I recently had the coolest experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! I surprised my son and daughter with the Savor the Savanna tour.

The tour takes you on a private safari vehicle into the Harambe Savanna. A guide joins you and shares stories and information about the animals that you encounter along the way. Unlike the regular safari ride offered with park admission, this safari takes you off the beaten path and gets you even closer to the animals!

On your private safari vehicle, you are able to stand up while the vehicle is stopped and get some great views from areas off the main Safari path!

A short way into the savanna, you are taken to a BOMA that overlooks a section of the savanna. Once there, you are treated to a delicious meal that includes a sampling of African-inspired cuisine paired with a selection of juices, water, regional beer and wine offerings. During our tour we enjoyed fresh fruit, chicken salad, cheeses, African flatbreads and an array of salads and desserts. Everything was delicious.

There were multiple viewing areas from the BOMA and we were treated to stories about various inhabitants. The guides are so knowledgeable and shared stories that show just how well they know the personalities of the animals. We loved hearing about Rizzo, the Ostrich who hangs out at the back of the BOMA and the Fab 5, a group of wildebeests that chase away other animals that approach their favorite spot on the savanna. We even got to see the latest edition to the Rhino family!

After relaxing at the BOMA and enjoying the views and food, it’s back to the Safari vehicle to finish out the Safari. At the conclusion of the Safari, you are given a memento of the tour.

Current pricing is $174 per adult. Pricing is always subject to change. The tour lasts about 2 hours.

I love trying new things when visiting Walt Disney World and this event certainly did not disappoint!