Why Go on a Walking Safari?
Walking in the Wild
Ideal for the seasoned safari-goer or those with an adventurous spirit, walking safaris are the perfect twist on a classic African escapade. The growing popularity of guided walking safaris has revolutionized traditional game viewing activities by moving visitors away from the confines of a vehicle and enabling them to venture into big game country on foot, whether it be for an hour’s stroll or several days within the wilderness.
Get Up Close & Personal with Nature
Safari vehicles are an amazing way to roam the untamed plains of Africa, but they can lack one distinct quality – connection to nature. When on a walking safari, you get to immerse yourself in the great outdoors like never before. Beyond experiencing the African wilderness at close range, cultural elements also come into play – whether it be greeting a local herdsman or sharing stories with your local guide.
Encounter Africa’s Wildlife
Participating in a walking safari removes the barrier between you and the majestic wildlife roaming the plains. Spend your days following animal tracks, shadowing a foraging baboon troop or settling down in the shade to watch buffalo gather at a waterhole. This might sound alarming, but you’ll be protected and secure the entire time. Armed rangers and professional guides ensure your safety and comfort.
Enjoy a Trekking Holiday
Walking safaris augment Africa’s other great on-foot experiences – trekking holidays.
A more mountain-based experience, trekking through lush rainforest for gorillas and chimps has become a must-do activity in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo, while a multi-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek belongs at the top of any adventurer’s bucket list.
Exclusive Lodges & Camps
Embarking on an authentic African walking safari doesn't necessarily mean roughing it in a dusty dome tent. You can expect to experience fire-cooked meals, starlit nights, and remote lodges or tented camps, without compromising on the modern comforts and conveniences you’ve grown to love. Don’t worry, you’ll still end each day by slipping into a comfy bed.
Convenient Add-Ons
Regular flights and accessibility make it easy to combine your walking safari with a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda or Uganda. The same goes for crowning your trip with a luxury beach vacation.
Walk the Walk in East or Southern Africa
Walking safaris are offered in some of Africa’s most beloved safari destinations throughout East Africa and Southern Africa.
A walking safari can typically be divided into two main types: short, guided bush walks offered by lodge as an alternative activity to game drives, or multi-day guided walking safaris.
The former does not need to be booked in advance and can be built around your safari schedule. However, the latter requires a degree of fitness, the right gear, and a willingness to engage with wilderness around you.
Accommodation From $540 USD
per person per Night Sharing
Accommodation From $800 CAD
per person per Night
Accommodation From $1,000 AUD
per person per Night
Accommodation From €1,250 EUR
per person per Night
Accommodation From £1,000 GBP
per person per Night
Accommodation From R19,000 ZAR
per person per Night Sharing
Top Destinations for Walking Safaris
Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, the birthplace of walking safaris, is a fantastic destination to discover on a Zambia walking safari.
The park is well known for their extraordinary dry season walking safaris. During this time the park has one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa that flock to the banks of the Luangwa River – a spectacle to witness.
Complete with comfortable camps along the way, multi-day itineraries offer the opportunity to explore these classic wilderness areas to the fullest: expect jaw-dropping game viewing under the watchful eyes of some of the best guides in Africa.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
While most of Kenya’s national parks do not permit walking safaris, walking safaris are slowly becoming more accessible in neighbouring wildlife concessions, conservancies, and private ranches.
Kenya’s incredible Masai Mara National Reserve is undoubtedly one of the most well-known safari destinations in the world, and you can join bush walks with local Maasai warriors, who certainly know the land best. With generations of knowledge, they share their traditional secrets and ancient hunting techniques.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
One of the best places to enjoy a walking safari in South Africa is at the Kruger National Park. This famous safari destination offers outstanding dry season bush walk expeditions with multi-day trips.
Walking safaris are also available in some of South Africa’s private reserves, including those at Kruger, Sabi Sands, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal. They all offer interactive bush walks that showcase a higher level of detail that you wouldn’t normally encounter on a regular game drive.
