Zambia Walking Safari Trip

Zambia is known as the birthplace of African walking safaris and the country provides some of the longer walking safari trips. It is also home to the scenic Victoria Falls which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and offers fantastic views.

The best walking safaris in the country are partly because of the professional guiding exams that equip guides with the best knowledge about the whole safari experience.

African Icons in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park began with Norman Carr in the 1950s. Thus, South Luangwa National Park is considered the birthplace of Africa walking safaris.

The thrilling safari trip in South Luangwa National Park will bring you very close to different big game animals for example the Giraffes, Lions, Elephants, and Zebras, among others.

For more lively experiences, South Luangwa National Park has various intimate lodges that provide great wildlife sights both when you are inside and walking around them.

North Luangwa National Park

A walking safari in North Luangwa NP is the most ideal way to explore the diverse wildlife in the wilderness.

Along the Mwaleshi River in North Luangwa, be ready for game viewing as you will watch the Zebra, Buffalo, the endemic Cookson’s, Hyenas, Lions, and the Black Rhino which was reintroduced in the conservation area in 2003.

In both the South Luangwa National Park and North Luangwa National Park, you will likewise experience Africa walking safaris in the different safari camps. You will also be availed of the best guides and other lively activities for your trips.

The country also has exceptional walking safaris around the camping sites of Victoria Falls.

Kafue Park

This is the largest and oldest park in Zambia, although it has a lesser number of tourists than Lower Zambezi Park and South Luangwa National Park.

A walking safari trip in the conservation area will give you the unique opportunity to watch various wildlife species including Buffaloes, Elephants, big cats like Leopards and Lions, and more than 400 bird species.

Walking Safari in Lower Zambezi National Park

The walking safaris in Lower Zambezi National Park are known as bush walk safaris. The conservation area which is located on the North Eastern banks of the Zambezi River, near the Mana Pools is a rich place to watch different fauna and the park’s flora on foot during your bush walk.

For example, travelers on bush walks will be able to view the Zebras, Buffaloes, Ipala, Waterbuck, the African Wild Dog, and the Bushbuck.

Zimbabwe Safari Trip

Zimbabwe, which also shares part of the Victoria Falls has walking safaris which is part of the big part of safaris in the country. Due to the professional knowledge and training given to the guides, you are guaranteed great experiences.

The walking safaris or bush walks are allowed in all of the wildlife destinations including the national parks.

However, various camping sites offer these beautiful bush walks for different travelers that would like to participate in them.

All the professional walking guides in the country, most of which are trained by the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association have licenses to owning guns. These professional guides also have at least five years of experience.

Mana Pools NP

Walking safaris at Mana Pools NP are done privately, especially by luxury tented camps.

The Zambezi River in the conservation area attracts various animals that come to drink, thus giving travelers amazing game viewing on game drives, and boat rides, among others.

Other destinations to go for a walking safari in Zimbabwe include the Hwange NP, Lake Kariba, and Victoria Falls.

Walking Safaris in Uganda

There are different habitation in Uganda hosting the most amazing walking safaris in the country. The activity will lead you to an active Uganda where you will be able to explore Gorillas, Chimps, and the big game.

Below are some of these destinations where you can go for Uganda walking safaris.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The dense forest of Bwindi Impenetrable NP protects the highest number of Mountain Gorilla family groups in the world.

Travelers can participate in a walking safari in the forest through various activities like Gorilla trekking, Gorilla habituation, or a scenic trip.

Kibale Forest

The Kibale Forest also known as the “primate capital of the world” is home to 13 primates with the endangered Chimpanzees being the most famous.

In the whole of the African continent, Chimpanzees rank highest at Kibale National Park, thus, making it the best place to trek these primates.

Chimpanzee trekking, Chimpanzee habituation, and primate walks are a form of walking safaris in the forest that will bring you to meet a Chimpanzee family and other primates.

Rwanda Walking Safaris

Rwanda offers many walking safaris for travelers and family groups, although the most famous one is Gorilla trekking.

Explore exceptional walking safaris in the different destinations of Rwanda as seen below.

