Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Wild Africa Trek Full Review
Okay, so here’s the real talk—when we heard about the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, our first thought was: “Do we really want to spend $150+ for a guided walk through an animal park?” I mean, we’ve done Kilimanjaro safaris, stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and there are plenty of great zoos in our local area. But something about rope bridges and private giraffe viewing got us curious. So we thought, why not?
Gear Time: What They Actually Give You
We arrived early (tip: morning tours are cooler and animals are more active). At check‑in, a cast member handed me a name tag, a bright orange safety vest, and strapped my water bottle onto my belt—back strap and all. They also clipped us into a safety line, which, let’s be honest, felt like the most legitimate Disney gear ever.
You put everything else in a locker. Because, you really don’t want to feed the crocodiles your Disney souvenirs!
Oh! And you HAVE to wear closed‑toe shoes. No sandals. No exceptions. They check. So if you were planning sandals—for shame.
Off the Beaten Path
The trail starts on the same path as the Gorilla Falls Expedition Trail. You walk in through the exit and get to see some of the birds in the aviary, along with a few of the marsupials.
Then the guides took a turn onto an unmarked trails through the backstage area of Animal Kingdom. And this is where the real tour started! It actually felt like we left Disney behind. Well, except that I was wearing Animal Kingdom-themed Minnie ears (of course!).
Our disney guide pointed out rodents, birds, and squirrels I didn’t even see. Then we got to the hippo pool. Yep, HIPPO POOL. We clipped in again, stepped out onto a ledge, and watched these massive hippos slobbering—seriously, slobbering—while our guide tossed them romaine lettuce. Side note: those guys are loud. And big. And yes, we each got a turn to be close to the hippos too.
I mean, check out the teeth on this hippo! I don’t know her name, but I feel like she should be called, Becky. What do you think?
This is one of the reasons I think the Wild Africa Trek is so unique. You are ‘onstage’ (as opposed to backstage where the animals sleep at night) but you are able to visit areas that the Kilimanjaro Safari just can’t go.
The Bridge… of Doom?
After we said goodbye to Becky, the big moment was next– the suspension rope bridges. My stomach dropped just looking at it. I knew the rope bridges weren’t as treacherous as they looked. I mean, it’s Disney. Everything is completely safe. But I will not lie.. I felt just a little like an Indiana Jones adventurer as I stepped onto the first bridge.
One foot in front of the other, swinging above crocodiles (yes, crocodiles), and bam—you’re halfway across. Sure, I froze for like a second when a plank creaked, but the safety line gave me all the confidence I needed. And once you’re there, you realize you’re basically staring into a lion territory—if they were around.
And about those crocodiles. Yes, it was a little nerve-wracking to walk right on top of a bunch of crocodiles, knowing they would love to take a bite out of my leg. But we really were very safe.. and the rope bridges weren’t really that big of a deal. Exciting- yes. Super scary- not really. Strenuous? Well, I am a pudgy, middle-aged Mom and I did it just fine.
Private Safari Ride
After crossing, we hopped on a private safari vehicle. I really loved this part of the experience. Instead of sitting in rows, we were on bench seats that lined the truck. The middle was open and you could easily move to another part of the safari vehicle if you wanted to. Plus, they gave everyone binoculars!
These safari trucks moved way slower than the regular Kilimanjaro safari ride, which meant more time to stare at giraffes, zebras, and even a baby elephant walking close by.
This part of the ride was also slower because there was no hurry. The driver would go down side paths, closer to the animal habitats. We could linger to see the giraffes stretching to eat the leaves on the trees. Or watch the rhinos sniff each other in the mud.
And there were so many different animals, I lost count—antelopes, gazelles, rhinos maybe? Our tour guide pointed everything out, told us juicy facts (“Did you know giraffes only sleep like 10 minutes a day?”), and we just absorbed it all.
Snack in the Savannah
The private safari ride ended at an open air veranda. This is where they served us a snack lunch. It’s also where the restrooms were.
The food came in a circular metal box with two levels. Each box included of hummus and pita, chicken curry salad wrap, tandoori shrimp, some fresh fruit, and the famous Jungle Juice (pong juice- you might have had it at Tusker House).
Was it gourmet? Nah. But sitting there, snacking as giraffes munched nearby—no buffet line, no crowd—just perfect. And if you have special dietary needs, they handle that. One family in our group was gluten-free, no problem at all.
Wrapping Up: Group Photos & Goodbyes
Once our bellies were full, it was time for a few final stops and some fun group photos.
The photographers traveling with us captured shots all throughout the trek—on the bridges, by the hippos, next to the giraffes. At the end of the tour, you get a photo code to download everything. No paying extra. No weird watermarks.
Just memories.
Here are some of the awesome photos the tour guides took. They were super great photographers!
And then, before we knew it, we were unclipping our gear and saying “Asante Sana” to our guides.
So… Was It Worth It?
In a word? Yes. But let me explain.
If you’re expecting a thrill ride or non-stop action, this probably isn’t your thing. But if you want a real escape—something peaceful, personal, and totally different from the usual Disney hustle—this is gold.
You get close encounters with animals you usually only see from a distance. You get to explore hidden areas of the park that aren’t open to regular guests. And you learn a ton along the way, without ever feeling like you’re in a lecture.
The price of the tour ranges from around $139 to $199 per person depending on time of day and peak season. Is that a splurge? 100%. But is it one of the best things we did at Walt Disney World Resort? Also 100%.
Tips for Booking
- Book early: These tours fill up, especially during peak times like holidays and school breaks.
- Use a travel advisor: They can help with timing, dietary restrictions, and keep an eye on availability.
- Check the weather: The trek runs rain or shine, and if you’re not into sweating through a Florida downpour, maybe aim for early spring or fall.
- Consider your comfort: You don’t need to be a gym rat, but there are physical demands. If walking, climbing, or heights are tough for you, chat with a cast member before booking.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Do the Wild Africa Trek?
This is perfect for:
- Animal lovers who want to go deeper than the standard Kilimanjaro Safaris.
- Couples or families celebrating something special (anniversaries, birthdays, even honeymoons).
- Repeat Disney visitors looking for different experiences.
If it’s your first time at Disney, you might want to stick with the classics and save this for a second trip. But honestly? I wish we’d done it sooner.
It gave us the kind of calm, reflective moment that’s hard to come by in the parks. No lines. No screens. Just a unique experience with wild animals, great guides, and even better snacks. And yes—I’m still thinking about that tandoori shrimp.
