East Africa offers a variety of treks in several of the parks throughout Tanzania and Kenya. Just like you, we love, enjoy and respect nature. We would love to share that passion with you whether it be bird watching, animal viewing, or enjoying a pleasant day hike in East Africa. For the intrepid spirit, there are several options for viewing wildlife by foot in one of the many parks. These trips are offered as a standalone package or part of a longer safari package with one of our bespoke tours. There are even options to visit our sister charity projects with Moving Mountains in Kenya. We are happy to work with you to create the perfect holiday for you in East Africa.
About Trekking and Walks in East Africa
At Adventure Alternative, we offer customized treks and walks in East Africa. There are a few set itineraries on Mount Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro, offering routes such as Machame route, Lemosho route, Northern Circuit. Treks to these areas are a simple addition to any of our safari experiences in Tanzania and Africa. Each of these trekking options can be as long or as short as you would like, depending on your time frame and how much exploring you would like to enjoy.
Our extensive knowledge in this region enables us to carefully craft the perfect holiday based on your interests and activity level, be that incredible hikes, trekking, peaks, gorilla trekking, hiking trails, the mountain range is your oyster. We have amazing trekking guides who are there to make your experience in Africa as memorable as can be, be that you choose to climb Mt Kilimanjaro or Mt Kenya, exploring national park. We love to create bespoke holidays for groups, families, couples, or the individual. Simply contact us with your needs and we will work together to come up with an itinerary that is completely customized to you.
A boat on the shores of Lake Naivasha at sunset.
We take care of all the logistics, planning, amenities and guides so you can enjoy your adventure holiday in Africa. For example, we have backup vehicles to take gear for longer treks. We will also go ahead and set up camp for you so all you need to worry about is relaxing once you arrive at the day’s destination. If needed, we also provide you with a ranger
Places to Trek in with Animals in Kenya
Kenya offers several excellent options for walking tours with wildlife. Hells Gate park features the Hells Gate Gorge, an excellent slot canyon that is prime for exploring. There are also opportunities for cycling in this area, a rare experience. Get up close and personal with the wildlife such as zebra and giraffe via walking or cycling.
Longonot Park offers excellent trekking opportunities up Mount Longonot, a dormant volcano. This hike can be done in a day and features excellent views of the forested crater below. Kakamega is another area of interest, as it is the last surviving part of the Congo Rainforest still in Kenya. Trade the savannah for the jungle and experience the lush and ancient Congo Rainforest.
The entrance to Hells Gate, where you can bike with wildlife or explore a river canyon.
Walking Tours in Kenya with the Masai People
We have been working with the Masai people for over ten years and we are proud to offer walking treks in the Mount Suswa crater. This lush, inactive volcanic crater is home to an abundance of wildlife such as giraffe, gazelle, zebra, and leopard. The crater can be explored either on the rim or inner crater.
Durations for trekking with the Masai can be one to several days. The ladder option allows you to live and walk with the Masai people, learning about their ancient way of life. You will stay in traditional Menyatta, or village compound, with the Masai. This unique experience combines culture and wildlife under the setting of the dramatic Mount Suswa.
Exploring Mount Suswa with the Masai people.
Other Treks in Kenya
If encountering big game on foot is not something you wish to experience, there are plenty of other fantastic opportunities for trekking in Kenya. The Soda Lakes, located in Kenya’s diverse Rift Valley, is a unique place for a trek. These highly-alkaline lakes are home to a large population of flamingos. Flamingos aside, there are several geothermal areas of interest. We can arrange both trekking and cycling in this region.
If you’re looking to explore the area near Nairobi, Ngong Hills have some fantastic day treks that offer nice hilltop views of the surrounding area. Shaped like a set of knuckles on the horizon, Ngonog Hills is where Isak Dinesen wrote her novel Out of Africa and changed her name to Karen Bixen. Here you can trek on lovely green wooded hills with endless views over the plains, enjoy a picnic at the Born Free homestead where Joy Adamson brought up Elsa the lioness, and be back in town for a cold drink and a nyama choma at the Norfolk hotel. Enjoy a picnic lunch at your own leisure and take in the views. Laikipia Park has several areas for biking and walking among the savannah. There is even an opportunity for camel riding, there are plenty of adventure tours on offer.
The alkaline soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley offer stunning experiences with the flamingos.
We also offer walking tours around the Aberdares in Kenya. This is the third highest range in Kenya and offers stunning views of Mount Kenya. Walk for a few hours or the entire day and enjoy this lush landscape with the backdrop of Mount Kenya. Stop in the Castle Lodge for lunch or even an overnight stay.
Trekking in Tanzania
Aside from the big itineraries of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, there are also plenty of opportunities to trek, hike, or walk in Tanzania. We offer unique opportunities to visit villages along the slopes of these mountains. Here you can meet local people and catch a glimpse of local life. For school groups, see our volunteering and electives offerings.
Adventure Alternative is a family, and when you book with us you become a part of our family. We encourage you to connect with your local guide and we can organize a trip to their home. Experience the wonderful family life in Tanzania and visit the local home of your new found Tanzanian friend.
Gropu trekking in the savannah of Tanzania.
Best Times to Trek in East Africa
Both Kenya and Tanzania experience two rainy seasons a year. It’s best to avoid trekking and walking during this time, for the obvious reason that walking in the rain can be a muddy, demoralizing experience. Long rains happen between March and May while the short rains occur in November and December. The most pleasant time of year is June to October when the weather is generally clear.
It is possible to enjoy East Africa any time of year. However, if you are searching for clear weather, avoid travel during the rainy season. Animals are generally easier to spot in the dry season, as they congregate at watering holes. Road travel is easier, as roads are not muddy and flooded like they are during the long rain.
Experience the magnificent wildlife of East Africa up close and personal.
Difficulty of Trekking or Bush Walks in East Africa
Walks in Tanzania, as well as walks in Kenya, tend to be less demanding than climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Due to the wide variety of walking and activities in East Africa, you can make a trek as easy or as difficult as you would like. In general, if you are comfortable walking for 5-6 hours a day you will be able to enjoy our customizable treks in East Africa, hikes in Africa.
What to Pack to Trek in East Africa
Good walking boots or shoes are absolutely essential to ensure you have a comfortable hike. Make sure that footwear is well broken in before arriving in East Africa. Sun protection is also essential. A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and maybe even some light, long-sleeved layers will help protect you from the sometimes-brutal African sun.
The exceptionally lush valley of the Ngorogoro Crater.
Adventure Alternative also promotes the use of filtering water. Bring a good water filter system such as bag filters, iodine, or a SteriPEN. Clothing while in Africa varies, but it is best to have lightweight sun protection and moisture-wicking layers while traveling. Hiking pants that zip off to shorts are not a bad idea. You want to minimize your exposure to the sun, while also staying cool.
Overall, adding a few extra day hikes in East Africa broadens your sense of place as well as adds to your adventure. No matter what you choose we are happy to come up with a bespoke itinerary to fit your needs.