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.”
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+44 (0) 1747 830950
Our experienced travellers include:
Vanessa Janion
Alex Edwards
Olly Williams
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.
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Reviews
Outstanding customer service well above the call of duty.
"Natural High arranged a trip to remember ...accommodation first class, transportation on very long road trips was excellent. Spotless . air conditioning .. food and water. Rhino and Tiger sightings to die for.. local agents left nothing to chance ... we felt in the safest hands ... then when we off grid the virus struck... Natural High and their local Agent Banyan took total control and got us from the back of beyond to UK in very worrying and uncertain times. All without us being able to do anything at our end ...outstanding attention to detail. Worth every penny."
Personal service and excellent organisation
"This was our first holiday to be organised by Natural High. We made the enquiry on New Year’s Eve for a departure in February and within a few days they had produced a wonderful-sounding itinerary in Costa Rica. There were helpful notes for packing as they seem to have someone there who has been to any chosen destination. We did do some groundwork for flights but left it to Dial-a-Flight who were also most efficient. We visited the office as it is very local to home and everyone there was cheerful and interested in our upcoming trip. We were presented with a leather file which turned out to be the most useful item en-route for all our paperwork ..... and it smelled lovely!
The holiday was one of our best ever. Not just because we saw a plethora of wildlife, but because there was always someone waiting to whisk us to another destination, be it to the airport, from the airport or a boat to a lodge etc. And they did it with great charm and humour and were always very knowledgeable about any queries we had.
For the last 8 days we had a driver/guide who was just outstanding. He was very familiar with the 3 remaining lodges where we stayed and his rapport with the other staff and guides helped to ensure that we were really well looked after. He was a skilled naturalist, had a great sense of humour and was always putting our welfare first - he made a wonderful companion for the trip.
All of the above meant that it was a really relaxing holiday so that we could maximise our time looking at the flora and fauna of Costa Rica.
We would highly recommend Natural High ...... where next?!"
Natural High
"Brilliant, everything is so well organised. We have had two trips of a lifetime organised by Rod Tether who is also a guide extraordinaire!"
Fantastic Natural High
"Perfectly organised trip to two great Nomad camps in Tanzania!"
Natural High nailed it again
"Sledding in Sweden was our second wonderful holiday with Natural High. From the moment you speak to them to when you get home the service and attention to detail is wonderful.
Everything is so well planned and organised that you can just sit back and really enjoy your holiday. We couldn’t recommend husky sledding in the north of Sweden more. We all agreed it was one of the best family holidays ever."
