress on the animals. Fireworks are a no-brainer. We have all met those dogs that need sedation on the 4th of July to handle the fireworks. Now imagine lions, elephants, and rhinos panicking because they think their world is exploding. Just like Edna Mode said “no capes”, Animal Kingdom says, “no fireworks!”.

How big is Kilimanjaro Safari?

Remember how we said that Walt Disney originally wanted a similar attraction in Disneyland? Well, the Magic Kingdom sits on 107 acres of land and Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom sits on a whopping 110 acres!

The area is so large because Disney is focused on the

conservation of animals, not simply our entertainment. Their belief is that Animal Kingdom is their home and we are just visitors. If a rhino sits down in the middle of the roadway on the safari, then settle in because you aren’t going anywhere until he decides to move.

How long is Kilimanjaro Safari?

You should expect for your safari to take around 20 minutes, though it can be more. Expect to stop a few times for the animals. Sometimes the giraffes like to cross the road or those pesky rhinos just want to be the center of attention.

PARENTS OF SMALL CHILDREN:

We know what you’re thinking, “20 minutes of sitting still, yeah, no way.” Don’t write off Kilimanjaro Safari just yet. We thought the same thing but were astounded each and every time our littles sat soaking up every minute of the safari!

Queue for Kilimanjaro Safari

Get ready to learn a few words in Swahili! This all outdoor queue helps jump us into the story that we are going onto a wildlife reserve in Africa. While it is outdoors the good news is it is all covered unless the line is so long it spills into a tree-covered shady area. Along the way, there will be a video playing and posters showing you new words in Swahili, including the names for the animals and how to say hello and goodbye.

Stroller Parking

Disney does an amazing job creating stroller parking near attractions for families. Kilimanjaro Safari stroller parking isn’t as user friendly at first. Ask a Cast Member to direct you to the stroller parking area when you arrive at the queue. It is wrapped around the backside.

Trust us, that’s a good thing! They have the strollers set for where you get off of the safari.

All About Kilimanjaro Safari Ride Vehicles

The Kilimanjaro Safari ride vehicles are custom-made for Disney. They are 1990-2002 GMC Topkicks and Ford Super Duty trucks customized to be able to handle the mud, water, sand, chains, and divots that the safari has. Each vehicle can take 32 guests at a time and the attraction operates at around 3,000 guests per hour.

Do you need a Lightning Lane for Kilimanjaro Safari?

Animal Kingdom is one of those parks that you don’t really need Genie+, unless of course it is a holiday or a holiday weekend. Animal Kingdom has the least amount of attractions to use Genie+ on, so it’s not as worthwhile as it is in places like Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios.

The other thing is that a lot of the rides in Animal Kingdom don’t really have long wait times. Expedition Everest usually hovers 30 minutes and Dinosaur is usually 20 minutes. The longest wait time that can use Lightning Lanes is always Na’vi River Journey, which often exceeds an  hour.

Kilimanjaro Safari wait times really depend on the day. A lot of people rope drop Avatar, making Kilimanjaro wait times low, and then in the afternoon it rises significantly around lunch because people are trying to get on before they park hop.

IF you do have Genie+ we recommend making Kilimanjaro Safari your 7:00 AM first Lightning Lane pick so you can get on bright and early!

Kilimanjaro Pro-Tips!

• RISE AND SHINE! Rope Drop Animal Kingdom and hussle right onto Kilimanjaro Safari! You will likely walk right on and big bonus – Animals are more active in the morning! You will watch them enjoy breakfast, and possibly even hear the lion roar!
• DO NOT RIDE IN THE AFTERNOON We see it every time we go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom – A huge line for the safari that is over an hour wait between 12:00 – 2:00 pm. Don’t do it. Not only did we share how you can get on this ride with minimal wait, but also, the animals won’t do much. Lunch time is like nap time to these guys. You don’t want to be disappointed waiting for over an hour to watch a few animals sleep when you can go early and watch the savannah come alive!
• IT’S HOT We’re not sure if you knew, but it’s hot in Florida. It’s even hotter in Disney’s Animal Kingdom due to the foliage planted to maintain the heat and humidity levels. Here’s the thing – Just like you don’t like the heat, the animals don’t either. If it’s disgustingly hot where you’re miserable, the animals are likely feeling the same. We suggest saving the safari for another day.
• PLAY IN THE RAIN! Don’t let a little rain scare you away. Some animals are a lot like little kids! They love to play in the rain and splash in the puddles. It’s adorable to see and definitely a special view of the safari! NOTE: We’re talking just some rain, not crazy monsoons or thunderstorms.
• RIDE AT DUSK If you time everything just right you can experience a truly safari ride by riding at dusk. Many of the animals are nocturnal, so you see them far more active. We’re all about new and unique experiences! New challenge: See the safari at rope drop and compare it to safari at dusk. Let’s make it happen!
• LAST RIDE TIMES Because the safari is filled with real animals who need real care, the Kilimanjaro Safari does not run all the way until park close. Be sure to check with a Cast Member when the last ride of the night will be if you are planning to try a ride at dusk. Typically, the last ride is around 5:00.
• Kilimanjaro Safari is almost the same size as all of the Magic Kingdom at 110 acres to Magic Kingdom’s 107 acres.
• Disney had to plant all the vegetation 18 months before they could even bring in the animals.
• On the savannah, you will notice dozens of beautiful live oak trees. These were actually on the land prior to building the Animal Kingdom. They were so beautiful that Disney dug them up to keep them safe while they built the attraction and then replanted them to where we see them today.
• Many people believed that all of the animals on the safari were actually Disney animatronics! That would be a lot of engineering work!
• The animals may seem completely free roaming, but Disney has ensured guest’s safety with environmental barricades. There are moats, chains, and other features throughout the attraction to keep animals at bay and everyone and everything safe.
• Why don’t the lions eat the other animals? Disney animals are fed on a regular schedule and that keeps their hunting instincts at bay. Lions in the wild typically only get a full meal every 3-4 days.
• Guests can actually watch the animals receive vet care over at Rafiki’s Planet Watch! Just take the train near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safari.
• More than 2,000 lbs. of elephant poop must be cleared off of the safari EACH DAY! There is no waste in Disney, that poop is then turned to fertilizer for the Disney Agricultural Program.
• All bathrooms in the Africa area of Animal Kingdom have a large bolt lock on a steel door in the off chance of an animal being loose in the area. These are the only restrooms to lock in all of Disney property
• The storyline has changed drastically on this attraction! Currently, you are in Africa about to embark on a special safari tour on a wildlife game preserve. When the attraction first opened, it was the same beginning, but quickly turned into a message about conservation and poaching when the safari vehicle stumbled upon a mutilated mother elephant missing her tusks. For good traumatic measure, her baby was there beside her trying to wake his mama. Yeah. That version only lasted a few months and it was changed. Conservation is still a strong message throughout all of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but they learned it did not need to be so literal.
• To further the message of conservation and keeping animals in their habitats, no animals were brought in from the wild! All Disney animals were brought in from rescues and zoos around the United States. Disney’s Conservation Program has also successfully completed breeding programs for at-risk species.
• You can take special private tours to get up close and personal with some of the savannah’s largest beasts like the Rhino and the Elephants. Check out these and more guided tours here in our article about affordable VIP Disney Experiences .

