In this post we give an overview of Kilimanjaro Safaris, a safari ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Walt Disney World. We cover the basics of the ride, how to ride it, and our thoughts on the experience before closing with an FAQ. Read on to learn more!

Kilimanjaro Safaris Basics

Kilimanjaro Safaris is a safari ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Kilimanjaro Safaris:

does not have a height requirement
does not offer rider switch
has an Lightning Lane as part of Genie+
does not have a single rider line
is not a part of Early Entry at Animal Kingdom
is about 20 minutes long (varies)

Disney warns that persons not in good health and expectant mothers should not ride. (People ask why this is. Keeping in mind we do not at all discount this warning, we assume it is because the ride can get quite bumpy. That said, it very well may have to do with the wildlife on the ride, or even the fact that the drive gets you somewhat remote from the rest of the park. That’s all speculation, but you can be sure there’s some good reason for the warning.)

Where is Kilimanjaro Safaris located?

Kilimanjaro Safaris is located in the Africa land of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Entering the park, you’ll want to pass the Tree of Life on the left, passing Pizzafari and Creature Comforts (the Animal Kingdom Starbucks). Cross the bridge and head straight to the back of the land to get to Kilimanjaro Safaris.

How to Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris

If you use Genie+ at Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safaris will probably be your second Lightning Lane pick (after Na’vi River Journey).

Since Kilimanjaro Safaris (as of this update) is not a part of Early Entry, guests without Early Entry have a good chance at a short wait if they start there. Of course, there might still be a line of people who had Early Entry ahead of you.

As with most rides, waits will peak midday. But another good reason to avoid midday safaris is because the animals are less active in the heat. Kilimanjaro Safaris usually closes before the rest of the park. Check the hours in the app or at the ride.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is probably the highlight of a day at Animal Kingdom with a small child. It has no notably scary parts, but it is a 20-minute long experience. This has never been a problem for us because the animals have kept Zoe entertained enough.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Ride Experience

The Kilimanjaro Safaris queue is mostly outdoor, and while there are a few themed spaces (the theme being that you’re going on a safari at the Harambe Wildlife Reserve), nothing stands out to us.

The ride itself is unique and amazing. During an approximately 20 minute journey, you’ll take a safari through varying landscapes filled with real animals. You can view a video of the ride here.

Past thematic elements—a story of poachers, a broken bridge—have been abandoned, and the ride is basically a straightforward safari experience now.

Your experience may vary. I don’t think I’ve ever been on a “bad” safari, but some are notably better than others—more active animals, animals coming right up to the vehicle, and so on. Personally we think the cliche advice that morning safaris are better is cliche because it’s correct, but we also don’t make a habit of afternoon safaris.

Kilimanjaro Safaris is a long experience, something you’ll want to keep in mind when planning your day. If you head there early, waits on everything else will be longer by the time you finish. If you have a Lightning Lane or dining reservation, don’t let a long safari cause you any conflicts.

Kilimanjaro Safaris FAQ

How many miles is the Kilimanjaro Safaris path?

Looking at Google Maps, I believe the path is only about 1.5 miles. That’s not too long, but keep in mind you’ll be moving slowly and making lots of stops (not getting out), so the ride will take about 20-30 minutes.

Do you pet animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris?

No. There is a petting zoo as part of Rafiki’s Planet Watch. And, if it’s the same as pre-closure, the Up Close With Rhinos tour can but doesn’t always include a portion where you pet a Rhino.

Are the animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris real?

Yes, but there are a few fictional elements. It frustrates me to no end, but at least the termite mounds, ostrich eggs, and tusk marks in the clay appear to be fake. The animals are real, though.

When is the best time to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris?

Earlier is better, but if you’re not on by, say, 11AM it will usually be best to wait until after 3PM / 4PM. The animals are more active when it’s cooler.

All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered

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Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide! If you're still picking dates, we've got everything you need to know about Disney World crowd calendars. For picking your hotel, check out our Walt Disney World hotels guide.

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Don't forget to master your Disney World Genie+ and Lightning Lane strategy a few months in advance. We'll keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, Epcot Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, Animal Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, and Hollywood Studios Genie+ and Lightning Lanes.

Know what to ride with our guides to: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, Epcot rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our guide to Blizzard Beach and our guide to Typhoon Lagoon! And for some some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World.

Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip. And if you're interested in saving, there's no better list than our 53 Ways to Save on your Disney trip from start to finish.

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