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Walking Safari Tanzania – is that dangerous?
Without a doubt, many people travel to Tanzania with the prime purpose of seeing its large animals. Lions, snakes, crocodiles spring to mind, and others like rhino, elephants,s, and buffalo. They can all be dangerous.
In other words, you do not just go walking alone in the Tanzanian bush.
There are two types of walking safari in Tanzania. First, we deal with the type of walking safari that is not the main subject of this article…
Walking Safari Tanzania – in National Parks and Game Reserves…
For example, you are on a game drive in a National Park to see the big five and other wild and dangerous beasts. In that Park, you may have the chance to do a short walking safari. These Tanzanian walking safaris last between one and four hours, rarely more. They are, by law, always guided by an armed ranger. TANAPA trains the rangers in wildlife habits and the handling of weapons.
I have never met an armed ranger who did not love “his” wild animals. They never use their arms unless it is necessary. They do not immediately shoot to kill but to frighten the animals away. Only in the last resort to protect the people on a walking safari will they kill an animal. You are safe at all times, providing you listen to his advice and react as he tells you. It is an amazing experience to stand close to wild animals, but you must behave accordingly.
In any case, we do not concern ourselves with that walking safari Tanzania in this article. Although you can check out this package tour if that is what you want, and we have many others too.
Walking Safari Tanzania – On Mountain and Forest Trails
Consequently, we finally get to the subject of our article. This type of walking safari also has its dangers, so let us clear them up first. Most walking safaris of this type certainly last one or more days. You may also camp or stay in huts in remote mountain or forest areas. Lions rarely live on such trails, but you might come close to buffalo in certain unexpected habitats. Leopards might also lurk nearby. Finally, snakes may bask in the sun on the path.
You will always have a guide with you; please always listen carefully to his advice. He may not always carry a weapon in those places. For example where it is common for people to walk. Or where, despite snakes and other dangers, the probability of seeing them close is minimal. Young forest children might even live in those places. They walk several kilometers barefoot to their school.
If you go through the countryside, where more danger lurks, an armed ranger takes the lead. Like those mentioned above, the trained, armed rangers are also skilled and experienced. They are all trained by the government organization TANAPA. Tanzania National Parks Authority, the management organization of all National Parks in Tanzania
Walking Safari Tanzania – Further along the Trail
So you can be sure you are safe as long as you follow your guide and armed ranger’s advice.
Now you can finally enjoy the walking safari in Tanzania. It might go through relatively flat, lowland forests or more challenging mountain trails. You could take in all that and more on a walking safari: primates, butterflies, birds, plants, and, of course, people. Indeed, you can cover many different terrains and ecosystems on a walking safari in Tanzania.
Such walking safaris usually last at least one day. Even up to a week or more. Nature and culture-loving people always enjoy a walking safari in Tanzania. Although some mountain treks can be very tough such as Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Others can be without great altitude changes. But they are all full of interest and beauty.
Walking Safari Tanzania – Where to go…
As mentioned above, Kilimanjaro and Meru treks are for the fit and ambitious trekkers. But there are many routes to choose from, of varying difficulty. See here for an example.
Some other walking safaris in Tanzania might also be more suited to the very fit and young. Not because of high altitudes. But because of the length of each day’s trek on undulating ground. Other treks are better suited for the lesser fit or, the older generation. Of course, they also want to experience the bio-diversity, beauty, and culture on a walking safari in Tanzania. For the lesser ambitious, a good example is if they take the one day trek in Pugu Hills, close to Dar es Salaam. But there are others trails too that can give you a less physical tour – contact us for advice.
A Beautiful Forest and Mountain Trail in Tanzania: Udzungwa National Park
The Udzungwa mountains lie 350 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam and 65 kilometers south of Mikumi National Park. Mikumi is an ideal stop-off for a one or two-day game drive.
The Udzungwa National Park covers about 2000 square kilometers of ground. In addition, altitudes range between 250 meters to 2576 meters on mount Lohomero.
The UN Environment organization has designated Udzungwa as a World Biodiversity Hotspot. It is also designated a WWF Ecoregion of global critical importance because it has the second-highest biodiversity of all locations in Africa.
There are many trails here of varying lengths and budget camping for overnight stays.
We need say no more, but you can read more here.
Or look at one of our Udzungwa treks here.
Pare & Usumbara Mountains – northeastern Tanzania.
Named after the Pare (Pahray) tribe, these remote mountains lie close to the Kenyan border. Also, south-eastwards from the Pare mountains lie the Usambara mountains. In fact, both mountain chains are well worth a visit. Meanwhile, Mkomazi National Park is also not far, ideal for combining trekking with a game drive.
Being somewhat remote, a minimum of a 3 or 4-day trek is usually advised. The biodiversity in both of these areas is also amazing. And, similar to the Udzungwa Mountains, the small remote villages and towns offer a real cultural experience. In addition, you often meet local people on most trails.
Finally some more information on Pare here.
And you can also see some some Tanzania safari walks itineraries here (Pare) and for Usumbara here.
