Disney’s Animal Kingdom photos

Guests on the Trek get an up-close-and-above view of Nile hippos. While tethered, guests can lean over the bluff about 15 feet over the animals (who aren’t good climbers).  (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel)

Step one involves safety gear and instructions amid an area surrounded by bamboo. Previously, guests were not allowed in this area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel)

Michael Colglazier, vice president for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, maneuvers across the rope bridge, which crosses over the Safi River -- and the path of safari vehicles.  (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel)

The first of two rope bridges.  (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel)

The second rope bridge of the guided tour goes above crocodiles. Note the broken-board look (and the safety net right below).  (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel)

Safarigoers won’t necessarily notice Trekkers up in the forest. The tour also includes the safari, but with additional stops for more time to admire the animals of the savannah.  (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel)

The newly constructed Boma Landing awaits folks on the Wild Africa Trek.  (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel)

Carvings and African decor are part of Boma Landing.  (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel)

Boma Landing has both covered and open-air areas to observe nature (and the safari) in action. Binoculars are provided.  (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel)

At Boma Landing, there’s a panoramic view of the savannah. This direction features flamingos and elephants. A snack is served at Boma, and the tour stops here for about 30 minutes.  (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel)

Etchings of various animals are in the posts of Boma Landing.  (Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A herd of Zebras aclimate to their new surroundings in a backstage area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Friday, September 28, 2012. The animals will become a part of the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the savanna attraction that features live Africa-based animals such giraffes, elephants and rhinos.   (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)