Animal Kingdom Lodge's Wanyama Safari

Walt Disney World Resort looking to add a little something special to their vacation experience have a wide range of special tour options that allow a deeper look behind the magic of the vacation kingdom. I am back from my incredible trip to Animal Kingdom lodge and we loved the Wanyama Safari! If you love animals and you are staying at the lodge this tour is a must.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Guest Exclusive, Wanyama Safari


The tour starts at 3:30pm in Jiko, Animal Kingdom Lodge's signature dining establishment, where guests with reservations gather in a private room and have snacks and meet with a host from Africa who tells you a little about the restaurant and herself. The snacks were great, there was a homemade granola bar, scones, sausage, olive bread with 3 dips, and a chocolate dessert.

Next, two of the Animal Kingdom Lodge's animal specialist arrive to take you on the safari. Guests climb aboard a safari truck waiting them in front of the Lodge and everyone takes off for the private savannas. You learn all about the animals that make their home on the savannas, and how they ended up coming to Walt Disney World. The keepers know each and every name of the animals, and their distinct personalities. The safari is excellent for photographers and offers many photo ops, you get very up close and personal with the animals. Our tour was on the savannas enjoying the view for close to two hours.





When we got back to the lodge we were treated to a lovely dinner at Jiko. The entire tour group was seated together and the chef came out to tell us about each course we would be having. The meal was served family style. We had the wine paring wine with every course and a cocktail to start the meal. For those who don't drink other beverages are provided. At the end of the meal you get a gift bag with chocolate and a pin.


The Elegant Signature Restaurant - Jiko


The cost per person for the Wanyama Safari was $190, and we had an absolute blast. It is a communal setting, and the tour can accommodate 12 Guests at a time. If you are shy may not be your cup of tea. We loved it and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

According to the Walt Disney World website "The Wanyama Safari and Dinner can only be booked by the itinerary planning office or Concierge at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. To make a reservation, please call (407) 938-4755."

Have you taken a specialty safari at Walt Disney World? Leave a comment and share your story.

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Thanks so much to our guest author WDWFG forum member JHugo for sharing her safari with us, and Member Mandyandriley who previously shared her safari experience videos on our forums. Thanks also to our friends at the Disney Food Blog for exclusive use of their Jiko iImage.