Wanyama Safari w/ Jiko

[Califgirl]

Has anyone taken this tour at AKL?

I've just booked it. It's an hour and a half safari of the AKL reserve followed by dinner at Jiko.

If you've done this, would you post your experiences? I'm so curious, and I can't wait to try it.

Thanks!
Chris

 

[TDC Nala]

I did this once, some years ago, it was awesome. You should know that the dinner at Jiko is family style with the entire safari group, not just your party (unless your party is the only one on the safari). My friend and I and a couple whose daughter worked in entertainment in the parks (she got them a room at AKL so they could do the safari) were the only persons in the group. They bring enough of several Jiko menu items to share with the table, and you get a wine pairing with each course.

 

[Califgirl]

Family style dinner sounds fine - I'm on my own for this safari, so it will be nice to have dinner with other people. I'm assuming you each order a separate entree? Is it just family style for apps and sides?

 

[erionm]

The entire meal is family style. We did this last September and really enjoyed it. There were only 4 people total on the safari. They brought out several items for each course.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We did this 2 years ago and loved it! They bring out lots of food, so even if there are things you aren't able to or don't wish to eat, there is plenty to choose from. Besides, Jiko is one of our favs!

The time we did it,the animal caretakers who both drove the truck and talked were good about telling us the call names of the animals and little tidbits of information about their personalities etc. My favorites at that time were the (then) baby zebra named Kidani, and the dominant male giraffe named Jason. There was a new baby giraffe there at that time too, but she was only a couple weeks old, and she and her mother stayed off near the barns. We even found an ostrich egg, and the driver ran out and picked it up for us to see up close.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I did this in May, 2008 and really enjoyed it. At that time, it was $210/PP if not staying concierge. Now that it's come down a little in price, I might consider doing it again. All 3 courses were served family style-3 different entrees. The problem can come in if everyone likes the same thing! Our guides were very knowledgeable, and I just wish they'd stayed to eat dinner with us. Here are some pictures of when I did it-

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

We're going to do this in September - I can't wait!

 

[adminjedi]

We have done it twice. It is awesome to be so close to the free-roaming animals. The guides share so much information, and answer any questions you may have.
It is well worth the money, considering the cost of eating at Jiko. Be prepared, you do not order off the menu - They make the selection for the entire meal.

 

[TDC Nala]

No, you don't order the food, they just bring you stuff. They bring out a few different dishes to pass around and try.

If you have dietary restrictions it may be best to notify ahead of time.

Thought it interesting that the Ankole cattle are named after characters from the Drew Carey Show. (You don't get that info elsewhere)

 

[lulubelle]

Hi Chris!
When are you going? Bree & I are staying AKL Concierge Oct 9-15 and doing this tour, too. We would love to meet up with you. I know the sunrise safari gets glowing reviews, but it's too early for us coming from the West Coast. We have been wanting to try Jiko, so I am hoping this really works out that we can try several items rather than select one app, entree, dessert. Plus the wine pairings make it perfect for me! So glad everyone has positive feedback on the tour. We are really looking forward to it.

 

[Califgirl]

Wow! Thanks for all the great information and the wonderful pictures. I don't mind 'family style' dining at all. This should be very fun and a bit adventurous. I'm really looking forward to it.

Linda, I'm going next month in July with the original Divas, girls from the DIS that I've been vacationing at WDW with since 2004? 2005? I'm doing this on a Monday night and most of the girls are coming in Monday or Tuesday. I LOVE Jiko and I'm glad that I found a way to fit it into my vacation. I can't do the Sunrise Safari because I'm not staying concierge. How wonderful that you get to! (stay concierge) You'll have a great time in October. It's food and wine time.

 

[calypso726]

My DH and I did this tour last year and we loved it. The guides were wonderful and we felt like we really got to know the animals and their personalities through them. The family style dinner at Jiko was fabulous. We are going back to AKV this September prior to the DVC member cruise and have also booked the Wanyama Safari again.

 

[LovinmyDisneylife]

DH and I did the Wanyama Safari on 5/27/10 for our anniversary and it was amazing. I was able to get some fabulous pictures of the animals. There were 12 people on our safari. The food and wine was amazing. A definite must do for anyone staying at AKL.

 

[LisaS]

We really enjoyed this tour. It was wonderful to see all the animals up close and learn about them from the animal care team members who were on our safari. For example, they talked about how they distinguish one zebra from another, pointing out the unique markings of each animal. If you enjoy watching the animals from your balcony and observing their behavior, you will really enjoy getting the chance to meet them on their turf.

 

[El&Asmom]

Does anyone know the cost of the safari currently? I'm having a hard time finding info as the website said to ask the resort. Maybe I'll check dvcmember.
It looks amazing. My only concern is that I tend to be a picky eater and don't eat fist or beef. Does anyone remember the food items they bring out family style?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Does anyone know the cost of the safari currently? I'm having a hard time finding info as the website said to ask the resort. Maybe I'll check dvcmember.
It looks amazing. My only concern is that I tend to be a picky eater and don't eat fist or beef. Does anyone remember the food items they bring out family style?

I think it's currently around $170. I think they change the menu offerings seasonally much like they change the Jiko menu seasonally. It's usually 3 offerings of appetizers, 3 of salads, 3 of entres, 3 desserts and wine pairings. I think when we did it there was a shrimp dish, a chicken dish, and maybe a beef dish? I have lots of food allergies, and by picking and choosing what I ate, I was fine. I did ask ahead though about the specific things I am sensitive to. FOr sure they don't serve "fist"

 

[Simba's Mom]

Does anyone know the cost of the safari currently? I'm having a hard time finding info as the website said to ask the resort. Maybe I'll check dvcmember.
It looks amazing. My only concern is that I tend to be a picky eater and don't eat fist or beef. Does anyone remember the food items they bring out family style?

I THINK the safari currently is $170 PP and I think it's the same price wherever you're staying in the lodge. When I took it, it was $160 for concierge members, and $210 for non-concierge.
As for the food offerings, the entrees when I did it were the beef with macaroni, fish with tomato/cheese sauce and little sweet potato crispies, and some kind of chicken breast. They were three offerings from the menu. All I remember of the desserts was that one of the offerings was the pistachio creme brulee.

 

[El&Asmom]

Thanks for the replies. Dh and I will be staying at AKV in Jan and I am trying to decide between this tour and one that is put on for the conference I am attending. It is for veterinarians at AK. After the behind the scenes tour we get to speak with the vets at AK and then have dinner at Tusker house. The price is the same, so I may choose the one for vets as it is only once a year during the conference.

 

[stichy]

We have an 8 year old. Is there a minimum age limit?

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have an 8 year old. Is there a minimum age limit?

There is, but I don't recall for sure what that age is. I believe it was 10.