Your entrance into Africa is through the
friendly, welcoming village of Harambe. Harambe is Swahili for
“come together”.
Interestingly enough, this village is a combination of a number of some of
the favorite places in Africa found by Disney Imagineers whilst on a scouting trip for
Animal Kingdom’s Africa.
Some of these snippets include a fortress found in Zanzibar and a faux
water-stained, crumbling old building and private home that were originally seen in Kenya. The thatched huts
found throughout this community were constructed by thirteen Zulu craftspeople from South
Africa. The
quaint village area was designed to resemble an East African port that caters to tourists
prior to their safari excursions (i.e. Kilimanjaro Safari). This bustling port
includes a “hotel”, restaurants, an outdoor bar complete with live entertainment
and the marketplace. Cast
Members/villagers are dressed in colorful, authentic African costumes to add to the
atmosphere.
Your Disney safari experience will take you on a
journey chasing poachers as you cross the savannah dotted with 34 different species of
birds and animals. Following
your safari, tour the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and be entertained by the
silverback gorillas.
The Wildlife Express steam-powered train cuts through the savannah to
Conservation Station where you’ll find an interactive center designed to educate as
well as entertain. Points
of interest along the train route include the buildings where the animals are kept at
night so that they may be checked out medically and fed. The 1.2-mile train
ride is wheelchair accessible.
Assistive Listening Devices are available for guests who are hearing
impaired, check with Guest Services for more information.
As per the village atmosphere of Harambe, there are a
number of refreshment/dining establishments. The “Tusker House
Restaurant” offers fried chicken, beef stew, turkey sandwiches, prime rib, lasagna,
vegetable sandwiches and salads. At Mr. Kamal’s
Burger Grill, you can grab a hamburger and beverage for a quick bite. Specialty coffees and
delicious baked goods are served at the “Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery”. Fresh fruit and juices
are found at the “Harambe Fruit Market”. The “Tamu Tamu
Refreshments” stand offers frozen treats and drinks. You can be entertained
by live African music as you sit enjoying cocktails and munching on snacks at the
“Dawa Bar”.
No village would be complete without its
marketplace and shops, and the Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders” will not
disappoint you. Kilimanjaro
Safari souvenirs and apparel, T-shirts, hats, gourds, carvings and jewelry, are but a few
of the many gifts and souvenirs offered here. |
