Tanzania has some of the most famous landscapes and breathtaking views all over Africa. From the tip-top of Mount Kilimanjaro to the never-ending plains of Serengeti, you can find it all here. In fact, this country is uniquely diverse in its natural wonders that it attracts tourists from most parts of the world. However, if you genuinely want to feel a sense of immersion and have a truly memorable safari experience, then I believe I’ve got something special for you – Walking Safaris.
Walking safaris have been around in Tanzania since time memorial. Back when they were first introduced they were more popular with adventurers and big game hunters. Today, however, they are mostly favored by people who prefer raw African bush experiences that are far removed from vehicles and crowded places. By engaging expert guides for your adventure endeavors you get an opportunity to learn about many ecosystems like the savanna and forest; track animals through their rooms; and even come face-to-face with wildlife.
But these wilderness adventures aren’t just about getting adrenaline rushing through your veins; it’s also about slowing down to connect with nature on another realm. On foot you can appreciate small details that a vehicle would otherwise make you miss such as delicate wildflowers that blossom by the river banks after rainy seasons or intricate spider webs glistening after morning breezes blow off dewdrops. You’d also feel dried up grass crunching beneath your boots, smell earthy elephant dung aroma, or even hear lions roar softly miles away carried by wandering winds.
Popular Safaris in Tanzania
Top Spots for Walking Safaris in Tanzania
Tanzania is a huge country with many parks and reserves. Each has its own set of walking safari opportunities. Here are the top destinations for walking safaris in Tanzania.
1. Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is arguably Africa’s most iconic park. It’s loved by wildlife enthusiasts due to the annual wildebeest migration, stunning landscapes, and varied wildlife. Most tourists see it from a vehicle but you can also walk through the legendary landscape on foot. Guides will lead you through the remote regions of this expansive park such as Moru Kopjes or Soit Le Motonyi. There you’ll walk alongside animals, learn about savannah ecology, and get up close and personal with nature.
2. Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is the largest national park in Tanzania at over 20,000 square kilometers big! Located in the southern highlands of the country, it boasts rugged wilderness filled with open grasslands and rocky outcrops that house various habitats like riverine forests. Walking safaris in Ruaha are led by expert guides who’ll show you how to track elephants, lions, and other big game through the bush while teaching you about medicinal plants along the way. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to spot birds and reptiles since this area is home to many species.
3. Selous Game Reserve
Selous takes up over 50 thousand square kilometers in southern Tanzania; making it Africa’s biggest protected area of land! It’s known for miombo woodlands but also features lush forests and grassy floodplains that make up different habitats found throughout Selous vast wilderness regions Walks through these remote areas are guided by experts who will teach you everything there is to know about savanna ecology while tracking animals present here such as wild dogs (over 400 species of birds) or learning about local history which is made by the hundred or so elephants that live here.
4. Tarangire National Park
Tarangire might be small but it’s a beautiful park in northern Tanzania. It features massive baobab trees, large elephant herds and great bird watching opportunities. Walking safaris in Tarangire are an excellent way to explore its diverse habitats such as dry riverbeds and acacia woodlands of the north, the lush swamps and wetlands of the south. You’ll have plenty of chances to track animals through dense bush while learning all about savannah ecology from expert guides who will teach you about some of the 500 species present here including lions, leopards, and birds. Guests often see rare fringe-eared oryx too which is always a treat since they’re not often spotted elsewhere!
5. Arusha National Park
Located outside the city of Arusha, Arusha National Park is small but diverse, offering a convenient starting point for walking safaris. Each different part of the park contains different wildlife and scenery. From forests to grasslands it has everything for any nature enthusiast. Walking safaris let you explore at your own pace with experts guiding the way. On these trips you have a good chance of tracking animals through bush. You’ll be taught about savanna and forest ecology while encountering tons of interesting wildlife including: monkeys, giraffes, buffaloes and over 400 species of birds—so bring your binoculars! The park is also home to Mount Meru. Tanzania’s second-highest peak which provides great views all around including distant Mount Kilimanjaro
The Best Walking Safari Lodges and Camps in Tanzania
If you’re already set on the idea of a walking safari in Tanzania, the next step is to decide which lodge or camp to go with. Here are some of the best walking safari lodges and camps in Tanzania:
1. Kichaka Expeditions, Ruaha National Park
Kichaka Expeditions is a small, remote camp located in Ruaha National Park. With one guide who’s been exploring Africa for decades by foot and is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the wilderness with his guests. Once you start stepping out on these walking safaris you’ll find they’re designed for everybody with any interest. However, what they all have in common is tracking animals, learning about savanna ecology, and encountering wildlife respectfully.
2. Serengeti Safari Camp by Nomad Tanzania, Serengeti National Park
Nomad Tanzania’s Serengeti Safari Camp is a mobile tented camp that moves around Serengeti throughout the year following wildebeest migration and other wildlife movements. They offer game drives, hot air balloon rides and expert guides that lead walking safaris through some of the most remote parts of the park so you can explore it intimately.
3. Sand Rivers Selous, Selous Game Reserve
Sand Rivers Selous is a small luxurious lodge located on Rufiji River’s bank within Selous Game Reserve’s heart. This lodge offers game drives, boat safaris and walking safaris led by expert guides that take you through some of the reserve’s most remote areas to explore miombo woodlands , riverine forests and grassy floodplains while coming across elephants , lions , wild dogs and hippos.
4.Oliver’s Camp , Tarangire National Park
Oliver’s Camp is an intimate lodge located within Tarangire National Park . It offers unique walking safaris led by experienced guides with deep knowledge of the park . The safaris are done in the park’s more remote and less-visited areas that allow you to explore dry riverbeds, acacia woodlands and wetlands on foot. Once you’re out there expect to encounter a variety of wildlife, including primates like monkeys.
5. Arusha National Park Campsites
For budget travelers or those looking for a rustic experience, Arusha National Park offers several basic campsites that serve as a base for walking safaris. These campsites are located in scenic areas such as Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater , and offer simple facilities such as toilets and cooking areas. With guided walks through montane forests , waterfalls and grasslands , you’ll encounter all sorts of wildlife like buffaloes.
