On Friday of our trip, we will be popping into AK from about 10 am to 2 or so…but then we will head over to AKL to grab a bite to eat at Mara. We have never been to AKL. So, aside from looking out over the Savannah and checking out the lobby area, are there any other perhaps out of the way things worth seeing while we are there. We are only talking a couple hours max there…filling time before our room ready text back at Boardwalk.
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Jambo House has what I consider the most interesting gift shop I’ve seen in any of the Disney resorts. Definitely worth a look around.
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They sometimes also have African drummers or craftsmen doing demonstrations.
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They have the largest collection of African art outside of the African continent. This is spread out all throughout the hallways and hallway intersections. They even have a tour every day (I think) at 11am that is specific to the artwork.
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. It’s definitely one of, if not the, best resort gift shop
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We included a stop there in 2019 on our tour resorts evening. As someone who visited Kenya in 1998, I’ve since appreciated more authentic representations over what one may see on a local zoo, etc. I loved the lodge. There were docents there and drummers and we got a nice taste of viewing. I’ll never be able to afford to stay there, but it was an evening well spent. I hope you enjoy it!
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Love AKL! One of my favorite things to do is to try and get one of the rocking chairs off the lobby, outside, under the over hang, and just sit. I usually grab a glass of wine as well. It’s a very relaxing spot just to take it all in and you feel like you are worlds away. Enjoy!
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When you grab food at the Mara be sure to walk some paths around the pools so that you can get closer to some of the animals. There are flamingos and a savannah viewing area. I recommend the high lookouts over the Savannah (lobby level) but also the “on the ground” lookouts. The Arusha Rock lookout often had a keeper there.
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Done this and highly recommend it!
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The time of doesn’t work out for us this trip…but I will keep in mind for a future trip.
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Get zebra domes when you go to Mara 
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Do you have to sign up for the tour? Is there a fee? I checked the Disney website, but I couldn’t find anything about it.
It is probably only listed on the activities list for the resort itself…there are copies of those posted here:
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Free
Meet at the medallion by the front doors. Tour steps off at 11
Sweet, thanks! My 60 days is coming up soon, and I think I’m going to schedule breakfast at Boma and then do the art tour on my morning off. (I’m going to MVMCP that evening.)
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I spent a very fun afternoon recently at AKL and it was great! They had the cultural ambassadors back and there were different activities scheduled around both buildings. Each activity had a cool bead that went with it and you could collect all 8 throughout the afternoon and they tied them onto a string for you. (think key chain style) It was a lot of fun and totally free. We learned about animals, african music and sports. I saw kids and adults doing the activities. It was super fun. They were scheduled and took place between 10 am and 6 or 7pm ish.
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