If you love trying new things on trips to Disney World, like myself, this Wild Africa Trek, offered in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, may be just the tour for you! It can be booked up to 60 days in advance of your trip, and does have the potential to fill available spots. Typically, it takes about 3 hours to complete the trek (tour) and it is all outdoors- so keep this in mind when picking a time you want to reserve! When I did the tour, only a 1:00pm slot was available, in July, so it was definitely WARM! Thankfully, I’m used to the heat and humidity, so it didn’t bother me as much, but definitely something to consider when signing up!
When it’s time for your tour, you’ll head over to Africa, to the Curiosity Animal Tours Booth where you’ll check-in and sign any waivers they need before your trek begins. They do mention you should not be pregnant during this tour and should be able to stand for long amounts of time. You will be walking and climbing quite a bit, and there is little to no seating available the whole three hours until you take a break for light refreshments, and finish your tour with part of a ride on the Safari.
It’s easy to miss- so be on the lookout for this little stand:
Once you’re checked in, they’ll lead you to an area right behind this booth where you are given a locker. You can not have any loose items on you. They’ll suit you up with a vest, and even a clip for your phone if you are using it as a camera. You are also allowed to bring your phone or your own camera, but it must have a strap to attach it to your body. One of the little gifts your receive is a water bottle to use while on your trek! It will also come with a strap to attach to your vest and equipment. The last item they give you is an ear piece. Since you’re in a bigger group, and outside, the ear piece just makes it easier to hear your leaders! Typically two cast members will lead your group on your trek. They also bring along a nice camera, and will be taking pictures the entire time. They even make sure to get pictures of you throughout the tour, and are happy to take pictures of anything you ask them to. (You’ll get a link to attach these photos to your My Disney Experience account and download!)
They do take a group picture right before your trek, as they quickly tell you it’s the best you’ll look before the three hours is up! Hahaha
Your trek takes you all around different parts of the safari, so you get to be up close to so many of the animals! The Cast Members leading your group will share SO MUCH info about anything you stop to see and are knowledgable about anything and everything. They take tons of time to answer questions and they truly get to know you while on your tour!
My group walked through some trails (little dirt paths covered in roots and all types of terrain- you’ll want to make sure you have good shoes on!) It’s almost seems like you’re in a forrest!
We eventually made our way to see the hippos, and could also see the safari trucks across the water, which was kind of fun!
We passed several other animals along the way and got to learn about a few fossils before making it to the biggest experience of the trek- where you cross bridges that hang over the crocodiles! It really was a cool experience, and is also why you can’t have anything with you that isn’t attached to you! I won’t share any of the facts we learned about the crocodiles, because they really are interesting, and part of what makes this tour so fascinating! I loved the bridges we crossed and seeing the crocodiles below was great! They were huge!
From the crocodile course you move on to a safari vehicle that takes you through part of the safari as well as to a little spot actually on the safari for light refreshments! The stop was beautiful and the food was all prepared in Animal Kingdom, but were items you can’t find on property otherwise. If you have allergies, they will also cater to those and prepare special snacks for your needs!
The food was delicious, and really pretty filling! Each item served a purpose for your journey as well. This little spot also had a bathroom and beautiful scenery all around! You are given a time limit to finish eating and the Cast Members will also take your picture with the scenery in the back ground. As the group finishes their meal, you get back in the safari vehicle to finish the ride through the rest of the safari!
When your tour is complete, they have your return to the Curiosity Animal Tours stand, where the lockers are. They’ll help you remove all of your equipment and give you a moment to collect anything you left in the locker provided to you. You do get to keep the water bottle, and they’ll also pass out photo cards with a code to link to your Disney Photo Pass/ Memory Maker on your app! (This will give you access to any of the photos the Cast Members took during your tour!)
All in all, I really enjoyed this tour. If you’ve been to Animal Kingdom before, and are looking for something new to mix up your next trip, then definitely consider it! If you’re an annual passholder, you do get a little bit of a discount on the rate for the day you choose.
Have you done this tour before? Did you enjoy it? If you’re headed to Disney World anytime soon, or even just slightly interested in it, let me know! I can help you plan as much or as little as you would like, and my services are completely free when you book a package! (room+tickets.) I am more than happy to get you a quote, and you of course, are under no obligation when I do so! To book a package, it is a $200.00 deposit, and nothing else is due until 30 days before you travel! The deposit can be modified or even cancelled and completely refunded up to 30 days before you travel as well! So, let me know if you’d like any help!
Run Disney Like A Mama 