As the peak safari season in 2024 approaches, I am excited to share this epic adventure with you so that you can consider including it in your 2025 travel plans – a Serengeti Walking Safari. Among the headline stories that left many at the office speechless and prompted me to write this journal entry was James’ trip with his family from Boston.

James, a 75-year-old retiree, was eager for a trekking safari, specifically in northern Tanzania at Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, or Ngorongoro Crater. They completed a 4-day trek on the plains of Serengeti and then spent another four days relaxing on Zanzibar Island. Trips like this are rare, but having one with a 75-year-old man is truly special. If this older man could step out of his comfort zone, why can’t you?

The Serengeti Walking Safari: A Journey of Discovery

Uncover an incredible wildlife experience ready to be discovered in the expansive African wilderness – a Serengeti Walking or Trekking Safari! Far away from bustling cities and modern distractions, this exclusive and immersive experience, reserved for the discerning few, offers a unique and thrilling opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form. This chance comes once in a lifetime, making you feel truly privileged and unique.

For your 2025 trip plans, think about a Serengeti walking safari. It’s a way to see the wild beauty up close. Imagine waking up to the beautiful sound of bird songs and the calming sight of grass gently swaying in the morning breeze. The sun slowly paints the sky with pink and gold hues. It is just the beginning of what awaits you on a Serengeti Walking Safari.

The Serengeti National Park is a wonder, attracting travelers from all over. It’s full of life, from vast herds of wildebeest and zebra to big predators that team up in Great Migration. A guided walking tour is the best way to feel the land and the wild and learn tracks and signs from an expert guide. Take advantage of this chance to experience the untamed beauty of the Serengeti.

Walking or Trekking Safari?

Going on a walking safari is the ultimate way to experience the wilderness areas. Walking in Tanzania has a different vibe than driving in a vehicle. On foot, you become part of the wildlife world instead of just watching from afar, making for an exhilarating and unforgettable safari adventure. Walking safaris can be done on short or long walks, and you return to the vehicle for a game drive.

Meanwhile, opting for a mobile walking experience means the camp crew moves everything so you can enjoy sundowners at the end of your walking journey. Trekking takes things to the next level and is sometimes called fly camping. You backpack through the wilderness, camping in a new spot each night. The tents are lightweight, the team is small, and the focus is on immersing yourself in nature, getting hands-on, and embracing the untamed wilderness.

- Advertisement -

Feel the Bush Vibes

Unlike traditional game drives, where the sights and sounds of the wilderness are observed from a distance, a walking safari places you right in the heart of the action. Step by step, you traverse the untamed terrain, led by experienced guides with deep knowledge and respect for the land. Your safety is our top priority, and our guides, who are well-equipped to handle any unexpected situations, ensure you feel secure and well-cared for.

One of the greatest appeals of a Serengeti Walking Safari is its intimate encounters with the mesmerizing wildlife that calls this region home. Picture yourself facing a majestic lion, its golden mane glistening in the sunlight, or witnessing a herd of elephants gracefully moving across the plains. These are moments that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Imagine the thrill of tracking a leopard or observing a family of cheetahs on the hunt, experiences unique to a walking safari that excite and intrigue you.

Remember, We are mammals, too.

Animals might not pay you much attention when you’re in a vehicle. However, once you’re on foot, you become just another member of the animal kingdom. Remember to show respect for nature, and it will show respect in return. We have a special bond with the land, and a walking safari in the Serengeti can be magical.

As you journey through the Serengeti on foot, you will witness the raw beauty of nature and big game and gain a profound and inspiring appreciation for the ecosystem’s delicate balance. Each footprint you leave behind reminds you of the significance of conservation and safeguarding our beautiful world. It gives you a new point of view and allows you to see the beauty of nature in a whole new light!

We follow no road.

On foot, you can explore remote areas and reach spots a safari car can’t reach. There are no roads to limit you – you can go wherever your heart desires. Imagine wandering off the road less traveled, away from the crowds, with a sense of freedom that a game drive safari can’t match. And that is a sense of African adventure.

- Advertisement -

Only a few are permissible.

East Africa Safari Guides and Wayo Africa are teaming up to offer incredible walking safaris in both eastern and northern Serengeti. This top-notch park can only be explored on foot by a few companies. Remember that for safety reasons, all walks must be led by a trained walking guide from the operating company and an armed ranger from the National Park Authority. So you can rest assured that you’re in good hands during your adventure!

From Opulence to Authenticity

During your trekking safari, you’ll bunk down in cozy tents equipped with comfy mattresses, bug-proof mesh sides, and ceilings to enjoy a clear view of the stars at night under acacia trees. We do our best to ensure your comfort, but remember, these trekking safaris are about immersing yourself in the wilderness and discovering remote corners rather than seeking luxury. Our focus is on providing a comfortable and authentic camping experience that allows you to connect with nature. Our camp crew assures a comfy stay, and you will be amazed by the cozy atmosphere in the wild.

We are after tasty food.

You’ll be traveling alongside the crew as we follow a river to ensure a steady flow of fresh water. We filter and treat the water before we drink it. Our camp crew will whip up some tasty meals for us to enjoy. We’ll restock every 3 to 4 days to ensure the freshest and highest-quality food. Typically, walking safaris are all-inclusive, even including alcoholic beverages.

Here is a Serengeti walking safari highlight of the day

5 AM: Yawn, stretch, and start packing up our campsite. Our fantastic chef will already have a pot of coffee brewing and some rolled oats ready to jumpstart your day.

At around 6 AM, we kick off our morning walk along easy terrain, covering 12-15km off the beaten track. Remember to bring a high-protein breakfast snack and lunch to munch on while walking. We’ve got these ultra-lightweight camp chairs that fold up small and pop open in a flash. They’re perfect for taking a load off and enjoying a nice sit-down meal during our break.

Morning to Midday:

Between 11 and 12 AM, we begin our search for a campsite, get our camp all set up, and chill out in our little haven during the hottest part of the day. It could mean taking a quick nap, diving into a good book, or lounging beside the river. It is a chance to disconnect from everyday life’s chaos and reconnect with nature’s primal rhythms, providing much-needed relief.

Afternoon to Evening:

Later in the afternoon, we venture out on a shorter, more casual walk around the area without our heavy backpacks, usually covering around 5km. Meanwhile, the porters and chef stay behind at camp to make a delicious dinner.

As the sun sets to the west, you’ll come together by a cozy campfire, sharing stories with fellow adventurers and tuning into the distant sounds of nighttime critters. The camaraderie and shared wonderment fostered during these moments are priceless, making you feel connected and part of a unique community bonded by the love for nature and adventure.

7-8 PM: Dinner time! After that, it’s pretty much bedtime.