The Uzima Springs Pool vs the Samawati Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

If you’re planning a vacation at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you’ll want to know that the resort is comprised of two separate areas. The first is Jambo House, which is home to the main lodge. Then, there’s Kidani Village, a Disney Vacation Club, that’s approximately a 10-minute walk from Jambo House. Both resort areas are tremendous, and as a guest of either, you’ll have access to all the amenities they have to offer.

Therefore, when it comes time to hit the pool, you’ll have options. First, it’s essential to note that Animal Kingdom Lodge has two feature pools: the Uzima Springs Pool at Jambo House and the Samawati Springs Pool at Kidani Village. Now, if you’re already thinking you’ll use the pool closest to your room, I get it. They are both exceptionally incredible pool areas, and either will do nicely. But, if we’re being candid, there is one that you might prefer over the other.

Which one? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t that simple. For most, it will depend on the makeup of your travel party, including the age of any younger guests and what level of fun they want to experience. So as we continue, we’ll have a head-to-head matchup of Uzima Springs vs Samawati Springs. Then, you can determine the winner. As for which one I would choose, it can go either way. Let me explain.

It’s no secret that Animal Kingdom Lodge comes in at the top of our Disney World resort rankings. The resort offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s also one of the most peaceful places you’ll find on Disney property. We always feel like it offers a nice balance compared to the busyness of the theme parks. That feeling continues at the Uzima Springs Pool.

Now, don’t get me wrong. At various times throughout the afternoon and early evening, cast members supervise deck parties, trivia games, and other activities that can get a little noisy. It’s part of the appeal for children to early teens, and their parents who watch from a nearby lounge chair. This is true of any resort’s feature pool at Disney World.

That said, the Uzima Springs Pool is gorgeous. One side of the pool’s backdrop is the hotel, while the other is lush landscaping. Beyond the landscaping, you’ll find a circular walkway with small hidden areas featuring separately fenced hot tubs, a watering hole for a flamboyance of flamingos, a shaded playground, and a walkway that leads out to a savanna viewing area. It’s so much more than just a pool.

A separately fenced kiddie pool sits on the hotel side near The Mara quick service restaurant and the arcade. You’ll also find the fitness center at Jambo House features a long row of windows that look out to the pool area in the distance.

As far as water slides go, the Uzima Springs Pool has a mild slide that’s about 67′ long. This slide doesn’t have a height requirement, but the pool depth is approximately 3’6″ at the slide’s exit. (Life jackets are available in varying sizes at both pools.) I usually notice several parents waiting in the water at the bottom of the slide. It’s a very friendly slide.

The pool also has a zero-depth entry area on one side, which is pretty convenient for parents with little ones, especially when the weather is hot.

If you’re looking for a place to read a book or doze without all the “kid stuff” at the pool, might I suggest the circular walkway around the outskirts of the pool? When I’m working or want that getaway feel, this has become one of my go-to spots. I love to find a lounge or a table with an umbrella, and have found that I can easily spend most of a resort day here. Those days often start with a hearty breakfast at Boma, followed by some time exploring the resort, then crashing at or around the pool for the rest of the day. I wrote this post about spending a lazy day at the resort, and it amplifies the sentiment.

At this point, you might be sold on the Uzima Springs Pool, especially if you have smaller children. You might be surprised, though, to learn that the Samawati Springs Pool wins out for children. We love this pool so much that it’s the reason we rank it #2 in our parents’ guide to the best resort pools for kids at Disney World. As far as the pool goes, the Samawati Springs area has a nice watering hole with a zero-depth entry on one side.

This pool area wins because of the incredible children’s recreation area called Uwanje Camp. It’s basically a tremendous playground with water elements designed for children of all ages. Even better, the entire area is shaded. It feels like a hidden oasis from the Florida heat.

The Samawati Springs Pool also has a cool water slide that’s 128′ long. You’ll have to climb a staircase to reach the top. So this slide is geared more toward children who love a mild thrill! That said, the main pool has a small (maybe 5-6 feet) slide for the little ones. So it has multiple offerings for toddlers to teens.

Years ago, on our first visit to the Lodge, we stayed at Kidani Village. At that time, my niece was approximately 6 years old, and we spent an entire afternoon at the pool. Since we walked down the main path to the pool area, we didn’t walk through the adjoining Uwanje Camp area, so we never knew it existed. She loved the pool area, and my son, who was around 12 at the time, enjoyed the slide all afternoon long. We had a great time with no regrets. In hindsight, though, I wish we had known all of our options.

My best advice? If you have time on your arrival day, explore both pools and the surrounding areas. That way, you’ll be aware of the majority of the resort’s amenities. You’ll also have an idea of where you want to camp out when it comes time to visit the pool or you have a little downtime. Oh, and those hot tubs are perfect after you’ve spent a long day in the parks.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is an incredible resort, and we never tire of it. We hope you’ll make wonderful memories during your stay and leave feeling relaxed. If you would like to learn more, see our guide to the pools at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It offers additional photos and details about things like pool hours, complimentary towels, and other tips.

For more on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you might enjoy the following:

• Kidani Village Review
• Bus Schedule at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• A Coffee Lover’s Guide to Animal Kingdom Lodge
• How to Walk or Shuttle Between Jambo House and Kidani Village

For similar articles, see our side-by-side resort comparison series. You might also enjoy our Disney World Resorts Guide. It provides an overview of our coverage of the resorts. Our Disney World Dining Guide is a good resource for planning all your meals. For more on the theme parks, start with our Disney World Parks Guide. It leads to coverage of all four theme parks. If you or someone in your party has an interest in meeting characters at Disney World, that guide will help you locate options. Lastly, our Disney Water Parks Guide will help you get started planning a trip to either of Disney’s two water parks.