Thatched roofing has been added to the ends of what is thought to be a new covered seating area in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The seating area is situated near Harambe Market, Tamu Tamu Refreshments, and Zuri’s Sweets Shop.

Covered Seating Near Harambe Market

The new straw thatching is on the ends of the gable roof, visible over construction walls.

Black sheathing covers the edge of the roof.

In late November, roof decking was installed. This was followed by another layer of paneling and some copper.

Short poles stick out of the dormer roofs that face the sidewalk, presumably for themed elements that will be added later.

These poles, and the ones inside the dormer roofs, have been painted brown with a woodgrain texture.

Several more poles are visible sticking out from the front edge of the roof. Some of these have also been painted brown, but some remain white.

The roof is now lined in metal where there was previously just plywood.

Copper is between the roof paneling and metal.

A strap hangs from the center pole of this dormer roof down into the building. It may be some kind of themed piece or just for construction purposes.

More thatching is on the other end of the roof.

A new metal lamppost was installed next to the seating structure.

It has two lights with domed bronze covers.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is widely known as the hottest Walt Disney World theme park, given that it is mostly outside, so the covered seating area will be a welcome respite for guests.

Harambe, Africa

Harambe is the fictional village in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here, guests can dine at Harambe Market, Tamu Tamu Refreshments, Zuri’s Sweet Shop, Dawa Bar, Tusker House Restaurant, Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, and the Harambe Fruit Market. In February, a new outdoor bar opened in Harambe Market in front of the building that used to serve ribs.

The Harambe Village Acrobats, Kora Tinga Tinga, and Tam Tam Drummers perform daily in Harambe.

Mombasa Marketplace offers authentic African imports like wine, apparel, art, crafts, instruments, and animal toys. Next door, Ziwandi Traders has more traditional Walt Disney World merchandise.

The land’s attractions are “Festival of the Lion King” and Kilimanjaro Safaris.

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