Disney notables to lead African safari

Adventures by Disney is now booking a South African safari that features famed imagineer Joe Rohde and Dr. Mark Penning, vice president of animals, science and environment for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, as traveling companions.

The adults-only trip, set for late this year, is tied to the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Rohde, one of the masterminds behind Animal Kingdom, has used his experiences as a world traveler to form attractions at Disney.

“For over a quarter of a century, I’ve been taking people to Africa who never dreamed they would ever go to Africa ... architects and landscape designers, interior designers and writers. All of this to create Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” Rohde says in a video to promote the trip, which costs $11,499 per person.

Adventures by Disney is a traveloriented branch of Walt Disney Co. The South African safari, which lasts 10 days and nine nights, includes sketching sessions with Rohde, wildlife and culture talks by Penning, a South African wine tasting, visits to an elephant park, Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Boulder Beach (home of African penguins), Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope.

Rohde and Penning will “share their stories, expertise and passion through special activities and presentations that true Disney fans will treasure,” the Adventures by Disney website says.

For more information or to make reservation, call 1-800-543-0865.