Great Walk of Africa
Tsavo, Kenya
The Great Walk of Africa
This is Africa’s definitive walking safari. Hiking along two of the most beautiful rivers on the continent, which are the home to the biggest elephant herds in Africa, it’s no wonder this trip has been described as ‘the greatest African bush experience on the continent’.
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 populations in East Africa but also the unique maneless male lions. A recent study has shown that the Galana River now has a higher density of lions than the entire northern Serengeti.
It is said that to appreciate the wonders of the bush it is essential to mimic the behaviour of the game, so your days will begin at dawn and you will a enjoy peaceful siesta through the heat of the day. In addition to the miles covered on foot, you’ll enjoy afternoon game drives through the late afternoon to maximise your wildlife encounters, ensuring the greatest and most varied experience possible.
This magnificent journey is a true adventure – a rare glimpse of the Africa first seen by the explorers on foot. At times adrenalin-fuelled, at others idyllically peaceful and beautifully silent, this is the African wilderness in all its magnificent glory.
You will love
- Untamed, African wilderness
- The sound of silence & the thrill of adventure
- History, wildlife & stunning scenery
- Huge elephant population & rare maneless lion
- A small group of like-minded adventurers
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
14 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge | 1 NIGHT
Transfer to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, where you will meet your fellow walkers ahead of your scheduled light aircraft charter, departing at approximately 16:00. The flight offers a striking aerial introduction to southern Kenya, with sweeping views across savannah, volcanic hills and the vast wilderness of Tsavo National Park.
On arrival, transfer to Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, dramatically positioned beneath Mount Kilimanjaro and overlooking a permanent waterhole that often attracts elephant, buffalo and plains game. Settle into your surroundings before gathering with the group for dinner at the lodge. This evening also provides the opportunity to meet your guide properly, receive a detailed briefing on the journey ahead, and ask any questions as you prepare for the Great Walk experience.
DAY 2 | MZIMA CAMP | 1 NIGHT
After breakfast at the lodge, begin the journey deeper into Tsavo with a scenic game drive of approximately three to four hours to Mzima Camp. This unhurried drive doubles as your first immersive safari experience, with time to observe wildlife and absorb the scale and raw beauty of the landscape as it unfolds.
Arrive at camp in time for lunch, followed by a relaxed afternoon at leisure. This slower pace allows you to settle into camp life, familiarise yourself with your surroundings, and begin attuning to the rhythms of the bush. It is a gentle transition from lodge comfort to the more elemental experience that defines the days ahead, setting the tone for the walking journey to come.
DAY 3 | THE WALK BEGINS
Rise with first light, setting out after breakfast on your walking safari across the vast 20,700 square-kilometre (8,000-mile²) 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 of 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 420 kilometres / 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
13 days
2026 - USD 13,900 per person | Single Supplement $1050 2027 - please enquire for pricing
Start: Nairobi, Kenya
|
Finish: Nairobi, Kenya
Great Walk Departure Dates 2026*
- All departures are Fully Booked for 2026
Great Walk Departure Dates 2027*
- January 31st – February 12th – Fully booked
- February 14th – February 26th – Fully booked
- June 6th – June 18th – Spaces available
- June 20th – July 2nd – Spaces available
- July 4th – July 16th – Fully booked
- July 18th – July 30th – Reserved
- August 1st – August 13th – Reserved
- August 15th – August 27th – Limited availability
- August 29th – September 10th – Spaces available
- September 26th – October 8th – Fully booked
* 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
Exceptional Special Offer
Gather a group of eight fellow adventurers for a private departure, and your place will be complimentary as the group host. It’s our way of saying thank you for sharing the magic! Please enquire for further details and full terms and conditions.
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud
The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
Annette Whiley
Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
Di & Kingsley Yates
Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison Guthrie
If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph Harrison
Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip Stevens
Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros Wheeler
Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie Adams
The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma Jeffcoat
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim Bradley
Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
Jane & Robert Happell
Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul Cozzi
An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert Taylor
We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
Laurence & Remi Cunningham
Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree family
We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
Mark Taylor
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth Mackintosh
Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd
