We have been to Disney World in Florida a grand total of 13 times. I’m not even a little embarrassed to admit that trip #14 is currently in the planning stages. What can I say, we love Disney. It’s because of our many trips, that I’m often asked what my favorite thing to do at Disney is. My response is always the same….”All of it!”. There’s nothing we don’t love about Disney. Whether we’re chilling out at Fort Wilderness, the resort we frequent most, or catching fireworks, or getting on a coaster, the joy of being at Disney is everywhere, in everything. As long you can embrace your inner child, you simply can not go wrong.

So, with all that being said, there is one thing we make a point of never missing and that’s Disney’s Animal Kingdom. More specifically, the Kilamanjaro Safari. For this experience, you board a safari vehicle that takes you through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve in Africa. During the ride, you get to see a variety of animals such as baboons, cheetahs, elephants, lions and hippos. It is always such a treat, with no two trips ever the same.  I think it was around my third time through though, that I started to wish there was a way to linger a little longer to watch these amazing creatures. In March, my wish came true. Disney really is the place where wishes come true.

While at Disney Social Media Moms, I had the opportunity to join 9 other bloggers for a new experience at Animal Kingdom, called Wild Africa Trek. This was exactly what I’d been hoping for.

First we met at a designated area within Animal Kingdom and got suited up with vests, ear pieces to hear our tour guide, and water bottles. No sandals allowed and cameras must be strapped to your vest. Because, you know if something falls in with a Nile crocodile, no one is going to get it. You understand, right?

Once we were suited up we headed off down the Pangani Forest Trail with scores of other people and I’m thinking to myself, “This is not so special”. Oh, Candace, why do you doubt Disney, why? For it was mere moments later that Alex our tour guide, led us past a locked gate onto a private trail and suddenly we were alone, on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. So very, very cool.

This is only some of what we saw:

Hungry Hungry Hippos! Thankfully they're herbivores

Awwww! Wittle itty-bitty baby giraffe.

Walked directly over these Nile crocodiles! YIKES!

This baby elephant was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

After an arduous, long journey, (I kid) we made it to the safari camp where we relaxed overlooking the savanna! There was only one thing that could make this experience better. A gourmet lunch! Whew, I tell you, I was famished after the first leg of the journey.

Drooling just thinking about this again

Doesn't this look delicious?

After lunch, we continued on our way and saw many more animals. It’s as close as you’ll get to going on a safari without going to Africa. What an incredible experience!

During the Wild Africa Trek, you have the opportunity to sit and observe animals for much longer than you get during the Kilimanjaro Safari. About two and half hours more! Groups are kept small to keep the experience intimate and to allow you time to observe and ask questions from the knowledgeable guides. If you’re thinking about going, you can find all the information you need on the Walt Disney World site.

When the tour was over I met my family in the park to enjoy the rest of the day. The first thing we did was head over to the Kilimanjaro Safari. Because we just can’t get enough of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.