I agree make it your first ride and don't get intimated by the long line waiting for the queue to open(the queue line itself is soooo long). We usually get inline right before the ride opens and we've have never waited more than 20 minutes to get on the ride.The Safari typically isn't open for early entry and sometimes it's not even open at park open. For example if the park opens at 8, the safari would open at 8:30. It varies but I recommend lining up when you first enter the park anyway. The animals are more active in the morning due to it not being as hot.
As the PP mentioned, the Safaris may start later than park open on certain days. It may also close earlier. But it is scheduled to operate continuously from when it opens until when it closes. This webpage shows the average wait times at various times of the day.Without early access, what’s the best time to try the Safari?
Does it continuously run or only at certain times?
I will say that last time, we did the safari around 3:00, and the animals were super present and active. My daughter said it was probably the best safari of quite a few trips. So don’t count out going later.
Yes, I did it early a few weeks ago and there was a lot missing. Saw no giraffes, wildebeest, kudu, bongo, ostrich, only 1 elephant. Did see 2 lions. Went in the afternoon (15-20 minute wait) and saw all those things and many elephants, but not lions.I will say that last time, we did the safari around 3:00, and the animals were super present and active. My daughter said it was probably the best safari of quite a few trips. So don’t count out going later.
We usually end up doing it late morning or in the afternoon and see a lot of animals and a lot of activity (disabled daughter with a lot to do to get her ready means we don't get going too fast).Yes, I did it early a few weeks ago and there was a lot missing. Saw no giraffes, wildebeest, kudu, bongo, ostrich, only 1 elephant. Did see 2 lions. Went in the afternoon (15-20 minute wait) and saw all those things and many elephants, but not lions.