kilimanjaro safaris poachers

• Removed elements
• Kilimanjaro Safaris characters
• Inhabitants of Harambe
• Theme park villains

The poachers or ivory poachers are a group of characters who served as the main-antagonists of Kilimanjaro Safaris , the spiritual successor to the Jungle Cruise .

• 1 Description
• 2.1 Background
• 2.2 Development history
• 3.1 Harambe Market
• 3.2 Kilimanjaro Safaris
• 5 References

Description [ ]

The poachers are a group of criminal hunters who operated in the Port of Harambe during the late 20th/early 21st century. The poachers made profit by killing protected African elephants in-order to illegally sell their ivory.

History [ ]

Background [ ].

Around the 1990s/2000s, the poachers were known to break into the Harambe Wildlife Reserve to kill animals for profit. Eventually, they killed the reserve's star elephant Big Red and kidnapped her baby Little Red . The poachers were subsequently hunted down by the combined efforts of reserve warden Wilson Matua and the SIMBA-1 safari jeep of Kilimanjaro Safaris .

Development history [ ]

The poachers were the original main-antagonists of Kilimanjaro Safaris. They were unseen characters who killed the elephant Big Red and made off with her baby Little Red before being thwarted by the guests. The poachers storyline was infused to create a moral to the attraction but removed due to the imagery of animal mutilation and murder within an attraction featuring live animals.

Appearances [ ]

Harambe market [ ].

There are poasters warning about harsh penalties for ivory poaching. [1]

Kilimanjaro Safaris [ ]

Posters reference the poachers within the queue for Kilimanjaro Safaris. [2]

Gallery [ ]

References [ ]

• ↑ https://wdwnt.com/2018/11/uniquely-disney-disneys-animal-kingdom-africa/
• ↑ https://insidethemagic.net/2015/02/d-tales-10-kilimanjaro-safari-hides-huge-backstory-infused-with-disney-history/
• 1 Frank Wolff
• 3 Lope de Aguirre

Embark on a Wild Expedition: Ultimate Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney Animal Kingdom!

Are you ready to take a virtual ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

On April 22, 1998, former Disney Company CEO, Michael Eisner uttered this dedication speech below when opening Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Welcome to a kingdom of animals…real, ancient and imagined. A kingdom ruled by lions, dinsaurs, and dragons; a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn.”

Themed to nature and animal conservation, Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World has been educating and bringing awareness of the natural experiences and importance of our role in helping wildlife for over 25 years now.

One of the big draws for the park is Kilimanjaro Safaris, where you board an African safari truck and explore the savannah, witnessing firsthand the beauty of African wildlife.

For some, this is the closest they will get to experiencing these creatures. It is truly an endearing and unforgettable experience.

Today, I will give you everything you would want to and need to know about this amazing Disney attraction.

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Kilimanjaro Safaris at a Glance:

• You will hop on board the attraction for a thrilling safari adventure
• The original storyline included rescuing a mother elephant and her baby from poachers – Big Red and Little Red
• You will spot animals such as lions, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, zebra, hippos and more!
• The ride is located in the middle of the Africa Section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Strollers are not allowed on the safari vehicle (there is a designated area to park it nearby)
• The wait times can range from 30 minutes to an hour on average.
• There is no Single Rider Line but the option for Lightning Lane is available.

Keep reading to get everything you need to know about this fun Disney attraction!

How did Kililmajaro safaris come to be?

To discuss the history of Kilimanjaro Safaris, we have to go back beyond even Walt Disney World’s grand opening.

We have to first look at Jungle Cruise in Disneyland. Walt had envisioned actual African animals within the attraction.

But for very obvious reasons, they went the audio animatronic route instead.

But with many Disney ideas that hit the ground in the Imagineering room, they tend to come back in some way, shape or form. This attraction is a prime example.

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What to Expect on Kilimanjaro Safaris

Here you will hop on board the attraction for a thrilling safari experience as you journey through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve in Harambe, East Africa.

While cruising through the large savannah, you’ll learn about the different animals as your tour guide shares fun facts and keeps things entertaining.

What I really love about this attraction is that you’ll feel as if the animals are right next to you (which can be possible at certain moments of your expedition).

But don’t worry – there are sneaky fences and barriers in place to keep everyone safe and sound. Especially when you’re riding past crocodiles and lions.

Original Storyline

On the original version of the ride, the safari truck, known as “Simba-1,” used to have a scripted part where a habitat warden and a scientist would ask for help in rescuing a mother elephant and her baby from poachers – Big Red and Little Red.

The poachers were once caught by a Cast Member at gunpoint (wild, I know!) along with Wilson, but this part of the ride was later changed to just scaring off the poachers during a chase.

New Storyline

The safari script and story for this attraction underwent significant alterations.

Years later, Disney tweaked it to shift away from the “Little Red and Big Red” plot-line.

They wanted the focus to go back towards the animals in the reserve and the mission to locate a missing elephant at the conclusion.

As guest began to experience the newer version, this change resulted in a bit of a confusing storyline, as they embarked on a quest to find a lost “mother elephant” only to discover her baby, who, as per the tale, had been safe all along.

I understood the changes but my time on the ride always left me wondering why there were certain setups along the way that had no description from the tour guide.

When you go on the attraction now, you’ll just see remnants of the former storyline that look more like ride decor at this point.

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More changes to come.

In 2004, they had to switch out a lot of the savanna’s drainage system , but the ride was still up and running while they fixed it.

Then, on February 10, 2012, they said they were getting rid of the “Little Red” part of the ride and putting in a cool zebra exhibit instead. You can check out the full story here.

The place used to have Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras , but they had to be taken out four months later because they were having trouble getting used to the new environment.

Apparently, the zebras were quarreling, nibbling at cars or each other, blocking the road, or causing problems with their mating habits. They were later swapped out with addax antelope.

Fun Fact: Animal Kingdom has more than 100 acres of savanna, forest, rivers, and rocky hills that you’ll enjoy on the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction.

Is Kilimanjaro Safaris the same every time?

Not at all! You will get a different experience every time due to the nature of the wildlife, as well as the time of day.

What is the current experience like?

Once you board your safari vehicle, you will enter the wildlife reserve. Right off the bat, have your phone cameras ready!

• You start off in the forest spotting the Okapi.
• Next stop is the watering hole where you might spot some cool animals like the stork, bongo, kudu, and black rhinos.
• Then, you’ll cross a river where the hippos hang out over a shaky bridge.
• Beneath the bridge, you might spot some crocs (scary but fun)!
• When you enter the savanna you’ll encounter zebras, hyennas, giraffes, and more (don’t be surprise if they get close to your truck).
• You’ll then spot signs of elephants nearby.
• After that, you’ll pass by some monkeys.
• Once you reach the red clay pits, you’ll be delighted to witness the magnificent elephants and their adorable babies.
• Keep an eye out for pink flamingos chilling by a watering hole as you go.
• Next up are the lions! (be sure to grab an evening ride when they’re the most active)
• Be sure to look out for warthogs, ostrich eggs, cheetahs and antelopes.
• Don’t miss the group of goats at the new campsite towards the end of the ride.

On one of my expeditions, the giraffe was hungry and had lunch in front of a tree that was right in the path. I had to sit there for 45 minutes until the giraffe was done!

Fun Fact: The vehicles on the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride seat 32 guests and are environmentally safe with propane-fueled engines.

Animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom

Here is a list of the African wildlife you may come across during your safari and please note that this list can change at anytime:

• African bush elephant
• African wild dog
• Ankole cattle
• Black crowned crane (seen in the queue)
• Black rhinoceros
• Blue wildebeest
• Common eland
• The Common ostrich
• Common warthog
• Greater flamingo
• Greater kudu
• Hartmann’s mountain zebra
• Hippopotamus
• Masai giraffe
• Nigerian dwarf goat
• Nile crocodile
• Pink-backed pelican
• Sable antelope
• Saddle-billed stork
• Scimitar oryx
• Spotted hyena
• White rhinoceros

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What to Know Before You Go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Now that you know what to expect on this Animal Kingdom attraction, let’s go through a few questions that you may have.

Where is Kilimanjaro Safaris located?

The ride is located in the middle of the Africa Section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Just keep going towards the very back of the park.

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How do you ride the Safari ride at Animal Kingdom?

Kilimanjaro Safaris has a standby line, and the wait varies depending on the time of year you visit and time of day you go.

The wait times can range from 30 minutes to an hour on average. There is no Single Rider Line but the option for Lightning Lane is available.

Is Child Swap available?

Rider Switch isn’t available for this attraction. Children are available to ride with the party, but it is recommended that they sit in the middle of the row.

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Is the queue outdoors?

The queue is outdoors but it is covered. It also isn’t interactive, but there are facts about animals along the queue that you can read up on as you go.

Will I get Motion Sickness on Kilimanjaro Safaris?

It is possible depending on the person. The ride doesn’t have seatbelts, but it does have doors to keep you inside the vehicle.

With that being said, it does get VERY bumpy when riding over the terrain. Remember, its an African safari!

Is it accessibility friendly?

There are wheelchair accessible safari vehicles with ramps for you to use.

If you are using an electric wheelchair or ECV, you will have to transfer to a manual wheelchair to board.

Accessibility guests and their companions will be seated right behind the driver in row 1. ECVs and Wheelchairs are parked with strollers and will be in this area when you return.

The vehicles can only hold one wheelchair at a time however so bear this in mind. Other accessibility tools such as captioning and assistive listening are available.

Service animals are also allowed but with caution. So do keep that in mind.

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Are strollers allowed?

Strollers are not allowed on the safari vehicle. There is a designated area to park it nearby.

Can I do a private safari tour at Animal Kingdom?

For an extra fee, you can do a variety of safari type tours that are subject to price changes and availability. They can be found here .

Is Kilimanjaro Safaris free?

The Kilimanjaro safaris attraction is included with the price of your admission to Animal Kingdom so no worries just enjoy!

Get Your Walt Disney World Tickets Today! CLICK HERE .

My Final Thoughts

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is truly an underrated crown jewel at Walt Disney World Resort.

There is plenty to admire in the beauty of the wildlife, especially when you experience the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction.

This is one ride that you cannot miss when you go! As mentioned, I recommend that you do it the first thing in the morning when you visit the park as the wait tends to be on the longer side.

Have you gone on the Kilimanjaro Safari experience before and if so, what animals did you see? Let us know in the comments section below.

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

About the Contributors

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor , and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.

She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.

She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home.

Are you planning a Disney vacation soon? Read the  Disney World Vacation Planning Guide  for your next dream trip!

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Secrets of Disney World History: Kilimanjaro Safari Animal Kingdom

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On Disney World’s Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom park, riders board open-sided safari vehicles and take a journey through Harambe Wildlife Preserve. And while we expect to see giraffes, hippos, elephants and maybe a lion or two, there is a whole world of Disney World history and some of the most fascinating Disney World secrets hiding on the savanna at Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom.

1. Historic Narratives of Kilimanjaro Safari: Poachers and Baby Red

When Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom opened, it followed a story line involving a poached elephant mother and her orphaned elephant calf. Guests would board the ride vehicles under the premise of a “weeks long safari” only to have the journey interrupted by radio chatter of a poached elephant and missing calf.

The safari guide would then take guests on a bumpy, fast paced chase through the savanna and over a rickety bridge looking for the poachers. The chase would end when the warden came over the radio and informed riders that the poachers had been chased into a trap thanks to their heroic efforts. You would them come upon Baby Red the elephant calf safely rescued and standing in a truck.

This ride iteration was meant to teach the dangers of poaching in Africa and saw some changes over the years until its end in 2012. One little known Disney World Secret about Kilimanjaro safari in Animal Kingdom is that prior to the park’s opening, the storyline for the ride included a fake and gruesome elephant corpse that was made to look like it had been killed by poachers. The corpse even included missing tusks. This scene did not test well and was removed before the park opened.

Over the years, the poaching scene was reduced to a shorter encounter with the warden who made a simple, and seemingly random, announcement over the radio to be on the lookout for a wandering elephant calf. This storyline did end with finding Baby Red in the truck as well, but the chase scene with the poachers quickly became shorter and shorter. By 2012, Baby Red, the poachers, and the radio messages were scrapped in favor of allowing guests to spend more time viewing real animals.

2. How Kilimanjaro Safari Ensures Animal Visibility

During Kilimanjaro safari you will see many different animals. In fact, there are 34 species, but sometimes they do not want to be found. To combat shy animals, the animal caretakers strategically place enticements to encourage animals to come into view of the ride vehicles. For some animals, this means a well-placed salt block or snack hidden in a feeder made to look like a tree stump. For others, like the lions, it means a special air-conditioned rock to encourage long naps in plain sight.

3. Kilimanjaro Safari: The Longest Attraction in Disney World

While there are many secrets about Animal Kingdom , this one shouldn’t surprise many die-hard Disney fans. Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom is the longest attraction in the resort that is not a movie or a show. The ride experience comes in at just over 18 minutes. Although, this can vary somewhat depending on how many stops your ride vehicles needs to make to avoid animals in your path. Occasionally, a stubborn gazelle or zebra will block the path for a few minutes or more.

4. Safety Measures on Kilimanjaro Safari: Protecting Guests and Wildlife

The Safari takes up a whopping 100 acres of land in Animal Kingdom, and it seems like the animals have free roam of this. In reality, most animal species are separated by natural looking barriers to keep guests and prey animals safe. For example, the lions are kept apart from the prey animals on the savanna by an 18-foot wide moat surrounding their enclosure.

Other enclosure elements include fencing inside landscaping, and chains and cattle guards across the roads.

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5. Timing Your Trip to Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom

The animals in Kilimanjaro Safari have minds of their own and tend to make their own schedules. This can make it hard to see them all during a safari, but there are certain times of day the animals are more active. Generally, right after park opening the animals are more likely to be on the move. In the morning, the weather is cooler, and the animals are finishing up their breakfasts, so you have a better chance of seeing them.

Another great time to spot the wildlife up and about is during the evening Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom. For a couple short years, Animal Kingdom actually had a nighttime safari with artificial sunset and moon lighting. This provided some unique animal encounters we never had during the day.

For example, at night some animals on the savanna, such as zebras, giraffes, and antelope tend to group together and interact more freely. Unfortunately, Animal Kingdom closed the nighttime safaris. But, by riding the last safaris of the day, you’ll see the animals moving around more, and a bit wound up as they wait for dinner time.

Animals are also more active during the rain, so don’t skip this attraction because of weather!

6. Behind the Scenes: Animal Training at Kilimanjaro Safari

Some of you may not know that the animals do not sleep in their enclosures in Kilimanjaro Safari! Each group of animals is called in nightly to take a break from their “jobs” on the savanna. To call them in, each species is taught to come to a different sound. Some sounds include bells, whistles, drums, and more.

Some animals also call Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge home. These animals are rotated through the savannas of the lodge as well as backstage areas.

7.  The Connection Between Jungle Cruise and Kilimanjaro Safari

Not too many people know that the Jungle Cruise and Kilimanjaro Safari are linked to each other through Walt Disney. When Walt came up with the idea for the Jungle Cruise in Disneyland, he wanted to use real animals. Unfortunately, this was very cost prohibitive at the time, so animatronics were used instead.

Walt continued to dream of an attraction that featured real animals, and when Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, his dream had finally been realized.

8. The Changing Roles of Zebras in Kilimanjaro Safari

There are still rumors flying around that zebras cannot be found at Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom. The zebra Disney World history is a little rocky and confusing. Zebras were on the safari from opening until 2012 when they were removed to backstage areas. Staff said they were removed to make way for a new Zebra enclosure, that would take the place of the old Baby Red scene and close the ride. Shortly after, the Zebra enclosure opened.

Unfortunately, after a few months, guests began seeing addax in the zebra habitat instead. Many guests reported being told by cast members that the new zebra herd was not settling in well with each other or the new habitat. Others were told the zebras were blocking ride vehicles and fighting.

