Tanzania has a huge variety of options for walking safaris, whether you're looking for short walks from camp or longer immersive multi day trips
Whether you're thinking of travelling to Northern Tanzania or the lesser visited south and west of the country there are excellent options for foot safaris in big game country
If you're looking for proper immersive walking safaris then in our view there are two areas to begin by looking at in Tanzania.
The first is Ruaha National Park in Southern Tanzania - this beautiful park comes into its own between June and October and during this time offers game viewing that rivals pretty much anywhere in Africa. Head off on a multi-day foot safari and you're in the best possible place to experience the magic of this park. Expect few other tourists and an astonishing variety of wildlife, big and small.
The second area to consider is the Serengeti and the surrounding areas of the Ngorongoro Conservation area. In this part of the world the time of year radically affects where we'd recommend walking - from the northern wilderness zones close to where the wildebeest migration crosses the Mara River between July and October, to the beautiful landscapes around the Gol Mountains that come into themselves between December and May. Take a look at a walking safari in the Serengeti.
Our experience as walking safari guides
In decades living in the African bush we've spent a huge amount of that time on foot. From leading walks and flycamps in the Selous Game Reserve to tip-toeing barefoot along dry sand rivers in Ruaha.
Rod Tether lived for many years in Zambia's North Luangwa National Park, where he owned and ran the legendary Kutandala Safari Camp. This little gem - built with sticks held together with string - was the base for exceptional walking safaris for many years. There he built a reputation that remains to this day as one of Africa's most respected walking guides.
Rod is therefore better placed than most people to advise on when, where - and indeed if - you should go on a walking safari.
THE LESS-IS-MORE FORMULA NATURAL HIGH ADVOCATES MAKES COMPLETE SENSE. LUXURY LIES IN EXPOSING THE SENSORY, INSTINCTIVE SELF TO THE SCENTS AND SOUNDS OF THE WILD ”
Try a night fly-camping and get a taste of the wild before committing to a full on safari
A number of camps offer fly-camping as a one night excursion. It's a great way to put a toe in the water before heading off on a week long walking safari
Fly camping is minimalist camping par excellence. Above all it’s about experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the African night; myriad stars, the noise of elephant foraging near camp, the calls of hyenas, leopard and lion. Frills are restricted to the essentials: good simple food, cold drinks and a comfortable bed-roll. And there's a ranger of course so you dont need to fight the animals off with your toothbrush.
By day, you'll walk with your guide to a secluded location on a dry riverbed or island to find your camp set up. In the evening you'll have drinks barefoot by the campfire, eat under the stars and sleep (if you can) in the wild as never before. Few experiences better illustrate the idea that less really can be more. Do it for a night, or as part of a longer walking safari. Just make sure you do it.
Frills are restricted to the essentials: good simple food, cold drinks and a comfortable bed-roll. And there's a ranger of course so you dont need to fight the animals off with your toothbrush”
Natural High shines rays of adventurous light into some of the least explored, most exciting corners of the wider world ”
The Selous, with its small-scale changes from river to open plains, sand rivers, woodland and lakes is an environment that lends itself superbly to exploring on foot.
Combine with the extraordinary wildlife in Ruaha National Park and you have an itinerary that combines excellent game viewing, the chance to get out on foot for day walks and quiet areas away from the crowds
The perfect tonic to rattling around in a Landrover and one that gradually soaks in as you immerse yourself in the wild over a period of time. Walk in the cool of the day and spend the heat of the day lolling in deep shade, quietly watching game at a lakeshore, reading and even snoozing. Flycamp beneath the stars at night.”
Take the first step
Tell us where you'd like to go...
Talk to us
+44 (0) 1747 830950
Our experienced travellers include:
Olly Williams
Rod Tether
Vanessa Janion
It takes genuine local knowledge to craft trips that go beyond the ordinary.
All of us at Natural High have over 20 years’ experience in the countries we offer. We’ve lived there, worked there and arranged countless one-off journeys for clients. We live to travel – and love to share our tips on what’s really worth doing. For expert advice (and a traveller’s tale or two), speak to one of our team. They’ll be happy to let you in on their travel secrets, and help you plan a tailor-made trip that’s truly unforgettable.
Natural High Brochure
Drop us an email if you'd like us to send you a copy our brochure. Or you can download a digital copy here
Reviews
Everything went smoothly and selection of accommodation was perect for us
"Excellent, no problems"
Fantastic Kenya 🇰🇪 Safari thanks Vanessa
"We stayed at three beautiful lodges; The Emakoko Nairobi National Park, Tortillis Camp Amboseli National Park and Kicheche Valley Camp Mara Conservation Area. Great food, great staff, great guides, great management, could not fault anything. Every pick up was on time and with a smile. Loved the ‘Captains Table’ at Kicheche. Highlight was the Ballon ride over the Mara - fantastic. We saw all that we hoped to see, Nairobi; lion, rhino, plains game Amboseli; elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, plains game Mara; leopard, lion, elephant, cheetah, buffalo, plains game. In Nairobi we stayed at the Sarova Stanley which was also great, leaving a message on the mail board by the ‘Thorn Tree’. Key to our great safari was our travel consultant Vanessa Janion at Natural High who was fantastic. Yes we loved everything, thanks Vanessa 💖"
Amazing experience
"Seamless service, Catherine was able to accommodate my changing needs, even last minute changes that were my fault, and ended up with a wonderful vacation experience......highly recommend for efficient and individualized service."
Very helpful and accomodating
"Very helpful and Catherine went out of her way to accommodate us. It was also short notice from our side and yet it all worked very well. Good advice was provided to us about where to stay en route and all queries promptly answered."
Phenomenal Safari which will certainly stay with us for years to come
"Our main contact, Rod, was extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the Safari that we ultimately decided upon. We trusted his recommendations throughout and were certainly impressed by the trip. Whilst we were on Safari Rod was always there at the end of the phone, or email should we need him (which we did with a bit of a passport blip) and he did everything he could to help us out."
RECENT UPDATES