Kilimanjaro Safaris has been the flagship attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since it opened in 1998. It’s a fan favorite because of the live animals — it’s always exciting to see them and animals never put on the same show twice!
1. It Was All Started by…Walt
Walt Disney originally wanted real animals on the Jungle Cruise, which proved quickly to be unrealistic. Between the cost, the land requirement, and the technology to ensure the animals would stay in sight, live animals were not going to be a reality in Disneyland at the Jungle Cruise. But the Imagineers held onto Walt’s concept for an attraction with live animals for decades, and the dream came true in 1998 when Animal Kingdom opened.
2. Largest Attraction
Kilimanjaro Safaris required a lot of land — at 110 acres it’s the biggest Disney attraction in the world. In comparison, the Magic Kingdom is 107 acres, meaning the entire park could fit into Safaris.
3. Animals on Parade
Another of Walt’s concerns was how to guarantee you’d be able to see the animals on display. Many of them are nocturnal, and others are shy.
At Kilimanjaro Safaris, they use clever ways to ensure you’re able to see these beautiful creatures. Imagineers hung feeders and salt licks in the trees on the savanna to lure shy giraffes, cattle, and gazelles out into the open for us to see.
Additionally, they figured out how to pipe out cool air from the rocks where the lions reside. This encourages the big cats to sleep on them during the hot day where you can see them.
4. Contained
As beautiful as those lions are, you might be slightly worried they can come too close. But never fear — there is a moat hidden from view that is 18 feet deep and 21 feet wide in between you and the lions.
There are also barriers between species — so predators and prey don’t end up together. Chains (that you drive over), water guards, and natural barriers are in place so that the animals stay where they should.
5. Custom Rides
The jeeps on Kilimanjaro Safaris are completely real — they were custom designed by GMC. We’ve read they cost an estimated $100,000 each!
The Safari Guides are really driving as well — those aren’t on a track! But really the animals run the show. If an animal gets in the pathway of a safari truck, then it’s in the rules that the truck must stop and wait, no matter how long it takes. The animals’ safety is top priority (after the guests’) which is why there are sometimes long delays on the attraction — sometimes a giraffe or rhino just wants to hang out.
What is your favorite animal to see on Kilimanjaro Safaris? Let us know in the comments!
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Elephants and giraffes
Safaris are always fun! If you are lucky to be there when it’s feeding time, it’s even better. I dream of hearing a giant roar from the lion or the jaguar speeding along. Thus far it’s still a dream. I would like to interject a thought about the carnival area in Animal Kingdom. How about changing it to a Toy Story theme? It looks like there is a carnival scene in new Toy Story 4 movie. Reimagined Chester and Hester’s would be easy. Add Bunny and Chicky, don’t forget Forkie! I love him already. Convert the huge dinosaur to Rex! All the prizes will be plush from Toy Story of course. You’re welcome, Disney World!
There’s nothing better than seeing one of the babies when they are out on the savannah! Precious!
Giraffes, just the grace they show when walking around.
Thought some were Ford trucks. Steering wheel on one of them looked like it has the “blue oval” missing:)
One of my favorite attractions. I love how each time it is different. With the addition of evening rides it is even better. I love the giraffes! I also love the addition of wild dogs and Hyenas. The endangered ones have been interesting as well. Nothing like seeing a white rhino right next to your vehicle. I love the Okapi as well, but easier to see on the walking tour.