Wanyama Safari questions

[housemouse]

I'm considering booking this during our September stay, but I have some questions.

It is open to all AKL guests now, not just concierge level, is that correct?
How far in advance can you book? And whom do you call to book?

Are tips included for dinner?

Has anyone had any negative experiences with this tour? Just didn't wow them? Feel it wasn't worth it?

 

[Donaldswife]

I'm considering booking this during our September stay, but I have some questions.

It is open to all AKL guests now, not just concierge level, is that correct?
How far in advance can you book? And whom do you call to book?

Are tips included for dinner?

Has anyone had any negative experiences with this tour? Just didn't wow them? Feel it wasn't worth it?

I have this booked for our May trip and I know it is open to all AKL guests. You must call the AKL IPO office at 407-938-4755.

As for the rest I'm hoping to hear some opinions as well!

 

[RachaelA]

You know I don't remember about the tip.... if someone else doesn't chime in with an answer by this afternoon I'll dig out my room charge list from our trip in 09 and see if we tipped or not.

Everyone on our safari had a blast (10 adults and 3 kids). We definitely recommend this!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I also had questions about the Wanyama Safari! And I also want to book it in September. I did it in 2008, and I know it was open to all resort guests then, since I've never stayed concierge. Since the Chef at Jiko has changed since then, I was wondering what the dinner includes now. Three years ago, they served 3 offerings, family style, at each of 3 courses. Also, each course was accompanied by a small glass of red wine. Some of the offerings were the beef with macaroni, and for dessert they offered the pictachio cremem brulee, and that's why I wondered what was offered now. I don't think anyone tipped. Obviously I loved it, since this September would be a repeat trip. I can't remember-how far ahead can you book, and is it offered every night?

 

[ccgirl]

Subscribing.

 

[rockydek]

Booked in June for fathers day present.

 

[OhThePain]

I hope that more people chime in, especially with expereinces. We are looking to book this for our first night October (we take the first flight out in the morning). Also, with no intention to hijack, is it rain or shine? Or what happens if it does rain?

 

[let'sgo]

I was also looking at this for my trip in Sept. Waiting to hear more . . . .

 

[RachaelA]

What kind of questions do you guys want answered? DH and I did it in June 09. We absolutely loved it. This is when it was $160 for CL guests and $210 for non-club level guests. We were staying club level so we also did the Sunrise Safari and we didn't like it. It was definitely overshadowed by the Wanyama Safari.

I don't know if the food choices have changed since Jiko's menu changed. It was family style.We had 3 appetizers (bread/dips, savannah rolls, and a 3rd I can't remember), 3 entrees (filet/mac and cheese, whatever the chicken dish was at the time with goat cream cheese mashed potatoes, and the halibut), 3 desserts (pistachio creme brulee, some type of chocolate cake and a 3rd I can't remember, and a glass of wine with each course (white, red, and an ice wine for dessert).

 

[Donaldswife]

What kind of questions do you guys want answered? DH and I did it in June 09. We absolutely loved it. This is when it was $160 for CL guests and $210 for non-club level guests. We were staying club level so we also did the Sunrise Safari and we didn't like it. It was definitely overshadowed by the Wanyama Safari.

I don't know if the food choices have changed since Jiko's menu changed. It was family style.We had 3 appetizers (bread/dips, savannah rolls, and a 3rd I can't remember), 3 entrees (filet/mac and cheese, whatever the chicken dish was at the time with goat cream cheese mashed potatoes, and the halibut), 3 desserts (pistachio creme brulee, some type of chocolate cake and a 3rd I can't remember, and a glass of wine with each course (white, red, and an ice wine for dessert).

Did the price include gratuities or do you need to tip extra?
Just wondering if it was worth the cost (but you said it was wonderful so I guess that answers that!)
Were the CM's on the tour personable/knowledgeable?
My DD9 is 51.5 inches tall, do you think she will have any trouble seeing over the sides of the safari vehicle?
Do they replenish food, or is it just a set amount of food? (I'm just wondering in case the other people are pigs and hog all the food!)

As for cost, it is now $190.64 per person (co child discount) for all. No discounted rate for CL guests.

Thanks for offering your insight! It is appreciated.

 

[chalee94]

Did the price include gratuities or do you need to tip extra?

i don't remember tipping extra but others might remember better...

Just wondering if it was worth the cost

yes.

Were the CM's on the tour personable/knowledgeable?

yes.

My DD9 is 51.5 inches tall, do you think she will have any trouble seeing over the sides of the safari vehicle?

i know there's an age limit - can't remember if it's 8 or 10 - but height wouldn't be an issue.

