Ready to conquer your fears? Check out my Disney Wild Africa Trek Review & Video & tips for your next Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom special experience visit. Post sponsored by Disney. All fear conquering opinions are my own
Disney Wild Africa Trek Review & Video
This has been on my Disney World bucket list, and I never thought I’d see the day when I’d actually get to check the box off. Disney Wild Africa Trek, located at Disney Animal Kingdom is a once in a lifetime experience to see wild animals up close, experience Disney in a whole new way, and conquer some of your worst fears. It was such a fitting experience for us, especially with Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom opening in theaters this weekend.
You heard me say that I had never been so excited to be so terrified when I announced I was attending the Monkey Kingdom Event. But the cold sweat, the goosebumps, the dizzying views…it was an adventure unto itself.
So in my honest opinion, I bring you a unique Disney Wild Africa Trek Review…and all of the fears I conquered along the way.
Disney Wild Africa Trek Review Video
Get wild! This fear conquering trek is definitely a sight to see in this exclusive video footage for my Disney Wild Africa Trek Review. Click the video above to see your Animal Kingdom world from a whole new perspective…from above!
1. Fear of harnesses
Nothing like getting up close and personal with the Disney staff the moment you walk into the Wild Africa Trek area. After being greeted and dropping off your stuff into a provided locker, you are then fitted for a vest/harness combo that I dare say is a fashion statement. But this is no ordinary harness. This is a Disney harness. Multiple pockets, sunglasses straps, and a huge hook clipped to you, I knew this was going to be a heavy duty adventure. Safety being the Disney priority, this harness is then strapped to you very securely (yes, thru the legs) and checked multiple times throughout the journey.
2. Fear of hanging over a cliff above angry hippos
After a brief guided tour through the monkey area (ironic, right?) and the aviary, we were led off the beaten path and up into the rough parts of the jungle. Steep inclines at times, rocks, dirt, trees, the whole gamut – this isn’t Kansas anymore. In no time, you are harnessed to a beautiful and majestic overlook…right above two male hippos. I don’t think I’ve personally ever seen a hippo above water, much less one eating. To be that close and check out his teeth, his eyes and yes, even a shower of poo, it was incredible to see a hippo THAT close. But I won’t be inviting these guys over for dinner anytime soon. Some of the most aggressive animals in the kingdom, it was incredible to get such a close view. Literally within a few 100 feet!
3. Fear of walking a rickety bridge 30 feet in the air and 75 feet across…twice
Enter the climax scene of the trip. Knees knocking. Sweat dripping. And I felt like I was going to pee my pants. This was the most scary moment of my entire Monkey Kingdom Event experience. But with my GoPro video camera in hand, I seriously had to will myself across the bridge, so I can get footage for you. I know…whatever motivation works! Talking to myself the whole time, I soon realized that the bridge really is NOT as rickety as it appears. Steel cables are holding you up very firmly. There’s even netting between the large gaps in the floor boards. And the bridges are checked everyday by the experts. Take that deep breath and make sure to slow down and take in the scenery around you. You won’t regret it.
4. Fear of being snatched up by a hungry crocodile
And if walking over a bridge of hungry crocodiles wasn’t adventure enough, you get another moment to hang out over a steep cliff above them. I don’t think I’ve ever been so close, especially without fencing protecting me.
5. Fear of safari-ing too close to the wildlife
While I love seeing animals up close, I didn’t want to get THAT close. In our own smaller safari cruiser, we were able to get up closer, make more stops and hear more amazing facts about the animals on the Kilamanjaro Safari. It was really neat to get that personal guided attention, have your questions answered and get the best personal viewing spot. Binoculars are provided as well (because Disney thinks of everything).
6. Fear of overheating/exhaustion
Being one with nature in 90 degree Florida heat. I have an easy susceptibility to heat exhaustion, low blood sugar and nausea when traveling. But then strap on a 3 hour experience in a vest harness, I was fearful of somehow becoming that medical emergency. Disney, however thinks of everything. An important item and souvenir from your trek, the Water Bottle comes in handy often throughout the experience. It is filled and added to your vest collection for you to carry. There’s also multiple refilling stations. A Frosty towel dipped in essential oils, that happened to be sitting on ice awaits you as you sit on your personal guided safari as well. If there weren’t a bunch of really cool animals around me, I would say this was the highlight of my trip LOL! But the best part is your snack party. About 2/3 of the way through the experience, you are cordially invited to the VIP snack area, overlooking the savannah. A tin filled with deliciousness awaits you, as well as some of the best mango juice I have ever had the pleasure of drinking. And each food item is meticulously prepared by a Disney chef. Those with food allergies or sensitivities will want to disclose that info at booking, so a special meal can be prepared. I heard the vegetarian pearls are amazing! Also in your VIP area are bathrooms and another private walkway over the savanna. Pretty sweet spot for a break. I can definitely see some Disney proposals taking place here!
