Wild African Trek!

[MJMcBride]

You will have breakfast on the 8:45 Trek. We had breakfast on the 9:30 Trek too which was what I was actually hoping for

What did you get?

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

Not to hijack but, we have this scheduled three weeks from today! We are scheduled before the park opens and will be driving.

I've heard that the tollways are not open to Ak very early will this be a problem?

I would assume that like with other parks there is a gate that is open for ressies, which side is that on?

Where do we go once inside the park?

TIA--we are so excited to do this

If by the tollways you mean the booths - they open at 7:30 it seems (or so I've found even on EMH mornings. Since you can park really close in and the walk only takes a few minutes it's not a problem.

Once you get to the entrance gates they clearly let you know where the Trek folks should be. Someone will meet you outside the gates if the park isn't already open and that includes EMH mornings when it opens at 8. On an EMH morning we saw the people for the Trek meeting around a tree near the right hand side of the turnstiles.

 

[dvcterry]

we did an 8:00 a.m. trek. boys were 17, 10, & 8. we were told the guide would meet us outside the gate--they did not. they met us and another couple past the park entry closer to stroller rentals. we could tell by her vest. we were weighed in & put our belongings in a locker & fitted for our vests, then had our morning juice. there is quite a bit of walking, but some rest stops along the way, so it is a pace where everyone keeps together.

This is a wonderful backstage encounter where you are up close and can experience the animals, in the morning see them eating, and ask many questions. The hippos were extremely playful & interactive and so close!

Moving on we made our way to the bridge which had missing planks, oh my!

And it hovers over the crocs! But we made it!

Our mid-morning breakfast was served in a nice canteen. We had 30 minutes to relax and freshen up. They gave us cool washcloths. They provide binoculars for us to use.

Overall, we loved the Trek. They will stop the vehicle, allow you to get some nice pics. Not rushed and the guides did a wonderful job.

 

[LauraK]

What did you get?

We just did the trek two weeks ago and we got:

Salmon roulade with jicama slaw
Brie
Dried beef and ham
3 pitas (good to put some ham and Brie in)
Melon
Yogurt and granola
Fig cake (YUM)
Edible flower
Juice

That was considered the breakfast one. They said the lunch one had chicken salad instead of yogurt and I think something else ( I can't remember).

 

[hawaiiangal]

I'm scheduled for an early morning 8am Trek in December. I scheduled Tusker House at 11:30am. I thought the food served during the Trek was more of a snack, which is why I scheduled Tusker House (plus I've heard its great). The pictures look like its actually a bit more than just a snack. Did you get full from it?

 

[LauraK]

I'm scheduled for an early morning 8am Trek in December. I scheduled Tusker House at 11:30am. I thought the food served during the Trek was more of a snack, which is why I scheduled Tusker House (plus I've heard its great). The pictures look like its actually a bit more than just a snack. Did you get full from it?

We considered it more of a snack. I didn't eat the salmon or melon and also didn't eat breakfast so we were hungry for lunch. We had lunch at yak & yeti for lunch when our tour ended.

 

[DizzDoll]

A camera question: if I brought my Canon Rebel dslr would that be acceptable or is a point and shoot recommended? I'm asking because a previous poster said that they were leaning forward over cliffs to feed the hippos and alligators (I can just picture ME doing that!!!) and am trying to figure out if my bigger camera would be in the way.

 

[NHKristy76]

So I'm considering this tour for our upcoming anniversary trip but I have a couple questions and I'm hoping you all might be able to help!

I'm Pooh sized, and although if I continue on my current path I should be about 15 pounds lighter by the time we take our trip, I'm wondering about the whole "weighing in" and "fitting vests." Can anyone tell me if there is a weight limit? Do they have vests that will fit me?

Any info you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

 

[LauraK]

I believe the weight limit is 350 lbs, and the weighing in process is very discreet. Only the guide can see your weight.

There are two racks of vests, they weighed us and then chose a vest. There were so many vests I don't think there would BA any problems finding one for everyone.

Have fun!

 

[dvcterry]

the weighing in is discreet, the guide does it briefly & gets the gear you need. The weighing in moment is a second. You then step into your gear & zip up & do a trial run with it in the demo area. If you see the first picture in my post #23. The caribiner clip attaches to those harnesses behind you. safety. you are right at the edge of the cliff of the hippos attached the harness by your vest & caribiner clip. They demo & have you redemo how to unclip yourself. You attach again when going over the rickety bridge.

 

[MJMcBride]

You have to be 8 correct?

 

[LisaTC]

Yes, you have to be 8. When I booked last week, she asked DD's birthdate and she said oh good, she's 8 -- she will actually be 9 by the time we go and she said, even better as it can get tiring for young ones, so 8 is the minimum age.

 

[Kristmay]

Does anyone know if there is a Disney Visa discount offered for the tour?

 

[SamSam]

A camera question: if I brought my Canon Rebel dslr would that be acceptable or is a point and shoot recommended? I'm asking because a previous poster said that they were leaning forward over cliffs to feed the hippos and alligators (I can just picture ME doing that!!!) and am trying to figure out if my bigger camera would be in the way.

DH and I just did the Trek 2 weeks ago and he had our Nikon DSLR and was glad he did. He got some great shots and he didn't have a problem with it. You do have to have it on a strap around your neck, they do not allow any loose or just hand held items.

 

[dvcterry]

A camera question: if I brought my Canon Rebel dslr would that be acceptable or is a point and shoot recommended? I'm asking because a previous poster said that they were leaning forward over cliffs to feed the hippos and alligators (I can just picture ME doing that!!!) and am trying to figure out if my bigger camera would be in the way.

a camera with a strap is recommended. but needs to have a strap. you will lean forward at the edge of cliffs, but do not feed any animals. you will see the animals in their habitat. they do not want anything to fall off where an animal will inadvertantly eat it. you will learn so about them.

 

[michsig]

Wow! I honestly didn't even know about the African Trek. I will definitely be considering this for our upcoming trip! Looks like so much fun!

 

[MJMcBride]

I think we are trying this out for sure

 

[Micca]

What is the cost of the tour?

 

[MJMcBride]

189 but they run deals

 

[DizzDoll]

Thanks, SamSam and dvcterry for answering my question. The trek sounds incredibly awesome so I'll definitely bring my bigger camera, which is on a neck strap.