Step into the wild: Walking safaris with Virgin Limited Edition

Finch Hattons: Tsavo’s untamed soul, one step at a time

Set within 35 acres of untouched wilderness in Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park, Finch Hattons is a sanctuary of barefoot luxury where hippos laze in spring-fed pools and Mount Kilimanjaro rises like a sentinel beyond the horizon. With five distinct walking routes led by seasoned local guides, the experience here goes far beyond the ordinary.

The Chyulu Sunrise Hike begins before dawn, ascending through misty trails to a vantage point overlooking the Chyulu Cloud Forests. As the sun spills gold over the horizon, giraffes and buffalo emerge in the morning light, while leopards may be spotted slipping between shadows. A light breakfast in the wilderness seals the moment in memory.

For those seeking intimate wildlife encounters, the Bush Walk pairs expert guides with Kenya Wildlife Service rangers, offering a thrilling, safe, and educational trek through Tsavo’s diverse terrain. Track animals, study footprints, and learn about ongoing conservation efforts that protect this majestic land.

In contrast, the Chyulu Rainforest Hike is a sensory journey through one of Kenya’s most pristine ecosystems. Beneath towering trees shrouded in moss and birdsong, rare orchids bloom and shy creatures peek from dense undergrowth, revealing a magical world few ever see.

Adventurers will be drawn to the Ol Doinyo Ololarami Hike, a volcanic climb that rewards stamina with 360-degree vistas of Tsavo’s vast, untouched plains. Meanwhile, the Camp Safari Walk, ideal for families, takes a gentler pace, revealing the secrets of birds, insects, and medicinal plants woven into the fabric of this ecosystem.

Mahali Mzuri: Walking the wild heart of the Maasai Mara

Perched in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Mahali Mzuri offers walking safaris that reveal the soul of Kenya’s Maasai Mara from ground level. Here, guests venture into one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes in the company of Maasai guides who share deep-rooted knowledge of the land, wildlife, and traditions.

Whether walking through open savannah or skirting seasonal rivers, every step is an invitation to tune into the subtleties of the bush. Track lions by paw print, learn how the Maasai use native plants for medicine, and experience the thrill of being part of the landscape rather than just an observer. It’s raw, real, and unforgettable.

Ulusaba: where every step tells a story

In South Africa’s Sabi Sand Reserve, Ulusaba offers a uniquely thrilling take on walking safaris, where Big Five territory comes alive underfoot. Led by professional trackers and rangers, walks here are about engaging all five senses - hearing the crunch of dry grass, smelling wild sage, and noticing how the smallest details, like a broken twig or distant alarm call, can signal something remarkable.

Walks often take place in the cooler hours of early morning, offering opportunities to track rhino, elephant, or buffalo while learning about the interconnectedness of species in this incredibly biodiverse region. These walks are as much about the quiet, humbling presence of nature as they are about heart-pounding excitement.

Take the first step. Africa awaits.

Virgin Limited Edition’s walking safaris offer more than a new way to explore the African wilderness - they invite you to be part of it. Whether it's the volcanic slopes of Tsavo, the vast plains of the Mara, or the predator-rich trails of Sabi Sand, every walk is a chance to reconnect - with nature, with knowledge, and with yourself.

Ready to plan your journey?

Let us help you curate an unforgettable luxury Africa safari across Kenya and South Africa.