Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most unique resorts at Walt Disney World. Located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, the theme for the resort is an African safari lodge, inspired by traditional African kraals (villages arranged in a circular design) and centered around savannas filled with live animals. The resort is built around four savannas, which total over 40 acres total. The savannas house over 200 animals and birds, representing over 30 African species.

Disney employs wildlife specialists and cultural representatives from various African countries to educate guests about the animals and their habitats. The animals are managed under the same animal-care standards as Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The lodge’s animals also participate in AZA Species Survival Plans (SSPs), cooperative breeding, and genetic diversity programs.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is divided into two parts: the main building, Jambo House, and the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) part, Kidani Village, which houses their villas. Being the main resort, Jambo House is home to their two flagship restaurants, Jiko – The Cooking Place and Boma – Flavors of Africa.

Jiko – The Cooking Place
My very first meal on Disney World resort property was Jiko – The Cooking Place. Located in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jiko is a blend of traditional African, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. The food here is flavorful and adventurous. The Moroccan-spiced Lamb Shank was flavorful and super tender. The Potjie Pot, which features Chocolate Custard, Lemon-Olive Oil Cake, Whipped Caramel, Cocoa Nib Crunch, and Cherries, is one of the best chocolate cakes that I’ve ever had.

Boma – Flavors of Africa
Boma – Flavors of Africa is the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s other sit-down restaurant. It’s a buffet, but don’t knock it until you try it. For $58 per person, you are treated to a fantastic buffet with a mix of American and African cuisines. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone – from your most adventurous to your most pickiest of eaters. We were treated to a feast of Tamarind BBQ Pork Ribs, African Spiced Beef Striploin, Oxtail Stew, Banana Leaf Wrapped Salmon, and Sweet Corn Pudding, amongst others. The dessert is also to die for – make sure you try the bread pudding!

Sanaa
Sanaa is located in Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort, which is the DVC (Disney Vacation Club) villa section of the Animal Kingdom Resort. Sanaa combines traditional African-inspired cooking with Indian flavors. For our appetizer, of course we had to order their signature dish, the Indian-Style Bread Service with five breads and nine accompaniments. This was such a hearty and fun appetizer. I really enjoyed just mixing and matching all the different “breads” and “sauces’. I also highly recommend the African Mai Tai, which features STARR African Rum and is a great spin on the traditional Mai Tai.

Bonus Mention – Tiffins Restaurant
Tiffins, located inside the Animal Kingdom Park. Tiffins features a globetrotting menu with 3 elegant dining rooms honoring the spirit of Africa and Asia. The name, “Tiffins”, refers to the metal lunchboxes used by travelers and workers in India, a fitting symbol for the restaurant’s theme of travel, exploration, and discovery. The decor celebrates the expeditions and fieldwork that Disney’s Imagineers went on while researching Animal Kingdom’s design. I loved that we could have Indian Bread Service paired with Andean Beef Short Rib with Peruvian-inspired flavors and Shrimp & Grits with South African Mealie Pap and Peri-Peri Shrimp. A little bit of everything – and perhaps some of the best spiced meals on Disney property.