After Dinner at Boma
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JoanW · 03-11-2005, 09:09 PM

Did I read somewhere that we can see animals at night with night vision goggles at AKL? Is there info somewhere on this?

catey · 03-11-2005, 11:00 PM

Joan,
Yes you can watch the animals with night vision goggles. I think the spot is Ashura rock, it is near the fire pit. www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/AnimalKingdomLodge2/pages/AnimalKingdomLodge2%20011.htm I believe this picture, under the umbrella is where they have the night vision stuff. I forgot the other web site that has info, but this one has some good pictures.
Catey

Pooh1219 · 03-12-2005, 03:16 AM

This is one of my favorite things to do at AKL. I think it runs from about 9 to 11 every night. You exit the hotel and go out to Arusha Rock. There are usually a couple of CMs there to answer questions and to assist you with the goggles. There's usually a line waiting to use them, so you don't have much time, but it's a wonderful experience. As you first scan the savannah in the dark, it looks eerily quiet and empty. But put on those goggles, and it all comes alive. We've seen all kinds of animals out there, and it never ceases to impress me.

JoanW · 03-12-2005, 07:24 AM

Thanks you guys! Once we see this, we are going to have to stay at AKL!

**Caldercup** · 03-12-2005, 07:48 AM

It is really lovely -- especially since you'll be sooooo full of zebra domes, you'll need the break.

My only advice, take along some bug spray or those new wipes they have. We did this one night in November and I got huge bug bites that took weeks to go away. Itchy buggers too!

By the way, you need to come up to the lobby from Boma walk to the other end of the lobby near where the giant, brightly-colored "headdress" is (you won't believe that it's a headdress, but it is!!) and then walk down the stairs to Arusha Rock (it's behind the big "picture window" with the branches across it.) You walk out past the outdoor firepit and head out to the farthest point of the rock. There's a CM there with the goggles and they will show you how to use them.

Have a blast!
Eileen

mousestruck · 03-12-2005, 08:40 AM

This is a fabulous experience, Joan! It was fairly quiet during our visit, so the CM gave us a wealth of information about the animals and a lot of time with the goggles. You and your family will totally love it. And yes, I'm certain you will want to stay at AKL after this!

millie · 03-12-2005, 10:56 AM

I thought only people staying at AKL could do this. Are you sure that it is open to everyone, regardless of where you are staying ?

mestitch · 03-12-2005, 11:14 AM

Ohhh I can't wait to get there! DH mentioned that he wondered if you could do this and now we know! We are both very excited about this.

And Eileen

you are cracking me up with how much you

those zebra domes! I can't wait to try those as well!

**Caldercup** · 03-12-2005, 06:53 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I thought only people staying at AKL could do this. Are you sure that it is open to everyone, regardless of where you are staying ?

[/ QUOTE ]

It was restricted when the resort first opened. Now it's open to anyone who comes to the resort. If you're there for just for dinner, you'll have no problem going out onto Arusha Rock.

(The only restriction I know of is going in the pool or spa. That is definitely limited to guest of that resort only.)

Eileen

loobyoxlip · 03-12-2005, 07:40 PM

We just happened to run into a CM with them. Kylor ran ahead of me on the stairs and by the time I got up there he was already standing with the CM looking out of the binoculars. The CM even gave him a photo taken with the night vision camera.

graygables · 03-15-2005, 02:16 AM

We did this on our last trip, even though we were staying at the Pop this time. There was no problem at all and we were the only ones there for awhile. Breeanna (6) had to write a paper describing an "experience" she's had and draw a picture and this was what she chose. Her picture was a hoot...2 circles filled with green animals! She nailed it!

It is absolutely amazing and the CMs there are so ready to talk about their homes. Definitely worth the trip over!