Kenya is home to some of the most amazing landscapes, wildlife, and cultures that you will ever come across. For those of you that love to go on adventures and are seeking an authentic experience — look no further than a walking safari. This one-of-a-kind experience takes you deep into the heart of Kenya’s African bush.
With a rich history dating back to early exploration days and big game hunting, Kenya has become a leader in eco-friendly safaris for people who seek fresh air away from the noise of vehicles. As knowledgeable guides lead your way through walking safaris, witness the intricate ecosystems that make up the African savanna, track incredible wildlife through their natural habitats and open yourself up to a newfound appreciation for nature’s beauty.
While you’re out there exploring, be sure to keep a look out because these walking safaris offer very special opportunities to get up close with some of the country’s most iconic animals such as elephants, lions, leopards and critically endangered black rhinos. However; we can’t leave it at just those guys because there are over 1,000 bird species in Kenya alone! If birds don’t interest you too much then perhaps reptiles do? Because over 400 species call Kenya their home as well as countless plants and insects. The learning experiences are limitless.
We have compiled this guide with all aspects considered so that your walking safari trip will be smooth sailing (or should I say smooth walking?). Throughout this guide we’ll provide insight on which lodges are best suited for each destination in Kenya while also providing practical tips and safety considerations. Whether this is your first time visiting Africa or if you consider yourself a seasoned pro when it comes to safaris — our goal is for this adventure to be unforgettable and leave you with greater understanding about why preserving nature is so important.
Tie up those boot laces extra tight, Don’t forget those trusty binoculars, and Get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime!
Kenya is a large and diverse country, with an array of national parks and reserves that allow for walking safaris. Here are some of the most popular destinations in Kenya for walking safaris:
1. Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara is the most well-known and iconic national reserve in Kenya. It covers wide savannas, presents incredible wildlife, and is home to the annual wildebeest migration. Walking through the Maasai Mara gives people a chance to see different landscapes within the reserve. These range from rolling hills of Oloololo Escarpment to lush forests along the Mara River. You’ll be able to track animals through bushes, learn about savanna ecology, and see various wildlife such as lions, elephants or giraffes. There are over 500 bird species there too.
2. Laikipia Plateau
Laikipia Plateau sits at central Kenya’s center as a vast region with wild scenery and diverse animal life alongside exclusive safari lodges. Visitors who walk through here can expect to find varied terrain like grassy plains or rugged hills with valleys between them all while learning about savanna ecology by tracking animals through bushes too! Some wildlife you may encounter are elephants, lions or gazelles among 400 bird species out there too.
3. Samburu National Reserve
Samburu is a small but stunning national reserve located in northern Kenya known for its unique wildlife and vibrant Samburu culture — it has an abundance of birds that live nowhere else! A walk through it will give people a chance to see dry riverbeds up close as they track animals through rocky areas surrounded by powdery acacia woodlands which serve as their homes now since being forced away from their natural habitat due mostly because of human encroachment on land inhabited previously only by these creatures alone; so does endangerment come with progress? You’ll find elephants, lions and leopards there.
4. Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is a small national park located in southern Kenya but it stands tall as an iconic spot for walkers due to its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Large herds of elephants can be seen here, so too can diverse birdlife! Like most places though, the terrain will change as you move; dry lake beds will turn into lush swamps surrounded by acacia woodlands. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to track animals through bushes and encounter other wildlife such as lions or cheetahs along with over 400 bird species!
5. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa is an exclusive wildlife conservancy found in the north of Kenya, it’s popular because of its magnificent views, different animals and conservation programs that work efficiently. When you go on a walking safari with Lewa, you have the opportunity to see and know more about the conservancy’s diverse landscapes. You can also learn about tracking animals through the bush, ecology of the savanna, and encounter many kinds of wildlife such as elephants, rhinos, lions and many more. The place has over 350 bird species so if you’re a bird watcher it’s definitely gonna be a good trip for you. There are also several community-based conservation projects in the area which can offer you some traditional ways of life experience and support you if you decide to help protect their natural environment.
The Best Walking Safari Lodges and Camps in Kenya
If you’re looking to go on an authentic safari experience, camping out in nature and trekking through the Kenyan wildlands, then this article is for you. Here are a few of the best walking safari lodges and camps in Kenya:
1. Karisia Walking Safaris, Laikipia
Krisia Walking Safaris is a fancy mobile camp that gives guests multi-day walking safaris through the beautiful plateau landscapes of Laikipia. The camp is run by Kerry Glen, a third-generation Kenyan with an unmatched love and knowledge of the African bush. Glen and her expert-guided team take small groups of guests on immersive walking safaris where they learn about savanna ecology and get up close to all sorts of wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, warthogs, zebras etc. Accommodations are available at their comfortable mobile camps which have spacious tents, en-suite bathrooms and delicious private chef meals.
2. Sosian Lodge, Laikipia
Sosian Lodge was built on a 24,000-acre private wildlife conservancy located right in the middle of the Laikipia Plateau. The luxury ranch house offers multiple activities including horseback safaris where an expert guide will lead you through some stunning natural beauty that you simply cannot find anywhere else on Earth. There’s also guided bush walks that let guests experience the conservancy’s wildlife firsthand by letting them walk directly beside it! There are seven spacious cottages at Sosian Lodge designed in classic colonial style with four-poster beds, fireplaces, and private verandas.
3. Elephant Pepper Camp, Maasai Mara
Elephant Pepper Camp is another upscale tented camp but this one has a more remote location deep within the Maasai Mara National Reserve.. Nestled in between wide open plains like those seen on famous BBC documentaries about African wild animals, the camp offers several activities including game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and guided nature walks. The camp’s ten spacious tents are designed with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and elegant furnishings. If you’d like a touch of luxury on your adventure please come on down to the Elephant Pepper Camp!
4. Saruni Samburu, Samburu
Saruni Samburu is a gorgeous luxury lodge that sits on a massive private wildlife conservancy in Samburu National Reserve. The breathtaking views alone might be enough to entice some guests but there’s also a wide variety of activities offered here such as game drives and cultural visits to local villages where guests can learn about ancient tribal customs first hand. There are six rooms located at the lodge that are each far away from one another for privacy reasons.
5. Campi ya Kanzi, Amboseli
Campi ya Kanzi sits on a 283,000-acre private wildlife conservancy, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. From here, you’ll be able to see some stunning sights of the mountain and savanna. The eco-lodge has been constructed for minimal impact on the environment, with each building made from local materials. The luxury camp offers a range of activities, such as game drives and cultural visits. You can go out into nature too with a guided walk by Maasai guides who have an unparalleled knowledge of the land and animals you could come across. Accommodation comes in six spacious tented cottages which are designed in a rustic-chic style. Each one is fitted with thatched roofs so it keeps cool inside, natural stone floors and wooden furniture so they blend into their surroundings both visually and physically. finally, Campi ya Kanzi supports several community development projects in the area
