What is a walking safari exactly?

In short, you are out of your vehicle from several hours to one day to many days. You are accompanied at all times by a local guide as well as an armed ranger. For longer hikes, fly-camping is required. Supplies and belongings make it to remote bush camps for overnights in different ways depending upon the location of the hike. In Northern Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area, for example, Maasai donkeys are used to transport supplies. In Ruaha National Park, support vehicles are used to help set up camps. You don't have to be in blistering shape to undertake a walking safari; they aren't forced marches but opportunities to enjoy some spectacular landscapes. There is plenty of time to take photos. But neither would I recommend you undertake a three hike if you don't do regular exercise at home. Northern Tanzania is mountainous; hikes can be all downhill or all uphill. Depending upon the month you travel, you could be walking under a hot African sun. For longer hikes, consider getting in good enough shape to manage 20 kms (13 miles) a day.

The Tanzanian parks and reserves which allow walking are Arusha NP, Tarangire NP, Ruaha NP, and the Selous Game Reserve. Buffer zones around national parks also permit walking - Loliondo for example, which is located to the east of the Northern Serengeti; and the Gol Mountains, part of which lie within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) and part without. Outside of the Ngorongoro Crater itself, you are allowed to walk most everywhere in the NCA as long as you have along the mandatory ranger. There is always the risk of encountering wildlife - buffalo on Mount Lemagrut perhaps, or elephant and buffalo on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Overall, however, as long as the group keeps together and obeys the ranger's and guide's instructions walking is safe. Wildlife goes out of its way to avoid us. Why consider a walking safari? Well, even the best planned safari involves a great deal of vehicle time; that is perhaps the most difficult thing about a safari for active people. It feels so good to get out of that vehicle. Also, on foot is the best way to get in touch with our inner animal which we tend to forget, living as we do our urban lives so distanced from instinct and nature.

02-09-2008