Animal Kingdom - Wild Africa Trek

[Azza1987]

Hi Guys,

Does anyone have any experience of the above? BF found out about his surprise holiday yesterday and is very excited. I'd said we'd do something extra out there as a little 30th birthday treat and gave him some options of Discovery Cove, Seaworld with the Buluga experience etc, and the AK Wild Africa Trek which he has decided he wants to do that one.

Do I need to book before we go? Or can I arrange this whilst we are there?

Are certain days quieter (I.e Monday compared to Saturday). Is there a better time to go (I.E. Early morning, Later afternoon?).

I've read thats it approx $200 per person, but seen conflicting reports at to whether it includes the Photopass CD or not?

If anyone has any advice or can offer their experience of this I'd be very thankful.

 

[peajay18]

We've did WAT in 2011 as my wife is a huge fan of all things AK.
I'll try my best to answer your questions:

Do I need to book before we go? Or can I arrange this whilst we are there?

You can book whilst there, but don't leave it until the day before you want to do it as you might be disappointed. We booked ours a month in advance, I think.

Are certain days quieter (I.e Monday compared to Saturday). Is there a better time to go (I.E. Early morning, Later afternoon?).

Earlier in the week seems to be a bit quieter, but the numbers are kept to a comfortable amount all the time. I'd suggest taking the tour as early as you can as the animals tend to be more active.

I've read thats it approx $200 per person, but seen conflicting reports at to whether it includes the Photopass CD or not?

The price fluctuates depending on the season.
It doesn't include a normal Photopass CD, but there is a photographer with the group taking shots throughout the whole trek and a CD of these photos (which include everyone on the trek) is mailed to you. It also contains some library pictures and is included in the price.

If anyone has any advice or can offer their experience of this I'd be very thankful.

I'd say if you have any interest in animals of AK it is well worth it.
Broadly speaking the experience is:

Trek through the back of the Maharajah Jungle Trek, stop at the hippo pool and talk to CM about them, cross the rope bridges over the tracks of the safari, then stop at the croc pool (and use your safety harness to lean over it if you want!)
Then it's a private safari in a truck with seating around the edges so you can move around to get the best views. The truck doesn't have any storyline and stops in additional places to the normal safari.
My favourite part was the lunch you have from the viewing area in the middle of the savannah. Binoculars are provided and you can get some great views of the animals from practically in the middle of the attraction!

Here's a view from the bridge:

 

[Shazzie B]

We're thinking about this one too; I've made an enquiry about the price - for Sept I was quoted just over $200 each - think it was about $203; with 4 of us & poor exchange rate it's looking too expensive for us at the moment. Part of me says just book it anyway but the other sensible part is saying no at the moment. I want to do something special as kids last holiday with us as they'll be 18 & 20 by the time we go in Aug/Sept and both at Uni. (DS there already DD starting Sept hopefully).

I'm sure last year they advertised a discount for later in the year (considered doing last year but were travelling with another family of 8 so decided not to) so I'm going to hold out to see if they offer anything this year.

Thanks for the info peajay18 - I think it looks really great.

 

[catherine]

We did this Nov 2011 and we all loved it. PP has already answered your questions so I won't repeat the answers! If i remember rightly it took around 3 hours for the tour. You meet at the front of AK and then you're taken to the WAT station to be weighed and kitted out with the harness etc. WE then had a drink and filled our water canisters up and off we went! Great time, guides were really informative and took a ton of photos. We were given ample opportunity to take our own photos and ask questions. I would definitely recommend it!

 

[Sapper383]

Is there an age restriction?

 

[tinks_1989]

Is there an age restriction?

8 and over

Phil Emma and Ben did it on their 2012 video report

 

[Azza1987]

Thanks for all this guys!

It really does look amazing I'm just umming & ahhing! Now were planning a day at Busch Gardens I might book there Serengeti Safari tour instead of this? We can't do everything whilst were there, but I'd love to be so close to the Hippos!

Who knew planning was so stressful!