Trekking Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes NP/ Parc National des Volcans has 10 habituated Mountain Gorilla families that live in the misty mountainous forests as their natural habitat. By purchasing your Mountain Gorilla permit, experienced guides will lead you through these forests for a Gorilla trek.

You will then spend one hour with the primates to watch and learn about their lifestyle, feeding, how they live in a family, and study their huge size.

Since these Gorillas at Parc National des Volcans move from one place to another in the dense forest, you will trek through the highland and forested terrains to look for a Gorilla family during your Gorilla trek.

Primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

In the west of Rwanda is a misty highland forest called Nyungwe Forest National Park. that provide breathtaking sights while you walk about on foot both on the ground and on the suspended canopy.

This biodiverse Nyungwe Forest National Park protects 13 primate species, including the endangered Chimpanzees and Red Tailed Monkeys, Velvet Monkeys, and sociable Angolan Colobus Monkeys, etc.

A walking safari to view these primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park is best in the morning hours as this is the time in which they are awake to go feed.

Visitors wake up very early to go out for this walking safari in the Nyungwe Forest National Park with their ranger guide to meet these primates in their natural habitat.

Although the trek at Nyungwe Forest National Park is quite challenging, it is a very rewarding experience as you will get to meet the Chimpanzees, Angolan Colobus Monkeys, and Baboons, among others.

Climbing the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda

Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains for major hiking adventures in the country are Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi.

Mount Karisimbi is the sixth highest Mountain in the African continent on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Therefore a walking safari and mountain climbing will give you fantastic views of both countries.

Mount Bisoke also gives great mountain climbing and walking safari experiences although the trekkers will need to have higher physical fitness levels. This is because of hiking the very steep terrains compared to other mountains in the Virunga region. The mountain will give you fantastic views of the beautiful environment and Lake Ngezi.

Walking Safaris in Tanzania

Walking safaris in Tanzania are unique in each destination because of the different rules and regulations.

With highly professional guides, Tanzania walking safaris in some national parks and game reserves will enlighten you about the different big game, people, and plant life as you meet them closely.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing

Mount Kilimanjaro climbing is another type of walking safari that takes place on the highlands.

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain with a breathtaking environment and snow-peaked highlands are favorable for amazing walking safaris on your climb.

Unlike other walking safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro climbing will require you to have good physical fitness levels.

You will do mountain climbing through the different zones of Mount Kilimanjaro which are the verdant plains, tropical forest, alpine meadows, winter scree, and glaciated snow fields.

Get to explore the unique plant life of Mount Kilimanjaro that you will not find in any other place around the world when you climb the mountain.

You may also opt for a walking trip to Lake Manyara or Ol Doinyo Lengai climbing. Ol Doinyo Lengai is a volcano in Northern Tanzania, found above the East African Great Rift Valley, South of Lake Natron.

The Great Migration in Northern Serengeti, Tanzania

Tanzania’s great migration is among the best in East Africa’s dramatic scene to behold on your safari. The great migration involves more than one million wildlife including the Wildebeests, Zebras, and Antelopes to and from Serengeti and Masai Mara Wildlife Reserve in Kenya.

The experience of the great migration can be explored on foot along the Mara River and other safe places. Therefore, making the destination safe for a walk, mountain biking, and game drives, especially in Northern Tanzania.

Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve ranks among the largest wildlife reserves in the world, covering an area of 50,000 square kilometers. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects the big five.

Walking safari is one of the activities done in the area, and on the safari adventure, you will be able to view the various big game for example the big cats like Lions and Leopards. Others include Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Buffaloes, and Rhinos, to mention but a few.

Ruaha National Park Walking Safaris

This is East Africa’s largest park, but because of its remote location, it receives only 5% of the visitors that Serengeti NP receives.

Visiting Ruaha National Park will bring you close to the largest Elephant population, the high number of Lion prides, and the beautiful wide landscapes that will bring you closer to the environment through the bush walks.

A Ruaha National Park walking safari will lead you to the rocky lands, savannah landscape, and baobab trees, as you explore the tracks of the wilderness and do camping under the stars.

