Hi Amanda -- I will try to answer, but I have to give the disclaimer that this is MY opinion only. I rarely post on these boards (although I am an avid reader) because no matter what someone says someone else will come along and completely refute what the other person thinks. I know it will happen here also. I can only give you my perspective.
1. Giraffes. LOTS of giraffes. Are you familiar with the Kilimanjaro Safari ride? The Wild Africa Trek will follow the exact same path as the KS trucks. The main difference is that you will be able to stop along the way and have nice long periods to view the animals and take pictures if you like. All of the animals will be the same, you just have longer opportunities to watch them. If you are lucky, the animals may come up and show interest in you! It hasn't happened to me but I have seen pictures of curious ostriches and giraffes. That would be worth a video, but no guarantees for that type of interaction!
2. Camera. Highly personal decision. Frankly, I was so happy with the pictures that the guides took that I was very happy to be unencumbered with my camera, but then I was not trying to video anything. You are allowed to take a small camera if it can be attached to the harness vest. If I remember correctly they provided a carabiner clip to attach the camera, but I am fuzzy on how that worked. You will not be able to take extra lenses if you have a fancy type camera. The guides take wonderful long distance pictures. The ones they take of you on the bridge will amaze you.
By the way, you will not be wearing the harness vest for the whole trip -- maybe half of the time. You didn't ask this, but when you arrive (and DON'T BE LATE) you will be privately weighed so they can give you the appropriately sized vest. There will be several buckle and strap checks by the guides before you leave. Warn your daughter that this may be a little embarrassing -- they are very careful to be sure that they are tight and fitted correctly. You will wear this harness as you walk through the jungle, as you walk over the bridges, as you lean out over the hippos, and then you take them off. From there you will be on a truck until you reach the Boma which is the structure on the savanna (not the Boma restaurant) where you will have your meal. There is a small bathroom there and handwashing facilities also. You can look around while they set out the food. Food is really nice. If you have a food allergy, be sure to tell them when you make the reservation
3. Shoes. It was never muddy for me on my 3 trips. I had the same concern as you though. I don't think that I would bother to take old shoes. You won't be on the paths that long and they are maintained well so that they are not super muddy. The paths truly are in the woods, though. You will really feel like you are someplace far away from WDW!! The tree roots and low hanging branches were more of a hazard. It is pretty flat but you will have the feel that you are "hiking". Stick with your regular shoes and wash them off later if need be unless you are going during a very rainy season.
4. Bugs/mosquitoes. I did not notice a single mosquito or bug. I was not bitten and did not wear any kind of repellent. I hope you will be as lucky! The only critters we saw were the ones featured on the the trip, i.e. no undesirable or unexpected experiences with slithery things.
5. The only only warning I can think of is the one I mentioned above. Do not wear short shorts. The harnesses fit right up in the crotch very tightly. The harnesses just are NOT flattering with shorts -- I was very happy to have on capris every time.
6. Allow more than enough time to get there. When people are late, the whole group has to wait. On my second trip, there were 5 (out of the total of 12) people who were late and we waited a long time before leaving without them. It made for a really nice trip for the 7 of us who made it but what a waste of money for them.
7. I am really glad that I did the first trip of the day (8am) each time I went. It felt more "alone". The groups leave about every 45 minutes and you can feel a little rushed by the other groups. The guides meet you at the front of the park for the early treks and walk the group back to the departure area. After the park opens, you will walk back to the departure area on your own. I have been told by the guides that there is no bad time of day to go, but you might see different animal activity in the afternoons.
8. Last thing I can think of is that you will be given headphones. They will test them before you leave on the trek so be sure to speak up if yours are not working well. You will be able to hear everything the guides say even when the group spreads out and people straggle a little bit.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Everyone I have gone with has loved it too. Your daughter will be thrilled. I'm happy to help if you think of more.
Lynda
That would have been embarrassing and uncomfortable!! We are always those people who show up early just in case, so good to know about being there in enough time. Ours is scheduled for an 11 start time. It was that or a little later to a great discounted rate so went with as early as we could grab! Hoping it won't be too hot yet. 
