A Guide to Where to Go in Africa to Experience a Walking Safari
Walking safari adventures are available mostly within the best safari destinations in East and Southern Africa offering a unique perspective of the continent’s wildlife and ecosystems.
This is from bush walks with the tribe leaders on multi-day walking safaris or multi-day trips, walking safari expeditions provide you with a true taste of wilderness which can be missed when in a vehicle in the well-known safari destinations.
You get to discover every little detail that you haven’t seen before, from tiny reptiles and insects, and you also get to learn how walking safari guides track big game in the bush using animal tracks. In our article, you will get to know where you can experience walking safaris, from Gorilla trekking to multi-night fly camping.
Short Walking Safaris
These short walking safaris in Africa range from a few hours to a half-day excursion. They are mostly offered by most lodges in the morning or late afternoon as an option to embark on a game drive.
If you like bush walks on a walking tour, then you can plan for a longer walking safari when you return to Africa.
ZIMBABWE SAFARI ADVENTURE
Zimbabwe is the home of the walking safari, and you can enjoy remote game viewing within Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, and Lake Kariba. You will get sightings of the Wild dog and Elephant, or even get closer to the buffalo on your walking tour in Mana pools with discoveries of the park’s flora.
The highlights of this walking safari tour are guided walks and game drives in Hwange National Park, explore Mana Pools home of the walking safari with views of Wild dogs, luxury tented accommodation, and optional Victoria Falls.
CLASSIC ZAMBIA SAFARI
Zambia is known for its walking safaris especially in Luangwa National Park as it offers magical experiences. This country has amazing wildlife and comfortable camps, and this makes it a good destination for walking safaris or guided walks.
This short walking safari tour combines Lower Zambezi National Park, South Luangwa National Park, and Victoria Falls.
The highlights include a visit to Victoria Falls, a game drive in the predator-rich areas, cruising along the Zambezi River, and canoeing within the Lower Zambezi National Park and the park’s flora.
Africa walking safaris here will let you stretch your legs as you visit South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi Park, especially from April through to October.
BOTSWANA UNDER LUXURY CANVAS
This walking safari is exceptional as Botswana is a good destination for a walking trip. Walk around the Okavango Delta with thick mopane woodland and dense bush populated with Elephants.
You can also enjoy the walking safari in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the highlights of the trip include the mokoro canoes along the water channels of the Okavango Delta, walk with the Bushmen for a few hours in the late afternoon, enjoying most of the game-rich locations in Africa, and enjoying remote tented accommodation.
Long Walking Safaris
Multi day walking safaris or multi day trips offer a remarkable walking safari experience to safari goers. These kind of walking safaris are excellent for safari goers who want to walk for several hours in the African bush.
You hike from camp to camp in the vast stretches of terrain every day. During longer walking safaris, you get the opportunity of encountering larger game on foot which is a thrilling experience.
WALK, MOUNTAIN BIKE AND DRIVE NORTHERN TANZANIA
Tanzania is known for the Great Migration and Africa’s Big Five and it is a hotspot for a longer walking safari which is a great way of experiencing wildlife from a unique perspective.
The highlights are visiting Lake Manyara Park, viewing tree climbing Lions and Flamingos, walking along the Ngorongoro Crater with sightings of Wild dogs, and witnessing the annual migration in Serengeti.
REMOTE ZAMBIA WALKING SAFARI
Zambia is well known for its walking safaris and the adventures take you off the beaten track for game viewing. The walking safari focuses on the heart of the Luangwa which you can explore on foot.
A Zambia walking safari allows you to feel at one with nature and you are led by walking safari guides and the highlights are off-the-beaten-track adventures, wildlife viewing, traveling between comfortable camps on foot, and sleeping under the stars.
WALK WITH ICONIC WILDLIFE, SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is known for the best walking safari spots in Africa and having different habitats and settings which are every walker’s dream. The walking safari is one the favorites for those heading into the wilderness as there are possibilities for unrare sightings that sometimes you cannot see when in vehicles.
You should know that a walking safari here is at a relaxing pace though be ready for high opportunities of sighting any of Africa’s Big Five on foot.
The highlights are the realistic style safari in South Africa’s private reserves, exclusive mobile safari, guided walking safaris, a walk in Kruger National Park, and relaxing and unwinding in Cape Town.
Animal Specific Walking Safaris
These specific walking safaris emphasize on seeing specific animals that many travelers who plan their trip around as a bucket list activity.
GORILLA TREKKING, RWANDA
Rwanda has many walking safaris though the highlight for most people is tracking the Mountain Gorillas. Gorilla tracking is enjoyed in the forest and can be difficult, especially on slippery slopes.
Trekking the endangered animals (Gorillas) in Rwanda is only possible in Volcanoes Park and only a group of 8 people visit a gorilla family per day. From trekking the gentle giants, you also get the opportunity to explore Lake Kivu, see golden Monkeys and the surrounding forests.
