Walking Safaris in Kenya

A Kenyan walking safari offers a uniquely immersive experience. Feel the earth beneath your feet, take in the sounds of the bush, and get close to the region’s diverse wildlife. It is a perfect way to unplug from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Take in the beauty of Kenya at your own pace.

Half-day safari walks in Kenya for beginners

For those new to walking safaris, we can arrange a short half-day walking safari for guests staying at our Kenya lodges. These walks are a wonderful introduction to walking safaris and can be done locally, providing a break from the traditional 4x4 game drives. These walking safaris can even be enjoyed as part of a Kenya family holiday with the kids, with unique experiences including a 'poo safari', a fun and educational way to learn about wildlife through animal droppings. This unique safari experience encourages education as together you learn to identify different types of animal poop, as well as explore the flora and fauna surrounding you.

Multi-day Kenyan walking safaris for the true adventurer

For a more immersive experience, consider a longer ‘multi-day’ walking safari, where you will spend nights out in the bush in a lightweight camp (usually called a fly-camp). Our 5-day Masai Mara walking safari is an exhilarating experience where you will learn to identify wildlife tracks,spot birdlife, learn about the conservation efforts happening in these conservancies and sleep out under the stars. Perfect for those looking to disconnect from today’s technology-led world and reconnect with nature.

Where to stay for your walking safari

Walking safaris are prohibited in most of Kenya's national parks and reserves, so if you are interested in including a walk within your safari, you will need to stay in a private conservancy. We highly recommend staying in these conservancies for their privacy, exclusive activities, and tailored experiences they offer.

Northern Kenya

The northern part of Kenya, around Mount Kenya, the Laikipia Plateau, Lewa, Borana and the Samburu region is a hotspot for walking safaris. This is because large parts of this area of Kenya are under the control of privately managed wildlife conservancies. Unlike the more regulated national parks (where walking safaris are not allowed), these conservancies are able to offer far more variety, especially when it comes to activities outside of the vehicle. The region has a plethora of walking safari opportunities,s including walking with camels, trekking the slopes of Mount Kenya, tracking rhinos, helicopter-assisted safaris that get you to the most remote locations, and walking safaris in community-owned conservancies with indigenous Samburu guides for true cultural immersion. Our experts will help you decide which Kenyan walking safari is best for you when planning your trip.

Exploring the rest of Kenya

While northern Kenya is a well-known hotspot for walking safaris, there are also superb walking safari options in other parts of the country. The Great Rift Valley, Tsavo, and Amboseli all offer stunning landscapes and great walking trails, often with the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop. Even in the Masai Mara, where walking safaris are less common, there are private conservancies such as Mara Naboisho that allow guests to experience the area on foot. Our team recently explored this stunning part of Kenya through a walking safari, and we are happy to help you plan a similar journey.

Kenyan Walking Safari Safety

The safety of our guests is a top priority during Kenyan walking safaris, which are very carefully regulated. All walking safari guides have a specific qualification and training that goes beyond the standard guiding qualification. They are equipped with the knowledge to avoid potentially dangerous situations, as well as manage unexpected encounters. We would strongly advise undertaking walking safaris with an armed guard which is common practice in Kenya, to allow you to enjoy your safari walk with peace of mind.