Off the Cuff

[#1]

I can't help but recall the line from Jurassic Park where Ian Malcolm says to John Hammond, "Yeah, John, but when the Pirates of the Caribbean ride breaks down, the pirates don't eat the tourists." As it happens, I'm at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park on the Wild Africa Trek, a behind-the-scenes and deep-into-the-bush tour. I'm standing at the edge of two paddocks, with only a cable keeping me from tumbling into my choice of 500 lb. Nile crocodiles, or 1,500 lb. river hippopotamuses. Ahead of me is a long, suspended bridge that crosses over the chasm. No, this isn't Pirates of the Caribbean. It's much, much better.

If you've ever wanted to go on an African Safari--but without the trip to Africa--Disney has made it easy for you. The Wild Africa Trek is a relatively new experience at Animal Kingdom, where you can walk through the Pangani Forest and onto the African savanna to see Disney's exotic animals up close and personal. Accompanying you on your trek are two Disney cast members: the first is your guide, to point out, teach and explain the many sights and behaviors you'll encounter with the animals. The second is your photographer, to document your journey across the park.

After training and safety lessons, the trek begins in the Pangani Forest, walking aside other guests at Disney's Animal Kingdom (though they'll be staring at your harness and gear, to be sure). But as the guests follow along the clearly marked paths, your guide will lead you behind a hidden door and into the forest itself. Immediately you're in a different world. First stop, learning about the river hippos (and hanging over the edge of a cliff to get a close look), then crossing the rope bridge between more river hippos and Nile crocodiles.

As you're tromping throughout the forest, you'll catch a periodic glimpse of guests on the nearby Kilimanjaro Safari en route to the Harambe Wildlife Reserve (be sure to wave). Sound like fun? Great! Because that's your next destination--only in a much smaller, private jeep. Seeing the safari from the private jeep is a much more intimate experience. Your driver will follow the path, then suddenly go "off road" to get you closer to the animals than you thought possible. The jeep will make photo stops at your request before making a stop at a private camp in the middle of the reserve! Here you'll enjoy some refreshments, snacks and the opportunity to gaze at the wildlife through binoculars and field glasses (and there are some comfortable restrooms, too!). You'll definitely see elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, gazelles, wildebeests, warthogs, and maybe even the king of beasts himself, the lion!

Because only a limited number of guests can participate in the tours, Wild Africa Trek is an upcharge over your regular admission ticket--you need a reservation to ensure your spot. Each trek accommodates about 12 guests and lasts for approximately 3 hours.

[#2]

This is so cool and actually the first thing I thought of when I saw these pictures was Jurassic Park! I love the idea of being able to go on safari even if you can't afford a trip to Africa. And I didn't realise Disney did stuff like this... I thought their parks were all based around their products, you know, Disney characters and that kind of thing. This looks like something everyone could enjoy, not just the kids.

[#3]

this really does sound like a blast...i hope i can go and enjoy this someday....i have the feeling my family would enjoy this as much as i would....

[#4]

I loved the Jurassic Park quote! Haha What a great description of the trek. I could really visualize the whole thing and think it would be loads of fun to have this little photographic safari. I'm so happy to see people doing stuff like this that is educational and doesn't hurt the animals, along with the actual African safaris that are all about taking pictures. I was horrified to read about the existence STILL of hunters who go on safari to "bag" big game animals. So sad, and I get so angry wondering what they are thinking doing something like that.

[#5]

I would DEFINATELY love to do this...  *adding to bucket list...  Three hour tour.. rings a bell, that.  What a marvelous experience it would be and barring a trip to Africa, which isn't really likely right now, this would be a wonderful way to be exposed to these magnificent animals.  I'd really like to see a Lion up close.. from INSIDE the Jeep..  >,<  heh

[#6]

My husband got to go to South Africa and visit Kruger Park and see amazing animals. I don't think a repeat trip is in the cards for our immediate (or longterm) future, so this might be worth doing instead. I know this sounds silly, but I always wanted to have a baby lion. Ever since I saw Born Free as a child, and again with my own children, I found the Adams' work with lions captivatiing. I know my dreams are totally unrealistic, but I guess that's why they're called dreams!

[#7]

Wasn't there a show called..  Daktari?  It had a crosseyed Lion named Clarence and I always wanted to meet him as a kid.  I used to love that show.  But then again, I'm a sucker for animal shows.

[#8]

I don't know anything about Daktari, but there was definitely a movie called "Clarence the Cross-eyed Lion" that I was obsessed with as a kid. I think it came out in the 60s? Maybe they're related. I really did love that movie, though; something about the idea of being up close to a big cat is just so cool. I really need to go on "safari" at some point

[#9]

Yup, Daktari was a TV series based on that movie, and I'd watch it all the time.  Fond memories.

[#10]

Have you guys seen the images and youtube videos of that lion conservationist hugging and playing with "his" lions? That's so amazing to me. And I love the idea that there are many wild species clearly able to play, to feel affection, etc. It's not just about survival. And then of course one can extrapolate that if animals can play, learn and express affection, they clearly can have emotions. Has anyone read the book When Elephants Weep?

[#11]

I haven't read When Elephants Weep but does it talk about how sophisticated they are and how complex their emotional range is? I've read elsewhere about their elaborate communities and traditions when there is a death. Is this a piece of fiction or nonfiction?