Here’s a guide to the eating options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — both Kidani Village and Jambo House — especially useful if you’re traveling with kids. I’ll break it down by type (quick‑service, sit‑down, lounges, etc.), what to expect, standout dishes, and tips so your family can eat well without stress.
Overview: Kidani vs Jambo
- Kidani Village is more peaceful, villas‑style, with beautiful views of the savanna. It has fewer eat‑in restaurants, so you’ll rely more on what’s there or make your way to Jambo House.
- Jambo House has more variety: buffets, signature dining, quick service, lounges, pool bars, etc. Good if you want more flexibility.
- There is internal resort transportation (shuttle) between Kidani and Jambo.
Kidani Village Dining Options
Sanaa
- Sanaa is the main table‑service (plus breakfast “quick‑service” style) restaurant at Kidani. It’s best known for its African‑Indian fusion cuisine.
- Breakfast (“Kuamsha Breakfast”) offers more classic breakfast items (eggs, bacon, waffles, etc.), pastries, grab‑and‑go items. Great to fuel up before park days.
- Lunch & Dinner: More adventurous. Highlights include the famous bread service (multiple breads + dipping sauces), curries, African spices, plant‑based options, etc. It’s more upscale than a theme park counter‑service, but very kid‑friendly if they’re OK with trying new flavors.
- The dining room overlooks the savanna, so animals like giraffes, zebras, etc., may be visible from your table. That tends to be a big hit with kids.
Maji Pool Bar
- For more informal snacking or a relaxed lunch by the pool, Kidani has Maji Pool Bar. It offers light fare (sandwiches, snacks) and drinks. Simple, convenient if you’re staying on property and want something casual.
In‑Room Dining
- There is also an in‑room (room service) menu at Kidani Village. If you want something relaxing, late at night, or not wanting to move out of the villa, this can be handy.
Jambo House Dining Options
This area has more variety, and good if you want more casual or budget‑friendly vs fancy meals.
The Mara (Quick Service)
- Open for breakfast through dinner, and grab‑and‑go items. Offers classic & kid friendly items (burgers, chicken tenders, flatbreads, etc.), plus some more adventurous African‑inspired choices.
- Also good for snacks, late evening treats, etc. If you need a quick bite after a long park day, this is your best bet at Jambo.
Boma – Flavors of Africa
- Buffet style restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Very kid‑friendly in that there usually are some “safe” food options (scrambled eggs, bacon, simpler items) alongside more adventurous dishes.
- Dinner is a little more of a feast—lots of choices, meats, vegetarian options, soups, salads, etc. Don’t skip the Zebra Domes for dessert; very popular.
Jiko – The Cooking Place
- Signature / fine dining. More upscale, open for dinner. If you want something special (kids may be slower, so this works best when not in a rush), this is your pick. Seafood, steak, vegetarian dishes, bold flavors, great wine list. Eat
Lounges and Bars
- Victoria Falls Lounge (Jambo): Good if you want something quieter, maybe a drink, small plates, relaxation.
- Sanaa Lounge (Kidani) adjacent to Sanaa: lighter fare, cocktails, and sometimes the Indian Bread Service. Great for a snack or appetizer rather than a full meal.
Pool Bars
- Uzima Springs Pool Bar at Jambo House: Light snacks, drinks. Great if the kids want to swim and you want something casual.
What Kids Will Like & What to Consider
- If your kids are picky, The Mara is safest: simple favorites, build‑your‑own, first choice for quicker meals.
- For adventurous kids (or for family sharing), Sanaa’s bread service is fun and interactive. Also trying flavors at Boma is a good experience.
- Meals at Jiko or Boma will take more time; plan that in. Dinner especially at signature/fine dining places usually takes longer.
- Timing matters: early dinner or late lunch can be less busy, so less waiting. For more popular places (like Sanaa dinner or Boma dinner), reservations ahead are strongly recommended.
Sample Daily Dining Plan for a Family
Here’s how a day might go, using the dining options to balance ease, flavor, and fun:
| Time | Where | What to Expect / Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | The Mara or Kidani’s Sanaa ‑ Kuamsha | Quick, kid‑friendly to start the day. |
| Mid‑morning snack | Maji Pool Bar or grab fruit / bakery items at The Mara | Keep energy up without over‑doing it. |
| Lunch | Sanaa table service or The Mara | If you have reservations, Sanaa is fun; otherwise quick and easy at Mara. |
| Afternoon break | Pool bar (either Jambo or Kidani) or lounge snacks | Gives everyone a chance to relax. |
| Dinner | Boma or Jiko | Boma is more casual; Jiko more special. Or split: one night Boma, one night Jiko. |
| Dessert or late snack | Zebra Domes at Boma, bread service at Sanaa, or sweets from The Mara | Something fun to finish the evening. |