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Free Traveling Guides » States » Florida » Walt Disney World Kiliminjaro Safaris
Kilimanjaro Safari, one of the most popular attractions at the Animal Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort, gives the guests a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of the African Savannah, home to a number of native and exotic animal species, including lions, tigers, and bears. As the guests amble through the queue area, themed after the Harambe Reserve, overhead televisions elucidate that poaching has killed many animals in the area. Finally, the visitors reach the boarding platform, where they are invited to enter their respective jeep and head into the 100-acre (40-hectare) animal reserve, down the bumpy dirt trail. The jeep’s driver establishes radio contact with a pilot and also points out the various animals for the visitors. However, owing to a large crowd during the busy seasons, the jeep does not stop for taking photographs.
Bongos are the most commonly spotted creatures around the first bend. The Black Rhino can be seen while passing the watering hole, whereas Hippos and Okapi can be seen at the base of the waterfalls. As the vehicle emerges from the dense vegetation and head into the vast savannah grasslands, riders can spot a variety of other wildlife species, including the Sable Antelope, Thomson’s Gazelle, Ostriches, and giraffes. This area also features nearly 20-foot (6-m) high termite mounds. The gigantic rock formation on the left is home to the Mandrill Baboon family. The ancient Baobab tress, elephants, white rhinos, pink flamingoes, and other hoofed animals, such as the long-horned eland, kudu, scimitar-horned Oryx, and the sharp-eyed cheetahs, can be see around the second bend.
As the jeep comes around the last bend, the attention is quickly drawn to a huge rock formation, where the Kopje Lions, the King and Queen of Savannah, reside. However, as these lions sleep most of the time during the day, there isn’t much activity to see in this area. Besides, warthogs can also be seen rambling across the field when the pilot warns the driver against the poachers in the area. Soon after, smoldering campfires and gunshots can be heard at a distance. After the poachers are taken into custody and the safety of Little Red, the elephant, is ensured, the Kilimanjaro Safari comes to an end and the jeep rejoins the main road, where the Park Ranger Station comes into view.
The best thing about Kilimanjaro Safari is that there are no visible walls or fences in the area. All the barriers, which ensure the safety of the visitors and the animals, are hidden! Kilimanjaro Safari is a FASTPASS attraction and the guests are advised to use their passes during the peak hours. Also, there is a special boarding area for the guests in wheelchairs. The best time to ride is in the afternoon, when the animals are most active. There are no restaurants or food joints in the immediate vicinity of the attraction. However, a number of restaurants, including the Tusker House, the Harambe Fruit Market, Tamu-Tamu, and the Kusafiri Coffee & Bakery, are located in the nearby Harambe Village.
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