Walking Safaris in Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the better places for walking safaris in Africa. It is though important to distinguish between 'hiking up hills' as in climbing Kilimanjaro or even Meru or Hanang and the very different experience of a 'wilderness walking safari', which is a particular area of expertise for many of us at Natural High and what we are talking about here.
We have in our ranks, some of Tanzania's best walking safari guides, who've led trips through most of the walking hot spots in Tanzania, including the Selous, Ruaha, Mahale and Katavi as well as being amongst the early pioneers of longer walking safaris in the Ngorongoro Highlands and the Gol Mountains in the north.
There are many options to consider that range hugely in terms of length, ruggedness, cost, emphasis & approach but just some to think about include:
Selous Walking Safaris 5 days and more walking through the wilder parts of northern Selous with a light mosquito net fly camp in support. These are a great compliment to a few days in a fixed Selous camp or lodge and/or a few days in Ruaha National Park. As a further extension of these we can arrange longer portered walking safaris, led by Richard Bonham into the even wilder heart of the Selous or alternatively exclusive use of your own private concession area in Lukula in southern Selous
Serengeti Walking Safaris. Short 3-4 day walking safaris have recently been introduced within the Serengeti National Park itself and can relatively easily be incorporated into a longer northern Tanzania safari. A favoured alternative of ours is a longer 7 to 10 combined walking, game driving, camping safari - based out of either private wilderness mobile camping or even more flexible light mobile camping - on the wilder peripheries of the National Park, either in the Maasai community areas of Loliondo or through the valleys and dramatic gorges of the Gol Mountains.
The Ngorongoro Highlands offer a fabulous range of walking opportunities, far removed from the Crater itself. Often supported by Masai & their donkeys, these are more cultural, wilderness walks than a heavy game option but there are many varied routes around the hills / ridges and forests of Lemagrut, Olmoti and Empakaai where the flower, birdlife and forest animals are abundant. These walks can extend onto the southern Serengeti plains, following drainage lines and dry river beds towards Olduvai and Ndutu (at their best between December and May) or alternatively a stunning route from Empakaai Crater down to Lake Natron, including the summit of the last remaining active volcano in the area (Oldonyo Lengai) for the fit and the brave.
There are many other options in northern Tanzania ranging from Arusha National Park (even the lower slopes of Mount Meru make for a wonderful 2-3 day walking safari, the open plains and old ranches of West Kilimanjaro (where its also possible to combine walks with horseriding and game driving safaris), the wild country of Longido and Natron as well as the southern areas of Tarangire National Park, including the community areas eastwards towards the Maasai Steppe.
One of the most popular ways to experience a few of these areas in one safari, along with some camping and game driving off the beaten track is by way of light mobile camping - with kit and back up pared down to the minimum this is about as flexible, and real an experience as it gets with the added advantage of being great value.
In Western Tanzania, we operate some of our wildest walking safaris within Katavi where we offer anything from 2 to 3 days walking between remote flycamps as part of a longer stay at Chada Katavi to week long expeditions. An ideal combination with these is a few days at Greystoke Mahale where the walking opportunities within the forests of the Mahale Mountains (whether in pursuit of chimps or simply exploring the wider area) offer a wonderful contrast to any game experience elsewhere in the country.
Many people like to simply incorporate some walking amongst a mix of other activities, whether that be game driving, night driving, fishing or flycamping. Among the best options for including all or some of these are Sand Rivers in the Selous, Chada Camp in Katavi and Nduara Loliondo in Loliondo. For most people a stay of 3 or 4 days at one of these camps and the chance to do several walks with an excellent guide, is the best way to get a taste for proper walking in the bush.
The best time of year for walks in Selous and Katavi is between June and October. If you're looking to walk in the North - the southern & eastern edges of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are best between December and May, whilst the central & northern Serengeti and Tarangire area are better from July through to October.
Almost by definition walking safaris of this sort are not about distance, they're about slipping below the surface of the wild, and doing your best to observe wild animals without being observed yourself. Some of the best 'walks' we have done have covered little more than a mile in a couple of hours but have generated an intensity of experience that will stay in people's memories for years to come.
Give us a call if you'd like us to help. 01747 898104
More articles that you might find helpful
When's the best time to visit Tanzania?
The best game areas in Tanzania
Tanzania visa requirements
How Tanzania Works
When's the best time to visit Mahale?
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