Tanzania Mountain and Forest Trails – to conclude.
As mentioned above, it is not only the extreme biodiversity that attracts people. On those trails, you can meet many different people from many cultures. But the beauty of the forests and mountains alone is enough to attract. As is the true feeling of an African Adventure, which is best experienced in Tanzania!
And finally, our Android App, will give you more information about Tanzania and its best safari locations.
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Maasai Village between Olmoti Crater and the Bulbul Depression.
Day 1 to Day 3
To begin with, on your first 3 days of this tour, you experience some amazing game drive safaris. Because Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks offer 4 of the Big Five, and on day 3, you may see number 5 – the black rhinoceros!
But the trekking begins on day 4, which is where the slider photos begin too.
Day 4: of our Tanzania Trekking Safari
But our real Tanzania trekking safari begins when we leave the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Because we drive down to Nainokanoka, a small Maasai village, where the trek begins.
Nainokanoka lies at the foot of the Olmoti volcano. In the meantime, an armed Maasai guard will have joined you. This is because, in the Ngorongoro Crater Reservation Area, you may encounter dangerous animals. He will guide you until you leave the Empakai Crater rim.
Your first trek is a circular tour up to the rim of Olmoti and back. This beautiful trek takes about 3 hours. After that, you return to the Nainokanoka campsite for a meal and a good sleep. Because tomorrow is a long day.
Day 5: the Tanzania Trekking Safari takes off to a flying start!
Indeed, on this day, you will cover about 20 Kilometers along a hot and dry trail. You begin by crossing wide-open spaces of the typical bush with very few trees. Buffalo and antelope lurk in the higher grasses.
The bush slowly gives way to sparse and lower grass as you descend into the depths of the Embulbul Depression. There you walk across dry open savanna, but you have a good chance of seeing a lot. Kori Bustards, antelopes, wildebeest, and buffalo all graze on the yellow grass. But, if you are lucky, you might even see a cheetah chasing its prey.
Bulati Special Campsite comes as a relief because your Tanzania Trekking safari was quite tiring.
Day 6: Your Tanzania Trekking Safari is taking you up in the world!
Now, as you get closer to the foot of Empakai, your Tanzania trekking safari takes you back into the bush. Although more lush than on day 4. Perhaps you might also see buffalo here too. You will certainly notice that the ground is sloping upwards. Finally, you have reached the foot of Empakai. You now proceed on a gradual corkscrew trail which finally leads you to the rim. Empakai’s rim is now full of high grasses and many trees and bushes. Your guide will be on the alert for animals; you must be too. It is a beautiful place and an enthralling experience because it needs alertness.
Your guides set up camp on the rim. Now you have to find a break in the trees to get a good view of the crater floor.
Day 7: Tanzania Trekking Safari – What goes up must come down!
It pains you to leave the rim of Empakai; such beauty is a treasure. But it will stay in your heart forever. And most certainly on your PC’s hard drive too!
But now, your armed guide leaves you in the good hands of the Maasai guides and their pack donkeys. Because, as you begin the descent and head north, you are leaving the NCAA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority).
Once again, at the foot of Empakai, you soon notice some scattered huts as you approach Nairobi. No, you are not in Kenya because Nairobi means “the place of cool waters” (or source). This small Maasai village is worth a visit on your long trek to the Acacia Forest.
But lookout for the scattered porcupine quills in Acacia Forest. Although that will not be the only sign of animals in the forest. At night you will certainly hear hyenas nearby. But it is a great place to camp and eats at the campfire (see photo slider above).
Day 8: On your way to the Highlight!
Our Tanzania Trekking safari would not be complete without the Maasai holy mountain, “Ol Doinyo Lengai.” Indeed, the Maasai name it the mountain of God. It is the only volcano in the world that erupts nitro carbonate. Its lava fountains harden in midair then shatter like glass. Also, being extremely water-soluble, the lava is easily washed away by rains.
Meanwhile, our vehicle, which previously dropped supplies for you on Empakai, arrives once again. Because of the lack of roads drove back to Lake Manyara and across the Loliondo Game Reserve to Lake Natron. Now we pick you up and drive you to Lake Natron Campsite. Your Tanzania trekking safari is almost over, but not quite!
Day 9: Relaxing Walks before the Big Climax!
After breakfast, you can take a short walk to Ngaresero waterfalls or the banks of Lake Natron. A chill-out day is essential because you begin the ascent of Oldoinyo legal just after midnight. The reason for a night climb is to arrive at the summit before dawn. Only then, in the dark, can you see the orange glow of the molten rock pools. Thereafter, in the daylight, the molten rock looks green.
After your descent, your lunch will await you and your vehicle too. You then drive back to Arusha via Loliondo and Mto Wa Mbu.
You will certainly agree that your Tanzania Trekking Safari to Ol Doinyo Lengai was fantastic. The holiday of a lifetime – and you can see the package itinerary here!
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To conclude, the view to the west from the top of Ol Doinyo Lengai.
