Always a fan of experiences over stuff, my Christmas gift to the guys was the Wild Africa Trek behind the scenes tour at Animal Kingdom Park during our holiday trip. The only time that we were able to reserve was the first time slot on January 1. What an exciting way to start the new year! It was also our last hurrah before heading home.
The tour starts near the Kilimanjaro Safari entrance where each participant is outfitted with vest, ear piece and a locker to stash all loose articles. We were given a strap to hold on our sunglasses and a waterbottle that attached to our vest. Hands free! I was able to wear my phone in a case around my neck; the guys left theirs in the locker. We also had a dedicated Photopass photographer with us the entire 3-hour tour. Our group was around 12 people, I believe, in groups of 2, 3 and 4, with one woman on her own since she was sick the day her family did their regularly scheduled tour.
Backstage our forest walk and zip line were in the hippo and crocodile area, which was fun to see from behind the usual viewing area. I loved the perspective of the trucks on the other side of the water. We were fastened in to make sure we didn't lean over too far and tumble into the croc waters!
From this area, you could see how back to the barn, which you can't see from anywhere along the drive. I don't think the crocs get much barn time, but the hippos and other animals do!
Finally it was time to head up to the ropes course and cross the two bridges. I knew there was one, not not two. I also didn't realize the big gaps in the spacing! You definitely had to watch your feet. There was netting below but no need to rely on that. There was a hippo sunning itself in the sand under the first bridge and crocodiles under the second. I went first, then William, then John, each spaced half a bridge apart, so I was able to get pictures of the two of them, and the Photopass did as well.
