Walking Safaris in Africa
In the days before vehicles carved up the landscape, people were forced to walk from place to place, and in so doing, a powerful connection with their natural environment was formed. While game drives are the fastest way to see wildlife, nothing is quite like exploring the bush on foot. Not only will you be able to view animals such as elephant, plains game and giraffe from a different perspective, you'll also notice the little things; insects, small mammals, reptiles and uniquely adapted flora that are just waiting to be discovered.
Walking safaris are completely safe and only require a low fitness level (not if you're climbing a mountain or tracking mountain gorillas in the forest of course). You will be accompanied by a professional game ranger or field guide, who will be able to explain the sights and sounds that make this activity one of the highlights of an African safari.
How it Works
Experience our Tailor-made Walking Safaris in Africa
What You Need To Know
The ideal terrain for a walking safari is arguably the grasslands and savannahs of Africa. Not only will animals and birds be more visible, but you'll be able to truly appreciate the natural environment of your destination. However, during the wet season, the dry plains transform into a lush garden of grass and wildflowers, depending on where in Africa you'll be exploring. In areas where the vegetation is much thicker, walking safaris are usually not a viable safari activity.
We offer walking-only safaris in the Kruger National Park and Wild Coast of South Africa, as well as the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. All of these countries are prime walking safari destinations, with plenty of wildlife, birds and naturally beautiful landscapes to enjoy.
Depending on the season in your chosen destination, we would recommend a dry season safari, simply because it is much easier to spot wildlife and birds when the vegetation has receeded after the rains.
You will require comfortable clothes that you can walk in, closed shoes and socks, a hat, sun screen, camera and a pair of binoculars. An insect repellent will also help to keep the bugs away.
Dependent on the choice of your destination.
Walking Safari
Many camps and lodges offer a choice of a walking safari as part of your safari itinerary. This will most likely be at camps and lodges in private reserves and concessions (most national parks do not often offer this safari activity). However, we have a few walking-only safaris that bring you that much closer to nature. A walking safari is typically more affordable than a traditional, game drive-based safari.
FAQs about Walking Safaris in Africa
A walking safari is an exciting activity in which participants go on slow-paced, guided treks through the bush with the goal of discovering different wildlife species. Because of the slower tempo and lower angle of being on foot, minor elements that are neglected on game drives become more evident.
No, but you would need an experienced safari guide for your walk. It is not recommended to walk out on your own.
Yes, all guides have intensive wilderness and safety training, and they are equipped wherever a potential threat may exist.
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Beach
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Golf
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Quad Bikes
Safari/bucket showers are common in mobile or tented camps where there is no permanent plumbing. They are an effective yet environmentally friendly way to shower where water is at a premium and provide plenty of hot water to wash comfortably. Generally, there is an en-suite private shower stall within your tent with a “rainfall” style shower head at which you can control the water flow. Outside the tent, there is a large waterproof bag or bucket which is filled with about 10 to 15 litres (5 US gallons) of hot water before being raised with a pully/rope system to either connect to the shower pipe or fill a cistern. The water is delivered at the ideal temperature so it is best to use it as soon as it arrives. Staff typically fill the showers at a pre-arranged time of day, or you simply need to give them a few minutes notice so they can get it ready.
Yes, because Zimbabwe is a malaria area and the use of malaria prophylactics is highly recommended. You will need to take prescription medicine before, during and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide when medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. However, any person entering Zimbabwe from or via a yellow fever or cholera-infected area must be in possession of a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever or cholera.
The best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southern Rwanda is during the drier months of June to August or December to January. Even though June to August or December to January are categorically referred to as drier months - it still does rain the Nyunga Forest National Park almost all year around. However, bare in mind that Nyungwe is a tropical rain forest.
The best time to climb the mountains is from June through to August - from December to February.
Africa has a long history of exploration and keeping to the bare basics when it comes to making sure that this serene beauty remains in tact. Many companies have capitalized on this by providing luxury tented mobile camps in the heart of the African bush, there are also options for permanent camps and lodges which all come with hot showers, game drives and three meals a day.
Kenya has a world of variety when it comes to tented accommodation camps, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another realm in the bush as your every desire comes try.
Although some of the game parks have become quite overrun with tourists during certain times of year, there are still many very remote and untouched areas to view game in Africa two examples of this are in Northern Mozambique and Uganda.
Popular
Walking Safaris in Africa
Each of our popular itineraries can be tailor-made to suit your budget as well as your specific interests.
Each of our popular itineraries can be tailor-made to suit your budget.
4 Day Tour
Walking Kruger's Pafuri Trail
per person per tour
Travel with Peace of Mind
Plan your safari with confidence. Refundable deposits and flexible rebooking terms standard on your Botswana safari.
Refundable
Rebookable
Flexible
Authentic
What Destinations have Walking Safaris in Africa
Botswana
Kenya
Tanzania
South Africa