The internet seemed to be up in arms about whether or not the zebras were there. Some guests would see them on certain days, and other days the addex would be in their place.

There is still some confusion as to whether zebras exist at Disney World , but the zebras are very much apart of Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom. Occasionally, the zebras are held backstage while the apex are in the final scene. If you do not see the zebras, come back to the safari on a different day, or time of your trip and you are sure to see them!

Zebras are also featured often on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

9. Unexpected Guests: Non-African Animals at Kilimanjaro Safari

A quite comical fact about Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom is that some non-themed animals call the landscape home. While Disney would prefer to keep these animals out, it is nearly impossible to discourage native Floridian birds from settling into the savanna. While riding the safari you may notice ducks, ibis, and vultures.

In fact, one cast member said these non-themed animal guests created more reactions from her safari passengers than the African wildlife did. This cast member seemed quite miffed and offended by that, so next time you ride Kilimanjaro Safari, try not to exclaim about a duck or two sitting with the flamingos!

10. Wildlife Checklist: What to Spot on Kilimanjaro Safari

While we have already discussed Zebras calling Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom home, there are many more species you may (or may not) see while on your safari. These include: giraffes, elephants, hippos, white and black rhinos, okapi, bongos, nyalas, kudus, common waterbucks, flamingos, impalas, mandrills, gazelle, crocodiles, antelope, wildebeests, lion, cheetahs, elands, ostriches, warthog, scimitar-horned onyx and of course, zebras. There are also many varieties of African birds.

Memorable Moments from Kilimanjaro Safari

During our 20+ years of visiting Disney World, we have been on Kilimanjaro Safari more times than we can count. We always go multiple times a trip, and enjoy it each time.

The experience changes dramatically based on time of day, the animals on the savanna, and the safari guide you get. Some safari guides are more versed in their animal facts. During various safaris at Kilimanjaro Safari, we learned that elephants are afraid of bees. In fact, farmers often use bees to keep the elephants away from crops. We also learned that an Oryx can go 9 months without water and giraffes sleep in 5 minute intervals for total sleep of as little as 30 minutes a day.

My favorite memories of the safari occurred during the night time safaris, during the short years those were offered to general park guests. During these safaris the animals are much more active. We saw hyenas running and yelling, and got to see the lions roaring on their large rock.

If you are wanting a night time safari experience, Disney now offers an exclusive nighttime safari for an added fee.

One of the most intense moments we had during the safari involved the rhinos. One of the rhinos stood directly in front of our safari vehicle, as the other walked right next to where I was sitting. Had i been more daring to break the rules, I could have touched it.

Luckily our safari driver remained calm, kept us safe, and had us on our way again quickly.

Every ride on Kilimanjaro Safari is a bit different, but all of them promise fun, adventure, animals, and surprises.

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Kilimanjaro Safaris

• 3 Animals Seen
• 4 Incidents
• 5 Construction
• 8 References

The ride originally begins as a two-week safari aboard Simba 1 through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve in Harambe , East Africa. It is 800km 2 of natural terrain, including Ituri forest, wetlands of the Safi River valley and the open bush country of the Serengeti Savanna. During most of the ride people view the common African animals including elephants, giraffe, antelopes, gazelles, crocodiles, monkeys, hippos, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, crocodiles, storks, pelicans, flamingos and okapis. The tour guide points out animals and provides entertainment. During the journey, the driver is in radio contact with reserve warden Wilson Matua, who is flying over the reserve on his daily routine. It all takes a turn when poachers are spotted in the reserve, and it's up to Simba 1 and the guests, with support from the air and other rangers, to stop them.

History [ ]

Kilimanjaro Safaris typically operates until sundown. However, during the holiday season of 1998, the safaris were continued at night and dubbed Kilimanjaro Night Safaris. Though many animals were asleep, or unable to be seen at night, the attraction had a completely different script and storyline. This "new" attraction featured additional animal sounds, reflectors hidden in the foliage to resemble animals' eyes, and an actual African dance group, who performed around a bonfire in the area normally occupied by the attraction's elephants. Kilimanjaro Night Safaris only ran during that initial holiday season. After this time, it was deemed that the additional costs, plus the fact that animal visibility was poor (eliciting many Guest complaints), made Night Safaris unfeasible to continue regularly. Cast members can still switch the voice tracks on the trucks to hear the nighttime version of Wilson and Miss Jobson, however it is not considered part of the current Safari storyline.

In 2004, much of the savanna's drainage system had to be replaced. The attraction remained open during the rehab, with green tarps covering the construction sites to keep the animals out.

In 2007-8, work began to extend the trucks with an extra row of seating, allowing the trucks more capacity. Though not all the trucks have the extra row, it is known they will be finished by 2009. Also, the safari script/story, along with the Wilson/Jobson story has significantly changed. There is less of a story about "Little Red", and more about the animals in the Reserve and the need to find a lost elephant at the end.

The ride originally featured a cast member in the role of a gun-toting reserve warden who captured the poachers and saved Big Red and Little Red. This element of the attraction was eventually eliminated. During Cast Previews of Disney's Animal Kingdom, there was a "Dark Ending" in which the safari vehicle encountered the slaughtered corpse of Big Red. This scene proved too shocking for families and children, and thus was eventually changed to give the attraction a happier ending.

On August 15, 2015, at the D23 Expo , an expansion known as Sunset Kilimanjaro Safaris , was announced, extending the operating hours of the attraction, as well as adding new landscapes, and two new species of animals, including African wild dogs and hyenas. [1]

Animals Seen [ ]

• Okapi ( Okapia johnstoni )
• Greater kudu ( Tragelaphus strepsiceros )
• White-faced tree duck ( Dendrocygna viduata )
• Northern pintail duck ( Anas acuta )
• Nyala ( Tragelaphus angasii )
• Sable antelope ( Hippotragus niger )
• Greater flamingo ( Phoenicopterus roseus )
• White-bearded wildebeest ( Connochaetes taurinus )
• Pink-backed pelican ( Pelecanus rufescens )
• Bontebok ( Damaliscus pygargus )
• Eland ( Taurotragus oryx )
• Springbok ( Antidorcas marsupialis )
• Yellow-billed duck ( Anas undulata )
• Thomson's gazelle ( Eudorcas thomsonii )
• Yellow-billed stork ( Mycteria ibis )
• Ankole Cattle ( Bos taurus africanus )
• Mandrill ( Mandrillus sphinx )
• Egyptian goose ( Alopochen aegyptiaca )
• Scimitar-horned oryx ( Oryx dammah )
• Red-billed duck ( Anas erythrorhyncha )
• Helmeted guineafowl ( Numida meleagris )
• White-breasted cormorant
• Stanley crane ( Grus paradisea )
• Bongo ( Tragelaphus eurycerus )
• Impala ( Aepyceros melampus )
• Mhorr gazelle
• Yellow-backed duiker
• Saddle-billed stork ( Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis )
• Black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis )
• White rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum )
• Hippopotamus ( Hippopotamus amphibius )
• Nile crocodile ( Crocodylus niloticus )
• Reticulated giraffe
• Masai giraffe
• Plains zebra ( Equus quagga )
• Mountain zebra ( Equus zebra )
• Warthog ( Phacochoerus africanus )
• Ostrich ( Struthio camelus )
• Cheetah ( Acinonyx jubatus )
• African bush elephant ( Loxodonta africana )
• Lion ( Panthera leo )
• Addax ( Addax nasomaculatus )
• African wild dog ( Lycaon pictus )
• Spotted hyena
• Nigerian goat

Incidents [ ]

• Tuesday, July 13, 2004 is known as "Black Tuesday". The final waterfall scene became overfilled due to a drainage block. When many of the trucks went through, it short-circuited the microphone and "puck" system. After a two-hour closing to figure out how to resolve the issue, it re-opened with trucks maintaining a driver, and another cast member standing in the first passenger seating row talking to the guests. Cast members from throughout the park were asked to help if they had knowledge of the animals/safari. Though it created some havoc, it is a story told by and to all cast members of the attraction.
• February 10, 2008, a fire broke out in the engine compartment of one of the ride vehicles.

Construction [ ]

• The attraction features custom-built GMC trucks riding washed-out, rutted roads and a tilting bridge. The roadbed is actually constructed of dark brown-colored concrete embedded with permanent tire ruts.
• The flamingo island is a huge Hidden Mickey .
• Between each ecosystem includes both chain road sensors and bars to prevent animals from venturing between sections. The vehicles drive directly on these obstacles.
• The entire Magic Kingdom park could fit comfortably inside of this single attraction.
• Walt Disney originally wanted the Jungle Cruise to have real animals. So, in a way, the Kilimanjaro Safaris is a spiritual successor to that original idea.
• The music snippet that is heard when driving past the elephant area is called "Hapa Duniani" and is performed by the vocal group, "African Dawn."
• The lions in Kilimanjaro Safaris originally were from an Oregon zoo and had a hard time adjusting to Florida's heat. The animals would often retreat from visitor's view to a shaded area. To counter this problem, Imagineers installed air-conditioning systems around the lion's promontory, thus giving visitors a better chance of seeing the kings of the savannah.
• On the African savanna, acacia trees appear to be the mainstay of the landscape. Kilimanjaro Safaris, however, is pulling a switcha-roo on its residents by carefully trimming Florida's native southern live oaks to mimic flat-topped acacias. Disney claims the giraffes don't mind on the substitutes.
• When you pass the lions on Kilmanjaro Safaris don't worry about being in harms way. Hidden from visitor's view, an 18-foot-deep, 21-foot-wide moat separates the lions from other animals and the rides vehicle path.

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References [ ]

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• 3 Disney Villains

Kilimanjaro Safaris – 8 Fun Facts You May Not Know

Kilimanjaro Safaris is an attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park where guests will board a safari truck that takes them into the Harambe Wildlife Reserve to view free-roaming animals. Every safari is different, and guests may see hippos, giraffes, elephants, lions, and more during this ride. Have your camera at the ready and hang on because it can get a little bumpy! Here are eight fun facts about the Kilimanjaro Safaris Attraction.

8 – Walt’s Vision Comes to Life

When Walt Disney was designing the original concept for the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland, he wanted to use real animals. This idea was quickly scrapped in favor of audio-animatronic versions of the animals due to the many factors involving the use of live animals. Decades later, when Imagineers began the concepts for Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, they knew they would finally have an opportunity to bring Walt’s vision and love of animals to life with Kilimanjaro Safaris.

7 – Size

Kilimanjaro Safaris is the largest attraction at Walt Disney World. So large in fact that the entire Magic Kingdom could fit inside the attraction.

6 – Hidden Mickey

If you are looking for hidden Mickey’s, take a look at the island that the flamingos congregate on. This will be just past the elephants and located on the left-hand side of the truck. The island is shaped like Mickey if you look at it from above.

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5 – Storyline Has Changed from Original Concept

The storyline of the attraction led guests on an adventure to stop poachers who had trespassed onto the Harambe Wildlife Preserve and rescue “Little Red,” a baby elephant. Before the park opened, the attraction included a scene where “Big Red,” the mother elephant killed by poachers, could be seen. This was removed from the attraction before opening due to negative responses during tests.  The storyline to save Little Red remained, with guests finding her rescued at the end of the attraction. Eventually, the storyline was removed, and the focus of the attraction was the animals themselves and a conservation message.

4 – Yes, They Are Real Trucks

The safari vehicles are GMC trucks that have been converted to run on propane.  These trucks are actual free-moving vehicles, and they do not run on a track, the driver is responsible for your safety as well as the safety of the animals while out on safari. This is why, from time to time, your ride vehicle may stop unexpectedly. If an animal is on the ride path, the driver must wait for the animal to clear the area before proceeding. This causes all trucks behind this vehicle to stop as they must remain at a safe distance from each other.  At the end of the day, the trucks are driven off the ride and parked in a lot where they can be serviced before the next day.

3 – The Landscape Isn’t Always Real

While you are on Kilimanjaro Safaris, the landscape looks incredibly real. You may forget for a moment that you are actually in central Florida. The flat-top Acacia trees that are common on the African Savannah are actually just Southern Live Oak trees that they trim to look like Acacias. The animals do not seem to mind, though. The Baobab trees, which have massive trunks and look as if they are upside down as their branches are leafless and resemble roots, are not real trees. The ones on the attraction are made of concrete; however, you can see a real one near the Tusker House restaurant in Harambe Village before you enter the ride.

2 – Animals Are Real But Are Contained

While the animals you see on Kilimanjaro Safaris appear to be free-roaming, they are contained to their specific ecosystem by camouflaged walls, water barriers, and cattle guard chains on the ground. The lions are kept in their location by an 18-foot deep and 21-foot wide moat that separates them from the ride vehicles. Disney has done an incredible job of hiding many of these features, so it appears the animal habitats are connected. Animal keepers place food and toys in areas where the animals will be seen from the ride path; this way, guests have the best chance of viewing the animals while on safari.

1 – Animals Get Time to Rest

The animals do not stay on the attraction overnight. Each night they return to their barn located behind the scenes to rest and receive veterinary care.  The Animal Keeper team has trained each animal to return to the barn when it hears a specific sound, some returning to a tambourine, a triangle or a bell, among many other sounds.  The animals also do not go out on the safari every day as they rotate to allow each animal proper time for rest, care, and enrichment.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park offers many different animal viewing attractions and locations, but one of the best attractions is the Kilimanjaro Safaris. While many guests make this the first stop of the day while visiting the park, animals are active and can be seen throughout the day. This popular attraction can have a long wait time and is now one of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass attractions.  If you’ve been on Kilimanjaro Safari, what animal was your favorite?

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Secrets of a Kilimanjaro Safaris Driver at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This is the latest in a series of articles on Theme Park Tourist in which we’ll talk to Cast Members at Walt Disney World to understand their roles and the part that they play in “creating the magic” for guests. The interviews will offer an insight into Cast Members’ day-to-day roles, the training that they undergo and the aspects of their jobs that they find the most rewarding. We might even uncover a funny story or two. Kilimanjaro Safaris is a live safari adventure that embodies the heart of what Animal Kingdom was built to be. The ride was one of the opening day attractions at the park, and continues to be one of its most popular draws. The signature attraction at the park, Kilimanjaro Safaris takes guests on a real off-roading adventure past real animals (with seemingly no fences) that takes place on a parcel of land equal in size to the entire Magic Kingdom park. Among the animals that are on show are lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinoceros and cheetahs. The Cast Members that work on Kilimanjaro Safaris play a crucial role in the ride experience. In particular, they are responsible for actually driving the safari trucks, and for pointing out the various animals en route. It’s one of the most unique and coveted roles at Walt Disney World – where else can you go on a mini-safari every single day? Amy Ziese worked as an Attractions Cast Member on Kilimanjaro Safaris in 2006 (Amy has previously shared with us her experiences of working as a Housekeeping Cast Member ). She was kind enough to speak with Theme Park Tourist about her experiences of working on the ride – and you can read her thoughts below.

Landing the role

Amy was working on the Dinosaur attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom when she was told that Kilimanjaro Safaris (KSR to Cast Members, for Kilimanjaro Safari Ride) was short-staffed: “Anyone who was interested could be cross trained and eventually transfer to work over there. I’ve always loved KSR and was excited to try a spieling role, not to mention the thrill of working on an attraction with live animals. One of my managers at Dinosaur had previously worked there and encouraged me to go for it.”

Training up

Since Amy was a cross-train from Dinosaur, she had already completed Daklamation, which is the class for new hires at Animal Kingdom. She went straight into attractions training for Kilimanjaro Safaris: ” We began by practicing the spiel while we were off the truck and driving the truck without worrying about talking. After a couple days of that, we put it all together and once we were able to take a couple solid trips, we started going with guests on the truck.”