The highlights of this walking safari are Gorilla tracking in Parc National Des Volcans, Chimp tracking in Cyamudongo Forest and Nyungwe Forest National Park, canopy walks, cruising on Lake Kivu, and Golden Monkey tracking.
RHINO TRACKING, KENYA
Kenya is a top destination for game drives as most tourists coming here don’t prefer to walk in the bush and also a walking safari is not allowed in Kenya’s national parks and reserves.
Today, African walking safaris are becoming popular in Kenya’s national parks, conservancies, and private ranches.
A walking safari in Kenya is more relaxing with great adventure. On this walking safari, you will track the black rhino, have a conversation with the authentic tribal local communities, and have matchless game viewing within the Masai Mara with sightings of the Wild dog and visiting the local Maasai warriors.
You can track in Saruni Rhino Camp and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy home to Grey’s Zebras and the endangered species of the Black and White Rhino.
ACTIVE UGANDA – GORILLAS, CHIMPS AND BIG GAME
Trekking with Chimps and Gorillas is one of the lifetime experiences on a Uganda trip. It is on every traveler’s bucket list, and you get to spend time with our nearest relatives.
The highlights of the walking safari tour are; trekking and spending time with Mountain Gorillas, meeting the Batwa community, hiking and canoeing on the scenic Lake Mutanda, hiking within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park, and tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Where to Go on a Walking Safari in Africa
Walking safaris are offered in both and Southern Africa and below are some of the walking African safari spots.
Kenya: ‘Out of Africa’ Walking Safaris
Most of Kenya’s national parks do not allow walking safaris though they are now becoming common in reserves, private ranches, wildlife concessions, and conservancies.
Masai Mara National Reserve is an incredible wildlife destination, and you can join bush walks with local Maasai warriors, who know the area very well. Samburu Reserve is also one of the great Kenya walking safari destinations, especially for those on a genuine adventurous excursion.
Within this reserve on your walking safari, you can spot the Somali Ostrich, Grevey Zebra, Wild dog, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa oryx, Gerenuk, and an amazing Elephant population.
Tanzania: Remote & Classic Walking Safaris
When on a walking safari adventure in Tanzania, it’s best to visit the southern Tanzania circuit with incredible wildlife. Ruaha National Park is one of the largest national parks in East Africa, but due to its remote location, it’s less crowded making it a good spot for a walking safari.
Ruaha National Park has diverse sceneries including baobab trees, grassy plains and hills, miombo woods, and acacia. Experts guide you through the landscape of Ruaha National Park the same way ancestors of the land did on your feet.
Tarangire National Park is also worth visiting for a walking safari in Tanzania and Tarangire River attracts lots of big game in the dry season. Tarangire National Park in southern Tanzania is known for wildlife especially elephants and the baobab trees some of which are over 1000 years old.
SELOUS GAME RESERVE
Selous Game Reserve is one of the biggest wildlife reserves in East Africa and on earth and it is home to Africa’s Big Five. You can enjoy a walking safari in Selous Game Reserve with sightings of Giraffes, Hippos, Zebras, Lions, Rhinos, Elephants, and the Wild dog in the grassy plains.
Walking safaris in Selous Game Reserve takes you for river cruises on top of game drives with options of overnight fly camping under breathtaking night skies.
Zimbabwe: Walking in the Wild
Zimbabwe is a walking safari destination to experience the Big Five and other big game on Foot.
The walking safari guides are trained to lead the walking safaris as guiding is a tradition that has been passed down for generations and this country still has large rural local communities, with people who are deeply connected to the land and its wild inhabitants.
Private concessions offer walking safaris within Hwange National Park which hosts wildlife with over 100 mammals and 400 bird species. Purely walking safaris are a humbling experience as you traverse the same route where wild animals graze freely.
In the dry season, the Hwange National Park hosts a thrilling concentration of Elephants that congregate in the water holes making it amazing to visit this famous safari destination.
Zambia: The Birthplace of the Walking Safari
South Luangwa National Park is the birthplace of walking safaris, and it is a destination to discover during a Zambia walking safari. Zambia’s South Luangwa is famed for its remarkable dry season walking safaris.
In the dry season, South Luangwa has large concentrations of wildlife that gather on the Luangwa River, especially the big cats. You can stay in comfortable camps on multi day walking safari itineraries as they offer the opportunity to explore these classic wilderness areas to the fullest.
NORTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
A walking safari is the best way to enjoy the large concentrations of wildlife in North Luangwa Park the true wild. You get to walk along the Mwaleshi River to see Lions, Buffalos, Hyenas, the endemic Cookson’s Wildebeest, Zebras, the Wild dog, and other big cats.
North Luangwa Park is also the only place in Zambia where you can see the Black Rhino on a walking trip, and it makes Zambia a Big Five safari destination.
Botswana: Luxury Walking Safaris
A walking safari in Botswana makes you get senses as you walk in the footsteps of Delta wildlife. You get to learn the different ways of tracking, and your guide describes the traditional uses of wild herbs and you can have a chance to smell them.
