Walking Safari Experiences
Tanzania Walking Safari
Immerse yourself in the excitement of a walking safari, where you’ll get to experience Africa’s incredible wildlife up close while wandering through its stunning landscapes.
Walking safaris offer a special way to enhance your safari adventure, usually scheduled for the cooler hours of early morning or late afternoon. Once limited to places like the Selous Game Reserve and certain Wildlife Management Areas, and only available in a few National Parks like Gombe Stream, Mahale Mountains, Rubondo Island, Udzungwa Mountains, Kitulo, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Arusha (Mt. Meru), walking safaris were often paired with trekking. Now, they’re available in more places, including Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (including Ndutu), and parts of the Serengeti that were once only reachable by vehicle or hot air balloon.
Led by knowledgeable guides, often accompanied by an armed ranger for added safety, walking safaris are a perfect addition to traditional game drives. They offer a closer look at nature’s wonders, like birds, reptiles, insects, and the local plants’ medicinal uses—things you might miss while riding in a safari vehicle. Walking through the African bush brings the sights, sounds, and scents to life, especially in areas like Selous, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, where you’re likely to encounter animals roaming freely. This type of safari is the most authentic way to connect with the natural world, offering an unforgettable and truly unique experience.
The experience
A walking safari in Tanzania is an unforgettable adventure that lets you experience the wilderness up close in a way that’s very different from being in a vehicle. You’ll be on foot, guided by experienced local rangers or Maasai guides, who will lead you through various terrains, from the expansive plains of the Serengeti to the cool, dense forests of the Ngorongoro Highlands. Expect a slow-paced journey that allows you to really take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the environment. You’ll learn to spot animal tracks, identify plants, and understand the intricate details of the ecosystem that you might miss while driving. Safety is always a top priority, so your guides will keep you informed and aware of your surroundings. You might come across wildlife like elephants or giraffes and witness smaller, often overlooked creatures and bird species. It’s a chance to feel a deeper connection with nature and appreciate the unique beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes in a way that’s both personal and profound.
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When to Visit
The most popular time to experience a Tanzanian safari is during the dry season from June to October. Temperatures are pleasant, humidity levels are low, and the chance of rain is minimal. It is the perfect season to witness how vast numbers of prey congregate near rivers and water holes, which encourages predators to base themselves in these areas. However, it is also a busy time on the Northern Circuit. For a more intimate experience with fewer tourists and vehicles around, we recommend travelling during the low and shoulder season months.
Dry Season
June to late October & December to February Best time for wildlife sightings; book early
Tanzania experiences a long dry season from June until the end of October and a shorter dry period from January to February. Both are superb times to travel to Tanzania as all the national parks will be easily accessible. Not only are they the best time for a safari, but thanks to the dry weather these two periods are also a great time to experience a tropical beach retreat on the Zanzibar Archipelago. Since it is the most popular time to visit Tanzania, expect to see more safari vehicles in the popular parks on the Northern Circuit.
Green Season
April, May, November Ideal to see a lusciously green Tanzania and fewer other visitors
This is the season when the landscapes turn green, the sky is clear, and the light is incredible. It occurs thanks to two rainy seasons. The long rains arrive from March to May and the short rains, which are less predictable, happen in November and December. Despite the afternoon thunderstorms, it is a great time to visit Tanzania, because the northern parks remain accessible, the landscapes are incredibly beautiful and there are fewer visitors.













