Step out of your vehicle and onto African soil – a walk will give you a completely different feel for your surroundings. Whether you are trekking through the forested slopes near Manyara, in the heart of Tarangire National Park or in the Serengeti, this is arguably the best way to truly immerse yourself in the African bush – something that has to be experienced firsthand.
Walking safaris are guided by experienced walking guides together with an armed ranger. Guests learn about nature, wildlife behaviour and animal tracks. Although animals are usually spotted, the goal is not to get as close as possible to the wildlife but rather to observe their undisturbed behaviour. Walking safaris are limited in the Tanzanian national parks, but both in Tarangire NP, the Northern Serengeti and in a concession area outside Southern Serengeti called Loliondo, we book camps that have permission to do walks with their guests, accompanied by an armed ranger and an armed guide from the camp. It’s very fulfilling to take a break from the vehicle and really get into the bush – on your feet!
In addition to walking safaris, there are a number of different hikes you can include as part of your safari itinerary. The Empakai Crater, part of the Ngorongoro Highlands is a nice option. A 3 hour drive from the Ngorongoro Crater area, Empakai offers beautiful walks on the floor and rim, which can be done as a day trip or can be the start of a 2/3 day hike.
