Visiting the lodge is in itself an attraction that should not be missed. The giant dormer windows that allow the lobby to be filled with natural light during the day, provide for a spectacular evening sunset view that stretches over the animal-filled savannah. The hotel also showcases approximately 380 museum-quality pieces of authentic African art.
The lodge’s signature restaurant, Jiko, which is Swahili for ‘The Cooking Place’ has enchanted diners since it’s opening in April 2001. The 235-seat dining room surrounds the twin wood-burning ovens of the open kitchen adding to the sights and scents enhancing the overall dining experience.
The versatile African cuisine borrows flavors from its multi-cultural influences; grilled meats from the British, vineyards from the French, curries from India an Asia and stews from the native Africans. These international flavors are apparent in their varied menu selections of Pomegranate-glazed Quails, Baked Buttermilk-Curry Shrimp and Pan-roasted Monkfish. Equally imaginative are the appetizers. Some of the restaurant’s specialties are, Kalamata olive flatbread, which comes with three African dipping sauces and the marinated ‘Ahi’ Tuna topped with heirloom beans, black barley and Zough yogurt sauce.
Boasting one the largest selections of South African wines in the country, Jiko offers a distinctive list of exclusive wines that are rarely found in the United States. The private Cape Town Wine Room, which can seat up to 40 guests displays a unique collection of handcrafted wine sculptures. The majority of the 65 or so vintages, mostly from boutique wineries are served by the glass. With the similarities in climate, South Africa produces grape varientals and flavors that are similar to those produced along the northern coast of California.
Jiko
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
407-WDW-DINE