What have your favorite experience on Kilimanjaro Safari been? Share them with us in the comments below! For more ideas on how to spend your day at the Animal Kingdom read  Animal Kingdom Must Dos.

I am a mother of three that has refused to grow up. Adulting is for the birds, so I go to Disney World every chance I get for that magical escape from reality. I believe that Haunted Mansion is the best ride in all of the Disney Parks, and I am fervently in team Happily Ever After for fireworks spectaculars, (sorry, not sorry, Enchanted). Finally, I hope I never grow tired of skipping down Main Street, USA, and my dream come true would be “friends with” the Fairy Godmother in my old age.

Five Wild Facts About Kilimanjaro Safaris

by Britta Stephens | Apr 3, 2020 | Animal Kingdom , WDW Blog

Walt Disney World makes it so simple and easy to travel the world all while staying in one place. There’s the World Showcase at EPCOT, while Hollywood Studios brings us to the glamour of the west coast. But the Animal Kingdom brings us the most special experience of all—real live animals! Join me as we travel through Kilimanjaro Safaris to and check out all the animals!

Kilimanjaro Safaris is my absolute favorite experience at Animal Kingdom.

From the conservation efforts to the fun facts about the 30 species of animals that coexist in harmony, you will absolutely feel as though you are on a legitimate African Safari.   So hop in a Jeep, and let’s explore the African wild and snap some pictures along the way!

1. Walt’s Dream Come to Life

Unlike Jungle Cruise, these animals are not animatronic—they’re the real deal! Photo by Judd Helms

Walt had so many hopes and dreams for the parks that he never got to see, but the amazing thing is how many have been brought to life even after his passing.

Live animals in the Disney theme parks were just one of these aspirations. In the Disney community, I hear folks say ‘I wonder what Walt would think of X new addition?’ My guess is that he would be ecstatic, but not surprised at all—making dreams come to life is what he did best. 

2.The Happiest Place for Animals!

If you’re anything like me, you may have often wondered how animals of all different species and levels of the food chain coexist in seemingly perfect harmony with no visible barriers. 

This giraffe is relaxed knowing he’s safe from any predators. Photo by Laurie Sapp

That’s because these barriers, while invisible, are distinguishable to the animals (and of course, the Imagineers) but give the guests an even truer sense of a real African safari. With animals feeling safe enough to relax yet curious and stimulated enough to make appearances, everyone’s happy!

3. Animals on Display

You may have noticed that while there is no guarantee that you will see all or even most of the animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris, there is a good chance that a fair amount of them will be in view thanks to a little Disney magic. 

Since giraffes and cattle tend to be on the more introverted side, Imagineers have hung salt licks and feeders in their savanna so as to coax them into view of the guests. And those lions you are bound to find snoozing on a cool rock, seemingly no matter the time of day? 

The rocks are even heated when it’s chilly out! Photo by Laurie Sapp

That is because the team at Walt Disney World figured out a way to pipe cool air into the rocks, specifically the ones that are most visible during your safari.  Happy guests, very happy cats. It’s a win-win!

4. A Trackless Trek

The Cast Member is really driving this ride vehicle! Photo by Cliff Wang

We are so accustomed to many things we experience at Disney being on a track that we tend to assume every boat, doom buggy and yes, even Jeep is operated the same way. This, however, is not true of the Jeeps on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. 

Your tour guide is actually driving your ride vehicle, which costs upwards of $100,000! Talk about an expensive ride! This is most likely due to the fact that while boundaries exist, rhinos and giraffes will be well, rhinos and giraffes, and there is no guarantee that one of the little fellas’ won’t wander in the middle of the road. 

Your Cast Member has to be able to stop and start the vehicle at the will of nature. Literally every detail is centered around the animals in this attraction, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

5.From Sunup to Sundown

Of course, there is no guarantee which animals you will see and when on your African trek. You do, however, have a much better chance of spotting as many of these gorgeous loves as possible if you take a ride during different times of the day. 

With some animals being shy, nocturnal, or just plain stubborn (I’m looking at you, Mr. Rhino) the more you visit the safari, the better chance you’ll have of spotting as many species of animals as possible. Not to mention Kilimanjaro Safaris on a cool(ish) African evening is a breathtaking, surreal experience. 

Some animals get really up close and personal with the Jeeps! Photo by Judd Helms

So many things make Kilimanjaro Safaris one of the most popular attractions in all of Walt Disney World, but what makes it so special to me as a Disney lover is that it is one of Walt’s greatest dreams to come to life. 

