For a more intimate and immersive travel experience, take a walking tour. Journey through the great outdoors at a slower (and calmer) pace. If hiking and trekking seem daunting, don’t worry—we can customise a tour that requires no more than a few hours on foot in a day. Here’s a pick of some of the best walking holidays to plan.
Kenya: Camel-Supported Walking Safari
During your five days in the Kenyan bush, camp in the wilderness, and wake up to the sound of birdcalls. The experience involves traversing open grasslands and woodlands of Acacia along routes that provide the best chances of spotting wildlife. You will leave camp every morning with a guide, tracker, and camels that you can ride whenever you want. From apex predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs to herbivores like elephants and zebras, expect to be mesmerized at every step. For those who love water, the Ewaso Nyiro River is a constant companion, and an occasional swim adds to the experience.
Japan: Experience the Nakasendo Way
In Japan’s Central Alps, the Nakasendo highways date back to ancient times when people mainly travelled on foot. Small towns came up on these routes to cater to travellers’ food and shelter needs. Take a guided walking tour along a section of the Nakasendo Way to explore the country trails, stone paths, wooden buildings and historic towns on the route. The picturesque Kiso Fukushima, now carefully restored, is one of the highlights of this region. Overnight at ryokans with thermal hot springs where you can enjoy a relaxing soak and traditional Japanese cuisine.
Tanzania: Ngorongoro Highlands to Lake Natron
On this walking safari in Tanzania, take in volcanic landscapes and dreamy views of Kilimanjaro, Meru, Olmoti and Loolmalasin. The three-day walking tour goes well off the beaten track, through areas inaccessible by road. The trek with your experienced Maasai guide begins on the floor of Empakaai Crater, progresses along the Rift Valley with views of Ol Doinyo Lengai, and ends at Lake Natron. On the way, you may encounter bushbucks, flamingos, waterbucks, monkeys, and numerous other species. An armed ranger also accompanies you into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Nepal: The Royal Trek
The Royal Trek is the route Prince Charles trekked during his Nepal visit during the 1980s. Lasting three or four days, it begins north of the Pokhara Valley and passes through terraced farmlands, forests of rhododendron, and picture-postcard Gurung villages. The route offers breathtaking views of at least 30 Himalayan peaks, including the Annapurnas and the magnificent Machhapuchhre or fishtail peak. Along the way, you visit temples, stop at waterfalls and caves, and finally end up at Begnas Lake.
New Zealand: Along the Abel Tasman Coast Track
On the northwestern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, the Abel Tasman National Park ends at Tasman Bay and encompasses the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Luckily, the climate is conducive to trekking this route any time of year. This 51-kilometre, moderately easy path can also be negotiated in small sections on a guided tour specially designed for you. Knowledgeable guides are well-versed in the history and wildlife of this scenic walk and make the journey even more enjoyable. With coastal forests on one side and sandy beaches on the other, this is an incredible landscape to experience.
Argentina: Explore El Chalten in Patagonia
The little town of El Chaltén in Los Glaciares National Park is considered Patagonia’s hiking capital. Its trails offer everything from beginner-level half-day hikes to multi-day trekking and camping opportunities. The region is a favourite with nature lovers and adventure seekers, not least because of its incredible ice falls, soaring mountains, and beautiful blue lakes like Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Torre. El Chalten sits in a valley where the De las Vueltas and Fitz Roy rivers meet. Mt. Fitz Roy (Cerro Chaltén) and Cerro Torre dominate the park’s landscape. Walk the trails from town leading to the main scenic viewpoints, and consider it a bonus if you happen to see a condor or black chested eagle soaring by.
Go on a walking holiday in 2024
Pick up the phone and give us a call to engage with a destination in a way you never imagined possible. Our experts can tailor a walking tour activity for all levels of experience and fitness.
Check out these sample itineraries
Highlights Of Kenya
Luxury Tour New Zealand South Island
Tour of Argentina and Chile
Africa inspiration
For more exciting destination ideas, browse these Africa pages and start planning your next adventure.
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