? Akl Sunset Safari

[Kata]

I am planning on doing The Sunrise safari when I stay AKL conceirge in November,but now I am considering the Sunset Safari also,I thought the $150.00 price tag was pretty high but I was going to be eating at Jiko anyway so I would have end up paying for that meal anyway,but I am alone and I don't know how comfortable I would feel being alone ,and I thought I read on another post that the different entrees were already divided up so it isn't really family style so I was wondering if anyone can clarify that for me.I also want to make sure they give you the tenderloin and macaroni since I really had my heart set on ordering it when I go.Please tell me the Sunset Safari is worth the money.I appreciate any information you can give to me!!!!!
Thanks!!!!

 

[nasmith]

Hi Kata- We did the Sunset safari last December - and it was GREAT....TheTenderloin and Macaroni was on the menu at that time......... The meal WAS served family-style - Our dining party consisted of everyone that went on the safari - we all sat at one table........It was my DH and myself, along with a family of 5 (parents and 3 older boys - I'd guess ages 13, 15 17 ??) We were served the appetizer sampler, a sorbet cleanser, several (4?) entrees, and many desserts - we shared them all - and were soooo stuffed in the end......On the plus side (dining wise), you have the opportunity to sample many dishes; on the negative side- it's definitely more expensive than ordering the tenderloin/mac&cheese by itself..........If you need encouragement, animal wise- I'll send you a picture of the Giraffe that almost gave me a kiss in the safari van- he was THAT close (PS- we are not allowed to thouch THEM - but they don't have the same rules apparently )

Jill

 

[VAgal76]

Kata - nasmith hit it right on the head. It was a very pleasurable experience for us. We haven't tried sunrise, but we are scheduled to do it in July. If you are by yourself and want to do sunset, don't be shy with your group. Remember it's limited to 8 guests on this adventure. You're going to get comfy in the back of the pop up van. You will eat dinner with them at Jiko's as well, but since it's at the end you'll surely be friendly with folks by then. The food was wonderful, the tour guide was terrific and the animal experience was memorable.

 

[Kata]

Thanks for your responses,I really appreciate them and Jill I think we would all like to see a picture of a giraffe almost kissing you, I really wish you would post it.
Thanks,Kata

 

[VAgal76]

Kata - I have some pictures of Sunset Safari - it's with my other stuff, but you'll be able to pick it out. I was too busy enjoying the food at Jiko's in order to pictures of our dinner together, but there's a favorite listed on my site listed on there (the first one). Under the favorite's site, it'll be AKL Sunset Safari. http://community.webshots.com/user/harlow23024

 

[Kata]

Kata - I have some pictures of Sunset Safari - it's with my other stuff, but you'll be able to pick it out. I was too busy enjoying the food at Jiko's in order to pictures of our dinner together, but there's a favorite listed on my site listed on there (the first one). Under the favorite's site, it'll be AKL Sunset Safari. http://community.webshots.com/user/harlow23024

Thank you so much for sharing your great pictures,I really love the closeup of the girafee,they really are entertaining!!!!!

 

[nasmith]

Okay - I joined Webshots and put a few pics online - the close-up of the Giraffe is of him moving AWAY from me (when I had enough sense to snap the photo). It was great fun ! Jill

http://community.webshots.com/album/361412671LPWOrz

 

[Kata]

Thanks to both of you for sharing your great photos,I think the giraffe is my
new favorite animal they are so shy,just curious did either of you do the sunrise safari also?If so how would you compare the 2 safari's?I think I will just do both of them but I am wondering what the differences are.Thanks again for sharing your photos they are awesome.
Kata

 

[nasmith]

Kata- We've done the Sunrise safari twice- and it's a totally different experience- while still pretty cool......For one thing on the Sunrise, - you tour DAK in the same ride vehicles used for Kilamanjaro safaris, depending on how crowded AKL concierge is, there may be up to 2 vehicles going at the same time -- I think that's up to 50 people? And while they do try to get as much animal exposure as possible, the animals are in their enclosures which isn't as close as at AKL, and they do have an absolute time deadline to be back from the tour (ie- the ride does start running on the same route when the park opens)....The breakfast is served buffet style - and it's super yummy - some "normal" breakfast items, and some breakfast items we wouldn't normally eat here in the states (Try the green tomatoes dish- it really is yummy!)- in fact, I think this is one of my favorite breakfasts anywhere in the world......

On the Sunset safari - you and up to 7 others (no small children- I don't know the age limit - used to be 16, but I think they've dropped it) ride in a van that has a special top that "pops-up"- the interior has been modified, and you will basically be riding standing up with your head sticking out the top of the van- And since you are riding on the same routes at AKL that the animal handlers use for animal care (feeding, etc.)- there are no pens to keep the animals away from the van (in fact, more than once, we had to stop and wait while something moved off the road (the animals are not afraid of the van at all!) (Note - there are no lions, tigers or bears - oh my! ). At the end of the ride, you will make your way to the back of the enclosure, get out of the van and have your picure taken with a couple Giraffes sticking their heads over the fence behind you (bring your camera!)- they bribe Giraffes with onions!! (Male giraffes LOVE onions- and when we did the tour, there were only male giraffes )(Female giraffes won't even touch food that has been anywhere near an onion)...After all of that - the Animal Handlers say goodbye and you are left in the able hands of the Jiko Chef's - who come out and explain each course to you (ingrediants, etc..) (another thing that doesn't happen if you dine there normally)....It's a much more refined, personalized experience (hence - the cost)...Hope that helps - you will enjoy both tremendously ----- Jill

 

[Kata]

Thanks Jill for all your valuable information I really appreciate it!!!!
Kata

 

[donnab2005]

I am planning on doing The Sunrise safari when I stay AKL conceirge in November,but now I am considering the Sunset Safari also,I thought the $150.00 price tag was pretty high but I was going to be eating at Jiko anyway so I would have end up paying for that meal anyway,but I am alone and I don't know how comfortable I would feel being alone ,and I thought I read on another post that the different entrees were already divided up so it isn't really family style so I was wondering if anyone can clarify that for me.I also want to make sure they give you the tenderloin and macaroni since I really had my heart set on ordering it when I go.Please tell me the Sunset Safari is worth the money.I appreciate any information you can give to me!!!!!
Thanks!!!!

Do you have to stay at the AKL Conceirge to so the sunset safari. I think my daughter would absolutely love to do this??? So I need some more info please

 

[nasmith]

Donna- Both safaris are only reservable by concierge guests. They are worth it! Jill