He may not have gotten to see this attraction or Animal Kingdom for that matter, but the fact remains that without one man’s dream—we wouldn’t be experiencing the beauty of live animals in Disney theme parks, and Animal Kingdom itself would still be a sleeping dream as opposed to the very real dream come to life it is today.

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• Disney Genie+ Attraction
• Animal Kingdom’s flagship attraction — no height requirement!
• 20+ minute safari adventure with real elephants, lions, giraffes, and more!

Introduction | Attraction | Ride Logistics  | Shopping | Interesting Facts

Introduction.

Feel transported halfway around the world to a 100-acre African savanna as you board Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris trucks. This 20+ minute attraction takes you on a tour of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve as you spot real African animals such as elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, gazelle, crocodiles, and more!

Kilimanjaro Safaris is located in the back of Africa, past the Dawa bar and Mombasa Marketplace.

Walking through the queue area you find yourself in the Harambe Reserve .

Soon you arrive at the boarding platform, enter your truck , and head into the animal reserve. Off you go down the bumpy dirt trail and into the reserve!

Your driver will point out the various wildlife for you. Not all the animals are visible all the time. There is a game spotting guide above your heads in the truck that can help you identify the animals you see.

The first section of the reserve is called the Little Ituri Forest.  Bongos are often hiding around the first bend – look quickly or you might miss these shy creatures. Passing the local watering hole you might see the Black Rhino . On the right, the rare Okapi   which is an animal who appears to be wearing zebra pants, but he’s actually related to the giraffe. 

As you continue, you’ll pass through a watering hole where Hippos may be at the base of cascading waterfalls, and you’ll cross a creaky bridge over a group of Nile Crocodiles . 

The Vehicle emerges from thick vegetation into the vast savannah grasslands. In this area you might see Giraffes , Sable Antelope, Thompson’s Gazelles, Ankole-Watusi Cattle, Wildebeest, and more!  To the left, you’ll pass a rocky area where Hyenas or African Wild Dogs may be spotted. The land is very different here and is accented by termite mounds up to 20 feet high.

On the left is a huge rock formation where a Mandrill Baboon family lives (they can be harder to see!).  The ancient baobab trees can be found in this area.

Around the next bend are the Elephants . Greater Flamingoes inhabit a tiny island that’s in the form of a “Hidden Mickey”.

More watering holes, you might see the white rhinos wallowing in the mud. There are other hoofed animals: the kudu , scimitar-horned oryx and the long-horned eland along with sharp-eyed cheetahs up there among the rocks. 

Coming around the next bend, your attention will quickly be drawn to the high rock formation on your left, where the King and Queen of the Savanaah reside…the  Lions!  Lions do spend the majority of their day sleeping; so don’t expect to see much movement.

Past the lion, you’ll see  warthog burrows (and possibly their residents!) to your left. Keep an eye out for the Ostriches as well! 

This is when your safari comes to an end, as the vehicle rejoins the main roads and the Park Ranger Station comes into view.

To take a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris, check out this AllEars TV Video:

RIDE LOGISTICS

Lightning Lane  access for  Kilimanjaro Safaris  is available  with the purchase of Genie+ . If you choose not to purchase Genie+, going first thing in the morning will likely provide you with a lower wait time. 

Time:   The safari lasts 20-30 minutes. The drivers are not allowed to go off the track, so you could experience short delays as animals cross the safari trucks’ path.

Warnings:  For 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 ride.

The ride vehicle is 8 feet off the ground enabling you to wind your way through the grasslands and waterways of the savanna. 32 passengers fit in this all-terrain truck with a driver for your guide. There is some padding on the seat bottoms and tops .

Taller or larger guests may find the seating cramped with confined leg room.

If you want a less bumpy ride, ask to sit in the front of the truck. The ride feels bumpiest in the back. 

Accessibility:  Must transfer to wheelchair. Guests in wheelchairs should follow the signs to head to the special boarding area. You will need to either transfer from your wheelchair to a seat, or transfer to a standard wheelchair.

Video Captioning, Assistive Listening , and Language Translation Devices are available.

Due to the nature of the experience, those with service animals should check with a cast member at the attraction for boarding information.

The drivers are trained to spot the animals along the Safari and point them out to you. Photography, however, is a challenge — if possible the driver will briefly stop for your photo op.

If you have questions about the animals, ASK. Though there is an assigned script, every safari really is different depending on where the animals are and who your driver is.

In general, the best times to ride are morning or at sunset, when it’s cooler. The animals are often out in the rain as well.

When Animal Kingdom is open after dark you can journey through the African savanna amid the “magically extended orange glow” of the setting sun. This is best seen at dusk. Once the sun sets, the savanna is dark, making it difficult to see animals.

REMAIN SEATED AT ALL TIMES!   Because the drivers are not allowed to stop on the ride path, the truck is always moving (the trucks are governed so the maximum speed is only 10 mph, though it feels faster). Animals can move in front of the vehicle at any time causing the driver to slam on the brakes and causing you to go flying. There are many mirrors on the trucks for the drivers, so just because you can’t see an animal doesn’t mean the driver can’t.

If you want to take good pictures sit on the end of the rows, you get better shots. You can also get better shots if you sit in the back row, where you can carefully turn around for photos.

The Mombasa Marketplace is located just before the main entrance of Kilimanjaro Safaris. Here you’ll find unique African goods, as well as Animal Kingdom and The Lion King specific merchandise.

INTERESTING FACTS

You won’t see any visible walls or fences here. Disney has done a remarkable job of hiding all the barriers that keep you and the animals safe.

When building the savanna, landscapers asked that the plants and trees be in place for two years before moving in the animals.

The details of the savanna were carefully crafted to give the illusion that it had “always been there”, right down to the ruts in the road that make the truck jolt and bump!

The hippos are actually the same ones you will sometimes see on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. The hippo barn resides in between Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and the savanna river.

The original version of Kilimanjaro Safaris included a heavy-handed anti-poaching storyline, but it was slowly faded out and by 2012 was gone completely. 

