Disney’s Animal Kingdom Kalimanjaro Safari ride: photos, tips and more
Disney touts the Animal Kingdom’s Kalimanjaro Safari ride as Kalimanjaro Safari ride “in an open-air vehicle for a day or evening tour of a lush African savanna, home to real-live exotic animals.”
While that may seem a bit overstated, the bumpy “tour” does take guest pretty close to many animals, hippos and lions for example, with some able to come right up to the vehicle: giraffes and elks. Below are some photos and tips for our family’s adventures.
The duration of this attraction is about 20 minutes. Each jeep holds up to 36 passengers with each row seating up to 5 guests. There are no seating restraints. For some FUN FACTS click HERE
TIP #1: Ride the safari as early in the morning or late in the evening as possible.
The animals may native the warm climates of Africa, but they will be more active when it’s cool and requires less energy. While there was a “Night Safari” back when the park opened, many of the animals sleep and are too difficult to see to keep the ride entertaining.
Check out this photo of a group of rhino, which is called a “crash.”
TIP #2: Ask to sit up front on the truck
Sitting close to the driver allows you to “see” what he/she sees and describes. Many times at the back of the truck a rider’s view of what the driver describes is blocked by a rock, tree or other obstacle.
A major disadvantage of sitting in the back of the truck is a decreased chance for great photos. Even if you see an animal, the driver is more likely to have finished discussing the facts or observations and will drive on – limiting your chance to snap a great pic.
TIP #3 If you want great photos, sit along the edge
The last thing you want in your great animal photo is some stranger’s head or arm. Be the first or last to enter in your row so you can take unobscured photos.
TIP #4 Follow the rules
For heaven’s sake DON’T BE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE — meaning, don’t stand up, don’t cuss, don’t try to feed an animal something, basically, just follow the rules.
By the way, PLEASE PLEASE hold onto that camera or phone, if you drop it, they can’t stop.
TIP #5 Just enjoy the ride
When the part if really busy or just can’t get a great seat, maybe it’s best to sit back and take it all in. Don’t let the stress of the crowd, the view or even a “bad driver” take away from the amazing chance to see and get close to these amazing creatures.
Hopefully you’ll enjoy the ride. Send us a pic or story to add to this post (email: [email protected])
Good Luck!