A herd of Thompson’s gazelles melts from the darkness into the early dawn light. They walk a short distance, then stop. A big buck lifts his nose to the wind as his ears rotate to listen. He looks at every bush intently for predators and cautiously walks towards the water with the females and young following. The Tommies repeat this procedure many times and get closer to the water each time.
A tawny movement catches the corner of your eye. A lion crouches in the grass and moves when the herd moves, mirroring its starts and stops. He is a magnificent black-maned lion, around four hundred pounds. He disappears into the brush, and a minute later, two lionesses approach in the same manner. Thirty seconds later, three more lionesses materialize from the grass.
The wind carries the rotten stench of lion your way. You will know the moment they charge; watch and wait. The sunrise paints low clouds an intense pink and orange before fading into pastels.
Caught up in the cycle of life, you will be riveted…
There are many ways to safari in Tanzania; however, walking safaris are the last haven for discerning explorers who long for the freedom of the bush and to move at the pace of nature. Only a handful of companies have been granted permission to enter the Serengeti on foot.
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha (JRO) and be met by one of our owner guides. They’ll handle your luggage and escort you to Legendary Lodge, an Arusha luxury boutique hotel.
Your adventure begins in this timeless sanctuary within the tropical gardens of a historic coffee plantation in the foothills of Mt. Meru, Arusha. Your garden cottage offers a secluded haven to readjust from long international flights and multiple time zones.
Luxuriate in a 1-hour massage per person and relax fully in your African surroundings.
A private chartered plane stands by for your flight to the Serengeti, where you will be picked up for a game drive on the way to the first lightweight camp.
A short afternoon walk is before dusk, and as the sun sets, the bush comes alive. Relax by the firelight on your first night with an excellent South African wine. Let everything go as your walking safari unfolds…
Supper is around the fire, and it is delicious. The food preparations are done in Arusha, where more elaborate meals are prepared. A small crew joins the safari, prepares the final cuisine, and helps around camp. Your meals are under the stars, but in case of bad weather, a small mess tent is set up to keep out the rain and insects.
A bush walk with an armed professional walking guide enables close-up wildlife sightings in safety.
The smell of the bush is an extraordinary experience in itself, and its sounds reveal the wilderness at an intimate level. You will learn about wildlife habitats, territories, hiding places, hunting patterns, and tracking. It demands you throw out all the clutter of civilization and tune into the bush without distraction or interruption.
Set off along the Orange River, heading northeast, crisscross the river, and walk in an area with large rock kopjes to spot wildlife along the woodlands and plains.
Trek along paths rarely walked by humans. Experience the savannah’s incredible vistas and extraordinary wildlife at ground level.
Your team packs the camp and moves it to your next location in the forest. In the gathering dusk, the bush sounds change with the nocturnal hunters and their prey.
Trek towards Lobo rocks.
The woodlands get thicker, with a good chance of spotting elephant herds, wildlife in great numbers, and bush action. Getting up close and personal is an adrenalin rush. A bush walk is also a great way to appreciate the smaller wildlife not seen from a vehicle.
Relax with sundowners by the fire as the stars emerge in the gathering dusk. You may hear a lion’s hunting grunts, a leopard’s sawing cough, or hyenas’ laughter while sipping an after-dinner drink.
Trek to a new campsite as the team packs up camp and moves ahead while you explore ancient game trails. Big game and animal tracks come to life as you walk, look, and learn at ground level; truly a unique bush experience.
You’ll meet at the camp’s new location in the afternoon, rest up, and do a short walk with sundowners to photograph wildlife during the magical light of the setting sun.
Set off through the savannah along rivers to observe birds, elephants, lions, leopard tortoises, bat-eared foxes, hyena dens, and much more. Wild animals generally see you as another type of animal when on foot.
Arrive back in camp in the afternoon and relax before a sundowner walk and a memorable bush dinner on your last night in the mobile walking camp.
Your new accommodations are at One Nature Nyaruswiga in the Serengeti, an ultra-luxury safari camp with a fireplace and stunning savannah views.
Observing nearby wildlife makes this an excellent place to set up a tripod. A 90-minute One Nature Signature Massage per person will be divinely appreciated after your walking safari.
An early morning balloon ride with Serengeti Balloon Safaris includes sparkling wine and a full English breakfast in the bush.
If you spot some cool wildlife action from the air, let us know, and we’ll head that way once we pick you up.
Our safari driver looks for lions and leopards as they stalk the migration, or perhaps you are interested in rare birds.
When back at camp, an intimate romantic dinner starts with sundowners. The sunset’s spectacular colors whisper to you, and the darkness of the bush whispers as well.
Serengeti’s rivers draw all wildlife to its life-giving waters, the bosom of Africa. This includes the great wildebeest migration. We will use “bush telegraph” to find where their river crossings are for the best photo opportunities.
Your last night in the Serengeti is celebrated with a bush dinner by soft lantern light and a campfire as the Chef prepares something special. Recount your extraordinary African safari adventures over the last ten days and hold them close…
A French Champagne bush breakfast is on this last morning before delivering you to Seronera’s airstrip for a chartered flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
If you want to finish your holiday on Zanzibar Island in the Indian Ocean, we can set up a charter flight to get you there. (not included)
*Based on his availability, we’ll use Jean du Plessis, one of Tanzania’s best bushmen to track and guide your walking safari.
