At a Glance
Duration: 25 minutes
Look Out For: live animals, bumpy terrain, and claustrophobia due to its long run time
Opening on April 22, 1998, Kilimanjaro Safaris is an open-air guided tour attraction that gives guests an up-close-and-personal view of the African savannah. But how scary is Kilimanjaro Safaris? Let’s take a look at the ratings:
1. Ride Length
Kilimanjaro Safaris has a ride duration of approximately 25 minutes. Due to the guided-tour structure of this attraction, the run time could, of course, be longer or shorter depending on both your tour guide and the animals you’ll encounter along the way.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Kilimanjaro Safaris has no height requirement and might be a good choice for larger parties with small children. However, Disney does warn that riders should be free from high blood pressure or any heart, back, or neck problems to ride.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Kilimanjaro Safaris ride vehicles consist of large “Safari trucks” seating 32 passengers in 8 rows of 4. There is no seatbelt or safety restraints of any kind, though you may still be in for a bumpy ride due to the uneven terrain.
4. How Does Kilimanjaro Safaris Work?
Kilimanjaro Safaris works like a standard tram tour in which a live guide drives guests through a predetermined route. The attraction takes place on a 100-acre plot filled with exotic animals and hidden enclosures, so you will really feel immersed in the “African savannah” Disney has created.
5. Is Kilimanjaro Safaris Scary?
Kilimanjaro Safaris is not intentionally scary whatsoever. As an informational guided tour, there is absolutely no spooky theming, excessively loud noises, or flashing lights. While the uneven “off-road” terrain makes for a sometimes bumpy or jarring ride, this attraction is a great choice for even the most sensitive of guests – as long the 25 minute ride duration is not a problem.
6. How High is Kilimanjaro Safaris?
Kilimanjaro Safaris does not involve heights of any kind. As a guided tour attraction, your vehicle remains on the ground at all times.
7. How Fast is Kilimanjaro Safaris?
With a top speed of only 10 miles per hour, Kilimanjaro Safaris does not go fast. Your tour guide is actually driving the vehicle, so it’s not much different from the parking lot tram you probably rode that morning. However, it should be noted again that the uneven terrain sometimes makes for a bumpy or jarring ride.
8. Does Kilimanjaro Safaris Have Drops?
Kilimanjaro Safaris does not have drops of any kind. As a guided tour through the “African savannah,” there are no thrill elements whatsoever throughout its duration.
9. Does Kilimanjaro Safaris Cause Motion Sickness?
Kilimanjaro Safaris should not cause motion sickness to most riders, as it does not involve any screens, extreme movements, or 4D effects. However, if you or someone in your party struggles with extreme car sickness, it should be noted that this is – essentially – a car ride. Its open-air nature and great air flow may help with this, but be aware nonetheless.
10. Is Kilimanjaro Safaris Claustrophobic?
Kilimanjaro Safaris could feel claustrophobic to some riders. Regardless of its entirely outdoor setting, this attraction’s very long ride duration could definitely feel confining. There are no seatbelts or restraints, but as a guided tour, guests must remain seated for the entire 25 minute experience. If this is not a problem for you, however, I strongly recommend giving this one a try as it’s extremely tame in all other aspects.
11. Are There Animatronics on Kilimanjaro Safaris?
There are no animatronics on this attraction.
Kilimanjaro Safaris Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside in the Africa area of Animal Kingdom. The line takes you through a covered outdoor section that includes a few themed rooms, tv screens, and informational posters throughout. There is at least one animal enclosure along the way, but for the most part, the queue takes place entirely outdoors under a wooden covering.
Kilimanjaro Safaris Ride Walkthrough
Once you board the ride vehicle, your Safari guide will welcome you and go over some quick safety reminders before setting off. The entire ride consists of driving slowly around hidden enclosures as your tour guide gives you fun facts about the habitats and the animals that live in them. Your guide will also help point out the animals so that you don’t miss anything along the way.
It’s important to note that the Disney savannah is home to 34 species total, and you definitely won’t see all of them on your safari. Depending on the time of day, feeding schedules, and other routines with the animals, they are not all out at the same time. However, you will most likely have a great viewing regardless and Disney certainly works its magic to give guests the best experience possible each and every time.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
