AK Safari ride

[Ds4angels]

The last time we were at AK we did RD, grabbed FP, did Safari ride, walked the path with the gorillas, then used our FP to do the ride again. In just the span of 45 we noticed there were fewer animals that were out.
I had heard that the animals are more active again later in the day. So if we don't RD AK, will we still see more animals if we wait till late afternoon, closer to dusk? We will be there January 30.

 

[Klayfish]

It's purely random, because they're wild animals. WDW doesn't really control their activity as far as when you will see them. I think there is a general feeling they are more active in the afternoon, and that may be the animals general habits, but we've done morning safaris and have seen plenty of animals. The dusk ride is fun, simply as the views are wonderful.

 

[NH-to-FL]

We usually RD the Safari. Over the years we have experienced a range of sightings. Cool winter mornings seem to correlate to fewer sightings. Which I can understand. Who wants to leave a warm barn? For your late January visit you might want to both RD and have a later in the day FP to get some warmer temperatures.

 

[ohiotodds12]

Until this past September, we had always done RD and to the safari immediately. We wanted to stay to see the park at dark, so we did a park in the morning and AK was our evening park so to speak. We got there around 3ish and did the safari around 3:30. One of the best we have ever had and it was a VERY hot day. The animals were out eating or walking to eat and I think that this made them more active and out. I think you would enjoy the afternoon but maybe we were just very fortunate! Have a great trip.

 

[Robo]

Each ride is different.
There are many often-repeated myths about when is the "best time" to ride.
There can be spectacular animal sightings at all times of day.

We've ridden dozens of times, at all times of day.
Great rides can be had at any time.

 

[CAS239]

Like posters have said, it's all random and there's no for sure time to go to see the most animals.

The only thing on timing I will say is that every time we've gone on the safari, we've experienced the Lions being the most active late in the afternoon. Around 5ish. From climbing up on the rocks, walking around, and one time roaring. Usually are experiences earlier in the day were they were just sleeping, if they were visible at all

 

[Silvercrest]

The last time we were at AK we did RD, grabbed FP, did Safari ride, walked the path with the gorillas, then used our FP to do the ride again. In just the span of 45 we noticed there were fewer animals that were out.
I had heard that the animals are more active again later in the day. So if we don't RD AK, will we still see more animals if we wait till late afternoon, closer to dusk? We will be there January 30.

We did this exact same thing last time we were there! We also saw less the 2nd time through. I've heard the animals are more active in the afternoon, but the first time we ever rode (2000), we saw almost NOTHING in the afternoon, towards dusk. It has been a huge joke in our family of "oh look - a lion" and hear a person pretend to roar like a lion.

 

[AngiTN]

The last time we were at AK we did RD, grabbed FP, did Safari ride, walked the path with the gorillas, then used our FP to do the ride again. In just the span of 45 we noticed there were fewer animals that were out.
I had heard that the animals are more active again later in the day. So if we don't RD AK, will we still see more animals if we wait till late afternoon, closer to dusk? We will be there January 30.

Sadly, animals haven't gotten that memo. They are more active when they want to be, and time of day has no bearing on it. Nor does rain, nor does heat, nor does cool (except for the times they pull animals if it gets too extreme for them one way or another)
We've ridden probably in every single hour of the day at one time or another, along with all temps and rain/sun. There is no rhyme or reason to how many animals we see

 

[AngiTN]

It's purely random, because they're wild animals. WDW doesn't really control their activity as far as when you will see them. I think there is a general feeling they are more active in the afternoon, and that may be the animals general habits, but we've done morning safaris and have seen plenty of animals. The dusk ride is fun, simply as the views are wonderful.

Except they do indeed bait them to navigate to some areas with food. But they don't do this at set times. Just they do control some of their activity

 

[disnut8]

We've gone on the Safari as early at 11 AM, at noon, around 1, near 2, closer to 4 and once, the very last Jeep going out around 5ish.

We've seen animals at all times and sometimes, when we don't expect it, more than we could think about.

The time of day does not matter at all. As others have said, the animals don't have clocks so they have no idea what the time is and they don't really care about the jeeps coming through (we have been backed up because an animal decided to lay in the road). They are animals, and just like humans, only want to eat, sleep and live.