Mysteries on the Move: Scavenger Hunt in Savannah

A Fun Twist on Savannah Sightseeing: Mysteries on the Move Scavenger Hunt

If you’re looking for a way to see Savannah beyond the usual walking tour, Mysteries on the Move: Scavenger Hunt in Savannah offers a playful twist. This self-guided adventure combines exploration of historic sites with solving a murder mystery, all from your smartphone. For just $20 per person, you get roughly two hours of active, interactive fun wandering through some of Savannah’s most iconic landmarks.

What makes this tour appealing is its flexibility—you set your pace, follow clues, and enjoy discovering the city’s stories in a way that feels less like a tour and more like an immersive game. We especially appreciate how it appeals to families and groups wanting a hands-on experience that mixes sightseeing with a bit of storytelling.

However, it’s worth noting that some travelers have found the length and walking distance a bit more demanding than expected. If you’re not keen on extensive walking or prefer a shorter stroll, this might be a consideration. Still, for those who love history, puzzles, and a touch of mystery, this tour is likely to make your visit to Savannah memorable and fun. It’s perfect for curious explorers of all ages, especially if you want a break from traditional guided tours.

Key Points

• Interactive Experience: Combines sightseeing with solving a murder mystery via your smartphone.
• Historical Landmarks: Highlights include Colonial Park Cemetery, Chippewa Square, and Savannah Theater.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, great for groups or families wanting engaging outdoor activity.
• Flexible Pacing: You decide how long to linger at each stop and how quickly to move along.
• Walkable Distance: The route covers approximately 1.9 miles, visiting 10 significant sites.
• Cost-Effective: At $20, it offers good value for an active, story-driven way to explore Savannah.

Exploring Savannah in a New Light

This scavenger hunt turns a typical sightseeing day into an interactive puzzle. Using your smartphone, you navigate around the historic district, searching for clues and watching videos that deepen the story. The story revolves around Rex King, a silent movie director visiting Savannah in 1926, who gets murdered during his stay—your job is to find out whodunnit.

The tour begins at the meeting point in Savannah and ends back where you started, making it a convenient loop. The duration is roughly two hours, but reviews indicate that it can stretch longer, especially if you’re enjoying the stops or taking your time to solve puzzles. One reviewer mentioned it took about five hours to complete all the tasks, mostly due to the amount of walking and reading involved.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point and Initial Impressions

Most groups start in central Savannah, with the tour designed to be self-guided. You’ll need a smartphone to play the game, and it’s recommended to have some comfort with walking and reading signs. The first part of the experience involves visiting well-known sites like the Savannah Theater—an iconic spot where you might get your first clue and scan for the passcode to move forward.

Stops and Clues

The tour visits 10 stops, including places like Chippewa Square (famous for the Forrest Gump bench), Colonial Park Cemetery, and Telfair Academy Arts and Science. Each location has a specific task—finding a passcode by reading accessible historical markers or watching a short, silent movie-style video. The clues help piece together the mystery, and each site offers a blend of history and storytelling.

Reviewers mention that watching the videos is crucial for solving the clues, with one traveler noting that “the key is to watch the videos.” Several also pointed out that the clues are not overly difficult but require paying attention to detail and following directions carefully.

The Walking Experience

The route covers about 1.9 miles, which some found to be a reasonable walk, with several reviews praising the reasonable pacing and good directions. But others, like one reviewer, warned that the initial walk from the start point to the first stop is about 1.25 miles, which may be longer than expected for some.

It’s worth mentioning that the walking is primarily through the historic district, so you’ll be taking in a mix of charming streets and significant landmarks. The terrain is mostly flat, and service animals are allowed along the route.

The Final Reveal

At the last stop, you assemble the clues and submit your answer to discover who killed Rex King. The experience ends back at the starting point, allowing for easy planning afterward. Some reviewers mentioned that the experience is more engaging with a group, but you can also enjoy it solo or as a family.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer described the experience as a “great reason to get out and explore” and praised how it pushes you to notice details in the environment that many visitors overlook. They appreciated that it provided a specific purpose for engaging with the historical markers, which are usually just part of the scenery.

On the flip side, a few travelers found the experience frustrating—noting that some videos wouldn’t play, or that the clues could be tricky if you’re not paying close attention. One even called it “terrible”, feeling it was just reading signs and that the game kept taking them in circles.

Most agreed that watching the videos is key to success, and that keeping a list of passcodes helps avoid frustration if your phone logs you out. For families or groups, it’s a fun way to combine learning with adventure, provided everyone is prepared for some walking and puzzle-solving.

Value and Practicality

At $20, this scavenger hunt offers a cost-effective way to explore Savannah and learn its stories at your pace. Compared to traditional guided tours, you get more flexibility, and the interactive element keeps things lively. However, the variable duration—ranging from two hours to five, depending on your pace—means you should plan accordingly.

For those who love history, mysteries, and outdoor activities, this tour suits a wide range of ages. It’s especially good for travelers who enjoy self-guided experiences that break away from typical trolley or narrated tours. Keep in mind that some reviews suggest it may require moderate physical fitness and patience with reading and problem-solving.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is perfect for families with children, groups of friends, or solo explorers who want a fun challenge. It’s a great way to discover Savannah’s landmarks without feeling like you’re on a typical tour, and it suits those who enjoy storytelling and interactive puzzles.

If you prefer shorter, less physically demanding activities, or are unsure about lengthy walks, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re looking for a unique way to explore and are happy to walk roughly 2 miles at your own pace, you’ll likely find this an entertaining and educational experience.

The Sum Up

Mysteries on the Move: Scavenger Hunt in Savannah offers a playful, engaging way to see the city and learn some of its stories. It’s an affordable, flexible option that turns sightseeing into an interactive puzzle, perfect for families, mystery lovers, or curious travelers wanting a more personalized experience. The success of the tour hinges largely on watching the videos and paying attention to clues, making it a great choice for those who enjoy puzzles and storytelling.

While the length and walking distance may be a bit more than some expect, those who love history and outdoor activities will appreciate the chance to combine discovery with fun. If you’re ready for a bit of a walk, a good puzzle, and some intriguing Savannah sights, this tour could be your new favorite way to explore the city.

FAQ

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a self-guided scavenger hunt that you navigate using your smartphone, giving you the freedom to go at your own pace.

How long does the tour take?
The official duration is around 2 hours, but some reviewers have taken up to 5 hours, especially if they take their time or encounter technical issues.

What landmarks are included?
Stops include Savannah Theater, Chippewa Square, Colonial Park Cemetery, and Telfair Academy Arts and Science, among others.

Is walking involved?
Yes, expect to walk approximately 1.9 miles around the historic district. The terrain is flat and manageable for most, but be prepared for some outdoor walking.

What do I need to participate?
A smartphone capable of running the game and an appetite for solving puzzles. A moderate level of physical activity is recommended.

Can children join?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and suitable for children, especially if they enjoy stories and puzzles. Just keep in mind the walking distance.

What if videos don’t play?
Watching the videos is key to solving the mystery. Reviewers recommend keeping a list of passcodes to avoid getting stuck if your phone logs you out.

Is this experience suitable in bad weather?
Yes, it can be enjoyed in bad weather since much of it is outdoors, but be prepared for rain or sun depending on the forecast.

Whether you’re a mystery enthusiast or just looking for a different way to explore Savannah, this scavenger hunt offers a memorable, interactive experience. Just remember, patience and a keen eye will turn this into a fun adventure rather than a frustrating chore.