It is common knowledge that Disney World is a magical place. Families from all over the world travel to Orlando each year to visit the happiest place on Earth. However, there are a few things that you may not know about Disney. For instance, did you know that you can book a Disney adventure where you can trail across the African Safari, suspend yourself high above alligator infested waters and feast upon a traditional African meal. Yep, it’s true. The Wild Africa Trek is where you can experience all these thrilling feats and much more.
Wild Africa Trek is a 3-hour safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This is a private tour that guests ages 8 and up can experience. Since this is a pretty strenuous experience there are some limitations on who can book a trek. For instance, you have to be able to walk the entire 3 hour trek up hills and through the “jungle”. Prices for the Wild Africa Trek are $189 to $249 depending on the season you book. You are also required to have separate admission to Animal Kingdom as well. Included in your admission is complimentary photos. Your guide will take photos of you and your family throughout the trek, so you can enjoy the experience and not have to worry about taking pictures.
What happens On the Wild Africa Trek
After guests check into the Wild Africa Trek you will weighed and fitted for a harness. This harness will be worn for the majority of the trek. I do recommend that you hit the bathroom before you check-in for the trek because there won’t be an opportunity to use the restroom until the end. After you’re all checked in and suited up, you are ready to go. The guides will go over everything you need to know about what the next three hours will be like.
Get Up Close And Personal with Wildlife
You will encounter many different species of wildlife throughout the trek. Your first stop will be with the Hippos. Now I have seen hippos before at the zoo, but not like this. We were so close to these beautiful animals and got to watch how they interact with their keepers. You will also get very close to crocodiles, zebras, elephants, giraffes and more.
Walk Across a Shaky Rope Bridge
Have you ever dreamed of walking across a rope bridge with hungry crocodiles lingering 10 feet below you. Well you are in luck, because that’s exactly what you will experience on the trek. Of course, you are harnessed in while walking across the bridge, but that doesn’t make the experience any less thrilling. This is such a fun experience.
Take a ride through the Savanna
Taking a private ride though Disney’s savanna was incredible. It’s the same tour as the safari attraction but so much better. Since this is a private tour, the guides are able to stop along the way to talk about the animals and let you see them up close. They also hand out binoculars so you can get a really close up look.
Experience an Authentic African Meal
At the end of the trek, chances are you have worked up and appetite. This is a good thing because this is the time where Disney is going to set up a special light African meal for you to enjoy on the savanna. The meal consists of a variety of authentic African foods that are specifically made for people that book the Wild Africa Trek. You can not get these foods anywhere else on Disney property. As with any food at Disney World, if you have special food restrictions, they can accommodate you.
Is Disney’s Wild Africa Trek Worth the Extra Money
I had an amazing time during the Wild Africa Trek. It’s definitely worth the extra money and gives you a behind the scenes look at another side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. For more information on the trek and to book an adventure for yourself be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/wild-africa-trek/ to learn more.
Capture Your Adventure with a GoPro
Since you do a lot of walking on this trek I would highly recommend a GoPro to capture your adventure. I strapped one on with my chest harness and was able to capture the entire trek without having to hold a camera. Below is a video of highlights from the Wild Africa Trek shot entirely with my GoPro Hero.
And Remember that Monkey Kingdom is now playing in theaters! It’s definitely a movie that you don’t want to miss. For every ticket sold opening week (April 17-23, 2015), Disneynature will make a donation to Conservation International to help protect monkeys and other endangered species in their natural habitats.
Here’s a short clip to the movie.
