Walking Safari Vacations

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.