6. Fear of not capturing that perfect picture
I think it’s the blogger in me, but I am constantly taking pictures for fear that I will miss that perfect moment. On a trek such as this, I knew it would be impossible to carry a heavy camera through the wild, the heat and the fears I had going in. Thankfully, your tour guide not only provides witty and informative commentary, but also is your professional photographer throughout the journey. This is such a relief. For once, the blogger can sit back and enjoy the experience. Over 150+ pictures were taken on our 3 hour trek, all downloadable within 48 hours to keep. Forever. This is totally worth the package price. Every family shot captured. Every animal captured. Every priceless moment captured.
7. Fear of never experiencing an amazing adventure
The biggest fear I have is missing out. That I will miss what could have been the best moment of my life. I am far from the risk taker, but I am so beyond blessed that I was able to experience Animal Kingdom in a whole new way during this Disney Wild Africa Trek Review. It was an adventure that I would have never booked on my own or would have been pushed to experience for myself. And I’m so glad that I got a little “Monkey nudge” to go. A Disney highlight of my life, this trek was amazing on just so many different levels. The ultimate safari, dining, hiking, picture taking, nerve wreaking, and simply awesome experience was well worth the fears I had to overcome. I highly recommend getting yourself into the wild and booking the Wild Africa Trek with your family.
It’s an unforgettable experience that is worth every minute.
Wild Africa Trek Things to Know Before You Go:
- Must be at least 8 years old & 48 inches tall
- Must weigh between 45-300 lbs.
- Must be in relatively good health. It’s a 3 hour trek that includes lots of walking, standing, and being outside.
- Must wear closed toed-shoes, and I recommend longer shorts or pants to avoid the harness riding up on you
- While overcoming your fears is awesome, don’t consider this trek if you have an intense fear of heights, get easily motion sick, etc. Be smart 🙂
- There are complimentary lockers for your belongings and pictures are provided through the tour. You are allowed to bring a camera/phone and sunglasses as long as there is a strap attached. They do have straps there for you to use.
- Trek occurs rain or shine except for lightning and extreme weather situations
- Be sure to share any food allergies/sensitivities before you go so you get an appropriate snack.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate before you go!
- Prices vary between $189-$249 per person, and this is in addition to your Disney park ticket. I know this sounds steep, but it includes your food, your photos, your guided tour, and access to rare Disney areas.
If you’re ready to trek into the wild, now is a great time to remind you to get in touch with nature this week in theaters! Disneynature Monkey Kingdom is in theaters RIGHT NOW, and you can do your part to protect some of the earth’s most amazing creatures. Every ticket purchased through 4/23 supports preserving wild animals in their natural habitats. Thrilled that this Disney Wild Africa Trek review was a part of this amazing movie adventure!
And did I mention it’s such an incredible family movie? Check out the full Monkey Kingdom movie review, including whether this movie is safe for your little ones. Well, I certainly enjoyed a trek unlike any other at Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom this past week! Hope you’ll consider booking a once in a lifetime Disney experience at the Wild Africa Trek! Have you been following along with my #MonkeyKingdomEvent adventures? Check out my amazing Disney experiences so far!
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What part of my Disney Wild Africa Trek Review is most exciting to you? Have you ever experienced it for yourself?
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Dawn says
How much fun is that?! I’d love to experience something like this. It looks like an amazing experience.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
What an incredible experience. I can’t believe all of the animals! It’s like being in Africa!
Kecia says
I think being so close to wildlife would be exciting! I would probably be a little nervous too, but would never forget that experience!!
Amanda O. says
That bridge scares me! You’ve got a lot of courage for walking across that!
Pam says
Looks like a once in a lifetime experience! How cool to see the hippos so close.
Melissa Pezza says
It sounds like you had an amazing time. I’d love to take the kids to Wild Africa Trek. It looks amazing!
Liz Mays says
That must have been such an adventure. It must have been so crazy to walk right above the hippos!
Demetra @SweetSavant says
Disney Wild Africa Trek looks absolutely amazing! What a fantastic opportunity. Monkey Kingdom looks like a incredible movie, I can’t wait to see it.
Catherne S says
This looks like a lot of fun. I will have to look into this next time we go over to Disney.
Jeanine says
Wow this looks like such fun! The hippo is absolutely awesome. I’d be in awe.
Terry says
This is probably the closest I would ever get to an wild African trek. Looks like a ton of fun.
Marcie W. says
I think all your fears are totally understandable and very similar to what my own would be. I am glad you did not let anything stop you from experiencing this unique opportunity!
Theresa says
That really looks like an amazing experience! I would love to go on this trek the next time I take my family to Disney. It sounds like quite the adventure!
Crystal says
The trek is something to do at least once in your lifetime! I’m so glad you conquered your fears and were able to experience it all. It looks like you had a blast!
melisasource says
Oh wow I would really love all of this! I hope that I get to visit there one day! Excited for the movie, too!
Debbie Denny says
Oh that looks like so much fun. The movie will be fantastic also.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I would love to visit Disney Wold Africa. And I think my kids although it might scare them they would enjoy it as well.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I am so jealous of the beautiful animals you got to see! I would love to do something like this!
Ann Bacciaglia says
This looks like it would be so fun. I am excited to go see this movie with my kids.
Don says
This looks a great experience. We love to travel to WDW, and would love to try this next time we are down there. Who doesn’t want to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures!