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Exploring the Wanyama Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Jennifer Fickley-Baker

by , Editorial Content Manager, Walt Disney World Resort

Two giraffes relax in the shade on Sunset Savanna.
I recently had the opportunity to preview an offering exclusive for Guests staying at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – the Wanyama Safari. This experience takes a limited number of Guests aboard a special safari vehicle and out onto the resort’s 46 acres of savanna, where they get a bird’s-eye-view of the resort’s more than 200 animals.
Wildebeests and zebra mill about.
The lodge’s savannas are home to a variety of mammals and exotic birds that represent a cross-section of the African palette – including giraffe, bongo, okapi, red river hogs, greater kudu, zebra, wildebeest, impala, African spoonbills and pink back pelicans, among others.

This tour by far offers one of the best views of animals I’ve ever seen at the Walt Disney World Resort, and it’s full of once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities.

The second part of the journey leads to the resort’s signature restaurant, Jiko – The Cooking Place, where a South African feast awaits safari-goers. The experience begins with a selection of appetizers, such as barbecue chicken flatbread with apple-jicama slaw, and stewed beef rolled in crepes with peppadew-olive tapenade. Next up are the entrees, including oak-roasted filet mignon, chicken with goat cheese potatoes, and maize-crusted halibut, which are served family-style. Popular South African wines are paired with each course, and dinner concludes with a sweet selection of desserts, such as lemon and white-chocolate mousse, and Pistachio Crème Brûlée.

The Wanyama Safari is offered at 4 p.m., seven days a week to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Guests only. The experience is open to Guests age 8 and older, and costs $170 per person (price includes gratuity). For reservations, Guests can visit the concierge desk at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge upon check-in.

Comments

  • We have exactly one week before our Safari at AKL. We are so excited about seeing the animals close up and hopefully taking some great photos.

  • I stayed here last time I went to Disney World! It was such a great experience. Waking up and walking out to a porch with the view of wild animals is something I’ll never forget!

  • Just can’t wait to be there!One week left to wait.

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