Ultimate VIP Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Why ‘Savor the Savanna’ is Worth Every Penny
- castlecoachestravel
- Mar 19
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 19
Are you ready for an extraordinary journey that blends the magic of Disney with the thrill of an African safari? Look no further than the exclusive Savor the Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney World® Resort. This is not your typical Kilimanjaro Safari ride—it's a VIP adventure designed for those who crave a more immersive, intimate, and luxurious wildlife experience.
We at Castle Coaches Travel have experienced Savor the Savanna multiple times, and we can confidently say: it’s one of the best tours at Walt Disney World. From the up-close animal encounters to the incredible African-inspired cuisine, this is a bucket-list experience that every Disney fan should try. Read on to find out why you should add this to your next Disney itinerary!
There’s no place on Earth quite like Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Across more than 500 acres, over 2,000 animals—representing approximately 300 species, all managed and cared for under the guidelines of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)—call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home. It’s the same park where more than 400 million trees, plants, shrubs, vines, grasses, ferns, etc.—about 3,000 species—coexist.
What is Savor the Savanna?
Savor the Savanna is a 2 hour premium, small-group safari that takes you beyond the standard Kilimanjaro Safaris experience. Savor the Savanna isn't just a safari – it's a VIP journey designed to immerse you in the natural beauty of Disney's Animal Kingdom. Limited to a small group of just 12 guests, this experience offers an intimate and personalized encounter with the wildlife that calls the Harambe Wildlife Reserve home. Led by knowledgeable guides, you'll board a specially designed safari vehicle that provides unobstructed views of the incredible wildlife. From majestic elephants to graceful giraffes, you'll witness a breathtaking array of animals in their natural habitats. Your guide will share insights into the animals' behaviors, conservation efforts, and the intricate ecosystems that sustain them. As you journey through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, keep your camera ready for sightings of lions, zebras, rhinos, and more. The experience also includes a stop at a private viewing area where you can savor African-inspired tapas and beverages as the sun sets over the savanna. The combination of the captivating scenery and delectable bites creates a multi-sensory adventure that truly immerses you in the magic of the wild.
Here’s what makes it special:
A Private Guided Safari: Board a special open-air vehicle designed for optimal views of the animals. Your expert guide provides insider knowledge about Disney’s animal care, conservation efforts, and the fascinating behaviors of the reserve’s inhabitants.
Up-Close Wildlife Encounters: Take an exclusive route not used by regular safari vehicles, bringing you closer to animals like giraffes, elephants, zebras, rhinos, and lions.
Meet an Animal Care Specialist: Ask questions and gain unique insights from an on-site animal expert about the reserve’s daily operations and conservation programs.
Delicious African-Inspired Cuisine: Indulge in a selection of savanna-inspired tapas and drinks, including wines and beer, while enjoying a breathtaking sunset from an elevated private viewing area.
Stunning Sunset Views: Experience the Harambe Wildlife Reserve as the sun sets over the savanna, creating a serene and picturesque backdrop.
Our Personal Experience
Check-In Our tour began at 4:30 in the afternoon (times may shift depending on the time of year). We were asked to check in at least 15 minutes before at a booth just outside the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safari. Before the tour begins, you will be asked to read and sign some standard waivers. Do note, the minimum age for children to participate is 8 years old. Once completed and signed, we collected our name tags and waited for our truck to be ready. Once the truck arrived we headed towards the private boarding area which is just past the entrance to Rafiki's Planet Watch.
We then boarded a custom safari vehicle with a U-shaped bench seating arrangement—a design that allows for unobstructed views of the animals. We met our guide for the day, named Christina, btw she was amazing and was full of tips and tidbits. FYI-There is a little jostling around to be aware of. Under the benches was a big storage area to keep all your belongings so they don't slide around the truck as we travel. Number one room- bottoms stay flat on the seat at all times!
The Tour Our safari adventure began much like any other, with early sightings of the Okapi, hippos, and crocodiles. Throughout the journey, there were designated spots where our truck could pull off to the side, giving us extra time to take in the wildlife. While we soaked up the experience at our own pace, we watched as the standard safari trucks continued along the trail—a perfect reminder of just how special this tour was!
As we entered the expansive East Savanna, we had the incredible opportunity to stop and chat with Jessica, one of the dedicated Cast Members who cares for the animals. She spent over 15 minutes answering our questions and sharing fascinating insights into her daily responsibilities and the natural behaviors of the animals. It was amazing to learn just how much effort goes into maintaining the savanna as close to a natural habitat as possible—far from the confined spaces of a typical zoo. The team is committed to ensuring the animals rely on their instincts, avoiding unnecessary domestication so they can thrive just as they would in the wild. If you’re curious to learn more about Disney’s conservation efforts, I highly recommend watching The Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
One of the most memorable moments was when we pulled into a secluded area where the giraffes were gathered. We were able to get up close and watch them enjoy their meal, but we had to remain quiet so we didn’t startle them—such an incredible and peaceful experience!
Savor Next, we made our way to our private Boma, nestled right on the savanna. If you’ve ever taken the standard safari, you’ve likely spotted this hidden gem from a distance—but this time, we got to experience it firsthand. Here, Cast Members welcomed us with a delicious tapas-style meal, featuring a variety of African-inspired dishes, plus a selection of regional beer and wine to enjoy.
