Harambe Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Closed for Refurbishment as Unique African Menu to be Replaced by Burgers and Nuggets

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A highlight of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando is the fantastic food. The park is home to popular restaurants like Yak & Yeti, Flame Tree Barbecue, Tiffins, and Satu’li Canteen. Recently, Harambe Market, a uniquely themed quick-service spot in the Africa section, closed temporarily to update its menu.

Harambe Market was popular for its delicious and unique food, drawing inspiration from different cultures. A standout dish was the Chicken and Shrimp Rice Bowl, featuring flavorful marinated chicken and shrimp served over jollof rice with fresh tomato salad and tzatziki sauce. It was unusual for a quick-service restaurant at a theme park to offer such authentic and vibrant tastes.

Unfortunately, those offerings are now gone.

Harambe Market closed on October 20, 2025, for renovations and will reopen in early 2026 with a new menu. Instead of its previous African-inspired dishes, the location will now serve classic American food like burgers and chicken nuggets.

Harambe Market – Inspired by African Cuisine

Harambe Market is temporarily closed, but guests can still use some of the outdoor seating, though it’s usually not very crowded.

Before its closure, the menu featured a variety of culturally inspired dishes.

According to TouringPlans.com, items at Harambe Market before it closed included:

  • Beef and Lamb Kofta Pita — House-made beef and lamb kofta with tzatziki sauce, chermoula, and house-made chips
  • Shrimp Caesar Salad — Romaine lettuce tossed in house-made Caesar dressing with peri peri-marinated shrimp, tomato, and grated Parmesan
  • Plant-Based Kofta Pita — Impossible beef with plant-based aioli, chermoula, and house-made chips

Harambe Market used to be known for its more daring food options, like African-style ribs, making it a popular choice for a different kind of quick meal at the park.

Why is Harambe Market Closed?

Restaurantosaurus in Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A. is closing for good on February 2, 2026. As one of the last original restaurants in that area, its closure is prompting a change. Disney plans to move the current American-style menu – things like burgers, fries, and chicken tenders – to Harambe Market.

Harambe Market is currently closed while its kitchen gets a makeover to prepare for a new menu featuring burgers and chicken.

The End of Restaurantosaurus

Restaurantosaurus first opened its doors in 1998 when Disney’s Animal Kingdom launched, and was initially sponsored by McDonald’s. Though the sponsorship ended in 2008, the restaurant continued to be the main place in the park to get traditional American fast food.

As part of the transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into the new tropical Americas area, Pueblo Esperanza, the Restaurantosaurus will be getting a makeover and a new menu featuring flavors from Central and South America. However, guests won’t be able to enjoy the new dining spot until at least 2027, and it could be as late as 2028.

The Future of Harambe Market

Disney hasn’t said exactly when Harambe Market will reopen, but it’s expected to happen before Restaurantosaurus closes for renovations. The new menu will first focus on the food currently served at Restaurantosaurus, although some guests are hoping a few dishes with African flavors will still be available.

While that’s happening, Kusafiri Coffee & Bakery in Africa will be adding lunch items to their menu for a limited time, such as:

  • Harambe Chicken Rice Bowl
  • Plant-Based Picadillo Rice Bowl
  • Harissa Chicken Wrap

It’s unclear if Harambe Market will offer its traditional African food again. Currently, it’s closed, and when it reopens in 2026, it will likely serve more familiar American dishes instead.

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2025-10-29 17:57