Walking Safaris in Tanzania

Walking safaris are one of the activities that bring you to a close encounter with the wildlife in Tanzania. These safaris are done on foot with an experienced guide and armed ranger. Tanzania walking safaris are done in specific areas of the destinations like national parks, beaches, and many others. Tanzania is located in the East African region neighbored by the Indian Ocean, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi. The country is made up of interesting landscapes, wildlife, and historical sites. Taking a guided nature walk in Tanzania is a dream come true for many travelers. Imagine coming close to the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) on your tour. Walking safaris in Tanzania are also best for photography since travelers get so close to wildlife. It is on such a tour that one can capture a photo of their dream.

In this article, you will learn about the best places for walking safaris in Tanzania. More so, you will learn about the activities that can be done alongside nature walks in Tanzania. Knowing the best time for walking safaris in Tanzania is an added advantage to planning the best African trip.

Where to do walking Safaris in Tanzania?

Walking tours or guided nature walks in Tanzania can be done in several safari destinations in Tanzania. These include among others but are not limited to the following;

Ngorongoro conservation area

The conservation area is located in the northern part of Tanzania. It is one of the UNESCO sites and originates its name from the crater within the conservation area. The area is home to several wildlife including the Big Five and other wildlife within the floor of the crater. Walking safaris will take you through the floor of the crater to see different wildlife. Here, you will meet many animals including zebras, buffaloes, lions, waterbucks, and many more.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is located in the northern part of Tanzania. The park is known for the great wildlife migration which takes place annually in the park. During a walking safari, the travelers will see the annual wildlife migration.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania after merging with the Usangu Game Reserve in 2008. The name of the park originates from the great Ruaha River. The park is a great destination for travelers to do their walking safari around the great Ruaha River.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is located in the Manyara region. Its name originates from the Tarangire River which is the primary source of water for the wildlife within the park. The park has several baobab tree species and several large herds of elephants. Most of the wildlife in this park can be seen around the Tarangire River. Additionally, you will enjoy the extensive iconic views of the neighboring hills on your guided nature walk in Tarangire National Park.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is almost covered by Lake Manyara which covers about 3 quarters of the total land. The park is found in the Manyara region and the Great Rift Valley region. Additionally, Lake Manyara National Park is famous for being home to tree-climbing lions. These lions can be found in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Zanzibar

This is a coastal island land of Tanzania. Travelers engage in walking safaris to see different destinations in coastal areas like the beaches. Walking safaris in Zanzibar are mainly done on the many beaches. While in Zanzibar, walking safaris can be done in spice gardens, spice markets, and Stone Town.

Which other activities can be done in Tanzania other than nature walks?

A Tanzania safari is not just about walking tours. It can be tailored to combine multiple activities in a single trip. Below are some of the safari activities that can easily be combined with walking tours in Tanzania.

Game drives or Game viewing

Game drives in the savannah parks of Tanzania are another activity that travelers on their walking safaris usually engage in. These game drives are done in different sessions like morning, afternoon, full day, and night game drives. Additionally, game viewing is done in a 4×4 safari van with a pop-up for viewing the wildlife in the gazette tracks of the park. Wildlife that is usually seen includes; lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hippos, impalas, and wildebeests.

Birding tours

Tanzania is home to several bird species and it is one of the best destinations for bird lovers. Bird species in Tanzania range from the migratory, resident, and endemic species. The migratory species usually come into the country during the wet season for reproduction and later return. This also makes Tanzania a birding haven for travelers.

Hiking adventures

This is an adventure activity that travelers on walking safaris in Tanzania can engage in. Hiking safaris take you to Mountain Kilimanjaro which is one of the challenging destinations. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro takes about 8 days or more depending on the fitness of travelers.

Essentials for walking safaris in Tanzania

Walking safaris in Tanzania are more than just a walk in the wilderness. They may be challenging activities if one has not planned well. While on a walking safari in Tanzania, there are several requirements that travelers in Tanzania should prepare and they include;

Water bottle to keep you hydrated in the walking safari.
Be mindful of the age restrictions – travelers need to be at least 12 years and above.
Permits and entrance fees that are issued by the authority to allow travelers to engage in safari.
Ensure Responsible tourism practices like respect for wildlife and culture.
Safety precautions like staying in groups, and using the paved routes of the park
Travelers must be physically fit and in good condition for the traveler to be able to walk for several hours.

Ideal walking safari packages in Tanzania

There are several ideal safaris that travelers can engage in and these include;

What is the best time to visit Tanzania for the walking safari?

Tanzania is open for travelers throughout the year. However, the dry months of June to September to December to February are usually regarded as the best time for a safari in Tanzania. Such periods have less rain and the walking trails are less slippery and animals usually converge at the water sources. Wet seasons are on the other hand budget friendly and have less traffic in the parks. Book your Tanzania walking safari Now.