A Wild Adventure: My Experience with Disney's Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom
Author: Michelle Krupiczowicz
Walt Disney World offers many behind-the-scenes tours, and I recently checked one off my bucket list—the Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom. With Disney promising “a privately-guided, VIP expedition full of close encounters with exotic African wildlife,” I couldn’t resist. Let me tell you, it lived up to the hype!
Setting the Scene
Animal Kingdom has four behind-the-scenes tours, but I chose Wild Africa Trek for its intimate, small-group experience. Our group, led by two fantastic Cast Members, Logan and Jordan, had only 12 participants. The tour takes you up close to wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, and more—sometimes within just 10-15 feet!
Upon arriving, Cast Members greeted us and handled all the essentials. They stored our personal items in lockers and fitted us with safety vests, wireless headsets, and even some extras like sunglass cords and water bottles (both included as souvenirs). Staying hydrated in the Florida heat is key, and Disney makes sure you have cooling towels and water refill stations along the route.
A Walk on the Wild Side
The trek starts with a walk on a grassland path, but soon you’ll find yourself crossing rope bridges suspended over crocodile and hippo habitats! The sight of Kilimanjaro Safari vehicles passing by as you're high above the animals is surreal. You feel like part of the action!
The guides ensure your safety throughout the tour, doing multiple checks on vests and harnesses. As a guest, you’ll enjoy incredible views while attached to safety lines, adding a little thrill to the adventure.
Private Safari Experience
After the rope bridges, the walking portion of the tour concluded, and we moved onto a private safari vehicle to explore the savannah. This is where you really get the VIP treatment. We enjoyed the antics of baby zebras teasing older zebras and giraffes while en route to our next stop: a boma (a traditional African shelter) for a delicious “snack.”
Disney says “snacks,” but what I think they mean is a light but gourmet lunch. Our meal, freshly prepared at Tusker House and served in a tiffin box, included pita with hummus, prosciutto with mozzarella, marinated shrimp, a chicken wrap, fresh fruit, a granola dessert, and Disney’s signature POG juice (pineapple, orange, guava). Vegan options are available by request.
As we sat eating, we continued to be entertained by the wildlife around us.
Memorable Moments
Once our meal was over, we hopped back into our private safari vehicle for the final leg of the tour. We saw a baby elephant named Corra with her mother, watched cheetahs relaxing in the distance, and were followed by a curious ostrich! The close-up views of rhinos were a personal favorite.
The tour is well-paced, and by the time it ends, you feel like you’ve had a full day’s adventure. You’re dropped off near the starting point, where you retrieve your belongings, the code to access the professional photos taken during the tour, and say asante sana to your guides.
Practical Details
Wild Africa Trek tours can be booked up to 60 days in advance, and they fill quickly! The price currently ranges from $219 to $229 per person, which includes food, and all photos taken by Disney photographers. We received a Disney Visa Cardholder discount, so we paid a bit less. Park admission is required and not included in the price of the tour.
Keep in mind that there are age, height, and weight requirements—participants must be at least 8 years old, 48 inches tall, and weigh between 45 and 300 lbs. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must since you’ll be walking on dirt paths and crossing bridges. Tours operate rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a unique, up-close animal experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Wild Africa Trek is an absolute must. Between the wildlife encounters, delicious food, and knowledgeable guides, this tour exceeded my expectations and left me with memories I’ll never forget. If it’s on your bucket list, book it as soon as you can—you won’t regret it and I would happy to help click here to get started!
See website for safety, accessibility, and cancellation information as well as guest policies Wild Africa Trek | Walt Disney World Resort (go.com)
