What is a walking safari and is it worth doing?
A walking safari offers a unique and immersive way to experience Africa's wilderness, allowing you to get up close to nature in a way that is impossible from a vehicle. Led by experienced guides, walking safaris take you on foot through the bush, offering the chance to observe animals, plants, and the environment from a new perspective.
While thrilling and educational, walking safaris are typically more suited for those in good physical condition and prepared for an adventure.
A walking safari is a guided safari experience that allows you to explore the African bush on foot. Unlike traditional game drives, where you observe wildlife from a vehicle, walking safaris offer a more intimate and direct connection with the environment.
As you walk through various ecosystems, your expert guide will point out tracks, plants, and other subtle signs of wildlife that are often missed during game drives. It's a thrilling way to observe wildlife up close and gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem, as you often come across smaller creatures and hidden details that vehicles can't access.
Walking safaris are typically conducted in remote areas of national parks or private game reserves, such as in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park, Botswana's Okavango Delta, or Tanzania's Ruinsori Mountains. These safaris are guided by expert rangers and trackers, who are trained in bushcraft, safety, and animal behaviour.
Depending on the location, walking safaris can range from short walks lasting a few hours to multi-day treks, where you camp under the stars. For those looking for an adventurous, off-the-beaten-path experience, walking safaris provide an incredible opportunity to connect with nature and witness wildlife from a different perspective.
For expert advice on the best game reserves and national parks for walking safaris, feel free to get in touch with us. Our 5 Day Best of Kruger Safari also includes a walking safari as part of the experience (weather permitting), giving you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the wild.
