The new family roller coaster opening at Bellewaerde in Belgium has been named Wakala.

Wakala has been inspired by the Canadian Indians of the Kwakiutl tribe, and the attraction is being built in the park’s Canadian area.

€7.5 million has been invested in Wakala, which is the largest investment in an attraction at Bellewaerde since 1999.

The Kwakiutl people live mostly in the forests of northwest Canada and use canoes to travel, a key element in the theming for this new 2020 attraction.

Wakala features both a lift hill and a 21 metre tall spike that the trains will ascend, before coming to a brief stop and then descending in reverse. It has been designed by Gerstlauer, a German manufacturer.

Stefaan Lemey, Director of Bellewaerde:

“Bellewaerde consciously invests in this coaster because it is a family attraction and is suitable for children as from 1-metre height. Wakala is a perfect addition to the existing offer in the park. Bellewaerde offers its visitors a new sensation with this attraction, which both young and old can experience together.” 

Wakala will open at Bellewaerde in the spring of 2020.