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Writer's pictureNatalie Graham

What to Expect on Disney's Wild Africa Trek: A Complete Guide and Why It's Worth the Splurge

Updated: Dec 5, 2023


Wild Africa Trek Starts here!
Where your journey begins!



Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the African wilderness with Wild Africa Trek located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Discover the wonders of the Animal Kingdom, traverse breathtaking landscapes, and experience the thrill of up-close encounters with wildlife. This complete guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your trek and why this enchanting extra is worth the splurge.



Preparing for the Wild Africa Trek



Wild Africa Trek Gear
Official Gear For Your Wild Africa Trek

Before embarking on the Wild Africa Trek, it's important to make some preparations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Firstly, be sure to make a reservation in advance as spots for this popular adventure are limited. You can do this online or by asking your Castle Coach to book your enchanting experience.


Next, it's essential to dress appropriately for the trek. The "African wilderness" aka the Florida heat can be hot and humid, so it's recommended to wear lightweight and breathable clothing. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are also a must, as you'll be walking on uneven terrain. Don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the elements. Keep in mind you won't be able to take a backpack with you or even a small cross-body, these will all be stored in a locker prior to your adventure.


In addition to clothing, it's important to bring a few essential items. A small backpack or bag is handy for carrying personal belongings such as a water bottle, camera, and snacks. It's also a good idea to bring some extra cash or a credit card for any additional purchases during the trek.

Lastly, make sure to arrive at Disney's Animal Kingdom park at least 15 minutes before your scheduled trek time. This will give you enough time to check in and meet your knowledgeable guides who will accompany you throughout the adventure. Now that you're prepared, get ready for an incredible journey through the African wilderness!


Gear and Attire


The proper attire
Make sure to dress for comfort and exercise

When it comes to gear and attire for the Wild Africa Trek, Disney provides most of what you'll need. Upon check-in, you'll be given a specialized harness that ensures your safety during the trek. This harness is comfortable and allows you to move freely while exploring the wilderness. You'll also be provided with a headset that allows you to listen to your guide throughout the excursion. The harness/vest also has pockets for accessibility for your cell phone, water bottle, and listening device.

As for attire, it's important to wear comfortable clothing that can withstand the outdoor conditions. Avoid wearing bright colors or patterns that may startle the animals. Don't forget to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes that are suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Skirts and dresses are not recommended for this excursion.


In terms of accessories, it's a good idea to bring a smartphone to capture the incredible moments you'll encounter on the trek. However, for those up-close encounters, Disney's Africa Trek guides provide high-quality images of your adventure in addition to photos of the animals you saw while on the trek. You'll notice your tour guide snapping photos during your trip.

Overall, Disney ensures that you have all the necessary gear and attire to enjoy the Wild Africa Trek safely and comfortably. Just remember to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for the best experience.


Traversing the African Wilderness


Wild Africa Trek is quite the adventure
Coach Natalie overcoming her fear of heights


Once you're fully prepared and geared up, it's time to embark on your adventure through the African wilderness. The Wild Africa Trek takes you on a guided journey through various landscapes, allowing you to witness the beauty of nature up close.


During the trek, you'll traverse suspension bridges, climb rocky terrain, and navigate through dense vegetation. This thrilling experience will give you a true sense of being in the heart of the African wilderness. Along the way, your knowledgeable guides will share interesting facts and stories about the wildlife and ecosystem, enriching your understanding of the environment.


One of the highlights of the trek is the opportunity to cross a swinging rope bridge high above a river filled with crocodiles and hippos. This exhilarating experience provides a unique perspective of these magnificent creatures and their natural habitat. Don't worry, the bridge is designed to be safe and sturdy, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking views without any worries.


As you continue your trek through the African wilderness, be prepared to encounter various animals such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Your guides will ensure your safety and provide you with interesting information about these animals. Remember to keep a safe distance and follow the instructions of your guides to ensure a respectful and responsible wildlife viewing experience.

Overall, traversing the African wilderness on the Wild Africa Trek is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and witness incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.


Encountering Wildlife


Hippo Friends Encountered on Wild Africa Trek
Up close encounter with this gorgeous giant


One of the most exciting aspects of the Wild Africa Trek is the opportunity to have up-close encounters with wildlife. As you explore the African wilderness, you'll get a chance to see animals like never before.


During the trek, your guides will lead you to special viewing areas where you can observe animals such as lions, elephants, and rhinos from a safe and respectful distance. These animals roam freely in their natural habitats, allowing you to witness their behavior and interactions up close.

Your guides will provide fascinating information about each animal, including their diet, behavior, and conservation efforts. This educational experience not only allows you to appreciate the beauty of these creatures but also raises awareness about the importance of protecting their habitats.

It's important to remember that the Wild Africa Trek prioritizes the well-being of the animals. The guides will ensure that the encounters are conducted in a responsible manner, respecting the animals' natural behaviors and habitats. By following their instructions and maintaining a safe distance, you can have an incredible wildlife experience while contributing to their conservation.


Prepare to be amazed by the wildlife encounters on the Wild Africa Trek. It's a rare opportunity to witness these majestic animals in their natural environment and gain a deeper understanding of their importance in the African ecosystem.


Lunch with a View

Castle Coaches enjoying a little scenery while on the Wild Africa Trek
Coaches Kristina, Natalie & Colette enjoying the scenery at lunch

Enjoy scenic views near the BOMA and see the animals in their habitats enjoying the sunshine, bathing in the water, or roaming the safari plains. Lunch is provided by the Wild Africa Trek team, it is catered from one of the many hot spot restaurants at Disney's Animal Kingdom. They arrive in these awesome little tiffins and you can even enjoy everyone's favorite POG juice.





Capturing Memories on the Wild Africa Trek




The Wild Africa Trek offers countless breathtaking moments that you'll want to capture and cherish forever. Here are some tips for capturing memories during your adventure:


1. Take advantage of the photo opportunities: Throughout the trek, your guides will stop at scenic spots where you can take photos. Make sure to have your camera ready and listen to their instructions for the best angles and shots.


2. Don't forget to enjoy the experience: While capturing memories is important, it's equally important to be fully present and enjoy the adventure. Take the time to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the African wilderness without constantly looking through the lens.


After the trek, you'll have the opportunity to snag some photos taken by your tour guide during the adventure. These high-quality photos are a great way to commemorate your experience and relive the unforgettable moments. You'll receive a card that has a code that you can enter to obtain these photos. Be sure to snap a photo of this code on your phone in case you lose your card during your adventures at Disney's Animal Kingdom.


For this and more enchanting Disney experiences, make sure you follow @Castlecoachestravel and @castle_coach_natalie for more Disney tips and tricks. If you're interested in booking your next Disney Vacation, reach out to your fellow castle coach for more ways to book.


Disney Cast Members on Wild Africa Trek
Our two amazing guides during Wild Africa Trek

Embark on a magical journey with Castle Coaches Travel, your dedicated Disney travel experts! As seasoned travel agents, we understand that planning the perfect Disney vacation requires careful attention to detail and insider knowledge. Whether you're dreaming of meeting your favorite characters, exploring enchanting lands, or experiencing the thrill of iconic attractions, Castle Coaches Travel is here to make your Disney dreams come true. Our passion for all things Disney, combined with our expertise in travel planning, ensures a seamless and unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. Let us take the stress out of planning, so you can focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime. Reach out for a personalized quote today, and allow Castle Coaches Travel to be your trusted partner in crafting the Disney vacation of your dreams. Your happily ever after begins with us!


Castle Coaches Travel, a concierge travel agency specializing in Disney destinations

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