Here are some animals you may see on Kilimanjaro Safaris:

AFRICAN FOREST Black Rhinoceros Bongo Egyptian Goose Helmeted Guineafowl Northern Pintail Nyala Okapi Pink-backed Pelican Saddle-billed Stork Yellow-backed Duiker Yellow-billed Stork

SAVANNAH WEST Hyenas Wild Painted Dogs Grant’s Zebra Greater Kudu Greater Flamingo Impala Mandrill Mhorr’s Gazelle Nile Crocodile Nile Hippopotamus Reticulated Giraffe Sable Antelope White-bearded Wildebeest

SAVANNAH EAST African Elephant African Lion Cheetah Eland Ostrich Scimitar-horned Oryx Warthog White Rhinoceros

How long is Kilimanjaro Safaris?

The ride takes 20 Minutes Find all the attractions by their length

Will Kilimanjaro Safaris make me motion sick?

The motion level is Low. Jeep ride through the animal savannas. You will be jostled on the ride. Near the end, there are some sharp quick turns. Details on handling motion sensitivity on your visit

Is Individual Attraction Selection available for Kilimanjaro Safaris?

No Kilimanjaro Safaris is not eligible for Individual Attraction Selection Find Individual Attraction Selection attractions

Is Kilimanjaro Safaris included in Genie+?

Yes Kilimanjaro Safaris is included in Genie+ Find more Genie+ attractions using our search

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Five Things to Know About Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris is an open-air safari through 110 acres called the Harambe Wildlife Preserve. Think of your trip as more of a photo safari during which you have an opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife roaming “freely” through forests, grasslands, and savannas.

The wonderful (and sometimes frustrating) aspect of Kilimanjaro Safaris is that no two journeys are alike. You may see a lot of animals, or sometimes only a few! Here are the five things to know before you head for the savannah.

(If you’re in a hurry and just want details like where it is and how long the ride lasts, click here to jump straight to the Nuts and Bolts section.)

1. It Really Looks Like a Safari

What I have learned from the animal world, and what anyone will learn who studies it, is a renewed sense of kinship with the earth and all its inhabitants. – Walt Disney

Long before the Animal Kingdom existed, Walt wanted to create a ride featuring live animals at Disneyland. He originally proposed the idea while Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise was being designed. The impracticality of using animals soon became apparent and was shelved in favor of using animatronics.

Later, Disney World would offer something Disneyland couldn’t. Walt said, “Here in Florida, we have something special we never enjoyed at Disneyland… the blessing of size. There’s enough land here to hold all the ideas and plans we can possibly imagine.” So, in a sense, Walt’s dream of a ride featuring live animals came true when Kilimanjaro Safaris opened with Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998.

Animal Kingdom, headed by lead designer Joe Rohde, was revolutionary in that this park was alive – but it didn’t feel like a zoo. Incredible care was taken to ensure it looked like an actual African reserve. Equally important was that the animals be afforded an environment in which they could thrive. This attention to detail and respect for the animals that you see on Kilimanjaro Safaris is a big part of what makes this park different.

An overhead sign in the queue puts it best: “These lands preserve a portion of Africa’s vanishing wildlife. Please show respect to all animals you meet. Your care will ensure their survival. Asante Sana – Thank You.”

2. Looks are Deceiving

“You can’t just let nature run wild.” – Walt Disney

All the animals appear to be roaming freely. Which is true, to a degree. The Imagineers have strategically placed camouflaged barriers built into the savanna, woodland, and rocky hills. This is done to prevent predators like lions, or potentially dangerous animals like hippos, from wandering where they shouldn’t. (It keeps guests safe, too!)

But don’t worry – your ride experience will still be more than a tame drive through the woods. You’ll see a wide variety of landscapes and different terrains, all designed as homes for African animals. Since animal behavior is unpredictable, you never know which animals you’ll see on your safari. This makes it a different experience each time you take the journey!

For the list-makers, some of the 34 species roaming about include giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, elephants, antelope, impalas, gazelles, crocodiles, lions, rhinos, and cheetahs! Your guide will point out which animals are visible as you drive through and provide facts about them. Like the Jungle Cruise, this ride is different every time as your guide’s information is unique to your trip.

To maximize the number of species you may be able to spot on your safari, the Imagineers have taken a few steps to encourage them to appear. Water holes, forage areas, and salt licks are placed in spots that “tempt” animals to be in sight near your path when your safari truck passes along.

Bonus fact: the rocks in the preserve can provide the animals with air conditioning during extreme heat. They can also be heated when it gets colder than it should be for the animals.

3. It’s Real, Which Means It’s Not Perfect

“I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the park. I want them to feel they’re in another world.” – Walt Disney

Kilimanjaro Safaris is intended to be as realistic as possible to an actual safari. The entire experience is designed to help you feel as if you’re on the real thing. Truth be told, it accomplishes this goal very nicely.

However, as a consequence of the devotion to making the experience as real as possible, the roads are bumpy! As you travel through the preserve, you can be guaranteed that you’ll hit some potholes and bumps in the path that will cause your safari truck to bounce and lurch around.

Bonus fact: The ride vehicles for Kilimanjaro Safaris are custom-built trucks. They aren’t attached to a track or predetermined route of any sort. Your guide is actually driving the truck over the rough terrain. They do their best to miss any really bad dips and divots in the road, but there’s only so much room to maneuver on the paths.

As you attempt to take photos, it’s important for you to know that the vehicle isn’t guaranteed to stop at any given location. Drivers will try to accommodate guests and stop the truck when animals are visible from the path, but be prepared to click your shutter without having time to frame the perfect shot. I have a whole roll of film (yeah, it was a while ago) of blurry images as we tried our best to take pictures of wildebeests or lions to no avail.

For the best possible pictures, sit toward the outside of the seats (and Cast Members will probably recommend that little ones be seated on the inside). Even though both sides offer views of the animals, the left side is considered the best by some.

