Walk your own way in the African bush
For safari-goers keen to stretch their legs and explore the African wilderness, away from the restrictions of regular 4X4 vehicles, The Selous Safari Company in southern Tanzania steps it up a gear when it comes to unique and varied walking opportunities. Comprising three boutique properties, guests can enjoy a wealth of remote routes, first-class guiding as well as fly camping amid lions, elephants, rare monkeys and even crocs!
Whether it's a brisk bush walk along the undulating banks of the Jongomero River, or an elephant-style amble, enjoying the arid beauty of the flatter grasslands, Jongomero Camp, situated in the remote Ruaha National Park and the Selous Safari Camp, located in the game-rich Selous Game Reserve, offer some of the best-tailored bush walking in Tanzania.
Both camps are located in walking hotspots, sharing sensitivity to their natural environment and providing the utmost in wild luxury, yet each offers something different and quite special to discover on foot. Ranging hugely in length, terrain, difficulty and approach - these magical walking adventures appeal to amateur photographers, keen birders and botanists alike.
For guests wanting to meet a passionate naturalist to rival David Attenborough, Kenyan-born Andrew 'Molly' Molinaro is the camp manager at Jongomero, and the only qualified walking guide in the whole of the Ruaha - which is the size of Wales! Molly lives and breathes the African bush, and on guided walking safaris he entertains and enthrals guests with tales of the wildlife he's encountered; from the diminutive dik dik to the grouchy honey badger!
For the wilder at heart, overnight fly camping is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Starting at the Selous Safari Camp, guests cross the mighty Lake Nzerakera and embark on an afternoon walking safari, reaching a temporary fly camp by nightfall in time for dinner around a roaring campfire. No safari experience comes close to the thrill of spotting the shadow of a hippo, or hearing the cackle of hyenas through the canvas of a fly tent at night. The sights and sounds of the bush after dark are unforgettable!
However these special walking opportunities aren't limited to the African bush. The luxurious Tanzanian beach retreat of Ras Kutani is the ideal place to relax after a hot and dusty safari. Situated on the shores of the Indian Ocean, it's nestled within 100 acres of lush tropical, coastal forest, home to four species of monkey and a plethora of birds, just waiting to be explored. What's more, it's isolated four-mile long beach is the perfect stretch of sand to while away an afternoon, paddling through the surf and spotting scuttling sand crabs.
Bailey Robinson (baileyrobinson.com) is offering a nine-night bush and beach adventure from £3,425 per person (saving £1,270 per person). Available for travel in October, the price includes flights from Heathrow with British Airways, four nights split between the Selous Safari Camp and Jongomero Camp, including game viewing drives in open sided 4x4 vehicles, walking safaris, plus boat safaris at Selous Safari Camp, followed by five nights at the beach retreat of Ras Kutani on a full-board basis. Concession and park entrance fees, taxes, transfers and surcharges included.
