What is a walking safari?
On a walking safari, you explore the African wilderness on foot in the care of an expert Nature Guide. There are no set routes to follow, and the emphasis is on quiet, slow appreciation of nature.
The term ‘walking safari’ generally applies to areas where animals such as elephant and lion are present and specialist trails guides are compulsory.
Why go on a walking safari?
On a safari vehicle, you are looking at wilderness; on a walking safari you are really in the wilderness. Exploring on foot is the way to discover the African bushveld just as our ancestors did, in the tracks of wild animals. Meeting these animals is a thrilling part of a walking safari but it’s more than that: a genuinely immersive experience, a chance to gain a deeper appreciation for the entire bushveld ecosystem.
Walkers encounter fascinating smaller creatures, seed pods and flowers, fungi and feathers, bones and burrows, middens and nests. They learn the art of tracking, discover fossils, rock art and prehistoric tools. Bush skills, geology, folklore, bushveld cooking, astronomy, stories of lives lived in the wilds – all of these can be part of the walking safari experience.
Are walking safaris safe?
Fear not. Walking safaris are very safe when led by professional guides. Guides are trained in situational awareness skills, and lead guides have years of bush experience and have logged hundreds of encounters with potentially dangerous animals. Their top priorities are ensuring there are no risks to guests or wildlife.
What styles of walking safaris are available?
Guided walks range from easy one hour strolls to intensive multi-day backpacking expeditions. In reserves where walking safaris are offered, visitors to a lodge can choose to take a guided walk in place of drive. Some lodges take guests on a walk to stay at a fly-camp for a night or two.
To make walking the focus of a visit, specialist wilderness trails camps are the best option, often referred to as Wilderness Trails. Mobile walking safaris are a style of trail whereby guests walk to a new camp each day. For the more adventurous, it’s possible to backpack and sleep in a small tent, or even sleep under the stars on a ‘primitive trail’.
How much do walking safaris cost?
In most cases, if guided walks are offered at a safari lodge, they are included in the price as an activity, just like game drives. Safari lodge prices vary a lot by season and country and the ones we list range from around $200 to $1400 PPSPN (per person sharing per night). Mobile walking safaris tend to cost a bit more than lodge-based, and backpacking style is the cheapest. Read Five Ways to Save on the Cost of Walking Safari.
Can I get a Private Guide for a walking safari tour?
Yes. It’s a great idea to engage a local guide who is trails qualified. Contact us and we will link you up with a suitable candidate, who can meet you at the airport and travel with you for the duration of the trip.
Will there be hot showers and flush toilets on my walking safari?
Yes, if you choose from the lodge-based walk style options, then flush toilets and showers heated by solar power or gas geysers are standard.
Some wilderness trails camps have flush toilets, while most, along with fly-camps and mobile walking safaris utilise composting toilets. These are perfectly fine even for the fastidious traveller and warm showers are also standard at such camps, with water heated over a fire and transferred to a suspended bucket. Backpacking trails are designed to leave no trace, and toilet waste is buried. It’s often possible to have a river bath, or pack a mini shower bag.
How many people can walk in a group?
At high-end lodges and camps, there is usually no minimum group size, but trails camps, mobile safaris and backpacking trails often need a minimum number of bookings – typically 4. Sleep-out trails usually require a minimum of 6, to facilitate a night watch rota.
The maximum group size is generally 8, but may be 6 at high-end venues. Groups of over 8 are best to look for lodge-based walks, where the group can be split for the walks.
How fit do I need to be for a walking safari?
Typical day walks are accessible to all that do not have impaired mobility, with distances modest and many stops to investigate nature. Multi-day walking safaris are more enjoyable if you are a regular walker, while backpacking demands a higher ability and preparation.
Can children go on walking safaris?
Yes, as long as they are over the specified age limit. This is usually 12+ or 14+, and generally backpacking style trails are 16+.
When is the best time of year to go on a walking safari?
In South Africa’s Lowveld, the area of the country with the most walking options, the prime walking season is April to October. In the Cape, the summer months from November to March are best.
In Botswana and Zimbabwe, the top walking season is May-September, when it is dry and cooler. Zambia’s walking season is May to November and Malawi’s season is July to November.
The best time for southern Tanzania is after the ‘green’ season – June to October. The equatorial conditions of northern Tanzania and Kenya make them year-round walking destinations, especially at higher altitudes.
What should I wear for walking in bushveld?
Clothing should be in neutral shades of green, brown or khaki; avoid black, white and camouflage. Wear light quick-drying synthetics in preference to cotton. Shorts, leggings or trail pants are all suitable. Comfortable footwear is a must – trail shoes or boots, but nothing open-toed.
What should I carry on a walking safari?
Bring a small backpack with room for a fleece, water, snacks and personal items. Although walks nearly always take place in the cooler morning and evening hours, prepare for sun protection and carry a hat, neck-buff, sunscreen and lip balm. Binoculars are also important – especially for spotting birds.
Where can I find more detailed preparation information?
Walking Safaris of Africa has a chapter on pre-travel preparation.
How can I get more information about booking a walking safari featured on this website?
Click on the Trip Enquiry link under the trip of interest.
I am a walking safari operator. How can I be included on this site?
If you are the operator of a walking safari, please send us a message from the contact page to arrange a free listing.