Tarangire National Park Walking Safari

Tarangire National Park offers various experiences while on a walking safari, for example, you will be able to view the diverse wildlife.

Prepare to awe at the long-distance migration of the Wildebeests, Zebras, Elephants, and a large number of bird species.

Namibia Walking Trip in Southern Africa

This country has one of the best sceneries in Africa and dramatic landscapes that offer the best hiking safaris on walking trails.

Although most places do not offer walking safaris, the various lodges and camping sites that offer amazing hiking and walking safaris.

The lower number of animal life especially the big five in the protected areas is favorable for walking safaris in some places because of the lower chances of being attacked. However, being attacked by animal life while on a climbing trip is still possible.

Walking safaris in South Africa

Walk with the iconic wildlife in South Africa as you get to explore the nation on a walking safari.

Kruger National Park Walking Safaris

This conservation area is among the best places to have an amazing walking safari in Africa as it boasts many wildlife species.

The dry season is the best time for walking safaris and other activities like game drives, especially on day trips.

Additionally, South Africa is a malaria-free safari destination, thus great for game viewing safaris without the risk of getting Malaria.

Walking Safaris in the Private Reserves of South Africa

Apart from Kruger, some private reserves in South Africa are also great for walking safaris.

These places in South Africa include Kwazulu Natal, Eastern Cape, and Sabi Sands, Cape Town among others, providing exceptional bush walks. These destinations are also the best for game drives.

Discover the Big Five at Phinda Private Game Reserve

This beautiful reserve was formed in 1991 on a 32,311-acre of farmland at KwaZulu-Natal.

The beautiful reserve boasts as one of the best places for a walking safari as the nature walks will lead you to meet the most sought-after big 5. Be ready to mostly discover Rhinos, Elephants, among others.

Such a safari is customized to suit your level of fitness, what you would like to achieve, and the time you would like to take doing the activity.

Botswana Walking Trip in Southern Africa

Botswana is not very famous for walking safaris, but there are luxury camping sites where you can have this beautiful adventure. Highly professional guides will give you quality walking safaris for memorable experiences.

Okavango Delta

The water amount at the Okavango Delta may intervene with the activity but favor other activities than walking safaris in the country.

Therefore, tourists on walking safaris at the Okavango Delta can have it at the Makgadikgadi pans all year round.

Therefore, you can only experience this trip in the beautiful luxury lodges and luxury camping sites that offer these walking or climbing safari.

Meerkats in the Kalahari Desert, Southern Africa

The Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa is found majorly South Africa and Botswana.

Much as these countries are famous for exploring the big game, you can also find smaller creatures like the playful Meerkats in the Kalahari Desert. It is a beautiful experience to meet these smaller creatures as most of them are used to human presence.

By meeting them, you will get to explore their daily activities of feeding, babysitting, looking out for predators, burrowing, and listening to their enthralling vocalizations.

In South Africa, get to visit one of the habituated groups of Meerkats at Tswala through your foot safari. In Botswana on the other hand, the Jack’s Camp is the place for watching them, especially in the morning hours.

By sitting near their burrows, they will climb to the top of your head to view the distant wildlife in their natural habitat.

Kenya Walking Trip

There are few walking safaris in Kenya because most of the national parks do not allow the activity because of the exposure to the big game.

However, there are new and old wildlife conservancies and private ranches that offer these amazing walking safaris. Most of them will lead you to encounter great scenery, cultures, among others.

Masai Mara Walking Safaris

Masai Mara which lies in the Great Rift Valley ranks as one of the best destinations for walking safaris in Africa. It is well known for the great migration that occurs between Serengeti and Masai Mara Game Reserve.

The walking safari at Masai Mara Wildlife Reserve is often led by the traditional Maasai warriors who are more conversant with the land.

These traditional warriors will also show you their cultural ways that have been preserved for generations including how to hunt and make fire.

Walking Safaris at Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve in the Great Rift Valley comprises a semi-desert landscape crossed by the Ewaso Nyiro River that makes game viewing easier due to the various animals that concentrate the water sources.

