Guests experience Kilimanjaro Safaris in a new way including up-close views of the hippo enclosure ( left ) and the crocodile pit ( right ). PHOTOS BY TATJANA LAZAR
Wave to the park guests on the regular safari . PHOTO BY TATJANA LAZAR
Relieved , I had my husband snap a quick shot of me in my snazzy safety harness , complete with a complimentary water bottle , name pin , and headset to help me hear every extraordinary detail our guide would impart .
HEADING OUT The first leg of the tour took us on a short walking path along the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail that quickly deviated onto a private path behind a gate . I felt like a secret agent sneaking into a backstage area in all my spy gear . Well , me and the eight other people on our tour , plus our two fabulous guides .
After making our way through the forested path and learning some interesting details about the animals along the way , we ended up on an overhang looking down into the hippopotamus enclosure .
This is where we got our first crack at using our safety gear . A line running from our vests back to a structure would keep us from falling into the hippo pool . We were then allowed to lean over the edge and watch as our guides threw delicious heads of romaine lettuce down into the mouths of the hippos below .
It was incredible to get this kind of unobstructed view of the animals , along with detailed information about their anatomy and ample time to snap pics .
THE PIT OF DELIGHT Next came the most extreme portion of this guided tour : the hanging bridges over the crocodile pit . When our guides asked who would be brave enough to cross first , my hand shot up a la Hermione Granger .
Strapped into the wires overhead , I began a leisurely walk across the first swaying bridge . Not only did I get an incredible view of the prehistoric creatures below , but I also caught several Kilimanjaro Safaris vehicles passing by . Next time you ride this attraction , look up over the crocodile pit , and you ’ ll spot the bridges of the Wild Africa Trek .
Once my whole group made their way across the bridges , we were again strapped into wires to safely lean out over the crocodile pit while our guides imparted facts .