“Leave the vehicle behind, follow the tracks, and let the wilderness tell its story one footprint at a time.”
There’s a point on safari when the engine goes quiet, the dust drifts away and everything around you seems to slow down. No traffic. No noise. Only the sound of grass, a distant bird squawking and a faint snap of a branch somewhere off in the distance. You now aren’t just viewing Africa, you’re travelling through it.
A walking safari brings a whole new energy to the wild. Don’t race to and from sightings in a car. Once you’re on foot, all the details begin to count. New tracks in the sand can recount a tale. A snapped-off twig can show what happened just a moment ago. A walk with nothing but an empty nest can be quite interesting if small insects are spotted in the grass, or when animal tracks lead to find out what’s behind the nest.
This is what makes it so beautiful. A walking safari is slower, closer and much more immersive. You take notice of the bush where you might not by game vehicle.
Whether you are looking for a Zambia walking safari, a safari in Botswana, a walk through the open spaces of Kenya or a South African safari, there is more to Africa on the hoof than you might think. The right destination, however, is dependent on the following: your level of comfort, your interests, and how adventurous you want your safari to be.
So, set the car aside for now, go into the wild and turn on your senses. This is a guide to the best walking safaris in Africa, what it’s like, what safety entails and how to choose the right walking safari to enjoy.
What is a walking safari?
During a walking safari, you may venture into the bush with a trained safari guide, giving you the opportunity to notice wildlife and details of nature that you might miss on a game drive.
It may be a pleasant stroll in the morning to see nature or an exciting trek between out-of-the-way bush camps.
The main difference is the speed. An elephant may be visible from a vehicle and then you move on in minutes. Your guide can stop on foot and look at its tracks, share knowledge about how elephants use certain trees or share information about signs that it was just recently in the area.
You are not looking for just the animals. You’re getting to know the bush.
That’s where a competent walking safari guide can really help. They know how to watch animals, where to find them, how to track them, how to identify plants, how to observe weather and how to understand topography and make a walk more interesting by a wilderness lesson.
Why choose a walking safari?
A vehicle provides distance and comfort. Walking gives you a deeper connection with the landscape.
Your senses become more acute when you’re walking. You pay attention. You notice the scent on the breeze. You can feel the ground under your boots and realize the importance of the little mark in the sand your guide stops to examine.
There is also the possibility of a bush walk safari that will acquaint you with the smaller side of Africa.
Colourful beetles, medicinal plants, birds, insects, animal spoor and strange trees may be encountered.
Then there are the bigger moments.
- A distant elephant.
- A herd of buffalo roam an open area of land.
- A giraffe is looking at the trees.
- Lions are somewhere beyond the grass and they are roaring.
The moments can be intense and powerful, as you’re experiencing them without the familiar comfort of a safari vehicle.
If you still aren’t sure which safaris to choose, read some of our Types of African Safaris for a better understanding of the difference between walking safaris, game drives, boat safaris, mobile camps and other safari styles.
Is a walking safari safe?
It would be one of the first questions I would have when planning a walking adventure.
Frankly, there is no such thing as being entirely safe in the company of wild animals. It is a wild environment and animals can be unpredictable.
But well-planned walks put safety first. You may be asked to walk in single file, stay behind the guide, keep quiet and follow instructions immediately.
Guided walks are offered by experienced armed field guides in destinations like the Kruger National Park and SANParks recommends guests to wear comfortable footwear and appropriate clothing.
Similarly, Zambia’s tourist authority, the Zambia Tourism Office (ZTO), advises tourists to always follow their guide and never take any action that could disturb an animal when visiting the country’s wildlife.
If that is the case then the safest route is not to just pick an internationally known destination. It’s selecting a guided experience that is conducted by qualified personnel.
Don’t walk away from a group due to better photo opportunities. Never walk towards an animal. Never assume that a calm, well-behaved elephant, buffalo or hippo is not dangerous.
Being on safari, respect is your number one weapon.
How does a walking safari work?
This all depends on the camps and style of safari you choose, and the destination you visit.
On a typical morning, it will start before dawn. You have a quick drink and breakfast, pick up your day pack and meet your guide.