Our food guide provided fascinating details about each dish, explaining its origins and how it was prepared. Everything served was African-inspired, with food prepared at Tusker House and desserts crafted by Tiffins. The offerings included Tandoori shrimp, garlic and leek hummus, pita bread, caramelized bread (Torta), curry chicken salad, and a selection of meats, cheeses, and fruit.
The drink selections included:
Beers: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde Ale & Old Elephant IPA
Wines: Painted Wolf Pinotage, Cedarberg Merlot Shiraz, Kanonkop Dry Pinotage Rosé, & Cederberg Bukettraube
Non-Alcoholic Options: Water and, of course, there was an endless supply of POG juice (also known as Jungle Juice)—a must-have for any Disney fan!
Everything was served family-style, and while we were encouraged to help ourselves to as much as we liked, a full tour meant we eventually ran out! For dessert, we indulged in deconstructed s’mores, chocolate fudge cake pops, and a passion fruit cake. Since each dessert was individually portioned, we sampled different treats and shared bites, ensuring we tried everything! Throughout our time at the boma, our guides were available to chat and answer any lingering questions we had. And for those wondering—yes, there’s a restroom here, which was definitely a welcome convenience!
The final stop of our Boma experience took us to a special viewing platform overlooking the lions. Christina shared some fascinating facts and answered all of our lingering questions—including debunking a few common myths about lions. She also gave us insight into how the habitat is designed, explaining the fencing and barriers that help keep the animals within their designated areas while still allowing them to roam as naturally as possible. It was a unique opportunity to learn more about the behind-the-scenes care that goes into maintaining this incredible environment!
Wrap-Up
After spending some time observing the lions, we climbed back into the truck for the final leg of our journey. While we were back on the Kilimanjaro Safari trail, our experience remained unique—our guide was able to pull off the main path a few times, allowing us to take in even closer, unhurried views of the animals. One of our stops was right in front of the lions, where we learned about the male lion’s mane and their specialized diet.
As our adventure came to an end, we returned to the same boarding area where our journey began, exiting through the entrance to the Wildlife Express Train. As a special keepsake, each guest received a wooden coaster engraved with ‘Savor the Savanna’—a perfect memento from this unforgettable experience!
Final Thoughts
We’ve experienced Kilimanjaro Safaris more times than we can count, but the level of trivia and behind-the-scenes insights on this tour took things to a whole new level. We walked away with so many fascinating facts, including a deeper understanding of Disney’s commitment to animal care.
Did you know that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)? The AZA sets the gold standard in animal welfare, regularly evaluating institutions to ensure the highest standards of care. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the few U.S. zoos with an on-site animal hospital equipped with a computed tomography (CT) scanner, allowing the veterinary team to diagnose and treat animals more efficiently.
Meanwhile, the Animal Nutrition Center plays a crucial role in preventive health care, ensuring every animal receives the highest quality nutrition. The team prepares more than 1,200 customized meals daily and delivers over 10,000 pounds of food to the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends. It’s incredible to see the level of care and dedication that goes into making sure these animals thrive!
What Makes It Unique Personal Experience
Savor the Savanna stands out as a one-of-a-kind experience for several reasons. Unlike typical theme park attractions, this guided expedition allows you to get up close and personal with exotic animals in a relaxed and uncrowded setting. The blend of entertainment, education, and indulgence sets it apart from any other experience within the Disney parks. It's an opportunity to escape the ordinary and engage with the extraordinary, all while making unforgettable memories.
Why Schedule It for Your Next Disney Vacation:
There are plenty of reasons why Savor the Savanna should be at the top of your Disney vacation:
Exclusivity: This experience is limited to a small number of guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized adventure.
Educational Value: Learn about wildlife conservation efforts and gain a deeper appreciation for the animal kingdom.
Culinary Delights: Indulge in a delectable assortment of African-inspired tapas and beverages while enjoying the stunning sunset views.
Memorable Moments: Create lasting memories as you witness incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Escape from the Crowds: Take a break from the bustling theme park atmosphere and enjoy a serene and tranquil escape.
Cost and Discounts: The cost of "Savor the Savanna" varies depending on the season and availability. Prices typically range from $189 to $199 per person. Discounts may be available for Disney Vacation Club members, Annual Passholders, and Disney Visa Cardholders. Keep in mind that prices and discounts may have changed since then, so it's best to check the official Disney website or consult with Castle Coaches Travel for the most up-to-date information.
Booking with Castle Coaches Travel
Castle Coaches Travel is dedicated to curating extraordinary Disney experiences for our clients. We understand that planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, which is why we're here to assist you every step of the way. Our experienced travel agents can secure your reservation for Savor the Savanna, ensure you're aware of any available discounts, and provide guidance on creating a seamless and unforgettable vacation itinerary. Contact us today to start planning your magical journey to "Savor the Savanna" and beyond!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a unique, luxurious, and awe-inspiring way to experience Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Savor the Savanna is worth every penny. With its VIP treatment, exclusive animal encounters, delicious food, and stunning sunset views, it’s easily one of Disney’s best-kept secrets.
Trust us—once you experience it, you’ll be counting down the days until you can do it again!
Ready to book? Contact Castle Coaches Travel today and let’s make your Disney vacation unforgettable!
Have you experienced Savor the Savanna? Let us know in the comments below! What was your favorite part?
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