Looking for a unique experience in Kakadu? We have the answer! A Kakadu Animal Tracks Safari is part Aboriginal culture experience, part wildlife safari, and part bush tucker dinner. Kid-friendly? No question!
Kakadu Animal Tracks Safari
What is an Animal Tracks Safari?
An Animal Tracks Safari is a chance to get hands-on (yes, that means dirty!) learning about Aboriginal culture and bushcraft. You spend the afternoon and evening in the Kakadu bush gathering food, supplies, and medicines. At sunset, the group settles in the Gindjala (Goose Camp) wetland to prepare the meal. While you eat, what seems like millions of magpie geese fly in huge wedges overhead as they return to the safety of the wetlands for the night.
The safari takes place on the Kakadu Buffalo Farm, which is Aboriginal-owned land closed to other tours. You feel remote! The location is also an excellent reminder that the Bininj/Mungguy people still live and thrive in Kakadu today.
A non-Aboriginal guide leads the tour and drives the bus. Our guide, Don, was amazing – engaging, flexible, and informative. Patsy, an Aboriginal bush woman, accompanies the tour and makes the call on what food and supplies to forage that day.
While on the bus, Patsy and your non-Aboriginal guide share stories, dreaming, and anecdotes. You never know which ones you’ll get!
Our Animal Tracks Safari in Photos
Each and every Kakadu Animal Tracks Safari is unique. The season, whims of the guides, food availability, and animal encounters are a few factors that will shape your experience. Below are photos from our safari in July 2019.
Our safari tour included families with kids from preschoolers (youngest was 4) to teenagers and child-free adults. We bumped along in the open-sided safari bus from destination to destination, never entirely sure what was around the corner. At one point, we drove alongside a billabong, but after Patsy spotted slide marks from a giant saltwater croc, she decided not to forage in that spot. I was on board with that decision!
Is a Kakadu Animal Tracks Safari Worth it?
Yes! The high price is a splurge, but Animal Tracks Safari was the best thing we did in Kakadu…and one of our favorites on the entire Explorers Way.
I know, I know. You’re questioning whether younger kids can handle the 7-hour duration and late return time, but the guides make it engaging and fun the whole time! I would say kids under 4 might struggle with the length and format.
Planning Your Animal Tracks Safari
How to Book
A Kakadu Animal Tracks Safari can be booked directly on the website. The tour takes a maximum of 18 people and does book out. We strongly recommend making your booking before you arrive in Kakadu. We met several disappointed people who missed out on a spot.
Ticket Price
- Adult $220
- Child $110 (aged 16 & under)
- Seniors $195 (aged 65 and over)
Timing
The Animal Tracks Safari starts at 1:00 pm at the Cooinda Lodge in Kakadu National Park. The tour is scheduled to return by 8:30 pm. Heads up that the return time is approximate! We returned after 9:00 pm due to our python rescue mission. 🙂
What to Bring
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, lightweight long layers)
- Bug protection (lightweight long layers, insect repellant)
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Kakadu Park pass (buy online here)
What Else Should We Do in Kakadu?
If you’re looking for more ideas for your trip to Kakadu, check out our post on 8 fabulous things to do in Kakadu National Park.