I had never gone on a walking safari when I arrived at Naboisho Camp, but as an avid hiker, I was excited to get out of the safari truck and stretch my legs after nearly a week on my Kenya safari. A walking safari in Kenya was the perfect addition to my safari and I encourage everyone to try this experience at least one in their lifetime.
While I went on my walking safari in Kenya, these safety precautions, and what to bring and expect are similar no matter where you go. Although I do need to recommend going on a walking safari in Kenya, especially in the Masai Mara at Naboisho Camp as I did. It’s one of the best places to go on a walking safari in Kenya!
Going on a Walking Safari in Kenya
Walking Safari in Kenya Safety
No matter what kind of safari you go on it can be dangerous. The Big 5 are called such because they are the most dangerous animals to track and hunt. While you won’t be hunting on a walking safari those animals are still out there. Make no mistake these animals are deadly.
If I haven’t scared the sh*t out of you here are some important safety tips my amazing guide Albert gave me before heading out on our walking safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Listen to your Guide at all Times
Does this seem obvious? I hope so, but having traveled and lead groups all over the world I can tell you that many people do not listen even when safety is concerned. Not listening to your guide is one of the most common mistakes on an African safari.
Walk in Single File
This might seem silly, but it makes perfect sense. Walking in single file allows the guide to be in front and have a wide range of view of the area in from of them. Albert also told me it makes it easier for him to take quick action in an emergency.
Don’t Touch Anything
Unless you know every little plant, insect, and animal keep your hands (and feet) off of it. While on our safari we came across a large ant hill that had a poisonous ant living in it. Albert told me if I had touch one of the ants I’d have to go to a hospital.
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What to Bring/Wear on a Walking Safari
Most walking safaris are for a short period of time, from an hour to a morning/afternoon. As such, you don’t need to bring that much with you besides the clothes that you’ve already packed for your safari. Your guide will have a backpack with emergency supplies, radio, first aid kit, and a most likely a rifle or other weapon.
You should bring/wear:
- Closed toed shoes, preferably boots.
- Long pants
- Long sleeved shirt
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Water
- Binoculars (optional)
What expect on a Walking Safari
The best part about a walking safari is getting an even closer look at nature. From a safari truck you’ll see the really big animals , but you won’t see the flowers and small plants that dot the area. You won’t see the crazy looking insects the crawl on the ground or that tracks of the animals you love.
Before you leave your guide will giving you a safety briefing and rules you’ll need to follow while out in the bush. Like I said earlier, follow them!
Then you’ll just walk, following your guide as they lead you through the bush. Every walking safari is different as you never know what you’ll come across.
I asked Albert a million questions and was so lucky to have a one on one walking safari. His love of the world around him was so evident, and I really enjoyed the stories he told me and the knowledge he shared. In another life, I was an outdoor educator and I felt like I was right back in that world exploring the tiny things most people overlook.
I’m still not sure if I was excited to see animals or not, but thankfully we only saw a herd of zebras and an elephant (I REALLY big one!) from pretty far away. No cats, which I was happy about because they’re pretty scary.
One of the coolest things we saw was this animal skull! I love stuff like this and while we saw a bunch of them from the safari truck throughout the week seeing it up close was even better. It once belonged to a young cape buffalo.
What really made my experience amazing though, was Albert. He knew everything, birds, flowers, animal tracks, insects, and trees. We even did a little photo shoot. Doesn’t he look like a boss?
So if you’re thinking about going on a walking safari, DO IT! It added a whole new perspective to the way I saw the African bush, and I hope upon hope I can do it again!
Have you been on a walking safari in Kenya? What did you see and discover? Let me know in the comments.
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