Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village has a little island oasis full of amenities for any age located on the West side of the resort. There are two ways to enter the Samawati Springs Pool area. The main entrance is located in the resort lobby, the second found in the Rafiki parking area. When you first enter the Samawati Springs Pool area you will comes to what looks like a thatched hut, here you will find restrooms and the Survival of the Fittest Center.
When you past the Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center from the lobby entrance you find the first of two hot tubs. This adult area is separated from the rest of the Samawati Springs amenities, which gives you quitter place to soak as well as an easy access to the hot tub for those quick after park breaks.
Continuing down the path (there are some steps) you come to an important choice to make, do you take the slide down to the pool or do you continue walking. Personally, I would go with the slide. The large water slide is perfect for all ages equipped with twists and turns. If you are looking to get a picture of a rider, the best place is to stand on the bridge and wait for them to come down. At the bottom of the slide (or just a few more steps down the path), you will reach the Samawati Springs pool. The pool does have a second water slide. Although any age can go on the slide, it is geared for younger ages.
In the center, area of the lagoon there is a zero-entry pool entrance. Keep an eye out during the day for some fun pool activities that are hosted in this area. Activities could include Pool Side Trivia and kiddie games like ‘Find the Duck”. Check your watch because when the lifeguards change shifts, they give a big farewell and welcome with a mini dance party. Everyone is welcome to join in the dancing fun.
On the far end of the pool, you will behind some seating area you will find the second hot tub.
No pool area is complete without a pool bar. Maji Pool bar is a great place to grab a drink and some Animal Kingdom Lodge style food. Waiters from Maji Pool bar also walk around and can take orders and deliver to you while you relax in the sun. Make sure you try Pumba’s Dirt Cup dessert, a super delicious sweet treat and a whole family favorite.
Behind the Maji Pool Bar is Pembe Overlook. It is a great viewing area to see some of Africa’s wildlife such as Okapi. You never know when and where you might find animals so make sure you visit often. I like looking for wildlife while eating s’mores. You can roast marshmallows over a campfire in the evenings near this animal viewing area. Marshmallows are free of charge and s’more kits are available for purchase.
The final area in the Unwanja Camp. This is where kids get to be kids and adults get to be kids at heart. On the left side is your try playground, Anja. Here kids get to climb, jump and play. There is also a ping-pong table. The Kiddie pool is over here as well. This is a small pool with a zero-entry entrance and only a few inches of water. The right side has a water slide and splash pad. This is a perfect way to cool off but beware things will spray, shoot and dump water on you. If that doesn’t get you wet, you can always just stand under one of the waterfalls!
Overall Samawati Springs is a great way to spend the day or a few hours during your stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village. With its Samawati Spring, two water slides, Unwanja Camp, two hot tubs, kiddie pool, Anja (playground), Maji Pool Bar, wildlife viewing area and pool side activities, there is never a dull moment.