I know I’m not the only person with a Disney bucket list. Right?! Last month, when I was at Walt Disney World for the premiere of Disneynature’s Chimpanzee, I had the opportunity to cross another item off my list. The Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
image courtesy of Disney
This guided, three-hour tour is limited to groups of 12 people, allowing for an up close and intimate safari tour. The adventure begins with a short hike through the Pangani Forest, then on to a harnessed walk across rope bridges suspended high above hippos and crocodiles. From there, it’s on to a fun safari truck ride through the savanna where you have an up close look at the animals. After the truck ride, enjoy a peaceful break at the safari camp.
I won’t lie – I was kinda scared of the suspended rope bridge, but it was fantastic! I would definitely consider that portion of the trek an adventure! Check out this short video I took while making my way above the hippos and crocodiles.
The Wild Africa Trek provides a great look at the animals within the Animal Kingdom. Our guides were extremely knowledgeable about the animals and their surroundings. In addition to the fabulous tour, rope bridge adventures and meal at the safari camp, participants receive a CD of images in the mail a few weeks later. My CD had over 200 pictures! You also get to keep the water canteen used during your tour. This private tour is priced at $189, which may sound extreme but considering all the “perks” and the overall experience, I consider it a great deal.
Things to Know About the Wild Africa Trek
- Must wear closed toe shoes (no exceptions!)
- Long pants or shorts are best.
- Ages 8 years old and up.
- Lockers are provided to store valuables.
- Personal cameras are allowed if you have a strap for them.
- Park admission is not included with this tour.
- Tours are available multiple times a day. Call (407) WDW-TOUR for pricing details.
If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World, I highly recommend going on the Wild Africa Trek. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience. I promise you won’t regret it!
Check out more of my pictures on the Carrie with Children Facebook page!
Have you been on the Wild Africa Trek? What was your favorite part of the journey?
** Walt Disney Pictures, the Kissimmee CVB and Global Resort Homes is providing me with an all expenses paid trip to Central Florida for the red carpet premiere of Chimpanzee. Thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own and not influenced by others. **
Comments
amber
I’m not sure I’d have made it across the bridge. Looks like you had an Awesome adventure loved all of your animal photos.
Come by and link up to Tuesdays Travels if you have a chance. I’d love to share your Florida Fun !
Carrie with Children
We were harnessed in really well walking across the bridge – it was totally safe, even though it looked scary! 🙂 Heading over to link up for Tuesday Travels right now!
Annie @ Mama Dweeb
I have never been to Disney World/Land/cruise – nothing 🙂 I dream of visiting someday though!
Carrie with Children
Oh Annie, I hope you get there someday! Disney is truly magical!
Melissa
Wow, this sounds like such a fantastic experience! Heath really wants to do it, but I don’t know if I could! Love all the pictures and video!
Carrie with Children
You both should totally do it! The rope bridges are only a very small portion of the trip – promise! The rest is SO totally worth the scary bridge 🙂
Jenny
So BRAVE!! I would love to do the Wild Africa Trek…the bridge looks like a challenge! I would love to know what else is on your Disney Bucket List!
Carrie with Children
The bridges were a challenge – a very fun challenge! I’ve got a really LONG Disney bucket list – hotels, private tours, behind the scenes, it’s a never ending list! 🙂 I sense a new blog post!
TechyDad
I did the Wild Africa Trek while at Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. The bridges were a bit tricky, but not so bad. Well, except for that time when I was focusing too much on taking photos of the crocs below and not enough on where my feet were going. I put my foot down and immediately realized there wasn’t a plank there! A few moments of trying to keep my balance and not test those safety harnesses later and I was back on my journey across the bridge.
Definitely something I’d recommend to others! (The Trek, not almost falling into the crocs.)
Carrie with Children
I’m so glad you got to experience it too! I’m so glad you didn’t meet your fate with the crocs! 🙂 That safety harness is literally a life saver!
eileen ludwig
Wow what a nice present to get to enjoy – bit pricey for me but when someone else pays then it is doable – glad you enjoyed it
Carrie with Children
Thanks for reading, Eileen! It was a fun adventure!
Lolo
Looks so incredibly fun! I would have a blast taking photos of the animals! Hopefully we will get there someday!
Carrie with Children
Lolo – It was amazing being that close to the animals, so many amazing pictures! I hope you can come to “my coast” one day and experience it!
Nichol
I must say Wild Africa Trek is on my bucket list, after seeing all these fab posts! Looks like an amazing time, great pictures!
Carrie with Children
Thanks Nichol! I think this should be on everyone’s Disney bucket lists! It’s really a fantastic experience!
Sara @ Mom Endeavors
What an incredible experience! Hippos are my favorite–what a fabulous shot you got! I’ve never been to the Animal Kingdom (since I’ve only been to WDW once–when I was 11). But, if/when we ever get out there, this sounds like a MUST do–especially for my “biology nerd” family! 🙂
Carrie with Children
Thanks Sara! If you all ever make it back to Disney World (and you totally should!) your family will love the Animal Kingdom! It’s filled with really great, educational things to see and do. Perfect for “biology nerds”. 🙂
Hanan
Don’t know if we will ever make it to Disney World, but this looks like so much fun!!
Carrie with Children
I hope you can make it to “my coast” one day. When you do, make sure Disney World is on your “to do” list!
Beth @ TheAngelForever
I went on the Trek last year and as TechyDad said, he went this year. I love they make it seem dangerous to maximize the experience, but you know with the Disney magic you are perfectly safe. The moment that scared me the most was when I was in the middle of the bridge and had to stop. During that time one of the regular safari tours went underneath and stopped. Nothing like having all eyes on you during that moment 😉 Love your video and photos.
Carrie with Children
That is so great you both were able to experience it! I would have been frozen too if there was a safari truck going underneath me! We went late in the day so the safari trucks were far and few between. 🙂 So glad you enjoyed the video!