Consider Adding...
Zanzibar
Lying just off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Recoup from your walking safari by spending your days exploring Stone Town, participating in spice tours, tanning on palm-fringed beaches, and sailing on white-sailed dhows across a turquoise sea.
Cape Town
Easily one of the most beautiful cities in Africa, Cape Town has more to offer than just its breathtaking scenery and iconic Table Mountain. From world-class beaches and top restaurants to must-see destinations like the Cape Winelands and whale-watching capital, Hermanus, Cape Town offers something for everyone.
Victoria Falls
Forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and offering awe-inspiring sights of the majestic Zambezi River, the mighty Victoria Falls is the world’s largest waterfall. Experience Victoria Falls in a variety of different ways, including via the Victoria Falls Bridge, Livingstone Island, helicopter, micro-light, white water rafting or jet boat.
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Walking Safari Trip Ideas
Here are some of our best packages, all completely customisable to your requirements and travel wishes:
South Luangwa’s 4X4, Walking & Biking Safari
This 7-night Zambian walking safari incorporates excellent hosting and guiding in one of the most spectacular wilderness areas the country has to offer: the South Luangwa National Park.
Offering a truly exceptional game-viewing experience, this package is aimed at the bona fide safari-enthusiast who will relish moving between three camps on foot.
The first – Tafika Camp – is the largest and offers not only expertly guided walking safaris but also 4×4 game drives and other activities. Tafika’s sister camp – Chikoko Tree Camp – is situated across the Luangwa River in a section of the national park set aside for the exclusive use of walking safaris.
Destinations
- Participate in twice-daily walking safaris in pristine wilderness
- Be guided by rangers who are very knowledgeable and experience
- Enjoy mountain biking, micro lighting and village visits
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM $7,000 CAD
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM $11,200 AUD
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM €10,650 EUR
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM £8,500 GBP
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM R157,000 ZAR
PER PERSON Sharing
Kenya’s Big 5 & Walking Safari
ked away in private concessions far from the safari crowds, Kenya’s Porini camps have long been a brand synonymous with consistent excellence and personalised service. Begin in the game-rich Selenkay Conservancy, a private conservation area set just a few miles from famous Amboseli National Park. The emphasis is on spotting the region’s big game but you will have time to stretch your legs on nature walks with a Maasai warrior and armed tracker.
Next, you will head for the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Home not just to the Big 5, Ol Pejeta is also East Africa’s largest stronghold for the highly endangered black rhino and even rarer northern white rhino – there is even a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees!
Wrap up this extraordinary journey in what is often rated as Africa’s greatest reserve – the Masai Mara. Game viewing is excellent all year round but little can beat the magical sight of migrating wildebeest and zebra between July and October.
Destinations
- Great mix of game viewing by 4X4 vehicle and on foot
- Private and exclusive wildlife destinations throughout Kenya
- Unique Samburu walking safari with camel train
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM $9,200 CAD
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM $14,700 AUD
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM €13,950 EUR
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM £11,150 GBP
PER PERSON Sharing
Itinerary FROM R206,000 ZAR
PER PERSON Sharing
How Much is a Walking Safari?
Rates generally depend on timing (i.e., key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, safaris can range anywhere from approximately $450 USD per person per night in low season to over $1,650 USD at the finest lodges in high season.
What Costs Are Included?
Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, and other excursions like walking safaris and cultural village visits will all be included. To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5 to 1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easily.
The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.
Justin Chapman
"The surest way to feel fully connected to your environment in Africa is by getting to physically move through it on your own two feet. A walking safari can mean different things depending on the lodge and area, varying from a multi-day trip dedicated to the activity to simply a guided stroll around a lodge’s concession. However, the common thread that runs through all types is that it is a more immersive safari experience that is focused on developing a deeper appreciation for the smaller things that may otherwise go unnoticed in a vehicle."
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