Three Fantastic African Safaris at Walt Disney World Resort

Kilimanjaro Safaris, located at Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of the parks most popular regular attractions. A favorite for guests of all ages, it takes on a trip through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. You can board a rugged open-sided safari vehicle that will transport you on a unique expedition snaking through a wildlife preserve where with a little Disney magic the animals seemingly roam free. You'll be treated to up close views of cheetah, giraffe, zebras, lions, rhinos and elephants just to name a few. The animals have minds of their own and each ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari is a little different from your last.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Kilimanjaro Safari
If that's not enough African wildlife for you, Disney upped the ante at the Walt Disney World Resort with several experiences to make you feel like you've taken a trip much father away than Florida. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas let's you stay in magnificent African lodge style.

The Lodge is "set amidst an expansive wildlife preserve, the Resort features authentic African-inspired architecture and the kraal African-village landscape design 30 species of wildlife that roam free amidst 4 lush, tropical savannas." It can be truly transporting to gaze out of your hotel room window and watch giraffes munching on the graze that's been hidden for them in exciting naturalistic ways. The lodge also is the home of the largest collection of African art outside of the continent of Africa.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Guest Exclusive, Wanyama Safari
In addition to the lush surroundings of the lodge and many exciting flavors offered in it's African inspired restaurants guests staying at the lodge have even greater opportunities to get up close and personal with the animals. The Wanyama (Sunset) Safari Adventure is a three-hour, luxury adventure available for Animal Kingdom Lodge guests to book. On this adventure you'll learn "exclusive information about how Disney World and AKL run their animal programs" while taking in the beauty of the savannas." Following the safari you'll experience a remarkable gourmet dinner and wine pairings at the signature dining experience, Jiko"The Cooking Place. (Tours are offered every night of the week at a cost of $190.64 per person.)

African Inspired DIning at Jiko - The Cooking Place
Not to stop the adventures there, a Sunrise Safari Breakfast Adventure is offered exclusively for Animal Kingdom Lodge guests staying on the club level of the resort each Sunday and Thursday. "Disney transports Sunrise Safari guests to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park for a private ride along the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride path." This exclusive tour lasts 30-45 minutes, and guides stop along the way to discuss each animal in-depth and give guests the opportunity for some truly unique photo opportunities. After the Safari a private breakfast seating is provided after the tour at Pizzafari. This fantastic add on should be booked 90 days in advance (cost: $65/adult, $32.50/child [ages 3-9]; park admission is not included, park ticket is required.)

Do you have a love of all things African? Does the passion for conservation and wildlife preservation touch your soul? If the answer of yes, then you should give Disney's Animal Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas a try. Already a fan of these great Resort offerings? Leave a comment below and share with us what your favorite African treats are!

Sources: WDW, Animal Kingdom Lodge Fansite
Images courtesy of WDWNews