4. The Queue is a Sharp Contrast

“Whenever I go on a ride, I’m always thinking of what’s wrong with the thing and how it can be improved.” – Walt Disney

I’m totally guessing that Walt would have suggestions to improve the queue area for Kilimanjaro Safaris. To be honest, there’s not a lot to see as you wait in what is a really long queue. At one point, you pass through the “booking office.” It made me think about the plethora of details in the Jungle Cruise queue area “office.” I wished that something with similar interest and fun had been done here at the very least.

In the final stretch of your line, overhead screens show clips about the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. Frankly, there’s not a lot else to see as you wait. And because it’s an open-air queue, it’s not all that comfortable on a hot, humid Florida day despite the overhead fans.

One improvement has been made to the attraction, at least in my opinion. The earliest script for the safari included a plotline about poachers. The experience could be a little intense – even a bit scary – at times. I remember in particular one part that involved crossing a rickety bridge that appeared to almost collapse while we were on it. Honestly, I didn’t mind when either of these parts of the story were removed.

5. The Nuts and Bolts

Kilimanjaro Safaris is located at the rear of the Africa section in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. The ride lasts 20 minutes, plus or minus. Bonus fact: It’s the longest ride in the parks that’s not a movie or show.

The safari trucks are open-air vehicles, providing you with the widest possible range of vision. Each can hold 35 guests with 3-5 guests in a row. As you might expect, the seats aren’t easy chairs and consist of a slightly padded bench with a back.

To board, you have to take a small step up into the vehicle. There are no height restrictions for Kilimanjaro Safaris. Guests in an ECV must transfer to a standard wheelchair.

There are some significant health advisories for Kilimanjaro Safaris. Disney advises that for 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 ride. The reason for all of these is the previously discussed bumpy terrain.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of Animal Kingdom’s busiest attractions, along with Expedition Everest and the two Pandora attractions. Waits diminish in the late afternoon, sometimes as early as 3:30 p.m. The ride does operate when it’s raining, if possible, but it may close if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

To make the safari accessible to as many as possible, the following aids are available from Guest Services with a refundable deposit: Handheld Captioning , Video Captioning , Assistive Listening Devices, and Audio Description Devices .

Lastly, Lightning Lane via Genie+ is available.

The Bottom Line

Walt said, “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”

We think the Imagineers totally succeeded here. Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World author, Bob Sehlinger, agrees, saying: “Having traveled in Kenya and Tanzania, I can tell you that Disney has done an amazing job of replicating the sub-Saharan east-African landscape. As on a real African safari, what animals you see, and how many, is pretty much a matter of luck. We’ve experienced Kilimanjaro Safaris more than 100 times and had a different experience on each trip.”

How many times have you taken the safari? Which animals were you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below. Asante!

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Bob Jacobs lives in Wisconsin where he retired as Editorial Director for a well-known catalog company. He and his wife Cristie have four children, seven grandchildren and a cocker spaniel named Penny the Dog. They’ve visited Walt Disney World regularly since 1992.

2 thoughts on “ Five Things to Know About Kilimanjaro Safaris ”

This will be my frist time on the safari at Disney world I’m so excited about the ride and I can’t wait to ride it and I love the African aminals because I’m part African

If you enjoy the Safari, I would also recommend doing the Wild Africa Trek to anyone that has a chance to do so! This experience was fantastic and goes into places that the Safari doesn’t and is a much more “up close and personal” tour of the area.

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14 Intriguing Facts About Kilimanjaro Safaris

Written by Delphinia Roque

Modified & Updated: 03 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

• Adventure Tourism Facts
• African Wildlife Facts
• Endangered Species Facts
• Jungle Exploration Facts

Kilimanjaro Safaris is a thrilling and unforgettable adventure that takes guests on a journey through the African savanna right in the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This attraction offers a unique and immersive experience where visitors get the chance to encounter an array of stunning wildlife in their natural habitat.

With its vast landscape and diverse ecosystem, Kilimanjaro Safaris provides an opportunity to witness majestic animals such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos up close. But did you know that there are many intriguing facts about this popular attraction? From its impressive size to its immersive storytelling, here are 14 fascinating facts that will make you appreciate Kilimanjaro Safaris even more.

Key Takeaways:

• Kilimanjaro Safaris is a massive wildlife reserve with over 34 species, offering close encounters with iconic African animals and a chance to witness natural behaviors. It’s a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
• The safari provides an immersive experience with open-air vehicles, day and night tours, and a focus on animal conservation. It’s a thrilling and educational journey through the African wilderness, perfect for photography enthusiasts and animal lovers.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of the largest animal exhibits in the world.

Stretching over 110 acres, this impressive wildlife reserve is home to more than 34 different species, making it a truly remarkable and expansive safari experience.

The attraction opened in 1998.

Since its opening, Kilimanjaro Safaris has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of visitors who come to witness the beauty and majesty of African wildlife.

It offers a close-up encounter with some of Africa’s most iconic animals.

From lions and elephants to giraffes and hippos, Kilimanjaro Safaris provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe these incredible creatures up close and personal.

The safari vehicles are designed for optimal viewing.

The open-air safari vehicles provide unobstructed views of the animals, ensuring that visitors can capture breathtaking photographs and have a truly immersive experience.

The attraction is set in the fictional Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

Harambe, meaning “come together” in Swahili, creates the authentic atmosphere of an African village, further enhancing the overall safari experience.

The Kilimanjaro Safaris ride lasts approximately 18 minutes.

During this time, guests are transported through different habitats, encountering a wide range of animals along the way.

It has its own team of dedicated animal care experts.

The highly trained and knowledgeable team at Kilimanjaro Safaris ensures the well-being and conservation of the animals, making education and conservation a top priority.

Kilimanjaro Safaris has featured in several film and television productions.

Its unique setting and rich array of wildlife have made it a popular location for filmmakers, capturing the beauty of African landscapes.

The attraction offers both day and night safaris.

Visitors have the opportunity to experience the magic of Kilimanjaro Safaris both during the day, with its vibrant colors, and at night, with its unique ambiance and different animal activity.