On your walking safari in the country, you will get to view the Samburu Five which are the Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk, and Beisa Oryx.

The conservation area is more favorable for a longer walking safari on the amazing bush walks.

Rhino Tracking, Kenya

This bush walk in Kenya will take you to one of the Rhino conservancies to view one of the African big five.

Visit Sera Wildlife Conservancy to view these incredible creatures on your bush walks.

Climbing Mount Meru in Kenya

A walking safari while climbing Mount Meru in Kenya is a real highlight to have.

Mount Meru in Kenya is the second-highest mountain to climb in Africa after Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro.

Climbing the ranges rarely requires professional climbing skills, but having higher fitness levels will make the experience easier.

Additionally, exploring Mount Kenya through a climb is also an amazing adventure to experience during your safari.

Madagascar Walking Safaris

Travel around Madagascar’s amazing trips by exploring the different islands and the national parks.

Amber Mountains National Park and Ankarana Special Reserve

These two destinations sit in the Northern tip of Madagascar and they have amazing landscapes for unique walking safaris.

Expect to view the beautiful waterfalls, crater lakes, endemic plant life, and the general natural beauty of the different places on the islands.

During your walking safaris in the country’s jungles, you will get to view incredible creatures for example the Chameleons including the Mountain Leaf Chameleon which is among the smallest reptiles in the world, Lemurs, and a multitude of colorful bird species.

Ethiopia Walking Safaris

This country boasts great scenery that will make your walking safaris very memorable. The beautiful Simien Mountains NP is a beautiful place to behold.

Apart from the Simien Mountains NP, you can also join in exploring indigenous cultures and the rock churches of Lalibela to experience the best safari.

Walking Safari Tips in Africa

While on your walking safaris in Africa, you may be exposed to the dangerous wildlife in the different destinations. Thus you can apply the various travel tips for your safety.

1. Make sure that you always follow the advice of your guide.
2. Wear your closed sturdy shoes so your trek is easier and safer. Also, make sure that you put on long-sleeved shirts and trousers to cover your body against insect bites and the weather.
3. Tourists allowed to go for walking safaris usually have a minimum age of 12 to 16 years.
4. To remain hydrated at all times during a trek, make sure that you carry with you a bottle of water.
5. Your ranger guide is always armed in case an animal attacks while on your trek. However, this is not expected, and it comes as a last option as the foot trek is supposed to be safe for both you and the wildlife.

Africa’s Top Walking Safaris

a)    1-day walking safari at Ziwa Rhino Tracking

b)    4 days Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park

c)     5 days Hwange National Park

d)    5 days remote location trips for Zambia walking safaris

e)     7 days Mount Kilimanjaro climb through the Machame Route

f)      8 days Dar es Salaam

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Walking Safari?

A walking safari is an adventure activity that involves visitors exploring the beautiful environment and wildlife, especially in the wildernesses on foot.

Best Time to Visit Africa for a Walking Safari

The dry season, covering the months from about June to October and January to February is the right time to come to Africa for a walking safari. Thus, the activity cannot be all year round because of the wet season.

Where is the Best Place for Walking Safari?

Many African countries boast exceptional walking safaris. The African countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Botswana are famed for having the best walking safaris.

How Much Does a Walking Safari Cost?

Your walking safari in Africa costs between $125 to $1,500 per person every night. A luxury safari will cost about $750 to $1500 per day, a midrange safari costs about $ 350, and a budget of about $ 125.

What Mountain in Africa to Hike?

Africa is home to mountains that offer a world-class hiking safari. Some of the mountains to climb on your safari include Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and Mount Kenya in Kenya, and Mount Rwenzori in Uganda.

African walking safaris are thus one of the top adventures that allows you to explore wild nature on foot. Walking safaris to different national parks and wildlife reserves can be combined with another safari trip like game drives, or boat cruises to allow you to experience the continent from a unique perspective. Note that some destinations may not offer walking safaris, but some lodges and luxury camps offer guided walks as you experience Africa.

Inquire with us today and book your amazing safari trip today for exceptional experiences on foot.