Do they replenish food, or is it just a set amount of food? (I'm just wondering in case the other people are pigs and hog all the food!)

it's a LOT of food. i thought it was great to have the jiko menu in a "family style" format...here was the menu in dec2010:

Taste of Africa - Trio of Dips with Assorted Breads and House-made Naan
Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
Crispy Beef Bobotie Roll
Tibs Watt in Panekoeke
Sikhumbuzo's Peri Peri Chicken
Maize-crusted wreckfish
Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon - still had the macaroni and cheese/red wine

 

[sndral]

We did this 11/30/10. I made the reservation 6 months out and paid when we checked in on the day of the safari. We met in the little waiting area by Jiko. There were 10 of us total. We walked out to the front of AKL and climbed aboard our truck. Even if someone is short, the truck stops several times and you are able to stand up and move from side to side and take photos. The guide was one of the animal keepers and she was great. The driver was also an animal keeper. We learned so much about many of the animals, some had been banished from Kilimanjaro safari because of behavior issues, for example, the Hartnel Mtn. zebras on our savannah had only been put there the day before, why the one Ankole cattle on Arusha always tilts his head (I forget his name,) that type of thing. I wish I'd brought a little notebook. She told us about the situation in their native land for some of the animals, the breeding programs, personalities, names. etc.. For a dedicated nature/nat'l geographic phobe like me it was wonderful.
Dinner at Jiko followed, our group had such a great time we overstayed and some of us wandered out to the outdoor fire to continue our chatting. The Chef came out to talk about each course along with a trainee chef. I'm not a huge food person and we had a number of signature dinners that trip, of which Jiko was the first, so I don't remember much about the food - flat breads, definately, filet as one of the entrees was outstanding. Some items came out on shared plates, but many were presented individually, as well. I believe I left a tip, but can't recall - I know it sounds like I was looped, but I didn't try any of the wines, although they were offered with each course and one of the deserts came in an adult or kid version (w/ or w/out alcohol added.)
When we next stay @ AKL, we'll definately do this again and this time I'm taking a notebook to make notes about whatever animals are on the savannah I'm on. I think it's smart to do the safari early in your stay so that you have the info. on the animals in your savannah that you'll be seeing for the next several days. I have photos, but don't know how to post them - sorry.
And whether we are @ AKL or not, Jiko is now on our ever increasing must eat there list of restaurants.
I can say it's a lovely thing to do and we really enjoyed the experience.

 

[Donaldswife]

Did the price include gratuities or do you need to tip extra?

i don't remember tipping extra but others might remember better...

Just wondering if it was worth the cost

yes.

Were the CM's on the tour personable/knowledgeable?

yes.

My DD9 is 51.5 inches tall, do you think she will have any trouble seeing over the sides of the safari vehicle?

i know there's an age limit - can't remember if it's 8 or 10 - but height wouldn't be an issue.

Do they replenish food, or is it just a set amount of food? (I'm just wondering in case the other people are pigs and hog all the food!)

it's a LOT of food. i thought it was great to have the jiko menu in a "family style" format...here was the menu in dec2010:

Taste of Africa - Trio of Dips with Assorted Breads and House-made Naan
Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
Crispy Beef Bobotie Roll
Tibs Watt in Panekoeke
Sikhumbuzo's Peri Peri Chicken
Maize-crusted wreckfish
Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon - still had the macaroni and cheese/red wine

Thank you so much, that is all very helpful! I think we are going to go ahead and keep the reservation. I guess I just wanted some confirmation/reassurance from some who had been there/done that!

 

[Donaldswife]

We did this 11/30/10. I made the reservation 6 months out and paid when we checked in on the day of the safari. We met in the little waiting area by Jiko. There were 10 of us total. We walked out to the front of AKL and climbed aboard our truck. Even if someone is short, the truck stops several times and you are able to stand up and move from side to side and take photos. The guide was one of the animal keepers and she was great. The driver was also an animal keeper. We learned so much about many of the animals, some had been banished from Kilimanjaro safari because of behavior issues, for example, the Hartnel Mtn. zebras on our savannah had only been put there the day before, why the one Ankole cattle on Arusha always tilts his head (I forget his name,) that type of thing. I wish I'd brought a little notebook. She told us about the situation in their native land for some of the animals, the breeding programs, personalities, names. etc.. For a dedicated nature/nat'l geographic phobe like me it was wonderful.
Dinner at Jiko followed, our group had such a great time we overstayed and some of us wandered out to the outdoor fire to continue our chatting. The Chef came out to talk about each course along with a trainee chef. I'm not a huge food person and we had a number of signature dinners that trip, of which Jiko was the first, so I don't remember much about the food - flat breads, definately, filet as one of the entrees was outstanding. Some items came out on shared plates, but many were presented individually, as well. I believe I left a tip, but can't recall - I know it sounds like I was looped, but I didn't try any of the wines, although they were offered with each course and one of the deserts came in an adult or kid version (w/ or w/out alcohol added.)
When we next stay @ AKL, we'll definately do this again and this time I'm taking a notebook to make notes about whatever animals are on the savannah I'm on. I think it's smart to do the safari early in your stay so that you have the info. on the animals in your savannah that you'll be seeing for the next several days. I have photos, but don't know how to post them - sorry.
And whether we are @ AKL or not, Jiko is now on our ever increasing must eat there list of restaurants.
I can say it's a lovely thing to do and we really enjoyed the experience.