The first few minutes will be very quiet.
Soon the bush begins to stir.
Trees are home to singing birds. The air slowly warms. Your walker sees tracks you would likely just walk over.
Maybe they are Antelope?
Or maybe a hyena walked by in the night.
Maybe there’s a new elephant track in the sandy, muddy ground.
After a few steps, the story’s back to its original plot.
It’s the feeling of discovery that makes it so memorable.
There are a few walks of a few hours duration and others for more adventurous, are several days walking and sleeping in remote camps. South Luangwa, for instance, offers mobile walking safaris where visitors have the chance to walk from one night stay to another through areas undisturbed by vehicles.
Best destinations for walking safaris
There is no one African style of walking safari. Every place has different features, ranging from river valleys and floodplains to open savannah and rugged wilderness.
These are places I’d want to travel if I were going on holiday.
South Luangwa, Zambia
If you’re walking, then South Luangwa is a place to look at.
Zambia is associated with the development of modern walking safaris and South Luangwa is one of the iconic safaris in the country for a walking safari. The park includes approximately 9,050 square kilometres of land and is renowned for its abundant wildlife and the landscapes of the Luangwa River.
What makes it special is the feeling of being immersed in the landscape.
You can walk along natural trails next to the river, through the woodlands or across the open land with an experienced guide, rather than using the road.
Experience can be as simple as walking around the natural environment or more immersive mobile experience. Zambia Tourism’s definition of mobile walking safaris is those that are transported between sleeping quarters, deep inside the park.
For those who wish to experience the bush and its wildlife, birds and the small things, South Luangwa is particularly rewarding.
If you wish to learn more about this place this Zambia Safari Guide will take you deeper into its landscapes, wildlife and safari experiences.
North Luangwa, Zambia
North Luangwa offers a more remote and rugged walking experience.
Here is a wilderness where the space is real. Zambia Tourism says North Luangwa is remote and wild, and walking experiences can take visitors off the road and away from tourists.
This rhythm here is so nice and simple.
- Wake early.
- Drink your coffee.
- Listen.
- Walk.
- Stop.
- Watch.
- Then keep moving.
A typical walking day will start at sunrise and last several hours, giving the travellers the opportunity to experience the changing bush as the day unfolds.
This is a more rugged variety of safari and is recommended for those who enjoy an active and outdoor experience rather than a gentle stroll.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Water joins the walking-safari story in the Okavango Delta.
The landscape is an extraordinary place that evolves over the course of the year, offering a variety of wetlands, islands, grasslands and woodland. According to Botswana Tourism, the size of the Delta varies from 15,000 to 22,000 square kilometres depending on the water level.
You will experience 100% different when walking here than in the dry savannah.
May cross sand, may travel between palms and grass, or may travel by mokoro and foot.
There are some camps in the Delta that also provide walking safaris, in addition to the boat trips and game drives, so that it is possible to “visit” the landscape from different points of view.
This is a great option for travellers looking for some variety.
You could hear birds one morning from a mokoro. Later, you could be following animal tracks on foot.
It’s where the trip itself is part of the wildlife experience.
Laikipia, Kenya
While often thought of as a traditional game drive and the renowned Maasai Mara, there is another facet to Kenyan safari beyond the vehicle.
For those looking for an active tour experience, Laikipia is of special interest.
The Kenya Tourism Board promotes walking and riding safari tours across the country and its resources on Karisia Walking Safaris outline experiences walking through Laikipia with local trackers from the Maasai and Samburu communities, who know their country, its wildlife and communities inside and out.
One interesting aspect is the existence of the possibility of walking with camel-backed trips.
The camel train is used to transport camp gear and riders walk around and explore the terrain.
It gives a very old fashioned atmosphere, but not necessarily uncomfortable, because the surroundings are no longer associated with roads and vehicles.
People who like culture, animals, and active exploration can find it interesting to go to Laikipia.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
It’s not necessary to venture into the farthest reaches of Africa to enjoy a good walking safari.
There are guided trails and longer wilderness trails in the Kruger National Park.
