If you’re looking for a breathtaking hiking experience or just a walking safari, Kenya is the ideal destination! From Africa’s second-highest mountain to Mount Elgon on the border of Uganda, unlimited possibilities await. Conquer Mt. Kenya and witness its majestic beauty or summit Mt. Elgon via an uncrowded trail that leads directly to its peak – both options offer incomparable scenery and views worthy of your bucket list adventure!
What is a walking safari?
A walking safari is the specialty type of safari where you get to explore the African bush on foot and take in its sights, sounds, and smells in a very different way than you would on a game drive. Kenya is one of the best places for walking safaris due to its varied scenery and abundance of wildlife species to be seen. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will provide invaluable insight into the environment and help you spot animals in the bush.
Witnessing first-hand the beauty of Kenya’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture can only be achieved on a walking safari – there is no better way to truly experience this amazing country!
Hiking vs walking safaris:
For the adventurous, a challenging mountaineering expedition is quite satisfying – especially if you summit Mt. Kenya or Mt Elgon. Hiking requires physical endurance and usually follows a predetermined path with certain rules and restrictions. On the other hand, a walking safari doesn’t require any special skills and it can take you through dense bush and far from touristic spots. It requires a little bit of extra caution, as you’re going through terrain that has wild animals living in it!
Benefits of walking/hiking safaris:
1. Get close to nature and experience the surrounding beauty
2. Learn about the environment, plants & animals from experienced guides
3. Exercise & stay fit while enjoying breathtaking views
4. Spot game more easily from a closer perspective
5. Spend time at leisure, with lesser stress compared to car safaris
6. Capture amazing wildlife photos and memories
7. Enjoy a unique experience that can’t be replicated elsewhere!
8. Build an appreciation of the environment, its creatures and cultures
Walking Safari Packages:
You will find that most tour operators in Kenya offer walking safari packages that vary in duration, distance, and difficulty as well as the number of people allowed. Most tour packages I reviewed include all meals, accommodation, and travel insurance.
For the best Kenya walking safari experience, I recommend going with an experienced tour group that arranges small-group tours of 6 people or fewer. This will ensure you have a personalized experience tailored to your abilities and interests. It is also important to look for a company that considers safety as its number one priority.
One of the walking safari package offered by Andbeyond Safaris charge about $6,100 per person sharing for a 7-day safari. This package includes the following;
- Accommodation inclusions as per the itinerary above
- All scheduled road transfers: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport / Hemingways Nairobi; Hemingways Nairobi to Wilson Airport; Nanyuki to Loisaba Airstrip; Loisaba Airstrip to Nanyuki Airport; Wilson Airport to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
- All scheduled flights: Wilson Airport/Nanyuki/Masai Mara/Wilson Airport
- Kenyan National park fees
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Administration fee
Another luxury walking safari package I recommend is the Karisia safari. Karisia Walking Safaris provides one-of-a-kind walking safari experiences with the aid of camels. The trips offer a rare, up close, and personal look at animals as well as their habitats. By immersing yourself in this environment on foot, you are able to truly awaken your senses and relish the beauty and splendor of the land around the Laikipia plateau regions. Read more on its website here.
Below are some top walking safari destinations in Kenya;
- Amboseli National Park.
- Chyulu National Park.
- Kenyan Coast.
- Laikipia.
- Masai Mara National Park.
- Meru National Park.
- Nairobi.
- Rift Valley.
Additional information to note:
-Don’t forget your hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water for your hikes.
-If possible, bring binoculars so you can spot animals from a distance.
-Make sure to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing that won’t constrict your movements.
-Pack light! Your guide will provide anything else you may need throughout the trip.
Where to go on Walking Safari:
Mt Longonot offers an awe-inspiring experience with views of the mysterious crater inside the Rift Valley volcano. Not only that, but Hell’s Gate National Park invites travelers to explore their park on foot – a rarity among national parks! Lastly, Aberdare National Park provides gorgeous alpine scenery and tranquil walking trails for visitors to enjoy.
Mbulia Conservancy promises an array of majestic landscapes that you’ll really like during your safari, from dense forests to panoramic vistas spanning Tsavo’s vastness. Matthews Range Trek offers awe-inspiring highlands located in the center of Samburu country, while a trek through Loita Hills lets you experience the south as if you were a Maasai warrior!
