From the Savanna: Adventure Guide Craig Shares Insights on the Adventures by Disney South Africa Trip

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Anyone who has been on an Adventures by Disney vacation will tell you that what makes the experience extra-special is the incredible service and expertise of our Adventure Guides. Not only are they knowledgeable and entraining hosts, but they are also fantastic storytellers who bring each destination to life like only Disney can do.

In celebration of last week’s premiere of Disney’s “The Lion King,” we asked Adventure Guide Craig — a native of South Africa and self-proclaimed super fan of the original animated classic — to share some insights and lion fun facts from his experience on the Adventures by Disney South Africa vacation. Craig has been guiding this 10-day tour for 11 years and loves sharing the magic of his homeland with our guests, including everything from the beautiful capital city of Cape Town to exotic wildlife like lions and elephants on safari.

What are your favorite activities on the South Africa itinerary?

• Riding the aerial cableway to the summit of Table Mountain in Cape Town — the views are spectacular!
• Visiting Knysna Elephant Park, the first elephant orphanage in South Africa, for dinner and a special chance to get up-close to these gentle giants.
• Setting out on a three-day safari in search of the “big five”: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo.

What is your favorite part about this trip, particularly when taking guests on the three-day safari at Kapama River Lodge and private game reserve?

I love seeing guests reconnect with nature during their time on safari. It is a unique privilege to observe these animals in their natural habitat, and seeing the wonders of nature first-hand often inspires guests to become more involved in wildlife conservation once they’ve returned home. It is truly a life-changing experience. Another highlight for me is seeing how much fun the kids have making and bonding with new friends during this trip!

What do guests find most surprising when they see animals in the wild for the first time while on safari?

Many guests are surprised by the rare opportunity to see how these amazing creatures behave in their natural habitat. Even though we are right there in the safari truck, the animals go about their business as if nothing is out of the ordinary. It’s breathtaking, like stepping into a scene from a documentary – but in real life! 

Who should consider going on an Adventures by Disney South Africa trip?

I’ve guided guests of all ages on this itinerary and everyone always has an amazing time! Parents love getting to experience this unforgettable, bucket-list trip with their children –especially those who love animals, nature and the great outdoors. But we also have adult-only departures with special activities created just for guests aged 18 and older, which are a great option for young adults vacationing with their parents, extended families, couples or groups of friends.

In honor of the return of our favorite Pride Rock lions to the big screen… What are some fun facts about lions that people may not know?

• The male lion has the loudest roar of all cats and can be heard five miles away! 
• Male lions are the only of the big cat species to have manes. 
• Lions are the only big cat species to live in groups.

Now through July 31, you can enter to win the vacation of a lifetime in South Africa! Just share a photo of your pet on Instagram with the hashtags #ShowMeYourHouseLion and #Sweepstakes to be entered to win, then follow and tag @AdventuresbyDisney. For more information, visit www.showmeyourhouselion.com.

To learn more about this vacation, explore the Adventures by Disney South Africa itinerary. 

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