A lot of the camps in the Kruger National Park have early morning walks and afternoon walks, and the experienced armed guides take small groups of people into the wilderness areas around the camps, according to SANParks.
This can be a good way of easing into bush walking for those who like something more organised.
There are also longer wilderness trails available in the park if you are looking for more of an immersion. Fitness requirements vary by trail, so check the walking distance and terrain before booking.
This is also an area that offers one the opportunities to take game drives but walk as well.
If you want both the best of both worlds – the excitement of viewing wildlife up close and personal from the comfort of a car, and the slower pace and increased knowledge of the environment with your feet on the ground – this is the ideal combination.
Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools is known for its strong sense of wilderness and for being situated at the Zambezi River.
Please take extra care when walking here as there are large wild animals and risks are serious.
In Zimbabwe, walking is not “escorted” in the official park management plan and is admitted in certain parts of the Mana experience, especially in the open floodplain, but it is also clearly stated that this walking is dangerous.
This is a significant one for all travellers.
Great freedom can be had at a destination, but freedom is not synonymous with ignoring the behaviour of wildlife or local rules.
If you are a first-time visitor, you should strongly consider talking to your safari operator before travelling, regarding the walking conditions, areas you can walk, and guides that are required.
What makes the best walking safaris special?
The experiences to be had are not necessarily the ones with the greatest number of animals seen.
These are the ones where you know more.
A knowledgeable guide may be able to help you identify new and old tracks. They may recognise a bird by the sound you hear without seeing it.
They can describe the reason for elephants going a certain way, or the difference in animal’s actions when it is hot or cold.
This is where the walk turns to more than just watching the wildlife.
It becomes storytelling. Sometimes it’s the little find that sticks with you longer than the big find. Of course, the scene of a leopard scuttling through the trees is unforgettable. But so is sitting down by your guide when they tell you about the miniscule footprint in the sand.
The beauty of walking.
Walking safari vs game drive
It’s useful to know what walking can and cannot do if you have never walked one.
Game drives enable you to travel far and wide and look for wildlife. They are especially effective when waterholes are distant, large herds are to be followed or when vast parks are to be explored.
Walking safaris are more personal and slower. They are more interested in tracks, plants, birds, insects and animal behaviour.
It’s not as much distance you travel, but what you do feel is the ground under your feet.
That is why I often suggest using both styles as opposed to them as competing experiences.
Your day may consist of a game drive for classic wildlife viewing and a guided walk the next morning.
A change of pace can make a safari experience much richer.
If you’re looking for more ideas on mixing and matching experiences, check out our Big Five Safari Guide and Ultimate African Safari Holidays Guide.
When to take a walking safari and how to select the right one
There are several simple questions to ask yourself before booking.
How active are you?
Walking early in the morning is a different thing from a mobile safari trip that spans several days.
When booking, please ensure that the distance, terrain and pace are appropriate.
Do you want to go on your first safari?
If so, start with a short, guided walk instead of a lengthy multi-day trek.
It enables you to gain insight into the bush environment and the ability to confidently walk the bush with a guide.
Who leads the walk?
This matters enormously.
Inquire into the credentials and experience of the guides, the size of the group, safety protocols and contingency plans. Splendour is not an adequate substitute for good guiding.
Which wildlife might you find?
Each location has its own unique character. Your guide should describe the wildlife that you will see and how walks are conducted around potentially dangerous species.
What is included?
See if your safari includes transfers, accommodation and meals, park fees, walking, guides and emergency support.
If critical components are omitted, a cheaper safari can actually turn out to be more expensive.
What should you wear on a walking safari?
Keep it practical.
Wear light-coloured, airy clothes. Long trousers protect your legs from grass, insects and thorny plants.
Wear comfortable, well-broken-in walking shoes or boots. Note that the following should also be considered:
- A light day bag
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Insect repellent
- Light fleece or jacket for early mornings
- Small first-aid essentials
Avoid wearing noisy jewellery or anything that could distract you while walking. And remember, safari fashion should never come before comfort.
For a safe walking safari, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- The golden rule is simple:
- Your guide leads. You follow.
- Never wander away from the group.