There is plenty to see on your walking safari and walk across the Makgadikgadi Pans where you can see the largest salt pans in the world. It is a thrilling adventure to enjoy on your African safari.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the best places where you can enjoy a walking safari in South Africa. This park is home to many wildlife species and you can see them during the dry season during bush walks especially on multi day walking safaris or multi day trips with comfortable accommodation options along the way.
This park is also a favorite for family safaris as you get incredible game viewing and also you get to visit South Africa’s private reserves.
Parc National des Volcans
Parc National des Volcans is situated in Rwanda the land of a thousand hills within the mountainous landscapes which provide a natural habitat for the endangered species of Gorillas.
You can trek with the Gorillas and be with them for one full hour which is a memorable experience and trekking depends on one’s fitness levels.
A walking safari also takes you to Akagera and Nyungwe Forest National Park, bathe in the fresh waters of Lake Kivu, and encounter primates like Chimps and Golden Monkeys.
Amber Mountains National Park and Ankarana Special Reserve
This park is situated in the northern tip of Madagascar, and it is famed for its thrilling landscapes featuring crater lakes, waterfalls, and endemic plant life to the region. On your walking safari, you will see different wild animals like Madagascar’s famous lemurs, many Chameleons, and many bird species.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Forest is home to Mountain Gorilla families in East Africa with 19 habituated groups. This means that you can choose your Gorilla trek according to your fitness levels as the families live in different sections.
The trek can last from 2 to 8 hours walking in the dense forest and there is also a unique opportunity to take part in Gorilla habituation experience where you be with the endangered animals (wild Gorillas).
You be with the apes for 4 hours which is a memorable experience, and this is the only place where you can enjoy Gorilla habituation.
Best Time to Visit Africa
The best time to visit Africa is during the dry season of dry months, especially from May to September, when the vegetation thins out and wildlife congregates around water sources which is ideal for game viewing.
Tourists should know that Africa is an all-year-round destination, and the climatic changes vary from country. The green season is from November to April and during this season, you get to enjoy birding.
This is also a good time to visit Africa as most lodges are at a discount and the parks are less crowded giving you a memorable adventurous excursion.
How Much Does It Cost to Walk on a Safari in Africa? | How Much Does a Walking Safari Cost?
A walking safari costs anywhere between $125 and $1,500 per person per night. A budget walking safari can start from $150 per night, mid-range from $350, and luxury costs from $750.
Mountain hiking tours can be higher than the normal walking safari or bush walk.
Where Is Best for Safari in Africa?
The best safari in Africa is that in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, a famous safari destination in Southern Africa, Masai Mara in Kenya, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti in Tanzania, Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth Park in Uganda, Mana Pools, Zambia’s South Luangwa and North Luangwa National Park in Zambia.
Are Walking Safaris Worth It?
Yes, a walking safari is worth it, and it offers a different perspective when in the interactive bush. During the bush walk, you get closer to places where the vehicle with views of wildlife and it is easy to experience Mother Nature.
What Is the Safest African Safari Trip?
The safest African safari trip is that of Botswana as this famous safari destination is considered one of the safest countries. You get to visit Chobe which is dense with a variety of wild game with a high concentration of Elephants and enjoy a bush walk in the remote location.
What Is the Best Country in Africa to Go on Safari?
Tanzania in East Africa is the best country to go on a safari as it has a variety of wildlife, and it is home to the great migration which shows off over 1.5 million wildebeest migrate in search of greener pastures from Masai Mara to the Serengeti plains.
This country also has many national parks and reserves where you can enjoy game drives and several African walking safaris.
Is It Safe to Hike Alone in South Africa?
Hiking in this country is not advisable for solo travelers as it is safer in numbers. You can hike from 2 people and more in Cape Town and Table Mountain and this guarantees you security on the trails.
What Is the Hiking Capital of the World?
Cape Town is the hiking capital of the world as it takes you hiking the iconic Table Mountain and this town has been a top destination for adventurers and hikers.
What Is the Most Popular Hiking Trail in South Africa?
The most popular hiking trail in this country is the Otter Trail which runs through Tsitsikamma Park in the Garden Route. It runs along the coast, and it is taken to be one of the best in the world.
What Is the Most Challenging Hike in South Africa?
The Amatola trail is the most challenging. This trail starts near King Williams Town in the Eastern Cape crossing through the Hogsback Mountains and ends in the mountain town of Hogsback.
Is Africa Safari Worth It?
Yes, an African safari is worth it because Africa is an exotic destination that will offer you lifetime experiences. You get to explore the African wilderness on a walking safari, game drives, and many adventures with the sighting of the Big game in the interactive bush.
Some of the animals to see are Lions, Giraffes, Elephants, Forest Hogs, leopards, Rhinos, antelope species, and bird species.
In summary, Africa hiking safari trips are remarkable as they offer you sightings of wildlife at close encounters in areas where safari vehicles cannot reach. These bush walks give you the real feeling of the African wilderness and interactive bush as you camp under the bright star skies.
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