Where to do walking safaris in Kenya : There is a concept very unique about leaving your 4×4 behind and setting out on foot to see the bush and find all its inhabitants. Without the hum of the engine and the roar of the exhaust, your ears sharpened, your eyes refined – and your heart rate probably a little bit faster! Many of Kenya’s national parks and reserves forbid walking safaris, but if you delve a little further, you’ll find some of the best treks on the continent, complete with a variety of encyclopaedic guides. Here’s the skinny on the only walking safaris in Kenya that, in our humble opinion, you should ever know about.
Laikipia Wilderness Camp.
Many of the best Kenya walking safaris actually involve no walking at all. Sounds strange? You’ll have to go to the Laikipia Wilderness to understand what we mean! The guides have mastered the art of just being here. Naturally, you’ll be wearing your walking boots out for a few hours, but in these hills and valleys, you’ll find peaceful places to relax and take in the scenery rather than rushing around or dashing from place to place. Take in the sounds of nature as it surrounds you hear the flutter of wings by the river, sense the vibrations of grazing ellies up ahead. That’s what you get when you put a team with 25 years of walking safari experience behind them.
Naboisho Camp.
Naboisho Camp is the kind of place that you arrive at and everything immediately feels better. There are big smiles all round, the kind of food you’d believe your (very well trained) Grandma to cook, and enormous bedroom tents, decked out in a variety of peaceful colours and soothing fabrics to relax in. After you’ve settled in, take a walk on their renowned walking safaris. The camp is located in the beautiful Naboisho Conservancy, which is exempt from the laws and ordinances of the nearby Masai Mara. The walking safaris are exciting, wild, and occasionally a little bit daring. Led by Roelof Schutte and Lucas Ramah, you’ll get up close to and personal with giraffe, descend gorges of varying heights and learn everything there is to know about tracks, trails and turds. This is the genuine deal when it comes to Kenya walking safaris– and it’s truly safari outstanding.
Borana Lodge.
The stunning Borana Lodge is the last but certainly not least stop on our list of walking safaris in Kenya. Situated at the centre of the Borana Conservancy, accommodation here is both eco-friendly and thrilling, with all proceeds going directly towards conservation efforts. So what better reason is there to embark on one of the top-notch walking safaris? And if you’d like to explore on foot, your options are endless as always. Take advantage of the guides’ in-depth knowledge of the local flora and fauna, birds, and bees by starting your morning with a leisurely stroll through the conservancy. In the afternoon, spend a few hours tracking the black rhino and reporting back to HQ, or take part in a flying or collaring exercise. Perhaps not a classic Kenya safari, but arguably an even better way to get your teeth into the bush and all it has to offer.
Kicheche Valley Camp and Kicheche Bush Camp.
If you elegant a real stretch of the legs, then how about joining one of our favourite Kenya walking safaris – Kicheche’s outstanding, multi-day trekking adventure. You’ll begin your journey at the stunning Valley Camp in the Naboisho Conservancy and make your way on foot through rolling plains and dense acacia woodland, keeping an eye out for both small and large game. As darkness falls, you’ll arrive at a fly camp on the western side of the conservancy, where it’s drinks around the fire, home-cooked fare and an extraordinary night under the stars. Get up early and make your way to the Olare Motorogi Conservancy’s Bush Camp in the morning. You’ll stroll alongside Seketa Valley’s breathtaking escarpment, stopping occasionally to admire the little details that are only visible on foot, of course.
Saruni Rhino Camp.
If you’re eager off the mark, you may well be able to get yourself a spot in one of the three bandas at the reserved Saruni Rhino Camp in Kenya’s northern frontier. The boutique camp is located in a private conservancy, Sera, a pioneering, community-owned sanctuary that’s home to a lovely little group of black rhino who were introduced to boost Kenya’s rhino population and motivate visitors to make the trip up north.
And that’s where the walking safaris come in – but did we mention these aren’t any old Kenya walking safaris? Walking here is like going on an adrenaline safari in search of the black rhinos themselves. You’ll track rhinos on foot with the help of rangers who are knowledgeable about every rhino on the conservancy and who will use traditional tracking techniques. You might even be able to get close enough to see every ear flick and feel every tail swish.