Walking safaris in Kenya: the best camps and lodges
Often low-key walking safaris in Kenya are referred to as 'bush walks' - and many of these will emphasise the walking, culture and scenery, rather than big game encounters. (See our page on walking in Kenya for places which excel at this kind of walk.) Only a few camps however can offer longer walks or what we'd call “proper” walking safaris.
Since walking safaris are reasonably new to Kenya it is important, for safety reasons, to choose camps that have suitably qualified guides with firearms licences. We feature a number of camps that have silver or gold standard KPSGA (Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association) qualified guides - who are extremely knowledgeable.
Please call one of our Kenya specialists for more information on the best places to do game walks in Kenya.
Best camps & lodges for Walking safaris in Kenya
Kitich Forest Camp
Kitich is a perfect base for walking in the highland forests of the Mathews Range. The style is usually single file, on narrow forest paths, with occasional short rises and descents, and rocky stream crossings. Walks are always conducted by two local Samburu guides and armed forest ranger. You're likely to see a wealth of bird and insect life, a profusion of flora and good numbers of elephants and other forest mammals, from monkeys to bushbuck and big cats.
Karisia Walking Safaris
On Karisia's multi-day walking safaris, you'll typically walk for up to five hours each day, covering around 15km. Karisia will tailor this to the fitness of people in your party and the landscapes you're crossing, allowing for rest stops and pauses to watch wildlife en route.
Serian
Situated in the wildlife-rich Maasai Mara ecosystem, Serian offers ample opportunities for walking safaris both in their concession and in the larger Mara North Conservancy. Wildlife is varied and plentiful, and top guiding provides great encounters.
Kicheche Laikipia
Kicheche Laikipia’s guides are all at least silver-qualified. Their insights into local flora and fauna contribute hugely to the walking experience, while opportunities to explore the conservancy on foot provide sightings of black and white rhinos.
Saruni Rhino
This camp offers walking safaris into the heart of the Sera Conservancy, where expert trackers seek out elusive black rhinos, accompanied by highly trained guides and conservancy rangers. It’s a unique opportunity for a close encounter on foot.
El Karama Lodge
There are two guides certified to lead the walking safaris and enough big game around camp to have the chance of an exciting on-foot sighting, whilst walking from lodge to ranch shares insight into the coexistence of livestock and wild animals.
Borana
Set on a private ranch, Borana offers ample opportunity to stretch your legs: visit the Ngare Ndare Forest with its crystal-clear pools for swimming; join a guided bush walk; call in at the local farm; even join the rangers on a rhino patrol.
Sosian
Sosian also offers walking safaris; these typically last between 1-3 hours and are led by a guide with a full firearms license. Walking to a fly camp to sleep out under the stars is also a great option, with many sleepout locations on offer.
Kicheche Fly Camp
If you’re seeking total immersion in the bush, this fly-camping experience includes diverse scenery and wildlife, and superb guiding. Stop wherever you like to experience the sights and smells of the bush, and fall asleep to its sounds.
Naboisho Camp
Walking safaris conducted by Maasai guides at this camp are accompanied by a gun holder with a large-calibre gun, enabling you to enter areas where dangerous wildlife may be encountered. Expect to meet lions, buffalos and elephants.
Basecamp Samburu
Walking safaris vary from 2-4 hours in length, moving through Kalama Conservancy at a leisurely pace to explore the open plains and bush. Guests are accompanied by Basecamp Samburu guides and an armed county ranger trained by KWS.
Laikipia Wilderness
This camp specialises in game walks, encouraging exploration of Laikipia’s bush. The guiding is energetic and enthusiastic, and guests regularly find themselves leaving their vehicle to follow sightings far from the beaten track.
Tassia Lodge
Martin leads the walking Safaris from Tassia Lodge. He will teach you how to track wildlife and explore some of the stunning scenery – there is not huge quantities of big game around, but there should still be plenty to see.
Leleshwa
Walking at Leleshwa is usually focused on big-game encounters, which are likely all around the camp. An armed guide is available to accompany you, and the experience can be a very exciting way to do some walking in Kenya.
Walking safaris elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Walking safaris in other countries.
Where to see wildlife species in Kenya
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,655 sightings from 4,514 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,361 sightings from 5,011 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,283 sightings from 3,832 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
3,086 sightings from 3,721 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
1,046 sightings from 3,304 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,617 sightings from 4,772 observations
Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.
13% SUCCESS
141 sightings from 1,090 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,407 sightings from 4,844 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
753 sightings from 2,485 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
44% SUCCESS
613 sightings from 1,407 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,757 sightings from 3,551 observations
Gerenuk
Litocranius walleri
With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.
73% SUCCESS
113 sightings from 155 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
4,262 sightings from 4,965 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
69% SUCCESS
1,604 sightings from 2,312 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
3,212 sightings from 3,602 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
24% SUCCESS
576 sightings from 2,429 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
68% SUCCESS
2,986 sightings from 4,422 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,628 sightings from 5,502 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
81 sightings from 3,963 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
68 sightings from 4,005 observations
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