An exhilarating experience is an understatement when it comes to walking safaris – this is by far the closest one can come to nature and the wild! In the African bush, being so close to what you came to experience is plain and simply a must for a “bucket list” experience for the true adventurer and wildlife enthusiast….
What comes to mind is a new appreciation and understanding of all of nature and its creatures. On foot, new perspectives and understanding of the animal kingdom around you come alive with a reality, knowledge, and excitement few people will ever experience. Taking in the environment around you at a much slower pace than with a vehicle – the discoveries made with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide, is priceless!
What is a Walking Safari?
An adventurous experience with the main objective to engage and explore more about the environment and its inhabitants, big or small – whether fauna or flora – learning and understanding more than what any literature or stories from other adventurers can ever put in words!
A 4×4 safari vehicle adventure allows one to see various big wildlife, but by foot the intensity and diversity of the African bush is as if seen through a magnifying glass.
Facts about trees, insects and birds are explored much better with a walking safaris and each creature and plant, big or small and their role in the ecosystem. Thoughts about the often “not so interesting” plants or animals and insects, becomes rather more interesting than some of the more well-known and species associated with Africa.
Depending on the individual, there are two main types of walking safaris – multiple day safaris (mobile safaris), being on foot most of your trip OR short walking safaris, ranging from a couple of hours to half day excursions. The latter is usually offered at most lodges as an alternative to a game drive. Multi-day walking safaris or mobile are regarded as the ultimate safari as one hike from camp to camp – this is however not suited for all types of fitness levels.
Is a Walking Safari Safe?
This is most definitely the question asked and most associated with this topic, talking about walking safaris, understandably so!
Imagine being on walking safaris through untamed wildlife, and not having the “safe” feeling of being in a safari vehicle. But a walking safari or bush walk is an incredibly safe, immersive, and satisfying way to enjoy Africa.
It is highly advisable to work with experienced and qualified safari experts. The guides accompanying you on walking safaris are very well educated and trained to be extremely informative and vigilant with guests and are always armed should any dangerous situation present itself.
Guidelines from your guide will likely include the following:
- Best times for a walking safari – usually early morning when it is not too hot, and when predators are not so active.
- Being prepared with the correct equipment i.e., correct hiking boots, sunscreen, and clothing that blends in with your surroundings, but is also comfortable in the African climate.
- Behavior that will keep you safe, i.e., keeping as quiet as possible and walking in a straight line with one guide at the front and one at the back – their experience will keep you as safe as possible and enable them to track any activity around you.
- Most important is to always follow instructions from the guides, as they are as mentioned before, highly experienced in this type of activity!
Remember, wild animals, specifically predators, will only attack if they are feeling threatened – they react to their instinct – so whatever you do DON’T RUN! No matter if your own instinct tells you to do so! When you run, you are sure to be perceived as prey.
Best Destinations for Walking Safaris
Zambia offers South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park as great destinations for walking safaris. As a matter of fact, South Luangwa National Park is known as the birthplace of walking safaris. This area is extremely remote and wild and a great destination to learn various aspects of all creatures, however small or big!
Norman Carr, widely recognized as one of the pioneers of safaris in Zambia, is renowned as the inventor of the great African walking safari concept. In 1950, Norman Carr established the first safari camp in the country, previously known as Northern Rhodesia.
South Luangwa National Park is widely known as the home of the walking safari. The area is remote and wild, the terrain and habitats varied and the game shy and unused to man. From ants to buffalo, a bird’s nest to tracking a lion, you will learn the many facets of the bush. All walks are led by a highly experienced guide and always accompanied by an armed game scout, thus giving you the utmost safety during this adventure.
The Lower Zambezi is also extremely popular for bush walks. Getting up close and personal with big game is guaranteed and offers amazing photographic opportunities.
Then, Mana Pools in Zimbabwe is most definitely also a favorite when it comes to walking safari experiences. Zimbabwe has some of the best guides in the industry, and they will get you extremely close to big animals such as elephant, lion and wild dog. Mana Pools is home to as many as 12,000 elephants, making it an incredible place to view these magnificent giants.
Lastly, but most certainly not least, Botswana is a great place to visit for a walking safari. The Okavango Delta is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in southern Africa. It is home to over 1,000 species of plants, more than 480 species of birds, 130 species of mammals, and numerous species of reptiles and fish. Most of the Delta consists of private concessions where it is possible to enjoy some of the most scenic and thrilling walking safaris.
Taking a walk on the “wild-side” should be experienced at least once by any nature enthusiast.
Not only is it extremely educational, but what better way to feel one with nature? A new way of thinking of how wonderous it all comes together in nature and a new understanding of how nature communicates to the soul of every living creature.