Kilimanjaro Safaris plays a vital role in animal conservation.

Through various initiatives, the attraction supports wildlife conservation efforts, raising awareness about endangered species and their habitats.

It is not uncommon to witness animal behavior typical of their natural habitat.

Guests may be lucky enough to see a lion roar or a herd of elephants bathing in the sun, providing a true glimpse into the lives of these animals in their natural environment.

Kilimanjaro Safaris offers an unforgettable experience for photographers.

The diverse landscapes and remarkable wildlife make it a dream destination for photographers looking to capture stunning images of African wildlife.

The attraction is constantly evolving.

Disney Imagineers are dedicated to enhancing the safari experience by introducing new elements, habitats, and technologies to further immerse visitors in the world of African wildlife.

Kilimanjaro Safaris provides educational opportunities.

Through informative narration and signage throughout the ride, guests can learn about the animals they encounter, their behaviors, and the importance of conservation.

So, whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a thrilling adventure, Kilimanjaro Safaris offers an unforgettable experience that combines entertainment, education, and the wonders of exploring the African wilderness. Plan your visit today and embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of the animal kingdom.

In conclusion, Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of Africa’s most fascinating wildlife. From the iconic African elephants to the elusive cheetahs, this safari adventure offers guests a chance to immerse themselves in an African savanna ecosystem like no other.

With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and expert guides, Kilimanjaro Safaris truly captures the essence of an African safari. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an animal lover, or simply someone looking for a unique adventure, this attraction is sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, the next time you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, be sure to embark on this thrilling and educational journey through Kilimanjaro Safaris for an experience you won’t soon forget!

Q: How long is the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction?

A: The Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction typically lasts around 20 minutes, but the actual duration may vary depending on factors such as animal sightings and traffic within the park.

Q: Are the animals in the Kilimanjaro Safaris real?

A: Yes, all the animals encountered during the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction are real. The attraction replicates an African savanna and houses a diverse range of animals in a naturalistic environment.

Q: Can I take photographs during the Kilimanjaro Safaris?

A: Absolutely! Photography is allowed during the Kilimanjaro Safaris. Just be mindful of the safety guidelines and respectful towards the animals and other guests.

Q: Do I need to make a reservation for Kilimanjaro Safaris?

A: Kilimanjaro Safaris operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not required. However, it is advisable to plan your visit during non-peak hours to avoid longer wait times.

Q: Is Kilimanjaro Safaris suitable for young children?

A: Yes, Kilimanjaro Safaris is suitable for guests of all ages, including young children. It provides a safe and family-friendly environment for everyone to enjoy the wildlife and scenery.

After embarking on this virtual safari adventure, why not explore more fascinating facts about wildlife and nature? Discover the incredible conservation efforts that help protect endangered species and their habitats. Learn about the diverse array of creatures that call Animal Kingdom home and be amazed by their unique adaptations. Finally, take a stroll through the enchanting Jardin Des Plantes and uncover the secrets of plant life through guided tours led by expert botanists.

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The Best And Worst Time To Go On Animal Kingdom's Popular Safari

T here's more to Disney's Animal Kingdom than just Pandora — The World of Avatar. In terms of wait times, Kilimanjaro Safaris is right up there with Avatar Flight of Passage and Na'vi River Journey as one of the park's most popular attractions. This is where Animal Kingdom lives up to its name and shows you some real live animals as you board a truck for a bumpy ride through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. With all the other animal-free rides like Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom , it would be easy to lose sight of the fact that it's as much a zoological park as it is a theme park. Kilimanjaro Safaris puts you in touch with both sides of that, letting riders see over 30 different species in their element, provided you catch them at the right time.

Unlike other Animal Kingdom attractions, Kilimanjaro Safaris isn't just subject to the whims of tourist crowds or the fickle malfunctions that sometimes cause Disney rides to break down. Even when the safari trucks are up and running, the best and worst time to ride one may depend on the animals' habits. Sometimes, they could appear to be hiding simply because they're resting out of sight somewhere in the 110-acre wildlife reserve. With hippos and crocodiles, for instance, you might only catch a glimpse of their heads above water. It helps to know when the animals are generally most active so you can maximize your sightings of them on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Read more: 75 Things Every American Should Do In Their Lifetime

Plan Around The Florida Sun For Kilimanjaro Safaris

Like South Florida's Lion Country Safari, Kilimanjaro Safaris offers a savanna tour where you might momentarily forget you're in the Sunshine State, not Africa. Technically, it's Animal Kingdom's version of Africa, where the "Festival of the Lion King" show also takes place. As you cross the bridge into it, you might see tourists posing in front of Africa signs. Yet this is still Florida, and the weather here factors into how the safari animals behave. When it's too hot, they're more likely to be cooling off in the shade.

That's one reason why you'll hear frequent visitors recommend early morning, late afternoon, or early evening as the best time to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris. Aim for when the sun is lower and the animals are out feeding, like our giraffe friend above. It's a tip backed up by panelists at planDisney, who suggest visiting first thing after the park opens or later in the day before it closes. Keep in mind, Animal Kingdom usually closes earlier than Disney's other parks, with Kilimanjaro Safaris often ending its tours before sunset.

Conversely, the worst time to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris — especially in Florida's summertime heat — could be mid-day. This is true not only for animal sightings but potentially for your own comfort, as you'll be riding 20 minutes outdoors in an open-air truck. The tour's resident lions may actually be more comfortable than you since Disney reportedly built air conditioning into the rocks where they lounge.

Try To Catch The Kilimanjaro Safari After It Rains

One mistake to avoid when planning your next Florida trip is expecting all sunshine and no rain. The same is true of Animal Kingdom, where cooling rain can draw out the animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris after the downpour stops. When I was there with family one summer, we got caught in a typical afternoon rainstorm and ducked into Pizzafari. Later, I kicked myself for getting tied up there instead of heading straight for the real safari when the rain let up.

