Just in case you haven't yet traveled to Africa and experienced a real-life safari, Disney has brought Africa to Orlando. Everyone from the performers to the cast members will be dressed in African fashions, while the architecture and atmosphere in this area of the park are all authentically African.

This area is designed to replicate a port in East Africa. The restaurants, shops, and entertainment all help guests feel like they've traveled across the world.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

You came to Disney's Animal Kingdom to see animals, and that's exactly what you'll see when you experience this safari ride. You'll ride on a thirty-two-passenger camouflage safari truck with a tour guide as this true-life adventure unfolds on more than 100 acres of savanna, rivers, and rocky hills. Antelope, giraffes, zebras, baboons, rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, lions, hippos, and other animals roam freely. As a result, what you see and where and when you see it will be different every time you experience this tour.

The best time to experience Kilimanjaro Safaris is in the morning or late afternoon, because that's when the animals are most active. During the hottest times of the day, many of the animals take naps in the shade. As you see the animals, the tour guide talks about animal poachers and how some species of animals are becoming extinct. Throughout this ride, keep your camera ready. There's no telling when a perfect photo opportunity will happen.

Throughout the safari, you'll see many different animals, so don't use up all of your film early on. Kilimanjaro Safaris will appeal to people of all ages and is one of this park's very best and most popular attractions. It shouldn't be missed! Each time you visit this safari, your experience will be different, because you'll see different animals and sites. Thus, if you have time to experience the Kilimanjaro Safaris twice during your visit, it's well worth it.

ô This is a must-see attraction.

Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

Take a walking tour through a parklike environment and see a troop of gorillas, colorful African birds, and even a few hippos. You can walk through this area at your own pace, so the lines are usually minimal. On hand near each of the exhibits are experts who will answer questions about the animals. About halfway through this exhibit is a small building that contains computers that guests can use to learn more about naked mole rats (also on exhibit within this building). As you make your way through the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, be sure to look up into the trees to see about thirty-five different species of exotic birds.

Wildlife Express to Conservation Station

A short train ride takes you partway through the 100-acre savanna, where you'll catch glimpses of some of the same animals you'll see on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. You'll also see some of the buildings where the animals are kept at night. Your destination is Disney's Conservation Station, where animals are cared for. As you ride the train, keep your camera handy. There are some excellent photo opportunities along the way.

There may be a wait to board and ride the train to and from Conservation Station, but once you're there, you can roam freely and see things at your own pace. Thus, the waits to see the various attractions and exhibits at Conservation Station are kept to a minimum. The round-trip train ride to and from the station is 1.2 miles long.