AK - which animal trails are best?

[lucky978]

We've been to AK many times, but strangely enough have never done any of the "trails" to see the animals. I know there are a few, and I don't think we will want to see them all on our upcoming trip. Which ones do you recommend? Thanks!

 

[TarotFox]

There's really only two main ones, with a third that is less distinct and sort of just around the Tree of Life -- the otters are technically part of this.

Honestly it doesn't take much time to go through either and they are both lovely experiences -- personally, I can't imagine skipping either. But ultimately it's gonna come down to your personal preference -- gorillas or tigers?

 

[Toolulu22]

I LOVE the Maharajah jungle trek. We especially love the birds and gibbons, and just the scenery in general.

 

[cedricandsophie]

The one with gorillas. I could bring a lawn chair and wAtch then for hours.

 

[disneybliss2]

We prefer Gorilla Falls, but we always make time for both as we like something about each of them. I'd try to squeeze both in if your time allows.

 

[Bullseye]

Rafiki's planet qualifies as a solid number three and... you get a nice train ride, that's fun!

 

[gharter]

I enjoy seeing the Gorillas, but LOVE the Maharajah jungle trek

 

[auntfrannie]

I enjoy both of the main ones because you can take as much or as little time as you want. The gorillas and tigers aren't always out so some trips are more enjoyable than others.

The trails around the Tree of Life are also very enjoyable, not only for the animals but the beautiful birds as well. Rafiki's is last on my list as it seems nothing more than a petting zoo. And if the train breaks down, you're stuck there until they get it repaired. My niece and I were stuck in a long line and waited probably close to an hour to get back to civilization!

 

[lucky978]

Thanks everyone!!! I think we would enjoy the gorilla trail and Maharajah as well. Let's hope the animals are out!

 

[maryj11]

They are both good, but my favorite is the gorilla one.

 

[LaurenT]

We've been to AK many times, but strangely enough have never done any of the "trails" to see the animals. I know there are a few, and I don't think we will want to see them all on our upcoming trip. Which ones do you recommend? Thanks!

I love them all - but I’ll let this pic I took on the Maharajah Jungle Trek speak for me

 

[umichigan10]

I enjoy both of the main ones because you can take as much or as little time as you want. The gorillas and tigers aren't always out so some trips are more enjoyable than others.

The trails around the Tree of Life are also very enjoyable, not only for the animals but the beautiful birds as well. Rafiki's is last on my list as it seems nothing more than a petting zoo. And if the train breaks down, you're stuck there until they get it repaired. My niece and I were stuck in a long line and waited probably close to an hour to get back to civilization!

Also incredible views of the tree of life when you’re on that trail. A couple years ago I stood looking up for 15 minutes or so trying to find the more hidden carvings on it

 

[lucky978]

I love them all - but I’ll let this pic I took on the Maharajah Jungle Trek speak for me View attachment 477454View attachment 477454

Wow!! What a shot!

 

[ZJ5/9D47]

You can't go wrong with either. The animals are wonderful but I think the best part is how knowledgable the CMs are about the animals. Many of them work very closely with the animals and can tell you their names, personalities, when they are on exhibit, etc. I don't think the bats are out yet for viewing (the previous group retired and the new ones are taking a long time to adjust) but I learned so much from the CM whose main job at the time was telling guests they weren't yet on display. He works with them and knew the ones who retired too.

Fiona the Hippo has two relatives at the AK...her grandfather Henry and a younger uncle named Augustus. The last time I was at AK a couple months ago Augustus was out on exhibit at the African trail (before he had been with the ladies and his mom at the KS enclosure.

 

[georgina]

Saw several of the large bats last Thursday (2/20) One of them was actively climbing around on the netting like it was a jungle gym.

I love them all - but I’ll let this pic I took on the Maharajah Jungle Trek speak for me View attachment 477454View attachment 477454

The tiger cubs were little then. Last week they told us only one at a time is out in each area now; they have 2 separate areas so you can see at most 2 tigers individually.