April marks the real beginning of the walking safari season in Southern Africa, so it’s timely to highlight some new walking opportunities for 2025 in the region – plus one exciting new option in West Africa.
1. South Africa – Manyoni Ruins Base Camp in Babanango Game Reserve
In Kwa-Zulu Natal, Babanango has been busy introducing both wildlife and new accommodation options, and the latest addition is Manyoni Ruins Base Camp. Set at a location with a good bushland vista, this tented camp offers a deeper immersion for those who want to explore on foot.
2. Namibia – Onguma Trails Camp in Onguma Game Reserve
This week sees the first guests set out on the trails of Onguma Game Reserve to overnight in the new Onguma Trails Camp. The reserve, which borders Etosha National Park in the north, is looking verdant after exceptionally good rains over the last month or so. Well-known guide Alan McSmith trained the walking guides, and the camp looks top notch. Two and three night trails will run until the end of September.
3. Mozambique – Mount Gorongosa Community Camp in Gorongosa National Park
Up until now, visitors who wanted to walk on Mount Gorongosa did so via a rather long day, with a drive to and from the base. Now, the park has a new seasonal camp that will operate on a bespoke basis until the end of November and allow visitors to fully appreciate the birdlife and more.
4 Zambia – Kutandala Camp in North Luangwa National Park
The remoteness of North Luangwa National Park makes it a favourite with experienced walkers in search of genuine African wilderness. Accommodation options are limited, and in September 2025 there will be a new option when Classic Zambia reopens Kutandala Camp. With their own aircraft and suite of camps in Lower Zambezi and Kafue national parks, the company is well experienced in operating walks from small scale and low impact camps.
5 Gabon – Gabon Wilderness Experience in Loanga National Park
Just announced, the Lowveld Trails Co. are offering a fascinating tour of Gabon’s best wilderness, centred on a four night wilderness trail. The eight day itinerary combines walking with boating and kayaking to make the most of wildlife spotting in the coastal park.
6 South Africa – Cheetah Trail in Samara Karoo Game Reserve
Finally, the overnight trails camp walk in Eastern Cape’s Samara Karoo reserve is approaching the end of its first season. As well as supporting gemsbok, eland and buffalo, the karooveld is habitat for the big vats, and the highlight is the chance to track cheetah on foot. The Cheetah Trail runs until the end of May.