Harambe Market at Disney Animal Kingdom | 5 Tastes of Africa

Harambe Market at Disney Animal Kingdom | 5 Tastes of Africa. Post sponsored by Walt Disney World. All delicious and magical opinions are my own.

Harambe Market at Disney Animal Kingdom | 5 Tastes of Africa

There’s something that has been sorely missing from the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A shady spot to sit. While Africa is full of amazing safari adventures, train rides and animal discoveries, finding relief from the Florida sun and a busy day at a Disney World park can be overwhelming.

Insert the new Harambe Market at Disney Animal Kingdom, an area of Africa where families can finally sit and enjoy the flavors of Africa. On our recent family media day at Walt Disney World, my family got to taste, see and feel all that this market had to offer their weary travelers. There’s definitely 5 tastes of Africa you won’t want to miss.

The hustle and bustle of the Harambe Market definitely gives you the feel of a busy outdoor African marketplace.

Displays of wares and beautiful woods.

Aged artwork.

Carved stone, overhanging fabrics and shady rest areas are also inviting. But it’s the smells that entice the Disney World guest as you pass by. Located in the heart of the Kilamanjaro Safari, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the famous Wild Africa Trek attractions, one cannot walk by this area and not smell the amazing flavors of Africa as meals are passed from pick up window to Disney guest. And thankfully our hungry bellies got to experience firsthand the best of the best.

4 open window quick service eateries in the market await your families for a taste of culture unlike any other in the park. From left to right:

• Kitamu Grill – Skewered Chicken & Kebab flatbread sandwiches
• Wanjohi Refreshments – Unique craft draft beers, South African wines by the glass, Sangria and The Starr of Harambe Frozen Alcoholic Drinks (non-alcoholic drinks for the littles too)
• Famous Sausages – the South African boerewors sausage is the star of the meal here with a unique corn dog experience
• Chef Mwanga’s – Ribs, Ribs, and more Ribs infused with African spices

1. The Spice-Rubbed Karubi Ribs at Chef Mwanga’s

This was definitely the tastiest and most surprising meal of the day. I am NOT a rib person. But these ribs were ah-mazing. 3 ginormous ribs rubbed with a blend of African spices and oh-so-tender were accompanied by the cool sweet crunch of a green papaya carrot slaw. I know. The contrasting flavors were incredible. Then add the chickpea tomato cucumber salad and you have a very filling meal for even the hungriest safari explorer.

2. All-Natural Chicken Skewers at Kitamu Grill

As far as Chicken on a stick goes, it was tasty. The meat was tender, the spices were nice, but overall I wouldn’t say this was the most memorable part of my meal. Served with a cold Roasted Broccoli and Tomato Salad, this is a nice gluten-free/low carb option meal.

3. Sausage Curried Corn Dog at Famous Sausages

Say hello to the biggest corn dog I have ever seen. Over a foot long and dipped into a curry spiced batter, this South African boerewors sausage was definitely hitting all of the right spots. Served again with the cold Roasted Broccoli and Tomato Salad.

If you’re looking for a cultural kids meal option, they offer a kid sized corn dog here as well.

4. The Refreshing Watermelon Lemonade

Ok, so I’m not sure how “authentic” Watermelon Lemonade is to Africa, but seriously this was the most refreshing beverage of the day. Find at any of the open windows in Harambe Market, I was tasting this drink for the rest of the day. Long after we left the area and enjoyed the park on one of the hottest July days, it was this drink that had my taste buds remembering the cool sips, the light sweetness and the thirst quenching relief. I think I told my sister-in-law at least 100 times how much I could go for another Watermelon Lemonade.

The Harambe Market offers quite a few different drink options. From African craft beers to Sangria, there’s definitely a cold drink for anyone on your party. While staying away from alcohol on a hot Florida day, we opted for more of the kid-friendly drinks. The foreign Kiwi Coke drink (green) was a unique choice of beverage that would have me coming back to Harambe Market as well. Light in carbonation. The Sparberry soda was interesting but not my favorite drink of the area. Reminded me of a light raspberry.

5. Zuri’s Sweets Shop

Hidden across from the Harambe Market is basically the coolest place in the area. No, literally. One of the few places in Disney’s Animal Kingdom that offers air conditioning, that alone is reason enough to visit. But inside this merchandise shop are over 80 different themed food items, inspired gifts and home décor items. And with 3 large rooms to fill, Disney definitely does it well.

You’ll notice most folks hovering over at the confectionery counter. Through the glass your family will drool over the amazing sweets inspired by the Africa theme. Giraffe shaped sugar cookies, Elephant Caramel Apples, decorated Marshmallow Pops, Fudge and even some Mickey Ears make their way easily to your bellies.

Can we say afternoon break your kids will actually enjoy? AC, gifts and sweets, how could we go wrong?

If you’re looking for more great Disney Animal Kingdom Experiences, check out my Wild Africa Trek, Backstage Tales Tour, and the growing popular Wilderness Explorers Guide (it’s FREE!)

With the Harambe Market now open, you can now get a real sense of the biggest expansion in the area. Listen to the sounds of the Wildlife Express train as you eat, take in the sights of the 1960s inspired water tower and African wall art (did you find the adorable Mickey art?),

and enjoy unique photo opportunities (like two of the most popular Disney Walls, the “You Are Most Beautiful”) all while experiencing the flavors of Africa. Now if we can just get that Watermelon Lemonade on tap….

Have you experienced the new Harambe Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

My family and I were invited to attend this special Harambe Market media day and received free passes and food vouchers. All magical opinions are my own. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for family travel, Orlando theme park updates and more.

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