Walking Safaris

What to do

Walking Safaris in Africa

"You do not know a country until you have walked it" - Norman Carr

Walking Safari Tanzania
Walking Safari Tanzania
Walking Safari Tanzania

In the words of Norman Carr, the founder of walking safaris - you do not know a place until you’ve walked it. Walking safaris are, for many that regularly return to Africa, the ultimate way to experience the bush. Countries such as Zambia and Zimbabwe tend to steal the limelight for their walking itineraries, as they have become famed by their guiding quality. That said, those travelling to East Africa are showing more interest in walking safaris, and all for the right reasons.

You could argue that ultimate walking safari in East Africa is gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Hiking through this incredible forest in search of a family of endangered mountain gorillas is a walking safari like no other, and as the gorillas have become so used to the presence of humans and the guides are so experienced in tracking them, the ultimate goal of seeing the primates is almost always achieved on a daily basis.

This is not always the case for walking safaris in Tanzania and Kenya, as the game is unpredictable and is not always guaranteed. One of the main attractions of a walking safari is learning about the environment you are walking through and tracing the small tracks, footprints and finer details of animals. Whilst some national parks are restricted to game drives only, there are a few destinations we would specifically recommend for walking safaris in East Africa. These include the Laikipia Plateau, Amboseli and the Greater Mara Conservancies in Kenya; and the Selous Game Reserve, Tarangire National Park, and the Ngorongoro Highlands in Tanzania. Please see our specific walking safari destination pages below.

When to go on Walking Safaris in Africa:

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    Our Top Five Kenya Walking safaris Lodges:

    1. Sosian Lodge

      Sosian

      Sosian is a charm in the heart of the Laikipia Plateau. After a day of game viewing in Sosian’s large area of private land, the old ranch house is the perfect place to wind down and relax by the log fire, before being invited to join for delicious food around a communal dining table with wonderful... More...

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    2. Saruni Samburu

      Saruni Samburu

      Perched on an incredible cliff top with panoramic views, Saruni Samburu offers a very unique and memorable stay in an untouched environment off the beaten track. Sat in the Kalama Conservancy, the lodge prides itself on its views, luxury and serenity, attracting nature-loving families, honeymooners... More...

      Our rating:
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    3. Tortilis Camp

      Tortilis Camp

      Sat in its own private conservancy, facing Africa’s largest mountain, is Tortilis, one of our favourite properties in Amboseli. With a lifetime of experience behind the guides at the camp, it is said that they know every individual elephant, each hyena den and the vast majority of migratory birds... More...

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    4. Elephant Pepper Camp

      Elephant Pepper Camp

      Sat in the Mara North Conservancy, Elephant Pepper Camp is a small and cosy tented camp in the heart of the game. The camp is named after the ‘Elephant Pepper’ trees that grow in and around the camp. Its leaves and fruit have a fiery flavour, and along with many medicinal goods, the elephants... More...

      Our rating:
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    5. Lewa House - main area

      Lewa Safari Camp

      With privileged access to 65,000 acres of private land, Lewa Safari Camp is a great base to be incredible game viewing and a wealth of other activities. Hosting 10% of Kenya's rhinos, Lewa Conservancy, its guides and its rangers all work together to protect the endangered species and the other... More...

      Our rating:
      4
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      Price:
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