In this post we give an overview of Kilimanjaro Safaris, a safari ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World. We cover the basics of the ride, how to ride it, and our thoughts on the experience before closing with an FAQ. Read on to learn more!
Related Posts
This post is a quick guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris, but we have related content that dives deeper into topics. Our Animal Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lane post covers Lightning Lane strategy in deep. The Animal Kingdom Rides and Entertainment Guide gives brief introductions to all the park’s offerings. For putting together your day at the park, we have a One Day Plan for Animal Kingdom.
If you’re really into animals, you might also want to check out our reviews of the Caring for Giants and Up Close With Rhinos reviews.
Kilimanjaro Safaris Basics
Kilimanjaro Safaris is a safari ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Kilimanjaro Safaris:
does not offer rider switch
has an Lightning Lane as part of Genie+
does not have a single rider line
is about 20 minutes long (varies)
Disney warns that persons not in good health and expectant mothers should not ride. (People ask why this is. Keeping in mind we do not at all discount this warning, we assume it is because the ride can get quite bumpy. That said, it very well may have to do with the wildlife on the ride, or even the fact that the drive gets you somewhat remote from the rest of the park. That’s all speculation, but you can be sure there’s some good reason for the warning.)
Where is Kilimanjaro Safaris located?
Kilimanjaro Safaris is located in the Africa land of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Entering the park, you’ll want to pass the Tree of Life on the left, passing Pizzafari and Creature Comforts (the Animal Kingdom Starbucks). Cross the bridge and head straight to the back of the land to get to Kilimanjaro Safaris.
How to Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris
If you use Genie+ at Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safaris will probably be your second Lightning Lane pick (after Na’vi River Journey).
Since Kilimanjaro Safaris (as of this update) is not a part of Early Entry, guests without Early Entry have a good chance at a short wait if they start there. Of course, there might still be a line of people who had Early Entry ahead of you.
As with most rides, waits will peak midday. But another good reason to avoid midday safaris is because the animals are less active in the heat. Kilimanjaro Safaris usually closes before the rest of the park. Check the hours in the app or at the ride.
Kilimanjaro Safaris is probably the highlight of a day at Animal Kingdom with a small child. It has no notably scary parts, but it is a 20-minute long experience. This has never been a problem for us because the animals have kept Zoe entertained enough.
Kilimanjaro Safaris Ride Experience
The Kilimanjaro Safaris queue is mostly outdoor, and while there are a few themed spaces (the theme being that you’re going on a safari at the Harambe Wildlife Reserve), nothing stands out to us.
The ride itself is unique and amazing. During an approximately 20 minute journey, you’ll take a safari through varying landscapes filled with real animals. You can view a video of the ride here.
Past thematic elements—a story of poachers, a broken bridge—have been abandoned, and the ride is basically a straightforward safari experience now.
Your experience may vary. I don’t think I’ve ever been on a “bad” safari, but some are notably better than others—more active animals, animals coming right up to the vehicle, and so on. Personally we think the cliche advice that morning safaris are better is cliche because it’s correct, but we also don’t make a habit of afternoon safaris.
Kilimanjaro Safaris is a long experience, something you’ll want to keep in mind when planning your day. If you head there early, waits on everything else will be longer by the time you finish. If you have a Lightning Lane or dining reservation, don’t let a long safari cause you any conflicts.
Kilimanjaro Safaris FAQ
How many miles is the Kilimanjaro Safaris path?
Looking at Google Maps, I believe the path is only about 1.5 miles. That’s not too long, but keep in mind you’ll be moving slowly and making lots of stops (not getting out), so the ride will take about 20-30 minutes.
Do you pet animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris?
No. There is a petting zoo as part of Rafiki’s Planet Watch. And, if it’s the same as pre-closure, the Up Close With Rhinos tour can but doesn’t always include a portion where you pet a Rhino.
Are the animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris real?
Yes, but there are a few fictional elements. It frustrates me to no end, but at least the termite mounds, ostrich eggs, and tusk marks in the clay appear to be fake. The animals are real, though.
When is the best time to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris?
Earlier is better, but if you’re not on by, say, 11AM it will usually be best to wait until after 3PM / 4PM. The animals are more active when it’s cooler.
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