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 Tanzania Walking safaris Lodges:

    1. Siwandu Camp

      Siwandu Camp

      The first of the camps catering to the top end of the market, Siwandu Camp (formerly Selous Safari Camp) offers great value for money and is ideal for those that want this level of luxury and service but without the price tag. Comparatively, it arguably doesn't live up to the safari standards of... More...

      Our rating:
      5
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      3
    2. The Highlands Camp - Bedroom

      The Highlands Camp

      The Highlands Camp is one of a kind! Inspired by the shape of the traditional Maasai homes (called bomas), eight dome tents were built and placed delicately on the slopes of the Olmoti volcano, taking full advantage of the breathtakingly vast views. The dome suites not only offer a unique and... More...

      Our rating:
      5
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      Price:
      4
    3. Mwagusi Camp - Bedroom

      Mwagusi Camp

      Without doubt our favourite camp in Ruaha, Mwagusi Camp is a rare occurrence these days...a camp where the owner is to be found almost year round, where the game is spectacular, where the food and service are impeccable and where you can truly feel at home. This balance of elements means that... More...

      Our rating:
      5
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      Price:
      3
    4. Kichaka Camp - sundowners

      Kichaka Camp

      Kichaka Expeditions are perfect for the adventurer, offering safe and memorable walking safaris through the wilderness and untouched parts of Ruaha National Park. Guided by Andrew Molinaro, famously known as ‘Moli’, the walking safari aims to take you as far away from civilization as possible, yet... More...

      Our rating:
      4
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      4
    5. Chem Chem Lodge

      Chem Chem Safari Lodge

      One of a new breed of property that has opened up in the corridor that runs between Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park, Chem Chem is definitely aimed at the top end of the market and is definitely worth considering for those that have a little more time on their safari and who... More...

      Our rating:
      5
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      5