Increasingly popular, many tourists are choosing walking safaris to discover Tanzania in a more authentic way. It's the best way to get closer to nature and interact more intimately with wild animals. Tanzania offers various on-foot safaris tailored to your preferences. Leave the Jeep behind and join us as we explore the must-see circuits.

Discovering Walking Safari Circuits in Tanzania

Rather than traversing the savanna by 4x4, eco-conscious travelers now prefer walking safaris. It's an exciting option for exploring Tanzania's wild nature. You won't simply be observers—you'll be in direct contact with wildlife. Here are the top 5 walking circuits not to miss in Tanzania:

Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park is located in the south-west of Tanzania, in the Katavi region. The site was declared a national park in 1974. It covers an area of approximately 4,471 km², making it the third-largest park in Tanzania. The Katavi reserve is somewhat remote, but well worth the journey for its abundant treasures. The wilderness of Katavi remains nearly untouched, offering a glimpse of Tanzanian forest as it existed decades ago. During a walking safari, you'll be fully immersed with various mammal species including zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, lions, leopards, cheetahs… Make the rounds to observe hippopotamuses and crocodiles nesting along the riverbanks. Birdwatching enthusiasts will be thoroughly satisfied. Indeed, approximately 400 bird species await discovery in Katavi National Park. To take a break, shelter in the shade of the "Spirit Tree"—a sacred tamarisk located near Lake Katavi. Walking safari in Katavi National Park is the perfect option for uncovering the hidden treasures deep within Tanzania.

Nyerere National Park

Nyerere National Park, also known as Selous Reserve, is located in south-east Tanzania. The Selous Reserve is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. With an area of approximately 55,000 km², the park is Tanzania's largest reserve. With its pristine landscapes, it's a joy to explore on foot. During a trek through the park, you'll find numerous camps along the trail. During your visit, you'll almost certainly spot elephants. Indeed, it hosts the world's largest elephant reserve. Other visitors may surprise you at any moment, including lions, sable antelopes (or black antelope), elands, buffalo, leopards, wildebeest, and even African wild dogs. Don't forget your binoculars to spot birds (giant kingfisher, African fish eagle, yellow-billed stork, palm vulture…) soaring over the park. Depending on your visit period, you may encounter migratory species. Take a boat trip along the Rufiji River to admire the landscape and glimpse crocodiles. A walking safari in Nyerere National Park holds many surprises.

Ruaha National Park

To appreciate the splendor of wild Africa, take a walking safari in Ruaha National Park. After Selous Reserve, it's the second-largest national park in Tanzania. Various activities are possible:

• Encounter wildlife: kudu, elephants, African wild dogs, antelopes, etc.
• Contemplate varied landscapes: grassy savannas, acacias, baobabs, palms, etc.
• Spot countless endemic bird species: masked lovebird, ashy starling, red-billed hornbill, etc.
• Take a night walking safari and meet nocturnal animals: night birds, wildcats, lions, bat-eared foxes, genets, servals, civets, spotted hyenas, etc.
• Observe reptiles and amphibians: snakes, agama lizards, frogs, etc.

Serengeti National Park

One never tires of witnessing the great annual migration of animals toward permanent water sources. It's a spectacle that unfolds each year across Serengeti's vast plains. Exploring every corner of Serengeti National Park on foot is always full of suspense. Keep your eyes open—predators can emerge from nowhere to hunt herbivore herds (wildebeest, gazelles, zebras…). The most daring can even encounter the famous Big Five (African lion, African leopard, African elephant, African buffalo, and rhinoceros—black or white). Take time to appreciate the banks of the Grumeti River and the Mara River.

Tarangire National Park

Easily accessible, Tarangire National Park is located in northern Tanzania. The park's surface area is relatively small compared to other parks. With a landscape dotted with baobabs, Tarangire National Park is home to countless wild animals: elephants, giraffes, zebras, oryx, impalas, hippopotamuses, spotted hyenas, leopards, antelopes… Tarangire National Park is also a favorite meeting point for various birds. It boasts the highest number of bird species in the entire country. You may encounter brown parrots, orange-bellied parakeets, hornbills, hoopoes, starlings, weavers, white-eyes, striped swallows, Kori bustards… Tarangire National Park is the best destination for ornithologists.

Practical Information

The fastest way to get there is by air. If you want to take walking safaris in the northern part of the country (Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park…), the ideal option is to fly directly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. It's the closest airport to the city of Arusha, which is the departure point for many safaris.

Conversely, for walking safaris in the south of the country, it's recommended to land at Dar es Salaam International Airport. You can book your tickets online or through a travel agency.

When to Go on a Walking Safari in Tanzania?

In Tanzania, the climate is divided into two main seasons:

• Rainy season: November to April
• Dry season: May to October

Between December and February, temperatures are very high, becoming stifling. The weather is more pleasant from June to September: this is the perfect time for a walking safari in Tanzania.