When you board Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you expect an adventure.
You expect to bounce along dirt roads, listen to your guide share stories about conservation, and maybe catch a giraffe wandering a little closer than usual. What you don’t expect is a wildlife surprise so rare that even Cast Members point it out as a “you picked the right day” moment.
That exact scenario unfolded recently when safari riders rolled past the hippo area and found the animals doing something most guests never see: lounging on land in the middle of the day, sunbathing like Florida resort tourists with nowhere to be. And it wasn’t just a quick glimpse — these hippos were sprawled out, soaking in the cool breeze and warm sunshine like they had booked a spa retreat.
A Scene Guests Almost Never See
Normally, spotting hippos on the safari means seeing little eyes blinking above the waterline or catching a quick glimpse of a mouth chomping underwater vegetation. Hippos prefer staying submerged most of the day, partly because the water helps keep them cool and protect their skin. That’s why seeing them dry and lounging in the open like this isn’t just uncommon, it’s something you simply don’t see.
One Cast Member reportedly told riders that this behavior is particularly rare during the day and usually only happens in cooler weather. And sure enough, that morning brought a chilly start in the 50s, prompting the hippos to enjoy a little warm Florida sunlight.
Got this somewhat rare sight on the safari today
byu/PurpleSpaceSurfer inWaltDisneyWorld
An Extra Layer of Disney Magic
Moments like this are why Animal Kingdom fans constantly recommend riding the safari more than once. You may have been on it 20, 30, or even 50 times, but you’ll still see something totally different each trip. And yes, sometimes it’s sleepy animals taking a break. Other times, it’s lions roaring, giraffes blocking the path, and apparently, hippos turning the savanna into their own private tanning salon.
It just goes to show that at Disney World, even the most familiar ride can surprise you — especially when nature decides to put on a show.
If you’re visiting during a cold snap, consider heading to the safari early. With animals more active in cooler temps, you never know what magical moment you might get.
