sunrise safari @ AKL

[pipchik98]

Hey all,
I was wondering if anyone out there has done one of the sunrise safari's @ AKL. I am very interested, but I read that you have to be concierge level to do this. Has anyone that has done this NOT had concierge level and if so, how do you reserve it?? I am an animal trainer by profession and think this would be really cool!

 

[MagicFam5]

We are doing this Easter morning! You have to be a concierge level guest to reserve it. This will be the second time I've gone on it. It's lots of fun and the breakfast at the Tusker House afterwards is yummy.
There is an evening safari that I think is open to everyone. I haven't done it so I don't know the details.
A lot of people stay concierge for the one night before the sunrise safari to get to do it.

 

[bradk]

there is no special safari available to *anyone*

there is the sunrise and sunset available only to AKL concierge guests
there are afternoon special safaris available to concierge guests at other resorts
there is a grand gathering safari as well

 

[TammiMcMan]

Here's a list of the safari's:

Sunrise Safari - only available to AKL club level guests

Sunset Safari - open to any AKL guest (club level guests pay a discounted rate)

Discovery Expedition Safari - open to any club level guest

Grand Gathering Safari - available for groups of 8 or more

Backstage Safari - open to anyone ages 16 and up

DH and I did the backstage safari and really enjoyed it.

 

[bradk]

the reason why i left the backstage safari out by the way is it's the kilimanjaro safari attraction without spiel and some background information on the attraction itself. it's a normal vehicle which does not ever leave the main path nor does it stop any more than usual for photo opportunities.

 

[jmlaw]

My family went on the Sunrise Safari 2 years ago and we all loved it! We had two 12 year olds and a 70 something with us and everyone had a wonderful time. The guides are fantastic and spend lots of time letting everyone get a good view and tons of photos. I highly recommend it, even if you just do one night of concierge to qualify. IMO it is definitely worth it.

 

[TammiMcMan]

the reason why i left the backstage safari out by the way is it's the kilimanjaro safari attraction without spiel and some background information on the attraction itself. it's a normal vehicle which does not ever leave the main path nor does it stop any more than usual for photo opportunities.

That's how they ended the backstage tour, with a ride through the Kilimanjaro with the specialists as opposed to the "Little Red" story. I thought the rest of the tour was excellent, being able to see the food prep area, we met the elephants, black rhino and a Rothschild giraffe up close. If they happen to have a surgery going on at Conversation Station while you're in the backstage area, you can also look in on that. We had just missed them doing a surgical procedure on a fish. I would have loved to see how that was done.

 

[bradk]

yes, i know, but it's not quite as on par as the other safaris which do either occasionally go off the main road or do stop for extended periods of times for photo ops.

and the on stage medical procedures can be seen by anyone who goes to conservation station. they're usually done every day between 9:30 and 12:00.

 

[catherines_mama]

Well I am very excited about these Safaris. Hopefully they'll keep them on the days they are now, because I want to take DD for her birthday next April. I was planning on a one night stay on AKL conceirge to be able to go. She'll be totally clueless - I cannot wait!

 

[TammiMcMan]

yes, i know, but it's not quite as on par as the other safaris which do either occasionally go off the main road or do stop for extended periods of times for photo ops.

I guess if your main reason for doing the safari is an extended photo op, then you're right. I thought that with the OP being an animal trainer, he/she may benefit more from seeing the other backstage area's and talking with the CM's.

and the on stage medical procedures can be seen by anyone who goes to conservation station. they're usually done every day between 9:30 and 12:00.

Yes, but again, instead of being on the other side of the glass with the general public, you are actually in the backstage area, able to talk with the folks right there. Just a little more up close and personalized.

With the OP's background and obvious restrictions for the other safari's, I just wouldn't rule out the Backstage as an option.