“I trained along with one other person, who was also a cross-train from Dinosaur. For some trips we would take turns with one of us spieling and the other one driving to help us get the hang of it. She was a better driver and I was stronger at spieling, so she would practice talking while I focused on driving for several trips. We also had to learn all the positions off the truck, but these were much easier, particularly since we had both worked in attractions previously.”

Day-to-day duties

Working on Kilimanjaro Safaris wasn’t simply a case of driving the safari trucks all day long: “Every KSR cast member rotates through all the positions. So you take your turn on the truck, but you’ll also work as a greeter, grouper, strollers, and other positions. Every day was different so you never knew exactly what positions you would land most or when.”

“Obviously driving the truck is one of the most challenging positions. While you’re trying to spot all the animals and point them out to guests, you’re also maintaining the appropriate distance between yourself and the next truck, keeping an eye on guests to make sure they stay seated, slowing down just enough for guests to try and get some great pictures, and keeping an ear on the radio in case there are any special situations (like animals in the road that will slow you down and keep you stuck in one area for awhile).”

The “old” Kilimanjaro Safaris

When the ride opened to the public, it retained the story that included the disappearance of “Big Red” but didn’t show the elephants death. It did, though, include a fake elephant known as “Little Red”, who was “rescued” by the guests on the safari. This version of the ride included a fast, bumpy chase in which the guests pursued and stopped the poachers and evetyone went home with a compelling lesson about the dangers of poaching in Africa. The chase was one of Amy’s favorite parts of the attraction: “I was lucky enough to work KSR when the bridge was moving and you got to chase down the poachers, so there was a lot of bumpy driving and a thrilling element of urgency there at the end when you could really get into the role of tracking those poachers down.” In 2007, the story was toned down. The guests were told of a baby elephant wandering the park and were asked to keep an eye out for it. Though they still found the elephant and briefly encountered the poachers, the message wasn’t so stark. Finally, in 2012, Kilimanjaro Safaris lost the last lingering message about the harsh realities of poaching in Africa. Poachers and Baby Red have disappeared along with all radio chatter between the tour guide and the game warden that warned of poaching and set up any kind of story line. The bumpy chase is long gone, and even the unstable bridge that would rock from side to side remains stubbornly secure.

Kilimanjaro Safaris trucks are very real. “It’s not a secret, but I think a lot of guests didn’t really believe that the trucks were free-moving,” says Amy. “We take them off the ride path and park them in a big parking lot backstage every night. They don’t go very fast, so it’s agonizing taking them on and off and driving the backstage roads at that pace, but they are absolutely real, free-moving trucks.”

The reason that the trucks don’t simply cycle around on a track is very simple: “The animals here are free roaming. Drivers will often need to swerve to one side of the road or another to scoot past a stubborn giraffe. While they can’t leave the road entirely, there’s enough wiggle room to help them navigate the savannah safely.”

Avoiding the residents

Spotting the animals.

How do Kilimanjaro Safaris drivers make sure the animals are visible in the vast landscape? “Sometimes you can’t,” says Amy. “The lions are notoriously difficult to spot. Transplants from a cooler environment, the big cats had a difficult time transitioning to Florida. The spot where the lions now lay is the location of an air conditioning vent.”

Amy’s favorite aspect of the role was commentating on the safari for guests: “I love spieling, so talking about the animals was my favorite part of working at KSR. After I memorized the basic spiel, my trainer gave me some extra fact cards that I would memorize as well so I could insert interesting little tidbits into the spiel when appropriate. Every safari is different and you never know what animals you’ll see or what they’ll be doing, so you have lots of opportunities to customize the experience for the guests.”

“If you happen to hear someone close behind you talking about their favorite animal, you can try and toss in a few extra facts about it to give them a better experience. It’s also great to have the opportunity to really see all the animals at their best at one point or another. Many guests have to suffer through a poor view of the lions because they like to lounge around in the cooler spots. When you make enough rounds of the safari, though, you’ll have the opportunity to see them when they’re sitting up, moving around, and looking really spectacular.”

Not all aspects of the role were quite so enjoyable, however: “Animal Kingdom is probably the hottest park on property. It tends to feel much warmer there than it will in other parks because of all the lush foliage. There’s a lot of humidity down there among the dense plant life and you can really feel it. Working through a sweltering day was probably one of the least enjoyable parts of being at KSR, particularly because the attraction doesn’t have any indoor positions.”

The less glamorous animals

Guests aren’t only interested in spotting lions or elephants while they are on their safari: “One of the funniest things I experienced working at KSR was the particular animals that guests would react to. Many times you would be looking at a pool of hippos and hear all the guests shouting ‘Look! A duck! There’s a DUCK!’ We couldn’t keep them out, of course, so native wildlife like that would get in, but it was amazing to me that people would look right past the amazing creatures we have from across the world and lose their minds over the same birds you’ll see wandering absolutely everywhere in the parks.” Thanks to Amy for sharing her memories with us. If you’d like to learn more about Cast Members’ roles and experiences at Walt Disney World, sign up now to be notified when Creating the Magic: Life as a Disney Cast Member is released.

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Kilimanjaro Safaris

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Grab your cameras and climb aboard your jeep as you set off on a breathtaking safari tour of the African savannah!

Quick Links:

Get ready to explore the African savanna in this fun-filled excursion! Along the way you’ll see lions, elephants, black rhinos, hippos, and many other African creatures!

As your jeep leaves the boarding area, your guide will point out the various animals along the way, occasionally stopping so you can get a good picture! You’ll also learn some interesting facts about the African savanna, including the famed Baobob tree (that’s the “upside down” tree, seemingly with its roots rising high into the air!).

Kilimanjaro Safaris is a fun-filled adventure, and is a great way to see some of the most amazing and beautiful animals on Earth in their natural habitat.

Magical Moments

• Kilimanjaro Safaris is filled with unexpected magical moments. Keep an eye out for your favorite animals throughout your journey (your driver will point them out to you, make sure your cameras are always ready!).
• Because the animals are unpredictable, you can ride again and again and never see the same sights twice.

Hidden Mickeys & Other Secrets

• Look for the island in the flamingo pond. It may be hard to tell from the jeep, but the island itself forms a clever Hidden Mickey!

Did You Know...?

• In 2004, much of the savanna was under repair as the drainage system was being replaced. During the renovation period, green tarps covered the construction areas to keep the animals out.
• The attraction originally included an elaborate backstory about elephant poachers. As your boarded your jeep, you learned that you were on a quest to find Big Red and Little Red, a pair of elephants that were in danger from poachers in the area. As you made your way deeper into the savanna, the jeep radio would crackle with more announcements of poacher sightings. Would you be able to find Big Red and Little Red in time? As you neared the end of your safari, you heard some great news, the poachers have been chased away and the elephants were safe! Originally, a cast member would be at the scene where the poachers were captured playing the part of a reserve warden who gave the good news that little Red was saved. The role was eliminated several years later, and eventually the entire backstory was abandoned.

Touring Tips

• This is a FastPass+ attraction and one of the more popular attractions at the Animal Kingdom. If the wait time is longer than 20 minutes consider using FastPass. You can also try visiting later in the day, you’ll often find that the crowds thin as you approach the late afternoon hours.
• The African savannah is wild place, and the ride can get a bit bumpy! Be sure to stay in your seat and be prepared to be jostled. If you have back problems or other medical conditions you might want to be careful.
• The best time of day to go and see the animals is in the morning. They’re often more active at this time of day.
• There is a photo identification card available in every seat to help you find all of the different animals.

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The surprising truth about kilimanjaro safaris.

Posted by: Melissa Cannioto August 5, 2024

Jambo from Harambe Village!

Located at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the beloved Kilimanjaro Safaris is renowned for being different every time Guests venture into the African reserve . With over 30 species of animals found in over 110 acres of open plains, there is plenty for Guests to spot on their next Disney safari.

There’s nothing that comes close to this unique Walt Disney World ride at Magic Kingdom , EPCOT, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios – in fact, the entire Magic Kingdom Park could fit inside Kilimanjaro Safaris!

But what secrets lie behind this famous Disney attraction? Well, let’s dive into the African savannah and find out.

Credit: Disney

Air-Conditioned Rocks?

Remember that moment as you turn past the baobab tree into the savannah and you suddenly catch your first glimpse of a giraffe? You might gasp or quickly grab your camera. On a real African safari, you really do just turn a corner and come face to face with a wild animal.

The difference, of course, is that in the wild, it truly is a surprise to see that animal. The Serengeti is a  huge National Park and the guides have no idea where the animals may be.  In Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Cast Members driving the safari vehicle know which animals to expect in each contained area – and Disney has some tricks to help Guests see animals on their Disney Park safari.

As animals are unpredictable, Walt Disney World uses devices such as air-conditioned rocks, cool breezes, salt licks, cooling or warming waters, and food to attract the animals towards the vehicle routes. This, of course, does not happen in Africa, but truly shows the surprising Imagineering behind Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Credit: Disney Tips

The Jungle Cruise: Take Two

Disney’s Animal Kingdom  opened at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida back on Earth Day, April 22, 1998. The Lake Buena Vista Park is, in fact, the largest theme park in the world, covering a whopping 580 acres!

The theme park is unique for housing attractions alongside numerous forms of wildlife, with many of these protected animals found at Harambe Wildlife Preserve, the fictional home of Africa’s main attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris. The famous safari ride features wild animals like black rhinoceroses , Nile crocodiles, giraffes, hippos, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, and elephants.

When designing Disneyland, Walt Disney wanted live animals for the popular Jungle Cruise ride. While this wasn’t possible at the time, Walt’s dream still came true when Kilimanjaro Safaris opened.

Lead designer Joe Rohde revolutionized the theme park , creating a Disney Park that was alive but wasn’t a zoo, all while communicating the message of conservation. In July 1990, Imagineer Joe Rhode and other Imagineers visited Kenya and Tanzania to research for Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park  and study the wildlife.

We actually booked a 4-day safari expedition through the Kilimanjaro Climbing Company and explored the Tarangire, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara National Parks, as well as the Ngorongoro Crater. The Tarangire National Park really reminded us of Harambe and the vast savannah that Disney has constructed, showing us Rohde’s research locations truly inspired the look of the ride.

A Darker Storyline

Believe it or not, but the current version of Kilimanjaro Safaris was not the first. In fact, in the Disney attraction’s earlier days, it had a much darker, thrilling storyline.

When Kilimanjaro Safaris opened, it followed an elephant poaching storyline . Guests would board the ride vehicles for a “week-long safari,” only to have the adventure interrupted by radio talk of a poached elephant and missing calf.

The safari guide would then embark on a fast-paced ride through the savannah and over a rickety bridge looking for the poachers. The chase ended when the warden came over the radio and informed Guests that the poachers had been caught. Guests would then encounter Baby Red, the elephant calf, safely rescued.

This ride iteration intended to teach the dangers of poaching in Africa and even included a fake elephant corpse killed by poachers, complete with missing tusks. This scene did not test well and was removed before the Disney Park opened in 1998. By 2012, Baby Red, the poachers, and the radio messages were scrapped in favor of allowing Guests to spend more time viewing real animals.

So there you have it: the surprising truth behind Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Did any of these secrets surprise you? If you love this unique Walt Disney World attraction, you definitely consider going on a real-life Kilimanjaro Safari in Tanzania!

About Melissa Cannioto

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Kilimanjaro Safaris Guide

On Kilimanjaro Safaris, guests will embark on an African safari in one of the most ambitious attractions ever developed by Walt Disney Imagineering.

Ride Information   Restrictions   Accessibility   Location   Fun Facts   Top 5 Tips

Ride Information

Opening Day: April 22, 1998

Type of Ride: African safari

Age Recommendation: All ages

Duration of Ride: About 20 minutes

Typical Queue Time: Long; often peaks at over one hour

Single Rider Line: No

Chicken Exit Available: Yes

Baby Swap Available: No

Type of Vehicle: Safari truck

Type of Restraint: None

Attraction Open During Early Theme Park Entry: Yes. See our Early Theme Park Entry page for more information.

Ride Photo Available For Purchase: No

Ride Restrictions

Height Requirements: None

Flash Photography or Video Allowed: Yes

Safety, Accessibility, and Guest Policies

Accessibility: 

• Guests must transfer from wheelchairs
• Video Captioning
• Assistive Listening
• Handheld captioning
• Service animals permitted with caution

Guest Policies: Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.

Shopping: Near Kilimanjaro Safaris in the Animal Kingdom’s Africa section, guests can purchase apparel, plush dolls, and collectible ostrich eggs at “Ziwani Traders”; and African wines, art, crafts, and instruments at “Mombasa Marketplace.”

Dining/Refreshment: Dining options abound near Kilimanjaro Safaris. Guests wanting a counter service lunch or dinner can enjoy chicken skewers, vegetable stacks, gyros, fried sausages, and ribs at Harambe Market . Those preferring a sit-down meal should make ADRs for a buffet breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Tusker House . At Tusker House guests can choose between a variety of American and African dishes served amidst entertainment from Donald Duck.

Restroom: Find facilities convenient to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Mombasa Marketplace.

Smoking Location: Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas only. Disney parks are smoke-free.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Fun Facts

Did you know.

• Guests can encounter more than 34 African animal species on Kilimanjaro Safaris, including antelopes, baboons, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, flamingos, gazelles, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, impalas, lions, ostriches, rhinos, warthogs, wild dogs, and zebras. Each safari vehicle is equipped with pictorial guides of all the animals you might encounter during your wildlife adventure.
• The fictitious African village, Harambe, where Kilimanjaro Safaris is located is a homage to real African villages that sit adjacent to vast preserves. Harambe is Swahili for “working together.”
• Kilimanjaro Safaris’ savannah encompasses 110 acres, rendering this single attraction larger than the entire Magic Kingdom park, which only occupies 105 acres.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris’ savannah is called “Harambe Wildlife Reserve.”
• As Kilimanjaro Safaris is located in a theme park, precautionary boundaries, including berms, moats, fences, wires, and chains, are overtly or covertly implanted throughout the savannah to keep the animals in their respective habitats.
• Devices such as air-conditioned rocks, cool breezes, salt licks, cooling or warming waters, and food help guide the animals toward the vehicle routes.
• Guests experience Kilimanjaro Safaris in 10-ton, open-sided GMC trucks, with a camouflage exterior, and seats up to 32 passengers. Cast Members actually drive each vehicle and provide educational commentary throughout the safari.
• The attraction replaces its plants daily to account for the animals’ consumption.
• Guests can experience two related tours, Wild Africa Trek and “Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge,” for an additional cost. The latter experience begins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge , not the Animal Kingdom Park.

• Kilimanjaro Safaris’ 1998 debut marked the realization of Walt Disney’s idea to utilize live animals in an adventure attraction. Disneyland ’s Jungle Cruise originally intended to fill this role in the late 1950s. Animatronic animals replaced the live animals in the version of Jungle Cruise that guests enjoy today.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris’ development entailed much research. In 1990, Imagineer Joe Rhode ventured to Kenya and Tanzania to view animals and experience authentic East African safari tours.
• Kilimanjaro Safaris toned down and then eliminated an overt poaching plotline. First, during the Cast Member previews in 1998, complaints arose over the grotesque depiction of a fake elephant named “Big Red,” who was killed by poachers. Imagineers immediately wrote Big Red out of the attraction. The attraction debuted with a tamer plotline, where poachers kidnap an animatronic baby elephant called “Little Red” and, subsequently, get apprehended. Then, in 2007, this version was altered to limit the dialogue related to poaching between the safari driver and a naturalist named Ms. Jobson. In 2012, the entire poacher storyline, including the related props, were eliminated from the attraction. A zebra habitat replaced the space that the props originally took up. In early 2013 the addax antelope replaced the zebra in this space to allow for better viewing.
• Save for a trial during the 1998 holiday season, Kilimanjaro Safaris ended its tours at sunset, regardless of park closing time, until 2016 because of lighting and animal sleeping issues. Beginning in the summer of 2016, with the debut of nighttime entertainment at the Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safaris will commence extended hours.

