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After-Dark Safari Returning Soon to Walt Disney World!

Kilimanjaro Safaris
Credit: Disney

It’s one of the most popular – and most unique – attractions at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Disney’s Kilimanjaro Safaris enables Guests to be the closest they’ll ever get to experience a real African safari, with giraffes, elephants, and lions being the star of the show.

And now, Disney has revealed a way for Guests to adventure into the reserve on an exciting “starlight” safari.

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Credit: Disney Tips

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Paek opened back on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, and the Zoological Park at the Walt Disney World Resort is the largest theme park in the world, covering a whopping 580 acres!

The incredible theme park is distinguished from the rest of Walt Disney World’s Parks in that it features rides alongside live animals. Of course, many of these protected animals can be found at Harambe Wildlife Preserve, the fictional home of Africa’s main attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris. Guests climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle for an expedition to see African species in savanna, rivers, and rocky hills.

The theme park’s popular Deluxe Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge,  opened later on April 16, 2001, and is located adjacent to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It gives lucky Guests the opportunity to view grazing wildlife outside their rooms and public areas in the Resort within proximity of the animals, conveying the feeling of being in an African savanna.

And this amazing hotel is now seeing its popular nighttime safari offering finally return!

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Credit: Disney Tips

Around the Lodge, there are three total 11-acre savannas (Sunset Savanna, Arusha Savanna, Uzima Savanna) housing a variety of African mammals and birds.

Guests can spot bongos, black rhinoceroses, zebra, giraffe, ostrich, waterbuck, and hornbill.

Just in time for Earth Day, Disney has revealed that the thrilling Starlight Safari tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is now bookable for dates beginning April 22 and beyond!

Guests can climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle and experience a whole new perspective on the after-dark safari tour.

The experience is $89 per person. You can learn more and check availability on the Walt Disney World website, which describes the unique experience as:

Feel the rush of the night air as you rumble through lush scenery, scanning the horizon for over 30 species of African wildlife on this popular, nighttime expedition. Book your adventure today

This nighttime tour lasts approximately one hour. It’s available exclusively to Guests 8 years of age or older. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult who is 18 years of age or older.

More on Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

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Credit: Disney

As the Sun Sets, the Savanna Awakens

Witness the wild as it comes to life on an after-dark safari tour of Disney’s African savannas and wildlife! This popular, nighttime expedition is open to all Guests at Walt Disney World Resort.

Climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle and feel the rush of night air as you rumble through lush scenery, scanning the horizon for over 30 species of African wildlife!

The Nightlife of Wildlife
To make the most of your animal-viewing extravaganza, Guests will be provided with a night vision device! You’ll be astounded by what you can see: zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and antelopes—plus ostriches and over 20 other exotic African species that freely roam across the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Reservations and Important Details
Reservations can be made on this page or in the My Disney Experience app.

This nighttime tour lasts approximately one hour. It’s available exclusively to Guests 8 years of age or older. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult who is 18 years of age or older.

About Melissa Cannioto

Melissa is an author, adventurer, and chatterbox, who has worked at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Adventures by Disney! A British native, she has traveled the world seeking new experiences, and now resides in Florida with her husband, an Air Force pilot. Find her children's book at @bear.hug.book