Best Hiking Boots for African Safari

Born and raised in Tanzania spending my time doing hiking safaris, the most important challenge that I faced and observed among people was: What are the best safari boots for hiking?

I saw most people who come for bush walking safaris and do hiking in Africa feel overwhelming challenges about their footwear.

That is why I decided to find the best hiking shoes for African safaris that could help me and other hikers like me to enjoy our hiking trips and make unforgettable memories.

I strived to find something that can bring a perfect mix of waterproofing, high breathability, ankle support, good cushioning, and much more.

So, let’s get started.

First thing first…

Here are my top hiking boots recommendations for African safari.

Now let’s see all of these shoes one by one, their pros and cons, and why does I recommend these shoes to wear at your African hiking safari adventure.

Let’s start with our best overall pick, i.e., Salomon Quest 4 GTX High Rise Hiking Boots.

Salomon Quest 4 GTX High Rise Hiking Boots

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX High Rise Hiking Boots are considered a gold standard in safari hiking boots, highly recommended for those seeking top-level performance on and off the African trails. They build upon the success of previous Quest models, incorporating new technologies that increase stability and comfort while reducing weight​.  Designed for the safari travelers enthusiasts who demand comfort, durability, and high performance, these boots are built to tackle the most challenging African terrains with ease.

​Why Do I Recommend These Safari Hiking Boots?

I recommend these boots because of their impressive blend of comfort, support, and durability. They are well-suited for difficult and technical terrain, providing reliable performance in various conditions. Despite being somewhat heavier than some lightweight alternatives, their additional features and benefits justify their weight. The boots are expensive, but their top-level performance and durability make them a worthwhile investment for serious hikers and backpackers.

Now let’s see the pros and cons of these hiking boots.

Now let’s move to the safari hiking boots that comes neck to neck with Salomon’s boot. Our team tried both of them and just put the Salomon’s boots marginally ahead of Keen’s one.

KEEN Targhee 2 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot

The KEEN Targhee 2 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot is a top-tier choice for any African safari. These boots are celebrated for their durability, comfort, and waterproof features that make them ideally suited for a variety of environments that you may tackle during your hiking safari journey.

Built with KEEN’s DRY waterproof, breathable membrane technology, these boots promise to keep your feet dry and comfortable in all weather conditions, which is essential when you’re traversing diverse African landscapes. The ESS shank provides torsional stability, and the mid-cut height enhances ankle support, helping you navigate uneven terrain with ease.

The aggressive outsole has 4mm multidirectional lugs, providing superior traction that will hold up whether you’re hiking through rain-soaked grasslands or dry, rocky areas. These boots also feature a removable, metatomical dual-density EVA footbed for added comfort on those long safari walks.

Why I Recommend These Safari Boots?

The KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot truly stands out due to its all-terrain capabilities, making it an excellent choice for an African safari. Its durability and waterproof features ensure that it can withstand diverse and changing weather conditions, while the superior traction and ankle support make navigating different terrains a breeze.

Whether you’re planning to trek through the Serengeti or explore the slopes of Kilimanjaro, the KEEN Targhee 2 has got you covered. Its blend of comfort, durability, and versatility makes it a worthwhile investment for your African adventure.

Let’s see the pros and cons of these safari boots now.

The next on the list is the best budget hiking boots for African safaris. Those of you who are on the budget can have the best value of money with these boots.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Boots

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped boots, with their leather uppers and robust-looking soles, are a callback to a more traditional hiking boot aesthetic. Despite their sturdy appearance, these boots offer outstanding comfort straight from the box, requiring minimal break-in time, making them a fantastic choice for African safari hikes. Priced competitively, these boots deliver durability through their predominantly leather composition.

Among the many outdoor footwear options available in the market, the Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Shoe Hiking Boot stands out as an exceptional choice. Crafted with the perfect blend of style, comfort, and durability, this boot provides the necessary support for outdoor explorations and adventure.

Why I Recommend These Hiking Boots

The biggest advantage of having these shoes is that you get them on budget. Also, they shine in terms of comfort. Despite their leather-heavy design, they aren’t stiff and require very little break-in time. They offer decent support, although not exceptional. The soles are notably flexible, which might result in less supportive wear over time. Equipped with Omni-Grip rubber soles, these boots deliver satisfactory traction on moderately rocky trails.

The Newton Ridge boots perform commendable in water resistance due to their seamless leather upper design. They stand up to their waterproof and seam-sealed claims, keeping your feet dry during puddle-laden and rainy hikes. The Newton Ridge boots exhibit durability, showing minimal signs of wear and tear over a three-month test period.

Let’s see the pros and cons of these hiking safari boots:

The next one in the list in the landmark Timerland hiking boots that are the best waterproofing boots available out there for an African safari hiking trip.

Timberland White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot

The Timberland White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot, from a long-standing manufacturer of comfortable work boots, presents a no-frills, all-leather hiking boot that’s quite light for its full-leather construction. It’s a cost-effective choice for tradesmen and construction workers who work outdoors but don’t require steel toes. The White Ledge offers a versatile boot option for occasional hikes. The boot’s defining feature is its thick ankle padding, both on the collar and upper tongue.

Why I Recommend These Safari Hiking Boots

The full-grain leather construction ensures the boots will last through many miles of hiking. Comfort is key for any hiking boot, and these boots offer plenty of it, thanks to the dual-density EVA footbed and padded collar. The boots’ waterproof construction will keep your feet dry, a critical feature when hiking in damp African safari conditions.

Hiking often involves traversing rough and uneven terrains, and the multidirectional lugs on these boots’ soles provide excellent grip, ensuring a secure footing. These boots offer a lot of the same features as more expensive hiking boots but at a more accessible price point, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced African safari hikers.

Now let’s see the pros and cons of these safari hiking boots.

And now last but not the least, the super iconic Merrell Moab 3 Mid boots that are perfect for long African safari hikings.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid boots are the perfect footwear for long hiking safari trips. With their excellent durability and robust construction, these boots can withstand the rigors of rugged terrains, making them ideal for challenging landscapes. The mid-cut design provides exceptional ankle support, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing stability, while the boots’ superior traction ensures reliable footing on a variety of terrains.

Additionally, the breathable materials used in their construction help keep your feet dry, making them perfect for hot and dry hiking conditions. The Moab 3 Mid boots are also suitable for multi-day treks, offering the necessary support and comfort to reduce fatigue during long hikes.

Whether you’re venturing off-trail or backpacking, these boots excel in providing the required durability and traction. While they may not appeal to everyone in terms of style, their versatility makes them suitable for day hikes and casual wear. Overall, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid boots blend quality craftsmanship with modern design, offering exceptional comfort, support, and durability for a range of outdoor adventures.

Why I Recommend These Safari Hiking Boots?

These boots perfectly blend Merrell’s tradition of quality footwear with modern technology and design. Their superior durability, excellent traction, and comfortable fit make them an outstanding choice for an array of outdoor adventures. These boots are designed to handle challenging terrains while ensuring that your feet remain comfortable and well-protected. Whether you are an experienced hiker exploring technical trails or a casual trekker who enjoys the occasional outdoor excursion, the Moab 3 Mid is a highly recommended hiking boot for its balance of comfort, support, and durability.

Now let’s see the pros and cons of these African safari hiking boots

Wearing proper hiking shoes before African safari trip is critically important as these are the small things that make an African safari worthy.