Checking-In and Getting suited up!

We gathered with our tour group across from the front entrance of Kilimanjaro Safari to check-in for the Wild Africa Trek. The trek is three hours long. Our guide checked us all in and then explained to us that there would be no restrooms available during the first two hours, so now was our chance to take advantage of the restrooms before suiting up! But wait, there’s a surprise…there are bathrooms on the Savannah, stop! I know so cool right?! Wait til you see!

Next, we put all of our non-essential item in lockers. Trekkers are able keep their camera or phone if it can be secured to your vest. Our family was then fitted with vests and harnesses that fit snugly. I was able to bring my Epi-Pen with me on the Trek once it was secured to my vest (no bees getting me here!). Next, they weigh you, to make sure you’re in compliance with the required weight (45 pounds to 300 pounds). Weights were discreetly done so that only the guides see your weight. The guides then distributed name tags and we were all gifted a cute metal water bottle that attached to our vests. Lastly, we were given wireless head sets so we could hear the guides navigate through our Trek. After some fun family and group photos we were off!

The Trek Begins……

Daniel and Morgan were our guides on this beautiful day. We took a short trek through the woods to an overlook by the Hippopotamus pool. Prior to entering a gated area, the guides attached us to the Safety Line. An animal specialist, Sierra, joined us to share specifics about the Hippos and brought lots of lettuce for the Hippos too. We had a chance to learn about Hippos, take photos, and enjoy watching the Safari Vehicles go by across the water.

One of the funny moments on our trek was was being able to look at peoples confused and slightly concerned faces in the Safari Vehicles when they saw us standing atop the Hippo area.

We ventured onto our next location by traversing a rope suspension bridge over the Hippopotamuses! With my harness connected to the cable above, I walked the bridge without a care in the world. Basking in the glee of checking this coveted adventure off my bucket list. The photography taken of us that you see below is just another one of the amazing perks of this adventure. Next we traversed a second suspension bridge over the crocodiles Visiting two exclusive up close animal encounters.

This was one of my favorite highlights of the Trek. The views were simply amazing – I wanted to stop and just look forever!

Crocodile Overlook

Next, we arrived at the crocodile overlook for some up close and personal views of these powerful animals. Our guides taught us all about these animals as well as the parks animal conservation efforts.

One of my favorite photos from the Trek – Alyssa in front of the Crocodile Overlook.

A Wild ride on a Private Safari Truck

We left the Crocodile area and made our way through the woods to our waiting Safari Vehicle. At this point we were able to remove our harnesses and enjoy the ride while seeing the animals!

Our Private Safari Vehicle! Although the camera caught me blinking in this photo, you can still see our Savannah Lunch spot in the back to the left and these adorable Giraffes!

Dining on the Savannah

Be sure to let them know if you have any food allergies when making your reservation. We had a family member with a tree nut allergy and they were wonderful. The staff clearly marked our meals, labeling the stainless steel tiffin lunch box “no tree nuts” so we knew which one was safe for her. The food was delicious and I even tried foods I would not normally eat. There was an assortment of fruit, prosciutto, humus and pita bread, rolled turkey and a salad.

We had time to enjoy our snacks, observe the animals on the savannah, and walk around and take photos. It was a very windy so they gave us blankets to keep warm. This is one of the coolest views seeing the Savannah from an elevated viewpoint.

Yes, there are even bathrooms on the Savannah! It was nice and heated inside!

After enjoying our time on the Savannah and our snacks/mini lunch we boarded back onto our Private Safari Truck and enjoyed the trip through the rest of the Savannah.

Photos are Included!

During the Trek our photographer took some amazing photos. Making for wonderful memories we will treasure forever. The Trek includes photos which is a nice bonus. Sure you can take your own photos throughout the day but having someone take candid photos is a plus! Our photographer photos are some of our favorite from the Trek. Everyone in the group will receive an email with a link, after the trek, including all the photos taken during the tour.

Booking the Wild Africa Trek

You can book this adventure 60 days in advance. As a Guest staying at a Walt Disney World Resort can book for the length of stay once your booking window opens. This is super popular excursion so book as soon as your booking window opens. I actually kept this a secret and printed a certificate for the family to open the day before the Safari. It was a wonderful surprise and a big highlight of our Christmas Trip.

If you loved this adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom you may also want to read about and try another fun adventure at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.