Kilamanjaro Safari timing...does it close during afternoon rain storms?

[SFMommy]

Is it important to schedule the Safari for as early in the day as possible in case of afternoon thunderstorms/rain? Does the ride close down in the rain...or is it really unpleasant?

 

[Robo]

1. Is it important to schedule the Safari for as early in the day as possible in case of afternoon thunderstorms/rain?

2. Does the ride close down in the rain...or

3. is it really unpleasant?

1. This is first time I've ever heard that theory of why to schedule in the morning.
2. Not "normal" rain.
3. Not in "normal" rain.

 

[jcjen519]

I've never done this and don't know if you'd get wet or not but we did the special early morning safari that used to be offered if you stayed club at akl. The guide told us that he used to love going out in the rain because some of the animals really like to come out (i think he mentioned elephants in particular) and apparently the safari lines tend to get short so with less people on the ride you tend to get more time out on the safari.

 

[tinkfan160]

I'm not sure if they shut down, but we rode right after a pretty decent shower two weeks ago and we seen the most animals we have ever seen and we typically did it first thing in the morning when people say the animals are supposed to be the most active.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

One of our best safari rides ever was during a pouring rain storm. I mean buckets! It also made for a fun and decidedly less stressful ride down Kali River. Honestly one of our best afternoons at AK ever. I'm not sure about closure for lightning but I suspect that could be an issue.

 

[sersee05]

We were there Monday and it had poured in the morning. I asked the same question here. They told me that some of the best safaris are during and after rain. We went on . It was still drizzling and saw do many active animals. It was great!

 

[si-am]

We went on the safari during a rather strong rain shower once and got drenched. The rain seemed to pool and then slosh over the top of the vehicle right into the seats every time we hit a bump. I don't remember how the animal viewing was!

 

[ELSA711]

We have always done a Safari first thing in the morning but what if we take our time and enjoy the buffet at Boma prior.
It's our check out day so I wanted a late Boma breakfast. Has anyone done Safari around 11am? How different was it compared to an earlier ride if you have had both experiences?

 

[ktlm]

One of our best Safari rides was in the pouring rain. A lot of the animals were out playing in it and enjoying it. There was no line for Safari and they were just letting people stay on and ride again if they wanted.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I've never been on it during a storm, but I got on one prior to closing and it was SOOO exciting because a storm was rolling in and all the animals were so active!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

We rode it during a downpour and I mean downpour, a couple years ago. Water was cascading off the roof of the vehicle.

 

[disnut8]

My advice - schedule the Safari for whenever you feel comfortable scheduling it. I've been on it many times - never early in the morning (I'm on vacation so getting up at 6 AM is not going to happen) - but during the later morning, at high noon, in the afternoon, the last trip before it closes, in the rain, in the sun, in the chiller times.

I saw animals every single time. Animals don't go by times on a clock.

 

[maxbear]

We were there this past week on Monday. Rode it twice. 1st time was at opening. We were there and the 1st ones on the 1st cruise. It was raining pretty good. We also rode again also before sun down. We were able to see more animals on our 1st cruise bye quite a few. I would do morning early.

 

[cavepig]

We rode Safari about 4 or so pm in a complete downpour & thunderstorm, I was surpised it was open. We were the only ones on it, but it was great, I think elephants might not have been out, but other animals were. It was pretty cool.