Walking safaris in Africa

Walking safaris are safe. They can take place in parks where there are no large predators, though there are some safaris where you can walk in predator territories too, and see lions and wild dogs whilst out walking. You are generally accompanied by at least one armed guide for your safety. Walking safaris aren’t strenuous – there is a lot of stopping to look, to track, and to examine signs of animals – a footprint or a spoor. They generally take place outside of the hottest part of the day – when the wildlife is more active. They will likely have a minimum age, so check before you book if you want to bring the family.

It’s not all walk and no play on these safaris. Many of our safari holidays include one day of walking and intersperse it with jeep drives, which allow you to cover more ground and be more responsive to reported sightings. However, it is possible to do a walking safari between mobile camps over multiple days. These amazing trips are for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

The king of walking safari destinations is Zambia, the country where the concept originated, and where it endures to this day – head to South Luangwa National Park, the original destination where the first walking safaris as we now know them took place, or Lower Zambezi National Park to walk on the country’s wild sides. Alternatively, head to South Africa to walk in private reserves bordering Kruger National Park. In Tanzania you can walk in the Serengeti National Park. Not all national parks permit walking safaris – in fact, many only allow you to exit a vehicle in designated areas. For example Kenya’s Masai Mara does not permit walking safaris, but the private reserves around it do.