Where to go for a walking safari in Tanzania?
For many, game drives make up most of safari activities, especially during their first trips. We deliberately agree with this. A game drive makes your safari unforgettable. But a safari is more than driving; it’s feeling a little bit more connected to nature.
It’s important that you include a walking safari in your safari package. Or, you can commit yourself to a safari that focuses entirely on walking. But what are the best places to walk on a safari in Tanzania? Worry not, we’ve handpicked the best places for a walking safari in Tanzania.
First, let’s pause and ask: are walking safaris worth it? Yes, because they go beyond normal traditional game drives. On a jeep, you’re just an observer, but on a walk, you’re part of the ecosystem. And you have an opportunity to stare at the small creatures often overlooked from the height of the vehicle.
Ruaha National Park.
Ruaha is a hidden gem in the South. It’s a little bit bigger than the Serengeti, spanning around 20,000 km2 (compared to the Serengeti’s 14,763 km2). Driving is remarkably rewarding with sensational views of big elephant herds, giant baobabs, and large lion prides.
If peace comes first when you think of African safaris, never miss Ruaha. The vast wilderness is seldom traversed by safari jeeps. And when you explore it on a walk, you will see creatures as small as mice or lizards. Guided walks along the Ruaha River often encounter hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun.
When it comes to places, Ruaha has some of the best safari camps. Luxurious camps include Jabali Ridge, Usangu Expedition Camp, Jongomero Camp, and Kigelia Ruaha. They offer walking safaris as part of their safari packages. If these camps are out of your reach, then stay at affordable options like Ruaha River Lodge, Ruaha Hilltop Lodge, and Tungamalenga Lodge.
Serengeti National Park.
You can explore this wildlife-rich park slowly on foot. That’s when a walking safari in Serengeti becomes exceptional. With the wildebeest migration in full swing, from June to October, driving can be tricky. Long queues of vehicles are common, making game viewing challenging.
A walking safari is the best alternative to escape crowds. On foot, you reach places where no one has been. And you elevate your possibilities of exploring nature. With a walk, it’s not just your eyes – your nose, skin, and even your ear experiences nature. You will discover unique flora species traditionally used for treatment, and even large game like buffalo, wildebeest, and elephant.
Walking safaris in the Serengeti are usually under the guidance of experienced guides. While it’s possible to organize this tour with a tour operator (like Focus East Africa Tours), different lodges and camps also offer it. In the main park, the Four Seasons Serengeti, Siringit Serengeti Camp, and Nomad Lamai. In the private concessions, you can try Mwiba Lodge, Singita Sasakwa Lodge, and Klein’s Camp, each situated in a private concession.
Nyerere National Park.
If you want to go off the beaten track, head to Nyerere National Park (previously Selous). This park is Tanzania’s largest, yet the number of guests it records annually is extremely low. So, you can imagine being in pristine forests surrounded by 30,893 km2 of vast wilderness.
Nyerere is so big, but it has an incredible concentration of wildlife. And it’s believed to host one of the largest populations of wild dogs. Add the Big Five, herds of buffalo, pods of hippos, and dazzles of zebras. Lions form massive prides, and alongside them are hyenas and leopards, which shape the ecosystem.
Walking is among the unique activities Nyerere has to offer. You will explore lush forests, rivers, and acacia-studded woodlands. In addition to walking, you can float on a boat ride along the Rufiji River, drive at night, or sleep under the stars. You can stay at Beho Beho Camp, Roho ya Selous, Sand Rivers, and Siwandu Camp.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
This is one of the top places for Big Five safaris. People go there aiming to explore the Ngorongoro Crater, the main highlight of the conservation area. But there’s something unique about walking through the lush forests of this area. While it’s not possible to walk on the crater floor, walks on the crater rim are immersive and inspiring.
Expect to spot giraffes, leopards, monkeys, or a massive elephant. And you may also set out for a Maasai village walk in the neighboring villages. This journey will earn you a meaningful connection with these semi-nomadic tribes. You will herd cattle with them in the Empakai Crater, which is also beautiful to watch.
There’s no shortage of camps in this conservation area. If you’re in luxury, try camps on the crater rim like Kirurumu Ngorongoro, Entamanu, and Lemala. Other places include Plantation Lodge, The Highlands, and The Manor at Ngorongoro.
Let’s plan your safari today!
Want a walk in the Serengeti or anywhere in Tanzania? Call our expert safari planners to customize your safari.
