Information
Wanyama is Chessington’s African area in the form of a large animal reserve and Tribal Village. Opening in 2013 as part of the park’s 5-year modernisation plan. This began in 2009 and aimed to give the park a more wild image. As well as this, the park looked to add more to the park, with the construction of Zufari: Ride into Africa opening.
Zufari – Ride into Africa is the key attraction, a safari truck adventure through an undiscovered area of Africa. Making up part of the Zufari landscape is the Wanayama Village and Reserve, an African-themed area of the zoo.
The Wanyama Reserve takes centre stage as the backdrop to Chessington’s Safari Hotel. The Zufari trail sits high up within the reserve, mostly hidden away from onlooking hotel guests. Because Zufari is 22 acres, it plays host to a wide array of animals from Africa. The land provides multiple opportunities to come close to animals naturally. This enables guests to observe behaviours perhaps not typically seen in a traditional zoo setting.
Split into two areas, the Village area is home to some of Chessington’s smaller African mammals. As well as this, the larger reserve at the top of the land features an assortment of larger species. Giraffes and even Rhino call the reserve home.
All buildings and themes in the area are themed after a traditional African tribal village. The walls are stylised to look like authentic dried mud huts. Timber frames and thatched roofs bring the details of the land to life. They are extensively used to help add authenticity.
In 2021 re-development took place to remove some older retired animal enclosures in the village with an adventure playground. It also saw upgrades to the Zufari ride finale with new lighting and effects.
Rides & Attractions
There are a host of rides & attractions throughout Chessington World of Adventures. The rides in this area are detailed below, for more information on the other attractions at the park, please click here.
Zufari: Ride Into Africa!
Animal Habitats
Ankole Cattle
- Wanyama Village & Reserve
- The Ankole Cattle is a breed of cattle from Africa, known for their large horns. They are raised for their milk and hides suited to dry climates.
Blesbok
- Wanyama Village & Reserve
- The Blesbok is an antelope from southern Africa, recognized for their white blaze on their face. They live in herds, grazing on grasses and shrubs.
Common Eland
- Wanyama Village & Reserve
- The Common Eland is a large African antelope known for its distinctive spiral horns and large size. They are found in savannas and woodland.
Greater Flamingo
- Wanyama Village & Reserve
- The Greater Flamingo is a large species of flamingo found in Africa, Asia, and Europe. They are known for their distinctive pink plumage.
Grevy's Zebra
- Wanyama Village & Reserve
- Grevy's Zebra is the largest and most endangered species. They are distinguished by their narrow stripes and white belly.
Ostrich
- Wanyama Village & Reserve
- The ostrich is the largest bird in the world, native to Africa. They are flightless and have long, powerful legs for running at high speeds.
Rothschild Giraffe
- Wanyama Village & Reserve
- The Rothschild Giraffe is found in East Africa. They are known for their distinctive coat pattern, with large white spaces between dark patches.
Sitatunga
- Wanyama Village & Reserve
- The Sitatunga is an antelope found in central and eastern Africa. They are known for their elongated hooves. Their reddish-brown coat is waterproof.
Southern White Rhino
- Wanyama Village & Reserve
- The Southern White Rhino is a large species found in southern Africa. They are characterized by their two horns and can weigh up to 2,300 kg.