Walking Safaris
Experience Africa’s wilderness on foot
Overview
A Walking Safari offers an intimate and immersive way to experience Africa’s wilderness, taking you off the beaten path and into the heart of the natural world. Unlike traditional game drives, walking safaris allow you to explore the bush on foot, led by experienced armed guides and trackers. These safaris provide a deeper connection to the environment as you learn to track wildlife, identify animal signs, and discover the rich flora and fauna that thrive in the African wilderness. From the sights and sounds of the savannah to the thrill of being on foot in big game country, a Walking Safari is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a close and personal encounter with nature.
Where:
Southern Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa) & East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya)
Walking Safaris are popular across several African countries, with the best experiences found in:
Southern Africa: In Zambia, South Luangwa National Park is renowned as the birthplace of walking safaris, offering some of the most thrilling and authentic experiences. Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Hwange National Parks also provide incredible opportunities to explore the bush on foot, while South Africa’s Kruger National Park and its private reserves offer guided walking safaris through dense bushveld and savannah.
East Africa: Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park are prime destinations for walking safaris, allowing you to experience East Africa’s vast, untamed wilderness. In Kenya, Laikipia Plateau and Masai Mara also offer walking safaris where you can explore the iconic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.
Inspired by What You See? Let’s Bring Your Journey to Life!
What to Expect
A Walking Safari is a completely different experience compared to a traditional safari. You’ll walk through the wilderness at a slow pace, guided by professional rangers and armed guides who are highly trained in animal behavior, tracking, and bush survival skills. Here’s what you can expect:
Up Close with Nature: Walking safaris allow you to observe wildlife from ground level, making every sighting feel more immediate and personal. While you may not get as close to big game as you would in a vehicle, the thrill of spotting animals like elephants, giraffes, or zebras on foot is incomparable.
Tracking Wildlife: Your guide will teach you the art of tracking animals by following footprints, identifying dung, and listening to the calls of birds and other wildlife. You’ll learn to spot subtle signs of animal movement, such as broken branches or disturbed grass, and follow the trail in search of the wildlife that made it.
Flora and Fauna: Walking safaris aren’t just about seeing big animals—they also give you a chance to learn about the smaller details of the bush. Your guide will point out interesting plants, explain the behavior of insects, and show you how all elements of the ecosystem work together to support life in the wild.
Safety First: Walking safaris are led by highly experienced and armed guides to ensure your safety while exploring areas that may include large or dangerous game. Guides are trained to keep a safe distance from wildlife and will educate you on how to behave around animals to avoid disturbing them.
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Your oasis of refuge in the Serengeti: Overview The Serengeti Migration Camp is like a lion pride - It blends into the bush and is found near the migrating wildlife.
Best For
Adventurous Travelers Looking for a Close Encounter with the Wilderness
Walking Safaris are ideal for adventurous travelers who want to experience the African wilderness in a more immersive way. They’re perfect for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and anyone interested in learning about the ecosystem up close. While walking safaris can be physically demanding, they are suitable for people with moderate fitness levels who are comfortable spending several hours on foot in the bush. The slower pace of a walking safari offers plenty of opportunities to take in the landscape, wildlife, and scenery without the noise and speed of a vehicle.
Popular In
South Luangwa (Zambia), Mana Pools (Zimbabwe), Selous (Tanzania)
Some of the most popular destinations for Walking Safaris include:
South Luangwa National Park (Zambia): The birthplace of walking safaris, South Luangwa offers some of the best and most authentic walking safari experiences. With highly trained guides and incredible wildlife, this park is a must-visit for walking safari enthusiasts.
Mana Pools National Park (Zimbabwe): This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. Walking safaris here allow you to explore along the Zambezi River, often spotting elephants, buffaloes, and even wild dogs.
Selous Game Reserve (Tanzania): As one of Africa’s largest protected areas, Selous offers vast wilderness for exploration. Walking safaris in Selous are ideal for those seeking a remote and wild experience, with chances to see hippos, elephants, and a variety of bird species.
Inspired by What You See? Let’s Bring Your Journey to Life!
Why Visit Walking Safaris
A Walking Safari allows you to reconnect with nature in a way that’s impossible from a vehicle. Every step brings you closer to the land, its inhabitants, and the rhythm of the wild. The experience of tracking wildlife, understanding animal behavior, and learning about the smaller creatures and plants that make up the ecosystem creates a profound connection to the natural world. Walking safaris offer a sense of adventure and discovery, making them perfect for those who want to go beyond traditional safaris and experience Africa’s wilderness up close and personal.
