As the name suggests, walking safaris involve going for a walk rather than driving to witness wild animals in their natural habitat. This type of activity is normally conducted in private wildlife conservancies in Kenya with a maximum of six participants accompanied by a fully trained guide who is licensed to carry a firearm. Most of the time, the safari would begin later in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon, when there isn’t too much heat from the sun. The walk can last between 2 and 5 hours depending on the distance covered and the number of stops the participant would make to observe animals, converse with the guide, or take a drink break.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Walking Safari.
- Always pay attention to the safari guides since they are always familiar with the animal’s habitat, behavior, and how they react towards visitors.
- Don’t flee in the event you find yourself in a dire situation. It’s obvious most people tend to panic and flee when faced with danger but such sudden movements can startle an animal and scare them leading to them reacting against you.
- Walking safaris are meant to be experienced, so don’t chatter your way through the safari, and when you do speak, avoid speaking loudly. It will disturb your intimacy with nature and frighten animals. If you need to ask a serious question, speak quietly.
- Bush walks take safari visitors through a variety of terrains, so a good pair of hiking boots should be essential. Boots protect your feet from insect bites and stings, as well as thorns and spikes on rough terrain.
Best Accommodation in Kenya that Offers Walking Safaris.
- Naboisho Camp – This camp is located in the private Naboisho Conservancy, which is free of the rules and regulations of the neighboring Masai Mara. Your walking safari at this camp provides you with an up-close and personal encounter with wildlife as well as a learning experience about tracks, trails, and turds. When it comes to Kenya walking safaris, this is the real deal– and it’s absolutely amazing.
- Saruni Rhino Camp – This boutique camp is located in the private Sera Wildlife Conservancy, a community-owned sanctuary that provides shelter to the fabulous group of black rhinos which were introduced to this region with the aim of bolstering the rhino population in Kenya and encouraging visitors to visit the Northern Parks of Kenya. A walking safari at Sera involves an accompaniment with rangers who use traditional tracking methods and have intimate knowledge of each rhino on the conservancy. You’ll track them on foot and (perhaps) get close enough to see every ear flick and feel every tail swish.
- Kicheche Valley Camp and Kicheche Bush Camp – These two sister camps offer magnificent multi-day trekking adventures that begin at the beautiful Kicheche Valley Camp in the Naboisho Conservancy, as you wind your way on foot through thick acacia woodland and rolling plains, keeping an eye out for game big and small. As night falls, you’ll arrive at a fly camp on the conservancy’s western edge for drinks around the fire, home-cooked fare, and an unforgettable night under the stars. Wake up early and head to the Kicheche Bush Camp in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, making a few stops along the way to take in the small things that can only be seen on foot.
Things to Pack for a Walking Safari.
- Pack sunscreen lotion, insect repellent spray, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Warm fleece jackets and beanies to keep your ears warm on chilly mornings and evenings.
- Bring neutral-colored casual clothing, such as bush jackets, jerseys, or raincoats. On a walking safari, avoid wearing bright and flashy colors and instead opt for neutral tones such as green, brown, and khaki.
- Bring hiking shoes for walking safaris and open shoes for camp days.
- Walking safari does not always imply walking through the bush. Depending on where you’re going, be prepared to navigate through various landscapes such as beaches, forests, and plateaus, so wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
- Carry a camera and extra batteries to record the exciting moments of your walking safari.
- Binoculars will allow you to get a better look at distant locations as well as animals.
The Amazing Benefits of Walking Safaris.
- Walking safaris allow you to get up close and personal with nature. They stimulate your senses and make you feel like you’re a part of the environment thus ensuring your safari is more than just a vacation.
- The animals you encounter on a walking safari may take notice of your group. Being noticed and recognized as an animal by wildlife is a primal experience. Such experiences create excitement that is emotionally heightened and accompanied by close-up smells and sounds, resulting in long-lasting memories.
- Walking safaris frequently allow you to explore every nook and cranny of national parks and game reserves. Furthermore, you are not limited by a lack of roads, and an experienced safari guide will lead you along animal trails through the wilderness.
- Experience guides have stories to tell, and information is remembered when it is relayed through stories. Walking safaris will give you a new perspective on nature and its inhabitants.
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