[Storm59]

Does anyone have any advice or stories on the Kilmanjaro Safari?
I was wondering what time of day was best for seeing the most number of animals. I know they say ride first thing in the morning, but if there are no animals (or few), and it's a FP attraction, it would be somewhat silly to avoid the lines but not see any animals.

[BuzzLightyear]

We were only on the safari once. It was in the moring, 10:30ish. We saw a lot of animals, but there were also a lot of animals that were resting or hiding and kind of hard to see.

[skwak]

We have always taken this ride first thing in the morning and seen lots of animals. I would suggest doing so. The animals seem to be most active at that time and less so as the heat of the day moves in. Of course, you may get a cool overcast day.

This is a great ride, I actually suggest you try and ride it several times.:D

[tinkerbell]

I am in total agreement with skwak, try riding more then once. we have rode it in the morning and the last ride of the day and both times had no complaints about seeing animals .. it really is fun and worth more then one ride in MHO

[dlashe4977]

I went 10 am and there was tons of animals out. Get to AK at 9 am and go straight to the Safari. :D

[mmouse67l]

I have a text document on my computer that when I find a good Disney tip, I cut and paste it into it. I found a tip there I read somewhere that recommends taking the tour at 5:30 because that's right before feeding time and the animals are most active then.

[Park Hopper]

The early mornings (when it's cooler) or late afternoons (around feeding time) are usually the best times for seeing the most animals, but in all honesty we've done the safari at various times during the day and never have been disappointed at the number of animals we've seen.

The ride, of course, has a story line that involves the guests, and although it doesn't affect the number of animals you'll see, your overall enjoyment of the tour depends greatly on your tour guide. We've had guides who are really into the "show" and put a lot of effort into it, but we've also had guides who are difficult to understand and are pretty much going through the motions.

You obviously get pot luck when it comes to your safari guide, but that's why you might want to do the ride more than once. No matter what time you go, though, you'll really enjoy it.

[grinner01]

The Animals are out early because it is cooler but they also feed them first thing in the AM and put the food in places that will allow us to view them better. The cooler parts of the day are the times to go but you will always see something (go a lot). The evening bonus is that most people are leaving, or have left at least the back of the park, and if you are not in a rush you can ride many times in a row. They are always all over the place though and that's part of the fun..looking really good and finding them where no one else would look. Each ride is different. Jambo !!

[Amneris]

To echo the sentiments above --

Anytime is a good time, there's always animals out and it WILL be worth it.

However, I've ridden it both early morning-ish a FIRST thing when the park opens. I felt I saw plenty of animals on my non-first-thing trip, and couldn't understand why everyone kept saying you had to get there so early. Then I went first thing -- and saw at least twice the number of animals! It's not that you see a lion rather than no lions, it's that you see five lions instead of one lion. I still saw the same kinds of animals, it was a just a LOT more of them, and many were closer and not hiding as much. I definitely recommend going first thing right when the park opens. It's a great way to start the day, and you don't have to worry about trekking out there again to stand in line or return w/ a fastpass.

[Storm59]

Thanks for all the input! We have a character breakfast in Breakfastasaurus one morning at 8:10, will have to rush over right after!!

:D

[grinner01]

One more thing..If you have the time and the funds the Backstage Safari is excellent. You learn a ton about animals, get to feed animals (like the Giraffes) and view a lot of them close up and you get a Backstage Safari pin. Darn.....100 more days

[Willbegone]

Backstage Safari????!!!!!???? Awesome, how do I find more info. on this? If you don't mind me asking how much did it cost??

[LRTJS]

I am sorry that I did not have the experience that the others did. We went early on a very overcast day in Aug. We did not see many animals. It was not crowded and we did not wait more than 15 min. to ride. My DGD loved it though. She really got into the storyline told by the CM and kept looking for poachers all day! The atmosphere was outstanding and even though we didn't see many animals it was really something to remember. Hopefully, I will see more animals when we go in October.

[grinner01]

We found out about the Backstage Safari while we were there the year AK opened. We do it every year and it is awesome. Don't have my Birnbaums book handy at this second but I am 95% sure we also read about it in there. I cannot seem to ever find info on any tours on the Disney web site. I don't think there is a ton on information anywhere, even Birnbaums, about this or other tours you pay extra for. Basically you try them and see if you like them, AND WE DO, or you hear about them from someone who has done it, AND WE HAVE. You can use that magical number (407) WDW-TOUR (939-8687) to prebook.

If you love animals you WILL love this tour. I believe the price of this tour is $65.00 for 3 Hours M,W,Th,F. But there are savings of 10-15% from at least one of the following and maybe more..AAA, Disney Visa. Disney Club.

[grinner01]

And another thing...:D . Storm59..Not sure what time the fastpass machines open, or your breakfasts proximity to them, but it would be well worth it to get fastpass tickets before or during your breakfast so you're ready to hop on as soon as your done and avoid the lines.