Hidden Mickeys:

Top 5 Tips for Kilimanjaro Safaris

• Consider experiencing Kilimanjaro Safaris multiple times as the live animals render each journey different.
• Guests wanting to view the Lions should ride either in the morning or closer to park close when the sun is not as intense.
• Take photos of the savannah and the animals.
• Hang onto your belongings. Anything dropped from the vehicle cannot be retrieved.
• Following Kilimanjaro Safaris, guests can view more African animals, such as gorillas, hippos, naked mole rats, and birds, by walking the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail .

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Kilimanjaro Safaris

A Truly Wild Adventure

Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to over 30 species living in 110 acres of picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands. Your rugged safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide, who helps point out animals and shares fascinating wildlife facts during this extraordinary 18-minute expedition.

Unique Animal Sightings Spot a lounging hippopotamus nestled in a peaceful pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a towering giraffe grazing on the tall trees or a white rhino relaxing in the cool mud. Other amazing animals you may encounter include cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, painted dogs, zebras—and so many more!

Since animals have minds of their own, every expedition is a unique and unforgettable experience. Be sure to keep your eyes open and have a camera ready—you never know what you’ll see on a Kilimanjaro Safaris outing.

Related Activities

Wild africa trek, disney animals at walt disney world resort, even more magic – as you wish, guests also viewed, safety, accessibility and guest policies, times for kilimanjaro safaris.

Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris – The Ultimate Guide Updated

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Want to know more about the Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris?

One of the most immersive of all the Animal Kingdom rides, the Disney Kilimanjaro Safari takes you on a journey through the African planes.

In Orlando Florida.

This highly unique experience is one of the highlights of any trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It truly is an adventure that you cannot find anywhere else in North America.

Discover what you need to know about Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris so that you and your family can get the most out of this immersive attraction.

Disney Kilimanjaro Safari Guide

The Disney Imagineers have successfully created the Harambe Wildlife Reserve in Animal Kingdom park.

Walt Disney himself always wanted to have live animals incorporated into his theme parks.

Whilst in Disneyland this dream was kind of realized in Jungle Cruise (Walt originally wanted real animals for this attraction), Disney’s Animal Kingdom finally achieved that dream.

The area where your Kilimanjaro Safari Bus will take you is vast.

110 acres of vast.

And it is home to 34 different species of animal including lions, hippos, giraffes, and elephants.

What is the Disney Kilimanjaro Safari Ride Like?

The first experience of any Disney ride is the line area!

The advantage of the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride is that the queue is well-shaded.

There are some things to look at along the way, including some videos about conservation. But mostly the best thing about this line is that it is in the shade!

It can get very very hot in Orlando and it can be a challenge to wait in line at the height of the heat. There are a few spots where you can even sit down on a small wall which gives your feet a bit of a rest!

This is one reason not to ride Kilimanjaro Safari in the heat of the day – the queue will be a lot easier to deal with if it is a bit cooler.

A short way into the line you will have to put your stroller in the parking place.

A Cast Member will be there to guide you to the exact spot.

Then by the time you get back, your stroller will have moved of course!

Photo Credit

The Disney Animal Kingdom Safari ride vehicles are custom-built GMC and Ford trucks.

Lots of guests think that Kilimanjaro Safaris is on a track, but it isn’t. Those safari vehicles are true off-roaders controlled by the Cast Members!

Each ride vehicle holds up to 32 guests in 9 rows each seating up to 4. There is no height requirement for this Animal Kingdom ride.

It is very much for families, but as I discuss below, it is very bumpy.

Take notice of the warnings.

If you have a health condition or are pregnant give Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris a miss!

Is there a best place to sit on the Disney Kilimanjaro Safari ride?

There really aren’t any bad seats, but the best is the front and the back row.

However, be aware that the further towards the back you get, the bumpier the ride!

If you have small children they should not be at the edge.

In front of you, there are signs which help you recognize which animals you may see on your safari.

The most popular sitings are those of elephants, giraffes, gazelles, rhinos, crocodiles, hippos, and lions.

The safari guides always make sure that they keep you entertained as well as educated. And they will try their best to point out the sometimes very well camouflaged animals.

If you can be organized enough it is a great idea to take some High Powered Binoculars with you.

I went on the safari ride for years before I actually did this. It made a huge difference to what you can see.

There is usually plenty of time to take photos of the animals. Your Cast Member guide will do their best to point out the best photo ops.

Animal Kingdom Safari Ride Fun Facts

Don’t worry. Of course, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has things well designed so that you are not going to get up close and personal with a lion. Big trenches separate humans from the dangerous animals.

Jurassic Park this is not.

Disney has some great tricks to keep the animals visible and happy.

Ever wonder why the lions are always sitting out on the rocks? Yes, they are mimicking what they do in the wild, but what most people don’t know about the rocks is that they are air-conditioned!

The lions originally came from a much cooler park in Oregon, so they needed a little help cooling down in the hot Florida sun. If it ever gets too cold, the rocks can be heated too!

Disney also knows how to get the animals as close as possible to you. How do they do this? The usual incentive for food and water.

They place food, watering holes, and salt licks close to the vehicle paths.

The emphasis is on safety both for humans and animals.

You might think you can reach out and touch that giraffe but there is a large system of trenches, bridges and fences on all the savannas to keep humans from the animals and to keep the animals from predators.

Many years ago there was a story about poachers with a graphic illustration of the fate of Little Red, a baby elephant. This storyline has not been seen for almost a decade as many considered it too upsetting for a Disney attraction.

Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris Best Time To Ride

What is the best time to ride the Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris? This Animal Kingdom ride is popular. And popular means lines.

The best tactic for the best time to ride Disney Kilimanjaro’s Safari? Arrive early. I know that’s always the advice, but it works.

If you can arrive at the Animal Kingdom at rope drop and then go straight to Kilimanjaro Safaris you will most likely be beating the crowds. Even better is if you have Early Entry at 8 am. You can really get ahead of the crowds.

The attraction is right at the back of the park. If you plan to be there early look at a map of Animal Kingdom so you get your bearings as to where you are going.

There are plenty of signs in the park, but it is always good to have an overall view.

There is another great reason to ride Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safari as early as possible. The animals are much more active in the morning.

You are more likely to see a greater selection of active animals than in the afternoon when it is hotter.

 Kilimanjaro Safaris Wait Time

The Disney Kilimanjaro Safari wait times will vary from anywhere between 10 minutes to 120 minutes, This depends on the time of day as well as whether it is peak season or not.

As we have said, the lowest wait time will be as soon as the park opens.

If you leave it until 11 am you are likely to hit the peak wait times of at least 70 to 90 minutes.

Really try and avoid that time of day as it is likely to be the worst.

If you don’t get to the attraction early in the day, the next best time to ride Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris is usually around 3 pm onwards.

A lot of people head for the attraction earlier in the day and have cleared that area by mid-afternoon.

The wait times for this Animal Kingdom attraction are somewhat better now that Disney’s Animal Kingdom has extended opening hours. It used to only ever be open 9 am until 5 pm.

Now the hours are often extended into the evening so this also gives a chance to experience the safari ride at night.

Kilimanjaro Safaris at Night

Now the hours are often extended into the evening so this also gives a chance to experience the Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris at night.

This is a very different experience from touring during the day.

If possible you should try and ride once in the early morning and then go back late in the evening.

The least busy times will be just before the park closes.

Adapting the experience for nighttime was not an easy task. Disney had to spend more than a year preparing the animals and the environment for the nighttime Kilimanjaro Safaris.

They introduced some new animals, such as the nocturnal hyenas, to be better suited to the nighttime experience.

They also added a huge wall of graphic displays to enhance the Kilimanjaro Safaris at night. This is so that guests can actually have enough light to see the animals.

The graphics cleverly mimic a gradually setting sun over an extended period of time.

This is so that the animals can adjust to the environment and the guests can actually still see the animals which are up and about in the evening.

The Kilimanjaro Safaris at Night is definitely a different experience than during the day. Ideally, you should do both. If you have to choose just one though, I would say go in the morning. You are likely to see more active animals.

Disney Kilimanjaro Safaris For Pregnant Ladies

I visited Disney World many times while pregnant. It’s a very pregnant lady-friendly place!

However, there are some Disney World rides that recommend that if you are pregnant you should not ride.

Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safari Ride very clearly states that pregnant ladies should not ride.

This is going to be very much an individual decision. There are some rides at Disney World where it is very obvious that a pregnant woman should not ride.

You probably aren’t going to want to sign up to ride Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, or Rock N Roller Coaster when you are pregnant.

That’s obvious.

But Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of those Disney World rides where you are thinking shall I or shan’t I?

My personal experience is that when I was pregnant with my youngest son I did go on the Kilimanjaro Safari Ride. After about 10 seconds I realized that for me, it was the wrong decision. Kilimanjaro Safari is bumpy!

I remember just wanting it to end almost as soon as it started.

I am fortunate and have experienced the Animal Kingdom Safari Ride many times. However, at that time I really wished I hadn’t. It’s fine normally to speed through the African planes in your safari vehicle over all the bumps, but when pregnant I just wanted to be somewhere else!

Will you be experiencing Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris on your next visit to the Animal Kingdom?

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Disney Animal Kingdom Rides - EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Saturday 17th of August 2019

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Complete Guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom

Board a safari truck and get your cameras ready! Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom gives you the experience of a real-life African safari, but at Walt Disney World.

As you travel through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve you will learn about conservation, the importance of taking care of animals, and, of course, get the chance to see amazing creatures, like elephants, hippos, and giraffes.

Now, let’s explore our guide to Kilimanjaro Safaris .

In this article

Kilimanjaro Safaris Quick Facts

• Location : Animal Kingdom, Africa
• Height Requirement : None
• Suitable for: Everyonest
• Attraction Length: 18 minutes
• Do we recommend? Definitely a high priority attraction you must experience.
• When to Visit : Typically at opening/within the first hour, or later in the day toward park closing.
• Lightning Lane Available: Yes
• Scheduled Refurbishments
• Tip(s) : Visit first thing in the morning at park open. The line gets really long, really fast, and the animals seem to be out more in the morning. The next best time to visit is at sunset for park closing. Crowds level off earlier at Animal Kingdom, wait times may be reduced, and animals can be out feeding.

Description : You board safari vehicles that are driven by guides who really do drive (no tracks) and are very knowledgeable about the animals. As you make your way through the savanna, the guides provide lots of information based on what you see along the ride. Sometimes have to stop to wait for animals to clear the path.

No two rides are the same as the animals are free roaming and on their own schedule. We would recommend experiencing the safari twice in your park day, if possible.

Everything You Need To Know About Kilimanjaro Safaris

You can find Kilimanjaro Safaris in the heart of Africa. Here’s the location on the map.

Download the PDF

How to Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris has a Standby Lane and a Lightning Lane. There is no Single Rider Line.

Like most attractions, standby lines typically are the lowest first thing in the morning and at the end of the evening. The middle of the day will see the longest lines.

Even though it’s not listed as an available attraction for Early Theme Park Entry, sometimes Kilimanjaro Safaris is open during the 30-minute early entry.

Kilimanjaro Safaris Standby Lane wait time jumps quickly after park open and can see sustained wait times well over 60 minutes for most of the park day.

Do I need to use Genie+ at Kilimanjaro Safaris?

Kilimanjaro Safaris is available with Genie+ and we highly recommend using it at this attraction for anyone who has purchased Genie+ or if it’s a must-do.

This is a highly popular ride at Animal Kingdom, given that it is a long ride time and suitable for all ages.

Many park guests make it a top priority of their park day. So unless you do this ride first, right at park open, plan to reserve a Genie+ time for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

If you want to try and experience the Safaris twice in one day, we would recommend using the Standby Lane at park open and then using Genie+ to ride it again later in the day.

Make sure you check out our touring strategies for Animal Kingdom for more Genie+ advice.

Rider Switch/Child Swap

You cannot use  Rider Switch  for Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Rider Switch is Disney’s system allowing guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.

There also isn’t Single Rider available here.

What to expect when you ride

The Kilimanjaro Safaris queue is outdoors, with part of it shaded. It paints the scene of an African tour company with its straw, thatched roof.

While there isn’t  an interactive queue , the line is themed to the attraction.

You can learn the African Swahili names to your favorite animals on displays as you move through the line. You can even hear the safari trucks driving by as you walk through.

Ride vehicles

Kilimanjaro Safaris ride vehicles can fit a total of 35 individuals. Each row can seat three to five guests, depending.

There is no seatbelt or safety restraint, but there is a door on the right side of each row that closes for security and safety purposes when you’re on the ride.

Motion Sickness

Kilimanjaro Safaris is far from a thrill ride, but it can get rough at times with the trucks bouncing up and down along the paths and bridges.

Sometimes you might even have to brace yourself, so you don’t slide in your seat.

We have a  guide on motion sickness  that’s filled with information and tips, so feel free to check that out.

Accessibility information

Guests in ECVs or power wheelchairs must transfer to a manual wheelchair. There are wheelchair accessible vehicles with built-in ramps.

Those using an ECV who don’t wish to transfer to a vehicle bench, must transfer to a Disney-provided manual wheelchair.

You will be seated in Row 1 right behind the tour guide. A bench is located directly next to the wheelchair space and additional companions will be directed to sit in the rows behind the wheelchair space.

Those using ECVs or wheelchairs can remain in their mobility devices until they reach the accessible boarding and unloading area, which is not long after the stroller drop-off area.

This area is where ECVS and other mobility devices can be parked. They will be waiting in the same space when guests return from their safari.

Keep in mind that each safari vehicle only holds one occupied wheelchair at a time, so anyone needing this type of access could have an additional wait compared to those who transfer to a vehicle bench.

Handheld captioning , assistive listening, and video captioning is available for guests.

Service animals are also permitted, but with caution.

On the Ride

Spoilers ahead! If you want to go in knowing absolutely nothing about Kilimanjaro Safaris, feel free to skip this section.

After walking through the queue you and your party finally make it to the boarding lanes awaiting your safari tour.

You can’t miss the sound of your safari truck approaching. A warm greeting from your tour guide “Jambo,” which is Swahili for “Hello.”

After boarding your safari truck, your group will take off entering the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

Be alert and have your cameras ready, because these are live, free roaming animals, so you never know what you will see or how close the animals will get.

No tour is ever the same!

You start off in the forest seeing the Okapi, the closet living relative to the giraffe. You’ll next approach a watering hole where you can catch sights of animals like the saddle billed stork, bongo, kudu, and black rhinoceros.

Heading out of the forest your truck will enter a river where you can spot hippopotamus’. The only way to exit the river is by crossing over an old, shaky bridge.

Under the bridge, down low you’ll spot a crowd of Nile crocodiles. But not to fear, you’re with an expert driver and guide! Your truck makes it over the bridge safe and sound.

Exiting the river your safari tour will enter the savanna marked by a big Baobab tree.

As your truck makes its way down the savanna you will spot many animals like zebras, African wild dogs, giraffes, wildebeest, and cattle. Some animals may cross in front of or come right up to the truck. Be sure to look out past the truck under trees and in the shaded areas to spot animals.

Leaving the savanna your guide will spot a couple of fallen down trees. That means the mighty elephants are near! On the way to find the elephants you pass a family of Mandrill monkeys.

Your truck approaches another old shaky, bridge, worse than the last one. Your tour guide crosses successfully with care.

In search of more elephants you enter the red clay pit. Sure enough you may be able to catch sight of the elephants! Females are usually found with their young, while the male elephants stick more to themselves. If there are new babies on the tour, your guide will be sure to point them out.

Driving through the watering area of the red clay pit, you will see a flock of flamingo. Did you know flamingos start off gray in color? Be sure to listen to the tour guide to hear what makes flamingos pink!

Approaching the mud pit you will spy white rhinoceros. Up in the shade you’ll spot a couple of cheetah, the fastest land mammals on earth.

Next up, the highlight of every tour, and sometimes the hardest animal to see, are the lions up on the rock. Since lions are nocturnal animals and sleep most of the day, your best chance to see them awake are on safaris later in the day near park closing.

Are you ready for more? Your tour is still not over! Next up be sure to look out for warthogs, ostrich eggs, and Bontebok antelopes.

Before your safari comes to an end, you’ll see some super adorable Nigerian Dwarf Goats, who are originally from Nigeria and considered to be of high value because of the high protein milk they provide.

You leave the reserve and head back to the village of Harambe. After the vehicle comes to a complete stop the doors on your right side will open, allowing you and your party to exit.

Keep in mind that each time you ride is different, because you never know what animals you’ll see or how they’ll act. This makes the attraction super unique.

Is Kilimanjaro Safaris kid-friendly?

Overall, Kilimanjaro Safaris is kid-friendly. After all, it doesn’t even have a height requirement. It should be fun for most kids to see the different animals. And, don’t worry, there aren’t any dark or scary moments.

That said, the ride can get rough at times thanks to the paths, bridges, and the safari vehicle itself. This could be either fun or upsetting to little ones. But, for the most part, the ride is kid-friendly.

Be sure to check out our full guide on several other  things that might scare little ones at Disney World .

Strollers are not allowed on the Kilimanjaro Safaris vehicles. You’ll need to park your stroller in the designated stroller parking area at the attraction entrance.

If you forget to park your stroller or want to take it into the line, you can, but know you’ll have to park it mid-way. There is an area with Cast Members waiting, who will take your stroller and park it for you.

Kilimanjaro Safaris first opened in 1998, the same year as Animal Kingdom. Actually, both the attraction and the park opened on April 22, aka Earth Day.

Animal Kingdom is the largest of all Disney World theme parks. It spreads out over 500 acres, which also gives the animals plenty of room to roam and live.

The Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction itself spans 110 acres with the Harambe Wildlife Reserve serving as home to 34 species!

Your guide drives around as they gives facts about the animals you encounter along the way during the 18-minute journey.

When the ride initially opened, there was a poachers storyline and even a rickety bridge that threw some excitement into the mix. But, both of these elements were removed and now there’s more of a focus on the actual animals and the importance of conservation.

Former Imagineer Joe Rohde is responsible and to thank for not only breathing life into Kilimanjaro Safaris, but Animal Kingdom as a whole. Without him, this park wouldn’t be is what is today.

There’s no doubt Kilimanjaro Safaris is a fantastic experience and the closest thing many will ever get to experiencing an African safari.

Other Fun Details

• If you want an even more in depth and VIP tour of the savanna, you can sign up for the 3-hour guided Wild Africa Trek tour , where you will embark on some adventurous activities and see animals even more up close. This tour is priced separately and must be booked in advanced.

• For an additional price, Up Close with Rhinos is a 60-minute tour giving you the chance to go backstage at Animal Kingdom to meet and learn more about white rhinos, with help from a guide.

• Take some time to visit the Gorilla Falls Exploration walking trail, located near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris. It runs along parts of the driving tour and gives another look at many of the animals you saw on the drive, along with different ones like gorillas and meerkats!

• Pay attention as you drive by the flamingos for a fun Hidden Mickey.

Other Attractions in Africa

• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
• Festival of the Lion King
• Wildlife Express Train (takes you to Rafiki’s Planet Watch)

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Creepy Stories From Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By Matt Kirouac 3 Comments

As magical as Disney World is, it’s not all balloons and Mickey Waffles and princesses ALL the time .

Mickey Balloons

In fact, Disney World is home to some seriously CREEPY stories, from weird myths to chilling tales, and today we’re digging into the strangest stories from Disney’s Animal Kingdom !  

We love a creepy story . From Magic Kingdom lore  to a spooky cookie story , we’re endlessly fascinated! We’ve now shared chilling tales from all three other Disney World theme parks including EPCOT and Hollywood Studios . 

Let’s go see those 999 happy haunts!

Now we’ve come to the last of the four! Just because it’s the youngest park at Disney World doesn’t mean Animal Kingdom lacks any creepy stories of its own , as we’ll see with this batch of spooks!  

Snake on the Loose!  

People come from all over the world to marvel at animals in Animal Kingdom, but usually said animals are safely contained away from tourists . The keyword here is USUALLY.  

Snake at Entrance to Animal Kingdom!

According to an Animal Kingdom Cast Member, one time several years ago they saw a 10-foot snake (eek!) casually emerge from some shrubs and slowly slither through a crowded line of people before disappearing into a wooded area. The craziest part? No one noticed the 10-foot snake by their feet!

We feel this.

We’ve definitely had MORE THAN ONCE we’ve encountered a slithery little…um…friend(?) of our own here. We’ve seen harmless little snakes slip by in flowerbeds or crossing walkways, but it’s rare. Just keep your eyes peeled. They don’t want to mess with humans, but you might encounter a friend of your own!

 The Expedition Everest Queue That Feels a Little Too Realistic

There’s no denying the detail and depth of the queue at Expedition Everest is above-and-beyond amazing ! Disney makes you feel like you’re trekking through forests and temples in Nepal before embarking on a mountain voyage! The eerie thing, though, is how some of the details in the queue are a tad chilling … .

Expedition Everest

For anyone who pays attention to the line details, especially the news clippings, they’ll notice that a central theme of the story is about a lost expedition of hikers who went missing while ascending the Forbidden Mountain and presumably encountering the Yeti. Comforting context to have immediately before ascending Forbidden Mountain yourself!  

The Poaching Theme for Kilimanjaro Safaris Was Originally MUCH Darker. MUCH!

Most of Kilimanjaro Safaris is a fun, lively romp through various exotic terrains , spotting larger-than-life animals and giggling at quirky commentary from the safari guides. One thing that’s NOT something to giggle about? Poaching.  

Kilimanjaro Safaris

It’s a dark, tragic topic that gets discussed on the videos in the queue. The original plans for the immersive attraction centered around a mother elephant, Big Red, and her baby, Little Red .  

Elephants on Kilimanjaro Safaris (real ones!)

To really hammer home the fact that poachers are evil, Disney thought it was a fine idea to suddenly show the “dead” body of a fake elephant, Big Red . Orphaned Little Red is nowhere insight, and the safari guide embarks on a chase to catch the poachers who killed the mother. Only to find out the poachers captured the baby in a cage! Everything works out in the end (well, except for Big Red!). This storyline…did not stick around long (shocker, eh?).

The only kinds of elephants we want to see

It’d be like if Disney turned that Bambi scene (you know the one) into a ride. Though the poachers were eventually caught, the notion of showing guests such a brutal scene is a bit aggressive and potentially traumatizing , which is why Disney smartly nixed it. Interestingly, this scene didn’t make it past Cast previews of the park (so JUST employees and families) before they realized this was probably a bad idea. Good call, we think!

Losing Consciousness on Flight of Passage

Flight of Passage is one of the most dazzling and stunning rides in Disney World . Beloved by MANY, there’s a good reason why it frequently commands the longest lines in the parks ! But let’s be honest: such an overwhelming and immersive attraction isn’t exactly for everyone .  

Flight of Passage Queue

After several visitors began losing consciousness on the ride, which sees guests strapped to a bike-shaped vehicle that mimics the motions of a banshee that soars through Pandora for several minutes, Disney had to add warning cards before the ride entrance , similar to those at other dizzying rides, like Mission: SPACE . Because you simply won’t enjoy Flight of Passage if you’re not conscious.  

Extra Secure Restrooms

Bathrooms are something we all need and visit regularly, but have you ever observed a key difference at the restrooms in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? You may notice that they have something that you won’t find at other Disney Park restrooms. Locks . Now, of course, stalls have the fastening mechanism. What we’re talking about are locks on the external doors !

Many Disney Park bathrooms have open access entrances to minimize bottlenecks of guests going in and out, as well as minimize touchpoints on potentially germy areas. But you won’t find any of those at Animal Kingdom. All Animal Kingdom restrooms are secured with an external door that has a lock on it. Why? Safety is always a top priority, so on the extreme off-chance that an animal got loose from its habitat, guests can secure themselves inside a bathroom until the emergency is addressed. So, next time you visit the facilities at Animal Kingdom, observe that entrance door, and say a silent thank you to the Imagineers, who truly thought of everything!

Too Thrilling Attractions at Animal Kingdom

Aside from unexpected wildlife encounters, the park is home to some unsettling and intense attractions that can be triggering (and straight-up unsafe) for some guests .  

Expedition Everest isn’t for everyone

Two of the most thrilling and jarring attractions are at Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest and Dinosaur . Sometimes these attractions prove to be a little too thrilling and have been the cause of some heart episodes for some guests. Nowadays, Disney is VERY clear with warning signs for guests with heart issues , for very good reason. Take your personal heath situation into consideration before boarding. 

A Gun on Dinosaur

As if the INTENSE Dinosaur ride wasn’t scary enough on its own , just imagine finding a loaded gun on the ride car !  

No guns allowed

The scene involved another grandma-grandson duo, who found the weapon in their ride vehicle and alerted Cast Members . Police were called, and when the gun’s owner was found, he claimed he didn’t realize you couldn’t bring such things into a theme park, and that it must have fallen out of his back pocket on one of the ride’s many bumpy moments. Thankfully, now metal detectors exist !  

This tree has seen some stories

Well, there you have it! From ride queue mythology to a waaaay too dark safari storyline, Animal Kingdom clearly has its fair share of creepy history! We’re just glad we can ride Kilimanjaro Safaris without the excessive sadness.

9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU!

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What is the creepiest thing that’s ever happened to you at Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!

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Saw a snake slither into the lazy river at Typhoon Lagoon once. Plus some birds fighting a black racer lying on top of the bushes at the Grandstand bus stop at Saratoga Springs.

October 14, 2021 at 3:12 am

I once saw someone steal one of those classic water bottle spray fans from a merchandise cart whilst the cast member was over the other side serving another guest. Sad to know that someone can be so evil at the happiest place on earth!

October 14, 2021 at 9:41 pm

I remember going to Animal Kingdom during the opening week and they still featured the Big Red poacher chase sequence. Made for a much more intense ride, at that point I believe they said Big Red had been wounded but there was still a chase, gunfire and a scene where a park ranger pointed a rifle at the poachers. Not something Disney would allow these days.

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Ultimate 2-Week Kenya Safari Itinerary & Costs

By Author Ella McKendrick

Posted on Last updated: 2 September 2024

Are you planning a 2-week Kenya itinerary and want to ensure you make it your dream safari holiday? 

Having spent countless hours on safaris across Kenya , I wrote this guide to help you make the most of your trip and avoid many of my mistakes!

It’s no surprise that Kenya is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. It’s a diverse country in every sense, from the wildlife and landscapes to the culture.

I’ll certainly never forget seeing big cats hunting on the vast plains of the Masai Mara or the huge elephant herds marching across Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro towering in the distance. 

Having travelled around Kenya myself , I know first-hand how exhausting the long distances and drives can be, so factoring rest into your itinerary will help you make the most of every moment.

That’s why I’ve made sure this itinerary includes the perfect balance of highlights, hidden gems, and some much-needed downtime in optimal locations!

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to combine your safari trip with a second destination, you can view my 14-day Tanzania and Kenya itinerary . 

In this guide, I’m going to share the ultimate 2-week Kenya safari itinerary . My goal is to cover any questions you might have about planning the perfect trip to Kenya, including costs, finding the perfect tour operator, and all my tried-and-tested tips and tricks to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Read on to take the first step towards planning your dream safari holiday!

Embark on the Safari of Your Dreams

Save time and ensure an incredible safari experience by getting quotes from my recommended local safari companies

I’m here to make booking your perfect safari quick, easy and risk-free.

Join the rapidly growing tribe of over 250 travellers who’ve booked their dream safari using my insider tips and recommendations.

It takes under 60 seconds to fill out the form and in under 48 hours you will receive multiple, no-obligation proposals from my favourite local tour operators with glowing online reviews.

Get your free no-obligation safari quotes and my top safari tips and recommendations

2-Week Kenya Itinerary Map

In This Guide

Why go on safari in kenya, how to book your kenya safari, how much does a kenya safari cost.

• Best Time to Visit Kenya

How Long to Spend in Kenya

Kenya safari logistics.

• Kenya Safari Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Nairobi

• Day 2: Masai Mara
• Day 3 – 4: Masai Mara

Day 5: Lake Naivasha

• Day 6: Lake Nakuru

Day 7: Ol Pejeta Conservancy

• Day 8: Amboseli
• Day 9: Amboseli
• Day 10: Tsavo West National Park
• Day 11: Diani Beach
• Day 12: Diani Beach

Day 13: Diani Beach

• Day 14: Return to Nairobi
• Final Thoughts

Home to 23 national parks and game reserves, Kenya is often considered to be one of the best places to go on safari in Africa due to the enormous number of animals living here. 

The country also features hugely diverse landscapes, from sweeping savannahs to soaring mountains, providing an ideal backdrop for viewing some of the world’s most magnificent wildlife.

The Masai Mara, Kenya’s most beloved national reserve, boasts large populations of elephants, lions, African buffalo, rhinos, and cheetahs, along with hundreds of other animal and bird species.

Kenya’s Masai Mara is part of the same ecosystem as Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park .

Amboseli National Park is famous for its great elephant herds (known as Big Tuskers) and sweeping views of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tsavo is Kenya’s biggest park and one of the world’s biggest game sanctuaries, while Lake Nakuru is known for being a bird paradise.

Besides the amazing wildlife and scenery, it’s also really easy to get to Kenya (relatively speaking, at least!). Nairobi is one of the busiest airports in Africa, meaning you can take a direct flight to Kenya’s capital from cities across North America and Africa.

Nairobi Airport also serves as a transport hub for the region, making it easy to book an onward flight to another destination in Africa or towards the Indian Ocean.

Planning a safari vacation can seem really daunting at first. Between the distances covered, the ruggedness of the landscape, and the sheer amount of choices on where to go, it’s understandable if you feel confused when planning your trip.

Don’t worry, though – I am here to help!

You can get quotes from the same local tour companies I use to organise my own trips here: Safaris By Ella

The first step is choosing between the two main options for going on safari; you can either choose a self-driving safari (where you rent a vehicle and arrange your own accommodation) or you can book a guided safari tour where everything is arranged for you.

Alternatively, you can opt for a combination of the two by using hotel-provided safari options. There are pros and cons to each of these safari options so I’ll walk you through those before we go any further.

When choosing between safari options, you can either book directly with a local tour operator or use one of the big international travel agents. Both local and international travel agents will take care of your food and accommodation, park fees, safari vehicles, guides, etc. You only need to book your international flights.

You can also choose either a private or group tour. Unless you are travelling on a tight budget, I recommend booking a private safari. Private safaris allow you to have a more flexible schedule and means you won’t be justling with a bunch of strangers to get the best angle for a photo.

Option 1: Self-Drive Safari

Some of Kenya’s nature reserves and national parks allow visitors to drive themselves through the park. 

At first glance, self-drive safaris are a great way to save money and can offer a ton of flexibility. You simply need to rent a car, buy your park tickets, and head out to explore, right? 

Well, kind of. While it may seem like a great idea, there are some pros and cons to self-driving that you really need to think about before you make your final decision. 

The first, and most important, thing that you want to think about is how good you are at spotting animals. Be honest with yourself there. Unless you are a naturalist, it may be very difficult to spot the animals, which is likely the biggest reason for coming on a safari in the first place!

Spotting animals is when a local guide can make a huge difference. Guides can help you find animals that you never would have seen otherwise. They also have a network of other guides who can alert them as to where certain animals are, which greatly increases your chances of seeing them. 

The second factor to consider is your safari budget. Although driving yourself may seem like a great way to cut costs while on safari, the savings are not as great as you may initially think once you have added everything up. 

Generally, the most expensive part of visiting a park is the park fees. As of 2024, the entry fee for the Masai Mara is $118 per person from January to June, and $236 per adult starting from July 1st onwards.

Update: As of June 2024, self-driving (where you drive yourself) is  banned  in the Masai Mara in Kenya.

To visit the Masai Mara you would need to use a  licensed safari company  who will provide a professional driver guide. 

Meanwhile, Amboseli charges $118 in the high season and $94 in the low season, while Tsavo costs $61 in the high season and $41 in the low season. These costs are per person, per day, and inclusive of tax.

As you can imagine, these costs add up quickly if you plan on visiting a few different parks during your two-week Kenya safari (which I highly recommend)!

The fees are the same regardless of whether you are going on a self-drive safari or you have booked a safari with a tour operator. Most tour operators usually have the park fees bundled with the overall tour price, so make sure to consider this when adding up the costs of a self-drive safari. 

In regards to logistics, you’ll need to rent a 4×4. Car rental and gas can end up getting pretty pricey. You’ll also need to know the basics of car maintenance in case you happen to run into any issues while you’re out on safari, alongside being pretty good at navigation so you don’t get lost in the parks. 

I personally have done self-drive safaris in southern Africa in some of the smaller, more manageable parks. However, after seeing the size of the parks in Kenya on guided safaris, I’m not sure that I would want to deal with the hassle of a self-drive safari here based on the reasons mentioned above. 

If you have your heart set on doing a self-driving safari, awesome! You can still follow the recommended itinerary below or on my 7-10 Day Kenya Safari Itinerary if you don’t quite fancy a full 2-weeks.

How to Book a DIY Self-Drive Tanzania Safari

• Option 1: Comparison sites which provide multiple quotes from verified suppliers such as  Safaris By Ella . Make sure to write you want to self drive in the notes when requesting a quote. (This is a hybrid approach where you’ll drive yourself but they will arrange everything)
• Option 2: Research and book all elements of the trip yourself using Google and online travel agents.

Join the rapidly growing tribe of over 250 travellers who’ve booked their dream safari using my insider tips and recommendations.  Get your free quotes and my top tips and recommendations now .

Option 2: Local Tour Operator

After trying self-drive safaris and booking through both local and international agents, I personally believe that booking through a local tour operator is a no-brainer! 

Local tour operators are the boots on the ground. The best ones know every nook and cranny of the destinations that they work in and can tend to even the smallest of details, and you’ll spot way more animals with a local guide than you would on your own!

They’re also not much more expensive than doing a DIY self-drive safari. Costs are pretty much the same with the exception of your driver guide.

However, your safari experience can differ greatly based on the local tour operator that you end up going with, so this is where you really need to do your research and choose wisely. 

I recommend reading as many guest reviews as possible on Google and Tripadvisor to see what other people have experienced. This is one of the best ways to decide whether or not you want to book with a specific provider. 

Alternatively, you can use an experienced trip planner such as myself to help you wade through the different tour options and find the best one for you! 

I have done safaris with many different providers throughout Africa and had massively different experiences. I am happy to pass on this wisdom to you so that you have the best safari experience possible. You can find out more info about this service at Safaris By Ella .

How to Book with the Best Local Tanzania Safari Companies

• Comparison sites which provide multiple quotes from verified suppliers such as Safaris By Ella

Option 3: International Travel Agents

If you’re not convinced that booking through a local operator is right for you, another option is to book through an international travel agent. 

These international agents can help you book your entire safari from start to finish and will handle any issues that arise before, during, and after your trip.

However, all of this extra service may come at a cost. While booking with an international travel agent may seem like the “safest” decision in terms of reliability and customer service, it’s important to know that most international tour operators are simply the middlemen on safari trips.

International agents usually work with local tour operators, mark up the price, and then sell it to you. The end experience is usually the same and the only major difference is the amount of money that you pay for your safari. So bear that in mind if you’re budget-conscious!

How to Book Your Safari with an International Travel Agent / Safari Company

• Comparison sites which provide multiple quotes from verified suppliers such as Safaris By Ella . When you select a luxury budget on the quote request , you will receive a quote from my recommended International safari company as well as my recommended local companies for comparison.

Option 4: Fly-In Hotel Safaris

If you have a substantial budget and limited time, another option is fly-in safaris. 

These high-end safaris transport guests around a region or country using light aircraft. This allows you to see a relatively large area even if you only have a short vacation period.

You’ll also get to spend more time in each reserve as you won’t need to drive from park to park. After you fly to your destination, you’ll explore the parks in 4X4s and have a similar experience as those on a regular driving safari. Do note however that hotel game drives aren’t typically private so you will be sharing your vehicle with other guests and competing for the best views.

Fly-in safaris are a good option for people who want to squeeze in as much as possible during their vacation. However, they are understandably some of the most expensive tours out there; all those short flights really jack up the price of the safari package!

How to Book a Hotel-Provided Safari

• Option 1: My recommended tour operators on Safaris By Ella can arrange hotels and air or road transport to and from the hotels. If you opt for the more cost-effective road transport, since they have driven you to the hotel, you might find it cheaper to use the safari company for safaris rather than using the hotel-provided safaris.
• Option 2: Check with your chosen accommodation whether they provide this service and the booking requirements.

So, what is the best way to book a safari?

As you can see, each safari option has its pros and cons. You’ll need to weigh up all the different options and decide which is best for you based on your vacation time and your budget. 

After years of travelling through Africa, I recommend using local tour operators. It can save you a ton of money compared to booking through one of the big international travel agents. 

Local tour operators can also take care of all the logistics for you from the moment you land to when you depart. This means that you won’t have to worry about booking your own hotels, finding restaurants to eat at, or getting lost in the middle of nowhere!

Although Kenya safari costs can vary wildly depending on your budget, it’s first worth noting that Kenya is no longer considered a ‘budget safari’ destination. As of 1st July 2024, Kenya safari park fees have increased, making the country comparable in cost to Uganda or Tanzania. 

As a rough guide, a private Kenyan safari costs from $300 per person per day. This includes hotels, park fees, all meals, transfers and all activities.

Shared group safaris are cheaper, costing around $190 per person per day. Shared safari costs usually include basic camping accommodation. Check reviews carefully, as some shared campsites are poorly maintained with questionable facilities. Generally speaking, the larger your group, the cheaper your safari.

Bear in mind that fees are also impacted by the season you visit. Based on the new safari park pricing, it’s now substantially cheaper to visit between January and June. In fact, a one-day safari in Masai Mara will actually cost half the price at this time of year.

Below you can view a chart of typical safari costs based on your budget.

Please note that the costs above are for booking through a local operator. Prices will be considerably more expensive if you book through an overseas company or travel agent.

Other costs to factor in include travel vaccinations and malaria tablets, any new clothing you need for the safari, souvenirs, tips, and any additional activities you’d like to do that aren’t included in your safari package.

Below I’ve included a chart which breaks down where the money goes for a safari of 2 people.

Best Time to Go on Safari in Kenya

Generally speaking, the best time to go on safari in any country is during the dry season. This is the time when you’re most likely to see animals as they tend to gather close to watering holes. The foliage is also not as thick so it’s easier to spot the animals when they are hiding. 

Therefore the best time to visit Kenya is from the end of December to February and then again from the end of June until September.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Great Migration usually lasts from around July to October. Going during these months means that you have the chance to see this spectacular display as thousands of animals move together through the landscape. There is simply nothing else like it!

Kenya’s wettest months tend to be April, and May, so you’ll definitely want to avoid these months. Many of the safari lodges and tented camps close during this period, so not only will you have limited chances of spotting wildlife during the day, but you’ll also have limited spots where you can lay your head at night.

14 days is truly an ideal amount of time to spend in Kenya if you want to make the most of what this beautiful country has to offer.

In 2 weeks, you’ll have enough time to see all of the highlights and a few lesser-known gems, while still having some time for rest after driving long distances between destinations. This also gives you more time for potential wildlife sightings.

But as a minimum, I’d recommend spending at least 7-10 days in Kenya . I have also included itineraries for 3 days or 5 days in Kenya on my blog. You may also wish to combine Kenya with other nearby destinations, such as Tanzania . However, if you wish to visit both Kenya and Tanzania, I’d recommend a 2 week itinerary at the very minimum.

Once you have decided how you are going to organise your Kenya safari, it’s time to figure out what logistics you need to handle on your own – I’ll take you through these below. 

If you are booking with a local tour operator, they’ll likely take care of the hotels, transport, and meals, so fortunately there won’t be as much left for you to organise.

Good news!  As of January 2024, you no longer need a visa to travel to Kenya. However, you’ll need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to visit this beautiful country. 

You must apply for your eTA at least two weeks before your trip, which can be done online. You can read about the application process and exactly how to apply for your eTA here .

Vaccinations

According to Kenya immigration, all travellers entering from a country where yellow fever is endemic must be vaccinated. This includes neighbouring countries such as Tanzania so if you are planning on doing a multi-country trip, it’s essential that you are vaccinated and that you bring your vaccination certificate with you.

However, even if you aren’t entering from a country that has yellow fever, we highly recommend getting vaccinated regardless as there is a risk of yellow fever in Kenya.

There are also additional vaccinations which are not required to enter the country, but we still highly recommend getting them. You can view a list of recommended vaccinations here .

Kenya has a risk of malaria , a serious illness that is transmitted by mosquitoes. 

There is no vaccination against malaria available so it’s advised that you take anti-malarial medication for the duration of your stay in Kenya. I’d recommend talking to a medical professional about which medication is right for you.

2-Week Kenya Safari Overview

Below, you’ll find the ultimate two-week Kenya safari itinerary. This itinerary includes some of Kenya’s most beloved national parks and reserves where you are basically guaranteed to experience some incredible wildlife sightings. 

I designed this itinerary based on my own personal experience, as well as the experience and advice of fellow travellers. I have also done copious amounts of research on the topic to make sure that I am bringing you the best that Kenya has to offer! 

Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Ultimate 2-Week Kenya Safari Itinerary

Without further ado, I bring you the ultimate two-week Kenya safari itinerary! 

I know that you may want to squeeze in as much as possible during your Kenya safari. However, enduring hours and hours of an “African massage” as you drive over bumpy roads in a 4X4 is not particularly enjoyable for most visitors. 

I have also considered the distance and driving time between the parks to provide the most enjoyable itinerary that offers plenty of downtime so that you can relax and unwind throughout your trip.

Quick Links

Total drive time (excluding game drives): dependent on what activities you do

Welcome to Nairobi! Your first day in Kenya is the perfect time to get acquainted with your new environment. 

Nairobi is not only the capital of Kenya but it’s also the gateway to some of the world’s best nature reserves. Many tour operators are based here and your tour package is likely to include airport pick-up. 

Depending on what time your flight arrives (and how tired you will be when you get there!) you can choose to schedule some activities or simply head to the hotel and relax. There is plenty to do in Nairobi but we certainly wouldn’t blame you if you prefer to get a good night’s sleep to prepare for the exciting two weeks that lie ahead!

About Nairobi

Interestingly, the name Nairobi comes from the Maasai phrase ‘Enkare Nairobi’ which translates to ‘place of cool waters’. This is a reminder that this land was originally uninhabited swampland until the British decided to build a railroad supply depot here in 1899. 

Today, Nairobi is home to more than four million people. It’s a bustling city full of colourful neighbourhoods, interesting attractions that you’re unlikely to find in any other major city, and a handful of charming colonial buildings. 

Nairobi is also home to some of Africa’s most delicious cuisine, unique shopping, and exciting nightlife. Depending on what your interests are, you may want to consider adding a day or two at the end of your safari to spend more time exploring Nairobi!

Where to Spend the Night

If you booked your tour through a local operator, your accommodation in Nairobi will likely be included in the tour package. 

If not, you are in luck as Nairobi has an extensive array of accommodations on offer, many of which are very affordable. These range between quiet Airbnbs in the city suburbs, small hotels or guest houses in Nairobi’s downtown, in sprawling resorts. 

I personally prefer to stay in Airbnbs. Nairobi can be a bit rough around the edges and I find that an Airbnb in the city suburbs provides the perfect place to chill after a day of exploring. 

There are many Airbnb options for studios and one-bedroom apartments or you can rent a room in someone’s house, which gives you the added benefit of being able to see what day-to-day life is like for Nairobi residents. 

Many of these Airbnbs tend to be a little outside of the city centre but rideshare services like Uber are readily available and surprisingly inexpensive, which makes getting back to your accommodation very easy. I personally love this one . It has great reviews and is very popular so make sure that you book it well in advance!

Things to Do in Nairobi

As I mentioned earlier, Nairobi is a treasure trove of interesting things to do. Below are some of my favourite places to visit in the city. Again, some of these may be included in your safari package. If not, I highly, highly recommend checking them out!

1. Giraffe Centre

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through travel photos from Africa on social media, there is a high chance that you have stumbled across photos of Giraffe Manor. You know the ones….a woman is nonchalantly eating her breakfast while an enormous giraffe pokes its head through the window above her? 

For many visitors, the chance to hang out with some of Africa’s favourite long-legged friends is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For many others, the eye-watering price tag means that this is one experience that is going to stay firmly on their bucket list. 

However, did you know that you can get up close and personal with these very same giraffes at a fraction of the price? 

Located 20 kilometres outside of Nairobi city centre and just across a field from Giraffe Manor, the Giraffe Center is a sanctuary for the rare Rothschild giraffe. 

While I am usually a bit sceptical about recommending wildlife sanctuaries, the Giraffe Center stands head and shoulders above the others. The centre has a proven track record of creating a positive impact on Kenya’s population of Rothschild giraffes and has even been able to introduce breeding pairs to some of the biggest parks across Kenya. 

This hard work has enabled the number of Rothschild giraffes in Kenya to increase from 120 to over 300 individuals ! The centre offers a great way for visitors to learn more about this rare breed of giraffe and it’s a ton of fun too! 

When you arrive, you are given a coconut shell full of pellets that you can then feed to the sanctuary’s resident giraffes. The giraffes seemingly can’t get enough of these tasty morsels and you may find yourself covered in giraffe slobber by the end of feeding time – trust me, it’s worth it!

Most people stay at the Giraffe Center for about 1-2 hours. If you want to stay a little longer, there is a nature trail that you can follow on the other side of the road.

2. Nairobi National Park

It’s not often that you can go on a safari surrounded by skyscrapers, but Nairobi is full of surprises! 

Although small compared to the other parks in Kenya, Nairobi National Park provides the ultimate juxtaposition between the natural world and the one built by humans. It is the only national park that exists within a capital city . 

Easily explored in one day, Nairobi National Park is definitely worth a visit if you have the time to spare. The park is home to the Big Five (elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos), along with cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and more. You can go on a game drive or walk along one of the nature trails near the hippo pools. 

Although it is possible to self-drive through the park, I suggest booking a tour. These often include pick up and drop off from your accommodation, and the guide will help you spot wildlife that you may miss on your own.

3. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage

Another must-see attraction in Nairobi is the David Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphanage, which rescues and rehabilitates baby elephants from around Kenya that were the victims of poaching or human-wildlife conflict. 

Founded in 1977, the orphanage cares for these oversized goofballs with the goal of releasing the elephants back into the wild. They also fund many of the anti-poaching units found throughout the country. 

It’s possible to visit the elephant nursery located within Nairobi National Park. The centre is open to visitors from 11 a.m. to noon every day except for December 25th. It is mandatory to pay the Nairobi National Park entry fees to visit the nursery so this is something to keep in mind when you’re planning your sightseeing activities. 

Bookings can be made up to 90 days in advance and you must make them at least one day before you plan on visiting the nursery. You can find all of the details on making a booking on the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website . 

If you want to learn more about the history of the orphanage and the people behind it, make sure to read Daphne Shedrick’s book ‘ Love, Life, and Elephants’ . The book gives a great inside look into the lives of Daphne and her late husband, as well as heart-warming stories of raising her children surrounded by a menagerie of African wildlife. 

4. Eat at One of Nairobi’s Delicious Restaurants

Unless you’ve travelled extensively throughout Africa, you might feel overwhelmed by all the food options here. Nairobi truly is a world-class city when it comes to culinary delights! From Swahili cuisine to international fare, there is something for everyone here. 

Some of the most popular eateries in central Nairobi include Kilimanjaro Jamia , a halal restaurant serving up enormous portions, and Thorn Tree Restaurant , an open-air cafe located within Sarova Stanley, Nairobi’s oldest hotel. 

My favourite restaurant is the Talisman Restaurant in Karen. They serve Asian-inspired cuisine such as delectable sushi, alongside international favourites. Arrive hungry because they also have an extensive dessert menu!

Tips for Visiting Nairobi

After travelling extensively throughout Africa, Nairobi is one of my favourite cities. Although it sometimes gets a bad rap, I have found the city to feel relatively safe, especially compared to some other big cities in Africa. 

In my experience, the people here are very friendly and helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask for directions. I usually ask women or families for help when I need it, which has led to some wonderful and memorable interactions with Kenyans. 

A good rule of thumb is to just follow the same ‘common sense’ safety precautions that you would in any other big city; keep your valuables at the hotel, take Ubers at night, and avoid sketchy neighbourhoods.

My Experience Visiting Nairobi

Nairobi is one of those cities that is impossible to imagine without visiting! While it might have a ‘rough around the edges’ reputation, I loved Kenya’s energetic capital city.

While I always travel with caution, I found that I always felt safe here, largely because of how friendly and personable the people were. If safety is a worry for you, I recommend staying in the Karen district. You’ll have a ton of restaurants and modern shops on your doorstep. 

A couple of downsides to Nairobi is that the city is not pedestrian-friendly! Like most major cities, traffic is an issue, but I also got hassled quite a bit when I tried to walk anywhere. 

This was easily fixed by taking Uber rides everywhere, even short distances. Uber is really convenient to use and reasonably priced here. 

That said, I would recommend organising a private transfer for longer journeys (such as to and from the airport), especially if travelling at night. The Uber driver who took me to the airport drove way too fast and it was really uncomfortable! Your hotel or Airbnb should be able to recommend good, safe taxi drivers!

Overall, I think Nairobi is a brilliant city. I loved the people, and the excellent food (whether eating in at restaurants or getting Uber Eats when you don’t feel like going out at night), and found it to be a good base for getting my bearings at the beginning of my trip.

Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 6 hours

After spending your first day in Nairobi, I hope that you are ready to hit the ground running! The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous nature reserve and is one of the best places to spot Africa’s big cats. 

After departing Nairobi, you’ll start making your way west towards the Masai Mara, arguably one of Kenya’s most famous national parks. 

During the drive, you’ll catch breathtaking views of the Rift Valley. About 1.5-2 hours in, you can stop at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint – the perfect spot to stretch your legs and snap some pics. 

This is the largest valley in the world and it is constantly changing thanks to the ongoing tectonic shifts that continue to impact its landscape.

You’ll likely take a second quick stop at Narok to refuel. Narok is the closest large town to the Masai Mara and is located about 3.5 hours away from Nairobi. This means that it’s one of the last places to stock up on snacks, gas, or other provisions that you think you may need in the park.

If you’re hungry once arriving in Masai Mara, you can grab a delicious and filling meal at a park lodge, before finishing your day with an afternoon visit to the Maasai tribe.

It takes about six hours to drive from Nairobi to the Talek Gate, the gateway of the Masai Mara reserve, so I highly recommend getting an early start. This saves you from having to drive in the dark and allows you to have plenty of time to spend with the fascinating Maasai!

About The Maasai Tribe

As the name suggests, the Maasai were originally from the areas surrounding Masai Mara Game Park. They are one of the most famous tribes in Africa. 

This nomadic tribe can be found throughout Kenya and northern Tanzania and is well-known for its distinctive culture and rituals. Fortunately, they have managed to protect their ancient customs for centuries, allowing visitors to observe them today.  

While you are with the Maasai, take a close look at their iconic red chequered shukas (blankets) and their colourful beaded jewellery. The elaborate designs and colours represent the different stages of life and the jewellery is generally worn for special occasions such as weddings. 

If you’re hoping to find a great souvenir to take home as a reminder of this special time in your life, these shukas are one of the best!

The Talek Gate is conveniently located close to many of Masai Mara’s safari lodges and tented camps, making it one of the best places to stay as it’s just a short drive to the gate each day. 

As you can imagine, the closer you are to the gate, the pricier the accommodation gets. But keep in mind that the less time you spend driving to the park, the more time you get to spend searching for animals!

Another great area to stay in is near Ololaimutiek Village. This is located about 1.5 hours South of Talek. While the drive time from Nairobi is about the same to get to Ololaimutiek Village as it is to Talek, the village is further away from the gate. 

If you really want to splurge, there are also a few lodges located within the park itself. They certainly get you close to all the action but these tend to be very expensive. On top of that, you also have to pay higher park fees for staying inside the gates.

Tips for Visiting The Maasai Tribe

The Maasai have become a living symbol of Kenya, so it’s understandable that many visitors jump at the chance to visit a Maasai tribe. 

However, although most tours promote understanding and appreciation of Maasai culture, all visitors must treat the Maasai with dignity and respect. 

Always remember that you are entering their home. They are happy to share their culture with you but you must follow a few do’s and don’ts to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience. Never take photos of people without their permission and refrain from giving candy or sweets to local children. 

It’s also a good idea to go into the experience with an open mind and be willing to put yourself out of your comfort zone. You may end up trying something completely new where you feel completely awkward, but isn’t that all part of the fun?

My Experience Visiting The Maasai Tribe

Visiting a Maasai Boma on the edge of the Masai Mara was an unforgettable part of my Kenya safari trip. The tribe I visited was only a short drive from the Little Zebra River Camp where I was staying, which was a bonus. 

The tribe was exceptionally friendly and really hospitable. They even invited us to spend the night with them, and I would have definitely taken them up on the offer if my itinerary wasn’t already so packed!

I loved seeing the welcome dance performance, including the Maasai warrior jumping dance. The strongest warrior is the man who can jump the highest, and traditionally the winner will win a wife! Eric, our Maasai guide, was one of the chief’s many sons. He showed us around their boma, which is a circle of houses around a grassy area full of cows. 

We also saw inside one of the traditional houses, which are constructed by the women out of cow pat with a grass roof. Inside the house was very dark as there were no windows, except for one used as an extractor near the kitchen section. 

At the end of your tour, you’ll usually be taken to a market area, which is a good place to pick up a souvenir. Prices are intended to be haggled, so a bracelet that’s $20 will usually be sold to you at closer to $5.

Day 3 – 4: Masai Mara National Reserve

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 0 hours

Over the next two days, you will experience the many sides of the Masai Mara and I am sure that by the end of your stay, you will understand why it is Kenya’s most famous attraction. Be prepared for some early mornings (and early evenings!). 

The best time to go on safari is the early morning when the animals are most active, so make sure that you’re up and at ‘em when the sun comes up! The reserve gates open at 6 a.m. so I recommend setting your alarm for around 5 a.m. depending on how far your lodge is from the gate. 

If you can, try to stay in the park until the gates close again at 6 p.m. This helps optimise the amount of time spent in the park, thus increasing your chances of some unforgettable sightings. 

Although this means spending long hours in a safari jeep, I promise it’s worth it! I once saw a lion take down a wildebeest right before sunset. It was incredible to see something so powerful and I am very glad we stayed in the park that day!

The Masai Mara charges entry fees every time you enter the park, so if you went back to your lodge for lunch, you’d need to pay the entry fee again when you return. Instead, grab a packed breakfast and lunch from your lodge before you leave, so you can spend the entire day in the park.

Almost every safari goer requires packed lunches, so your lodge should have no trouble preparing this. Just make sure to let them know if you have any dietary preferences (i.e. vegetarian, vegan, etc) the night before. 

Although it may be pricey if you have to pay for the packed lunch separately, there is generally quite a lot of food provided. Trust me, don’t skimp out on this one as you’ll regret it later when you can’t hear a lion roaring over your stomach grumbling!

You’ll finish off the day with another great meal from your lodge. It truly is amazing the variety of food that can be whipped up in the middle of the Masai Mara!

About The Masai Mara

The Masai Mara truly does live up to its reputation. Part of the Serengeti ecosystem, this massive expanse of grasslands boasts an incredible array of wildlife including the Big Five, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and more. 

Since there are sizable populations of many of these animals living here, the Masai Mara is considered one of the best places for animal spotting in the world. 

From mid-July to mid-September, the reserve is also the stomping grounds (literally) for millions of wildebeest as they cross over from the nearby Serengeti National Park. 

As the adorably awkward wildebeests search for fresh grazing, they have to cross the Mara River where dozens of hungry crocodiles are waiting for their next meal. It’s certainly a harrowing journey but an incredible one to witness. 

Tips for Visiting The Masai Mara

A safari through the Masai Mara is a spellbinding experience. If this is your first safari, you may be overwhelmed at seeing so many breathtaking animals all around you. Meanwhile, if you have done safaris before, you may be floored by the sheer volume of wildlife on display. 

While the experience is very special, there are a few things that you can do to make it even better!

The first tip is to wear layers of clothing. The grasslands can be very chilly in the morning but become scorching hot in the late morning and afternoon. Wearing a lot of layers that you can take off throughout the day gives you the chance to add or take away clothes as the temperature changes. 

Don’t forget to bring a sweatshirt or jacket as well. It may not feel very cold when you first leave the lodge but the morning air can start to feel quite cold when you are zooming around in a vehicle. 

You should also wear light neutral-coloured clothing. Not only does this help reflect the sun but it’s also a good way to deter tsetse flies. These annoying little insects are attracted to dark-coloured clothing and can leave you with some pretty nasty bites. 

I also recommend staying covered and slathering on some insect repellent before you head out for any afternoon or evening trips in Kenya.

My Experience Visiting The Masai Mara

Just to warn you, I’m very biassed, as the Masai Mara is my absolute favourite safari destination in Kenya!

I just had so many incredible wildlife sightings here, from seeing a mother cheetah tussling with her four cubs to a leopard in a tree with her gazelle kill. Both felt magical to witness up close. 

One of my favourite lion sightings (I’ve had so many great lion sightings here!) was of a massive male lion beside a buffalo kill. Again, I couldn’t believe how close we were to this huge predator, as he guarded his kill to ensure it would be safe from scavengers as his pride slept in the bushes nearby. 

My drives here were dawn-till-dusk, so we always took packed breakfasts and lunches with us. It was worth it as we got to see so much wildlife, including tons of baby animals. My most recent trip took place during November which brought short rains and the arrival of lots of new-born herbivores. We saw baby gazelles, topis, giraffes, and zebras!

I also saw a few elephants, including a breeding herd with cute young calves, crocodiles, many hippos, and a whole clan of hyenas. I even saw a black rhino, which is rare here!

I stayed at two different camps here – Enkorok Mara Camp near Ololaimutiek Village, and the Little Zebra Rivers Camp in Talek. The latter was my favourite, as it felt more central and was close to two separate gates into the park.

You can watch a video of my experience visiting the Masai Mara below.

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 5 hours

Once you have had your fill of the Masai Mara, it’s time to head northeast towards Lake Naivasha, one of the best places for bird-watching and hippo-spotting in Africa.

Today’s journey will take between 5-6 hours, taking you across a variety of roads ranging from smooth as butter to full-blown African massage. An early start ensures that you’ll arrive at your next destination in time for lunch and afternoon activities and avoid driving at night time. 

Once you arrive at Lake Naivasha, grab lunch at your lodge and take a short rest before heading out for the rest of the day’s activities. 

One of the most popular things to do here is take an afternoon boat ride, which provides a new perspective on the lake’s wildlife. Most boat trips include a stop at Crescent Island where you can go on a walking safari and see a wide variety of animals including zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and giraffes.

About Lake Naivasha

Situated in the Great Rift Valley in Nakuru County, Lake Naivasha is the valley’s highest lake, perched nearly 2,000 metres above sea level. The name ‘Naivasha’ comes from the Maasai word for ‘rough water,’ owed to the frequent storms that impact the area. 

Home to strong populations of hippos and flamingos, as well as over 400 different types of bird species, this freshwater lake provides ample opportunities for bird-watching from either the papyrus-covered shoreline or during a relaxing boat ride.

There are a few places to stay on the banks of Lake Naivasha, as well as a few cottages on Crescent Island. Try to book a hotel right on the lake so that you can admire the view and possibly see some birds gliding by in your downtime. 

Tips for Visiting Lake Naivasha

If you are staying at one of the lodges located around the lake, there is a good chance that a boat safari is included with your stay. Double-check this before making any other bookings as it could end up saving you a bit of money. 

If the lodge you’re staying at doesn’t offer safaris, you can easily organise one yourself.

Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 2 hours

Today, we are exchanging Lake Naivasha with Lake Nakuru, one of Kenya’s most ecologically diverse destinations. 

Although these lakes are only a few hours apart, they offer very different experiences. If you need to get some exercise after spending so much time in the car, this is the place to do it thanks to the unique activities on offer here. 

After another early start, you will make the short, two-hour drive to Lake Nakuru, arriving just in time for a late morning game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. 

After taking your first quick look at the area, it’s time to grab some lunch and decide what activities you want to do in the afternoon! Some of the options include horse riding or a cycling safari in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can do another game drive if you prefer something a little more relaxing. 

About Lake Nakuru

Home to more than 450 bird species and 83 mammal species, including the Big Five, Lake Nakuru has the greatest amount of biodiversity of all of Kenya’s Great Lakes. 

Created in 1961, the park was made a rhino sanctuary in 1984 and has been considered one of the best-conserved places in the country for decades. 

While it is home to some of Kenya’s most magnificent mammals, Lake Nakuru is most famous for its population of flamingos. Although the number of flamingos has decreased over the past decade due to heavy flooding, their numbers are on the rebound.

Lake Nakuru has a wide array of accommodations ranging from cost-effective cottages to luxurious game lodges, and some of the higher-end spots are located within the park itself. 

Most of the other accommodation is located just off Highway A104. You can also stay in downtown Nakuru, the biggest city in the Rift Valley. 

Most of the accommodation is located just a short drive from one of the park’s three main gates. Note that Baboon Cliffs is located closest to the Main Gate so you may want to keep this in mind when you are choosing your accommodation!

Tips for Visiting Lake Nakuru

If you want to get sweeping views of Lake Nakuru, head to Baboon Cliffs in the early morning, one of the best spots to view the park’s breathtaking vistas. 

The cliffs are named after the mischievous baboons that live here but if you go early enough, you should miss them and all the mayhem that they cause! 

Lake Nakuru’s location right by the equator means that it doesn’t receive the extreme heat that other parks do, which is a relief to any travellers who struggle with Kenya’s scorching temperatures.

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 4 hours

Today, you’ll drive about four hours northeast to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. 

This interesting conservancy has become a bit of a poster child for conservation success and it provides some unique experiences that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. It’s also one of the most family-friendly safari destinations in Kenya.

As the icing on the cake, you can often see Mount Kenya looming in the distance from Ol Pejeta, which provides an amazing backdrop for your photos.