Understanding Lightning Lane can also help you strategize with Kilimanjaro Safaris since it's one of the attractions that service covers. You can always keep an eye out for special offerings on Disney's list of Enchanting Extras, too. One previous offering was a private Kilimanjaro Safaris ride, combined with a meal at Tiffins Restaurant and VIP seating for "Festival of the Lion King." When we did it, we had the safari truck mostly to ourselves, with only our guide and a few other guests.

If you don't mind paying for an add-on like that, the next best one that's often available is the Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. It offers the rare chance for a night safari at Disney (again, with real animals, as opposed to the fake ones you'd see on the Jungle Cruise at night). Otherwise, just keep the beginning or end of the day in mind as your best bet for spotting the most animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris.

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25 Fun Facts about Disney’s Animal Kingdom on its 25th Anniversary

• By Steve Spears
• April 21, 2023

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating 25 years of being “truly a living thing,” as Roy E. Disney declared at the park’s official dedication ceremony on April 21, 1998. Fans of the Central Florida theme park beam about its animal encounters, endearing musicals and thrilling rides.

There’s a lot to celebrate two and a half decades later. For example, despite serving as an attraction to tourists, Animal Kingdom is also a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums , an organization that strives to increase populations of endangered animals around the world. Disney’s Animal Nutrition Center – located backstage at the theme park – has created diets for more than 3,000 mammals, reptiles and birds, proving to be a model kitchen for other AZA-accredited facilities.

Here are 25 more interesting facts about Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

THE SPARK: It’s said that Walt Disney’s love of animals began when he was four years old. His family moved from Chicago to Marceline, Mo., where he had to take care of farm animals.

FREQUENT FLYERS : To build Animal Kingdom, a core team of seven Walt Disney Imagineers traveled more than 500,000 miles in search of visions of life in the world. That’s equal to circling the globe 20 times.

NOT SO WILD: The originally intended name for the park was Disney’s Wild Animal Kingdom. The “wild” was dropped before it opened.

MAGICAL CREATURES: When then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner first talked up the development of the theme park, the idea was to include mythological animals – think unicorns – along with real-life creatures.

HOLLYWOOD HELP: One could argue those mythological creatures finally arrived when Pandora – The World of Avatar – opened in 2017.

FIRST ARRIVALS: A pair of 2-year-old giraffes, Miles and Zari, were the first animals to arrive at the park on April 26, 1997.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: The first birth at Disney’s Animal Kingdom was a kudu, a large African antelope, on Oct. 5, 1997.

STAYING PUT: Today, 45 animals that have been residents of the park since opening day or before still live there.

A HUGE DEAL: The Kilimanjaro Safari attraction rests on 110 acres of land, while the Magic Kingdom itself is only 107 acres in size.

RECORD BREAKER: Expedition Everest , in the Asia area of Animal Kingdom, cost $100 million to build. That landed the roller coaster as the most expensive coaster ever built to date, according to the 2011 Guinness World Records .

A MASTERPIECE: The Tree of Life has 337 animal carvings carved into its base – not machine-carved, they’re hand-carved in plaster. It took 10 artists and three “Imagineers” working full-time for 18 months to finish the work.

BLOW US OVER: The base of the Tree of Life is actually an oil rig that was designed to hold up to hurricane winds.

NO BONES ABOUT IT: “Dino-Sue” in DinoLand is a nearly-exact replica of the T. rex skeleton in Chicago’s Field Museum. The Chicago skeleton is the world’s most complete representation of a T. Rex and is actually 2 feet longer than the Animal Kingdom version.

GREEN THUMBS: More than 4 million trees, plants, shrubs, vines, grasses and ground coverings from every continent on Earth — except Antarctica — have been planted.

A REAL ADVENTURE: A Wilderness Explorers program debuted in 2013, allowing guests to trace the adventures of Russell from the Disney Pixar film “Up” and earn badges during the journey.

A GREAT CAUSE: The Disney Conservation Fund , supported by Animal Kingdom guests, has directed $125 million and to support organizations working with wildlife communities since its founding in 1995.

HERE TO HELP: Animal Kingdom is home to several endangered species including Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, African elephants, cotton-top tamarins and okapi.

ANIMAL ER: Animal Kingdom is one of only a few animal hospitals in U.S. zoos with computed tomography (CT) scanners, allowing quicker diagnoses and treatments.

QUITE THE GROCERY BILL: It takes four tons of food a day to feed the park’s animals.

THANKFULLY NOT MY JOB: More than 10,000 samples of animal poop have been analyzed since the park opened.

A GARDEN HOSE WON’T DO: It requires 27 million gallons of water to fill Discovery River – about the amount needed to fill 1,800 average-sized backyard pools.

AWE-INSPIRING ELEVATION: The 22 floating mountains in the Valley of Mo’ara on Pandora – The World of Avatar peak at about 130 feet above the floor.

TRUE TEAMWORK: It took more than 60 artisans from the United States, Peru, France, Portugal, Japan and Ireland to create the floating mountains on Pandora – The World of Avatar.

BE RIGHT BACK: The shortest ride at Animal Kingdom is TriceraTop Spin at 1 minute and 30 seconds.

SIT AND STAY A WHILE: The longest attraction at Animal Kingdom is a tie at 30 minutes between Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond.

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Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

As the sun sets, the savanna awakens.

Witness the wild as it comes to life on an after-dark safari tour of Disney’s African savannas and wildlife! This popular, nighttime expedition is open to all Guests at Walt Disney World Resort.

Climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle and feel the rush of night air as you rumble through lush scenery, scanning the horizon for over 30 species of African wildlife!

The Nightlife of Wildlife To make the most of your animal-viewing extravaganza, Guests will be provided with a night vision device! You’ll be astounded by what you can see: zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and antelopes—plus ostriches and over 20 other exotic African species that freely roam across the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge .

Reservations and Important Details Reservations can be made on this page or in the My Disney Experience app .

