Hippos On A Walking Safari At Lion Camp

Hippos on a walking safari at Lion Camp, Zambia

Walking Safari Vacations

Experience wildlife and the wilderness on foot.

Walking in the bush brings your senses alive

Experience the brilliance of the African wilderness and the thrill of the wildlife on foot.

Walking safaris are a completely different wildlife experience compared with the more commonly experienced vehicle-based safari.

The ethos behind walking safaris is to allow you to experience Africa and the sheer majesty of the bush in a more personal and intimate manner, discovering levels of detail which can easily be overlooked in a vehicle.

South Africa is a perfect choice when looking for a walking safari experience as it has an abundance of diverse areas to explore and huge diversity of fauna and flora.

Most walking safaris happen during the cooler, dryer winter months in Africa. Not only are the conditions more favourable, but the bush is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife.

Whilst you’re on safari in Africa, some lodges and camps will offer short walking safaris in place of a morning or afternoon safari game drive – these will usually be within private reserves and if the lodge you’re staying at offers these – we would highly recommend taking full advantage as they are a wonderful experience.

There are many longer walking safari or ‘trails’ options, each lasting usually up to three nights and four days.

Here are some of the best activity options in South Africa:

Primitive or Wilderness trails. These are for those looking for a true wilderness experience in the African bush, carrying everything you’ll need on your back including food, change of clothing and a sleeping. Led by experienced guides follow game paths, track wildlife, exploring remote areas where even 4x4 vehicles struggle to venture. Nights will be spent in the open air at different locations as you traverse the wilderness, with an ocean of stars above you and the crackling campfire by your feet. A back-to-basics experience but one which allows you to truly disconnect and rediscover nature.

Basecamp trails – are when you have a centralised accommodation or bush camp and proceed to head out into the African bush either for full-day trail walking, taking a packed lunch with you, or walking in the morning before returning to camp during the middle of the day before heading out for an afternoon walk or perhaps a vehicle-based safari depending on sightings and the group. You'll only need to carry with you what you need for the day and return to basecamp late afternoon to enjoy a delicious cooked dinner by the fire and a well-earned beer

Mobile camping trails. These are a combination of a wilderness and a basecamp trail. A group will head out in the morning, while camp staff disassemble camp and move it to another location, setting it up ready for the arrival of the intrepid explorers with refreshments waiting.

Whilst on a walking safari, guests may be included in a very important part of the experience – night watch at the campfire. This is when you can embrace silence, and solitude and look into yourself. Qualities are difficult to find in today's world of fast-moving technology and the constant pressure to be actively engaged, being distracted by a million things…finally, you can hear your own thoughts.

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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