Wilderness trekking safaris are pure wilderness adventures. There is no Land Rover support and the group establishes camps along a circuit. These trips are porter supported, individuals carrying only a minimal (5 kg.) of personal gear such as a camera and drinking water for the day. Trekking safaris are true wilderness experiences, ranging in length from 7-14 days depending on the desired itinerary. Wilderness trekking safaris can be arranged in any of the wilderness areas in which Land Rover walking safaris are carried out: Arash, Oldonyo Sambu, Makame, and the Yaida Valley. Described below is the Mzombe wilderness trek. It is a wilderness accessed only by foot.

Mzombe River Basin Wilderness Treks

A cheetah runs through Kopje country. © Derek Akin

September-November: Dry Season Wilderness Trek

The Mzombe River is the common boundary of both Ruaha National Park and Rungwa Game Reserve. It is the last remaining large river in Tanzania with no sign of human impact for over 100 km in length. The trek along the Mzombe is best done in the dry season when the permanent water source of the river has attracted the game animals. The cutting of civilization’s lifelines and encountering raw wilderness make this an unforgettable experience.

This safari offers a true wilderness experience in the undeveloped heart of the vast 30,000 sq./km Rungwa/Ruaha ecosystem. It is for those with a true sense of adventure willing to accept the risk of being far removed. When the vehicles are left and the trek begins, the nearest help is days away across rough, road-less terrain. The mid-day sun can be intense and the sporadic presence of tsetse flies is likely, though rarely a major nuisance. The payoff is the timeless wilderness of this African river valley with ample bird life and encounters with large game such as cape buffalo, greater kudu, impala, and elephants.

14 Day Safaris -(7 days trekking) This itinerary can be combined with other areas of Home Planet Exploration’s operations in Tanzania. September-November only.