Tips for Visiting Harambe Wildlife Reserve at Disney World
Harambe Wildlife Reserve
Disclaimer-My trip to Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was discounted in exchange for reviews but all thoughts and opinions are very much my own!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite parks for so many reasons. There are so many fun things to do and see that kids of all ages (and adults) can find something to enjoy. If you haven’t visited it lately it’s grown and changed so that there’s even more to do there than there was this time last year. The scenery alone is worth the visit.
Because the animals are free to roam there is no guarantee that you will get close enough to get good photos. I love the fact that they aren’t in cages and they are enjoying their habitat so it didn’t bother me that they didn’t pose for pictures. It’s a much more natural environment than a zoo and as an animal lover that makes me happy.
The word “Harambee” means “all pull together” in Swahili and it is also the official motto of Kenya. While the Harambe Wildlife Reserve at Disney is a long way from Kenya, the animals are obviously well-cared for and you can read about the great care they get here.
My grandchildren loved seeing the animals. We went pretty early in the day so the animals were active. If you go in the heat of the day the animals are looking for shade or taking naps and you may not see as many.
There was an elephant playing with what looked like a large light pole….just tossing it around with his truck like it was nothing. I was amazed the the strength of their trunks.
This guy sure looked and acted like King of the animal kingdom. All he needed was a crown on his head to make it official.
Tips for when you visit….
- Sit on the outside so you can obtain better pictures.
- Go early in the day or after dark when the animals are most active.
- Read about the care of the animals before you go. It will give you a deeper appreciation of what the folks at Disney do to take care of the animals.
- Check Disney Parks Blog to see if any new babies are available to look for. That’s always a fun time to go!
- And get a Fast Pass because if you don’t you will be waiting in line a very long time!
Have you ever been to Harambe Wildlife Reserve? What did you like best about it?
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Thank you Claire!
This wildlife reserve looks lovely. The animals photos are beautiful 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
I agree Deb!
Amen! I’ll add that to my tips!
I did not know about your medical condition. Bless your heart. Big hugs to you and your family!
Nope, never been there. The closest we ever get to animals is Brookfriend Zoo here in Illinois and it’s been a while since I been there. Having Spinal Stenosis doesn’t let you walk much. Love your photos and family outings are fun no matter where you go I think. Thanks for sharing.
Love going on the Safari ride; every journey is different! Just make sure to fast pass it or you’ll be waiting in line a long time! 😉
The safari is my must do first thing. Always interesting and different each time.
The world has changed and I’m afraid it’s like Pandora’s Box…there’s no way to put everything back the way it was. Makes me sad that we aren’t better caretakers of the planet for future generations.
Thank you, Amanda. I hope you have a great week too!
It is a good place to view animals in a habitat close to their own. I highly recommend it!
I love it, too. No matter what we see (or don’t see) it’s still a cool trip!
We’ve been a few times and we just love that each visit is unique. Like you said you can’t be guaranteed which animals you’ll see or how close they’ll be but we are always happy to spot quite a few.
oh my! I usually am anti-Disney, but I’d go visit just to check out the magnificent animals!
That looks like an amazing time! You got some great shots of the animals. Have a great week!
I am very happy to see these animals in some semblance of a natural setting, but I am also sad that it is where most people will only ever see them as we continue to destroy their natural habitat. It seems very sad, for example, that that magnificent lion, a supreme predator, will never again be a predator. It has become pure ornamentation for humans.
Me too, Mitch!
Thanks for commenting Kristen! It is a great place to visit!
Fantastic photos! My stepson visited with his aunt & uncle this past summer. I think it was one of his favorite days visiting Animal Kingdom.
Those pictures are gorgeous! It is so hard to get good shots on that fast moving ride! So happy I can link up to you again, and so happy I met you in person!!!
Mitch
It was a great place and I’d love to go again and I hope YOU get to go someday!
Thanks so much Veronica! I loved taking them!
Aww, that’s so sweet! Aren’t 3 year olds precious!
Thanks for commenting Audrey!
Thanks Jeanna! It was fun!
I don’t believe I’ve been to any kind of wildlife preserve, but I sure would like to. Great set of photos.
Our family has always loved Animal Kingdom as well. Like you, we enjoy the fact that the animals are roaming about somewhat. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us.
My niece loved that part of Disney World. She’s three and she loves animals. She kept waving at them and trying to talk to them!
What a cool place to visit! Love the photos, Teresa.
Wow, that is so cool. That is a place that I would love to go. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
That looks like a great zoo
Nice post Teresa lovely clear photos too that lion looking very regal heheh!
Have a wildlifetastic week 🙂