Animal Kingdom Lodge is a standout, even among Disney World's unique resorts, and one of the things that makes it special is the food options available for both hotel guests and anyone visiting the Orlando parks.
The resort offers a tapestry of dining venues inspired by and celebrating the flavors and traditions of Africa.
From signature table‑service restaurants with panoramas of grazing wildlife to relaxed pool bars and quick‑service counters, each location invites guests on a culinary safari that complements the resort’s stunning savanna vistas.
Jiko: The Cooking Place
Stepping into Jiko – The Cooking Place feels like entering an open‑air African kitchen at sunset.
Warm red and gold lighting bathes the dining room, while twin wood‑burning ovens and an open show kitchen set the stage for inventive dishes that marry African, Indian, and Mediterranean influences.
Guests often begin their meal with the restaurant’s celebrated giraffe‑patterned bread service, served alongside Bobotie‑fruit‑infused butter.
Next, indulge in signature entrées such as the slow‑cooked Botswanan Sesis short ribs or an oak‑grilled filet mignon finished with bone‑marrow crust and a decadent chocolate‑red‑wine demi‑glace.
Complementing the menu is Jiko’s world‑class selection of South African wines.
Savanna view tables close to the windows are always in very high demand, and it is strongly recommended that guests make their reservations as soon as possible (when the booking window opens for Disney World resort guests, 60 days in advance of your stay).
We are Guests: resort guides
- Getting around Disney World from Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Top things to do at Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Plan your travel day to Animal Kingdom Lodge
Boma: Flavors of Africa
Boma is a very popular Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurant, but in contrast to the designed elegance of Jiko, this dining spot is inspired by the bustling spirit of an African marketplace.
Under thatched roof, in the open dining room, guests enjoy an all‑you‑care‑to‑enjoy buffet that showcases a varied feast - including soups, hearty stews, and slow‑roasted meats alongside vibrant salads and breads.
Dinner at Boma is a sensory feast. Guests can enjoy fragrant options like Tunisian seafood stew and Kate Melayu lamb curry.
There are carving‑stations with flavorsome tastes like the tamarind‑honey‑glazed pork ribs and Durban‑style roasted chicken, plus decadent desserts like Zebra Domes and cranberry‑orange bread pudding.
Sanaa
Perched atop Kidani Village - the Disney Vacation Club section of Animal Kingdom Lodge - with sweeping views of the Sunset Savannah, Sanaa is designed to capture the spirit of the historic trade routes between East Africa and India.
Lanterns suspended from tree‑like columns cast a gentle glow over an intimate dining room, setting the mood for dishes that brim with spice and tradition.
The menu features popular Indian‑style breads - nine freshly baked breads accompanied by chutneys ranging from sweet mango to fiery cilantro‑mint.
Many guests love the entrées like the rich butter chicken and aromatic lamb, while the option to reserve window seating at sunset gives early planners a very Instagrammable reward.
If you can't get an elusive advance dining reservation, the Sanaa Lounge next door serves up many of the same flavors in shareable small plates, which makes it an ideal fallback for more impulsive last‑minute dining.
The Mara
Nestled on the ground floor of Jambo House, The Mara is home to a relaxed quick‑service area framed by banyan‑tree motifs and large windows.
Here, the menu features African‑inspired bowls and platters alongside flatbreads, sandwiches, and classic American fare.
Zebra Domes and flamingo‑tinted cakes in the grab‑and‑go bakery make for perfect savanna‑side treats.
During peak hours, guests can Mobile Order through the My Disney Experience app, which is a savvy choice to bypass lines.
Cape Town Lounge & Wine Bar
Right next to Jiko’s entrance, the Cape Town Lounge & Wine Bar offers guests a refined yet comfortable retreat for relaxed evenings.
A curated selection of Jiko’s small plates is available alongside South African wine flights.
House‑crafted cocktails like the Kanu Old‑Fashioned and Seychelles Martini deliver extra flair.
Explore the Cape Town Lounge menu here
Victoria Falls Lounge
Rising above Boma on Jambo House’s second level, Victoria Falls Lounge overlooks the lobby’s cascading waterfall and the bustle of buffet service below.
Plush seating and intimate tables invite guests to indulge with over speciality cocktails such as the Prickly Pear Mule or the Mount Kilimanjaro Margarita.
Small bites complement the drink menu, and seating along the glass railing offers the best vantage point to watch water tumble through the lobby’s dramatic three‑story atrium.
Explore the Victoria Falls Lounge menu here
Uzima Springs Pool Bar
At the edge of Uzima Springs Pool, the main aquatic hub of Jambo House, the open‑air pool bar keeps guests refreshed under the sun and stars.
A rotating selection of African beers and boutique wines pairs with poolside cocktails such as the Safari Mudslide, made with Amarula cream.
Frozen lemonades and smoothies provide a family‑friendly option, and Mobile Order makes it easy to summon icy treats directly to your lounge chair.
Explore the Uzima Springs menu here
Maji Pool Bar
Over at Kidani Village’s Samawati Springs Pool, the Maji Pool Bar serves as a colorful oasis for families.
Guests can sip daiquiris and non‑alcoholic smoothies beneath shady umbrellas while children delight in a three‑tiered splash pad just steps away.
Ordering at the outdoor window lets families minimize wait times and maximize their poolside enjoyment.
Explore the Maji menu herecomfortable
Sanaa Lounge
Adjacent to the main dining room, Sanaa Lounge extends the restaurant’s signature flavors to walk‑in guests.
Lounge seating fills quickly, but placing a drink order often secures your spot on the cozy benches and stools, making it an ideal destination for spontaneous evenings.
Savanna Views and Dining Adventures
Whether you choose the refined elegance of Jiko, the spirited buffet at Boma, the fast‑casual charm of The Mara, or one of the resort’s many lounges and pool bars, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge provides a dining experience as varied and vibrant as the wildlife roaming its grounds.
Each venue invites guests to explore new flavors and share stories beneath the same endless African sky, transforming every meal into a memorable adventure.
Thoughts on Animal Kingdom Lodge dining
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge stands apart as both a wildlife sanctuary and a culinary safari, where every meal, from Jiko’s elegant African‑Mediterranean creations to Boma’s vibrant marketplace buffet, to Sanaa’s spice‑laden specialties, the quick‑service gems of The Mara and the relaxed charm of its lounges and pool bars, offer a unique taste of the savanna.
By planning ahead to secure savanna‑view seating, leveraging Mobile Order for quick bites, and sharing plates to sample more flavors, you’ll unlock the full breadth of this resort’s dining magic.
We are Guests: resort guides
- Getting around Disney World from Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Top things to do at Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Plan your travel day to Animal Kingdom Lodge
