An introvert’s guide to Savor the Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Introversion Insight:
Put an introvert in a new, busy, and extroverted environment. How do they fare? It’s natural for them to be quiet, introspective, intimidated, and maybe even a little self-conscious. But with some planning and knowing what to expect (and knowing they’re doing something they’ll enjoy), they can have a pleasant experience.
Jambo, D•Introverts!
Are you a big fan of Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Then something tells me you’re going to love Savor the Savanna. This tour combines a private safari ride through Kilimanjaro Safaris with African-inspired tapas and drinks. You’ll have a guide on board as well as opportunities to chat with zookeepers out in the savanna.
How does it work?
Pick your tour
Currently, tours happen twice a day at 3:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and last approximately two hours. Be sure to check the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app for available times.
Book your tour
Prices range from $189 to $199, depending on the date. Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Disney Visa Cardmembers can receive a 15% discount. Tours can be purchased online and in the My Disney Experience app. Your tickets will automatically link to your account.
Note: Because this tour takes place inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom, theme park admission is required.
Check in
You’ll check in 15 minutes before your tour time at the Curiosity Animal Tours kiosk, which is located across from the Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance. They’ll ask for your name and identification and give you a lanyard with a name tag.
On a regular safari, you may be riding with 30+ guests. But with Savor the Savanna, each tour maxes out at 12 guests, so it will feel much more intimate.
Explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve
Your private tour follows the same path as the regular safari, but you’ll have opportunities to pull off and talk about the animals. Your guide will have lots of fun facts to share, and you’ll also have a chance to ask a zookeeper any burning questions you may have. You’ll even have moments where you can stand up in the back of the truck to get a better view.
Tip: You get what you put in, so it might not hurt to think of some questions for the zookeeper before the tour. If you’re not comfortable speaking up, that’s okay too. Odds are, the other guests on your tour will pipe up and keep the chat going.
Enjoy tapas and drinks
After 30 minutes of exploring the savanna, you’ll arrive at your dining location called the Boma, a covered platform area overlooking the savanna. This is also where you’ll find restrooms, if needed. They’ve set up a handful of tables with tablecloths and chairs. You don’t have an assigned table, so snag a spot wherever you’d like.
FYI: Based on the number of tables and guests, you’ll most likely be sharing a table with others.
The Cast Members will explain the food and drink offerings. Everything is included in your tour price, including beer and wine. For your food options, think tapas set out family style:
- curry chicken salad
- shrimp (maybe also curry?)
- hummus
- fruit chutney
- green chutney (maybe cilantro?)
- fig bars
- bread
- fruit (strawberries, pineapple, and grapes)
- cheeses
- tomato, cucumber, and onion salad
- olives
- pickles
And if you’re thirsty, you have a few options:
- First Magnitude Brewing Company’s Tiger Eye Gold Ale
(brewed just for Disney’s Animal Kingdom) - Casa Beer (lager from Morocco)
- Indaba Chardonnay (South Africa)
- Painted Wolf The Den Chenin Blanc (South Africa)
- Painted Wolf The Den Pinotage (South Africa)
- Cederberg Merlot Shiraz (South Africa)
- POG (passion fruit, orange, and guava) juice
- water
Save room for dessert! We had three options: a layered s’mores treat served in a small tin, a lighter cake, and a chocolate bar on a stick. I apologize for the lack of description, haha, but they were pretty standard desserts.
While you’re at the Boma, you can take in views of the savanna. Binoculars are provided. You’ll also be invited to walk out across a bridge for a different view. This is where we encountered a second zookeeper who told us all about the ostriches.
Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour in the dining location. I didn’t feel rushed, but it would have been nice to spend a little more time out there, especially as the sun started to go down. If you’re wondering how much alcohol you can drink during this time, I would say two to three drinks without feeling the need to chug.
Enjoy the second half of the savanna
The tour isn’t over at this point. You’ll hop back into the truck and see the other half of the savanna. Your guide will, of course, have more facts to share about the animals and Disney’s conservation efforts. Expect another 30 or so minutes out on the savanna before your tour ends.
The tour concludes with a parting gift: a bamboo coaster with the Savor the Savanna logo.
Overall thoughts
I enjoyed this private safari tour. I like the VIP feeling of doing a tour at a Disney Park. As mentioned, it feels more intimate. For introverts, the smaller the group the better. There’s only a little bit of awkwardness as you’re sitting in the back of the truck because the benches face each other. But everyone is busy looking out at the savanna or listening to the guide, so it’s not so bad.
As sometimes happens on these tours, you may end up chit-chatting with other guests, especially when dining at your communal table. Your guide will keep the safari conversation going, but I would be prepared to ask the zookeeper a question if you want to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
I thought the food was fine, nothing too adventurous or unique. The included adult beverages help support the price point, but I do think the tour is a tad expensive when I think of everything it has to offer.
If you're really into animals and/or Kilimanjaro Safaris, this will be your jam.
Savor the Savanna
Description: Private safari tour (food and drink included)
Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
When: Daily, 3:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. currently (times vary)
Length: 2 hours
Age Requirement: 8 years and up
Price: $189–$199 (varies by date)
Discount: 15% for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and Disney Visa cardmembers
How to Book: Online or My Disney Experience app
Park Admission Required: Yes
Cancellation Policy: Up to 1 day before