Episode XIV: The Kingdom of Animals (Part 2)
After a brief delay and riding the safari to kick of my morning...I figured the next natural step would be...another ride on the safari! I had a time to kill before my FastPass+ for Festival of the Lion King, so figured...why not?
Part of what I love about Animal Kingdom is the incredible theming. This safari vehicle with a flat tire is part of the great theming. I also love the guest house here...
I made my way to the Safari booking desk...
And kept making my way through the queue. Clearly, it didn't take long for them to clear out the morning rush...
I asked to be at the end of the row, so I could get better pictures...and was delighted to find out I was given an ENTIRE ROW to myself. How awesome!
This safari, like the first - did NOT disappoint. It might have been the best safari I've been on.
The Okapi was hiding on my first safari, so I was glad to see they were gracing us with their presence.
Next up were these guys...I cannot remember what they are called though - can anyone help me out?
The hippos were still being bashful...as they usually are.
I loved this shot of the pelicans sunning themselves...
Oh my! What have we here?! Well...this would be hippos! Out of the water! I don't ever recall seeing them out of the water before - so this was pretty awesome!
It was apparently too hot for the crocodiles, they were all hiding underwater.
I also really liked this picture of the baobab tree - with the light shining through.
I like this picture of the cattle much better than the first one.
Hyenas on the prowl...
He's off in the distance, but there is definitely a water buffalo...
This little guy looks lost!
Here's mommy with TWO baby giraffes.
The giraffes were playing and chasing after each other - it was hard to capture in a photo, but exciting to see in person.
This one is grabbing some breakfast...
And we had another baby on the left-hand side of us...
I think this might have been mommy looking after things across the road...
The elephant is hungry too...
And here is the baby elephant from the first safari...hiding from us!
This was definitely the most active I had seen the elephants as well.
Hi Mr. Ducky
Really loved this one with the flamingos, palm trees, the safari truck and baobab tree.
Animal Kingdom's version of Pride Rock.
Nala and Simba were both awake and alert!
White Rhinos were still hanging out, with the eggs in the foreground. Does anyone know if these are just a prop - or real? They've been in this general area every time I've done the safari...going back at least 8 years!
Zebras and more...
When I said I really enjoyed the safari, I wasn't kidding. This one was SO awesome that I wanted to ride again right away. I stopped to check out this guy, also enjoying some breakfast...
This guy was at the start of the Pangani Exploration Trail, which was my next stop.