Wildlife Walking Safaris in East Africa

Wildlife Walking Safaris in East Africa: Walking safaris in Africa are available in both East and Southern Africa and may be classified into two types: short guided bush walks given by lodges as an alternative to game drives and multi-day guided walking safaris. The former does not require previous booking and may be tailored to your safari itinerary; the latter demands some fitness, the proper equipment, and a willingness to interact with the wildlife.

Following a brief guided walk, you just return to camp; on multi-day walking safaris in Africa, you spend the majority of the day on foot, sleeping each evening in walk-in tents with solid mattresses and adequate bed linen. Your fly-camping experience is complete with hearty cuisine, warm showers, and cool beverages. A cook prepares all meals, and a staff sets up each new camp before you arrive in the late afternoon.

Where to do Wildlife Walking Safaris in East Africa.

Wildlife Walking Safaris in Kenya.

Walking safaris are not permitted in the majority of Kenya’s national parks, but they are gradually becoming more accessible in nearby wildlife concessions, conservancies, and private ranches. Kenya’s spectacular Masai Mara National Reserve is arguably one of the world’s most famous safari sites, and you can go on bush walks with indigenous Maasai warriors who know the terrain well. They share their traditional secrets and historical hunting skills, passing down expertise through generations.

The Samburu National Reserve, located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, is an excellent Kenya walking safari destination–not for the faint of heart, but for those seeking true adventure. The terrain is challenging, but the reward is witnessing what few tourists see: an East Africa that is still as wild as it was 100 years ago. The Samburu Reserve is home to several unusual creatures, including the Grevey zebra, Somali ostrich, Reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa Oryx, as well as a healthy elephant population.

Walking Safaris in Tanzania.

While on a walking safari in Tanzania, it is preferable to explore parts of the southern circuit. Ruaha National Park is East Africa’s largest national park, but due to its isolated location, it receives significantly fewer tourists than the Serengeti.

Ruaha National Park’s scenery is diversified, with grassy plains and hills, acacia and miombo woodlands, baobab trees, and the spectacular Ruaha River. Allow professionals to safely take you through Ruaha National Park’s tough terrain, just as the land’s predecessors did, on two feet and with the thrill of not knowing what lies in the bush.

Tarangire National Park is an excellent destination for those interested in a walking safari in Tanzania. The park is called after the Tarangire River, which draws a large number of animals during the dry season. Tarangire is a popular wildlife attraction known for its elephants and gigantic baobab trees, some of which are over 1000 years old. You may start out on foot, accompanied by a trained and experienced field guide, for unique encounters such as elephant sightings from as close as 15 meters (50 feet).

Wildlife Walking Safaris in East Africa
Walking Safaris in Tanzania.

Walking Safaris in Uganda.

Many Ugandan parks and reserves provide guided walks and treks, the most popular of which being gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest Reserve near Murchison Falls National Park. Bwindi and the forest reserves also provide guided hikes where you may see other primates, butterflies, birds, and small animals.

The Big Four reserves of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park have demarcated trails only in specific areas, whereas Kidepo Valley National Park is the best place for a walking safari on open savanna, but you must be accompanied by a Ugandan Wildlife Authority Ranger.

Wildlife Walking Safaris in Rwanda.

Rwanda is ideal for planned walking trips since all of the most popular and famous activities are carried out on foot. This includes gorilla tracking and excursions to the 4,507m Mount Karisimbi and 3,711m Mount Bisoke in the Virunga highlands, as well as chimpanzee tracking and guided nature walks in Nyungwe National Park.

For devoted hikers, the 227-kilometer Congo-Nile Trail, which runs approximately parallel to Lake Kivu’s eastern side and takes 10 days to complete on foot, is highly recommended. If you intend to walk a lot, pack appropriate footwear and several pairs of thick socks. A walking stick can help you navigate the steep slopes of the Virungas and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

In summary; Getting to know Africa’s animals is a memorable experience regardless of how it happens. It may be a column of safari trucks approaching a lion kill, a cruise along a river filled with hippos, or a pleasure fly over a vast herd of wildebeest on an open plain. However, going on a walking safari in undisturbed countryside is truly unique. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be on same footing with Africa’s incredible animals.

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