AK Safaris -need advice!

[Boardwalk III]

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Hi all,

Posted this on theme park forum but am thinking I'll get better response here:

Looking to stay at AK DVC next October and will be traveling with my sister, my niece (13) and nephew (9). My niece is an extreme animal lover - attends a program at the National Zoo etc. I am trying to decide between the Sunrise Safari and the Wanyama Safari. Assuming we stay at AK concierge (which is required for the Sunrise safari), the Wanyama safari is approx $370 more for our party of 4. Can anyone tell me the difference between the two, other than the JIKO dinner, which I do not think the kids (or my sister) will care about one way or another. I am trying to find out the differences in the safari experience itself for an animal lover to decide if it is worth the extra $$.

Thanks

 

[bobbiwoz]

I think you do get closer to the animals on the Wanyama, simply because you're on the grounds of AKV, a smaller area than the KS route. I got stomach distress from the different foods offered on the Wanyama, so I'm not a fan of that as much as some other people here. Our ride vehicle broke down, and we never got to see the giraffes up close the way so many of the others here have.

What I loved about the Sunrise Safari was watching the animals in the AM. They were just let out of their confines and we saw rhinos running around, they looked happy, frisky. Some of the shy animals, the opaki were even coming up close to our vehicle. You're on the KS route, but the first vehicle out, and so the animals seem to be curious.

We really like the Wildlife Discovery Excursion and it's the one that we're going to do again when we have CL next October. That's also on the KS route, but you go off the main road, and THAT's where we saw a young giraffe, up close and personal. He stuck his head in our vehicle and began licking one of the pipes inside...very curious, just one year old. In that little area the 3 giraffe family was hanging around, and we hung out with it for quite awhile. There were only 2 other guests with us, our guide was great, and we learned little bits about how the savannah was formed and little things about animal behaviors.

All three are great ways to learn a bit more about the animals and how they are cared for. On the Wanyama, we even got to go to the barn area where the animals spend the time off the savannah and where they are weighed and fed their main food. That was because of the vehicle break down, so we got to see something special. It was. It's the price and the food offerings that will keep us from doing that one again.

Bobbi

 

[Boardwalk III]

Thanks - am leaning towards the Sunrise. I had read that the ride-vehicles for the Wildlife excursion are "climate controlled" so I was worried that they would be closed off from the animals but from your description it doesn't sound that way..

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thanks - am leaning towards the Sunrise. I had read that the ride-vehicles for the Wildlife excursion are "climate controlled" so I was worried that they would be closed off from the animals but from your description it doesn't sound that way..

I know it says climate controlled, we were very comfortable, and it was a hot day, but the windows on top were opened, and that's where he stuck his head in.

We enjoyed the breakfast on the Sunrise, and I think that's a good choice for you!

Bobbi

 

[DebbieB]

I did the Sunrise Safari last year and really enjoyed it. Our guide had been on safaris in Africa and talked about them. Nice breakfast afterwards.

 

[BCV23]

I've done all three, too. I agree with Bobbi about the Wanyama. It was not worth the price IMO. We did get close to the animals and learned things about their personalities. But I think the other two safaris were more informative in general. I also hated the seating on the Wanyama. There are benches lining the side and front of the vehicle. So most guests are facing each other not the animals. It was difficult to see the animals behind you as we didn't want to stand up and block the people sitting opposite us. There were 11 on our safari. If the group had been smaller, this might not have been an issue.

I also wish the dinner wasn't served family style. One couple in our group didn't visit the restroom after our safari. A guide passed around a freshly laid ostrich egg during the safari. Having that couple handle the serving utensils....yuck!!!! Thank goodness for hand sanitizer but still.

I've only done the Sunrise once but my experience was fantastic. The curator of AKL, Greg, was our guide. He was phenomenal. My DH has done the Sunrise three times and raved about every one.

 

[Boardwalk III]

So helpful - thanks everyone!

 

[mickeys girl 52]

Where can you get the prices for the safaris and do you have to be staying in the CL to do the Sunrise Safari?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks - am leaning towards the Sunrise. I had read that the ride-vehicles for the Wildlife excursion are "climate controlled" so I was worried that they would be closed off from the animals but from your description it doesn't sound that way..

Sunrise and Wildlife excursion are two different safaris with different vehicles. The Sunrise safari uses the regular Kilamanjaro vehicles, but the wildlife excursion uses climate controlled vehicles and stops at different locations along the way than the regular ride route.

The Wanyama is at the Lodge itself and you are in an open air vehicle and up close and personal to all the animals....especially the giraffes. We loved it, but I know there is an age limit on that one. I can't remember if it's 8 or 10 on the younger end. Also, the inclusion of dinner at Jiko makes it probably a little less desireable for some children's palates. I think your 13 year old would love it, but not so sure about the younger one.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Where can you get the prices for the safaris and do you have to be staying in the CL to do the Sunrise Safari?

Concierge stays are required for the Sunrise safari and the Wildlife Excursion, but there is no such requirement for the Waynama. There is, however, a price break on the Waynama for those staying concierge level. You can find out current prices by calling MS or the lodge directly. I just booked the Wildlife Excursion for next month, but I didn't pay any attention to the price. I think the Sunrise is about $60, and that might be a DVC price.

 

[dgaston]

And then for anyone -- DVC or not -- there is also the Backstage Safari at AK, booked thru Disney Tours. It includes backstage, the vet and food prep areas, and an animal visit (bird, snake, etc.) I've done it twice.

On our May Concierge stay, I hope to do Wanyama again. When else can you be on the AKL Savanna? And I loved the food and wine at Jiko. Will also look into Wildlife Discovery. Wasn't as impressed with Sunrise (prefer Backstage to that) Probably reflects our tour guides.

 

[Boardwalk III]

Unfortunately the Backstage tour doesn't accept children under 16 so won't work for us, but thanks for the idea

 

[FloFlo71]

Hi, which tours can you do with an 8 year old without staying concierge?

Thanks, Donna

 

[shortypots]

Apparently the Wanyama Safari is only available to guests staying at AKL or AKV. I just checked.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Apparently the Wanyama Safari is only available to guests staying at AKL or AKV. I just checked.

Yes, it's a lodge tour only available to lodge guests.

To answer an earlier question...I don't believe there's an age limit for the sunrise, but the Waynama is 8 or older.

 

[BCV23]

Hi, which tours can you do with an 8 year old without staying concierge?

Thanks, Donna

You can do the Wanyama but without a discount. The price I found on allears was $105 for 8 &9 yo, $210 for ten and older.

BTW, the Wildlife Discovery Excursion is offered for club level guests of any WDW resort.