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Safari Journal Day 6: How to Bushwalk in Samburu Kenya

  • Writer: Bena Roberts
    Bena Roberts
  • Jan 26
  • 3 min read

Bushwalk in Samburu Part 1 - The Toothbrush Tree


A Bush-walk is saying goodbye to the Jeep! A Bushwalk is getting out and about with guards, Maasai, and, most importantly, guards.


Is a Bushwalk in Samburu Kenya dangerous?

Yes. Of course it is! These are wild animals. Elephants are very protective of newborn calves. The guards are armed, as a bushwalk is as fun as it is dangerous, and you need to be careful.


Woman and guard on a bush walk in Samburu Kenya with toothbrush tree branch in her mouth
In the middle of Samburu National Park on foot, with my guard and a toothbrush tree in my mouth!

The Bush Walk vs The Game Drive

Feature

Game Drive

Bush Walk

Perspective

You look down and across a 4x4 vehicle. You can also stand.

Eye to eye with nature

Sensory

You have the sound of the car and in some cases, many other vehicles

Sound of your breath in the wind

Focus

The Big Five

All animals, big and small. I saw snakes, turtles, elephants, and a lion!

Connection

You observe from a distance, although sometimes you can get very close - but don't touch!

I learned about survival land medicine and cleaning teeth!

Activity Level

None

2-5km depending on your fitness level... fresh air!


Is it safe to walk in Samburu?

Let me be honest. I was a bit nervous when I saw the machete on the Maasai and the armed ,guards. Also, I was one chubby 52-year-old with 3 very fit active people. I thought, could I keep up? But in reality they looked after me. I was safe. I mean really safe!


What will I actually see?

On a drive, you can see any animal. On a bushwalk, I was told to expect little. I ended up seeing elephants up close (we had to hide), then there was a lion. It was amazing, my heart was beating. But still I felt safe. These guards and Maasai carry generations of knowledge and do not want to harm the animals. They provide a safe and secure - but electrifying experience. My heart still remembers!

Samburu warrior on a bushwalk in Samburu Kenya with a herd of elephants
Everyone protected me when the elephants turned up our bushwalk we had to walk backwards and quite fast!

Where do you start the Bushwalk?

This bushwalk is form Soroi Larsen's Samburu but you can also go form the Mara Bush Camp.


But, I am 52, and I am alive to tell the tale. I had three adventures that I will share with you!


This first post is about the educational aspect of Bushwalks. It's not just walking. It is understanding the trees and also the area around you. I laughed many times as the guards and Maasai taught me survival skills!



How to Bushwalk in Kenya guide


Here is the video I also created whilst on this amazing adventure.

Safari Journal Day 6 Walking with the Samburu Warriors

Write your own exclusive story this April and May!

Most tourists only see Samburu through a window. I want you to feel the red earth under your boots. My April and May 2026 Safaris include guided bush walks that many miss due to fear... or pre-booked game drives.


We have the tracks to ourselves, and the bushwalk is included. The air is crisp, and the photography is unmatched. If you are ready for an authentic luxury experience that isn't only sitting in a car, come with me.



For a smarter, fresher and more high value way to do Africa! Contact me.

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