After driving from Lake Nakuru to Ol Pejeta, you can spend the rest of the day on a game drive. Make sure to keep your cameras out as you’ll certainly want to get a few photos of the conservancy’s rhino population. 

During your time in Ol Pejeta, you can also visit the Equator sign and see the touching Rhino Memorial, which was built in memory of all of the rhinos that have been poached. Alternatively, head out on a horse riding trip or watch the K9 anti-poaching unit during their tracking practice.

About Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta is currently the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is home to the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos. 

Believe it or not, Ol Pejeta got its start as a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya before being upcycled into one of Kenya’s best examples of innovative conservation. As a result, livestock and wildlife coexist here, and many migrating animals use the area as a migration corridor as they make their way between neighbouring ranches and conservancies. 

It’s also the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. Although chimps aren’t endemic to Kenya, the conservancy, in conjunction with the Jane Goodall Institute, provided a much-needed home to orphaned chimpanzees after their rescue centre in Burundi was closed in the early 90s due to the civil war. 

Ol Pejeta boasts a whopping nine tented camps, homestays, and lodges. Each accommodation has its own style, so there is something there for every taste and budget, ranging from rustic stables to luxurious river camps. 

Tips for Visiting Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Despite being one of the closest safari parks to Nairobi, Ol Pejeta is much less crowded than some of the other parks on this itinerary. This makes the experience even more special. 

In saying that, it’s a really good idea to book your accommodation well in advance to ensure that you get something to suit your tastes and budget.

Day 8: Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Amboseli National Park

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 8 hours

Get ready for a huge day of driving, as today you’ll cover over 400 kilometres! Amboseli National Park is located right by the border of Kenya and Tanzania, so you’ll need to get an early start to avoid driving at night. 

The drive should take anywhere between 8-10 hours, so you can expect to spend the entire day on the road. You’ll pass through Nairobi during the drive, so I recommend squeezing in a lunch break when you pass through. 

Once you arrive in Amboseli, you’ll likely want to grab a quick dinner and head straight to bed! 

There are three safari lodges located inside Amboseli National Park. Generally speaking, staying within any of the national parks allows you to save on driving time between your lodge to the park gates. However, this convenience often comes with a pretty high price tag.

But things are a little different at Amboseli. 

Here, there are many different safari lodges to choose from and most are located within spitting distance of Kimana Gate. The gate is close to one of the park’s major elephant crossings so in actuality, you won’t lose too much time if you stay in one of these non-park lodges.

Day 9: Amboseli National Park

After yesterday’s drive-a-thon, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labour with a day of excitement in Amboseli. Famous for its enormous herds of elephants and showstopping views of Mount Kilimanjaro, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Kenya’s premier wildlife parks.

One of the highlights of the park is the ‘big tuskers’, elephants with gargantuan tusks that weigh over 50 kilograms and stretch all the way to the ground. Amboseli and neighbouring Tsavo West National Park provide a home base to some of the last big tuskers in the world. 

Amboseli is also home to four of the Big Five and over 600 different bird species. 

Get ready for a full-day game drive in Amboseli. The park gates open at 6 a.m. so make sure to wake up early today. 

You want to be at the gates right when they open because this will give you plenty of time to get to the elephant crossing into the swamp. The early morning is also the best time to spot big predators such as lions and cheetahs.

In the afternoon, head over to Observation Hill to enjoy your picnic lunch while taking in the sweeping panoramic views over the park. Then it’s back on the road for an afternoon safari. 

As in the Masai Mara, try to stay in the park as long as you can as this will greatly increase your chances of spotting more animals.

About Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is significantly smaller than the Maasai Mara but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in wildlife. The park has some of the largest herds of African elephants in the world! 

Rumour has it that the reason why the elephant population is so strong here is because the Maasai tribe has scared away any would-be poachers. And elephants aren’t the only thing you may find here in droves. The park also has healthy populations of lions, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and buffalos. 

The word Amboseli comes from the Maasai word ‘Empusel’ which means ‘salty dust place’. This description is especially true of Lake Amboseli in the dry season. While this may not sound overly appealing, this landscape makes it easy to spot wildlife. 

Amboseli can easily be explored within 24 hours. This is especially the case during the rainy season when Lake Amboseli, which already takes up a good proportion of the park, fills up and limits access to the park’s western side.  

Don’t let this deter you though – most of the wildlife sightings that occur in Amboseli are in the eastern section of the park which you have access to year-round.

Tonight, you’ll stay in the same tented camp or safari lodge as the previous night. 

Tips for Visiting Amboseli National Park

The best time to see the park’s world-renowned elephant herds is around 7 a.m. or 5 p.m. when the herds make their way to and from the park’s swamps. 

The elephants usually lounge around in the swamp during the day which makes it very difficult to spot them, which is why it’s really important to arrive early when the park gates open. 

It’s important to know that Amboseli also tends to be one of the hottest national parks in Kenya. It’s wise to wear loose, breathable clothing that protects your skin from the blazing sun. 

As the finishing touch, be generous with the sunscreen and throw on a hat. You should also drink plenty of water while on safari to avoid dehydration.

My Experience Visiting Amboseli National Park

If any park in Kenya really exceeded my expectations, I’d have to give the award to Amboseli. This fantastic park was simply teeming with wildlife and I got to see something new every day.

Amboseli is known for its huge herds of elephants, but it’s hard to imagine the scale of them until you see them marching across the plains with their giant tusks. Seeing a tiny, tiny baby elephant (so so cute!) and two juvenile male elephants sparring was also a huge bonus. 

Since the elephants migrate to and from Amboseli’s central marshes every day, you can easily find them here by going first thing in the morning. Sometimes they were so close that I could hardly believe it. On a clear day, seeing hundreds of elephants with the view of Kilimanjaro mountain in the background is magical. 

Other fantastic sightings I had here were seeing three cheetahs hunting one morning, alongside a wonderful sighting of a pride of lions, chilling in their den with their young cubs. I also saw many giraffes, zebras, impalas, gazelles and water birds.

On my most recent trip, I stayed at Tulia Amboseli Camp and couldn’t recommend it enough. They grow fresh fruit and veg in the garden which the chefs turn into fantastic meals, and I could take a dip in the plunge pool on our deck in the evenings – perfect after a full day out on safari. It’s now one of my favourite camps in East Africa!

You can watch a video of my experience visiting Amboseli National Park below.

Day 10: Amboseli to Tsavo West National Park

It’s time to venture out to the last “big” nature reserve on this itinerary; Tsavo West,

Part of the much larger Tsavo National Park, this park is famous for its wildlife and stunning scenery. While you’re there, you have a good chance of seeing elephants, hippos, cheetahs, rhinos, leopards, and much more. 

Today, you’ll make your way to another one of Kenya’s most beloved parks along the border of Tanzania. Although the drive is fairly lengthy, you may be lucky enough to have some great views of Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Coming from Amboseli, you’ll enter the Tsavo West through the Chyulu Gate, arriving just in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive.

About Tsavo West National Park

Opening in 1948, Tsavo is Kenya’s oldest national park. And since it stretches an impressive 9,065 square kilometres, it also wins the title of Kenya’s largest park!

This sprawling safari destination is divided into Tsavo West and Tsavo East, separated by the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. Most visitors tend to stick to Tsavo West, which boasts a myriad of activities and some incredible scenery ranging from desolate lava landscapes to tropical forests.

You can see all of the Big Five in Tsavo West and it’s particularly good for spotting leopards who like the woodland habitat.

Some of the most prominent natural landmarks in Tsavo West include the central Mzima Spring, the Shetani lava flow in the west, and Lake Jipe and Chala in the southwest. 

These diverse landscapes support more than 1,000 different plant species, which become the food, shelter, and nesting sites for Tsavo’s diverse wildlife.

There are many places to stay both in and near Tsavo West. As there are camps on all sides of the park, try to pick one that is closest to a gate while still being within your budget and preferences. 

You’ll be spending the following afternoon and evening hanging out at the lodge, so you may want to splurge a bit on this one or book something a little special for your last few nights on safari. 

Tips for Visiting Tsavo West National Park

The best, and only, time to visit Tsavo West is during the dry season, particularly between June and October. Once the rainy season begins, the road can become impassable. This can happen surprisingly quickly. 

If you are visiting at the tail end of the dry season, make sure to call the park yourself or have your guide do it to ask about road closures. If too many roads are closed, you may not be able to have a safari there and you’ll need to remove it from your itinerary. I found this out the hard way so don’t make the same mistake!

Day 11: Tsavo West National Park

Get ready for an amazing morning of animal sightings followed by a restful afternoon back at the lodge. Tsavo West is one of the best places in the world to see black rhinos, so make sure to keep an eye out for them as they can be hard to spot.

Rise and shine for your last game drive in Kenya. You’ll head out bright and early for a morning game drive, before returning to the lodge in the afternoon for a filling lunch and an afternoon of relaxation. 

You’ll be staying at the same lodge as the previous night which means no packing or unpacking today!

Day 12: Tsavo West to Diani Beach

Are you ready to trade in savannahs for glittering beaches and palm trees? 

After spending the past 10 days discovering Kenya’s spectacular wildlife, it’s time to go and see a very different side of the country! 

Hopefully, this final stop will give you the chance to kick back and relax before you start making the long journey back home. 

Today, you’ll drive around 5-hours from Tsavo West to Diani, located at Kenya’s southeastern tip. 

If you leave early enough, you can spend the afternoon in Diani reconnecting with your inner beach bum, going snorkelling in the crystal clear water, or simply grabbing a few cocktails at one of the beach bars. 

After following this itinerary, you are likely in need of a break so take some time to enjoy the laid-back charm of this quintessential beach town – you’ve earned it!

Alternatively, if you consider yourself more of a city slicker, you can always go check out Mombasa instead, Kenya’s second-largest city. 

Mombasa is also an interesting stop for history lovers; it was once an important trading post for the Indian Ocean trade and served as the capital of Kenya during the British occupation. You can see vestiges of this long history around every corner.

About Diani

Diani is the top tourism destination along Kenya’s South Coast thanks to its white sand beaches, and warm, calm water. It’s the perfect spot for water sports such as jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, scuba diving, and kitesurfing. 

Diana is considered to be one of the best beaches in Kenya and is located just 30 km south of the port city of Mombasa. 

Diani Beach is backed by a line of resorts, guest houses, and restaurants. There are many different options for accommodation including boutique hotels, vacation homes, and sprawling beach resorts. You can find a wide range of prices up and down the beach so I am sure that you’ll find something that’s perfect for you. 

If possible, I recommend staying in one of the beachfront properties so that you can enjoy the gorgeous beach views.

Tips for Visiting Diani

The sun is strong and the insects can be brutal in Diani. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent to protect yourself unless you fancy taking home bug bites and sunburn as souvenirs!

Although Diani is a safe destination during the day, like most beach towns, things can get a bit different at night. Try to avoid walking along the beach after sunset and leave all of your valuables at the hotel.

Total drive time (excluding game drives): Dependent on what activities you decide to do.

Spend your final day relaxing on the gorgeous beach or exploring just offshore. 

Things to Do in Diani

Diani is the perfect place to finish off any Kenya vacation. The glistening Indian Ocean, powder-white sand, and relaxed vibe provide the perfect setting for your last full day.

Below are just a few ways to spend a day here:

1. Relax on the Beach

Diani’s soft white sand is hard to resist and I certainly wouldn’t blame you if you decided to spend the entire day sunbathing. 

2. Go Snorkelling

Diani is lucky enough to be surrounded by coral reefs and the warm water of the Indian Ocean makes it an irresistible place for snorkelling. The best snorkel spot is Nomad Beach, just in front of Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant. 

3. Eat at One of Diani’s Delicious Restaurants

After spending the last 10 days eating picnic lunches from the safari lodges, you may be in the mood for a few mouthwatering meals! Diani offers tons of different options for hungry visitors, ranging from high-end seafood restaurants to chilled-out cafes. 

You can’t go wrong with a visit to Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant which serves up good-quality local and international dishes and offers sweeping beach views. Loved by locals and tourists alike, this place is practically a Diani institution. 

If you are looking for something unique, head over to Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant; this eatery is situated in the middle of a natural cave!

4. Shimba Hills National Reserve

If you aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to Africa’s wildlife, visit Shimba Hills National Reserve. Rich in flora and fauna, this is one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa. Game drives within the reserve offer sightings of elephants, hyenas, giraffes, leopards, waterbuck, and more. 

The reserve is only a 30-minute drive from Diani, so you can easily spend the morning on a game drive and then the afternoon on the beach. 

5. Colobus Conservation Centre

This non-profit organisation is dedicated to conserving the rare Colobus monkey. The centre offers guided primate eco-tours that allow visitors to see colobus monkeys, vervets, sykes, and baboons. 

After the tour, visit their information centre to learn more about their ongoing conservation activities. 

You’ll be staying at the same hotel or guest house as the previous night.

Day 14: Diani Beach to Nairobi

Total drive time (excluding game drives): 10 hours or a 1-hour flight

Today will be your last day in Kenya and I am sure that you have had a blast so far! 

There are two options for getting back to Nairobi, both of which have some pros and cons. I have listed both options here, so choose the option that works best for you!

To finish off your trip, you can either do a full-day drive back to Nairobi or hop on a one-hour-long flight. 

If you go for the flying option, you can spend the morning relaxing in Diani before taking an afternoon flight, or take a morning flight and spend the afternoon exploring Nairobi.

If you decide to drive back to Nairobi instead, you will retrace your steps back up the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway towards Chyulu Hills National Park. 

It’s pretty much a straight-shot drive from Mombasa to Nairobi on a paved highway, making it a relatively easy, but very long, drive.  As always, leave as early as possible so that you can avoid driving in the dark.

Recommended Booking Options For Your 2-Week Kenya Itinerary

Private Safari

Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $300 per person per day.

Visit safarisbyella.com for free quotes from trustworthy local tour companies I use to book my own trips.

Group (Shared) Safari – Usually Camping

I could not find any group safaris following this or any similar itineraries. See my guide(s) below for better group budget options.

Final thoughts

Honestly, you can’t beat Kenya when it comes to having a fantastic African safari. The country has so many fantastic national parks and reserves. And with so much incredible wildlife to see, it’s no surprise that Kenya has been home to some of my favourite safari experiences!

A 14-day safari allows you to visit many of Kenya’s highlights. Visiting the Masai Mara and Amboseli alone will give you some wonderful safari experiences, but adding Ol Pejeta and the two lakes to the mix truly allows you to appreciate the scope of the wildlife here. 

And there really couldn’t be a better way to finish off a Kenya holiday than visiting Tsavo West before heading to the stunning beaches of Diani! Not only does this coastal area show you another side of the country, but also allows you to relax in paradise and finish your trip on a high!

I hope this post has helped you plan your dream trip to Kenya. If you’re still undecided on where to go on your African safari, you may be interested in reading my 7-10 day Tanzania safari itinerary . Tanzania is right next door to Kenya and similar in cost. Both have something unique to offer and either is a brilliant option for your trip!

Read More Kenya Guides

Kenya itineraries.

Recomended itineraries and how to book them.

7-10-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary

5-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary

3 Day Kenya Safari Itinerary & Costs

2-Week Kenya Safari Itinerary & Costs

Kenya & Tanzania Itineraries

Multi-country itineraries and how to book them.

2-Week Kenya & Tanzania Safari Itinerary

Costs & Planning

How to get the most bang for your buck and the best time of year to visit depending on what you want to do and see.

Kenya Safari Costs – Everything you Need to Know

Best Time to Visit Kenya (coming soon)

National Parks & Reserves

Complete guides to the best and most famous safari reserves, including the wildlife you’ll see, entrance costs and best time to visit.

Coming soon.

Other Popular Safari Destinations

How to book your safari.

Save time and ensure an incredible safari experience by getting quotes from my recommended local safari companies.

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