Thank you! Sounds like we will be keeping our reservation for this one!

 

[TDC Nala]

Kids have to be 8 or older. A 9 year old will be fine. No height restrictions.

I don't remember if tip for the meal was included either.

 

[Kathy Z]

We did this just this past December 17th. I booked it exactly 180 days before the date of the safari. That is the earliest you can book. You are told that the price includes all tips. But at the end of the meal you are brought an invoice to sign just like any other table service meal. I just signed it but did not add an additional tip. I hope that did not disappoint our server. I figured the tip on whatever the meal portion of the event was determined to be was sufficient. The cost when we booked was $170 each plus tax for a total of $358.36 for 2.

There were a total of just 8 adults plus our 2 guide/drivers. The guide/drivers switched off between the Sunset and Arusha Savanna so that they each told about the Savannas they personally worked in. I loved it and also feel like I should have taken a notebook to write down all the great information that has slipped out of my memory. I do have a ton of great photos.

Three different South African wines were offered as the meal progressed, one red and two white, I think. And a small amount of brandy was served with dessert. I enjoyed my wines but gave my DH the brandy. The chicken flatbread was my favorite appetizer. Two platters of each of the appetizers and mains were brought to our table. Most of the food was finished. I expect refills might have been brought if requested but no one requested them. Our entrees were the filet of beef served with macaroni & cheese, halibut served with a vegetable medley and roasted chicken served with green beans and some type of potatoes. Desserts were served to individuals rather than family style. It was an assortment of 3 presented on a single rectangular plate with a creme brulee dish featured in the center. We were celebrating our anniversary so we also were presented with chocolate covered strawberries and strawberry sorbet on a plate decorated with chocolate and strawberry hearts. Definately a splurge but I'm so glad that we had the chance to do it.

 

[rockydek]

I might change our reservation...Ours is the last day of our stay.
Good Advice! Thanks!

 

[RachaelA]

Did the price include gratuities or do you need to tip extra?
Just wondering if it was worth the cost (but you said it was wonderful so I guess that answers that!)
Were the CM's on the tour personable/knowledgeable?
My DD9 is 51.5 inches tall, do you think she will have any trouble seeing over the sides of the safari vehicle?
Do they replenish food, or is it just a set amount of food? (I'm just wondering in case the other people are pigs and hog all the food!)

As for cost, it is now $190.64 per person (co child discount) for all. No discounted rate for CL guests.

Thanks for offering your insight! It is appreciated.

I'm going to look for the our room charge paperwork later tonight so I'll get back to you about the tip.

Our castmembers were super knowledgeable and we had a blast with them.

This is how the kids (and me since I'm short I'm on the far left) sat on the vehicle for a lot of the ride. And then we moved around later on when we stopped.

We didn't have any problem with people hogging the food. There were 3 different sets of each course so it was more than enough. We had leftovers.

 

[housemouse]

We did this just this past December 17th. I booked it exactly 180 days before the date of the safari. That is the earliest you can book. You are told that the price includes all tips. But at the end of the meal you are brought an invoice to sign just like any other table service meal. I just signed it but did not add an additional tip. I hope that did not disappoint our server. I figured the tip on whatever the meal portion of the event was determined to be was sufficient. The cost when we booked was $170 each plus tax for a total of $358.36 for 2.

There were a total of just 8 adults plus our 2 guide/drivers. The guide/drivers switched off between the Sunset and Arusha Savanna so that they each told about the Savannas they personally worked in. I loved it and also feel like I should have taken a notebook to write down all the great information that has slipped out of my memory. I do have a ton of great photos.

Three different South African wines were offered as the meal progressed, one red and two white, I think. And a small amount of brandy was served with dessert. I enjoyed my wines but gave my DH the brandy. The chicken flatbread was my favorite appetizer. Two platters of each of the appetizers and mains were brought to our table. Most of the food was finished. I expect refills might have been brought if requested but no one requested them. Our entrees were the filet of beef served with macaroni & cheese, halibut served with a vegetable medley and roasted chicken served with green beans and some type of potatoes. Desserts were served to individuals rather than family style. It was an assortment of 3 presented on a single rectangular plate with a creme brulee dish featured in the center. We were celebrating our anniversary so we also were presented with chocolate covered strawberries and strawberry sorbet on a plate decorated with chocolate and strawberry hearts. Definately a splurge but I'm so glad that we had the chance to do it.

Thank you. I wasn't sure when I could book or if the gratuities were included. This really sounds like a splurge that my daughter would adore.

 

[Donaldswife]

I'm going to look for the our room charge paperwork later tonight so I'll get back to you about the tip.

Our castmembers were super knowledgeable and we had a blast with them.

This is how the kids (and me since I'm short I'm on the far left) sat on the vehicle for a lot of the ride. And then we moved around later on when we stopped.

We didn't have any problem with people hogging the food. There were 3 different sets of each course so it was more than enough. We had leftovers.

Thanks for letting me about the height and the picture. I'm starting to get really excited about doing this now!