The Great Walk of Africa
Leaving the 21st century behind, you’ll embark upon a 12-day, 100-mile (160-km) game-tracking walk across the wilderness landscapes of Kenya’s Tsavo – the largest park in Africa. You will gain an understanding and appreciation for wildlife while following game trails along the Tsavo River past occasional First World War forts, past the place where the infamous “Maneaters of Tsavo” halted the British Empire in 1898. You will then hike the entire length of the palm-fringed Galana River, home not only to the largest elephant...
You will love
- Untamed, African wilderness
- The sound of silence and the thrill of adventure
- History, wildlife and stunning scenery
- Huge elephant population and rare maneless lion
- A small group of like-minded adventurers
14 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | NAIROBI | 1 NIGHT
You will be greeted by a representative in Nairobi and escorted to your overnight luxury hotel, located on Karen Blixen’s original farm.
DAY 2
An early-morning one-hour air transfer from Nairobi will take you to Tsavo. Upon arrival, you will have breakfast at Kilaguni Lodge before embarking on a two-hour game drive to Mzima Camp. Lunch will be served in camp and you will spend the afternoon resting and familiarising yourself with your new environment.
DAY 3
Rise with first light, setting out after breakfast on your walking safari across the vast 8,000-square-mile wilderness of Tsavo. The route closely follows the Tsavo River, flanked by rich riverine vegetation. Your path follows hippo trails, winding past thickets of acacia, fig and tamarind trees, and doum and raffia palms.
DAY 4
This region of Tsavo was the location of intense fighting during the First World War when Tanzania was known as German East Africa and Kenya was British East Africa.
The Tsavo River was of vital logistical importance during what would later be named the Battle for Kilimanjaro. For the British, it offered a well-watered direct route to the mountain, while the Germans were well aware of its comparatively easy access to the British railway. Today many indications of the First World War still exist. Your walk takes you past Rhodesia Hill, and culminates in an exciting gorge, before reaching camp, where lunch and a restful afternoon await.
DAY 5
Your route continues along the Tsavo River, through fairly thick, lush riverine forest. As you follow the trail your guide will point out the many animal tracks and spoor along the way. Today’s walk takes you away from the mountain as you enter the more arid landscapes leading to Maji Ya Chumvi (salt water).
As with every day on your journey, numerous species can be encountered. Impala, Grant’s gazelle, zebra and giraffe are frequently seen. Tsavo is the largest elephant ecosystem in the world, and the Tsavo River is a vital destination for them. After lunch and siesta, you will have a game drive along the river, returning to camp at dusk.
DAY 6
Today the Tsavo River leads you into the domain of the famous “Man-eaters of Tsavo”. Your morning walk takes you to the region where, in 1896, two lions ruthlessly (and inspiringly), halted the advance of the British Empire literally in its tracks.
During a three-month period, while the British were building the railway bridge across the Tsavo River, about 130 men went missing. After an exhaustive effort, the bridge engineer, John Patterson, succeeded in killing them.
Again, you will arrive at camp in time for lunch, and after a short siesta, you continue your foot safari to a point close to the edge of Tsavo West National Park. Here, you are met by vehicles and driven back to camp.
Interestingly, this region today sports a large lion population. They frequently take advantage of the shade offered by doum palms on the riverbank and can be heard at night from camp.
DAY 7
Your day begins with a short drive to Tsavo railway station, where you will continue your walk down the river. Today your route enters Tsavo East National Park.
At this point, the Tsavo River makes its way down towards the confluence of the Athi River which flows beneath the prominent Yatta escarpment, forming the Galana River.
In the late morning, you will rejoin your vehicles for the drive to camp. After lunch and siesta, you will take a game drive along the Galana River.
DAYS 8 & 9
After breakfast, you will again begin the day aboard your game vehicle, driving upstream to start your walk back down the Galana River. Kenya’s most beautiful river is very different in atmosphere to the Tsavo, being wider, palm-fringed, and rich with predators including lion, leopard and cheetah.
The dense undergrowth of Tsavo West has now given way to semi-desert country, bordered to the north by the Yatta escarpment (the longest lava flow on earth at 260 miles in length). Because of the openness of the terrain, game is easier to see and there is an abundance.
DAYS 10 & 11
You are the only people walking in this region, and your guides’ years of experience have enabled them to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding the maneless lions of the area, though there are still many unanswered questions.
As your walking adventure continues down the Galana River, it is likely that you will make contact with some of these lions.
Lunch is served in camp, followed by late afternoon game drives.
DAY 12
This is a two-part walking day as you move downriver into ever-increasing elephant and lion country. Lunch today will be a picnic in an atmospheric grove of palm trees, before commencing the second stage of your walk, arriving at the edge of the park at about 6.00 p.m.
DAY 13
In the morning you will drive to the Indian Ocean town of Malindi, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. The trip officially ends with a mid-afternoon flight to Nairobi where dayrooms will be provided at a hotel close to the international airport. You will then be transferred to the airport for your homeward flight.
For those wishing to extend their trip, it is recommended that you stay on the coast, transferring to Lamu Island for a weekend of tropical relaxation prior to your journey home.
NEED TO KNOW
The Great Walk of Africa
12 nights & 13 days
The Great Walk of Africa
12 nights & 13 days
2025 - USD $13,200 per person | Single Supplement $1,200
2026 - USD $13,900 per person | Single Supplement $1050
2025 - USD $13,200 per person
Single Supplement $1,200
2026 - USD $13,900 per person
Single Supplement $1050
START: Nairobi, Kenya | Finish: Nairobi, Kenya
Great Walk Departure Dates – 2025*
- June 29th – July 11th – 4 spaces remaining
- July 13th – July 25th – fully booked
- July 27th – August 8th – fully booked
- August 10th – August 22nd – fully booked
- August 24th – September 5th – 1 space remaining
- September 7th – September 19th – fully booked
- September 21st – October 3rd – fully booked
Great Walk Departure Dates 2026*
- February 1st – February 13th – 8 spaces remaining
- June 7th – June 19th
- June 21st – July 3rd
- July 5th – July 17th
- July 19th – July 31st
- August 16th – August 28th
- August 30th – September 11th
- September 27th – October 9th – 5 spaces remaining
* PLEASE NOTE: All dates are subject to availability. Please contact us for current availability on all Great Walk of Africa itineraries.
Single supplement may apply
Flights and insurance on request
Terms and conditions apply – please request a copy of our booking form for all details.
Price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control
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