This nighttime tour lasts approximately one hour. It’s available exclusively to Guests 8 years of age or older. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult who is 18 years of age or older.

Know Before You Go

• Warning: This experience features a ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna. 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.
• Late arrivals after the start of the tour will not be accommodated.
• Check in at the porte-cochere at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Valid photo ID will be required to check in.
• 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.
• Guests must be at least 8 years of age to participate in Starlight Safari, and Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
• Guests using an ECV must leave their mobility devices behind at the Resort. They will retrieve them upon conclusion of the tour. This experience requires Guests in ECVs to transfer into an available wheelchair in order to participate in the tour.
• Nontransferable wheelchair Guests may remain in their wheelchair throughout this experience, however due to limited capacity on board the safari vehicle, all accommodation requests must be confirmed by calling (407) 666-6400.
• While safari vehicles are equipped for rain and wet terrain, experiences may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
• All aspects of the tour are subject to change without notice.
• Starlight Safari is a night experience, and Guests are responsible for transportation to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village.
• Allow up to 1.5 hours to travel to your destination within Walt Disney World Resort.

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Savor the savanna, safety, accessibility and guest policies, make a reservation, times for starlight safari at disney's animal kingdom lodge.

15 Fun Facts About Disney's Animal Kingdom

By stacy conradt | apr 22, 2015.

It’s no coincidence that Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day in 1998—it’s the only Disney park dedicated to animal conservation. The 500 acres it takes up also makes it Disney’s largest theme park, and, as you might expect, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes in order to keep the operation running smoothly. In honor of Earth Day, here are 15 things you probably didn’t know about Disney’s wild side.  

1. Artists went out on a limb.

Loadmaster, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0

There are more than 300 carvings on the Tree of Life. It took 10 artists and three Imagineers working full-time for 18 months to create all of them.

The Tree itself is 145 feet tall and 160 feet wide. And no, it’s not real. The base is actually an oil rig , made to withstand Floridian hurricane winds. It’s topped with more than 102,583 transparent leaves in five shades of green.

2. Park scientists document love in the "wild."

Disney Animal Kingdom scientists have been conducting in-depth studies on the vocalizations of elephants since the park opened in 1998. They’ve uncovered some interesting flirting interactions between male herds and female herds, and even discovered two new vocalizations never before reported in elephants.

3. The entire area is a zebra-free zone …

Zebras were introduced to the Kilimanjaro Safari ride in 2012—and removed just four months later. Though Disney never released an official statement, rumor has it that the zebras were too aggressive—constantly biting each other, blocking paths, and even attacking ride vehicles.

4. ... But it contains eight members of one of the world’s most endangered species.

Getty Images

Since the park opened in 1998, eight endangered white rhinos have been born at Animal Kingdom. There are only about 11,000 left in the entire world.

5. Birds are egged on.

Some of the park's birds are given fake eggs to sit on, which makes older birds think they don’t need to continue repopulating. It also shows the younger birds where they should lay their eggs, so it’s a win-win situation.

6. Some of the park's plants were chosen by an elephant.

Certain plants that grow in the park were selected by Durgha Kali , a female elephant living in Nepal. One of Disney’s landscape architects rode the elephant to collect seeds; when Durgha Kali came across plants she liked, she would pick them with her trunk and hand them to her rider.

7. Disney decided to scale back on the dragons.

Part of the park was originally supposed to be “Beastly Kingdom,” an area featuring creatures such as dragons and unicorns. Evidence of the incomplete land can still be found around the park—for instance, there’s a dragon in some of the logos . The Beastly Kingdom area is now being made into Avatar Land.

The Imagineers who were scheduled to work on Beastly Kingdom were let go when plans were scrapped, and immediately snapped up by Universal Studios, who had them focus on the Dragon Challenge roller coaster, now part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Beastly Kingdom attractions would have included a dark roller coaster called “Dragon Tower,” a ride based on the Fantasia movie, and a hedge maze called “Quest for the Unicorn.”

8. The park's mountain costs hundreds … of millions.

With a cost of more than $100,000,000, Expedition Everest is the most expensive roller coaster ever made , and at 199.5 feet tall, it’s just shy of the Federal Aviation Guidelines that would have  required the faux mountain to have a red light beacon on top.

9. Pre- Frozen , its scribes just kept swimming.

Before they penned the ice queen hits you’ve heard 4-year-olds everywhere sing for the past two years, Frozen writers Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez  wrote  the songs for Finding Nemo: The Musical at Animal Kingdom.

10. The Magic Kingdom is tiny by comparison.

The Kilimanjaro Safari savannah is more than 110 acres , making this one ride bigger than the entire Magic Kingdom (107 acres).

11. You can meet Sue. (Sort of.)

FunkMonk, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0

If you haven’t made it to the Field Museum in Chicago to check out Sue, the world’s most complete T. Rex skeleton, be sure to visit Dino-Sue in DinoLand. At 13 feet tall and 40 feet long, the statue is an exact replica (except the real Sue is actually 2 feet longer ).

12. A robot dinosaur used to roam park grounds.

The park once featured an animatronic dinosaur named Lucky that could walk, interact with guests, and even give autographs all by itself. (This further affirms my belief that Disney is the first place to steer clear of when machines become self-aware.) Lucky no longer maintains a permanent residence at the park, and instead travels to festivals all over the world.

13. Imagineers invented their own prehistoric creature.

The Carnotaurus baddie in the Dinosaur! ride isn’t an exact representation of the real carnotaur—this one has bigger thighs, knobbier skin, and more height—so Imagineers decided it was a new sub-species. They named it “Carnotaurus robustus Floridana,” meaning “Stout meat bull from Florida.”

14. The animals come first.

You  won’t find plastic straws, cup lids, or balloons at Animal Kingdom. These all pose health risks to the animals.

15. Designers decided not to rock the boat.

Imagineer Joe Rohde has mentioned that the design team considered a Noah’s Ark concept as a unique way to enter the park, but decided that it was too controversial to include.