Wild Africa Trek Review: The Ultimate Animal Kingdom Adventure
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 3
Ready for an unforgettable, up-close experience with Disney’s most incredible animals? The Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the most popular and thrilling Disney World tours—and for good reason! This three-hour, small-group adventure takes us off the beaten path and deep into the heart of the savanna. The Wild Africa Trek itinerary includes hidden trails, rickety rope bridges, and rare, up-close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and giraffes. Along the way, we also enjoyed a luxurious alfresco dining experience, sampling traditional safari-style foods while taking in breathtaking views of the animals roaming freely on the savanna.
Wild Africa Trek's cost starts at $219 per person plus tax, and all participants must be 8+, at least 48 inches tall, between 45–300 pounds, and comfortable with heights, uneven terrain, and rope bridges. ✨ Photography Included: A trained Disney photographer will capture photos throughout the trek, so you can stay in the moment (and off your phone!). Afterward, you’ll receive a digital photo code to access and download all your images—no extra charge! Group size is kept to a maxium of 12 participants. Make sure to check the official page for changes.
Looking for more Disney Animal Kingdom tours? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Walt Disney World Tours.
We were fortunate enough to take this journey in October, on a bright, sunny—though quite warm—day. We opted for the later morning trek, which gave us beautiful lighting for photos and plenty of time to enjoy the experience before the afternoon crowds rolled in. Want to come along for the adventure?
Stepping into the Wild: Our Wild Africa Trek Journey
Gear Up Like a Pro
Our Wild Africa Trek began at the check-in area near the entrance next to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Once there, the guides reviewed safety rules and helped us gear up. Each of us received:
A safari vest (with lots of pockets!)
A harness that clips us into safety lines during certain parts of the trek
A refillable water bottle that attaches to the vest
An earpiece so we could hear the guides throughout the tour
We were allowed to bring a hat, and our phones or cameras, but they had to be secured to the vest (with a wrist strap or carabiner). Everything else - bags, loose items, and yes, those Minnie ears - stayed in a locker.
Into the Wild: Hippos, Crocs, and Secret Trails
After a safety briefing, we were off, our group of 10 started with a jaunt through the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and then slipped through an unmarked entrance into the wild for our behind the scenes hike. The trail was uneven in spots with tree roots and rocks, so we had to watch our step, but it was manageable for most.
Our first stop was the hippo pool, where we clipped into a safety line that let us lean right up to the ledge—without falling in! The hippo caretakers joined us here, sharing fun facts while they fed the hippos lettuce to encourage them to come closer. Seeing their massive mouths open wide was a moment we won’t forget! Our guide, the professional photographer, captured it all so we could stay in the moment.
We continued down the trail, feeling like true adventurers. Our guides, Erin and Reagan chatted with us through the earpiece the entire time, sharing stories, fun facts, and conservation insights.
Next up was the crocodile bridge—two rope bridges that swayed and bounced as we crossed. Some planks were spaced far apart, adding an extra thrill (especially for those of us with shorter legs!). Only 2-3 people crossed at a time, and while it was perfectly safe (we were tethered in, and there was a safety net below), it definitely felt adventurous. Kim, who is not a fan of heights, was dubious about her ability to manage the bride, but handled it like a pro!
Once we made it across, we had another chance to see the crocodiles up close and chat with their caretakers. It was super interesting and gave us a whole new perspective on these powerful creatures.
Private Safari and Boma Lunch
After conquering the bridges, we traded our harnesses for a ride on a special safari truck. Unlike the standard Kilimanjaro Safaris vehicles, this one had bench seating along the sides for better animal viewing. We explored much of the regular safari route, but with special stops for up-close photo ops and behind-the-scenes insights that felt extra magical.
Eventually, we arrived at the boma, a private, covered overlook with restrooms and stunning views of the savanna (you might spot it near the hidden Mickey flamingo pond!). Our multi-course picnic lunch was served in beautifully stacked tiffins and was both delicious and diverse. The offerings included:
Chicken curry salad
Sun-dried tomato hummus with mini pita
Marinated tandoori shrimp
Smoked salmon roulade with dill
Air-dried beef and prosciutto
Fresh fruit marinated in mint and ginger
Vegetarian and less adventurous options were available on request.
We loved taking our time here—relaxing, enjoying the views, and savoring our meal while animals roamed nearby. It was such a peaceful and unique part of the experience.
Once we were finished, we hopped back on the safari truck and made our way back to base, rejoining the main park near the Wildlife Express Train.
🧚 Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Don’t forget to access your complimentary photos the next day—they’re included in the cost of the tour! We were given a card with an acess code, and the photos were available the next day. Take a picture of both sides, so if it gets lost you can still grab those special photos.
Final Thoughts: Is Wild Africa Trek Worth It?
Absolutely!!!The Wild Africa Trek is an unforgettable, bucket-list-worthy experience for any Disney or animal lover. Between the small group size, thrilling bridges, incredible animal encounters, and the expert guides who make the tour so special, it’s an absolute standout.
Would we do it again? In a heartbeat! Asante sana - Thank you so much for reading.
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
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