- Never run towards or away from wildlife unless your guide gives direct instructions.
- Never try to attract an animal for a photograph.
- Keep your voice low.
- Be sure to follow your guide’s footsteps.
- When they stop you stop.
- If they ask you to move, move.
Zambia Tourism recommends that visitors listen to the guides and refrain from approaching wildlife, or provoking animals. Also keep in mind that safety may vary with the weather, animal activity, and terrain and local conditions.
That is the reason why it is better to obey the briefing you get on the day than any general rule you read online.
What is the best time for a walking safari?
No month is ideal for all of Africa.
Many in the south of Africa may find that the dry season makes viewing easier around remaining water sources and that vegetation is less dense.
During summer in South Luangwa, there is a greener, wetter landscape while in the cooler winter, it is much drier. Zambia Tourism observes that in general, during the dry season, animals are seen closer to the river and that game viewing is easier.
Botswana is also a vastly different place during its wet and dry seasons, with the amount of water and greenery affecting the wildlife experience.
But when it comes to walking, there are more factors to take into consideration than visibility of wildlife.
Consider the temperature, amount of rain, soil conditions, and time of year when you want to camp.
What are the things you can learn from a walking safari?
Walking is perhaps the most beautiful thing that happens to the view of Africa.
You no longer must ask “Where are the lions?”
Rather, you start asking instead:
- Where did they go?
- What were they doing?
- Why are these tracks here?
- Which animal made that sound?
- Why is the herd moving in that direction?
- You start reading the bush rather than simply looking at it.
- And that is the moment when a safari becomes personal.
Final footprints
A walking safari is not simply about getting closer to animals. It is about understanding the space between you and the wild.
- The crunch of dry grass beneath your boots.
- A fresh footprint in the sand.
- A bird calling from a distant tree.
- Your guide quietly raising a hand.
- Everyone stopping.
- Everyone listening.
That no-talking can communicate more than any game drive checklist can.
To those new to the bush, South Luangwa and walking safaris in Kruger provide a structured approach to exploring the bush on foot; for those seeking more wilderness or adventure, there are North Luangwa, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Laikipia and Mana Pools. The selection will depend on your fitness, your interests, the level of comfort you feel and the type of leading that you prefer.
Most importantly, select an experience that shows respect for wildlife, proper training by the guides and that safety is a part of the adventure, rather than an afterthought.
If you’re thinking of furthering your exploration of Africa see our Types of African Safaris to see how walking can fit in with game drives, boat trips, family safaris and more.
You might come with the hope of seeing the great animals of Africa! You may leave behind with a more subdued memory:
The sense of being in a wild landscape, and knowing that, for a few precious hours, you were part of the story, wrapped in world holiday vibes.
FAQ
A: Exploring the African bush on foot with a trained guide instead of riding in a vehicle.
A: Absolutely, but you must adhere to all your armed guide’s safety rules and instructions.
A: Long trousers, comfortable walking boots and neutral colour clothes.
A: It depends on the trail, but most short walks suit average fitness levels (longer treks require more stamina).
A: In Zambia, one of the parks is South Luangwa, and in South Africa, it’s the Kruger National Park which has well guided walks.
Source
E- book:
- https://ebooks.vibesgroupuk.com/books/zpxr/
- https://www.worldholidayvibes.com/holiday-travel-guide-ebook
Youtube
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YavMmHK0XUI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X72kPJ4XTU&list=PLNUm9YypsEQCLTnmAoQijeNXfxSgKZFaB
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F9NWbShnrU
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-67Ujy_ga4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzkT8hf0EC8
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZE2ipDg7LQ
Facebook:
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/2022445845326016
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/1507201421153719
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/1532669025175724
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/4159963504228590
useful links:
- https://www.worldholidayvibes.com/destinations/africa
- https://www.worldholidayvibes.com/destinations/africa/madagascar
- https://www.worldholidayvibes.com/holiday-deals/madagascar-northern-highlights-madagascar-whv2308
- https://www.worldholidayvibes.com/holiday-deals/escape-to-madagascar-your-wild-paradise-madagascar-whv3198
