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Wild Africa Trek Experience

On May 25, 2013, I had the opportunity to experience the Wild Africa Trek.  I remember first hearing about this tour and wanted to do it.  Time and trips had passed by and I had not signed up.  Well, I made up my mind to sign up on my latest trip.  The cost was $189 per person. Disney is currently offering a Summer special of saving $50 through October 26, 2013.  This offer is good for treks scheduled at 11:45am, 12:30pm, 1:15pm, 2:30pm or 3:15pm.  In my excitement of reserving my spot, I then realized this is after Disney 24.  I would be dead tired trying to look at animals.  I did not want to be half sleep walking over the crocodiles. It turned out I left Disney 24 around 2am.  I did not hit the Disney wall as usual. The Disney wall hit me and I knew I had to throw in the towel at that time. Well that is a different blog post.

Alright back to the trek. Guests are asked to check in at the Wild Africa Trek desk 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled trek time.  The check in area is located next to the stand-by entrance of Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

After a wavier is signed, a locker was assigned to hold personal items, including cell phone.  You are allowed to take a camera as long as it has a neck or wrist strap. Glasses/sunglasses can be worn after attaching a strap to them as well.  Each member of the tour group was weighed to be given the correct harness. We were given a souvenir water bottle, name tag, and headset to be used to hear both of our guides.  My headset had to be replaced due to it not working after the trek began.  The guides are prepared for these types of things. 

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

Our group of about 10 got several looks as we walked through the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. The trail is not a smooth and level one.  I had to be careful of branches and tree roots.  Closed toe shoes are required.

Our first stop was the hippopotamus.  A Cast Member told us about the two male hippos, Henry and Huns.  Henry was the dominant male and Huns was described as being submissive.  A third hippo, Nacho, was removed due to him and Huns getting into altercations.  Huns is considered the young one of the group.  Henry appeared as if he did not want to be bothered.  Huns came over when it was signaled he would be getting fed. The Cast Member gave him lettuce.  You are standing on a ledge and can lean to look over. Your harness is attached to a “rail” to secure you. 

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

 

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

After this area, you come to the suspension bridges that will give you an aerial view.  The bridges do sway some.  Do not worry; you are safe because your harness is attached above you. 

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

 

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

 

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

  Up next were the crocodiles. They are all male and are fed once a week. I did not want to get close to them. 

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

After the crocodiles, this ended the walking portion of the trip.  Our group boarded a private safari truck and rode through the savanna.  We stopped several times to take pictures as the guides told us more about the animals.  

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

Our safari truck brought us to each lunch at Boma, not to be confused with the restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Lunch was severed in containers that reminded me of my Girl Scout days.  The top container had chicken curry salad, dried meats, and marinated fruit.  The bottom container had tomato hummus, mini pitas, shrimp, and smoked salmon with dill. Jungle juice, which is wonderful, was served also.  I am a picky eater if you did not know.  I liked the chicken curry salad the best.  I did try the salmon, shrimp, and tomato hummus. 

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

 

Photo Credit: EH

Photo Credit: EH

I enjoyed the Wild Africa Trek from beginning to end.  I learned interesting facts about the animals on the savanna.  I liked that we had our guides and the trek was at a nice pace.  I never felt rushed.  I was able to take as many pictures as I wanted. The guides were also taking pictures of the group and the surroundings.  The pictures they took will be placed on a CD and mailed to you about once to two weeks after the trek. 

I would recommend the Wild Africa Trek to anyone especially animal lovers.  Would I do it again? It is hard to say. I have experienced something new to me, checked it off my to-do-list, and ready for something else.  That does not indicate I did not enjoy or liked it because I did. 

Have you done the Wild Africa Trek? Is it on your to-do-list?  If so, let me know.

What more information about the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom here is the link to the official page on Disney.com.

Enjoy the YouTube video!

Elantrice H.

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