Walking Safaris

Step into the heart of the Serengeti from lodges like Mbuzi Mawe, Nanyukie, or the Four Seasons. These 1-to-3-hour walks offer a rare, ground-level view of one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Guided by experts, you’ll explore pristine wilderness where the silence is broken only by the sounds of nature. It’s a short but profound immersion into the wild, providing exceptional opportunities for game viewing while surrounded by the raw beauty of the central plains.

Journey into the remote northern reaches of the Serengeti from Kuria Hills Tented Lodge. This two-hour trek is led by expert naturalists and armed rangers, guiding you through the scenic and varied habitats of the Wogakuria area. On foot, the rolling hills and granite kopjes reveal their secrets, allowing you to connect with the landscape in a way no drive can match. It is an authentic walking safari designed for those seeking true wilderness solitude.

From Migration Tented Lodge, a walk to the banks of the Upper Grumeti offers a front-row seat to the lives of resident hippos and riverine wildlife. It’s the perfect sensory contrast to a morning game drive. Further west, Kirawira Tented Lodge offers similar explorations into the lower Grumeti River Valley, where the lush vegetation and water-dependent species create a vibrant, active ecosystem best appreciated at a walking pace.

Located in the private Loliondo Game Reserve, Taasa Lodge offers premier walking safaris tailored to your pace, from leisurely strolls to strenuous hikes. The area’s rolling hills provide stunning vistas and a sense of profound scale. These treks are led by local Maasai warriors, blending wildlife tracking with deep cultural insights into their ancestral lands. Note: This experience requires a stay at Taasa Lodge to access these exclusive, scenic routes.

Cross the Mbalageti River swing bridge to enter a hidden world. Departing from Mbalageti Tented Lodge, this 1.5-hour walk winds down Mwamnevi Hill and across the Dutwa Plains into a thick gallery forest. Beneath the dense canopy, the air cools and the birdlife becomes spectacular, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a tropical rainforest. It is a lush, vibrant detour from the open plains, showcasing the Serengeti’s surprising ecological diversity.

Traverse the Southern Serengeti plains in the company of a Maasai Warrior. This one-hour walk near Olduvai Gorge focuses on the fine art of tracking and cultural immersion, culminating in a visit to a traditional Maasai Boma. In the dry season, encounter giraffe and Grant’s gazelle; in the green season, witness the arrival of the Great Migration. Whether exploring the gorge museum or learning ancient bushcraft, this walk offers a deep connection to both nature and humanity.

Tarangire is a land of giants and secrets. On foot, you have the rare chance to encounter the elegant, shy lesser kudu—an antelope that often vanishes at the sound of an engine but can be observed by those moving quietly through the thick bush. Led by expert guides from Tarangire Treetops or Swala Tented Lodge, these walks offer a thrilling proximity to big game and a chance to explore the park’s iconic baobab-studded landscape throughout the year.

Between December and April, the shorelines of Lake Ndutu transform into a vibrant theatre of life. This scenic nature walk allows you to witness the Great Migration at ground level and observe thousands of flamingos gracing the soda lake. The open terrain and soft light of the green season make this an unforgettable experience for photographers and nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in the rhythm of the calving season.

Embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure through a valley carved into the ancient Gol Mountains. Starting at the massive granite monolith of Nasera Rock, this 2-to-4-hour hike is our favorite for witnessing the Great Migration on foot. This remote eastern landscape is wild and unpredictable, with wildlife viewing dependent on the sparse rains. Recommended for the green season, it offers a raw, powerful encounter with the migration in one of the Serengeti’s most secluded corners.

Hike through the surreal, towering cliffs of Olkarien Gorge, the primary nesting site for Ruppell’s Griffon Vultures. In March, watch these magnificent birds soar overhead as they breed during the migration’s arrival. You may also encounter Maasai herdsmen bringing their cattle to the gorge’s base, offering a glimpse into a timeless way of life. Due to its remote location at the edge of the Gol Mountains, an overnight stay at Woodlands Camp is required.

Descend 1,000 feet into the lush caldera of the Empakaai Crater on this full-day adventure. The four-mile-wide floor features a soda lake often shimmering with flamingos. As you trek through the dense forest walls, keep a keen eye out for buffalo, blue monkeys, and the elusive bushbuck, while vibrant turacos flit through the canopy. This rewarding hike requires a two-night stay on the eastern crater rim to fully appreciate one of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s hidden gems.