Pangani Forest Exploration Trail®
Attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park
Fun Facts
Male gorillas may weigh as much as 500 lbs. But can still do one arm pull-ups with ease.
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is a self-guided walking tour of native African wildlife in Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park .
Pangani means "place of enchantment," and this exploration trail is an enchanting adventure into a lush, tropical forest and a verdant valley that are right out of the heart of Africa. Take a leisurely walk in search of rare African animals such as gorillas, hippos, okapi, naked mole rats, meerkats and many species of exotic birds.
Exotic Animal Encounters at Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
The first observation post on the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail provides the opportunity to observe Stanley Cranes; Okapi, the only known living relative of the giraffe; and Yellow-backed Duikers, a member of the antelope family.
Next, enter a hut where you can watch a fascinating colony of naked mole rats in their underground burrows from a glass observation area.
Continue into an aviary filled with many species of rare African birds such as Carmine Bee-eaters, Red-bearded Barbets and Brimstone Canaries. Some birds fly freely about, while others are ground-dwelling and roam freely on the floor of the aviary.
As you amble along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, don't miss the hippos! See these colossal beasts move through the water with effortless grace at an underwater glass viewing area.
Another popular animal to observe is the Meerkat. Check out the Meerkats' antics as you overlook an African grassland savannah that is also home to several types of grazing animals such as Gunther's dik-diks, Thomson's gazelles and Gerenuk.
One of the major highlights of the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail comes towards the end of the trail: an encounter with a troop of Lowland gorillas. Did you know the Lowland gorillas are vegetarians, non-violent and that 98% of their DNA is identical to human DNA?
View these magnificent creatures up close from one of several viewing areas that overlook the multiple habitats for these endangered species. Be on the lookout for the massive silverback males and their families. As your visit to the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail draws to a close, you will indeed have experienced a wondrous "place of enchantment."
The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is located in the Africa area of the Theme Park. It begins near the Kilimanjaro Safaris and ends near the Harambe station of the Wildlife Express Train .
Guest Policies
- Video Captioning is available on selected monitors in this attraction. Please visit Guest Relations to obtain an activator.
- Guests may remain in their wheelchair, motorized scooter or ECV to experience the attraction.
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Quick Tips
- Customized Maps allow you to create a map that highlights your favorite attractions—from thrilling to romantic to classic—in each one of the 4 Disney theme parks , including Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park . Submit your selections and receive a free, full-color, keepsake-quality map delivered to your home.
- Avoid crowds and long lines, board some of the more popular attractions faster and experience more time in select Disney Theme Parks during special extended Park hours, called Extra Magic Hours . Each day, one of the Theme Parks opens an hour early or stays open up to 3 hours after regular Park closing, as one of the many benefits to Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel .
- To reduce the time spent in line at new attractions, arrive at Disney′s Animal Kingdom theme park early and get a Disney′s FASTPASS reservation ticket.
- Some attractions offer a Rider Swap option. Rider Swap is when Guests take turns waiting with youngsters too small to ride a certain attraction then "swapping" with another Guest from their party to experience the ride without standing in line twice. See a Cast Member for additional information.
- Single and double-passenger strollers are available to rent at Disney Theme Parks. Quantities are limited and subject to availability. The Length of Stay Rental Ticket Option allows for multiple-day rentals. Baby Care Centers, where you can change and feed your baby, are located within each Theme Park.
