AKL Campfire?

[lotus14]

I see that AKL has a nightly campfire at 5:15. Does anyone know anything about it? Is it just overpriced marshmallows and nothing more? We are planning to visit the lodge just to see it and the campfire might be a fun activity if there's more to it than just toasting a pricey s'more. I know about the fun campfire at FW but I don't know that we'll make it out there this trip. Thanks!

 

[shaynar]

I was just there, and it was free.

 

[wcw57]

sooooooo? what goes on there? dish, darlin', dish!

 

[lotus14]

I was just there, and it was free.

Exactly. I assumed the campfire would be free, just pay for the marshmallows like at FW. But what do they *DO* at the campfire? Just sit around it? Not something that we're likely to enjoy in the hotness of August!

 

[Missytara]

From my last two trips, the "campfire" at AKL has been a firepit near Arusha Rock; it is a group of storytellers, who tell stories about the land of Africa, the animals, etc. If there is inclement weather, they move it inside to the fire place in the lobby. Very enchanting.

Over at Kidani Village, there is an area right outside the entrance to Sanaa. We did this the last two years. There is a long walkway out onto the Savannah and there is a fire pit at the end. They have CM's out at night with night vision goggles, so you can see the animals at night. We have always gone right after dusk, so I don't know how long it lasts. Also, when you exit the doors, you can look up and see a grouping of rocking chairs on a second floor balcony that has another viewing area. We had two tired children last year and didn't get a chance to go there.

I would do it with an ADR for dinner, at either place - I love Jiko's and Sanaa is one of my favorite places now.

 

[TDC Nala]

When I did this, it was a storytelling session around the resort's outdoor firepit. Marshmallows were NOT provided, free or paid. Good story though.

 

[lotus14]

Awesome. Thanks! Maybe we will pair it with dinner at Boma. Since we will have the non-adventurous kids, that would probably bethe best choice. Any idea how long the storytelling goes so we an make ADRs? Or may we not need them at the end of August?

 

[Dawson's Mom]

We just got back from AKV-Kidani and we did the marshmellows at both Kidani and Jambo, different nights. My son LOVED this and yes it is FREE!!! I think they did limit the marshmellows to 2, but my 3yr old was thrilled, the smile on his face was priceless!!! We just left and he wants to go back for more mellows!

 

[bababear_50]

Jambo House AKL
We did this with my Gran daughter in Jan 2012. and they provided Marshmallows. (Free no cost).They (CMs) didn't give a limit on how many you could have

Hugs Mel

 

[disneybliss2]

Is it always only at 5:15?

 

[dzneelvr]

I've timed our BOMA ADR (June, July, and December time frame) so that we can exit out the lodge and watch them do the animal feeding just as its getting dark. there's no storytelling or marshmellows but we sit in the rocking chairs around the fire, talk, listen to the quiet (after a day in the parks this is cherished and enjoy some downtime. then we head off for a late evening in one of the parks or shopping at DTD. We love the peace of the fire and the hushed and respectful atmosphere around the animal feeding. Very nice.

 

[disneybliss2]

What time is the animal feeding?

 

[were45]

We stayed at the AKL 5yrs ago, so things may have changed, but during our campfire time, a native African gentleman kind of did a Q&A with us. My son asked him what he missed most about Africa. I will never forget his authentic (not quite Disneyfied) answer: "At night, when the savannah is dark, I miss the sound of the animals crying out during the lion's feeding time." Wow.
Are there fireworks and lots of hoopla during the campfire time? Nope. Was it one of my most memorable moments of our whole trip? Yep.

 

[lotus14]

Is it always only at 5:15?

Don't quote me on this, but I believe it's supposed to happen at dusk every day. It's at 5:15 right now due to the early sunset times right now. I read that someplace and of course, I can't remember right now where it was. Helpful, I know.

 

[Missytara]

What time is the animal feeding?

It always occurs at dusk.

 

[Ambassador]

We just returned this week, and participated at the Kidani Pool. Marshmallows are free, and a guide was there to talk about the abundant animals present. It was nice!