Walking safaris in Tanzania

At Wilderness, we don't offer dedicated specialised walking itineraries; instead walking safari activities form part of a broader luxury safari experience where conditions and locations allow. As far as a Tanzania walking safari is concerned, we are able to offer exceptional opportunities at Wilderness Usawa Serengeti with our semi-permanent tented camps moving seasonally in step with the Great Migration. The locations chosen for these camps are in designated walking areas in the Serengeti where exploring on foot directly from camp is possible, adding another dimension to your safari, complementing game drives and other activities.

Rather than covering large distances by vehicle, these Tanzanian walking safaris allow you the opportunity to experience the iconic Serengeti National Park at a slower pace, taking time to notice the smaller details of the environment. Expect walks to last between two and four hours, usually in the cool of the early morning or late afternoon, with small groups of around four to eight guests. Every walk is led by a highly trained, armed guide who will show you spoor and interesting fauna, while ensuring your safety throughout the experience.

On your walking safari, you'll learn to identify animal tracks, recognise birds and calls, spot insects and smaller creatures, understand the importance of native plants, and discover the subtle signs that predators and herbivores leave behind. Wildlife encounters happen at a respectful and safe distance, deepening your appreciation of the bush and the delicate ecosystems that support it.

A Wilderness safari is about far more than walking alone. From Wilderness Usawa, guided walks are included as a complimentary activity whenever seasonal conditions and wildlife movements allow, offering an unforgettable way to explore the Serengeti on foot. Led by armed, highly trained guides, these walks reveal the smaller details often missed from a vehicle.

You may also choose to combine your stay at Wilderness Usawa with one of our carefully selected partner properties in Tanzania, opening up more walking safari opportunities, including multi-day walking safaris in the Serengeti or a visit to somewhere like Lake Manyara National Park where you can enjoy a leisurely amble along the lake shore or a full day hike up the Rift Valley.

If walking is a priority on your Tanzania safari, get in touch to discuss our options and build a package that best matches the experience you're looking for

When is the best time for a walking safari in Tanzania?

Walking safaris in Tanzania are possible year-round, but tall grasses in the green season may make wildlife viewing more difficult. For safety reasons, our guides recommend walking safaris in the dry season from June to October. In general, this is considered the best time for a Tanzania safari as the Great Migration herds are moving across the northern Serengeti. The temperate weather conditions, with less chance of rain, also make for a better walking experience, while the placement of our safari camps away from the Mara River allow for more meaningful experiences, such as walking, far from the crowds.

Do you get to walk with animals on safari in Tanzania?

In destinations such as the Serengeti National Park, the goal is not to walk alongside wildlife, but to observe animals safely in their natural habitat. Our Tanzanian walking safaris don’t focus on getting you close to wildlife but rather on reading tracks, interpreting signs of animal activity and, where conditions allow, viewing animals from a safe distance. The terrain around our camps in the Serengeti is spectacular for walking, with an interesting mix of ecosystems, from open grass plains, to mixed bushveld with beautiful rocky outcrops interspersed through low rolling hills.  

Can I combine a walking safari with a ground (vehicle) safari?

Absolutely. In fact, that's how a Tanzania walking safari with Wilderness is designed to be experienced. Rather than focusing exclusively on walking, our all-inclusive safaris offer a mix of traditional game drives and walking safaris, which are interchangeable depending on your interests and seasonal conditions. Additional experiences like hot air balloon flights over the Serengeti allow you to experience this unique Tanzanian safari destination from every angle.