Tanzania walking safaris
Tanzania walking safaris: the best lodges and camps
Tanzania classifies its wild areas in different ways, each with different rules – meaning that the practices, and standards, of walking safaris differ widely. We have some first-rate walking safaris in Tanzania, with great guides – chosen, as usual, by seeing them first hand. Some of the real stars are the walking safaris done on fly-camping trips.
Walks in the National Parks have to abide by the strict rules laid out by TANAPA (Tanzanian National Park Authorities); these rules have been put in place to make walking as safe as possible. No more than six guests are able to go on a walk at any one time; and they must be accompanied by at least one TANAPA qualified armed ranger, who must stick to specific walking routes. These regulations are however relatively new to Tanzania’s national parks; and so we would only recommend walking from camps that we know have a consistent record for reliably good walking safaris, and well established guides.
Tanzania’s Game Reserves are run by a slightly more relaxed organization called the Game Division whose regulations are less clear – this has created a disparity in walking safari standards. Walking Safaris are hugely dependent on how experienced and knowledgeable the guide is – they can therefore be a bit hit-and-miss. All of our recommended Camps use their own highly qualified guides who stick to rules, which have been set by their specific camp – these walking safaris are very good. So do include some walking in your Tanzania safari, but do talk to us first as experiences can vary hugely between camps.
Nyerere National Park
This is an ideal first-time safari and is the perfect add-on to a holiday in Zanzibar. The Selous is Africa’s biggest game reserve and is home to an abundance of wildlife.
Lake Manze Camp
Walking safaris in the Selous are permitted for those over the age of 16, and morning walks from Lake Manze last around two hours. The guide will explain tracks and droppings, while pointing out the smaller insects and plants to you.
Ruaha National Park
Enjoy a range of activities during this ultra-luxurious fly-in safari. Explore the remoter regions of Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve with phenomenal guides during stays at two impressively comfortable camps that remain perfectly in keeping with their surroundings.
Beho Beho
Walking safaris at Beho Beho are some of the best you will find in Tanzania. With extremely knowledgeable, well-trained guides, and good wildlife viewing in the Selous. The high guiding standards translate into visitors gaining more of an insight into the park.
Ikuka Safari Camp
Head out for a walking safari with a knowledgeable guide from Ikuka and discover the lesser-known flora and fauna of the bush. Learn how to identify bird calls and how to recognise animal tracks and scat, and the many medicinal uses of plants.
Selous Game reserve
Experience a variety of safari activities from the comfort of a traditional tented camp overlooking a stunning stretch of the Rufiji River. Spectacular wildlife, immersive experiences and simple comforts await guests at Selous Impala Camp.
Impala Camp
It is possible to organise walking safaris from Selous Impala Camp. You will be accompanied by a knowledgable guide and armed ranger. There is an extra charge for walking safaris from this camp.
Ruaha National Park
Two authentic bushcamps offer access to Ruaha’s remote wildernesses. Explore the heart of the park’s best game-viewing as well as its largely untouched eastern fringes in almost utter isolation. Walking safaris, day and night 4WD drives, fly-camping and superb guiding heighten your immersion in nature.
Kwihala Camp
Experienced guides and a variety of walking safaris, that can take you to parts of the park inaccessible by road, make Kwihala one of the best camps for walking in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park.
Kichaka Expeditions
Kichaka offers one of the most unique, exclusive and remote walking experiences in Africa. The camp’s owner, Moli, is an extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. He leads all of these walking safaris and is more adept than most at actively tracking big game.
Nyerere National Park {Selous Game reserve}
Stay in two eco-friendly, rustic bush camps in the Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park. Remote wilderness, a diversity of habitats and a good range of activities are available in these two wildlife havens.
Lake Manze Camp
Walking safaris in the Selous are permitted for those over the age of 16, and morning walks from Lake Manze last around two hours. The guide will explain tracks and droppings, while pointing out the smaller insects and plants to you.
Ruaha National Park
Explore Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park from two luxurious, colonially styled camps. Chosen for their access to good game viewing and thrilling remoteness, these camps also offer a range of varied safari activities.
Siwandu
Enjoy a morning walking safari with an experienced guide from Siwandu, and discover the beauty of the bush up close.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Visit two consistently impressive wildlife destinations during this excellent-value safari in northern Tanzania. Enjoy a range of walks and cultural visits from sister camps at the Ngorongoro Crater and in the heart of the Serengeti.
Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp is in a pretty, forested part of the Ngorongoro Crater rim and is a lovely place for walking in Tanzania. Such walks can be long or short, taking you through rolling hills with the option of visiting Maasai villages on the way.
Katavi National Park
Combining two of the remotest parks in Tanzania, this safari can deliver extraordinary wildlife viewing in Katavi, and East Africa’s best chimp treks, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Chada Camp
Chada Camp is particularly good for walking safaris, which are always accompanied by an armed game scout.
Tarangire national park
Enjoy a combination of privately guided and shared game drives during this good-value exploration of Northern Tanzania. Explore game-dense regions from three comfortable bases where there are a variety of activities on offer.
Oliver’s Camp
Oliver’s Camp offers guiding walking safaris within Tarangire National Park – a great way to experience the environment from a different perspective and really appreciate the little things.
Tarangire national park
Stay in three superbly positioned camps during this exploration of Tanzania’s famous Northern circuit. Excellent views over the surrounding area, remoter locations and game-rich habitat make for an exciting and varied safari experience.
Kuro Tarangire
Walking safaris from Kuro are a great way to explore a much less-visited side of Tarangire National Park. With the bonus of the chance of spotting big game, and often ending in a bush breakfast, it makes a lovely change to a safari from a vehicle.
