Archive for September 6th, 2009

The Wanyama Safari has changed a bit since I last participated a few years ago; which strikes me as the perfect excuse to sign up for a third time.  Once available only to guests staying at the concierge level of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, it is now open to all guests of the Lodge and Villas, although it is more expensive for those in non-concierge rooms.

The safari takes place in the three private savannahs of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge rather than at Animal Kingdom Park, and allows participants into areas which are otherwise off-limits to the public.  Every effort has been made to duplicate an actual African safari, drawing on the advice of experienced safari-goers amongst the cast members.

Meeting in front of the hotel, a maximum of twelve guests board a vehicle and head for the savannahs surrounding the Lodge. It’s a wonderful safari truck with a roof which raises to allow passengers to stand up and look outside.

Quite a lot of time is spent driving around the different areas behind the resort. A bit in front of the vehicle, handlers put out special food (browse) to attract the more than 200 animals that call these savannahs home. Consequently, guests are surrounded by animals during the entire excursion. It is an amazing experience.  Many animals are  close enough to touch; looking in the truck, walking around and in front of it, pecking at the tires.

During my first safari, one ostrich was particularly enamored of our truck and began exhibiting mating behavior on the road in front of us, ultimately lying down in front of the vehicle. We were told this is what they do when they’re really infatuated.  Be sure to bring cameras along.  No matter how many photos may have been taken from a balcony or along the route of the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride, this is an opportunity to see both animals and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge from a totally new perspective. The guides accompany the guests in the vehicle, allowing for lots of questions about the lives of the animals; their care, feeding, training, and day-to-day routines.  With such a tiny group, it is an astounding, intimate experience.

Finally, as the sun begins to set, just as on an African safari it is time to stop and have sundowners. Although these beverages aren’t alcoholic, it gives a very real sense of a true safari. The vehicle pulls up near a small table waiting in a clearing and fruit drinks are ceremoniously poured and passed around. There are also traditional safari foods on offer: dried meat, fruits, and nuts, served from containers that I know as “tiffins,” which are stacked, metal dishes with a wire carry handle, designed to keep out insects and animals.

Meanwhile, one guide has gone behind the bushes to offer some special treats to the giraffes which have been trained to come up close to the location behind a high fence. This allows everyone to have their pictures taken with giraffe backdrop!

Then, it’s on to dinner at Jiko, where guests are immediately greeted and seated together before the Chef appears to introduce the upcoming “culinary safari.”  As each course is served, the Chef returns to describe the different dishes and answer questions. The wonderful thing about this meal, served family-style, is that so many choices are available. Rather than just choosing one appetizer, entree, dessert, etc., platters arrive with six types of appetizers, three or four of their most popular entrees, a half a dozen different desserts. The meal also includes several different South African wines from Jiko’s impressive cellar. For those unfamiliar with this restaurant which specializes in the cuisines of continental Africa, it also boasts the largest collection of South African wines in North America

I cannot say enough about this wonderful activity. Much like Cirque du Soleil, it is worth giving up the cost of a day or two in the parks to participate in this unique program.

Wanyama Safari

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday – late afternoon

3 hours

Concierge guests: adults $160.00, children 8-9 $80.00

Non-Concierge guests: adults $210.00, children 8-9 $105.00

Participants must be 8 years of age or older

48-hour cancellation policy; Business Casual dress code for Jiko